Hi everyone, I'm back!

Gosh, nearly three months since my last update! I can't believe it! I'm sorry for the delay, but life has just been utter chaos so I've not had too much time to concentrate. Also, I Hate Hate HATED writing this chapter! I'm just so glad to finally get it out of the way so I can continue with story.

I've got a lot more planned as it progresses.

Just one quick thing. There may be some details in this chapter that may prove sensitive. I just wanted to say that this story completely differs from any events going on in the world right now. I merely added it for story progression. Apologies.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Once we'd finished in the kitchen, I showed Riyo through to the garage, where my dad's old workbench was located. I flicked the light on and she followed me in. She couldn't have been more happy with the set-up as she said she'd need peace if she were to make progress on fixing the transmitter.

"This should work perfectly, Sam. I promise I'll try my best not to make any sort of mess!"

"Don't worry about it. It's not as if my mum and I come in here often anyway. Most of my dad's tools are packed away in some of these boxes. I'll dig them out for you whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, Sam. Although, I've been meaning to ask you something . . ."

"Sure."

"If it's okay with you, I was hoping for the possibility of using your shower. Only after two days without a wash and walking through the mud in that storm last night . . . you know where I'm coming from."

"Yeah, sure, Riyo. No problem. I'll show you where you'll find everything you need if you just want to follow me . . ."

I flicked the light off and closed the garage door. Riyo followed closely as we made our way upstairs towards the bathroom. Before leaving her to her privacy, however, I took a little time to show her where she'd find everything she'd need. Once the shower was running Riyo's neutral expression quickly changed into a smile. Placing her hand under the falling water, I was sure I heard her let out a squeak. I'd go as far as to say that this appeared to be the happiest I'd seen her since we met. And though I did my best not to stare, I had to say that her joy was verging on cute. Of course, I would never have told her that.

"Sam? . . . Sam?"

The sound of my name broke me out of my trance. I hadn't realised that I'd zoned out.

"Sorry, Riyo. I was miles away. What's up?"

"I was only asking if you didn't mind me using the products you have in the shower?" Her voice timid as she failed to keep her gaze in contact with my eyes.

"Uh, yeah, sure thing," I said. "You don't need to ask. Help yourself!"

"Oh, thank you. Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's no problem," I said. "Don't worry yourself. I'll bet you probably can't wait any longer! I'd feel the same way after going just a morning without a wash! I'll leave you to it!"

She chuckled. "I know what you mean! . . . Thanks again, Sam."

I smiled warmly. "No trouble."

Closing the door behind me, I left her to her privacy.

Before stepping into the shower, Riyo removed her hairband, allowing her pink hair to fall freely behind her shoulders. Carefully rubbing a segment between her fingers she winced at how greasy it had become after the neglect she'd given her hygiene over the past few days. She didn't even want to bring herself to imagine how she'd come to smell after such a duration!

Removing the last of her clothes, she reached into the shower to check the temperature. When it met her preference, she retracted her hand. She tucked her hair behind her ears on the way.

This is going to feel incredible! She thought.

Carefully placing her feet into the tray, she stepped into the small enclosure.

She let out a deep sigh as the hot water fell on her scalp and ran down her body. Blood flowed with a smoother density throughout her system, encouraging her muscles to relax. She felt overjoyed as she ran her fingers through her hair.

While she was gone, I took the time to check what was happening outside. There was still a lot of commotion, but nothing seemed to have changed. The army and police personnel appeared to have removed a considerable amount of the wreckage. The marshy soil had been churned up where off-roaders and trucks had been driven around. They'd been working hard throughout the night. Who knew how much longer they'd be sticking around!

I had to admit that I was still a little concerned. I knew it would have been naïve to think that the police had sincerely accepted my story. It could simply be a deception that they wanted me to believe we were free of suspicion. I knew that while things were calm right now, there always remained the chance for Riyo or I to slip up.

Moving away from the window, I decided that now was not the time to be overthinking future events that neither of us could foresee. Instead, I began a search for any old clothes that might potentially fit Riyo. It wasn't suitable, I know. But it wouldn't exactly have been fair to leave her with only two alternatives. Her uniform, or my old pyjamas.

