Planet Tierre

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2:

Aimee:

Ever since I came to Earth, the days I spent with Luna had been absolutely amazing. The course materials and the instruction manual my home planet offered travelers couldn’t even scratch the surface of how many interesting cultures and history Earth had. But most of all, I got to know her.

My bride.

“Good morning Luna! I cooked breakfast for you. I also made your lunch for school. I hope you like my cooking,” I then kissed her cheek. My usual greeting.

“Oh, morning. You know Aimee, you really don’t have to do this, you know? I can make my own meals.  But thank you anyways,” she replied, taking a seat on the char. Or was it chaire? Chair.

English is definitely a challenge for me. The words themselves are confusing. One word could have multiple meanings depending on the usage. One example that I found especially confusing are the phrases “You are s**t” and “You ain’t s**t”. One is telling you that you are s**t. The other tells otherwise. But they both are an insult. Why, humans? Why?

Then there are the idioms. And how am I supposed to know what “penny for your thoughts” mean? Thoughts are abstract. What does a penny have got to do with thought?

In my planet, we didn’t need to communicate so much. We understood each other so perfectly that almost no language is needed.

I knew it would be cheating, but if I wanted to get closer to Luna, I would need to download the whole English language into my bionic enhancers’ system.

I looked at Luna closely.

“What are you staring at?” she asked while chewing her food.

I took a seat beside her and lovingly tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“Nothing.”

The purpose of my travel here on Earth was really to humor my mothers --well, one of them anyway. They were pressuring me to find a bride. But deep down, I knew I belonged to a person galaxies away from me.

I felt so empty. Like there was just this feeling inside me that kept gnawing and pulling me to go ‘out there’. Then I found Luna.

The first time I laid my eyes on her, I knew.

I knew that you could look into a person’s eyes for a fraction of a second but still get lost in them and feel several eternities pass by.

“You know, I’m not changing my mind. I don’t want to be your bride. Maybe you can find someone else.”

Lately I’ve been persuading her to come with me. Or just bind herself with me through coitus. But Luna is particularly resilient.

“You also know I’m not giving up. You’ll fall with me. Hard. It’s just a matter of time,” I said confidently with a smirk.

She just rolled her eyes at me.

After finishing her breakfast and making a final trip to the bathroom to brush her teeth, I walked her out of the door.

“Goodbye, my bride. See you in a few short hours.” And before she can turn around, I gave her one swift kiss on the cheek again.

She gave me a look to kill and I just giggled and waved as she left.

Now back to the house which is a total mess. I smiled tenderly.

Maybe I’ll play being the housewife a little longer. I really like taking care of Luna.

Along the way, I passed by a small children’s park and stopped for a while to observe little children play. I have always loved the miniature beings. Nurturing and caring for a child is very important because they will someday carry your legacy. I tried to picture what my child with Luna will look like and it brought a smile to m face. I hope they have Luna’s big, brown eyes.

Children are treasures in my planet for only one will be given to a couple. Despite our promiscuous nature, Tierrans mate for life. And when we do mate, it’s so deeply etched into our hearts that widowed Tierrans usually die within a few short years because of heartbreak.

I took one final look at the park before making my way to my ship. The ship itself is invisible it will only reveal itself in my presence. This particular technology is newly acquired and I was one of the lucky few who got to try it first. When I got inside my quarters, I picked up a my protobot which is a house cleaning robot; and a bag of paper money. In my planet, diamonds and rubies paved the streets. We have a naturally carbon-rich soil and it was not unusual to find boulders of diamonds so I took the liberty of picking them all up and cashing them in here.

On my return to our house which I’ve taken partial ownership, I set the protobot to work. Luna may not be aware of this, but I’m already going all out in wooing her. Admittedly, I haven’t done it before but after watching my mothers for years, I know more than enough.

And I know this will all be worth it. Because I’m in love with her.

Luna:

I walked through the halls of school, feeling a little bit giddy from Aimee’s kiss. I admit I have developed a small crush on her. She’s quick witted, funny, caring, and so goddamn adorable. And I would totally be with her If not for my ‘emotional distraction’.

