Free When Aliens Weep by J. K. Accinni Page A

studied him, trying not to smile, showing him her serious intent.
    “Since you are soon to become my lifesaver and figure out how to get us out of here, it needs to be something fitting. Something serious and strong.” She looked deeply into his eyes and a fleeting thought popped into her head. “ Peter . You look like a Peter .”
    He smiled with relief. “Peter it is, then.” He walked carefully over to her and knelt down, extending his only hand.
    “How do you do, Bonnie? My name is Peter.”
    She paused; a look of confusion crossed her face then quickly disappeared as she slid her hand into his.
    “You have no idea how happy I am to meet you, Peter. I have a feeling we’re going to be fast friends.” They shook sincerely, hope now featured in both their newly seeing eyes.
     

Four Days AE (After Earth)
     
     

Chapter 7
     
     
    Kenya paced madly, her exasperation with Bonnie pronounced in her footwork. So much the better . She knew she could hardly yell at the woman. Not when her own hubby was safe and sound tucking the baby in before tonight’s memorial service.
    She stopped her pacing and decided to try a new direction with Bonnie. Joining Chloe and Bonnie at the bed, she took one last look around the ridiculously decorated bedroom.
    Polka dots and vibrant colors clashed with giant stuffed elephants. Where in the world did Dezi get this stuff from? The Kreyven just happened to have them lying around?
    Rolling her eyes over the top of Bonnie’s matted head, she signaled for Chloe to stand up, a task easier said than done as her pregnancy was just beginning its last month. Chloe groaned upon rising, her hands supporting her back.
    “Come on, Bon. It just won’t be the same without you,” she said.
    Kenya and Chloe both glanced at the purple plastic side table that contained bowls of food left untouched since lunchtime. Their eyes met as Kenya’s hand gently stroked Bonnie’s filthy hair.
    “I know, chickey. It’s hard losing your husband and your mother at the same time. I . . .”
    Bonnie slammed her fist in her bedclothes.
    “I didn’t lose Peter. He’s still alive. Now leave me alone. Please .” Bonnie turned her back to the room and her friends.
    “Why don’t you go ahead?” Kenya whispered to Chloe. With her eyebrows raised, Kenya nodded her head at her. “I’ll meet you at the nursery. Tell Kane to wait for me.” Reaching out, Kenya gave the other woman a quick hug. “Don’t worry. I’m just going to try to talk some sense into her. This has been going on long enough.”
    Kenya watched Chloe plod out of the room, Bonnie’s back unyielding. She quietly sidled onto the bed.
    Her head whipped back to the door as a new sound drew her attention. She was surprised to see Hud and Abby standing there, the Elder’s tawny tail twitching with tension as they tiptoed into the room.
    “Are you coming?” Abby mouthed. Hud’s expressively hopeful face and raised eyebrows revealed his feelings. Kenya gazed at the twosome sadly before she slowly shook her head, holding her finger to her lips to keep them silent. They bowed their heads, Abby slipping her arm around Hud. With a scooting motion of Kenya’s hand, they crept back out of the room.
    Taking a deep breath, Kenya let Bonnie have it.
    “Well, you couldn’t very well go anyway, smelling the way you do.” Bonnie’s shoulders stiffened. “Don’t you think you’re becoming a bit tiresome? We all have burdens to carry. We have all lost someone we loved: Scotty, Johno, Crystal, Ginger Mae and the others. You don’t see Hud carrying on like this, do you?”
    “Leave me alone, Kenya.” The words dripped with venom; her shoulders remained frozen.
    “It’s been days now. How long are you going to stay cooped up in here not eating? Can you please take some time and think about the rest of us and get the heck off your pity pot? There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and you need to do your share.” Kenya held her breath, afraid