Jade

Chapter 7

I awoke with a start.  I was alone in bed, thankful that I wouldn't have to navigate an awkward moment, but missing him at the same time.  This is so confusing.  I wonder where he is.  I got out from under the covers and stood up.  I knocked on the bathroom door.  There was no answer so I opened the door and went in.  I shut the door and turned on the shower.  I did as he instructed the night before and pictured myself with no clothes.  It worked!  I got in, taking time to wash my hair.  It felt like washing my hair any other time.  Nothing felt different about washing my body.  I wonder if it works for hairstyles.  I decided to try it.  I turned off the water and got out.  I wrapped my hair up in a towel so it wouldn't be dripping wet and dried off with another towel.  I put on one of the robes from the closet and got out toothpaste and a new toothbrush.  I spent extra time brushing my teeth since I forgot to last night.  I pulled the towel out of my hair noticing that I have some gold strands now.  I wonder how that happened.  I used his hairbrush to untangle my hair, then closed my eyes and pictured it in a ponytail.  I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror.  It worked.  This is amazing and I can't even share it with a friend.

I took the robe off and hung it back in the closet.  I pictured myself in my favorite pair of blue Jeans and a comfortable pink and white striped sweater.  I am going to have to get a hold of some fashion magazines for some ideas on what to wear.  So far I can only think of clothes that I own.  I pictured my worn bunny slippers and was good to go.

I left the bedroom, closing the door behind me as quietly as I could, and softly walked down the hallway.  Ripley was asleep, snoring away softly, on the living room sofa.  I went to the kitchen.  The door was standing wide open.  Yaris was sitting at the table, with his back facing me, studying something in front of him.  I waited, observing him for a moment.  His long snow white hair, sprinkled with gold and silver strands, hung down his back in waves reaching about halfway between his shoulders and his waist.  Broad shoulders bent forward in concentration.  His head was resting in his hands, elbows bent on the table.  His long legs stretched out under the table, crossed at the ankles.  “Have a seat,” he offered before I had a chance to go any further.  How did he know I was there.  I was quiet.  I know I was.  I walked to the table and sat across from him.  “Are you hungry?” he asked.  Is my stomach grumbling that loud?  I nodded my head yes.  “The others went to get breakfast.  They should be back soon.  They are bringing back pancakes, bacon and sausage for you.”  How does he know what I like to eat?

“Do you read minds?”  “I can read your mind,” he looked up at me, “I will not be intrusive though.”  Reading my mind at all is intrusive.  He looked like he was at a loss.  “Would you like for me to ask permission first?”  I didn't know how to answer.  “I think so.”  “Alright, can I read your mind to find out your likes and dislikes?”  I hesitated, “yes.”  He looked back down at what he was reading, clearly done with the subject.  “Did you like watching my memories last night?” he asked without looking up.  “Is that what those were?  I did like them, but I have questions about them.”  He looked up at me and waited.  “Is the little girl your daughter?”  “No, she is you, Jade.”  “So, I knew you before I was with my parents?”  “You and I were very close before.”  “The older man and woman were my parents, then?”  “Yes.”  “So what happened?  Why don't I remember any of that?”

“Our planet had grown increasingly toxic.  The air quality was getting worse and worse as time went by,” he explained, “I and a few others had been tasked with finding us a new home.  A new planet.  We searched for years.  Even before you were born.  Once you were on the way, we became more insistent.  Those memories are of you at five years old.  That is around the time we found Earth.

There was a great uprising.  The city barriers were breached.  Toxic fumes spilled into the city.  Many died including your parents, our King and Queen.  Your mother made me promise to take you to Earth and never come back.  I, Theo, Kale, Antony and Ripley took you.  The few of our people who survived loaded onto other ships and left.  We all came to Earth.  You stayed with us for a few days, then I took you to the Frosts.  I do not know why you do not remember.  Do I have permission to look into your mind to find out?”  “You do.  I would like to remember.”  “I will try when you sleep again.”