Chapter 7

Eventually, the other aliens returned to me. They weren't looking very happy. Tahti in particular didn't want to talk. Jorgie told me to leave the subject alone as we made our way to the car. But I heard her talking in a low voice to her partner, saying that Tahti encountered Alena in the theme park. If Alena wasn't with us, then Tahti has failed to bring her back.

After thinking about this a couple of times, I've concluded that Alena was a valued member of their group. That everyone wanted her presence. But why? She was not prettier than me. We shared the same face. Maybe it was the time spent with her. Maybe they had experiences which all species valued. Maybe, maybe, maybe. So many maybe's. The answer eluded my brain that has barely grasped the concept of things.

A week after that incident, Jorge, Gina, and I were found discussing in the kitchen. It was after breakfast. Tahti didn't join us again. She has been keeping to herself since returning home. She hasn't spoken much nor left her room when it wasn't time to eat. Jorge and Gina were convinced that something was wrong, and that was the topic of our conversation.

"This hasn't happened before," Jorge said. "Our leader barely talks to us. It seems that she doesn't see us. I don't think she's taking a shower either. She's worn the same thing twice this week." Jorge took the fork from her plate and tried to balance it so it would stand on the table.

"I'm sure that she took a shower," I said. My face turned hot. "I collected her dirty clothes to wash it."

"Yes," Gina agreed. "And our leader owns three of those shirt. You gave it to her last Christmas right?"

The fork fell on the table with a clang. "Now that you mention it, I did give her a lot of identical clothes," Jorge said as she picked up the fork again. "But that's beside the point. Tahti is still acting strange. I don't like it. She's not like this."

Gina stood up and started collecting the dirty plates from the table. She snatched the fork from Jorge before going to the sink. I heard her voice over the dripping water saying, "Do you think our Leader is coming up with something?"

"I don't think so, I know so," Jorge said confidently. "We've been staying on this planet for too many months. Maybe she's acquired a disease that is unique to our kind. I mean, you became more emotional than usual Gina, and I've gotten the waterfall from Satan. I think the Leader is experiencing something too."

I blinked a couple of times at Jorge. "What's the waterfall from Satan? And what's a Satan?"

Jorge smirked at me. "You have much to learn about the humans young one. Satan is a fictional character created by people. Sometimes he disguises himself as blood coming from the hole. Don't ask me which hole it is. Figure that out. And sometimes he disguises himself as a purple dinosaur named Barney to scare children at night." Jorge's smirk turned into an evil grin. I shuddered.

Gina chuckled while washing the dishes. "Don't teach Aleli those things." She glanced at me over her shoulder. "The humans believe that this Satan persona takes the shape of many things. Sometimes a beautiful woman to seduce people. He also make up lies to get his way."

"Like Jorge?" I asked.

"Not exactly. Jorge is not bad. Satan is."

"That wasn't what you said last night," Jorge argued. "I remember you calling me a bad girl."

Gina's face reddened. She quickly turned her head away, back to her dishes. "We're getting off topic here. If you're convinced that our Leader is coming up with a disease, what should we do?"

Jorge pushed her chair back to stand. She positioned her leg up on the chair and raised a finger to the ceiling, as if she got a bright idea. The magazine called people like her as theatrical. "We need to find a cure before it gets worse," she said. "Gina, you come with me. We leave at dawn."

"It's 7 am," I murmured. "We just had our breakfast."

"We leave after washing the dishes then. Aleli, you stay here and guard the house."

The two left me after doing the dishes and having a quick shower. They said it was an important operation to save the leader, and I, being the youngest should stay put until further notice. Having nothing better to do, I paced the living room while glancing at Tahti's door from time to time. I did that until I grew weary. If something was wrong with her, I should know it once and for all. Jorge and Gina shouldn't be the only ones left with this responsibility.

