A Love Story: The Enran Chronicles Book One

By Anna Scott Graham

The last thing Tia Sorenson wants is another man in her life, but dance major Nathan Zanetti is madly in love with her, and that’s before they are invaded by aliens. Tia’s pregnancy doesn’t hamper Nathan’s feelings, but when tragedy takes Tia home, both college sophomores conceal her condition, as well as the aliens within them. Nathan bonds with Tia’s family while Tia searches for answers about her past. Yet when further disasters strike, Nathan begs the alien inside him to reverse time to alleviate the catastrophes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna Scott Graham
• Release date: Mar 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215623619

Anna Scott Graham

A California native, I lived in Britain for eleven years, moving back to The Golden State in the spring of 2007. I'm leaving these stories for my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In the meantime, please enjoy the tall tales. And thank you for reading an independent author.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sentient beings crowded around the ship; sparkling with light, the creatures made it difficult for those inside the Royan vessel to view precisely where they had landed, this planet long known for its enigmatic landforms and encompassing cloud dispersal. Exactly how many creatures was another mystery, but an exploratory crew departed the ship, dressed in heavy protective gear, frustrating many of the beings attempting to integrate with what had infiltrated their world.

The failed incorporations were assumed by some of the beings as merely another example of their exclusivity within their universe. This invasion wasn’t the first, nor would it be the last, yet until one of these species permitted adaptation, or was brazen enough to take aboard their vessel even a minute fraction of what swarmed the ship, no collective information could be shared. After an appropriate interval, most of the beings flitted away. The communal agenda of what continued to buzz around the bipeds remained, an insistent group, one of the Royans announced to the others.

Shall we detain some of these?

The commander swatted away a few of the beings, then was again met by a throng. That is not our mission.

But they are so insistent. And pervasive.

I see that. But under no circumstance are we to….

The pause was so brief, none of the other Royans noticed. Actually yes, the commander stated. A maximum level containment field should be sufficient. If they so badly want to know us, we will see how they fare.

And if they seem incompatible with that degree of restraint?

Then we will release them, agreed?

The group assented to the plan, which was communicated to those still on the vessel. Within moments a force field was erected around a small selection of the beings, which immediately darkened all within it. The beings were released, regaining their illumination. The majority drifted away, but a few remained, over one hundred, a Royan announced. Perhaps they wish to be enclosed.

That is too many, the commander said. I only want to study five. We do not know how they reproduce.

The containment field was reestablished, but reduced in size, those squeezed out ricocheting off the sides. They are not happy in being excluded, a crew member observed.

I am not concerned with that, the commander replied. But I am grateful to see they cannot infiltrate it. We will explore these coordinates in groups of two and meet back at my mark.

And the containment field?

We will bring it with us if what inside it survives that long.

The Royans left the area, but the commander remained near the beings collected while life forms attempted to breach the commander’s protective gear. It was merely a ruse, although the commander’s consciousness remained undisturbed, reassuring those aboard the vessel that these beings, while curious, posed no threat to the ship’s complement of thirty-six personnel.

At the arranged time, the Royans reconvened at the commander’s position, then were returned to the ship along with the containment field, which was sent directly to the medical lab. The beings continued to sparkle, at times clustered together, then separating from one another. But they didn’t increase in number, nor did they exhibit any sign of consciousness. This was reported to the commander, who then visited the lab. Would you deem them harmless? the commander asked the chief medical officer.

I would not go that far, yet they do not display any hostile behaviors. Our encounter with them seems to be an initial sighting. Nothing in the database describes a previous meeting.

Curious, the commander said, stepping close to the beings, who had backed away, then grouped together.

They seem stirred by you. The medical officer swept a device all around the containment field. I have scanned them repeatedly and am now tracking massive amounts of energy being released.

Does it harm them?

I cannot tell, but your presence is off-putting.

The commander peered closely at the beings, now in one large cluster. Run a test with a variety of staff, then inform me of the results.

I will alert you as soon as I have a report.

Departing the lab, the commander returned to the bridge, finding a change of course had been demanded by the Royan government. The commander sighed, then altered the ship’s heading to Saran Six, where the beings could be studied at this sector’s scientific base. Soon afterwards the medical officer contacted the commander. You are the only one who elicits such a response. Will you return so I can again study their reactions?

I am on my way, the commander replied.

At the medical lab, the commander approached, then stepped away from the beings. They grouped together when the commander neared them, then separated when the commander backed off. I find this most curious, the medical officer said. May I scan you Commander?

