Repellent

1- Decadent Lips and Cerisian Beats

*First Draft

His eyes are cold. Why didn't I notice it before? He is smiling at me but there is no warmth in it. None. Sweat starts to form on my brow and I force my lips to curve upward. I'm such an idiot. The stupidest human. Magna warned me to keep my guard up and to never trust anyone-humans most of all, but I was swayed by the lull of a decadent voice and a listening ear.

Can anyone blame me? We don't get many humans on Cerise anymore and I am tired of only hearing my language through the toneless droning from my translator app.

The music in the background has an off-kilter beat. The off and on high pitch noises spike my already racing heart. Cringing, I clench my hands together in my lap, and momentarily squeeze my eyes shut. The Cerisians are a peaceful and hardworking group, but their imitation of Earth music, although a worthy effort, is excruciatingly unpleasant.

With a panicky motion, I survey the club. Unsurprisingly, the dance floor is glaringly empty. The pinkish-red walls mimic the ground outside, and the flashing lights move in sporadic chaos. A few patrons, mostly Cerisians, are seated at the few scattered tables. I recognize most of them as regulars, my heart drops as I realize that none of them would know how to help me or know that I even needed help if the situation arises.

My eyes dart back to my date. I could say I have to get back to work and slip out the back door. That might work. Or the restroom is also a believable place. Women on dates do that all the time. A squeal causes me to flinch and I am once again only jarred by the music.

"Are you alright?" he--Ethan--asks with fake sincerity. Or I think it's fake. His steely gray eyes penetrate mine and his silky lips flatten to a scowl. I had thought he was handsome before, but I don't think so anymore. My rosy glasses were wiped clean by his treatment of Vi, our Cerisian waitress. My co-worker, my friend.

"I'm fine," I say a little too curtly. Studying him again, I realize his nose is too long and pointy, his eyes are too close together, and his skin is so pasty that he probably glows in the sun. And to think I had wanted to kiss him.

A pang of panic sears into my chest as I play back all our interactions. A supplier, he came into the practically abandoned club with a dolly of goods and a breathy "hello" that had me quivering at the knees.

He didn't seem suspicious then. He had eyed me up and down, his Adam's apple bobbed as he took me in, and when he repeated my name my heart soared like he was singing a sweet symphony from his lips.

And now I'm sitting across from him questioning everything.

"Jade? Come on. You were talking my ear off a moment ago. So bubbly and sweet, now you look like you want to bolt."

This sounds like the perfect opportunity to make my exit. I slowly pull myself out of my seat and shakily say, "Umm, actually, I think I do need to get going. Sorry, Ethan. It was nice meeting you. Good luck with the rest of your shipments."

Ethan smirks at me, and his voice stops me from continuing my retreat. "You know in most cultures it is considered rude to accept a drink and then not drink it."

"Oh." I stare at my full glass and I see Ethan's point. This is a rude thing to do and I look at him apologetically. My palms start to sweat as I hesitantly sit back down and reach for the fruity beverage. His lips twitch in a mirthless smile as he takes in my demeanor. I take the straw and stir absently.

Sighing heavily, he asks, "Did I do something wrong?"

I shake my head, but he knows as well as I do that it is a lie.

"You know, if you don't tell me what I did, I can't fix it. I just met you, but I like you." I blink at him and take in a breath. Before the switch flipped, I was having a nice time. Maybe I'm reading him all wrong and I'm letting Magna's paranoia turn me socially incompetent. It doesn't make any sense anyway. What could the GSA possibly want with someone like me? I am no one.