Hi everyone! I'm Back!

Well, finally, chapter four is up! I must say, this took quite a bit of work to finish!

Sorry for the late update, work's been very busy lately.

Hope you enjoy!

With the police inbound, I quickly disposed of our cups in the kitchen sink. I turned off all the lights downstairs once I re-entered the living room. Riyo had stood up from the sofa and was now standing near the door to the hallway. I'd come up with an idea of where to hide her. It was a simple idea but nevertheless effective one. That would be that we wouldn't hide her at all. I'd suggested we use her camouflage projector and make her out to be a relative of mine if the police did indeed want to enter the house. The only potential problem was making out like we'd only just been woken up. That might take a little prepping.

"So what was this idea of yours again, Sam?" Riyo asked. "We haven't much time!"

"We're going to pass you off as a cousin of mine," I told her, grabbing her satchel off of the armchair and handing it to her.

I walked past Riyo, but before entering the hallway, I gestured for her to follow.

"It would be daft to try and worry about concealing you when you've got the perfect tool for the job. We'll just have to make out that we've both been woken up and are completely ignorant of what's happened outside. Do you think you could hold up a convincing performance?"

"I'll do my best," she replied. "Though I have to admit, acting is not a strong talent of mine. Come to think of it. I can't seem to recall a time I've ever attempted it!"

"You don't need to be a natural. If they come in here, just sit yourself down and I'll do most of the talking. And if they ask you anything, well, just deny most of it. Say you're a cousin of mine whose visiting from Australia; you're on a gap year or something . . ."

"Australia? What's a gap year?"

Remembering her lack of knowledge of Earth's geography, I sighed. "Australia's a country on the other side of the world, vast, extremely hot and full of nasty insects! And a gap year is a long holiday between studies. Which reminds me, I hope this doesn't sound rude, but how old are you, Riyo?"

"Um, twenty-one. Why?"

"Perfect age," I muttered.

Noticing the sirens growing louder, I returned to the topic at hand.

"Right, we'd better get to it. First of all, you'd better lose the boots. If there's anything that'll look off to them, it'd be you wearing those at four o'clock in the morning!" I said.

"Okay, okay, I'm on it!" Riyo began to panic, sitting herself down on the bottom stairs to remove her boots.

After she eventually passed them to me, I hurried to the cupboard under the stairs and placed them on the rack amongst my mum's collection of shoes. Completely concealing them. Once I was done, I returned to Riyo and ushered her up the stairs. She was at first hesitant but soon followed my lead. We quickly reached the landing, and I was about to lead her to the spare bedroom when I heard the dreaded wail of sirens come to a halt outside the house.

I guided her to the spare room, placed her satchel on the bed, and told her to wait for me. I then dashed back to my bedroom. In a near frenzy of panic, I pulled open my chest of drawers and retrieved a pair of grey joggers and one of my old dark blue t-shirts. I knew if we were to pass Riyo off as a convincing guest, then I'd have to make her look the part. I wasn't taking any chances should the police ask to come inside. Even though I was considerably taller than Riyo, I was kind of hoping that her camouflage device might be able to sort the clothes size problem out. That being if the device used them in the projection. Of course, I was merely working off of guesswork.

Returning to the spare room, I saw Riyo standing over by the window. She appeared to be peeking through the curtains and out onto the field where her craft still lay crackling in the mass of flames.

"They're out there now, Sam. I can see them making their way to my ship. Oh, the trouble I'm putting you through with all this!"

"I already told you not to worry about that, Riyo. Let's worry about one thing at a time. For starters, perhaps you ought to keep away from there," I said. "There's always the chance they might spot you, even if it's a slim one."

"You're probably right," she replied, easing the curtain shut again and backing away from the window. She walked back across the room towards where I was standing by the door.

It was then she noticed the clothes I was holding, causing her to look puzzled. "Oh, what're these you've got here?"

"For you," I answered, holding them out to her. "I figured it might be best to give you some more, how can I say this, 'Earth-like' clothes. These're just your basic sleepwear, a pair of trousers and a top. Don't take this the wrong way, but I feel your current attire might arouse suspicions. Please, try them on. They may be a little big at first. Though from what I've already seen, I was kind of hoping that device of yours should be able to make them a bit more comfortable if you know what I mean. I know they're probably not all that suitable, but it's the best I can do for now."

