22

    The words of the Jahliheilm, not surprisingly, kept Ian up that whole night.  He lay on a long padded mattress, his eyes as wide as saucers.  The choice was his.  

    This had to be the hardest choice of his life. 

    His heart was telling him to help the Vallorians.  But his head disagreed and voted for giving his "family" back their home.  If it had even been their home to begin with.

    Ian had just met his father.  And he could have made their whole helpless story up.

    But were the Vallorians telling the truth?

    Ian closed his eyes, "Show me the way," he prayed.

_________________________________________________________

    Ian had only slept for about an hour before there was a knock on the door.  He grunted and the door opened.  Ian sat up and tried to make out who had just entered his room.

    The shape was thin but it wasn't tall enough to be Vallorian.

    "I guessed you wouldn't be asleep," came Chelsea's voice from the shadows.

    She stood by the door, her arms crossed.

    Ian jumped at the sound of her voice and cleared his throat, "You've already made up your mind, so why are you awake?  Better question, why are you here?"

    "I want to know what you decided before you tell Zeetro."

    "I don't know yet."

    "It's almost morning."

    "I know that.  But . . . it's complicated."

    Chelsea shuffled her feet.  Ian could tell she wanted to say more.

    "Remember when we used to be able to talk to each other about anything?" Ian asked.  

    "Yeah, way back when we were both immature kids."

    Chelsea placed her hands in her pockets and looked down. ". . . I miss those days."

    "Me too."

    Chelsea looked at Ian. "Really.  I thought you hated me."

    "You were my best friend, Chelsea.  I never hated you.  I just had stuff to work through."  The image of Chelsea's tearing face shot into Ian's mind. "I'm sorry.  For it all.  I hurt you because I was only thinking about what I wanted."

    Chelsea walked forward and sat down at the other end of my 

mattress.  "I forgive you.  I was an emotional wreck back then.  I guess I was always looking for your approval."

    "My approval?"

    "Yeah, you were the best thing that ever happened to me, Ian."

    "But you saved me.  You were the only one who ever understood.  I felt like I needed you to survive, which is why I got angry when you decided to leave."

    Chelsea reached out her hand and placed it on Ian's. "That's why I came here.  I wanted to apologize." She let out a laugh. "I was so nervous.  Turns out it was much easier than I expected."

    "Thanks," Ian said.

    "For what."

    "For helping me make my decision.  I'll help them.  But only so that we can both escape this place together.  With the rest of my 

crew."

    "How many of them are there?" Chelsea asked.

    "Well, there were four of us.  But one turned out to be Vallorian.  Two of them are in the woods hopefully.  I sent them out to find our ship."

    "Is Adam there?"

    Ian's jaw clenched at Adam's name. "No.  He and I went into the vent system to find you.  And then . . . then he . . ." Ian stopped when he saw the look of expectation on Chelsea's face.  She truly did care about Adam, even though he had bullied her as much as he had bullied Ian. "He got away, and I got found out.  He might still be in the vents."

    "We'll have to find him before we leave.  Do you think Zeetro should know?"

    "Yes, we should probably tell him.  Then he can round them all up, and then we can all leave together."

    Chelsea's eyes suddenly became dreamy. "I can't wait to be back home.  It's been forever."

    "Everyone will be so excited to see you.  Especially your parents."

    Chelsea smiled.

    "I'll tell Zeetro when he barges in here tomorrow," Ian said.

    "Actually, I think it's morning."

    Chelsea got up and moved toward the door.

    Ian watched her leave with a light heart and they said goodnight.  ________________________________________________________

    The next few hours went by quickly and Ian had finally fallen asleep.  For the first time in years, his heart was at peace, and he couldn't wait to go home.

23

    Chelsea awoke in the morning with a smile on her face.  She had made up with Ian and they would hopefully be going home soon.

    Zelle walked into the room carrying a large yellow suit.  She looked shocked at Chelsea's bright smile and asked, "Are you fine?"

    "Yes, I am, thank you," Chelsea responded, standing to take the suit from Zelle. "What's this?"

    "It's for your job.  So you don't get hurt.  Earthlings can't breathe in space."

    "Oh, ok, thanks."

    Zelle smiled and left the room, muttering to herself in Vallorian.

    Chelsea quickly pulled the bulky suit over her jumper and winced as she looked at herself in the mirror.  The yellow clashed horrifically with her blonde hair, but she knew the suit was more about protection than style.

     She braided her hair which had grown down to her midriff.  "Note to self," she said. "Schedule a hair appointment the moment you get back to Earth."

    The suit she wore was so thick it was hard to walk, at least walk fast.  She hobbled to the door and opened it.  Taking one last look at the room she imagined coming back to her old room on Earth.  What a beautiful sight that would be.

    Chelsea exited the room and was immediately thrown into the bustle of the hallway.  Vallorians were scurrying to and fro down the hall and taking her with them.

    They tried to avoid the small human, but every few seconds one would bump into her side and the huge suit would throw her off balance, so she would have to regain her composure.

    Eventually, she made it to Zeetro's office and knocked on the door.  The door opened to Ian who wore a surprised expression and no suit.

    "Where's your suit?" Chelsea asked.

    "I have it, but we didn't have to put it on until right before we go out," Ian answered, holding back a laugh.

    "Zelle could have mentioned that."

    "At least you're prepared," Zeetro said as he beckoned Chelsea in and Ian closed the door.

    Chelsea waddled to a chair and sat down with relief.  "So when do we start?"