Planet Tierre

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

Aimee:

Room 503... Ahhh, here it is. The room where our club is supposed to be located.

After politely knocking twice, I pushed the door open and went inside. Now this is familiar.

Smell of burnt wire, the occasional whirring of engines and whatnot, and many kids walking around with a tool in hand. There's also countless equipment on the tables and some computers. Well, mostly computers. The room itself was messy, unkempt, and full of junk. I loved it.

My eyes searched for a particular red head... And I smiled when I finally saw her. "Jenna!" I called her throughout the mayhem. Jenna was this cute red head that wears glasses and walks around carrying a rocket prototype in her hands. We met this morning and she invited me to the robotics club.

"Aimee!" She smiled and waved me over.

"So, what are you working on, genius?" I gently bumped my shoulders on hers and giggled slightly. Her cheeks flushed a bit and she showed me her blueprint.

"I'm working on reconstructing an ordinary, desktop computer into a bomb." I almost dropped the blueprint.

"What?" This soft, frail girl is creating a bomb? Totally out of character. "Do you know that it's dangerous?"

She fidgeted. "Well, I was also working on a radioactive hair dryer."

"Are planning on becoming a terrorist?" I smiled gently and folded her blueprint. "You know, you have so much talent. Why don't help me with something?"

She looked up at me. "Really? What is it?"

I retrieved a small notebook from my backpack and a big roll of tracing paper containing a protobot blueprint. I gave it to her.

"That, my friend, is an actual robot. I'd really like you to channel your inner genius in that piece of work." I watched as her eyes got wide in anticipation and excitement.

"Aimee! This is so cool!" She flipped through the pages of my notebook containing my notes on building a protobot like Eve.

"Yeah. And I know you love a challenge. Some parts of that robot can't be found in anywhere near here. Or anywhere on this planet, really. So you have to build each and every one of it." I grinned and draped my arms across her shoulder. "So what do you say? Is Operation protobot a go?"

She beamed at me and hurriedly stood up on a chair.

"May I have your attention please!?" She yelled through all the noise. After it quieted down, she went on. "Guys, I think we have ourselves an entry for the international robotics event!"

After that, all the other club members cheered and rushed towards her to see the plan.

"Are you going to assist us, Aimee?" Jenna asked.

"Nah. But if you have any questions, feel free to approach me any time." I smiled.

"Aimee, this is so cool." Harry, one of our club members approached me. "Can we see the actual protobot that you built?"

I tapped him on his shoulder. "Of course. I can bring it next week during our next meeting."

"Nice." Then he started taking pictures of the protobot's structure.

Well now, it seems like my work here is done. I went out unnoticed and headed home. But not before picking something up first. I've been waiting for this for like a week.

"I'm home!" I called out once I got inside our apartment.

"Welcome home, Mistress Aimee." Eve greeted while dusting the furniture.

I saw Luna leaning on the island counter and drinking coffee while staring into space. She didn't even notice that I got inside.

"Hello there, wifey." I hugged from behind and placed my chin on her shoulder. "Why so serious?"

She shook her head and slightly turned to kiss me in the cheek. "Nothing. Just school stuff. By the way, how was the club meeting, geek?"

I laughed softly and hugged her tighter. "I'm not a geek. But it was fine. I gave Jenny the blueprint for making a protobot."

"Is it okay for you to do that?"

"To do what?" I asked.

"For you to give her the blueprint."

I thought for a while. "I'm pretty sure no... but it'll help your planet. And make Jenny a billionaire. So... wanna go to Mexico?" I said out of the blue.

She laughed and turned around to face me. "Why would I want go to Mexico?"

I grinned and kissed her nose lightly. "Because there are so many hot babes in Mexico."

"But I don't want to see many hot babes." She pouted.

I imitated her voice and pout. "But I want to see many hot babes."

She laughed and hit me lightly. "Shut up."

"Ouch, that hurt!" I feigned injury and gave her a puppy dog eyes.

She rolled her eyes before cupping my face with both hands and pulling me down for a long kiss. She let her tongue snake into my mouth while I moaned lightly and drew her closer to deepen our kiss. But she pulled away too quickly, leaving me unsatisfied.