Her face implied reluctance. Nevertheless, she soon reached out and took the small bundle from me. "If that's what you say, Sam. It should work. Thank you, I'll give them a try."

I smiled and nodded. "Great."

Walking over to the bed, I spent about a minute ruffling it up as much as I could to give the appearance it had been slept in. I then walked to the door and grabbed the handle, but turned back to Riyo before I left.

"I'd suggest putting your other clothes under the laundry in the wardrobe," I said. "I'm going to go and wait downstairs. If the police turn up, I'll keep them busy until you're ready."

"Okay, I won't be long," Riyo replied.

I noticed then that she was caught in a moment of internal conflict. She turned away for a moment as if she was trying to make her mind up about something. Soon enough, she turned her head back to face me.

"Do you mind if I ask you something, Sam?"

"Shoot," I said.

She sighed and gazed down at the clothes she was holding against her chest. "Why are you helping me like this? After all, you told me that no one on this planet has ever seen someone like me before. What leads you to believe that you can even trust me if you know nothing about me? Why not just hand me over to the authorities?"

I took a deep breath. "Because helping you is the right thing to do," I replied. "And besides, if you were as dangerous as some might believe aliens to be, why did you stay by my side and help me after I hit my head? You could've killed me if you wanted! I usually have a good judge of character, Riyo, and you seem like a good person. Helping somebody in need is purely an instinct I guess!"

Riyo smiled and nodded. "I know what you mean! I guess we can't help it sometimes! Now, I probably ought to get changed. Better not waste any time! I'll see you downstairs in a minute Sam."

"Sure, see you in a minute."

With that, I closed the door and left her in privacy.

Walking back into my room, I took a careful peek through my curtains to see how the situation was developing outside. I could see that the police were swarming around Riyo's ship. There was a mass of torches glowing amidst the haze of the pouring rain, and I could make out over a dozen officers standing there in fluorescent jackets. Standing back, I took a seat on my bed. I leant forward and rubbed my hands down my face, desperately thinking up what story I was going to tell the police when they would eventually knock on my front door. Furthermore, if Riyo and I did successfully evade capture tonight, then what story was I going to tell my mum when she got home? I figured she may not exactly take to our alien guest as well as I initially did. I guess that was a problem I would have to solve when the time presented itself.

Suddenly, I noticed a shadow standing by my door, causing me to jump. Though I soon felt a little silly when I realised it was only Riyo. She'd gotten changed into the clothes I'd given her, something which I had to admit looked a little strange given the formal outfit she'd arrived in. When she entered the room I noticed she hadn't activated her camouflage yet. She had her pinkish hair tied up in a ponytail. She'd also removed her golden headwear.

"That was quick!" I exclaimed. "And just as well! The police are everywhere out there! Do those clothes feel alright?"

She nodded. One arm over her chest and holding onto the other upper arm. "Yes, they're fine. How do I look?"

"Casual, which is perfect!" I replied. "Have you tried it with your camouflage?"

"Not yet," she replied. "I figure I'd let you see the result so you can tell me what you think . . . if that's okay I mean."

"Sure, go for it!" I said.

Pressing the button on the device, that familiar haze of distorted matter flowed over her body. When it cleared I saw she, fortunately, was still wearing the same clothes I'd given her, only now they fitted her quite snugly. Her body had transformed into the same blonde girl yet again. There was nothing suspicious to notice about her.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"That's brilliant!" I answered. "They'll never notice a thing!"

At that very moment, with sudden, but ideal timing, the doorbell rang. Riyo gasped in surprise when the sound echoed throughout the house. I felt my hands grip my duvet with tension. This was it, the police were at the door!

"Shit, they're here!" I muttered.

"What'd we do? We haven't even thought about what we're going to tell them!" Riyo whispered, her voice filled with apprehensiveness.

"Don't panic, Riyo," I said, standing up from my bed. "I've got a suitable cover story. We'll say you're a cousin of mine visiting from Australia as I suggested beforehand. And if they ask whereabouts in the country . . . we'll say, oh, I don't know . . . Canberra. It's the capital. Just don't forget that. Say it back to me."