Certainly.

The medical officer used the same device on the commander. I find no change in your physiology. And yet you were the one who permitted them onto the ship. I cannot explain it.

Put it in your report so when we reach Saran Six these can be tested against others in my position. And keep me informed if there is any change in them.

I will do so.

Approaching the lab’s exit, the commander turned back. I am going to retire to my quarters, but contact me regardless if there is any alteration.

As you wish.

The commander glanced at the beings, now floating freely in the containment field. Curious creatures indeed.

They exhibit no significant intelligence. They have only reacted to you.

The commander rejoined the medical officer. Are we alone?

Yes.

I wish to speak freely.

Please do so.

The commander grasped the medical officer’s shoulder. No words were spoken, but the medical officer nodded, then slumped in the commander’s grasp. The commander then released one of the creatures from the containment field; it landed on the medical officer. Immediately the biped was revived, then stood erect beside the commander. They communicated telepathically, then the medical officer walked to a communication device near the door. Report to the lab and bring three officers with you. The commander has been overtaken by one of the beings.

Within moments a security team arrived, finding the commander and medical officer lying on the floor. Kneeling beside them, all four were immediately subdued by those now influenced by the beings. The commander stood, dropping the containment field, allowing the other life forms to light upon the security officers. All four went to their feet, then gazed at the commander. Telepathically the commander ordered them to restrain the rest of those on the vessel. After the security team exited the lab, the commander silently addressed the medical officer: How long do we have in these bodies?

Perhaps no more than enough time to reach Saran Six, the medical officer answered inwardly. But you know as well as I do there are not enough of them to ferry us further than that base. And from there, we cannot travel far.

We need to find a species with more compatible lifespans.

Agreed, the medical officer said. Unless this experience meets your criteria.

It does not. And there are so few of us.

But we cannot return for the others.

A shame, the commander then shrugged. But we shall not perish in this state. We will rotate through this crew in the hopes of reaching a species that will be more durable.

And if we do not succeed, the medical officer inquired.

Then we will cease to function as we are. A pity, the commander sighed, but relief nonetheless.

Agreed. Go with the others. Inform me when we have control of the vessel.

The commander nodded, then exited the lab. The medical officer went to a work station, inputting messages to the species’ database, that a pathogen had emerged from the life forms collected on the planet. Most of the crew was infected, but the commander had been saved, as well as a small team, the medical officer included. They would continue to a nearby moon to take all precautions. The communique was acknowledged, an isolation facility on the moon used by various species. The medical officer smiled, then responded in the affirmative. Then the officer left the lab to assist in the takeover of what crew remained noncompliant.

In reaching the base, those assumed free of the pathogen were tested rigorously, their true natures remaining hidden. Yet they required different bodies, and once released, all six assumed new forms in a variety of species. The bodies they vacated were left intact, but severely debilitated, and the base was put on high alert as this new life form was correctly assumed to have infiltrated others. As they were undetectable, paranoia as to who had been breached permitted the beings to overwhelm those in charge of the base. Suitable life forms were appropriated, although the beings were not interested in conquest. They wanted to experience an existence that would eventually lead to their natural deaths, a situation impossible on Enran.

A wide contingent of planetary rulers met to discuss this newfound species and their request. Enran, as their planet was identified, had never previously been explored to such a degree. The beings, in the guises of recognizable figures, apologized for the bodies left in ruin, but a greater menace was threatened; if these six were not allowed safe passage, they would commandeer a cloaked ship, set course for their planet, then return with enough of their species to overrun this solar system. Give us our freedom and we will leave you in peace, the being first identified as the medical officer said. Or face your own demises. We welcome intervention; perhaps we can achieve peaceable aims.

What kind of intervention? a leader asked.

Our immortality could be harnessed to ensure your survivals. That is merely one suggestion. Even your most robust species experience cessation. We could alter that if given the opportunity.

How can that occur if you do not leave a liaison here? If you all flee, there will be no Enran with whom we can achieve diplomacy.

A telepathic discussion ensued between the Enrans, then two stepped forward. We will remain behind, one said. However we are linked to the rest. If we are harmed, the others will return to our planet and you will face the consequences of such betrayal.

But you have murdered hundreds of us, a leader shouted.

That is true. However we can save millions. Decide your fates. We will not be deterred.

Finally an accord was reached; two Enrans would remain, while the rest departed in ships, one equipped with cloaking technology. That ship was capable of long-range travel, while the other required refueling. Those Enrans would remain tethered to this system yet free to explore this quadrant of the galaxy.