"Does it still hurt?" She asked.

Still dazed, I had no clue as to what she was talking about. "Uh, w-what?"

"I thought so." She said while smirking.

I gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Oh, by the way, I have something to give you." Then, I released her and got something out of my pocket.

I heard her gasp. "Aimee, is that what I think it is?"

"Yes." I grinned and showed her the rings that I got from the local pawnshop. The ring itself was silver and had my most favorite jewels.

"Actually, it was customized. I made friends with a jeweler and told him that I needed a ring."

"Oh really?" She looked at me doubtfully. "When did you ask your friend to make this?"

"Last week." I grinned. "Then I gave him my home planet's rocks and a down payment? Is that what it's called?"

She nodded and kissed me on the cheek.

"Lastly, he asked for our ring sizes and told me he was going to make a couple's ring or something."

"Well, you are incredibly sweet. And adorable. And this ring is fabulous." She said.

I took the ring away from her while she looked at me in confusion.

"I love you baby. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love, devotion, and faithfulness." I looked at her in the eyes and I truly realized that I couldn't live without her. I'm so in love with her that my chest feels like exploding every time she kisses me, every time she touches me. I tried to control it once because it scared me. The intensity of my love for her scared me.

But the more that I tried to hold it inside, the more my chest constricted to let it spill out. Until I became powerless and weak.

She nodded and I slid the ring on her ring finger while smiling so wide, my face hurt. She held her hand up to inspect it. "It's just so beautiful! Aimee, wow. I'm... I'm speechless," she said. "I love this."

I grinned. "And look, we match."

She put both of our hands side by side and I have to admit, it looked cute. My ring was slightly wider but other than that, the two rings are identical.

"How much did it cost you?" She asked.

I swallowed a bit and avoided her gaze. She doesn't like it when I buy her things. "Oh, not much... really."

"Aimee?"

"Okay! It cost a bit more than expected, but trust me, I'm still well off," she folded her arms across her chest and tried to look intimidating. She just managed to look cute.

"Aimee, how many times do we have to discuss this? Don't buy me stuff."

"But it makes me happy. Buying you things makes me happy, Luna." I pouted.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled my head down to give me a sweet, breathtaking kiss. "You know what?" She whispered against my lips.

"What?" I smiled and pulled her closer to me.

"It makes me happy too."

Luna:

"Aimee, stop touching my butt." We were currently cuddling in bed, too lazy to do anything else.

She laughed. "Can't help it."

I put my hands on her tummy and started to lightly rub. She moaned and closed her eyes. "It really feels good. You know exactly what to do."

"I know." I kissed her cheek. "Sleep. I'll wake you up at dinner time."

"You're the best." She mumbled before falling asleep. Then, someone knocked on our door.

"Yes?" I called out. Not too loud, so that Aimee won't be disturbed.

"Mistress Luna. Your cellular phone is ringing."

I internally groaned. "I'll go down in a second."

I just wore Aimee's oversized sleeping shirt and went downstairs. Indeed, my phone was ringing. I snatched it up and answered without seeing the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey..." An all too familiar voice said.

"Shannon?" I asked.

"Yeah. I missed you." Her voice sounded hoarse.

"Shannon, you know the rules. Don't call me here."

I heard her sigh on the other line. "I know, I know. I can't help it."

I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. "You know I have Aimee here."

"Does she know?"

Subconsciously, my eyes drifted upstairs.

"No. And she cannot know."

Luna:

"Luna! We're going to be late!"

"I'm coming!" I fixed my shirt and my skirt before making sure that my shoes are extra shiny. I just like to make it shiny. Then I went downstairs.

"Finally!" Aimee whined.

"Shut up. It's your fault that we're going to be late."

She pouted and pulled me in her arms for a kiss. But a split second before our lips met, she pulled away. "Oh wait," She pulled something out of her pocket. "This is my mom's gift to you. It just came in this morning."

Aimee gave me this plain white box.

"What inside this?" I asked her.

