fem.

The Truth

POV- Andie

I think Aspen is the first person in a long time to actually say something genuinely supportive of me. I'm taken aback by her words, and I stare out at these precious boxes of light that litter the city buildings as I try to form a response.

The best I can manage is "... I know."

"You do?" She doesn't believe me.

"I do." I don't believe me.

"What do you think of when you look over this ledge, Andie?"

"Taking off. Flying away. I'd take one step off and float my way to space." I reach out to the stars.

"You can't breathe in space." 

"Well, I guess that's a setback I'll have to work through."

She laughs. I laugh! She captivates me.

"Uh- What about you?" I try to keep the conversation going, "What do you think of?"

She chews her lower lip and looks down at my hand, resting on the ledge.

"I guess I think about flying too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, flying downwards. Really fast."

"But stopping before you hit the ground, right?" I lay my hand on hers.

She pauses. "I-uh- yeah. Of course."

"How about you fly away with me? I promise it'll be fun."

"If you say so."

She takes my hand.

"Close your eyes," She says.

I close my eyes.

"Where shall we go?" I ask Aspen.

"Ummm..." She pauses, "...Jupiter. That's my favorite planet."

"You can't breathe on Jupiter." I say, being a smartass.

"Oh shut up! I  can breathe on Jupiter. I'm evolved. You gotta wear the big helmet." She laughs.

"Fine, I guess I'm taking orders from a mutation now."

"Take this seriously!" She giggles, nearly unable to contain herself. "I'm trying to make a point!"

"Okay, okay! Make your point, my alien acquaintance."

"Thank you. Now, we're on our way to Jupiter. How are you feeling?"

"Strangely calm," I answer, "Considering I have no knowledge of space-travel."

"It's fine, I'm a NASA-certified alien. I'm gonna keep you safe. I'm always here to keep you safe, okay?"

"Okay."  I don't even hesitate this time.

"We've landed in Jupiter. What do you see?"

I stare at the back of my eyelids, trying hard to imagine and be creative, but sadly I'm having a lot of trouble thinking outside the box.

"It's- uh- really dark.... But it's brightened up by the stars."

And Aspen's smile.

I wish I could tell her that.

"Are you happy here?" Aspen asks.

I squeeze her hand. "I'm very happy here. Thank you for bringing me here."

She squeezes my hand back. "It's my pleasure, Andie. My pleasure."