The Alien Agenda 2

[Chapter 27: Dreaded Reunion]

I could safely say that I had the most awkward tea time in my entire life. Even sitting around a table and having tea with the chiefs and generals of Atlantis would have been less awkward.

Inya was trying to explain to Irah about the purpose of her visit, whilst trying to omit the fact that I was a time traveller from the future. It proved to be extremely difficult, as that was literally the reason we were here.

To top things off, we had an unexpected guest, to increase the already uncomfortable atmosphere. It happened when Inya ended her explanation.

"Inya! Is that really you?" said a man, as he walked over to our tea spot. He was pretty good looking, with fair skin and hazel eyes.

I immediately knew that he was Ammer. I recognised him from Inya's memories. He sat beside Irah, and gave Inya a beaming smile. Inya looked even worse than before. I could only imagine the amount of feelings she was trying to repress.

"How have you been doing?" Inya mustered. I was surprised she could still make coherent sentences. If I were her, I would be tongue-tied.

Ammer beamed,"Wonderful! In fact, Irah did you tell her?" he said turning to his wife.

Irah smiled and shook her head,"I was about to send you a letter, but now I get to tell you face to face. I am so thrilled!" she said.

Inya looked confused,"Tell me what?"

Ammer and Irah looked at eachother before turning back to Inya.

"I am pregnant!" Irah exclaimed cheerfully.

I widened my eyes and glanced at Inya. She grew pale, and I saw her stiffen. She simply could not say anything. I slipped my hand into hers wanting to reassure her, I could almost feel her pain. Inya surprisingly gripped my hand as if her life depended on it, without a moment of hesitation.

"T-that is... Wonderful," she managed. I gently stroked her hand trying to calm her down.

Irah and Ammer were oblivious to her emotions. They were still brimming with excitement.

"That is great!" Dahri exclaimed, clapping her hands together. She began gushing about whether the baby will turn out to be a boy or a girl. Both the ladies were chattering in excitement.

Both were oblivious that Inya was probably drowning in despair. I had to help her.

"I hate to spoil the good mood, but Inya and I do need to get some work done," I cut in. I was clearly not part of the situation, and me butting in made everyone confused.

"Yes, we have work to do. And a deadline... So we should leave," Axel said joining in on my lie.

Dahri raised a brow,"But I thought..."

Before she could say anything, I stood up, pulling Inya up with me as well. "We really have to go. See you guys later," I said hastily.

Axel, Inya and I quickly exited the courtyard, and made our way back into the building. I walked in no particular direction, dragging Inya along with me, till I felt that we were far enough and in a quieter area. Inya was limp in my hands, she merely followed me.

Finally when we stopped walking I turned to Inya and enveloped her in a hug. Inya trembled in my embrace. Soon, she was weeping in my arms. I patted her back gently, as she cried.Axel looked mildly puzzled by the scene, but even he was concerned about Inya. He remained silent, allowing Inya to recuperate.

Finally her sobbing subsided. I brought her over to sit on a bench nearby.

"Thank you," was the first thing she said.

"Both of you. I apologise for losing it back there. I just..." she trailed off dropping her gaze.

"Hey... It's okay. I understand how you feel," I said reassuringly.

Inya shook her head,"No, I am terrible. It has been years. They are clearly happy with each other. They are living their lives, looking at the future. I am simply drowning in the past," she said, another tear escaped her eye.

Axel and I glanced at each other, both our expressions laced with concern. What should I say to her? I wondered. How could I console her? Inya was having anxiety and depression. I was at lost.

"No one can let go of the past that easily," I was surprised as Axel spoke up.

"It takes a whole lot of courage to move on, and not let it drag you down. Sometimes you might just wall off your feelings. You've been doing that... But it's not the right way," he continued. His words were so heavy with emotion, I almost felt like he was talking about himself.

He was doing just that. Walling off his emotions. Yet not letting go of the past.

Inya wiped her face and sighed. "I appreciate the advice. But for now... I think I just need some time to myself. I plan to head back. Please inform Dahri for me," Inya said.

"Are you sure?" Axel said.

"Yeah, do you want us to come with?" I added.

Inya smiled wryly and gave us both a sideways hug. "You two are really kind. But I think I will be fine," she said.

She stood up and walked down the corridor, waving as she left. Axel sighed beside me.

"Back in our time, she would be diagnosed with a mental illness," Axel muttered.

I nodded in concern," True... I really want to help her," I said.

"We will. But for now, we have bigger things to worry about," he replied.

I nodded. Axel stood up and ushered me to follow. We had to inform Dahri about Inya's sudden need to leave.

As we walked, I glanced at Axel.

Even I had my own set of personal problems that needed solving. And Axel was one of the biggest.