The Alien Girl

By S. J. Carvil

Charlyyk is aware the Laight's with the light beam could take her against her will. Th e wedding with new parents hoping, could give her time to eliminate that threat. Glimpses of her past were starting to reappear, senses she had the scientific knowledge; though must not provoke expectations to those on Earth. Th e Laight's had more to offer he

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leavitt Peak Press
• Release date: Aug 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781961017801

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The

Alien Girl

The Change

SJ Carvil

Copyright © 2023 SJ Carvil.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotation in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-961017-79-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-961017-80-1 (e)

Rev. date: 07/24/2023

Contents

Chapter 1   Gilmore’s Park Hotel

Chapter 2   The wedding reception

Chapter 3   Surprise Honeymoon

Chapter 4   The Island Paradise

Chapter 5   Unwanted Stranger

Chapter 6   False Alarm

Chapter 7   A new life

Chapter 8   Finding her Sexuality

Chapter 9   Election Time

Chapter 10   Helen’s Big Decision

Chapter 11   Emily makes her Entrance

Chapter 12   The Turnkeys

Chapter 13   Reunion with her old Mentor

Chapter 14   Who is wanting and why?

Chapter 15   Need for a rethink

Chapter 16   The Results of the Fashion Parade

Chapter 17   Tick bite

Chapter 18   Julia’s Confession

Chapter 19   Tiilk has made it Home

Chapter 20   Creidhaagh

Chapter 21   Kramon

Chapter 22   School summer break

Chapter 23   The Grand Tour.

Chapter 24   Kelliit

Chapter 1

Gilmore’s Park Hotel

The evening air, was warm from the heat of the day, the lights from the Hotel, lit up the Park. The music from inside the wedding reception area could just be heard as the constant stream of cars were dropping off the wedding guest, at Gilmore Park Hotel for the reception. Bryn and the new Mrs Helen Collier were waiting to greet them, inside the reception hall. Helen still dressed in her bridal gown, looking more radiant than ever. Bryn in his regimental dress uniform, the epitome of manhood. Everyone eager to shake his hand, though more eager to kiss the bride.

Charlyyk standing in attendance could not help, but reflect on her position here, since arriving on Earth. How her new family had adopted her, without any thought, other than she would be a part of the family. Charlyyk had been lucky, she did not doubt that for one moment, it could have been a lot worse, if it had been any other type of family than the Collier’s. Bryn her new dad had an over modest pension from his illustrious military career. His military training had been the main reason they had survived that ordeal, within that bear pit; on that arid planet far out in space. Where they had been sent to bond together by her people the Laight’s. They did not know that at the time, though it was the plates that had been inserted in to their heads, that cemented the bonding that they both now share, that was giving her the reason to being a very happy girl. Helen her new mum was the Cherry on top of the cake, Helen who had been given the task of Charlyyk’s security by British Intelligence, now finds herself, not playing mother hen to Charlyyk; is now Charlyyk’s new adopted mother. This completed Charlyyk’s idea of a family, for she now has a mum, a dad, sister and brother. Was this important to her? Charlyyk nodded to herself, her brains were telling her, this was to protect herself, from her people the Laight’s; as they had placed her there as just someone of no consequence, what else would they do to her. The concerns that festered in her mind; was how she could protect those around her, the light beam was her main worry, for the Laight’s could pluck her away anytime they desired. This now had become her main concern. Now having come through her first change, she was feeling, though it was not just about how her body was changing. It was more the way her two brains were developing. The memories that the Laight’s had to suppress, to get her to bond with Bryn, were now starting to break down, with flash backs, that were now showing her glimpses, of her previous life. Her nose had detected that she was related in birth to the Laight’s royal family. She still needed to be patient; till she was strong enough to make any change, to her present position.

Charlyyk bent down and re-arranged the bottom on Helen’s dress, so more photos could be taken. Then stepped back, for this was Helen’s big day, that Charlyyk wanted it just perfect for her. The love they both shared for each other radiated out in their smiles, also with the little hand touches they gave each other. Charlyyk looked around at all the friendly faces, she knew it could have been so much different if the people here on Earth had not accepted her, yet they have. Smiling and giving little waves Charlyyk was enjoying the day. Yet inside her head, there was so much happening, for her thoughts on how she must protect herself would not go away.

The more Charlyyk met with her own people the Laight’s, the more the plate, they had inserted in her head, that was there to suppressed her memory, that had now started to evaporate, it was the strange re-occurring fragmented forms, that now and again would trigger something new in her head. She knew the changes that were happening were due to the Laight’s altering her DNA; this was to reduce her height, not to make her intimidating. Though changing her claws to fingernails that was girly, the girls in the family, also her school chums, the posse, enjoyed helping her to shape her nails, and to colour them. Knowing she still needed to be careful, she must keep up the pretence, that she must not allow anyone to believe she is a threat to them, she must continue moulding herself around those of her same age group.

Charlyyk’s smile acknowledged more of the wedding guest.

Her thoughts still tumbled through her mind of the consequences that could have happened, though had not materialised, yet she must still be aware the circumstances, could still revert to her original fears of being taken away, the light beam had the capacity to do just that. Knowing that it is not just Earthlings, she must not upset, it also was the Laight’s. Breenglaagh the Queen and her son Drenghaagh with Klyklyyk his Intent, Saarlyyk their daughter, were her real family, as Drenghaagh was her paternal father’s elder brother. This she had detected from their scent, yet it was them that sent her to that planet to die miserably in the first place. Could she forgive them, for how her friends were torn apart and eaten before their own eyes? They’re screams of pain still haunting her dreams. Charlyyk’s double brain that allowed her eyes and ears to work separately, then as they were expanding slowly, the effects she was now starting to notice. For hidden inside of her two brains, were the DNA remnants of her parent’s brains. Both of them being scientist, who were at the top of their specialist fields of science. Charlyyk knew she was special for how she could grasp so easily what Mr Waverly taught in his science lessons, what she stored in her head, and did not have to think that hard to retrieve, yet she still had to be mindful to be careful, to how she used that intelligence, so not to give her true potential away. Knowing the different Foreign Military Powers and their Intelligence agencies would love to exploit her if they thought she had any other capabilities. NASA being no different, desired anything to en-chance their determination to be top dog in Space technology. She knew the meaning of keeping friends close to hand, China’s Brigadier Su Shi Ning and his wife Lui, the Russian Bear, Major Yuri Stanovic, also Capt. John Hanne the American Intelligence office and Britain’s Major Alan Carter. These were those she must keep on-board with her trust of them. The others to be very careful of.