"Canberra."

"Perfect!" I replied, walking over to my bedroom door.

"Do you think there's a chance my name might come across as suspicious?" she suddenly asked. "Only with everything you've told me about Earth, I didn't know if it might sound a little out of place?"

I hadn't thought of that as a possibility, so I took a moment to consider her point. Eventually, I concluded it wouldn't likely pose an issue. After all, there were already plenty of unusual names the average Brit would hear in this world. I shouldn't have thought hers would come across as too different if we gave a good enough excuse.

"I should think it'd be fine, Riyo," I replied. "Just let me do the talking. I'll help you out if they ask you anything that should leave you unsure."

She smiled. "I'll be relying on you, Sam. Are we ready for this?"

"I'd say so. Just stay up here for a few minutes when I let them in. I'll probably have to call for you when I mention you're here as well, so wait until then. If you can, do your best to look as tired as possible, it'll make the whole act more believable."

"Okay, got it, do my best! I'll see you down there."

"Great, see you in a minute."

With that, I departed from the room and headed downstairs to answer the front door. Since I'd turned off all the lights before Riyo and I headed upstairs, it was nearly pitch black as I descended towards the hallway. I couldn't even make out the silhouettes of the police through the front door's frosted glass windows.

The doorbell rang once again as I hurriedly sieved through the pot of keys on the hallway table.

"I'm coming!" I called out as I fished out one of the spare house keys.

Before unlocking the door I remembered to turn the porch light on. When I opened the door I was greeted by two police officers. Both were dressed in fluorescent jackets, although one was wearing a custodian helmet, while the other wore a flat peaked cap. They were both quite tall men of a broad build which intimidated me ever so slightly when I first laid eyes on them.

The officer on the right, whom I noticed bore a rather bushy beard, was the first to speak.

"Evening mate. I hope we didn't wake you?"

I rubbed my eyes. "No, not at all. I heard you coming, think the sirens woke me up anyway. I saw you from upstairs. Just been trying to figure out what's happened. Is it something serious?"

"Well, that's kind of what we were hoping you could shed some light on. Would it be okay if we came in and asked you a few questions mate? We're not here to interrogate you, we're just looking to tie up a few loose ends."

I nodded and gestured for them to enter. "Oh yeah, I understand. Please, come on in. I don't want to leave you standing out there, especially in this monsoon!"

The bearded officer chuckled. "Cheers mate, you beat me to the question!" he said as he and his colleague stepped inside. I closed the door behind them once they were in the hallway.

The officer then proceeded to remove his helmet, and his colleague soon did the same with his cap.

"Just to cover introductions, I'm PC Harper, and this is PC Llewellyn," the officer said.

"Okay, I guess I should return the favour. My name's Sam. So, can you tell me what's happened? It's not exactly a common occurrence that we get swarms of police up around here!" I said.

"Like I said mate, it's nothing to worry about. We just have a few simple questions to ask you. I'm guessing that you may have already realised that there's been a crash in the field outside your house? . . ."

"I had a feeling. I could see something burning out there."

The PC nodded. "We can't disclose too many details about the aircraft that's crashed. But all I'll say is that we believe it to be an RAF training exercise gone wrong. Although, the only thing we're confused by is that we don't seem to be able to find the pilot. We were hoping you might be able to shed some like on the situation."

"Me? How so?" I asked.

Before I could respond, however, I was interrupted by the creaking of floorboards above us. Both officers looked up when they heard the footsteps.

"Have you got someone else here with you?" Llewellyn asked.

I smacked my forehead lightly. "Sorry, I should have mentioned sooner. My mum's in London for the weekend. That's my cousin upstairs. She's visiting from Australia."

"Australia? That's a fair old journey just for visiting the Midlands!" Harper exclaimed.

I shrugged. "You know how it is, distant family, getting in touch again after the whole Covid ordeal, you have to make that extra effort."

"Fair enough," replied Llewellyn. "If your mum's in London, I have to ask, Is your dad around at all? It'd be useful if we could get his statement as well."

Upon the mention of my late father, I suddenly felt a lump form in my throat. "Um, sorry, no, he's not here I'm afraid. He's been gone for a long time!"

Harper looked shocked. "Oh, mate, I'm so sorry."