She just shrugged her shoulder. I opened the box to find a bracelet. A simple bracelet with some sort of beads. Attached to it is a note. I carefully unfolded and started to read.

Dear future daughter,

I am eternally grateful that you have bonded with Aimee. I wish you would always be there for her, and in return, I give you this tribute. It will keep you in perfect health and ward off illnesses.

Luna, I can't wait to meet you in person and show you the wonders of Tierre. But until then, take care of my daughter. She loves you with all of her being.

Heminaa,

Gia Vernoia

A pang of guilt crossed my whole body.

"It looks like your mother gave me some health charm." I told Aimee as I looked up from the letter.

She smiled. "Well, she is pretty excited. She wants grandchildren."

"Don't you think I'm a little too young to be a mother?" I asked.

She just giggled. "Nah. You're just in the right age."

I slapped her forearm and snatched my bag on the couch. "Come on, slow poke. We'll be late."

************

I could feel someone looking at me. I took a glance at my left and found Shannon staring. Instantly, I felt a jolt of happiness surge through me. But I shouldn't indulge. It's not right. I looked away instantly.

"Hey, are you okay baby?" Aimee whispered on my ear. "You're so tense. I can feel it." I flinched a little.

"Yeah. I'm okay. I'm just... cold." I hung my head low.

She placed a gentle kiss on my temple. "'Want my jacket?"

I shook my head. "Nah, it's alright. I'm fine now."

I looked up and saw her smiling. "Good." Then, she paid attention to class.

I could feel Shannon's anger emanating from here. But we both know the limits.

The limits on our arrangement.

***

"Aimee, do you have robotics club today?"

She shook her head and we both stopped on our lockers. I just watched as she cleared hers out; letters and all that.

"Can you go ahead? I uhm... promised Ms. Dawson I'd help her of something." I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt.

"Really?" She closed her locker. "When did you talk to her? I was with you the whole day." She innocently asked.

Gulp. "Uhmm... W-when.... we were changing after soccer. I finished showering after you and... k-kind'a bumped into her."

She thought for a minute, then her face lit up. "Oh yeah. I remember. Well I can wait for you."

"No!" I blurted out. Aimee looked surprised. "I mean, you must be tired. I-I... can manage."

I saw a shimmer of something pass in Aimee's eyes. But then she smiled and pulled me into a hug. "Take care then. I love you."

Before I can reply, she lovingly kissed my forehead and dashed off. I sighed, the guilt beginning to eat me up. I made my way into the greenhouse and checked the lilies.

Beautiful than ever.

I could only softly caress the soft petals before sitting down weakly on a nearby bench. What is it with love that makes it hurt so much?

I buried my face into my palms.

I can't do this. I-I... I cant do this.

You don't hurt the people you love!

But it's so hard. So freaking hard.

A hand tapped my shoulder. I looked up to find Shannon standing beside me.

"Can I join you?" She asked.

She sat down beside me. For a good ten minutes, we were just sitting there. I could almost taste the tension in the air. Then, she spoke.

"So, what should we do?" Her voice was shaky.

I sighed. "I don't know."

"I've never done this before." She silently admitted.

"Me neither."

I felt Shannon's hands clamp down on both of my shoulders and slowly turn me towards her. She looked at me intensely.

"Luna, I love you. And I'm sorry if I am causing you any pain or confusion right now. But I love you too much. Now, I'm not rushing you or anything, but you need to decide. This hurts me too. And I know I'm not Aimee, bu-"

I put a finger on her lips. "Shhhhhh."

Slowly, I moved into her arms, burying my head on her shoulder. "You make me feel things I shouldn't feel. I know it's wrong for us to be together, but it just… feels so right."

Truth is when I'm with her, I feel so happy. Aimee never leaves my mind, but Shannon is deep in my heart.

"You make me complete Luna. I've been in love with you since forever, but I thought you're not interested. But when I saw you with Aimee..." Her voice cracked. "It hurt me so much. It still does..."

I pulled away and help her face with my hands.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry... But I love you too," I whispered, tears falling down on my cheeks.