Chapter 2

The wedding reception

Bill Gilmore, the hotel manager, had set up the large hall, so the band played at one end, with an area for dancing. Tables were set up at the other end for the wedding banquet.

Three-year-old Amy was running about; in her head, she was a fairy. Sarah Martin had given her a stick with a silver star on it; that was all that was required to allow her three-year-old imagination to run wild. Charlyyk was keeping a close eye on Amy, so she did not become a nuisance running around weaving her imaginary magic spells.

As the guest arrived, the band played soft music to allow them to be able to talk, the main topic being the entrance of the Laight’s; Drenghaagh, Klyklyyk and their daughter Saarlyyk at the Cathedral; how tall they were, how they towered over everyone around them. The women were more interested in what they wore and the colour of their hair. They were comparing Charlyyk’s rose gold colour hair, had noticed the differences in the other Laight’s hair colour. It was how Charlyyk’s thick hair had changed, due to the use of shampoos and conditioners, it had more movement when she walked, then the other Laight’s hair, that sat tight to their heads.

Many of the posse’s parents had gathered together. With so much to talk about, on the progress of their Children. They were discussing the changes they had made since the arrival of Charlyyk in their lives, mainly the changes in their attitudes, none more than Cindy and Albert Chandler, on the transformation in their son Mike, who seems to have matured in such a short time.

Albert talking with Alan Peters, Julia’s father. ‘I’m so pleased to how Mike has changed in the way he has Alan… Mike’s head was always in the clouds, like his mother’s. Now he has taken on a new directive, much more level headed. Julia has helped him in many ways, this has made him tidy himself up, as he now keeps himself cleaner, worries more how he looks.’

Alan Peters agreeing that Julia had also changed. ‘But I believe this is natural Albert, at this stage in their lives. When they start to grasp what life really is, the toys they valued so much are cast aside as their different priorities start to take preference.’

As many of the guests started to gather around Charlyyk. The main questions asked were about the Laight’s, what was the nature of the ceremony that they had performed after the wedding ceremony, the way the male Laight’s had joined their hands together, with the nodding they did.

Charlyyk, straight forwardly answered all their questions, as if it happened every day. Showing them the ring, she wore on her finger, the function it could perform. Many of them now close at hand to the dress she was wearing, taking a closer look at the quality of the material. Charlyyk was at ease to inform them about the seed pod, the material it came from, the planet where it had grown. The gossamer hair that helped to protect the seed from the harsh condition it had grown in. Looking at the dresses and how they had appeared at being spun by spiders.

Charlyyk did not mind talking about her people, or of the customs that they associated themselves with, as this indicated to the Earth’s people, Charlyyk had nothing to hide. Bryn’s warning to her, give the press something to write about her, so they don’t make up stories, still resonates strongly in her mind. For it’s not what people write, more to how they talk about you that matters most. Helen had spoken of Chinese Whispers to how they spread rumours…that have a habit of sticking in people’s minds whether they are true or not; if people want to believe the story to justify their own beliefs, it will satisfy them to accept that the stories being branded about, as being nearer to their truth.

The Collier’s long-standing farming friends, Jane and Edward Parsons organised the seating of the guest, a special table was laid on for the parents of the posse. Sandra’s father Len, his position at the table, so his wheelchair would fit comfortably, also he would be kept out of any draughts. He and his wife Rebecca were sitting with Jean and Fred Elliott. Peter parents Iris and Alan Peters, Julia’s parents, and Mike’s parents, Cindy and Albert Chandler were sitting at the same table.

Local Police Woman, Sergeant Wendy Bailey who had worked with Helen in the army, and Wendy’s husband Brian seeing so many guests, stepped in to help the Parsons to seat the guest. As Bryn and Helen sat at the main table. Charlyyk and Amy sat with the posse, with Annabelle Lyndd on their table.

Harold being the best man, welcomed everyone and kept them all amused as the food was served and glasses filled.

Bill Gilmore rang a little bell, there was hush all around. As Bill was acting Master of Ceremonies. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls. The father of the bride…Lord Edward Bennett.’

Edward stood up, his lean elderly eighty-four-year-old frame, with a bright, intelligent face, looked all around. The smile on his face could not help but put a smile on everyone’s faces. ‘It has always been a long-standing tradition for the father of the bride to welcome the guest, to his daughter’s wedding feast.’ The wry smile he gave as he thought of what he was going to say next. ‘Although this has been a long time coming, Elizabeth and I, could not be happier…Bryn is one of those men that any parent would be proud that their daughter would marry… as you all know, we have not just gained a son, also a grandchild as well…for we have been instilled into that high order of grandparenthood…It’s Charlyyk, our new granddaughter from another world, that has made this all happen… So, please raise your glasses to Bryn, Helen… and Charlyyk.’

His duty done, everyone started to eat.

After the dinner. Bill Gilmore rang his little bell, the hush of the guest eager to hear the next speaker. Bill Gilmore nodded to Bryn. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls…The Groom.’

Bryn stood up, looking at Helen with that newlywed look to his face, more of a smirk than a smile, Helen with a coy smile, looking back at him. Her thoughts at this time were, ‘This is it Bryn, we’ve done it’.

Bryn looked straight at Charlyyk. ‘Edward was right; this is all Charlyyk’s fault, she deliberately came to this Planet solely to get me married.’

Charlyyk stood up, with that wicked look she has. ‘You bet I did.’

