Welcome to Earth

“So, … welcome to Earth.” The human girl speaking to Alara had large brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. The pink balloon earrings she wore dangled and spun happily in the summer breeze. They stood out brightly against the gray concrete outer wall of the Arrival Center.

“My name is Jolie, and this is Seth.” She gestured to a boy wearing a stone-grey jacket who looked to be slightly older than either Alara or Jolie. Alara found herself intrigued by his midnight black hair. On Zephyr, hair was never that dark.

“We’re here to show you around a bit, make you feel welcome here,” Jolie said brightly. “Let’s start with our names and share a little bit about ourselves. I’ve already told you my name, but let’s see… I have four brothers and sisters, and I enjoy meeting new people.”

She looked expectantly at Seth.

“Um… I don’t have any siblings, but I like to read,” he said. He seemed a little uncertain, just like Alara felt.

She realized that they were looking at her.

“My… my name is Alara,” she said, twisting her silvery hair between her fingers. “My planet was called Zephyr before it was… destroyed.” She looked away at the strange landscape, so unlike her world.

The sun was bright and beautiful. The breeze tickled her face. But the trees made her forget about everything else. They danced in the wind, bright and beautiful and serene. She couldn’t tear her eyes away.

“So… on your planet, what do you do when you meet a friend?”

A quiet voice brought her out of her trance. She turned and saw that it was Seth.

“Oh…” she started, touched by his gesture. “Well, when we meet our friends, we do this.”

She leaned over and lightly kissed him.

Jolie giggled.

“What’s so funny? ” Alara asked.

“Here, that means something else,” Jolie said breathlessly.

Alara looked back at Seth. His cheeks were blushing scarlet.

She realized she was blushing too, and laughed.