I sighed, working hard to restrain all the bad memories that tried to aggravate my emotions. "It's alright, honestly, you weren't to know. He's been gone since I was a little kid anyway. I struggle to remember a lot about him. That bastard known as cancer had to interfere with my life!"

"Well, I can see we haven't caught you at the best of times. Promise we won't keep you long. All I will ask though mate is that we might be able to speak to your cousin as well, just in case she saw anything you didn't."

I nodded. "Sure."

Turning back towards the stairs, I called out to Riyo, queueing her signal for her to show herself.

"RIYO, WOULD YOU MIND COMING DOWN. IT'S THE POLICE. THEY WANT TO SPEAK TO US!"

"COMING!" I heard her shout in reply.

"She'll be here in a second," I told the officers as Riyo's footsteps moved across the landing and closer to the stairs.

With a careful pace, she descended to the hallway. I could almost feel her nerves intensifying, step by step. My hands were shoved in the pockets of my dressing gown, sweat building up in my palms. I could only hope she wouldn't slip up in front of the police.

"Hello," Riyo greeted shyly with a soft wave of a hand.

"Evening, sorry to call you both down like this. I can imagine you're both quite tired. We were telling your cousin here that we've got a couple of questions to ask about what's happened outside in the field."

"Why, what's happened?" Riyo questioned, feigning ignorance.

"How about we go and have a seat in the lounge? I'm sure that'd be better than standing out here to talk!" Harper suggested.

"Definitely!" I agreed. "Can I get you two a cup of tea or anything?"

"No thanks, mate, we won't be here that long. If you want to lead the way . . ."

"Sure, come on in," I replied.

With that, the four of us walked through into the lounge. Riyo's breathing was getting subtly heavier.

The talk actually went a lot smoother than I initially feared it would. The officers kept a calm manner throughout; the only topic they really focused on was the crash. Additionally, to give Riyo credit, she managed to pass off the act as a distant family member surprisingly well. You'd have genuinely thought she was in a groggy state and didn't have a full grasp of her surroundings quite yet.

"So, you say you were both asleep when the aircraft came down?"

"Yeah, I heard something, I'm sure, but I think I was too sleepy to get myself out of bed and look outside," I answered.

"Okay, does that go the same for you?" Harper then asked Riyo.

"Mmm," she nodded, resting her hand in her hand. She was leaning against the sofa arm with her legs curled up next to her on the cushions. Her eyes looked droopy. I was quite impressed by her acting skill!

"I heard the crash, I think, but fell back to sleep not long after. I only really woke up after I heard you coming down the road. I'd gotten out of bed just as Sam called me down."

"Well, we're sorry for disturbing you then. Are you sure that's everything you heard?"

"It's fine, happy to help," she replied. "But, yes, that's all I heard, I swear."

Llewellyn was scribbling down our words in his notebook. While he did so Harper continued the questioning.

"Look, we're not accusing you of anything, don't take it like that. But as I've already said, we've found no sign of the pilot. And we're concerned for their safety. Now, I need the pair of you to be completely honest with me, was what you told us everything you heard or saw?"

"Yes, we're being completely honest. I wouldn't dream of lying to you!" I countered. "Didn't the pilot eject? Be the most logical thing to do if he was going to crash!" I said.

"No, the seat's still in place," Harper answered. "We can only assume he must have fled the cockpit after the crash. That being if he was still in one piece! Could have been thrown into the field."

"I see what you mean! Although, I don't want to sound like I'm being difficult, but how does that concern us? We'd tell you if we'd seen anyone, wouldn't we Riyo?"

"Absolutely!" she agreed with me.

"That's the thing. Surely a disorientated or injured pilot would have approached the nearest place for help after a crash landing. The closest refuge just so happens to be this house, so that's what we were wondering. Has anyone been at the doors or windows? Have you had anyone asking to be let in?"

"Nothing of the sort!" I exclaimed. "It's been dead quiet until you got here. Riyo would have come and told me if she's seen anyone. We're not heartless enough to leave someone out in this weather."

"Too right, Sam!" said Riyo.

"Could he, I don't know, have gotten confused, been in a daze, wandered off into the woods? The storm out there is ferocious! Remember we had no lights on." I attempted to reason.