Then I leaned in to make our lips meet. Passionately, lovingly.

*************

"I'm home!"

I weakly hauled my body on the couch.

"I know, Mother. But can't I get another week? A week. That's all I'm asking."

That sounds like Aimee. Then, a female voice spoke. Well, I can't understand anything she was saying, but she sounded harsh.

"But mother!" Aimee said before there was like a 'ping' sound.

I waited a few seconds before entering.

"Aimee?"

She was lying on the bed with her arm slung on her eyes. "Oh hey baby." She peeked and smiled.

I approached the bed and laid down with her, with my head on her shoulder. "Is something wrong?"

She shook her head and kissed my forehead. "What did Ms. D ask you to do?"

I swallowed hard. "Uhhh... She asked me to check some papers."

"Honey, have you thought about my offer?" She asked.

"What offer?"

She sighed. "My offer to go to Tierre after graduation. Just for a little while."

Oh. We're graduating high school next month. Five weeks from now. "Can I think about it more? I still have to ask my mom."

She smiled. "It's okay. Think about it more. I'll wait for you."

I caressed her cheek with my hand and looked at her thoroughly. I adore this girl. "Aimee, do you love me?"

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What kind of question is that?"

I looked away and sighed. "I-I... I just need assurance."

I felt two fingers on my chin, lifting my face up. Now, eye to eye, we stared at each other.

"What I feel for you can't be described as 'love' anymore, Luna. It runs much deeper than that. All the words in your world and mine combined can't express what I feel." She said softly, her eyes full of sincerity. "If you ask me if I would die for you, I would. If you wished, I'd lay the whole world at your feet and the sun in your hand. So Luna, if you're asking me if I love you... then yes. I love you. I love you so much." She smiled sweetly in the end, making me swoon even more.

Tears burst out of my eyes and I hugged her tight; my head on the crook of her neck. I felt so happy, yet utterly miserable. I felt so alive, and yet every second a feeling of dread washes over me. I'm so confused.

"Shhhhh. Don't cry Luna," Aimee patted my back softly, whispering caring words on my ear.

I love her.

I love Aimee. I can't deny it any longer. I completely adore this girl. But I can't say it to her. Because there's Shannon. And no matter how hard I resist or fight it, this will always be true:

I love Shannon more.

***

Aimee:

Lately, I've been getting this vibe from Luna. It's like she's... hiding something from me. I know, It's silly. But at the back of my mind, I know it has something to do with Shannon She never got together with Shannon though, so maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.

"Hey, are you ready for the party tonight?" Anne asked gleefully, falling into step beside me.

I smiled at her. "Yeah. Totally. Should I bring anything?"

She stopped and looked at me confused. "Uhm... no. You just bring your gorgeous self and it's set." Then she grinned.

"Okay. See you." I started to walk home.

"Remember, party starts at eight!" She yelled. I just waved at her.

Oh, you're probably wondering where Luna is. She said she had to tutor some freshman. Ms. D asked her to do it. So, I had to go home alone again. It's okay though. She's helping some kid become smarter. I love that about her.

When I got home, I realized I had nothing else to do. Well, I could always play with my phone.

I retrieved my phone from my bag and laid down on the couch. I have this virtual pet monster- 

Hmmm? Wait, this isn't my phone. It's Luna's. Why is it here?

I don't usually snoop around my girls' belongings, but she has an unread message. It's from Emma.

Honey, your graduation is coming up. Do you and Aimee have anything planned? Your father and I will book you two a flight to Hawaii if you want. It's our graduation present. Call me if you're interested.

Oooooh. Hawaii? Isn't that the place full of girls with those fancy skirts? Oh, and beaches! I want to go to a beach and tan. I'm so pale. After we arrive from Tierre, Luna and I are going to Hawaii! Possibly with our daughter. Yey!

I really wanted to respond to the text, but it will seem like I snooped around or something. I exited the text. Then, I saw a name.

Shannon.

5+ messages.

Wait, they've been texting each other? The last text was just last night.

I sat up and started to read their conversation.