I walked towards our classroom and saw my friend.

“Hey Luna! How’s your weekend?” I stared into those baby blue eyes, long lashes and rose colored cheeks.

“Oh, it’s been great. I really had a fun time,” I sat down beside her, secretly wiping my sweaty hands on the back of my jeans.

“How was your weekend?” I asked smiling.

“It’s been pretty boring. No shopping to do,” she said simply.

I perked up. “That’s a bummer. Maybe you should take me sometime.”

“Yeah, that’s a good Idea,” she said, then the teacher came and classes started. I just stared at her back.

The whole morning flew by slowly, and as it finally ended for lunch, I sprang from my seat as fast as I could. I eat lunch at the greenhouse so that’s where I went.

I love what Aimee cooked me. She said she had a secret ingredient and I believe her. Her food is so much better than the stuff they call food in the cafeteria.

After I ate, I tended to the lilies. They are really in bloom. I love them. Just as I love-

The bell rang. Crap. Time to head to class.

And after three more agonizing hours, it’s was finally time to go home.

“Hey Luna! Let’s walk home together.” My friend said and I blushed and nodded.

During our walk home, we talked about many things. More like she talked. I just listened and watched those cherry-colored lips.

Unfortunately, we arrived at my house. She said goodbye and as she walked away, I whispered to the air softly.

I took care of the flowers I planted for you. I love you, Shannon.

That girl is my ‘emotional distraction’.

Her.

****

“Oh my god! What happened to my place?!” I said in mock horror. My apartment... is ... so...

Clean!

“Luna? Oh good. You have arrived. I’ve been waiting for you,” she said, holding her arms out innoccently.

“No, Aimee. Did you do this all? I thought I said that you don’t need to do this?”

“I’m really sorry, but your apartment is a mess. Besides, I didn’t clean it. The protobot did!” she said.

“Wha-? What’s a protobot?”

The minute I said that, some robot wearing an apron and that looks a lot like Eve in Wall-E appeared and floated to us. It was black and new and shiny.

“What the hell is that?!” I squeaked and hid behind Aimee who just laughed softly.

“Relax, Luna. People from my planet call that ProtoBot. It cleans and obeys your every command inside the house,” she said.

I peeked from Aimee’s shoulder to the robot-thingamabob.

“Good afternoon Mistress Luna. How could I be useful to you?” then, it bowed.

My eyes turned into saucers.

“That t-thing! It spoke! Aimee! It can speak!” And again, Aimee just laughed out loud. She really doesn’t hold her laughter.

And If I’m not so shocked right now I would’ve hit her for making fun of me.

“Hey! It not funny.” I pouted and pinched her side.

“Ouch!” Aimee giggled out. “Yes it is! Haha. Stop hiding behind me and talk to the protobot. And stop that pout too,” I did get in front of Aimee but didn’t stop pouting.

“H-hi...” I said softly.

“Now that’s better. Now you better stop pouting or I’ll kiss those cute lips of yours.” My cheeks reddened and I lowered my eyes.

I slowly started to smile as I look up and saw Aimee with these dazed, love-sick eyes.

“Uhmm... Aimee?” She instantly was knocked out of it.

“Um... yeah. Like I said Luna, you have to name the protobot.

“You haven’t said anything about naming that robot,” I said innocently. And then I saw it. Aimee blushed.

This green-eyed beauty just blushed.

“Oh my god Aimee! You’re so cute!” I said, cupping her cheeks in my hand. She’s hot.

“W-well, I’m saying it now. Name the robot,” she said urgently, cheeks still flushed. I just giggled.

“Okay. Um... How about Eve? It totally looks like Eve from Wall-E."

“Okay, Eve it is. Even though I don’t know what a Wallee is.”

I laughed again and shook my head. “It’s a cartoon character. It’s this robot that-”

“What is a cartoon character?”

I paused and gave up. “You know what? It’s better if you just watch the movie.”