Catherine, Rachel, Gwen, Jane and Janet all stood up and clapped and cheered.

Catherine with her rolled up fist in the air, pulled it down in an air grab, then rotated her fist in the air, walloping as if she was still playing Cricket, as if she had just won the ashes.

Bryn could not help but laugh. ‘I would not put it past you lot if you were not in with this plot?’ Then Bryn with a solemn look. ‘Many of you remembered my first wife, Kitty, what a remarkable woman she was. Well, I’m pleased to inform you that Helen in her own way is just as remarkable, many here will vouch to what I am saying is true.’ With that, the whole family stood up raised their glasses and as one. ‘Helen.’

Then Charlyyk raised her glass ‘Mum.’

Helen returned the smiles they gave her, blew them all kisses.

It was the look between Helen and Charlyyk, that everyone picked up on. The chemistry just oozed between them. They had bonded together as a true Mother and Daughter combination.

Bryn took a sip of water. ‘I would like to thank, Alan and Joyce Lyndd for the use of their exceptional Vintage Rolls, a magnificent car.’ The nod with a pleasing smile, was with true gratitude.

The Lyndd’s stood up and raised their glasses and replied. ‘Pleasure.’

Bryn looking at Charlyyk and Amy again. ‘What beautiful Bridesmaids, as everyone can see their dresses are out of this world, supplied by Charlyyk’s people the Laight’s. Come on...were they not impressive?’

Everyone eyes were looking at Amy and Charlyyk. Bryn picked up his glass. ‘To our beautiful Bridesmaids.’ With clinks of the glasses, everyone toasted the Bridesmaids. Bryn turned and looked at Harold, thrust his hand forward, shook Harold’s hand, then sat down, giving Harold the floor. As usual, Bryn was a man of few words.

Harold collected himself. ‘Everyone here in some way or another had something to do with bringing these two together today, we all appreciate what a great couple, they both make… From those early days of Charlyyk, returning Bryn back to us, till now. Each one of you has given them a chance to settle as a family; I should praise the help of the teachers and pupils of Alderbrook Academy, where Charlyyk attends, which has given their bit towards this. Most of all a special praise to the posse, that fantastic group of classmates of Charlyyk’s.’

All the posse as one nodded their approval.

Then Harold looked at Bryn. ‘I married Gwen, gained a brother, and a great friend.’ The look he gave Helen was of a loving brother. ‘Kitty that fantastic woman, she gave so much to all of us, she will always remain in our hearts. Meeting Helen I find that I’ve placed her with Kitty together in my heart, because what she has achieved with Bryn and Charlyyk, has been just as remarkable. So please raise your glasses to Bryn and Helen, may your love for each other, help you both secure a great life together… Bryn and Helen.’

The clinking of glasses and the cheer of. ‘Bryn and Helen.’ Was heard from the whole congregation

The speeches and the banquet had finished, then after a dwell in the proceeding. Everyone, were now busy communicating with each other, on how the reception had gone, it was time for the Bride and Groom’s to have the first dance. After the dance, as more of the guest started to make their way onto the floor to join in with the dancing, that’s when Bryn and Helen, left to change into something more comfortable.

When Bryn and Helen returned to the reception. Charlyyk slipped out to change; Amy did not want to change; she loved the dress she was wearing it made her feel like a princess and would not take it off.

Charlyyk’s entrance, in the red Vivian Westwood dress, brought gasp all round. It was Elizabeth Bennett, Helen’s mother that was first by her side admiring how she looked. ‘Charlyyk, you look fantastic’ Reaching out with her hands and twirling Charlyyk around. ‘Fantastic.’

Charlyyk’s face had the biggest grin you could imagine for as soon as she had seen this dress, she knew she must wear it to the wedding. The girls of the posse had gathered around Charlyyk, to see at first-hand how the dress matched the magazine pictures that Charlyyk had shown them at the Academy.

Chance Carter seeing Charlyyk made his way to the piano, where he played and sang the Chris De Burgh song ‘Lady in Red’.

Thomas stepped forward and asked Charlyyk to dance, she accepted his offer, they were soon dancing, as the band carried on playing, with more of the guest joining them on the floor. Then Brent took over from Thomas.

Bryn could not wait any longer, tapped Brent on the shoulder. ‘I think it is my duty as a father to dance with his daughter.’

Charlyyk willingly slipped into Bryn’s arms. ‘Thanks, dad, this has been such a beautiful day.’

When Charlyyk had first learnt to communicate, Bryn would try and distract her thirst for knowledge, apart from the morning runs, Bryn introduced Charlyyk to dancing. Jazz at first, then Ballroom. Charlyyk not only loved the music, also the close connection of the social inter-reaction she was having with Bryn. He enjoyed the commitment that Charlyyk employed, to getting the timing just right; for Charlyyk would stop and practice a set movement on her own. When she understood, what she believed were the correct steps, then would eagerly want to carry on dancing with Bryn.

Bryn had always been a good dancer, this allowed Charlyyk, to glide around the floor with great ease, under his direction. Bryn then gave way to Helen, so she could dance with Charlyyk. Charlyyk sensing the different approach to dancing from them both, as Helen had not done much dancing, allowed Charlyyk to lead.

Charlyyk was in her element as she moved fluently around the floor, not bumping into anyone. ‘How’s it feeling, being married Mum?’

‘The same as before, but better, Darling… For it gives me that nice feeling, of the commitment of bonding us together as a real family.’

Charlyyk nodded. The thoughts in her head were telling her why.

For this was why she wanted Bryn and Helen to marry. It gave a stronger bond for her with them, giving out a message to the Laight’s this was where she was staying. It also showed Earth’s people she was a big part of an Earthling family. Then with Janet Stokes that was essential, her connection with the media, her articles showing how she was putting her Earth family, before her DNA people. The more friends she makes, more the security she has. Her survival here on Earth, she held more important, than with her own people. The feeling of concern that her own people vibes, gave out. were of mixed messages towards her, this kept nagging at her to be cautious, yet knowing still to look friendly towards them. The charade, was important. She knew not all of the reasons, why she had concerns, as they were not all that clear to her, the nag she felt inside, troubled her. Breenglaagh the Laight’s Queen, her grandmother could hide her eye talking from Charlyyk, where others in the Laight’s Royal Family found it hard.