I eventually lost track of how long my search was taking. Having removed a few of the drawers, there were now piles of clothes scattered around the room. Unfortunately, my search had so far proved fruitless.

Taking a seat on my bed, I pushed my hair from my eyes. I couldn't believe I hadn't found anything suitable for Riyo. It was obvious that to ensure her comfort we would have to make a trip to a nearby city or town. A trip I was reluctant to make. The risks would only multiply if she were to walk around in public, even with her disguise.

"Oh my. What've you been up to here?"

I looked toward the voice.

Riyo had finished her shower and was standing in the doorway wearing the clothes I'd given her last night. Her hair was wavy and damp from where she'd towel-dried it. She appeared perplexed over what I'd been doing.

"Oh, hey, Riyo. You finished already?" I said.

"Yes. I didn't want to make a fuss. My hair just needed a quick wash!"

"You feel better for it?"

"Wonderful, thank you!" she exclaimed as she walked further into my room.

"What have you been doing here? This mess kind of reminds me of my apartment!" I saw her grin.

"Seriously!" I said. "I'd have thought you to be the definition of tidy, Riyo! What being with your position in the Senate and all that . . ."

She shrugged. "The problem is that I'm hardly ever at home, Sam! I've simply gotten used to being a little rough and ready. The effects of the Clone Wars means spare time can be a little scarce for a politician!"

"I should have guessed. Who exactly am I to judge, after all? I was only trying to pick you out a few other clothes to wear. Apart from what I gave you last night. I figured it'd be nice for you to at least have a few other options!"

"That's sweet of you, Sam. But you honestly don't need to go out of your way just for me!"

"Rubbish!" I said. "If you are to end up staying here a while then you'll need to be comfortable."

Then came the question that I'd been dreading. I was feeling way too nervous as to how Riyo might respond. I had to admit that talking to girls, even in a casual manner, had never been a strong quality of mine. Brushing a hand through my hair, I took a deep breath.

"Actually . . . that, uh, brings me to what I was meaning to ask you, Riyo . . . I, uh"

"Please, ask away," she said.

Though her manner was kind, I was still apprehensive. "Well . . . it was only . . . seeing as we're short of a few things . . . I was wondering if maybe you wanted to . . . I don't know . . . head out for a few hours? I could drive us into town, and we could buy a few things for you. If you'd like . . ."

How she reacted to the question was the complete opposite of what I was expecting.

Riyo's curiosity was immediately replaced with a smile. "That would be wonderful, Sam! To tell you the truth, I'd been wanting to ask whether or not we could leave the house. I don't know if I'm ready to start work on the transmitter just yet. Although you don't need to go spending your money on me! . . ."

"Nonsense! Be the least I could do!" I interrupted.

"Okay, well, if you're sure about that. It's a plan then! I look forward to seeing what else this planet has in store!"

"Great! I'm sure you won't be disappointed! We'll head out soon."

I was glad we'd finally be able to get out of the house for a while. However, before I could even think about progressing with that plan, I suddenly noticed Riyo's happiness falter ever so slightly. I soon found out why. "Hey, Sam. I've just remembered the blatantly obvious. Seeing as I'll be mixing with your planet's general public, do you think it'd be safe for me to walk around amongst them? What if something went wrong with my disguise? What would we do then?"

"To be completely honest with you, Riyo. I'd probably say that's a risk we're simply going to have to take. Who knows how long you may end up staying on this planet! You can't very well sit around the house for that whole time! You'd start to go crazy!"

"I know what you mean. But I'm just not sure . . ."

I placed my hand on her shoulder. "We'll only be going out for a little while. If that device hasn't let you down yet, then why should it now? It'll be fine. I promise! Don't be afraid!"

She looked me in the eyes. Her smile gradually returned. " . . . Okay."

I was soon ready. With Riyo donning her disguise, we headed outside to my car. She had decided to wear her formal clothes. This projected the familiar image of the roll-neck jumper and black jeans.

I turned the ignition, jolting the engine into life. Pulling off my driveway, I took it slow as we travelled down the narrow, enclosed road. Riyo and I couldn't help but gape over the low hedgerow at the side of the road. It didn't seem that the police nor the present army personnel had even noticed us leave the house.

Once they were out of sight, I focused my attention back on the journey. However, Riyo and I ended up sharing a friendly conversation along the way.