"That's a possibility we've taken into consideration. There just seems to be something off about this whole situation if you ask me!" Harper replied.

There was silence for a moment before Harper let out a heavy sigh. Closing his notebook and placing it back into his jacket pocket, he proceeded to retrieve a card from his chest pocket. Leaning over, he handed it to me. I saw that it was a business card with contact details for the police.

"I can see we're probably not going to make any more progress tonight, so we'll leave you two to get some rest. I want you to know that I believe what you've both told us, but if you think of anything else, see anything, or hear anything, we'd appreciate it if you could give us a ring. Just to help us clear this all up once and for all."

"Sure thing," I said, placing the card on the coffee table.

Standing up, Harper placed his helmet back onto his head. Llewellyn soon followed the same way with his cap.

"Oh, and one more thing mate. We'd appreciate it if you kept this whole ordeal toned down when discussing it with others. This crash involved a confidential RAF aircraft and all that. I think the army would be grateful if the press didn't get hold of any misleading information if you know what I mean!" Harper said.

"My lips are sealed!"

He chuckled. "Glad to hear it!"

The two officers then started walking back towards the front door. Naturally, I followed them in the hope of being able to see them out rather quickly. Riyo, however, stayed put and only watched on from her seat on the sofa.

"Well, like I said before, sorry again for disturbing you and your cousin, mate," Harper said. "I can imagine you're probably dying for the rest!"

"That'd be putting it lightly!" I replied, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

Soon enough, I opened the door and saw both officers out, watching them disappear back into the unwelcoming chill of the night. The rain pelted my face for the few moments I had the door open. Once the police were gone, I closed the door and locked it. I took a quick gaze through the side windows next to the door to check that they had walked back out into the road.

Heading back into the living room, I saw that Riyo was still curled up on the sofa, except her head was no longer resting on her hand. She looked relieved, to say the least.

"Well, I'd say that couldn't have gone any better!" I stated, feeling confident. "I don't think they suspected a thing. We might well be in the clear for now! And well done on your part Riyo! I'm surprised nobody suggested you took up acting before you entered politics!"

Riyo smiled, and I'm sure I could make out a blush on her cheeks. "I appreciate that Sam. Although I think that sort of talent might be a little limited in my case."

"Nah, don't put yourself down. You did brilliantly!" I stated.

Remembering the time, I returned to the topic at hand.

"Hey, Riyo, as you know, we've both been through a lot this evening! You especially! And I think I might need to sleep off this injury as well! There's nothing else we can probably do tonight. How about we both get some sleep and get back to it in the morning?"

Sighing sleepily, Riyo nodded in agreement. "I think I'm with you on that Sam. As long as you're really okay with me staying. I don't want to be in the way. It's probably best if I just set myself down here for the night . . ."

"Nonsense!" I snapped. "I wouldn't dream of letting you sleep down here. The sofa would give you backache! You're a guest, so you'll get a proper bed. Follow me . . ." I walked over to the door and waved my hand, gesturing for her to follow me upstairs. She did so with a little hesitation.

During the climb up the stairs, I heard Riyo press the button to deactivate her camouflage. Upon reaching the top, I turned around, only to see a faint shine of the light from outside beaming through the windows and illuminating half of her face. Her eyes almost seemed to glow in the darkness. Her blue skin was also shaded perfectly with the cool light being produced by the night. I had to admit, for a moment I was fixated by her natural beauty.

"Sam? Are you alright?" Riyo asked, likely noticing me staring.

I shook my head. "Sorry Riyo, I think I'm still not completely with it. Must be the injury. Plus I'm a little worn out!" I attempted to bluff.

"Are you sure it's not getting any worse?" she questioned with clear concern. "Can I do anything for you?"

I couldn't help but feel touched by her consistent kindness. "I'm fine, thank you Riyo, honestly. You're too kind. I'll be fine in the morning. A good night's sleep always does the job. I suppose I ought to show you where you'll be sleeping . . ."

I led her back to the spare room where she'd gotten changed earlier. The sheets on the bed were freshly laundered, but the bed was still ruffled the way I'd left it earlier.

I turned on the bedside lamp as we entered. "Here, this can be your room for as long as you need to stay here," I said.