Shannon: Good night Luna. :-)

Luna: Nighty. :)

Shannon: I love you. :*

And while holding my breath, I started to read her reply.

Luna: I love you too.

I-I… what does this mean? She can't mean that... can't she? She loves... me.

This must be a joke. I started to read their conversations.

Shannon: I love you Luna. Why can't you just be with me?

Luna: You know I can't hurt Aimee.

Is she... cheating on me? A single tear fell from my eye. And I read another one.

.

Shannon: Be with me. She doesn't have to know.

Luna: She's my girlfriend.

Shannon: You love me.

Luna: I can't.

Shannon: You love me!

Luna: I do. But it's not right.

.

Shannon: Are you sure about what you said?

Luna: Yes. I'll give us a try. But know that I will never leave Aimee.

Shannon: Let's talk after school.

Luna: What will I tell her?

Shannon: Tell her Ms. Dawson asked you to do something.

I wiped a few tears from my eyes, but they just kept falling.

Luna... How could you?

My chest constricted in pain. I couldn't breath. I briefly wondered if I would die.

Suddenly, the door opened and Luna came in. She took one look at my face and then her phone in my hand. Her eyes grew wide as she started to put the pieces together.

"A-Aimee... I can explain." She stuttered.

My vision was blurry with tears but somehow, I managed to run into the guestroom; my original room.

"Aimee! Wait!" She called out.

I went inside and leaned on the locked door. Slowly, I slumped down on the floor. Tears falling freely on my face, I was sure that I looked terrible. But I didn't care.

I'm too hurt to care.

Suddenly, she knocked from the other side of the door.

"Aimee! Please, just... please let me talk to you."

I sniffed a couple of times. "Go away please." I said in a weak voice.

Luna started to sob from the other side. "Aimee, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry... I didn't mean for you to find out like that... I-"

"Luna, please... Go away." I begged. I can't hear her cry. Or else I would have just opened the door and take her in my arms to comfort her. I couldn't do that.

"Aimee..." I heard a thump and figured she must have sat down.

I couldn't face her. I'm still dying inside. It hurts too much.

"I'm really sorry." She sobbed out. I can hear her crying from the other side. I know she's hurting too.

But does it mean that every kiss was a lie?

All those passionate nights engraved so deeply in my heart... did it mean anything to her at all?

I lied down on the hard, cold floor.

My heart... it's breaking. But why do I still feel my unconditional love for her?

Luna, I still love you so much.

"Why?" My voice cracked as I asked her.

"I couldn't say it to you," she sniffed a couple of times. "I feel terrible. She told me she loved me after we dated. I... tried to avoid it. I love you! I do.... but-"

Even though it's currently broken into a million pieces, my heart skipped a beat. The first time she said she loved me.

Slowly, the hurt turned into anger.

"You knew better!" I yelled. "You knew better." I cried harder. "I loved you so dearly! Being honest was the least you could do for me!"

I was seething. This girl...

"And I'm sorry. I couldn't stand the thought of hurting you," she replied in a small voice. Still, I yelled. "But you did hurt me! And I hate you for making me feel this way!"

She paused.

"You don't mean that."

I ignored her.

"Aimee," She called desperately. "Don't hate me please. I can't have you hating me."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I can try hating her, but it's impossible.

"Leave me alone."

"No. I won't go away," she stubbornly replied.

I started to calm myself down. Tierrans are wise, rational beings. A moment of weakness already hurt both of us.

I love Luna so much, but obviously, she chooses to love another.

I stood up and fixed myself. I wiped my eyes and took long, calming breaths.

Can I really do this?

Slowly, I opened the door. And Luna was there, lying on the floor like I was. I stepped out. When she saw me, she rushed to get up and hug me, burying her face in my neck. I closed my eyes and smelled her hair, trying to burn it on my memories.

"I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm so sorry..." She kept saying.

I gently pushed her away, creating some distance between us. I stared at her thoroughly. "You don't have to choose anymore." I whispered.

Her forehead creased. "What do you mean?" Then, her eyes widened in realization. "No..."