I noticed her staring at the varied features around my car. "This is strange! I've never been in a vehicle like this before!" she said.

"You'll get used to it. After all, this is pretty much all you're going to see on this planet! That reminds me. How would you feel about eventually learning to drive, Riyo? Might come in handy if you knew how to use my car."

"Really? I'd . . . I guess that'd probably be a good idea. Would you be alright with teaching me?"

I shrugged. "Sure. Shouldn't be a problem. These roads are always empty, so I don't think we'd have to worry about being disturbed!"

"Thank you, Sam. I would appreciate that! . . . So, whereabouts are we heading? If you don't mind me asking?"

"I thought it best we head over to Hereford. Closest city to my house. It's a decent size. There should be plenty for you to see!" I replied.

"What kind of things to see exactly?"

I didn't know how to answer without going into a long and possibly dreary description.

"Uh . . . quite a lot. Show you when we get there. It'll be worth it!"

Her eyebrow lifted ever so slightly. "I'm sure it will!"

We continued talking for a little while. Nevertheless, that didn't prevent us both from eventually falling silent. Things began to get a little awkward. When that finally got unbearable, I quickly decided to make a suggestion to break the silence.

"Hey, Riyo. This may seem a bit random. But do you like music at all?"

My question got her curious. "Very much so. Although, I don't get an awful lot of spare time to enjoy it. It's a shame really. Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering. What're you into?"

"Mostly jazz. Though I must admit, I do enjoy a bit of rock when nobody's around."

I chuckled. "You keep that secret? Why?"

"I suppose I thought it might look a little . . . well, strange. You know, a senator who is expected to remain professional at all times listening to that sort of music . . . you could say I might overthink these kinds of things!"

I shook my head. "No comment! I was only thinking about putting something on if you didn't mind?"

"Not at all! Go ahead!"

Remembering that I had my disc of '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' inserted in the player, I switched on the stereo.

"I think you should like this if you're into rock. They're one of the most famous bands of all time. Called Oasis."

"Really? Let's have a listen."

I pressed play.

It was fair to say that I had zoned out for the remainder of the journey. Every gear change and every corner became second nature. My suggestion had ended up paying off in a way I couldn't have predicted. We'd nearly listened to the entire album when we finally arrived on the outskirts of Hereford. Although one slightly embarrassing habit of mine was the tendency for me to test my vocal abilities whenever Wonderwall kicked into action. Riyo found this particularly amusing to begin with. Nevertheless, it wasn't too long before she surprised me by half-heartedly attempting to follow my lead whenever she could. Her ability as a singer had to be admired!

Having navigated my way through the traffic I eventually managed to find a parking space. Then, after having paid the fee, Riyo and I were free to begin our tour.

We started from the city centre before making our way through the maze of side streets that took us past Tudor and Georgian buildings down towards the cathedral. I couldn't help but smile when I noticed her staring with awe at her surroundings.

"This place is stunning, Sam! Does the rest of England look like this by any chance?"

"A lot more did at one time," I said. "But I'll explain later . . . we've got other things to do."

"Couldn't you explain now? I don't see us in any kind of rush . . ."

"Do you think it could wait? It's not exactly a short story."

Riyo frowned. "Oh, okay then. Don't worry about it. But I'd be interested to hear it all later . . ."

"Sure," I said. "Now come on. I know where we can start!"

We continued to converse in a friendly conversation as we made our way back to the city centre. The first place I led us to was the city's Primark shop. Of course, the clothes they sold were a little on the cheap side. But they always lasted. Besides, I was only earning a minimum wage, so I wasn't exactly in a financially secure position. Furthermore, I thought it best to get the priority of our trip over and done with now.

Once inside, we immediately made our way to the women's section.

Riyo seemed a little uncomfortable as we walked past bustling shoppers. "This may come across as an awkward request, Sam. But I think I might rely on your opinion when it comes to choosing the right clothes to wear here on Earth. I don't think anything here looks familiar!"

"Uh, sure, I'll do my best. But I think you're overthinking this a little, Riyo. Just take a look at everyone around you if you want inspiration."

"That wouldn't be a bad idea. Sorry, I'm getting myself a little stressed out!"