"Are you sure about this Sam? I don't want to be a burden."

"You're nothing of the sort!" I assured firmly. "It's the least I can do. Alien or not, I wouldn't be able to sleep with the knowledge that I'd left you out there in the storm! . . . Though the only problem we're inevitably going to have to face at some point is my mother finding out you're here!"

"Your mother?"

"Yeah, she's away in London, which as I mentioned earlier is the capital of this country, and she won't be back until the day after tomorrow. She's a rather tough woman and stands for absolutely no nonsense. Yet, I must admit, I'm not sure how she might cope with meeting you for the first time. No offence."

"None taken," replied Riyo. I noticed that she then started to look uncomfortable; staring down at her feet. Shuffling one foot slightly on the carpet. "Um, Sam, do you think there's a chance she may insist on handing me over to the authorities? If they are as sensitive about alien life as you say, do you think her meeting me is such a good idea? Not that I'll beg to stay here if you think she won't want me in her house, or if I make her uncomfortable . . ."

"Riyo," I interrupted. "She'll do nothing of the sort, especially if I have something to say about it! Look, she may be a stern woman when she needs to be, but I promise you that she's one of the most kind-hearted people you'll ever meet. Trust me, it'll be fine."

Riyo still looked uncertain. But, soon enough, accepted my assurance. "Okay, if you're certain, I'll take your word on that for now."

"Anyway," I said. "Back to sleeping arrangements. Like I said, this room's yours as far as I'm concerned. The bed's freshly clean and the bathroom is the first door out on the landing. You remember where my room is? If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to come and wake me up."

Before heading to bed I took a few minutes also to explain the function of the twenty-four-hour clock when Riyo noticed the clock radio sat on the bedside table. Fortunately, it seemed to make logical sense to Riyo when I told her the average daily routines concerning day and night.

"So you think you've got it?" I asked.

"Yes, that should be fine. I'll be awake before nine o'clock," she said.

"Splendid! Glad it makes sense to you. Now, if you don't mind Riyo, I think I might get some sleep myself. Otherwise, I'll be out like a light while I'm still standing here!"

"Of course, please, go and rest. This is wonderful, thank you, Sam! Riyo said, smiling warmly.

"Goodnight Riyo, sleep well. See you in the morning," I replied with a returning smile, making my way to the door.

Before I could exit, however, I felt a hand lightly touch my shoulder. Surprised, I turned back to see Riyo's hand placed there, stopping me in my tracks.

I turned back to face her. "What's up Riyo? Everything okay?"

Once I'd turned around, she retracted her arm and interlocked her fingers, letting her hands hang down in front of her. She seemed shy and averted direct eye contact with me. "Yes, Sam, I'm fine. It's only, well, I know this might be sounding a little repetitive by now, but I just wanted to thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance, that is, for listening to me. I can't describe what a mess I felt after the invasion of my home, and being forced to watch my crew killed. I never expected to find myself in this situation, especially on a planet which has no public knowledge of alien life. Anyone could have found me! But, fortunately, it ended up being you. You've been so kind to me already, and I feel so bad for intruding on you like this! I hope I can sincerely repay you one day for helping me!"

I smiled. "Riyo, honestly, it's not a problem. Regardless of who you were, it was merely the right thing I sought to do. I'm still feeling a bit shaken up by this whole ordeal I have to admit, but I'm glad that I was there to be able to help when I could! Even if it was you who helped me first. I'm just as grateful to you!"

Reaching for the door handle, I prepared to pull the door shut. But not before I smiled at Riyo. "You'd best get some rest. Something tells me we've got a lot to think about in the morning!"

"You're probably right, Sam. I must admit I'm feeling a little tired myself."

"Well, we best get some sleep then. See you in the morning Riyo," I said.

"Goodnight, Sam," she replied, raising a hand to give me a little wave.

"Goodnight, Riyo."

With that, I closed the bedroom door and left Riyo to rest. Whilst walking back across the landing towards my room, I let out a heavy sigh. What a night! I thought. It's going to be hard to know where to start in the morning!

Well, that's the end of another chapter. Hope you enjoyed!

Please leave a review to tell me what you think.

I'll update as soon as I can.

Until next time.