Hybrid

Destiny

I lie in bed looking out the window at the dark sky. The stars shine bright and the moon is full. A gentle warm breeze washes over me and I can hear the sounds of the ocean - or maybe I just think I can. It's strange to be in such an idyllic setting as my mind and spirit travel to incredibly dark places.

My mom never told me much about my father. I didn't know him and since I believed he wanted nothing to do with me, I wrote him out of my life. But now that I know he had to leave Earth because of my half-brother, I want to know more. I wonder if he didn't have to leave, if he would still be here and if he would have tried to be a good husband and father. It makes me sad to think we'll never know. I'm jealous of the half-brother I've never met.

The breeze is kicking up, blowing the window curtains like flags on a windy afternoon. I get up to look outside. The moon is full and I can hear my uncle and Joe chatting. Their voices sound soft and friendly, as if they're reuniting after a long time apart. You'd never know they just met. I can't make out what they're saying but I'm sure they're talking about me.

I look up at the moon, anchoring the night sky. It's bright and seems to be beckoning me to come and explore my other home. My relationship to the night sky has forever been changed. I was created by an alien from another planet and my mom here on Earth. Intrinsically, I represent two worlds. What does that even mean? Where do I fit in?

I have so many questions and I'm not sure where to find the answers. Joe has been an amazing teacher, protector, and friend, but I know he can't tell me everything I wish to know. The answers I need aren't only here on Earth. It's becoming clear what I need to do. I need to go to this other planet and see it for myself. I need to learn about my other home - understand where the other half of me came from. Only then, can I make a decision about my future. The idea scares me half to death. But how can I ignore my destiny? How do I ignore the fate of the universe? How do I ignore my half-brother I've never known and the terrible things being said about him?

I wish my mom were here. I miss her and I know she would help me figure out what to do. She must be very worried about me. I'll go to town first thing and call her. Tell her I'm okay, even though I'm not sure that's the truth. I haven't decided how to tell her about what's happening. She must have known this day would come. She lost my father to another world. She had to suspect I would have to leave one day too? I know she'll be upset and want to protect me, but I'm an adult now and she can't protect me like she used to. It's time for me to take charge of my life.

Looking at the stars, I wonder where my father's planet can be found. I wonder what it looks like. Are there mountains and oceans? I wonder what the people are like. If they're similar to Joe then I may find happiness amongst them. I smile wondering if they dress like we do or if they wear outfits like Captain Kirk on Star Trek or Princess Leia on Star Wars?

The sound of the ocean seems to be getting louder and the ceiling lamps are starting to swing from side to side. The house rattles around me. The last time this happened a team of soldiers from my father's planet had surrounded my home. Adrenaline washes over me and I feel a dark energy envelope me. I tear off my nightclothes and throw on the dress I was wearing and run out to the living room. I see my uncle lying on the floor, unconscious. I run to his side.

"Uncle Luke!" I shake him. No response. Everything from health class comes flooding back to my mind. I lean in and check if he is breathing. It's labored. I check his pulse. It's weak. That's when the patio doors blow open and an intimidating man wearing all black steps inside. I stand and meet his gaze.

"Who are you?" I ask. "Where's Joe? My uncle needs help."

"Look at what a pretty little thing you are," he says sarcastically. "You have your mother's looks. So pretty. So sweet." He steps forward. I step back.