They met over breakfast, provided by room service to Hernando's suite. Smiling, she gazed across the table at her boyfriend, over the cereal, fruits and yogurt. She found it strange, but Hernando didn't care for bacon or sausage, and he particularly despised eggs. He'd laughed the first time he saw Earth eggs, as on BloodDark the chickens were of a most unusual breed and laid huge eggs with a dark crimson yolk. How hens abducted from Earth along with their owners had become so different over the centuries begged for an explanation, but the only one given was, "The Pure Bloods took care of it so they could live here."
"Hernando..."
"Hmm..." He stopped spreading butter on his toast. "I don't think I can get enough of this yellow stuff. Are you sure it's not good for you? How can anything that tastes so good not be good for you?" He took a bite and munched noisily.
She laughed. He said some of the cutest things at times. It made it all the more harder to lie to him.
"It's okay in small amounts, I guess, but just don't overdo it. You're a bit lactose intolerant, remember? You'd think the Pure Bloods would have brought cows and pigs to BloodDark so you all could have a proper breakfast."
"We have goats—and sheep of a sort. They provide us with clothing fiber and meat and milk. Who needs bigger animals destroying grazing lands and causing greenhouse gases?"
"True. It makes sense." She cleared her throat to start again. "Hernando, I thought it over last night. I think... I think I'd better do as my parents say and go to college this term."
He blinked at her, surprised, his toast halfway to his open mouth. "Really? What changed your mind?"
"My folks have been begging me to attend college since I first returned to Earth and got my G.E.D. After all that's happened to me, I really don't want to disappoint them and not go to school. I feel I owe it to them. Owe it to myself to get an education so I can improve my skills and help others."
Hernando set his toast down on the plate and lowered his eyes. "I see. I think.”
Olivia pushed plates and food aside so she could take Hernando's hand in hers and squeeze it. "I promise it won't be forever. The first semester will be over before you know it. We'll be back together then."
"Will it be a problem, getting into a college in January?" He frowned. "I'm not sure how these things are arranged, but aren't there things you have to do before you go?"
She hid a smile. He's trying to cover his disappointment by turning to the practicalities. He's more mature than I am. I'd have thrown a temper tantrum. "It shouldn't be a problem. My test scores are good enough, and both my parents work at a college where I can get free tuition as a faculty member's daughter."
"You want to attend the same school where your dad teaches?"
"Yes, it's the easiest route to take at this point. I could always transfer to a bigger university later when I've finished the basic courses. Think about it—after my experiences on BloodDark, any faculty in the world will take me for the notoriety alone." She grinned. "Some might even make me a professor of alien affairs."
Hernando chuckled at her joke, but his smile didn't touch his eyes. He cradled her hands in his larger ones. "I'll miss you. It won't be the same not having you around every day."
Her resolve slipped a notch, but Olivia made herself stay firm. "It won't be forever."
This is the only true thing I've said to Hernando so far. I should be punished for lying to such a sweet and trusting person.
"If you've made up your mind..." His voice trailed off. She nodded. "Okay, we'll need to work out the security details."
"Security? Oh, I'll talk it over with Annara, but I doubt I'll have any trouble. Colleges are pretty public places. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
"I guess your folks will be pleased. Have you told them?"
"Not yet." Yes, they'll be pleased—and possibly suspicious after I supply the opposite lie to them. She refilled her glass with the fresh-squeezed orange juice and held it up toward him. "Here's to a great New Year for us both."
Hernando clinked glasses and drank. She could tell his heart wasn't into celebrating from the sad look in his eyes.
*****
Olivia's parents were happy to see her the day after the reception.
"We missed you, honey." Moira stood on tiptoe to kiss her forehead. Olivia noticed the familiar gesture came harder for her mom. I guess I've grown since being away. "New Year's Eve wasn't quite the same without you and your dad's annual pop corn fight."
Olivia tilted her head and looked askance at her mother. "But you always tell us how much you hate sweeping up after our midnight pop corn fight, Mom."
Moira blushed. "Don't be silly. I enjoy it. It's a tradition."
"Come here, Ollie girl." Her father hugged her then shook hands with Hernando. "Welcome back. Didn't think we'd see you two again so soon."
"Come on through to the kitchen," her mom said. "You'll love to sample what's cooking."
"It certainly smells delicious," Hernando said, following Moira toward the heavenly aroma.
"You guys go on ahead," Olivia said. "We'll be there in a minute." She took her dad aside. "Dad, I need to talk to you."
He looked pained. "Oh, dear. I was afraid this day would come."
She wrinkled up her nose and cast a puzzled glance at his serious expression. "You are?"
"Yes." Mixed emotions chased each other across his face. "Come into the study, sweetheart, and close the door."
She did so as her father drew up a visitor's chair and gestured for her to sit near him. She sat down, feeling slightly bewildered by his behavior. This is what it must feel like for his students when they come in to discuss their failing grades. Awkward doesn’t begin to