Later the band took a short break, which allowed Chance Carter to play some jazz on the piano accompanied by Philip, Sam’s brother on snare drums and Chance’s brother Major Alan Carter, on the base. The slow cool jazz had many of them back on the dance floor; Sam soon accompanied them with her clarinet, where she played her solo rendition of Monty Sunshine’s ‘Petite Fleur’ this brought much applause; not only from the guest, also Chance. Who had been taken back by her playing ability? She had mentioned to him, that she used to play clarinet in the school orchestra. though this was no school band standard; as he had performed professionally with some top orchestras, this equaled that standard.

The queue of male admirers waiting for a dance with Charlyyk, kept growing; young and old, and if Charlyyk was not available; there was always Helen.

At the end of the evening, Bill Gilmore put a bowl of ice water down for Charlyyk to soak her feet.

Charlyyk was more than happy to sink her long narrow feet into the bowl. ‘Bill Gilmore, I thank you sincerely, for this kind gift of humanity.’

Bill smiled ‘I did not think that one person could be in such a demand as you were tonight.’ As he pulled a chair up, then sat down with her. ‘That first day I saw you here, you looked so vulnerable. But tonight you look so adorable’ He sighed deeply. ‘No one that day, here at the press meeting, could imagine how you could have changed, so much in such a short time. Being thrust into that kind of exposure, after being shrouded, in so much security. It would have felt like a culture shock, even to a much stronger person than yourself. I have followed your progress with much interest Charlyyk… To see you again here where it all started for you, it gives me so much pleasure…Thank you Charlyyk. there will always be a welcome for you here.’

Charlyyk touched his hand, with a soft smile, ‘Thank you, Bill.’

The thoughts going through her mind on what Bill Gilmore had just implied, gave her some concern. She must still appear as a young girl, to look as if she is no more, than how she needs to project her persona, for she must not concern those in authority here on earth.

Sam seeing the bowl of ice water soon had pulled a chair up in front of Charlyyk. ‘Can I join you?’ Slipping her shoes off she shoved her feet firmly into the bowl. ‘Oh, how nice’ And closed her eyes with the pleasure she was receiving from it. When Sam opened her eyes, it was look that Charlyyk had, that made Sam place her hands into Charlyyk’s hands, the colour changes that Charlyyk’s eyes were now flashing were similar to the time when she was trying to pick into Charlyyk’s memory banks to retrieve any information stored there. The soft smooth tone of Sam’s voice. ‘Let it come slowly Charlyyk…don’t force it.’

Charlyyk, had a flash of memory that frightened her, it was nothing to do with when she had first met Bryn. It had been a much earlier experience, black piercing eyes very close to hers, seeking eyes that had menace. Hearing Sam’s voice, Charlyyk let it go.

‘Just a flash of nonsense, Sam. That’s all it was.’

Soon they were met by the rest of the family, with their closest friends. The Parsons and the Bailey’s. Brigadier Su Shi Ning and his Chinese-British born wife Liu sat close to them, the contented looks on their face relaying how they had enjoyed the day.

Bill Gilmore served coffee, then joined in with the conversation.

Catherine spoke of her connection with Gilmore’s. ‘We practiced here for all our pre-tour games with the English girl’s cricket team. Bill’s son Nick use to join in whenever possible. We had some great times here.’

Bill Gilmore acknowledges Cat. ‘Nick is in Singapore, studying the hotel business.’

Su Shi mentioned that he liked Singapore. ‘It is a well-organised Country, cleanly maintained, always nice to go there when we can.’ Liu nodded her approval.

Charlyyk, listening carefully. ‘Could I go there one day?’

Bryn smiled at her. ‘Yes, that could be arranged when we go and visit Catherine, as Singapore is a stopover when travelling to New Zealand?’

The Collier family were staying overnight at Gilmore’s, and so was Su Shi and Liu.

Chapter 3

Surprise Honeymoon

At breakfast on the Hotel’s terrace. The sun gave it that holiday feel. The staff fussed about them, and first names were known and spoken by them all. Bryn’s openness to mingle treating everyone as all are equals, for he hated formality.

Charlyyk was wearing her coral pink blouse and black tights with the gold laced up sandals she wore for the wedding. The ringlets in her hair hung down, they were looser than they were the day before, they still made her feel good. When Stefan the hairdresser put them in, he whispered in her ear. ‘They make you look sexy’ in his Canadian accent; which to Charlyyk just made it sound good. For she took sexy as being girly.

Rachel passing behind her put her hands underneath them and gave them a lift, this told Charlyyk they were still looking, just fine.

Liu made the comment that they gave Charlyyk some character. ‘You look more mature Charlyyk.’

Charlyyk wanting to move away from Liu statement as it sounded similar to Bill Gilmore’s comment last night. Quickly inquired how Su Shi got his name.

Su Shi was pleased, that Charlyyk had asked. ‘It will give me pleasure to tell you Charlyyk, as we have asked, so many questions about you. My father was so delighted to have a son; he said it was like poetry to him. So, he named me after one of China’s greatest poets.’

Liu laughed ‘Charlyyk, China had so many great poets. I believe most could say that they were all named, after one of them.’

Charlyyk liked how Liu would add comments, to what her husband had said, but also the facial looks she gave when she spoke them. Charlyyk could read more about what she had said, then what was said, or what she was trying to say. Charlyyk’s like for poetry, was eager to find out more about Chinese poetry. ‘What kind of poet was he?’

Su Shi, chuckled at what his wife had said. ‘He wrote a poem called ‘The Immortal by the River’ It is a typical Chinese Poem, more sociological than rhythmical.’