I knocked on the door hesitantly. "Tahti? It's me, Aleli. Do you mind if I open this door to talk to you?" My voice was smaller than I remember, bordering on the shy side. Why was it that my treatment with Tahti had to differ from the others? Was it because she was the leader?

"Okay," said her faint voice. I opened the door and peeked in. The curtains were drawn. Only the light coming from a small crack the curtains made illuminated the room. It was dark though the sun was high outside. Tahti was seated on the bed. "Can I do anything for you?" she asked. Her voice was the same. She looked the same. But there was something different about her. As if she has lost her spark.

I remained by the door. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes." Ten seconds of silence passed. It was so silent that I could hear the tick-tick of my wristwatch. "Is there anything else?" she asked. My brain couldn't form anything coherent. I shook my head and mumbled no.

Back to the living room, I was reduced to pacing again. Something was up. Jorge and Gina were right. Tahti was acting strangely. What should I do? She was not only our Leader, but someone I was concerned about. Maybe this was what the humans called worrying. I was experiencing it, and I didn't like it.

I fished out the phone from my pocket, remembering that Niko replaced it for me. The number I was using was still the same. I checked the phone records. There weren't a lot on the list apart from the alien's numbers. I haven't had time to make more friends yet. But there were certain people I could ask for help. Who better than a human to consult about diseases since we were on earth.

I found Chucky's number and called him. It took ten rings before he picked up. Somehow I was glad to hear his voice in the other line. "Yo, this my girl Janina?"

"No, it's me Aleli."

"Oh Aleli mah other woman. What's up?" I could hear weird noises from the other line. A constant clicking sound.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Playing Smash Brothers with Luke."

"You mean losing to Luke," I heard the other child say. The clicking sound became stronger.

"Oh. I didn't mean to be a bother, but I'd really like to ask for your help." I switched the phone to my other ear. "I don't have much friends yet you see, being days old and all. I was wondering if you'd give advice."

"What is she saying?" Luke asked.

"Our dawg needs advice." The clicking sound stopped.

"You are so bad at this Chucky," Luke said. "When someone needs an advice, you prioritize her, especially if she's a friend." I heard a slapping sound followed by a yelp from Chucky. "Homies for life man. Here, let me talk to her. Hello?" Luke's voice became louder. He was the one holding the phone now, I assumed.

"Hey."

"Ssup girl. Whatcha calling for?"

I didn't want to waste more of their time, so I dove into it. "Remember this girl I liked? I think she's sick. I want to help her but I don't know what to do. She hasn't spoken to us properly in days, and she's inside her room most of the time."

"Uh oh. . . Girl problems. Stay on the line. I know an expert." There was a crackling noise before he yelled, "Shanti. Shanti, come here." A pause. "Shanti," he screamed louder. "The sofa is on fire." Footsteps sounded, as if someone was running.

"There's no fire!" a girl's voice said. "I'm going to twist your ear you little punk!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Luke pleaded.

"Don't be calling me for something silly."

"Ow!" Luke yelled. "I said that because you're too busy and wouldn't come down otherwise. I really need your help."

"Help with what?" the girl said suspiciously. Luke told him about my problem. I could hear them clearly from the phone. "I think I know what this sickness is," she said eventually. "Tell your friend to ask the sick person if she missed her period. If the answer is yes, call me as soon as possible. This is an emergency."

"Did you hear that?" Luke said to me. "That's my older sister Shanti. She's an expert."

An unpleasant feeling was in my stomach. An emergency was bad right? I was more worried for Tahti than earlier. "Yes, I heard your sister. I'll ask right away and call you back." I turned to Tahti's door when the call ended. This was bad. Really bad. I didn't bother knocking before opening the door. "Did you miss your period?" I asked without saying hello.

"I have no period. In a way yes I've been missing it for a while."

"Thank you." I shut the door close and dialed my friend's number as I walked to the kitchen. Luke picked up after a ring. "She missed her period," I said.

"Shanti," he yelled. "The girl missed her period."

