ILLEGALLY HIS

5. Martian Aliens.

5. Martian Aliens.

Bess.

"Bess, pretty girl," someone gently shakes my shoulder. "Bess."

I wake up from the dream where a couple of small, adorable puppies were playing with me, running through the green park meadow while I chased after them.

"Aaron?" I ask when I manage to see his blue eyes in front of mine. "What happened?"

"You fell asleep."

His words immediately make my eyes fly wide open. I sit up properly on the couch, lifting my head from his legs.

When did I end up in that position?

Or worse, why did I let myself fall asleep on a stranger who could’ve done whatever he wanted to me?

But one look into his blue eyes, and I know I’m safe with him.

It’s so strange and new, what I feel in his presence.

And holy s**t, I’m aware I haven’t known him for more than twenty-four hours. But in this short time we’ve spent together, he’s shown me kindness, respect, and care.

More than anyone has ever offered me.

For the first time, I felt what it’s like to have someone care about me.

"I’m sorry," I stretch my arms out to my sides as I smile lazily. "What time is it?"

"It’s almost ten," he says, looking at his fancy silver wristwatch.

Wow, I didn’t think it was that late.

I scrunch my nose at the sneeze that wants to escape me, but I can’t hold it in, and soon the funny sound bursts out of my mouth.

"Sorry," I murmur again, bringing my hands to my mouth as I feel myself blush.

Aaron looks at me—if my imagination isn’t getting ahead of me—with eyes full of tenderness.

"Why don’t you go brush your teeth while I find you a warm blanket for tonight? How’s that sound?"

I smile wide and nod eagerly.

I never had a mom who told me to go brush my teeth every night, I learned that on my own. You know, personal hygiene and all that. I also never had anyone worried about whether I had a good blanket to keep me warm while I sleep.

Now, hearing Aaron, I suddenly feel the urge to bawl, but I hold it in because I don’t want him to think I’m a crybaby.

I’m not.

I get up quickly and run into the bathroom. I take my time brushing my teeth, loving the taste of the toothpaste on my tongue. When I’m done, I smile at the mirror, looking at my reflection.

Without the dirt on my face and hair, and without the ragged clothes I had on, I look like a new Bess.

I could swear my eyes shine brighter and the idea that I’ll sleep in a soft, cozy bed with sheets to keep me warm makes my brown eyes sparkle even more.

I glance behind me at the basket where the dirty clothes I took off before showering are, and I walk over to look for the coat so I can pull out the knife that’s been my loyal companion for years. I look at it there, in my hands, wondering if it’s a good idea to carry it with me or not.

You’re safe with me, pretty girl.

Aaron’s words echo over and over in my head, and before I even realize it, I’ve already placed the knife back inside the coat.

I don’t need it—not with him by my side.

I walk out to the bedroom Aaron told me was mine and when I step in, I find him laying out a big, thick blanket at the foot of the bed. I immediately walk toward him, not taking my eyes off the blanket. As I run the back of my hand over the warm softness of the fabric, Aaron watches me with a smile, calmly observing my movements.

"It’s so soft," I whisper, feeling like I’m in a dream.

"Come on," he gestures toward the bed with a slight nod. "Into bed."

With his help, I climb into the big, comfy bed and rest my head on that pillow that feels like it’s made of cotton.

Oh, everything’s so soft, so different from the uncomfortable park benches I was sleeping on just yesterday.

I’m sure tonight will be the best night of my life.

My eyes land on Aaron as he unfolds the blanket and pulls it up over my body, covering me and warming me on this cold night.

I watch as his hand moves closer to me, and then his soft touch lands on my cheek. A tender caress that reaches the deepest part of my heart.

I lean into his touch as I close my eyes, my reaction purely instinctual.

"Bess, pretty girl," I open my eyes when he calls me.

He smiles at me, and I smile back.

"Yeah?"

"Do you need anything else?"

I bite my lip hard, unsure if it’s too much to ask for what’s running through my mind.

Maybe to anyone else it might seem childish, but to me it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.

"Can you give me a goodnight kiss?"

My request surprises him—I can tell because his eyes open wide before he shuts them tightly. When he opens them again, the sky blue has turned into midnight blue.

His eyes a few shades darker again.

I watch him closely, waiting for him to kiss my cheek or my forehead.

Either one’s fine with me, honestly.

But I’m surprised when he leans his face slowly toward mine, resting his forehead against mine while his nose playfully brushes mine.

A little laugh escapes me, but the sound stops when his breath mixes with mine.

"Goodnight, pretty girl."

And finally, with one last playful brush of his nose, he lifts his lips to my forehead and leaves a small kiss there.

"Goodnight, Aaron."

When he leaves, I let myself close my eyes, a smile still on my lips.

And I fall asleep, not worrying about anything except that blanket keeping my body warm through the night.

[...]

The next day I wake up to a bunch of yelling coming from outside.

I open my eyes, feeling a bit disoriented about where I am. But then I remember everything, and an inexplicable calm washes over me.

Aaron.