I nodded. "Maybe it's time I stop being so selfish and insensitive."

Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

"Luna, I-I'm... I'm breaking up with you," Then I gave her a weak smile. I have to do this... for her. Even though it hurts.

She broke down and I pulled her into my arms.

"Shhhhhhh.... It's for the best," I whispered.

She was shaking uncontrollably. "Now, will you give me something in return?" I asked her.

"What is it? I'd give you anything," she peeped.

"Give me space." I requested before pulling away and entering the room. I immediately dived on the bed and resumed my heart-wrenching sobs.

Oh god, when will it ever stop?

**************************

I weakly opened my eyes, seeing the room filled with darkness. It's dark.

8:35 pm, the LED clock on the bedside clearly displayed.

I blinked a couple of times, wondering why my eyelids feel swollen and sore. My throat feels dry as a desert too. I stretched, hoping to somehow ease the tiredness I was feeling. And then I remembered.

Luna and I broke up.

Why did I have to wake up? I wish I could just sleep through all of my problems.

Oh, and there's Anne's party.

I groaned.

I am really not in the mood for it right now. But I gave her my word. Tierrans are honorable people. And I… I got up from the bed and went into the bathroom to shower. And as the water cascaded down my body, I closed my eyes.

Warm brown eyes.

Adorable, shy smile.

And the sweet, sweet voice.

How can she do that to me? I gave her everything... What does Shannon have that I don't?

I started to taste something salty on the water. Am I... crying?

I finished up and got dressed. It was a bit chilly so I'd wear jeans. And then, after fixing my hair and putting a little fragrance, I walked downstairs. I was at the door when someone spoke.

"Hey, where are you going?"

I turned around and saw Luna. She looked like... crap. Her eyes were swollen and red. And she hasn't changed out of her uniform yet. I dropped my gaze.

"I uhh... am going to Anne's for a bit." My voice was hoarse.

"You're still going to go there?" She asked, slightly surprised.

"I promised her." And it will be good to get away from you for a while.

I opened the door and got out. While I was walking, I took in deep breaths. And I tried thinking about the party. I'll spend my night in a carefree, oblivious manner. I'd forget about Luna, or Shannon, or cheating, or love. Then in the morning...

Forget about the morning.

Oh, the party is definitely in full swing now. I could almost hear the music.

Few minutes later, I finally saw Anne's house. I entered the gate and saw that even their lawn was full of dancing teenage bodies. When I entered the house, I smiled awkwardly at everyone that said hi. Which was a lot.

"Hey Aimee, dance with me," A girl asked while clinging on me.

Then, another one stepped beside me. "No, she's going to dance with me."

"You wish! She's totally with me."

It went like that, the crowd of my wanna-be dancing partner gradually increasing in number, until I was yanked away and into the center of the house.

"Heeeey. You made it!" Anne exclaimed while wrapping her arms around my neck and dancing on me. I could smell... a strong alcoholic odor on her. Actually, it's all over the place.

"Yeah." I weakly said and started to dance too. "Nice party."

She giggled and let her hands roam all around my body. "Come on, let's get you a drink." Then, she pulled me again into a bar counter.

"Tony! Give me two shots of vodka please." She told the boy on the other side.

Tony, the bartender, gave me a wink before  giving Anne the drinks.

"This is just to start you off." She grinned. "Then we'll switch to less intoxicating liquors. Come on." Then she handed me one. Oh damn. I don't think this is a good idea.

"On three!" She's unusually giggly this night. Is she drunk already?

"One..."

I downed the whole thing before she could start with 'two'.

Ewww! How can humans drink this stuff? It's disgusting!

I scrunched up my face while Anne laughed. She drank hers before speaking. "You are a bad ass, Aimee." She giggled. "And I like that." She grinned before pulling my shirt to her and making our lips meet.

I pushed her lightly. "Whoah, what the-?"

"Come on, Aimee." Her eyes were a little unsteady and she brought her body closer to mine. "Just close your eyes."

I gulped when she brought her face closer for the second time.

Maybe I'll feel better.

I just have to close my eyes.