Liu, being more serious. ‘I see the poem more… as the river is the Immortal, not the Immortal by the River, as though the river is telling its own story.’

Su Shi nodded, then looking towards Charlyyk. ‘See Charlyyk, my wife Liu, has an intelligent mind, to be able to think as she does. It is one of many of the good qualities that attracted me towards her, a nice mix of Western and Eastern culture.’ Then with a wry smile. ‘Though of course, some things can be lost in the translation’

The love taps they gave one another, again, proof of their feelings for each other.

Gwen beckoned to Charlyyk. Then the two of them approached Helen and Bryn. ‘We have a surprise for you both… you were not going on Honeymoon, now you are.’

The look on the Bryn face was more of disbelief, then joy.

Helen reacted much differently; her pleasure of hearing ‘Honeymoon’ had excited her.

Charlyyk spoke next. ‘Bruce Forster, the computer guy from the Lyndon B Johnson Space Station, and Capt. John Hanne has arranged, something special for you.’

Charlyyk’s smiling face, made Helen give her a big hug.

Charlyyk responded to Helen. ‘You will fly to Nassau; then to the Lyford Cay, Yacht Club where Bruce will sail you in his yacht, to Capt. Hanne’s family home on a small Caribbean Island. Bruce will arrange to pick you up afterward.’

Gwen gave them an envelope. ‘Here are your air tickets and details that you need to contact Bruce Forster when you arrive in Nassau. Charlyyk has filled in all the necessary passport details for your air tickets.’

Bryn looked at Charlyyk. With a look of, ‘aren’t you coming.’

‘No dad, you don’t need me to go with you.’ Charlyyk gave Helen a big hug. ‘We know your time together has been one big honeymoon, this will make it special.’

Helen returned the hug with a long kiss. ‘Thank you all… it a wonderful thing you are giving us, and much appreciated.’

***

On Monday when Charlyyk returned home from School, she could see the sheer excitement on Helen’s face. Though her dad Bryn, was his usual self. Helen had the bags packed. Passports secured with the air tickets. The little girl in Helen; that of an excited teenager in a mature woman’s body, bubbling like a champagne bottle, when the cork is popped. She was going on her honeymoon; it was completing her dream wedding.

Bryn was concerned in leaving Charlyyk, Helen did not want to miss this important part of her wedding plans, had agreed to forgo it for the sake of Charlyyk. Now it was Charlyyk that wanted them to go. Bryn could not refuse.

***

Harold brought the car around. He was ready for the journey to Gatwick. Charlyyk was not going with them to the airport to see them off. Thomas was riding shotgun with Harold. Though the hugs and kisses were plentiful. Charlyyk waved them off from the drive, blowing them lots of kisses as she saw them disappear.

Charlyyk was staying at home knowing full well she would try and sneak off with them if she went to see them off at the airport. Gwen and the posse had explained the reason for the honeymoon to her, but the fact of them being able to sail in a yacht, sounded so beautiful, she had put that on her, to do, list.

The arrival of Janet Stokes to start the process of writing about her at the wedding was another reason to be staying. Her freedom from media pressure was well worth a few sacrifices. Working with Janet was also a pleasure. It always felt as though they just chewed the fat, talking like old pals. The laughs, they had going over the previous days old reminisces, and reviewing the photos that had been taken, choosing the one that represented the best of the moment, was now becoming a ritual, she looked forward too.

For Janet to capture the real Charlyyk, she needed to see how she matured. Bryn had agreed, that Janet could sleep in the same bedroom as Charlyyk. So, she could see the girl, not an alien.

In their separate beds that night, the girl talk was more about Janet’s relationship with James. His nice ways and bad habits.

‘Of course, Charlyyk, I will have to change some of those bad habits…though not all at once. For too many changes, Jame’s will notice, gentle changes, those I can convince James that they are his idea of change, that he had made them just for me.’ The all-knowing look on Janet’s face that turned into a soft smile. ‘James already knows I have had to make changes to adjust to farm life. Those early mornings can be quite hard for a young girl in her tender years, who desperately needs her beauty sleep, to maintain her good looks.’ Janet gave a little sigh. ‘Hey; those rampant nights, sure make up for some of the lack of sleep one has to suffer.’ Janet pushed her head back on her pillow, the dreamy look on her face, then the long sigh. Her thoughts, drifting on the memories of wave after wave of passion.

Janet knowing that Charlyyk had already studied the sexual behaviour of Earths People. Her wanting to know, so not to offend, by being uninformed. Had taken on the sex education at school very seriously.

Charlyyk’s little laugh. ‘You look as though you are still suffering Janet. It must be so hard for you to bear such a burden, a young girl in her most tenderness of years.’ Charlyyk looking across at Janet with a smirk of a grin

With only one eye open; Janet turned to face Charlyyk, letting out her thoughts with a long sigh. ‘I know; it’s a cross I have to bear.’

Both girls then burst out laughing.

***

Tuesday. only four runners were heading to the top of Bishops Lane this morning. Thomas and Brent in front, with Janet and Charlyyk three metres back, the expressions on their faces indicating that the talk was still about the night before.

The big smiling face hanging over the lambing, nursery field fence. Was James; his lips pursed, his eyes closed. Brent, Catherines husband could not resist the temptation, taking James face in his hands and kissing James fully on his lips.

The shock horror was written on James’s face, on the realisation who had kissed him. The shock of it; he was not ready to receive a kiss from Janet.

Janet passed him by. ‘So, you prefer to be kissed by men, do you?’ She said to him indignantly, and carried on running; nudging Charlyyk with a big grin, as they passed him by and carried on down Bishops Lane.

The phut-phut sound of the quad bike, was heard as they headed toward the bottom left-hand turn of Bishops Lane, to head back towards the cottage. James was there waiting.

Brent gave a smile. ‘Would you like another kiss, James?’

James’ face was red with embarrassment. ‘That was unfair Brent. I was waiting for Janet.’