"Look, don't worry yourself about it. Just pick out whatever you want. It'd be ridiculous for you to keep walking around in your uniform every day!"

"Fair point . . ."

Once we started browsing, Riyo, understandably, appeared a little stumped at the choice. Nevertheless, after about half an hour, we managed to put aside a decent selection of clothes. The choices were varied while including all the essentials. All the while, I did have to admit that I was feeling a little embarrassed. Not that I was wandering around the feminine section of a clothes shop. More so that I had been asked to make suggestions. Confidentially speaking, I didn't have much of that sort of experience under my belt. Not yet had I had a girlfriend or so much as ever kissed a girl. And even though I was constantly running this ludicrous situation through my mind, being out clothes shopping with an alien girl! I just didn't like being pulled out of my comfort zone!

Even so, Riyo hadn't rejected any suggestions I'd so far made.

Though what was about to happen I couldn't have prepared myself for. No matter how self-conscious I had been beforehand.

Riyo was examining a jacket.

"I don't think this looks too bad, Sam. What'd you think?" she asked, holding the garment up against herself.

"Not a bad choice," I replied. "The only thing I might have to say is . . . oh, bollocks . . ."

She looked confused. "Excuse me?"

"Shit!"

"Sam, what's going on? Are you alright?"

I should have acknowledged her. But at that moment the only thing I could focus on was the group that was approaching us. A dreaded sight! We went back a long way! My guts began to twist the closer they got. I began to desperately try and think up an excuse to escape this encounter.

"Uh, sorry, Riyo. Do you think we could go and quickly look at something else?"

"Oh, why?"

"Well . . ."

"SAM! How're you doing, mate?" that baritone voice called out my name.

"Lewis . . ." I muttered.

Now I know it sounds petty to still be intimidated by your old bully once you reach your early twenties. Once achieving that level of maturity you should no longer stand for any nonsense that might resurge from your past. Lewis, however, was a unique exception. While I had tried to move on with my life, he had never quite managed to depart from our teen era. True, I had been put through intensive military training that was intended to turn a coward into a fighter. But it seemed that certain people remained immune from that programming. That being the guy who throughout my whole school life had made it his top priority to target me whenever he saw a chance. And never had I ever found the strength to retaliate against the six-foot-four rugby player.

"Just get lost, Lewis! I'm not in the mood this time!" there wasn't a hint of confidence in my words.

"Oh, come on, mate. There's no need for that. We've got so much to catch up on! Although I can't imagine things having changed all that much for you. You're still the same weak little twat I remember so well!"

I didn't know what to do. Something changed inside me in his presence. I felt helpless. All I could think of at that moment was what Riyo would make of this situation. How from just a few words from a bigger guy, I could be reduced to a feeble coward.

However, her eventual reaction to his words was the very last scenario I could have predicted.

"We're not remotely interested in what you think. Now would you be so kind as to leave us alone!"

Lewis finally took notice of Riyo. I couldn't believe what I was seeing!

"Who the fuck's talking to you?" he spat. "Why would you bother with this guy? He doesn't know his arse from his elbow! Since when do you have a girl to stand up for you, mate?"

Riyo was unfazed. Looking angrier rather than intimidated. A confidence you would have never known to have been withheld within such a seemingly shy girl.

"The only stupid one I can see right now is you! Haven't you got better things to do? What's he ever done to you?"

Lewis chuckled. "I'm impressed, Sam. She's got bigger balls than you've ever had!"

"And how would you know?" Riyo was showing no signs of backing down. "I can guarantee you that he's a braver person than you'll ever be! And frankly, even I'm already bored of listening to you!

I couldn't tell whether or not Lewis seemed impressed as she stood her ground. "For a pretty girl, you're quite feisty. I like that!" I can see why you've got her speaking for you, mate! You might have been more popular with girls if you'd had her around in school!"

"I don't care what you think," she didn't budge. "And to tell you the truth, from what I'm seeing now, any girl who was interested in you was either desperate or had particularly low standards!"

My jaw dropped at Riyo's insult. Nobody would have dared say something like that to him during our school years. It didn't seem possible to me that someone as sweet and gentle as her could project her words with such venom.

Almost immediately, I could see a change in Lewis's smug demeanour. Pure rage! His face reddened a little, and he began to close the space between us and him. That was the first time I spotted a hint of fear on Riyo's face.

