Part Six
Secrets.
In theory they're the easiest thing to keep. You just don't tell anybody. Simple as that.
But like I said, that's in theory.
**********
"Hey," I said, as I walked into the apartment. "I brought coffee."
"Thanks," Maria said, taking the cup from me.
"Feeling better?" I asked, sitting next to her.
"A little," she said, taking a sip of coffee. "How's your first day going?"
"It's been interesting," I said. "I met Michael."
"So, what do you think?" Maria asked, with a smile.
"He's different," I said, carefully.
"The two of you aren't getting along, are you?" she asked.
"I threw a frying pan at his head," I said, and Maria smiled.
"He's a jerk to everyone at first," she said. "Give him time. He can be really sweet."
"Maria, there's something you should know," I said, looking away. "About Michael."
*********
I know I told Michael I wouldn't tell Maria about him but she is his girlfriend. Am I wrong to think she has the right to know that she's dating ET's cousin?
*********
"What?" Maria asked.
"Liz, your breaks over!" Michael yelled, up the stairs into the apartment.
"Crap," I hissed under my breath and rose from the couch. "I'll be back later."
"Wait," Maria called after me. "What about Michael?"
"He's clumsy," I lied, and Maria laughed.
********
I know what your thinking. I didn't do it for Michael. Or even Maria. I did it for me.
Maria wouldn't have believe me. I sure as hell wouldn't.
And she's the closet thing to a friend that I have here. I don't want to screw that up.
*********
"Did you tell her?" Michael asked, as I re-entered the kitchen.
"Whatever happened to hello?" I asked.
"Hello," Michael said coldly. "Now, did you tell her?"
"What do you think?" I snapped.
"Good," he said, turning his attention back to the food he was preparing.
"They're brother and sister, right?' I asked, motioning to Max and Iz.
"Why?" Michael asked.
"I was just wondering, if the three of you are all aliens, and they're siblings," I said, turning my gaze to Michael's back. "Why aren't your their brother?
"We're adopted," he said, painfully. "They were both adopted by the same people.
"Did Max say anything about me?" I asked.
"No," Michael said coldly.
"Oh," I said.
"He has a girlfriend," Michael said.
"That's never stopped me before," I said, not taking my eyes off him.
"Then I guess that makes you a slut," Michael snapped.
"Shut up Michael," I said.
*********
Maria told me to give him time. Let him warm up. I don't think that's possible.
This boy is ice cold.
*********
"Maria get home all right?" I asked, as Michael walked back into the Crashdown.
"Yeah," Michael answered.
"Thanks for coming back, I've never closed anything before." I said.
"No problem," he replied.
"What's it like?" I asked, cleaning off the corner booth.
"What?" Michael asked.
"Being an alien," I answered.
"Why do you even care?" Michael snapped.
*Crash* I slammed the plates down onto the table.
"Look Michael. I know you don't exactly like me. Don't feel bad, I'm not to fond of you either. I'm just trying to make it more pleasant for the both of us, ok?" I snapped.
Michael and I worked in a awkward silence for several minutes.
"It's hard to explain," he finally said, and I looked over at him.
"Try," I encouraged.
"That you don't really belong, like something's missing..." he started.
"Like you're not complete. Like you're not where you're supposed to be," I finished. He turned to me and I smiled. "You're not the only one that feels that way."
"What do you mean?" Michael said, sitting down at the counter.
"My parents adopted me," I said, sitting across from him. "I know it's different than being an alien but I feel..."
"Empty," Michael finished for me and I nodded.
"Yeah," I said. "That's one of the reason's why I'm such a bitch. When I was little I always felt alone and like I was missing. My parents would do whatever they could for me, gave me whatever I wanted."
"How do you feel now?" Michael asked.
"Like I'm not so alone anymore," I answered.
*********
Who saw this coming, Michael and I getting along. Who would have thought?
Don't look at me, I didn't see this thing coming either.
All I know is that the whole conversation felt weird, like it had happened before.
Maybe I'm just crazy. Hell, I probably am. I'm living in Roswell, New Mexico with a bunch of aliens talking about my childhood trauma with one of the biggest jerks I have ever met. And feeling right about it.
It's official. I'm completely insane.