Janet jumped into James arms, embraced him. ‘If I ever catch you kissing another man again, I will break your neck.’

James still with Janet in his arms. ‘So, is it alright, if I kiss another girl then?’

Janet cocked her head to one side. ‘Yes, of course, as long as they are ancient and family.’

Charlyyk laughed. ‘That okay then, I’m family.’ And jumped up and kissed James, then the two girls rushed off to catch up with the boys.

Lunch time at the Academy, the posse had the newspapers laid out in front of them. Julia loved the picture of herself standing next to Saarlyyk. Her teddy bear of a dad looked so small against the three Laight’s, Julia’s mother Iris in her dress she had made herself, had a smile that would have lit up London. Iris had been so worried the dress would not have been right for the big occasion. When Liza Martin and Wendy Bailey congratulated her on how lovely her dress looked and where had she purchase it from, that had certainly made her day.

Sandra showed her photos, with Klyklyyk taking an interest in her father Len, being in a wheelchair. Klyklyyk was speaking with them about Len’s condition. Peter Elliott and his mother Jean were also in the conversation with Klyklyyk and Rebecca.

Mike was absent from any of the photos and felt a bit miffed. ‘That not fair I was with Julia all the time, and I’m not in any one of those pictures.’

Julia touched his arm. ‘We haven’t seen any of the Celebrity Magazines; you might be in those.’

Mike put his arm around her. ‘You might be right.’ gave Julia a little squeeze.

Sarah had noticed the intimate reaction between them, nudged Charlyyk, who’s smile, said she had seen it too; Jan had not taken much notice of what was happening around the table, her attention was directed solely at George.

Charlyyk, keeping a close eye on the way Jan was taking the leading role in her relationship with George. For Charlyyk enjoyed seeing, how each boy and girl handled their relationships in their own different ways. Jan’s quick-thinking brain, controlling George’s slower thinking mind, although he was older than Jan. Where Sandra, allowing Peter to believe that he was in control, was instrumenting how things went, in a gentle, subtle way.

Where Julia just let the occasion drift. Allowing the swell of the current to take their relationship in the direction it was inevitably heading; knowing Mike was very much the same, take it has it comes type of person, happy to be in a relationship with someone he admired, not knowing what love was really all about, though was more inclined to just allow it, to meander.

Sandra had already spoken to Charlyyk about how Mike had matured since Julia had accepted his advances towards her. It was how Mike did not let Julia’s birthmark make any difference to how he saw her. He would now and again without any prompting, move the hair that covered her birthmark and kiss her cheek.

Charlyyk was wanting to know how earthling children behaved, so she could follow their example, had noticed how Mike had changed, for it was not purposely his intention to change, he had just drifted in with the general flow of maturing. Mace had been the biggest influence in Mike, without Mace knowing it himself, for Mike had just following Mace’s example. George though older also followed in his younger brother’s direction.

At the cottage in the evening. Charlyyk and Janet were in the serious business of picking out the good and bad of the wedding.

The entrance of Saarlyyk was the surprise. Her graceful smile was warm and sincere. The nods and eye contact between Charlyyk and Saarlyyk showed this was purely a social visit. The family soon gathered in the lounge to talk with Saarlyyk, whom aware of her height sat on the sofa.

Amy was so pleased to see Saarlyyk she jumped on to her lap. Amy who had such a busy day, just nestled into a cuddle, soon was fast asleep.

Saarlyyk liked this connection she had with Amy, when Brent went to take her to bed, bid Brent to allow her some more time with her, as she gently stroked Amy’s hair. Amy’s hair was much finer than the Laight’s hair and Saarlyyk loved how it slipped through her fingers as she stroked it.

Rachel asked most of the questions, mainly about Saarlyyk’s life where she lived.

Saarlyyk touched Charlyyk’s hand, then with a nod of acknowledgement to them, they all gathered around her. ‘My world is much like your world, though more crowded. It is so over populated it is not now a nice place to live. Pollution is the biggest threat as it can produce, what you call Helminths, intestine parasites in the less fortunate Laight’s. This has caused so many problems for our Health Council, as soon as they have eliminated one species, another takes place. We have found a new planet; it has its problems that we need to address, so we can colonise it… These problems were why we set in motion the event that led Bryn to meet Charlyyk or anyone of the other Lyyk’s… It had to be a Lyyk, not a Haagh, to make it work… We had chosen others before; though because of the circumstances of different types of humans, then with our inability to understand your mentality…believing we were more intelligent, led us to make many mistakes, taking things for granted, was where our problems existed. We studied the mistakes we had made, then set up this elaborate charade, to make sure that the two of them bonded together. When we saw how strong the bond, that Charlyyk and Bryn, had with each other, we could not change it…though we could help, with Charlyyk being able to live with you, in harmony. We owed her that for what she endured for us; just so that we could be able to live on our new planet. We have searched other planets to find animals that could live in our new world to see if any other problems could occur. Bacteria is the biggest threat, the plate we put in Charlyyk’s head helped us to partly control them…We now use that technology to help us all to survive, the viruses we believed that Charlyyk could have been affected with, in those first early years was the key to how the plate would work. It was such a relief to us, in how it worked.’

Janet made a recording of the conversation and made many notes.

Catherine was next to ask a question. ‘The plate in my dad’s head, what does that do?’

Saarlyyk was just as a matter of fact, as she had been before. ‘The conditions on the other planets…he would not have survived. We had to give him help…though not too much. Otherwise, the charade would not have worked, the bonding would not have happened.’ Saarlyyk looking towards Charlyyk; a gentle nod to each other, with ear twitching, and eye colour changes. For Saarlyyk confirming with Charlyyk, making sure that she was treading carefully with what information herself was giving them. ‘The injuries your father received in the arena, were unexpected, though they had favoured us. Charlyyk responded well to the situation that occurred, more than we expected her too do, this was what made the whole thing a success between the two of them. Your new father Charlyyk, was such a brave man we named him Haaghaagh, a man of men.’