"What did you fucking say? You want to say that again?"

Realising he was readying himself for a violent outburst, all I could think about was what he might do to Riyo. And that was when, for the first time, I summoned the courage to try and stand in his way.

I quickly moved in front of Riyo to defend her. "Oi, just leave her alone. Don't even . . ." my decision had been a little naïve; Lewis wasn't remotely interested in listening. I received a powerful punch to the gut before I had the chance to finish speaking. That knocked me down for the count as I clutched my stomach.

"Nobody's fucking talking to you!" he nearly yelled. "Fucking stay down there!"

"Sam!" I heard Riyo exclaim.

I saw her try and rush to my side. However, before she could even move she was held back when Lewis grabbed her arm.

Seeing how scared she looked, I tried to stand myself up. But I couldn't help but fall again when the pain in my stomach only intensified when I tried to move.

"You want to fucking repeat what you said?" Lewis very nearly yelled, grabbing Riyo's jumper roughly. She closed her eyes tight, readying herself for what was about to come.

However, Lewis never had the chance to even swing one punch. With perfect timing, a burly man grabbed his arm and restrained it behind his back. It seemed that having heard the commotion, a member of staff, with him a security guard, had come to the rescue.

To my surprise, Lewis didn't even try to struggle while the guard held the arm lock. With a staff member standing between us and my enemy, I felt a hand take mine. Turning my attention away from, Lewis I realised that Riyo was trying to help me to my feet. I was soon standing again. Although the pain still pulsated a little.

"I can't believe that! Are you okay?" her hand on my shoulder.

"I'm fine, thanks, Riyo. I'm more concerned about you! Did he hurt you?"

She smiled sweetly and removed her hand. "Don't worry about me. I'm just glad it's over!"

"Me too!"

I went to look back at Lewis. But it seemed that the guard had been swift in removing him from the scene. I didn't see where they'd gone. Although, I could still hear him swearing at us from somewhere nearby.

The staff member approached us. "Are you two okay? I saw the whole thing! He was about to attack you! What the hell was going on?"

"It's nothing. We go back a long way. He's tormented me for years. Though I have to admit, I didn't think he'd keep this up after the age of twenty!"

"Nevermind a long lasting tormenter. I get the impression there may be the makings of a sociopath in him!" Riyo exclaimed.

"You're telling me! But I think you had him genuinely surprised! You were amazing! Given his size compared to you . . ."

Riyo blushed. "T . . . thanks, Sam. I couldn't just stand there while he was doing that to you."

"Are you sure you two are okay? Did you want to move this on to the police? He did assault you after all!" the staff member interjected.

"NO!" we both nearly said in unison. "I mean, uh, there's no need for that, thanks. I barely ever see the guy anyway. Besides, I think we've probably got more important things to worry about. Haven't we?" I looked over at Riyo.

She caught on to what I was saying. "Oh, yes, we do."

Both of us thanked the staff for their help before we went to pay for the clothes. Riyo thanked me for the purchase as we walked back to the street. I took a deep breath of fresh air when we finally got outside. I was glad to leave!

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Riyo!" I apologised as we began our walk down the street. We were soon walking at a gentle pace alongside each other. Each of us holding bags.

Riyo shook a hand dismissively. "Don't worry. It wasn't your fault, Sam. But I must say I'd be lying if I tried to make out that I wasn't terrified. That guy is dangerous!"

"You didn't give that impression!"

Riyo chuckled. "Don't let that fool you. Remember, it's part of my job to keep a level head under stress! But anyway, would you mind if we forgot about that unfortunate experience? We're supposed to be having something of a day out, after all. And besides, there's still everything you've promised to show me, remember," she finished with a playful grin on her face.

"Okay, okay. We're getting to that. Don't try and rush me! I'll burst a damn blood vessel at this rate!" I exclaimed. Rolling my eyes in a display of feigned frustration.

We both shared a laugh as we continued our tour of the city.

After dropping everything we'd bought back to my car. We soon found ourselves back in the city centre. I noticed Riyo's gaze travelling left to right as we passed along the parallel rows of shops.

"Where shall we start?" she asked.

"Up to you. I'm good with wherever you want to go," I answered.