The six shared one last meal together, having found in these corporeal bodies significant pleasures alongside myriad limitations. All felt success had been achieved, albeit in manners still to be defined. Our planet will be overrun by these interlopers eventually. I hope we have done right by our own.

We will never know, another said. We shall be long dead.

Are we committing genocide? another asked.

I grow weary of that point. The Enran who had made first contact stood, then gestured to over one hundred beings standing on a platform, viewing from outside this final gathering. It has been long known among us this was inevitable. We were merely those willing to risk ourselves to make it possible. Our destinies alongside these multitudes can now become one.

That is easy for you to say as you shall never return.

True. I am willing to trade places if you so wish.

The decisions are completed, the diplomat Enran huffed. You two will chart our outward journeys. All I ask is you do not forget us.

The Enran who had been the medical officer nodded. We shall endeavor to remember you. But most likely that consciousness will evaporate, perhaps before yours does.

Enough of this, one of the former security officers grunted. I am tired. This body requires great amounts of regeneration. We will say our final farewells after rest has been accumulated.

That Enran left the group, while the others continued with their meals, their additional dialogues shared telepathically.

In bodies intentionally donated, four Enrans departed the base. The two remaining in that galaxy quickly settled on a planet, losing their connections to the rest, while those acting as diplomats found species permitting them to preserve their dual identities. The commander and medical chief, as they still considered themselves, maintained contact with their counterparts until those Enrans died of natural causes, then continued to send information to other diplomats subsequently chosen. The commander and medical officer had not needed to renew their forms while continuing their explorations; the bodies they had been given did not seem to age or deteriorate, which they attributed to the distinctive molecular unification between their previous state and this species, known as Ahlems. As their travels continued, solar systems and planets were mutually discarded for various reasons, then an honest conversation revealed both had found the actual journey very pleasing, in addition to the vast knowledge collected. What will they do with this information, the commander said silently.

Add it to their general databanks, although I am not certain they are receiving our transmissions.

Why is that?

I have not received responses as per usual, the medical officer sighed.

For how long?

The officer glanced at the display: For a very long time.

Why did you not previously inform me, the commander frowned.

It did not seem relevant.

What?

The medical officer stood, then gestured to the vessel’s interior: We have had ample opportunities to integrate with countless species, yet when I broach the notion, you dismiss it. I believe you have grown attached to your form and this existence. I am not quarreling with you, but it is not what we originally envisioned when leaving our planet.

The commander nodded, then shrugged: You are speaking the truth. I am content with this routine. But it is not why I left.

You made first contact, albeit somewhat inadvertently.

I did not expect to find a breach in the suit. Then I was surprised none of the away team noticed.

I did not notice until…. The medical officer sighed, again sitting at the console. Then it continued speaking telepathically: The sensation was so fleeting, going from nothing to this, well, not this but…. The officer motioned to the commander: Why have these bodies not deteriorated?

I cannot ascertain an adequate answer. For whatever reason Ahlems permit lengthy existences when paired with our genetic material.

Do you want to alter this?

The commander sighed, tapped at the console, then spoke: Do you?

Yes. I would like to find a…home.

The commander nodded, then again stared at the display. I will scan for an appropriate location.

I will do the same.

The Enrans did not communicate for a lengthy period. Inwardly the commander spoke first: A suitable world exists here, but within its immediate solar system no other life forms dwell close.

That would be best. We would land on the planet and have no alternative but to integrate.

Yet, what if like the Royans, their lifespans are minimal?

I do not desire to remain a traveler. We shall integrate with them regardless.

As you wish, the commander nodded, then it sighed in silence.

The medical officer stared at the commander: I regret we must remain in close proximity. I detect your desire to remain here.

I would not want to be solitary. That is not our way.

Indeed, the medical officer said.

Is that why you wish to cease this voyage?

It must be.

We will arrive at its moon, then determine its technology, the commander said, setting the coordinates. If we can land while cloaked, that would be optimal.

Agreed, the medical officer said, then it stood. This body requires rejuvenation. I am going to rest now.

I will remain alert, the commander replied, leaning back in its chair. We should reach the planet by….

The medical officer grunted, then stepped toward a door, which opened, then closed behind the officer. The commander felt like anything but, pondering what kind of psyches belonged to a species that dwelled alone in their galaxy.