Charlyyk was watching Saarlyyk eyes, looking to see if there was more than what Saarlyyk was prepared to indulge of what actually had happened to them.

Saarlyyk smiled, she could sense the searching looks Charlyyk was giving her. ‘May we do this again I have so enjoyed your company.’

Everyone nodded. Saarlyyk with an even bigger smile. ‘My, you are learning our ways. Until the next time.’ Saarlyyk rose from where she was sitting, nodded then she was gone.

No one wanted the evening to end, so intent on finding out more about these great gentle giants. Just stood there and watched her leave.

Charlyyk had seen the hesitant way Saarlyyk’s eye talk had held back on the full story.

Chapter 4

The Island Paradise

Breakfast was hectic; there was so much to talk about Saarlyyk’s impromptu visit. Amy could not stop talking about Saarlyyk, as if she was her sister. Rachel and Catherine, agreeing with her for they too were feeling a bond between themselves and Saarlyyk.

Charlyyk went along with the way the family were accepting Saarlyyk, keen to cement the idea Saarlyyk was family. There was more she wanted to know and letting Saarlyyk believe that the Collier family trusted the Laight’s, the more they would reveal. There were still unanswered questions, that Charlyyk needed answers to.

Jo Leany arrived after Charlyyk had gone to school. Amy telling her nan about Saarlyyk, her little facial expressions and enthusiastic speaking kept Jo in complete silence, Jo’s resolve to fully understanding just what Amy was explaining to her looking at Catherine for acknowledgement of what had been said by her granddaughter. ‘Were you not afraid?’

Catherine, with a little chuckle. ‘No…not at all she was lovely, Amy just cuddled up to her and fell asleep in her arms.’

Jo’s look did not seem, so convincing, still wary about these Aliens. Jo then checked Catherine’s baby bump. ‘How’s it feeling sweetheart?’

Catherine placed her hand on top of her baby bump. ‘Not yet mum’ With a gentle stroke on her stomach. ‘I’m not in the cleaning mode.’

That knowing look, Jo gave Cat. For most mothers know when the baby is due, they start to clean the nest. Jo nodded. ‘Ok love, let it come in its own time.’

Brent had taken Amy out in the garden to play with Thomas. Brent loved Amy very much though found it hard to play with her. He really wanted a son, so he could play rough with him, but a little girl, that worried him, could he hurt her?

His thoughts when his dad had died, his mum Jo had stepped up and acted like a dad to him, not holding back when playing rugby in the garden, she would knock him down, then tell him to get up and be a man. When he went into tackle, Jo his mum would shout at him ‘harder’. When they had finished playing it was the manly hugs, she gave him, then would say ‘Well done, you played well. Your dad would have been proud.’ This gave him the confidence at school to mix-it with the other boys.

At school, Charlyyk was telling the posse of the visit of Saarlyyk, the confirmation of what happened on those far away planets. Julia and Sandra looked aghast at the things that Charlyyk was telling them.

Mace gave Charlyyk a cuddle. ‘We have spoken amongst ourselves about what you been through, so many times, none of us would have liked, to have found ourselves in that place, or to have endured what you did under such terrible conditions. Then could we have done what you did for your dad.’ Mace gave her a squeeze. ‘What we all like about you Charlyyk, is you, the love we all share with one another is duly down to how you have brought us together as a team looking out for each other. Yes, we were friends before, but now we have become, as a family.’

Sarah was the first to give them a hug, then each one after the other in a big bonding session.

***

The gentle breeze that brushed the palm leaves, on the little Caribbean Island. Giving the palm trees a gentle sway, the cloudless blue sky, with the ebbing and flowing of the surf, on the white sandy beach. To the calling of the birds and the clicking sound of the insects, was giving Helen, the most tenderest of feelings. She was melting in the sheer beauty of it all; the hammock swayed gently to and through, Bryn had fallen asleep caught up in dreams of far-off places and smiling faces. Could this be real, she kept asking herself; the nice food, the love making, this was the life she told herself, she bent forward and kissed Bryn’s back just below the nape of his neck and slowly worked down to the small of his back with one gentle kiss at a time. The tingling sensation it gave him, caused Bryn to turn. When suddenly the hammock twisted, Bryn tumbling from the hammock landing on top of Helen, with them both in a heap on the ground laughing. The sand sticking to the sweat on their bodies, Bryn stood up helped Helen to her feet; then they ran down to the sea and dived in. Ten strokes out, Helen stopped swimming. Looking around she could not see Bryn. Helen with concern etched on her face, kept looking. Turning around all the time, still no Bryn. Her concern now was turning to worry, headed back to the shore still with searching looks, more and more stretching her neck trying to see where he was, anxiety etched on her face. It was many minutes later when a dark form in the water appeared swimming towards her.

Then Bryn’s head broke out of the water he stood up and spat water from his mouth and shook himself, trying to unblock his ears of the sea water.

Helen relieved, but also agitated. ‘Bryn, you frightened me, I thought you had drowned.’

He looked bewildered. ‘That was unbelievable.’

Helen looked sternly at him.

Bryn looked slightly dazed. ‘I was able to breath underwater.’ Bryn was not exaggerating, he had found himself breathing, taking water into his mouth then dispelling it slowly through his nose. Awkward at first, he almost choked, has he swum, it became easier.

Helen became relaxed; her initial fear had proved unfounded. ‘So, what happened?’

Bryn tossed his head backwards still clearing the excess water from his head. ‘When I dived in. I unnaturally gulped with my mouth, almost choking myself at first then found myself as if I had always been able to do it, exhaling the water out of my nose I found myself breathing. I kept swimming around. As if I was making sure what was happening was happening.’ Bryn shook his head again. ‘I swear; I could hear dolphins calling to one another through the water. The strangest thing? I believe I understood what they were saying. That can’t be right; that’s the most unlikely of things to have happened.’

Helen, looking concerned. ‘Like breathing underwater unaided?’

Helen still trying to stay focused. ‘Bryn, you were underwater for fifteen minutes. You have done the survival test; how long could you hold your breath for?’

