ALIEN INVASION by Peter Hallett Page B

music. It was terrible music, sure, but it was still a step in the right direction when it came to the place you called home. His family wasn’t rich but they weren’t short of cash either. I guess it helps when your dad doesn’t spend every cent on beer.
    I walked down the hallway to the door numbered 77 and knocked. It wasn’t long before his mom answered. She was wearing a dress that looked expensive and showed off heaps of cleavage. Her hair didn’t have a strand out of place, unlike mine. She was also wearing a massive and welcoming smile, her teeth casting light off them.
    “June, it’s good to see you again. Come on in.”
    I smiled and entered the apartment. It smelt so different to where I lived, less alcohol hanging in the air I guess. You’d get drunk in our living room if you took too deep of a breath. Alec’s apartment contained much more pleasing scents. I think I could make out vanilla and cherry. It almost made me hungry.
    “It’s nice to see you again,” I said as I slipped my backpack off my shoulders and held it by my side.
    “Alec is in his room. He’s getting dressed into his costume. He’s very excited about the convention. He loves them. He told me this was your first one.”
    “That’s right. I’m excited too … Also a little bit nervous.” I looked to my feet and cleared my throat.
    “There’s no need to be, sweetie. I’m sure you’ll feel at home once you get there. Alec never feels as comfortable as when he is around the comic reading type. Geeks, I think he calls them.”
    “It’s not that. My dad … he …”

“He still hasn’t changed then?” She placed her hand on my shoulder.
    It made me jump. I felt terrible that I’d had such a reaction. It would have looked as if she repulsed me. She didn’t remove it though. I didn’t mind either. I just wasn’t used to someone touching me in a loving way. The only time I got touched by my dad was when he hit me.
    “I’m sorry I’m jumpy,” I quickly said.
    “It’s okay … and it’s completely understandable. If you ever need anywhere to stay, you’re always welcome here.”
    I looked up at her. She was smiling again. This one was different than when she’d welcomed me, though. She felt sorry for me that was plain to see. Her eyes looked so kind. “Thank you … and he hasn’t changed. I don’t think he ever will.”
    “Maybe he will one day. Stranger things have happened.” She squeezed my shoulder. I didn’t jump that time. “Why don’t you go and help Alec with his costume and get changed into yours, he’s been standing in front of that mirror for hours, maybe you can hurry him along.”
    “I’ll try, but you know what he’s like.”
    “I do.”
    I didn’t want to leave her. I felt safe in her company. If it wouldn’t have been so easy for my dad to find me there, I’d have run off and lived with them. I would have to travel farther away though. Somewhere he would never think to look. No one could know where I’d gone. Not even Alec, which really upset me, but it was for the best. It would keep both of us safe.
    I was just about to enter Alec’s room when his mom said, “And don’t be concerned. If your dad calls, we’ve not seen you.” She winked.
    I smiled and said, “Thank you.”
    “June, is that you?” Alec shouted from inside his room.
    “Yep, it’s me. Is it safe to come in? You’re not naked are you?”
    “Nope. Enter, my fair maiden.”
    “I’m not fair, but I’m coming in.”
    Alec’s room was geek heaven. The walls were covered in DC and Marvel posters. The one he had of the Joker over his bed always freaked me out, though. His grotesque smile reminded me too much of my dad’s.
    Alec had an awesome gaming station setup in the corner, too. He even had one of those chairs that rumbled and had built-in speakers. He’d let me sit in it, he’s pretty precious about it but he allowed me the honor, but I hadn’t done it since. Not because he wouldn’t let me, but