I get up, following the yelling that sounds like a guy and a girl.

When I step into the living room, I find a guy around Aaron’s age. His green eyes meet mine, and then a shout escapes his lips.

"I knew it!" He looks me up and down. "She’s hot, Aaron! You f*****g lucky bast—"

The hard punch he gets in the jaw from Aaron makes him stagger back and messes up his already messy brown hair even more.

Holy s**t, what just happened here?

Meanwhile, the redheaded girl who’s probably my age runs up to me and stares at me with bright eyes.

And suddenly, I feel like a lab rat being examined for the next experiment.

"Hey…" I murmur, stepping back. "You’re freaking me o—"

"I’m Christina, but you can call me Chris," she holds out her hand, but I don’t take it because she honestly scares me a little. "We’re going to be best friends!" she squeals before flashing a row of perfect white teeth.

I take another step back.

But then the guy who got punched lightly pushes her aside and steps in front of me, staring with a slightly red jaw.

And I freak out even more.

"Aaron!" I shout and push past the brown-haired guy to get to him. I immediately hide behind his back and peek out at the two weirdos standing in the middle of the room, staring at me.

Aaron’s hand moves behind and holds my hip in a firm grip, calming me down.

"Who are they?" I ask. "Are they going to take me away from you?" I whine. "Don’t let them take me aw—"

"Bess, no," he whispers over his shoulder for only me to hear. "They’re friends, they won’t hurt you."

"Are you sure?" I insist. "She smiles a lot," I point to the girl who’s still smiling at me. "It’s weird."

"Christina, stop smiling," Aaron growls. "You’re scaring her, for God’s sake."

She rolls her eyes like she’s annoyed, and that only makes Aaron growl louder.

I clutch his hand on my hip, holding on tightly as the brown-haired guy steps closer to me.

Why the hell are they staring at me?

"Stop staring at me, you Martian aliens!" I yell, losing it. "It’s rude, creepy, and creepy as f**k!"

And just like that, they all burst into laughter in front of me.

Aaron turns around and wraps his arms around me, his laughter brushing against my hair—but honestly, I don’t find any of this funny.

"Don’t let them take me away from you," I beg while gripping the fabric of his white shirt tightly. "Please."

"No one’s taking you away from me," he says as he pulls back and takes my hand, leading me to the weird redhead with green eyes who smiles way too much for my nerves. "Christina, Evan’s sister, my best friend," he points to the brown-haired guy who’s still laughing. "She’s going to take you shopping for clothes or whatever you need."

"I don’t have any mon—"

"But I do," he interrupts, handing a card to the weird girl. "There’s enough money on there for you to buy her what she needs, Christina. Whatever Bess wants, get it for her. The code is my birthday."

She nods, now looking at me with curiosity.

Then she seems to remember something and hands me the bag she’s holding.

"I figured you didn’t have any clothes, so I brought you some of mine," she says, still staring at me.

I look at Aaron, waiting for him to tell me whether I should accept or not. He nods, but I still feel a bit reluctant to take something from her.

"I have clothes," I complain. "I can wear those and—"

"I wasn’t going to wear them anymore," she interrupts. "So it’s really no big deal for me to give them to you. Besides, you’ll only wear them today because we’re getting you new stuff."

I flinch when she stretches out to take my hand and makes me hold her bag. I don’t miss the small affectionate squeeze she gives before letting go.

Okaaay, nothing weird is happening.

"Aaron," I glance at him sideways, feeling cross-eyed while also trying to keep an eye on both the brunette and the redhead. "You don’t have to buy me anyth—"

"How about you pay me back when you’re working?" he suggests. "You need the clothes for the job I’m getting you, Bess."

"But—"

"Bess, pretty girl," he says gently, and somehow, those simple words make me give in. "You can pay me later."

I nod, not finding any other option because I know he’s right.

I need the clothes.

"You," I point at the guy watching the situation with amusement. "Evan?" I ask, remembering that’s what Aaron told me his name was.

"At your service, pretty girl," he says the last part mockingly, looking at Aaron.

"Evan," Aaron warns beside me. "Look somewhere else and speak in a direction that’s not toward Bess."

The sharp tone in his voice only makes Evan smile wider.

"You were saying, Bess?" the weird brunette asks, ignoring Aaron.

"Yeah," I nod, remembering what I had to say. "You seem really weird to me, so I’d really appreciate it if you stopped smiling at me and looking at me like that," I purse my lips. "You give me the creeps."

His sister’s laugh fills the room, but I turn to her and say, "Sorry, but you scare me too."

And then she stops laughing for a second, only to start laughing harder.

"Where the hell did you find her, Orangutan?" she asks Aaron through her giggles. "I swear I already love her."

And I smile, because it’s the first time someone’s told me they love me.

I move away from Aaron and walk toward her, studying her more closely.

"I don’t love you yet," I admit honestly. "But maybe I could."

And suddenly, when she smiles at me again, her smile doesn’t scare me anymore.

I’ve never had a friend.

But maybe it’s time I have one.