Chapter 2

With only a few weeks remaining in the winter quarter, Tia Sorenson considered the worth of having invested her affections in who she now viewed as a mere boy. That both were nineteen mattered little; Jensen was acting like a twelve-year-old. Had Tia previously not wanted to accept his immaturity? Sitting on her bed in a large house shared with several other young women, decisions loomed in Tia’s mind, the most immediate being would she try to find someone to take Jensen’s place on the trip to San Francisco.

Such a jerk, she muttered, gripping what was supposed to be his ticket, hers also in hand. Twenty bucks, not to mention the motel, gas money, asshole! She sighed, stood from the bed, then peered across the room into a mirror over her dresser. Long brown hair was swept into a messy bun atop her head, large brown eyes ringed with dark circles, a few lines around her mouth making her appear older than she was, or was Jensen’s childishness accentuating her age. Damned jerk, she hissed. Fine, you stay here. I don’t give a….

Sorenson, phone call!

Tia clucked at her image, then left her room, standing near the stairs. Who is it?

Sounds like Wynn.

Oh Wynnie, Tia smiled, racing downstairs. A telephone table sat across from the bottom step, the receiver on the cushion. Tia picked it up, plopped into the seat, then sighed. Hey, what’s up?

Just wanted to hear your voice. Say hello to Aunt Tia lovey.

A toddler yammered in the background and Tia giggled. Hello young man. I bet you’re more responsible than others I know.

Do tell, Wynn laughed.

Not right now, Tia sighed. Anything to report?

Nothing pertinent. Just missing you.

Miss you too. Tia wished to unload on her sister, but what she wanted to say required discretion. Did you get my letter?

We did. Marcus continues to find college life enthralling.

Tia laughed. How does mine compare to his mama’s?

Shirl doesn’t have time for correspondence. I hear more from you than her.

Well, she has more to tell you.

Hardly. Oh lovey, shit. Gotta go, Marcus smeared jam all over me.

Be good Marcus, Tia called. And thanks. I really needed this.

We really need you. Are you still coming home at the end of the month?

One way or another.

Good, oh pumpkin, shit. Gotta go Tee. Love you!

Love you guys too, Tia replied, but her twin had already hung up. Tia stared at the receiver, a flat tone emanating from it. Wishing she was already home, Tia wondered if Shirl would sneak away for a tandem break. How do we do this? I need comfort food, Tia mumbled, hanging up the receiver, then going to her feet. She walked into the kitchen, then approached the fridge, which was covered by photos representing families of all who dwelled within the house. The largest photo was of Tia’s clan, and she stared at Marcus, held by Wynn, his red hair a whorl around his head. Blinking away tears, Tia stepped to the snack cupboard, rummaging through it until she found a box of crackers. Then she returned upstairs, pondering her sister’s words, Marcus’s intent with jam, but not the recital ticket waiting on her bed.

Santa Barbara to San Francisco was a five-hour journey, although stops were included, what Tia told friends, then acquaintances as she tried to at first sell, then give away Jensen’s ticket. His share of their motel room was a wash, as was his portion of the gas money, although he had apologized profusely for having to back out, which she chalked up to him wishing to sleep with her again. She refused, then relented, then berated herself when a few days later he begged her not to go on the trip. They fought bitterly in person, then over the house phone, then Tia ranted to her twin, but not seated at the bottom of the stairs. Having topped up her cell phone, Tia spent precious minutes at the beach, watching the sunset, alternating tears with laughter as Marcus joined in the siblings’ discussion about a variety of subjects. Wynn wasn’t at all objective, urging Tia to skip her finals. If you fly to San Francisco, I’ll bring you home. Luce can look after Marcus for half a day.

God, don’t tempt me. Tia wiped her damp face, then gazed at surfers chasing waves. Mom would shit if I bailed before exams.

She might, Wynn sighed.

Everything okay? Tia asked, digging her toes into the sand.

Yeah, she’s just, well, tired. Her back’s been killing her, but she’s seeing a doc about it.

Don’t let her carry Marcus. He weighs a ton.

He does, Wynn giggled. You wouldn’t believe how strong I am these days.

Strong enough to put up with my bullshit.

You ever find someone to buy the ticket?

Nope, Christ. That’s gonna be a total wash.

Yeah, probably. Hey I hear Luce calling, talk to you later. Love you Tee.

Love you Wynnie. Tia sighed. Then immediately her phone rang again Hello?

Hi. Just wanted to know if you still had the recital ticket.