"Oh my gosh!" Shanti said. Her voice sounded far. "Tell your friend to ask the sick person if she's craving for anything, or to check for signs of nausea and vomiting."

"You heard that?" Luke asked for the second time.

"As clear as I'm hearing you now," I said. "Okay, I'll call you right back. Thanks." I marched to Tahti's room and peeked in. She was still seated on the bed. "Are you craving for something?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Are you sure? You must be, right?"

Her brows furrowed. I could see it even when it was dark. "Now that you mentioned that, I haven't eaten avocado yet. I've read from a book that some people like that green stuff. I'm curious as to what it looks exactly and how it tastes. We don't have that in our planet."

"Are you saying that you're craving for it?" I pried.

"I don't have much appetite, but I guess so."

I slammed the door close and breathed deeply. She was sick. My Tahti was sick. Jorge and Gina would find a cure for sure. They better. I dialed Luke's number. "She's craving for avocado. Where can I get that?"

"In the market. Ride a bus or hitch a ride from some nice folks to get there. Chucky and I do it all the time. You just point your thumbs up when a car passes. If they stop, you tell them where to go. Aight?"

"Aight." I walked briskly to the living room and grabbed my coat from the sofa. Jorge and Gina would always tell me not to leave the house. Not this time. It was for Tahti. Maybe the avocado would make her feel better until the other aliens arrived. With one last look at Tahti's door, I went out.

The first three cars that passed didn't slow down or stop for me. It was in the fourth try that a red van did. The windows on the passenger side rolled down. A very nice lady with sunglasses said, "Where are you off to young woman?"

"I need avocados." I smiled at her. They were nice to stop for me.

She removed the sunglasses and hang it on her shirt. The woman's eyes were like Gina's, smaller and friendlier somehow. "My family and I are going to Chinatown. There are avocado's there. Would you like to come?"

"As long as there are avocados."

They let me squeeze at the back. The woman was with her husband and kids. I thought all six were their children, but only one of them was. The others were cousins. The husband drove strangely, as he took smaller roads instead of the main road as Gina always did. It was a shortcut, the family said. Soon, we arrived at the destination. My tummy was full when I got out of the van. They insisted on feeding me.

Chinatown was very different from the mall or the theme park. There were many people, but most of the sellers had eyes like Gina's. Before saying goodbye to the family, they pointed me towards a stand where they said I could buy avocados. While walking there, I noticed the different smell coming from stalls. Some were sweet smelling. Others gave off this strange aroma that made me want to sneeze.

My eyes were wide open as I walked. It was all very colorful. The signs from the stores. The charms hanging from the door. I also picked up a different language now and then. Most of them weren't using English when they talked. Unless it was to a customer.

After a while, I made my way to the direction where the family pointed me to. The seller was an old man, and apart from his shop, a table was placed outside, displaying goods. Thinking that he only spoke another language, I asked him in Mandarin, "Do you have avocados? I really need one."

He was appreciative when he nodded. "It's nice to know that you're fluent with my language. You can choose what you want from there." He indicated the table. "Or from that shelf over there. I sell the best avocado here. Only fresh. I also sell goods from other places. Most of my competition focuses on dumplings, but I also sell sushi. Have you tasted sushi?"

"No I haven't."

"Well you better buy them before they run out. I sell many things."

A group of people went next to me. They were so intent on buying that the seller had to leave me alone so he could entertain them. I went to the shelf to check for avocados, only to realize that I didn't know what it looked like. I felt lost as I stared at the shelf. Maybe if I asked the seller, he would tell me what it was.

I glanced over my shoulder to him. He was really busy. But Tahti did say that it was green. I scanned the shelf until I saw a smaller jar with green substance. That must be it, I thought excitedly. The avocado. I grabbed it and happily paid inside the shop. The seller was still busy when I left.

The ride home was easier this time. I managed to hitch another ride, from a couple with no kids who were headed in the same neighborhood. Minutes later, I knocked on Tahti's door. "I got your avocado. Can I come in?"

