The Martian Lie

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – Regrets and Abductions – Callie & Richard

From the moment we leave the church until we make it to the hotel, we are silent again, but it is companionable. I imagine what it would be like to sit by him in a church, surrounded by people who share the same belief and want what's best for each other. His strong presence next to me, keeping me safe. The image of him sitting next to me, in a pew rather than a truck, is a comforting one. I wish this didn't have to end. I make no move for the door handle when we get there.

"Callie, we're here."

"I know. I- I want to thank you. This has been fun. Enlightening, really. I can't thank you enough for letting me-" There is a lump in my throat and I'm having trouble talking without crying, so his interruption is welcome.

"I know. Me too. I'll miss you."

"You will?"

"Of course. How can anyone forget their very first Martian friend?"

This makes me laugh, but also causes a tear to spill over.

"Oh Callie. Don't cry."

Once again, he reaches up to fix my face for me, although this time it's tears, not rain, that needs brushed away. I do feel like there are enough tears welling up for me to cause a rainstorm, but I'm trying my damndest to hold them back. One or two well-placed tears shows emotion; bawling looks dramatic. His thumb grazes my cheek and wipes the tear off, then wipes it on his jeans.

"Thanks."

"I mean it when I say to be careful. Go talk to your professor, tell him you need to keep a low profile. There is more unrest here than you know, but I'm not at liberty to say."

"Ok. I have to go. I- I'll see you." I know that I won't though. I reach out and pat his upper arm like an awkward teenager. It's the first time I have deliberately touched him. I can feel the muscles of his bicep under my hand. I withdraw and then very quickly open the door to the truck and get out before I can change my mind. It's on the tip of my tongue to beg him for another night, but I can't. That's the stuff of romantic movies and books, not real life. I walk quickly to the door of the hotel, stopping at the door briefly to turn around and watch the back of his truck exit the parking lot and make its way back to the highway.

On my way in, I see Simon in the lobby.

"Hey Lady!" He calls happily. "Glad you made it back! We weren't worried quite yet, but it's nice to know you weren't kidnapped by any Earthlings."

I promptly burst into tears. He rushes to my side and folds me into a hug. I bury my head in his ample chest and cry and cry. I register the fact that he is leading me upstairs and out of the lobby. He guides to my room. Hera must unlock the door. He directs me to my bed, where I curl up and begin wiping at my face. The tears have subsided and left in their wake a hole in my heart.

Simon hasn't asked what's wrong, he leaves that to Hera.

"Callie, what on Earth? Do we need to get Latimer? Did something happen? Did someone hurt you."

"No one h-hurt mee!" I literally wail. I sound like a toddler.

"Then what is it, honey?" Simon, sounding more concerned by the second. It strikes me that I once thought Simon and I might date. Now, that endearment coming from him, even though I know it's friendly, gives me a sick feeling in my stomach.