I do, Tia smiled. How’d you get my number?

The caller, a man, chuckled. From the flyer you put up. What’s the current going rate?

Free. Tia dug her toes deeper into the sand. But you have to make your own sleeping arrangements.

Okay. Hey, can we meet to discuss this?

Sure. Tia suggested a coffee shop near campus and the guy agreed to the location. As the sun dropped beneath the water, she squinted, then frowned, her stomach unsettled. Listen, I gotta go. But thanks for calling. I’ll, uh, text you about tomorrow.

Sounds good. I’m Nathan by the way.

Tia. She closed her eyes, the discomfort having lessened. Thanks for calling.

Thanks for a freebie.

Anytime, Tia muttered inwardly, closing the call.

In between morning classes, Tia walked to the coffee shop, bought a latte and a muffin, then sat at a table. The place wasn’t crowded and within a few minutes Tia spied who she believed was Nathan; he had described himself accordingly, she smiled inwardly, although seeing him in person, she wondered if he knew the full extent of his physical attributes.

Tall, dark-haired, and indeed handsome sprung to mind as Tia waved, catching his attention, then she clucked at herself, not wishing to add another jerk to her lengthy list. He nodded, gestured to the counter, then stepped toward her. Looks like you’re set. Need anything else?

Tia shook her head, slightly surprised at his generosity. But if he takes the ticket, we’ll be hanging out for the weekend, so…. She peered at notes for her biology class, then sipped her coffee. Did it matter if he took the ticket? She had already absorbed the losses, then she sighed. It seemed a waste, plus if Jensen learned someone was accompanying her…. Tia grinned as Nathan cleared his throat. They’ll bring it over, he said, coming her way.

Tia nodded; good-looking didn’t do him justice, dark wavy hair, large brown eyes, chiseled jaw, vibrant smile. Great physique, in that he was slender but not skinny, gracefully hanging his backpack over his chair, then seating himself across from her as though he was a performer in the recital he seemed very interested in attending. He made small talk about the show, revealing that yes, he was studying dance, had wanted to see the performance, but it had sold out, not to mention it was a long drive north. How are we getting there? he asked as a woman their age brought his order to the table.

A friend is using her mom’s van, Tia said. One of those huge ones, there’s a dozen of us going.

Great. I investigated nearby motels and here’s some money for gas. He pulled out his wallet and put two twenties on the table. Tia immediately pocketed the cash, inwardly giving him props for the donation, which wouldn’t completely cover Jensen’s share of the expenses, but was a kind gesture. Don’t take more from it than that, she warned herself.

So when again do we leave? Nathan asked.

This Friday morning. Tia peeked at her notes, then met his eyes. His smile was infectious, but she pulled away from his enticing gaze, leaning back in her seat, grasping her latte. I don’t have a car so Chandra’s picking me up but some are meeting at her house, I’ll give you her address.

He nodded, pulling a small notebook and pen from the backpack. Give me the info, including anything else pertinent.

Tia offered the details, wondering why hadn’t she met him before she’d slept with Jensen. Wynnie would chuckle over this story, Shirl too, just in how Tia’s love life always seemed two steps in the wrong direction. But hooking up with Nathan for a road trip or beyond wasn’t happening. Tia needed space from men, no matter how cute they were or what good manners they exhibited.

She grabbed her backpack, retrieved the ticket, then set it near his coffee cup. Maybe it seems silly, but thanks for wanting to go. We’ve been planning this for weeks and I didn’t want the ticket going to waste.

He collected the ticket, putting it in his wallet. You have no idea how badly I wanted to see this. Kind of like the planets aligned, he then smiled.

Are you a dancer? she asked, then wished she hadn’t inquired to something they could discuss on the long drive.

I wanna be. You?

I’m a retired high school cheerleader, Tia laughed. But Chandra’s really into this and…. Tia rattled off harmless facts about Chandra Dalston, who would find Nathan just as intriguing as Tia considered him. Chandra was single and better for Tia to act as matchmaker than….

Sounds like a great weekend, Nathan smiled. I’m always looking to meet new friends.

Tia nodded, then glanced at her watch. Crap, I’m gonna be late. She chugged her coffee, wrapped the muffin in an unused napkin, then gathered her notes, putting them in the backpack which she then slung over her shoulder as she stood. She smiled, as Nathan had also gone to his feet. Text Chandra for more info, she’s the one coordinating the trip.

Okay, I’ll do that. Again thanks, I really appreciate this.