"Really? Oh . . . I'm not sure . . ."

"Don't worry yourself. I told you, I don't mind!"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Alright. Since you're so adamant."

"I'll follow your lead!"

We visited a couple more clothes shops. Although, we didn't buy anything else.

Her next choice came as something of a surprise to me. She insisted on visiting a music shop. It would be fair to say I kind of got a little carried away after we began browsing through so many albums. There was a CD player on standby for customers to listen to anything they wanted. We ended up listening to Pink Floyd, Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac. We ended up losing track of the time. But, still, she loved what she heard.

Upon exiting the shop, we didn't manage to walk far before she spotted an indoor market. To say I was perplexed by Riyo's choice was an understatement.

"I wouldn't have thought this to be the sort of place to take your interest?"

"Really. Why not? I used to visit places like this whenever I got the spare time on Coruscant. You usually get so much choice!"

"I know what you mean."

This was the one popular place in the city I had never visited. To begin with, Riyo dragged me to a jewellery stand where she excitedly browsed through the choices of necklaces and earrings. She also insisted on trying on a few things. I did have to admit that it was nice to see her happy. However, what I couldn't have foreseen was me eventually purchasing her a couple of necklaces she took a liking to. They weren't too expensive so I didn't mind.

We carried on looking through a couple more stalls after I'd managed to drag her away. That resulted in us tasting flavoured moonshine. The flavours were incredible. And to my amusement, I couldn't help but notice Riyo getting gradually more giggly after only a few shots. Even I was close to joining in! However, I soon decided it best to get us something to eat in an attempt to try and get us thinking straight. This resulted in us leaving the market in due course. Not before I'd bought us each a burrito from a Mexican food stall.

"This is extraordinary!" Riyo exclaimed.

"How's that?" I took the last bite of my wrap.

"These taste so similar to some of the things you'd find on Coruscant! Perhaps our planets aren't so different after all . . ."

"Really? Well, I guess . . ."

"Oh, wait a second!" she unexpectedly grabbed my shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt, Sam. But do you think we could head over there?"

"Where?"

To my surprise, the place that had caught her interest just so happened to be the local cinema. It was the kind of place that showed the latest releases, as well as a few of the classics that were shown in special screenings.

I found it rather extraordinary how much Riyo had let her guard down since we'd first met. Given her reserved manner during our initial encounter, I had to admit it was nice to see snippets of her genuine nature reveal themselves.

"Have we got time to stop? Would you mind?" she'd be pleading with me if she'd said much more.

"You a movie fan by any chance, Riyo? No offence, but I wouldn't have thought other planets to have discovered such a thing. Let alone taken any interest!"

"What? I don't know where you got an idea like that! I'm always watching films back home on Pantora. It's one of the few things I can enjoy in my spare time! W . . . would you mind if we watched something?"

Taking a glance at my watch, I was surprised to see it was only mid-afternoon. "Well, we've still got plenty of time. Sure, couldn't hurt! Let's see what they've got on . . ."

We both ran through the choices that were being displayed in the window. None of the latest releases seemed all that appealing. But there was still a good selection of classics available. Being something of a movie fanatic myself, I'd acquired a habit of being quite picky about what I watch.

We eventually settled on our choice and headed inside. Having decided on The Apartment with Jack Lemmon. It just so happened to be one of my favourite classics!

I bought popcorn for us both before we headed in to find our seats. Surprisingly, there weren't all that many people in there with us, so we were pretty much free to pick any seat we wanted. That ended up being in the front row. Leaving no possible obstruction to the screen. And it wasn't long before the lights dimmed, followed by the curtain rising. I was looking forward to this!

The film progressed with a deathly silence amidst the audience. The only occasional exception was me whispering to Riyo. There were a few certain aspects of nineteen fifties life that needed explaining to her.

Times went by in the film when we chuckled, but also couldn't help our eyes getting a little misty. That was what I loved about it. A film that made you realise that life could not be happy without having to go through a little suffering along the way. Although, there was one moment during the movie when I couldn't take my attention away from my friend. It was during the distressing scene of Shirley MacLaine's attempted suicide that my ear began to twitch. The cause was the soft, ephemeral sniffling Riyo was letting out. When I finally decided to turn my head I could see the build-up of moisture in her eyes through the reflection of light from the screen. Having not yet noticed me staring, she reached up and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Are you okay?" I whispered to her.