We were in the middle of setting things up when I finally asked what is in my head.

“Aimee, why are you doing all of this? You know, cleaning my apartment, giving me a dog robot, cooking me things. Why?”

Aimee faced me and took hold of my hand. It felt... weird.

“Do I really have to answer that Luna? Can’t you feel it?” she said, looking at me with those emerald green eyes.

I can only stare back.

“Luna, I’m doing this, because I love you. I want you to be happy,” she said sincerely. I felt a tugging at my heart.

“Aimee... I- ... I’m ...”

“Shhh... I know. I want to be close to you. I want to be close to the people who are special to you. I want you to love me back. But I want you to be happy. More than everything else.”

Aimee swallowed.

“So I’ll wait. Forever even. So please don’t cast me aside.”

I felt tears well up in my eyes. What have I done to deserve someone like Aimee? If only I can love Aimee the way I love her.

Aimee hugged me. Tight.

“I’m sorry Aimee.”

I’m so sorry.

“Stop crying Luna.” Aimee said while brushing away my tears. “I’ll cook you something. Anything. So please, stop crying.”

My mood perked up.

“Really?” I said as I finally smiled.

“Yes...” she said while laughing softly. She smiled and looked at me weirdly again as she slowly leaned in. My breath was cut short when she quickly kissed me in my nose before turning around to prepare my food.

“I uh... Aimee!”

“What?”

“You have to stop kissing me! It’s... unnerving.”

She just laughed and continued to walk away.

“Okay, I’ll stop kissing you. Never will my lips touch any part of you. Ever.”

I should be satisfied. But…

“I never said that... I ... It’s just... not when I’m... you know,” my cheeks flushed.

“Don’t worry. I’m true to my words. Never will I kiss you again,” Aimee said, hiding a smile. My cheeks got redder.

“No! It’s not that... ugh!” I let a frustrated breath as Aimee burst into laughter.

“You’re teasing me!” I accused.

“Hahaha! You’re so cute, Luna.” Aimee said in between laughs.

“It’s true though. My lips will never touch any part of you. Except maybe your own lips. Or your body. Or your soft neck,” Aimee smiled deviously.

“Urgh! I hate you Aimee!”

I then stormed off to my room and dived on the bed.

That girl is going to be the death of me.

Aimee:

“Aimee, I told you over and over again. You don’t have to make my meals. And I can always eat in the cafeteria.” Luna fussed while packing her backpack.

I sighed. “Is that an order Luna? Because if you wish it to be, I’ll obey.” Luna looked up.

“No I’m not like that. I’m not controlling you.” My smile widened.

“However, you need to respect my wishes. And one is making my own lunch.”

I pouted. “But if you fix your own lunch and breakfast, you’ll be late everyday!” Luna stopped a second. She knows I’m right. Inside, I’m already grinning, but I tried to hide it.

“Okay, let’s let that pass. For now. But what about you kissing me every now and then? THAT has got to stop.”

“But I like kissing you!” She frowned.

“Aimee, kissing is supposed to be done by two people dating. Or at least two people who want to date in the near future.”

“But I totally want to date you! Wait, are you saying you don’t want to date me?”

“Yes! That exactly leads us to you wanting me to be your bride. Aimee, how many times do I have to say no? You ask me almost every day.”

I reached for her hand. “But Luna, I love you! I know you like me. I’ll support and take care of you and our baby all the way.”

“Aimee, this is Earth. It’s different from your planet.”

“I know, but we can make it work, right? I-”

“Aimee, I don’t want to be with you. Sorry.”

“Why?” I asked.

“I just... don’t want to be with you that way,” she said, turning and leaving for school.

Why do I feel so sad?

Oh stupid self. Forget about you and worry about Luna!

I walked her to the door and when she got ready to leave, I kissed her cheek. Just like I do every time she leaves for the past two weeks.

“Aimee!” I just giggled and closed the door.

Aimee, I don’t want to be with you. Sorry.