Sure. Tia wanted to smirk, but didn’t wish to offend him. I’ll see you Friday.

See you Friday, he smiled.

Tia nodded, then walked to the exit. Quickly she turned back, finding he’d retaken his seat, looked to be studying the notes about the trip. Men, she muttered under her breath, exiting the shop, heading to biology class.

Chandra called the house after dinner and Tia chuckled often as who she considered her closest college friend gushed about Nathan Zanetti. Then Tia sighed, as Chandra kept using Nathan’s last name. Okay, what am I supposed to know about him?

I was wondering how long you were gonna play dumb.

No seriously. What?

Are you kidding me? Don’t tell me Zanetti doesn’t ring any bells?

Is he some Santa Barbara sporting star?

No, Chandra laughed. But his father, grandfather, and great-grandpa are hockey and soccer jocks. You’ve really never heard of them?

Wouldn’t know them from Adam, Tia chuckled.

Jeez Sorenson, sometimes I wonder what rock you crawled out from under.

We barely get cable you know, Tia giggled. While Chandra had been born and raised in Santa Barbara, Tia’s roots were from farther north along California’s rugged coastline. Besides, hockey is for east coasters. And hoodlums, Tia thought to herself. Nathan was far too refined for what Tia perceived as the most violent of the major sports, although football was a close second.

His family’s from Italy originally. His great-grandfather got them out of Europe right before World War II started and….

Chandra launched into Nathan’s history, but Tia tuned out the particulars; more important was Chandra’s tone, that of a woman clearly smitten. So is he sharing your room this weekend? Tia said slyly.

Hardly, Chandra clucked. But I am sitting next to him in the van.

I thought you were driving.

I am. He’ll call shotgun and….

Tia erupted into laughter. Sounds fine with me. I’ll be in the back while you sort out the wedding plans.

Don’t get in a hurry Sorenson. I just wish he hadn’t asked all about you.

Tia huffed, then glanced at the stairway, two housemates now seated on the steps, which meant Tia’s use of the phone was over. Listen, there’s a line for the phone. I’ll see you tomorrow. Happy hockey dreams, Tia playfully added as Chandra offered her goodbye.

Like Tia, other young women living in the house preferred using the landline, their cell phones also tied to top-up cards that always seemed on the verge of running out of minutes. Tia would have loved to next call her twin, or even contact Shirl, who was a year behind Tia at Cal State Hayward, studying to be a math teacher. Instead Tia stepped outside, sitting on the stoop, staring at another large house across the street where other students were taking advantage of the mild temperatures for early March. Tia had chosen this university for its proximity to the ocean as well as its role in her heritage, where her parents had met. It was far from home, which now grated on her, although how nice was it to sit outside in a t-shirt and capris when along the northern section of the Pacific her family wore hoodies and sweats or the equivalent. She smiled, wondering if her nephews were having dinner, then she considered going back inside to call Wynn about their mother. As Tia stood from the stoop, a scooter putted up the street, then was parked in a small space as though reserved for it. Tia sighed, then headed for the sidewalk as Jensen Miller took off his helmet, hanging it from a handlebar. Hey, he yelled, still seated on the scooter. I’ve been trying to call you.

He was blonde, well-tanned, vaguely handsome, but didn’t compare to Nathan Zanetti in looks or character, making Tia inwardly chuckle. My phone’s upstairs, she said, leaving several feet between them.

I changed my mind about this weekend. Hope that’s all right.

Sorry. I gave away the ticket this morning.

You what?

You heard me. I gave away your ticket. Didn’t want it going to waste.

Jensen ran one hand through his lengthy hair, shaking his head. Why the hell’d you do that?

I told you I wasn’t gonna sit on it. Tia wanted to cross her arms over her chest, but that would put him more on the defensive. Instead she shoved her hands in her pockets, keeping a smile affixed to her face. We’re over, you don’t need to come back here.

But I love you and…. He got off the scooter, taking a few steps toward her. I don’t want this to end.

Not typically prone to untruths, Tia cleared her throat, then approached him. I’m pregnant and it’s yours, she murmured. We’re over, all right?

You’re what?

You heard me, she said softly. Just leave. We’ll both pretend this never happened.

Jensen briefly closed his eyes, then opened them, scuffing one foot along the sidewalk. He started to speak, then nodded, quickly turning back for the scooter. Putting on his helmet, he didn’t face Tia, nor did he call out to her. He sat on the scooter, started the engine, then maneuvered from the tight