Despite the sharp turn of her head, her nod was gentle. "Yes, sorry, Sam. It's just, um, this scene is hitting me a little hard! Don't get me wrong, though, this film has been amazing!"

"Glad you're enjoying it. But don't be afraid to say if it's too much at any point," I whispered.

"Thank you, Sam. But I'll be fine! I promise," she smiled. I stared into her increasingly bloodshot eyes.

We ended up sitting through the remainder of the movie in complete silence. It didn't feel possible to look away from the screen even for a second. When the conclusion finally arrived I didn't even need to glance over at Riyo to feel certain that both our hearts had been warmed when Baxter finally confessed his love for Miss Kubelik over a game of gin rummy.

The credits began to roll. My eyes squinted as the lights turned back on. Giving them a rub, I reached down and picked up our empty popcorn boxes.

"Well, what did you think?" I asked Riyo.

"Thank you for that, Sam. That was . . . unlike anything I've ever seen before!" she exclaimed. "What a wonderful story!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it!"

We walked alongside one another as we followed the few audience members out of the cinema. The sun was just beginning to set. A faint haze of amber was glowing from beyond the horizon. Dusk was just setting in.

I suggested we walk through the park before heading home. There was a group of kids playing football on the field beside to path we were strolling along. A young couple were sitting on a bench in front of the river; their hands connected as the girl rested her head on her partner's shoulder. And walking towards us was what appeared to be two friends out walking their dogs.

"You know something, Sam, I'm starting to think I might miss this planet if I ever have the chance to leave! This home of yours . . . England, it reminds me somewhat of a planet that I occasionally visit. Alderaan. It, too, consists of beautiful green landscapes and woodland. The only exception is your lack of mountains!"

I chuckled. "I still can't get my head around how you talk of interplanetary travel as if it were nothing more than an idle trip to the shops! The farthest Earth has ever journeyed into space is only to our moon. And we haven't been back there for decades!"

"All I'll say is that your planet sounds as though it has a lot of catching up to do in comparison to Skyriver technology!"

"I agree! However, that process would probably be accelerating were it not for the division this planet has always had. So many countries have always found it impossible to get along with one another. We've just never had the right sorts of people in power at the same time! This planet spends too much time wrapped up in petty disagreements that it seems to have fallen blind to the bigger picture!"

"Oh, really? . . . what would that . . ."

I listened closely to what she wanted to ask. However, an unexpected turn of events broke us abruptly away from the topic. That interruption came in the presence of a Labrador that was one of the dogs that belonged to those two friends I'd noticed heading towards us a minute ago. And judging by how excitably he jumped up to her whilst panting heavily, it was obvious he had already taken a liking to her!

"Well . . . hello there," she stroked his head. He tried to lick her hand whenever he thought he might have an opportunity. "Where did you come from?"

I couldn't help but smile at this interaction. "Looks as though you've got a knack with dogs!"

"No knack I've ever known about!" she replied. "Aw, but aren't you lovely!"

The Labrador's owner quickly ran over to us. Grabbing him by the collar and pulling him away from Riyo. "Alfie! Stop that! I'm so sorry! He just likes to say hello to everyone he sees!"

"No problem at all," Riyo smiled. "He's quite the character!"

"Yeah, you don't know the half of it!" the owner sighed. He was somewhat forcing a grin as he attached a lead to Alfie's collar. "I look forward to the day I can just have a normal walk with him!"

"Honestly, don't worry about it," she replied. "You can't exactly tell an animal off just for being friendly!

I guessed he was glad that his pet had decided to pester someone of a peaceful nature since he made sure to express his gratitude for her understanding. However, when he tried to encourage Alfie to continue with their walk, the dog blatantly refused to budge. Upon seeing Riyo move away from him, the dog began to whine loudly, pulling fiercely on his lead.

"Look at that! I think you've made a new best friend!" I observed that the dog's whining only increased the further we moved away from him.

"That's a first for me!" she replied.

Knowing it wouldn't be too long before it started to get dark I suggested we made our way back to my car. Riyo agreed. There was a chance it would be a lengthy drive home. Despite this, we remained at a slow pace as we began our walk back.

