Endangered Species

Chapter 2

"My name's Amanda Crowley, I used to live in the top of California, but now I live on this beautiful spaceship with my amazing husband. i am interested in telling stories and one of my secrets is that I actually sacrificed myself for the ship that tried to save me." Amanda held her head low as some people gasped. I never liked speaking in front of people, but now I think I really have to. I haven't told anyone my name yet, I really, really don't want to. I feel as though if they hear my full name they're going to realize who I really am. A lot of people knew my family since they were murderers, monsters. I nervously stood up, as I felt my legs shake.

Everyone was staring at me, waiting for me to say something. I knew I need to take a deep breath but somehow it just won't come out. I focus my eyes on the commander, and I could tell that he was just going to wait for me, wait for me to be comfortable. I took a deep breath, "My name is Parker Esteba-"

"Wait! You're part of the Esteban family!?" Amanda almost yelled to the top of her lungs. I knew that this would happen...

I felt a little scared because of the loud outburst. She's going to judge me now, make fun of me, and wish for me to be dead. I didn't kill all those people, I didn't want to kill those people that mom and dad killed.

"THAT'S SO COOL!!" Amanda screeched. I looked at her wide-eyed not understanding why she was so happy. She came around the table and squeezed me, "I CAN'T BELIEVE WE HAVE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES ON BOARD WITH US." She was yelling in my ear, making me shake since my hearing was so heightened. She let me go, noticing that I was shaking. Alejandro was staring directly at me, it seemed that he didn't really care. The commander already knew this, he had to read all the papers from all of his crew members. I knew I couldn't keep this monster form a secret anymore, I knew by when they heard my last name they were going to find out sooner or later. At least I know that someone's on my side even if I called her an asshole.

Nick's smile turned straight to a frown. He looked away from me and towards the wall. I knew I lost his trust automatically. Dale didn't car, he also thought it was cool. Something about Elizabeth changed, I felt something come from her...it made me feel uncomfortable. I knew she wasn't mad though.

I was done talking, I felt so many different energies coming from everyone. I sat down and started to mess with my fingers so I could distract myself from everyone else's introductions.

When everyone was done, we were given papers and files to show what are purpose on this ship was and our room numbers. I luckily had my own room. I sat down on the bed and relaxed for a second.

I started unpacking my things as I sang a song that seemed familiar to me, "Just close your eyes, the sun is going down, you'll be alright, no one can hurt you now, come morning light, you and I will be safe and sound."

"Safe and Sound by Landon Austin." I jumped around and saw Alejandro leaning on the frame of the door. I put my hand on my heart to feel it jumping. "You scared the shit out of me." He smirked as he held his book close to his side, "Then you might want to go check your pants if I were you."

"I don't think you were listening at the meeting, but I'm a dangerous, endangered species, technically a monster." I knew he was being a smartass...I liked it. He chuckled deeply, "I actually was listening. Just so you know, I'm not afraid of a monster. If I was Nick right now, a coward, I would have been in my room by now if I was frightened by you." We stood staring at each other before I started to laugh, "You are such a smartass! I like you, Alejandro. You seem like a nice guy, when you want to be."

"That's true. By the way, my rooms beside yours. If you ever want to come over and be a smartass back, the door is always open," He started to walk away, "but only for monsters."

'Was he flirting with me?' I shook my head, 'Alejandro would never, a lot of people wouldn't flirt with a monster.' After about an hour, I finished unpacking and headed to the lobby/living room. Everyone was sitting around, some playing on their phones and some exercising. I didn't know what to do with my time. The papers that we all were given said that we would be starting work tomorrow.

A lot of bad things could happen in space, but I'm not particularly scared of what could happen. I walked to the kitchen to get a class of water. Once I poured it and was about to take a sip, the glass was hit from my hand. It was surprised and confused. I looked at who could have done this...it was Nick.