"Alright."

I went next to her bed and proudly handed her the small jar. "Here," I said. "Taste it. It will make you feel better. The seller said this is avocado."

"How did you get this?" She took the jar reluctantly. The lid gave a small pop as she opened it.

"I have my ways. Eat it now." I watched as she dipped her finger on the jar and took some of the green stuff. She formed it between her fingers so it would look like a small ball.

"It smells strange," she said before popping it in her mouth. I waited patiently as Tahti chewed the avocado. At first her expression was the same, until her features distorted and she bolted out of the bed. Tahti dashed for the bathroom. I followed her.

"Oh no," I murmured when I saw her heaving and vomiting on the bowl. I called Luke. "She's really sick. She craved for avocado then vomited."

"You're on speaker," he said.

"What should I do?" It was getting harder to breathe.

"Is her boobies larger than usual?" Shanti asked.

"I haven't noticed. Maybe."

"Gurl, she's pregnant. That's what's up with her. Quick, take her to the doctor. She will deny it, but you have to be persistent." The beeping sound that followed indicated that the call ended. I checked inside the bathroom. Tahti has finished wiping her mouth.

I went to her side when she stepped into the hallway. "I need to take you to the doctor. This is important."

She gave me a quizzical look. "Why?"

I grabbed her hand and tugged. Shanti said that Tahti would deny it so there was no point in telling her. I didn't know what she would deny, but if it was that important to take her to the doctor, I would do it. "I don't have time to explain. We need to go now. We will hitch a ride."

We were near the front door when it opened. Jorge and Gina came in. "I've found the cure leader!" Gina said cheerfully. She showed us a glass jar. There was a lizard inside it. "The people in Chinatown told us that boiling this lizard and sipping its juice will cure anyone from their sickness."

"They gave us a discount too," Jorge agreed.

"I don't want to drink that," Tahti said as she glanced distastefully at the lizard. She turned to me. "And I don't want to go to the doctor."

"But you have to," I insisted. "This is for your own good."

"Doctor?" Jorge asked. "She doesn't need a human doctor. She needs the juice from this lizard." Gina moved the jar closer to my face.

"I don't think so." My voice was stubborn. They had to see it my way.

"I'd really like to get back to my room," Tahti said.

"Not until you've taken this." Jorge snatched the jar from Gina to show it to Tahti.

Tahti pushed the jar away. "I don't like the looks of that. It's blinking at me."

"What's going on guys?" The four of us turned to the doorway and saw Mimi step inside. She looked confused. She wasn't the only one. I still say we take Tahti to the doctor.

Jorge handed Mimi the jar. "Tahti is sick. The bright men from Chinatown told us that if we boil this and feed the juice to her, she'll get better."

"No she won't," I said. "What she needs is the hospital because she's pregnant."

Tahti gasped. "I'm not," she denied. "I've never done the joining with Alena."

"Ok, calm down everyone," Mimi said authoritatively. "Let me clear this out for you. Follow me in the living room." When we were all seated on the sofa, she said, "Tahti has been texting me about feeling some things. She wouldn't tell me why she felt it, but after thinking about it thoroughly, I came up with an answer."

"She's not pregnant?" I asked.

Mimi shook her head. "She's not. What Tahti has is depression. I think the best solution apart from talking to someone who can handle it best is to go home to the country. A change of scenery. Grandma will be there, and it's generally nicer than the city. What do you think?"

"B-but what about the cravings? The missed periods? And Tahti vomited," I said. "She's pregnant. I talked to an expert."

"I vomited because you fed me Wasabi," Tahti corrected. "I checked the bottle when I was in the restroom. It said Wasabi, not avocado. It's very spicy. I'm not pregnant Aleli." She turned to Jorge and Gina. "And I will never eat that." Tahti stood. "I think we should follow Mimi's advice. The country would be good for me."