It didn't take us long to reach my car. Once we'd sat ourselves in, I turned the key in the ignition. The engine fired into life, but so did the radio which I'd forgotten to switch off earlier.

There was a nearly inaudible crackle hissing through the speakers as the signal came in and out. Neither of us paid it much attention.

"In . . . news . . . United Sta . . . summon . . . ambassador . . . Russian shi . . . exchange . . . cruiser . . . sea . . . " I switched the radio off without paying the broadcast any attention.

It was nearly pitch black when I pulled into my driveway. Riyo and I had both our hands full as we carried in everything we'd bought.

"So you think that dog might have known I wasn't human?" Riyo said.

"I'd say so, yeah. A dog's senses are incredible! Heck, it's even said that they can detect serious diseases in a person that they'll have no idea they're suffering with!"

"Is that so? That's extraordinary," Riyo commented as we placed our shopping in the lounge.

Leaving Riyo for a moment, I departed into the kitchen to peer out at the crash site just over the fence. There were still a few police officers remaining at the site. It seemed that the army had at last cleared away. From what I could see, the authorities had already removed the wreckage from Riyo's craft. Then again, I hadn't expected them to prolong such a job. Public interest would have only increased to an uncontrollable level the longer they stayed there.

My concentration was suddenly broken when I heard Riyo call through from the lounge. "I'm just going to head upstairs to try on a few of these things, Sam. I won't be long . . ."

"Sure thing. Just remember to keep your camouflage on unless you shut the curtains," I called back.

"I will!" there was a light thumping of footsteps on the stairs as she headed up to her room.

Returning to the lounge, I sat myself down on the sofa and my body out as far as the muscles would allow. A few joints cracked as my bones re-adjusted themselves.

"What a day!" I murmured as I closed my eyes.

I was only just beginning to relax when my phone suddenly began to vibrate in my pocket. Taking a look at the screen, I saw it was the one person that for a while I had completely forgotten about. My mum.

I placed the device to my ear.

"Hiya," I greeted.

"Hiya, babs! How're you doing? Enjoying the peace and quiet?"

"Good, thanks. Everything's fine here. Been quite nice to chill out. Although, it can be a little too quiet if you know what I mean! Don't know what to do after a while . . ."

"Haven't you been out at all? You can drive, remember?"

"That costs money, though, isn't it!"

"You tight-arse!" I heard her laugh.

"You know me! Anyway, how're things down in London?"

His mother groaned on the other end of the line. "It's a complete shambles! My boss suddenly decided to postpone all our meetings until next month once we'd all got here. So there was no bloody point in me heading down in the first place! So, I've just been working through a few things here at the office while I had the chance. Although, on a positive note, that means I'll be home tonight! There's a train leaving from Paddington in a little while. So I should be back later."

I felt all my organs tense up. "Tonight?"

"Yeah, with a stroke of luck! And just when you thought you'd got another day free without me! I should be back in a few hours. If the trains are on time, that is!"

"That's . . . great!" my words just managed to compose themselves. "What time do you reckon you'll be home?"

"If there aren't any delays . . . I'd say just before ten."

"Oh . . ."

The conversation would have continued. Yet, in a moment of inconvenient timing, I heard footsteps descending the stairs behind me. Riyo's voice called through from the hallway.

"Hey, Sam? What do you think? I guess I'm starting to get the hang of this planet's idea of fashion . . ."

She entered the living room. However, upon seeing the phone next to my ear and my furrowed gaze sending her a silent message of bad timing, she quickly clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Sorry!" she whispered.

"Who's that?" my mum had managed to pick up Riyo's voice.

"I think there's someone at the door. Can I call you back in a few minutes?" I said quickly.

"Oh, of course. Don't worry. I won't keep you . . ."

"Cheers. Sorry about this, I won't be long. Bye . . ."

"Bye."

Ending the call, I dropped my phone onto the sofa cushion.

Riyo approached carefully. "I'm so sorry, Sam. I didn't know you were busy. Is everything alright?"

"My mum's on her way home. She'll be here in a few hours!" I said.

Phew, over and done with at last!

I promise the next update won't be such a long wait!

Until next time, chaps!