Bryn did not hesitate to answer he had done the test repeatedly. ‘Depending on the conditions five to seven minutes depending on what we were trying to achieve…Though that was when I was younger!’

They started walking back towards the house. Helen was going over in her mind ruminating what Drenghaagh had told them. ‘We placed the plate in his head so that he could survive the condition on those other planets.’ Still digging deep into her thoughts. ‘The planets were arid, not much water, could the air he was breathing be similar to that was in the water. Oxygen and Nitrogen, she knew was present in the sea. Though how did Bryn bypass filling his lungs with salt water and still be able to feed his blood with Oxygen, without drowning?

In the kitchen preparing for the midday lunch, she found herself going over all the information given to her by the Laight’s. It did not make sense to her, no matter how much she had remembered from her science lessons, when they had opened up the vital organs of a mouse and a frog. Then she recollected a scene from a James Bond film, where the bond girl died, she had her body covered all over in gold paint, starving her body of Oxygen. Helen stopped what she was doing for a moment, then she seemed to accept her reasoning of. ‘Could that be it, the body is able to collect Oxygen in other ways?’ She will put more study to that theory when the Honeymoon is over.

Bryn had set out the table on the veranda; the midday sun was becoming too hot to sit out in, without some shade. The ice-cold beers with the salad lunch were cool and refreshing. Bryn was enjoying the relaxed manner, they had adapted too; in the short time, they had been there.

Helen had given Bryn a new meaning to life, her relaxed approach and reliability had made him realise what he had missed when Kitty died. Although Helen was no Kitty, he had come to rely on her just as much. When he was at barracks, he gave out the orders. At home, he could reverse the roles and relax and allow Kitty to be in charge.

The beers, the lunch, the warmth of the sun, his eyes started to droop. Dippers Meadow was now where he was. Those lovely day’s picnicking, laying under the weeping willows cuddling Kitty. Catherine and Thomas were playing in the tiny stream that trickled through the meadow. Kit would wear loose fitting dresses with no bra, so he could slide his hands in and caress her breast without the children seeing them, until that day Harold took the photo that Thomas painted. The look on Kitty’s face of the sheer pleasure she was having, the closed eyes and the little gab in the mouth, as Bryn caressed her with his lips just under her ear. Now it was Helen giving him the same understanding. Loving the personal attention that he gave her, there were never demands, it was just for her, Helen was there for him in body and soul. The deep sigh he gave out was of contentment. Life was good for him. With two more grandchildren almost born and a new teenage daughter in the space of Three years. His mind reflecting on where he was, just before he had been abducted. Lost drifting aimlessly about, no direction, if it was not for Gwen and Harold where would he have been? He started to shift his body, he felt that guilty feeling, which made him feel uncomfortable, knowingly he had taken people he loved for granted, yet in his hour of need, they were still there for him.

Charlyyk’s text read. ‘Miss you both lots, hope the weathers nice?’ It was with wish-full thinking, sending a message. Did they have any signals on that Island? ‘I won’t know unless I try’ Charlyyk had told herself.

At dinner laughing with Brent about the tender kiss he had given James, on the morning run, that’s when the text blip sounded.

Reading out aloud ‘So nice here, don’t expect us back early.’

Rachel texted back. ‘Please don’t. Give me time to get the boys out of police custody!’

Brent could not help to get on the act. ‘Found Dads hidden bottles.’

The text Helen replied. ‘Great, they are in a safe place no need to worry about them’ A short moment later. ‘That’s okay Brent, please drink them, they were empty bottles filled with urine.’

Charlyyk could not be happier. The replies told her, they were enjoying themselves.

After dinner, Janet and Charlyyk walked down to the village with Amy. Amy had been so hyper, Charlyyk thought it would quieten her before going to bed. They talked with Harold and Gwen for an hour, then strolled back to the cottage. Brent put Amy to bed with the help of Charlyyk; she was soon asleep.

Janet used the evening to sort out some of the stories relating to the wedding. Hello and Vanity Fair, and other Magazines wanted as much information as she could give them. Gwen had loved one of the photos of Charlyyk wearing the Vivian Westwood Dress, this was one from a burst, this gave Janet a chance to send individual photos taken at the same time, showing a different pose to each magazine.

Chapter 5

Unwanted Stranger

At the Academy, Stella looked uncomfortable. Jan was talking with George and had no knowledge of the lad that was causing Stella some discomfort, all though Jan had just arrived with Stella.

The lad had targeted Stella because of her quietness, he was trying hard to get into the posse using her. He made his next move on Paul, giving him the impression that he was an old friend of Stella’s. His understanding of Paul was much like Stella’s, by making friends with Stella and Paul, he could cement a position in the group, his smiling good-looking young face had the right effect, so far it was working. Then he just walked away leaving Stella and Paul slightly confused, though both were relieved.

***

Friday Paul found himself talking to the lad that had found his way in to the group. Mace notices him, he did not like the nature of the lad being so close, not knowing who he was, decided to challenge him. ‘Who are you?’

The lad smiled. ‘I’m a friend of Stella and Paul. My name is Ian.’ offered his hand.

Mace did not return the offer of his hand. Peter and Mike hearing Mace, could tell Mace was not happy.

The lad kept smiling. ‘Don’t you believe me?’

Peter stepped forward. ‘How do you know Stella?’

Mace beckoned to George, he and Jan came towards him. George seeing the new lad, bade him to query why he was there. ‘What’s the problem, Brother?’

The smile was getting more prominent on the lad’s face still trying to bluff his way into the group.

Peter once more stepped even closer to the lad, his face up close to him. ‘How do you know Stella?’

The lad could see he was not in a good position. ‘I live close to Stella.’

Jan enquired. ‘And where is that?’

The smile got bigger. ‘Links Road’ He had done his homework on Stella.

Jan’s face, twisted, with a look of mistrust. ‘There are only three houses in Links Road… I know who lives in each one, and