I shook my head. Even though Luna and I are not meant to be, I’ll make it happen. No matter what stops my way. Even my whole planet.

“Eve!” I called for the robot.

In a few short seconds, it appeared in front of me.

“What can I do for you, Mistress Aimee?” It asked in that androgynous monotone voice.

“I want you to clean the whole house while I buy groceries. Can you do that for me?” I asked.

“Of course Mistress. Have a safe trip,” It said the proceeded to clean the house. It’s amazing how robots can be so obedient. I looked for my wallet and pulled out a few bills.

After I locked the door, I set out to walk to the park. It’s still early and the air is so fresh. While I walked, I imagined how life would be together with Luna. I personally think it’s going to be great. I’ll work while she takes care of our five kids. Tierre have adoptions for orphans too. Or maybe she’ll be the one that will work.. Anything will be great because I will make it work.

I also planned the steps for making Luna fall hopelessly in love with me.

First, I’m going to take care of her.

Second, I’ll love her until forever.

Third, I’ll never leave her side.

When I got one block away, a girl came out of this house. She saw me and stopped as I smiled at her. I have to at least be friendly to the neighbors.

She smiled back and caught up with me.

“Hey, I’ve never seen you around here. What’s your name?” she asked.

“Oh, I just got here. My name is Aimee,” I said and offered my hand. I’ve read that handshake is used as a greeting here on Earth.

“Nice to meet you Aimee. My name is Anne,” She said taking my hand. I don’t know how long a handshake should be, but ours seem to be longer than usual. I withdrew my hand.

“Where are you going?” Anne asked.

“Just to the nearby grocery store.”

“That’s perfect! I’m going there too! You don’t mind me tagging along with you, do you?”

“No, that’s alright,” I replied casually. And so we went to the grocery store together.

“So,” she said while I was picking up the milk. “Are you seeing someone?” she asked.

What does that mean? I’m seeing her, aren’t I? And the trees, the passing cars. Unless that phrase has another meaning?

Wait, I heard this line in a human movie before. ‘Seeing’ pertains to the person who you are dating.

Are Luna and I dating? I feel like we are. But she also said no. So… what do I say?

“Oh... I’m not seeing someone now,” I said after awkwardly thinking about it for a while.

“Really? But you’re like the most beautiful girl I ever saw,” Anne replied, fascinated.

“Well, thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” I returned humorously. She blushed and put a gallon of juice in her cart.

“So, you’re single?” she asked.

“Yes?”

And we continued to shop and talk before we went home together.

“Thank you for going to the store with me,” I said while we continued to walk.

“Wait! Can I have your number? Please?” she asked as we reached her house.

Number?

“Umm... what?”

“Your cell phone number. Can I have it?” she asked again.

“Oh. Sorry, but I have no phone.”

“What? No way Aimee! Who has no cell phone in this time and age?”

I laughed inwardly because the ‘time and age’ that she means is about a century late compared to Tierre’s. “Me.”

Anne laughed too.

“Can I at least know where you live?”

I gave her Luna’s address.

“No way! You live in Luna’s house?”

“You know Luna?”I asked, surprised.

“Of course! She’s my friend! I can’t believe you live so close by. It must be destiny!”

I smiled, unsure what she meant by that. “Okay, I have to go now. See you around!”

“Okay! See you!” she replied.

When I got home, Eve had already worked on the laundry. I put the groceries in the refrigerator and proceeded to the living room.

I was greeted by Eve.

“Welcome back, Mistress Aimee. What can I do for you now?”

“Can you contact Miss Lhoax for me?”

“As you wish, Mistress. Contacting...”

“Miss Lhoax is currently on the line.” Eve

“Your- “

“Lhoax, call me Aimee. I’m on Earth now. How’s everything going?” I asked.

“Everything is fine, Aimee. Nothing major had happened. Jaja asked for you a couple of times. And your mother has assumed your duries for the meantime.”

“Good work. That makes things easier for me.”

“Thank you, Aimee. How long are planning to stay there?”

I smiled. “Until she loves me.”

Yes. Until forever.