She's My Alien Bride [ChaerLia]

CH. 3: Family

"Jisu! Please speak to me." Soobin's voice was desperate. He reached us in no time before I even had the chance to think of something. "There you are," he said, wiping the sweat on his forehead. "Where did you go last night? After you ran away, I haven't seen you. Mrs. C. told me not to worry, but I still woke up early this morning to search."

Poor Soobin. His wavy hair was stuck on his forehead. He had dirt all over his shirt. Plus, he looked worn out. But what was I thinking? Poor me instead. An alien nearly abducted me last night. Speaking of aliens, Chaeryeong came out from the shadows of the tree, staring straight at Soobin. My boyfriend noticed her for the first time.

"Who is this?" he asked, turning to her, then back to me.

"She's. . ." An alien from outer space. Yeah right .As if he would believe me. "A friend," I mumbled. Great. Now I was stuck with her.

"Oh. Nice to meet you then." He walked towards Chaeryeong, a friendly smile on his face. Please don't eat him, please don't eat him, I prayed. "I'm Soobin, Jisu's boyfriend."

Chaeryeong stared him from head to toe. "The books were correct," she said. "There are truly more than one species in this planet."

Soobin turned to me. "What does she mean Jisu?" I shrugged, wondering myself what she was referring to.

Chaeryeong began to circle Soobin, checking him out. "You are the friend of my Jisu."

"No, I'm the boyfriend." He laughed, thinking she was joking.

Chaeryeong stopped in front of him. "You are a boy are you not?"

"Well yeah." Soobin looked puzzled. Who wouldn't?

"Then you are the boy friend," she said tonelessly.

Soobin shook his head vigorously. "No I'm," He pointed to himself. "The boyfriend. Boyfriend means I love her and I'll marry her someday."

Chaeryeong looked taken aback, one of the first expressions she showed since I saw her. "But that's impossible."

"Why?" Soobin was sounding frustrated by the minute, and I couldn't blame him. But I didn't want to interfere either. Something about the whole scenario kind of appealed to my senses, though I couldn't put a finger on it.

"You can't possibly marry her." Chaeryeong signaled to me. "She's my bride. I'm her other half."

"I don't get you." By the look on Soobin's face, he wanted to flail his arms wildly. "Jisu, I don't get your friend."

"Makes the two of us" I muttered under my breath. I put on a fake smile, hoping it looked convincing enough for both of them. "She's just pulling your leg Soobin. You know how people are."

"Why would I want to pull his legs?" she asked quizzically.

I walked over to them, slapping her softly on the shoulder. "Hahahaha. You're such a joker Chaeryeong. Come on, let's head back. I'm hungry." I pulled her hand before she could resist, Soobin following close behind. Chaeryeong stayed silent the whole time. Hallelujah! I didn't really want to bring the alien with me. But somehow, it felt like she was my responsibility. There was that nagging feeling that if I leave her, I would be the one who felt lost.

We reached the inn after a few minutes walk. Guests bustled in and out of the place, going to their respective destinations and activities. It was a usual sight for me, seeing that I grew up here. I would miss it once Soobin and I returned to the city for our senior year of high school. Back to the cliche, I thought as I ushered Chaeryeong to the dining area. Mom was already there, a ladle in her hand, probably cooking stew.

She smiled brightly as we entered the room. Noticing Chaeryeong she said, "Who's your new friend?"

"A guest," I shrugged. Mom believed me instantly. After all, different people come in and out of this inn. It wasn't strange to see a new face. "Her name is Chaeryeong."