Episode 32: Bright side of the Moon
K+
Ilana looked outside her bedroom window as the sun began to set. The house actually faced south, but Ilana liked that because it let her contrast the orange and pink of the setting sun in the west with the rising moon in the east. Stars began to shine faintly as the sun disappeared at last, and Ilana began to long for home, imagining that it was just within her reach beyond the stars. It wasn't, of course, but she still liked to pretend. She had shifted her focus to the moon when a pair of fingers snapped. She jumped and realized it was only Lance. "Thanks. Really zoned out there!" Ilana said with embarrassment.
"It's all right. Just had to get you ready. Jason will be here soon, so you can go on that...whatever."
"Starbecue. He and some friends and his astronomy teacher go out to the countryside and observe the stars. Why didn't you want to come again?"
"I don't know any of his group. And neither do you."
"I can make new friends," Ilana countered. "And wouldn't you want to go, just to keep me safe?"
"You don't need me everywhere," Lance pointed out, sitting on Ilana's bed as she still stared out the window. "This could be a great time to prove yourself...wait, that came out wrong." Ilana rolled her eyes, used to such things from her guardian.
"...Just curious," Ilana began. "What do you think of the moon?" Lance looked out the window to watch it with her.
"It's tiny. And lifeless. Kinda...weak," Lance admitted.
"I don't know. I like it. So peaceful and clear, and it doesn't take up the whole sky like the moons and home." The doorbell rang, and the two left Ilana's room.
"Be safe. Watch the skies, and don't drop your guard," Lance warned her as Ilana approached the front door. He left before Ilana opened it, and Octus appeared behind Ilana.
"Do I really have to 'give you up' and say to Jason 'I want her back by 10:30? I can't see the purpose of this ritual," Octus remarked.
"This is how Earth fathers let their daughters date," Ilana explained.
"But you specified that this was not a date-"
"-You know what I mean! I can't keep Jason waiting!" Ilana said as she opened the door for Jason. He stood in the doorway, not sure what to make of the way Ilana and her "Dad" were waiting for him.
"Uh...hi, Ilana! And...Mr. Lunis, sir..." Jason stammered. Ilana gave Octus a nudge.
"I want her back by 10:30," Octus said, gently placing his hands on Ilana's shoulders to push her to Jason. Ilana had to walk forward so that she didn't trip. Octus closed the door, and Jason and Ilana walked to the car. Ilana frowned when Octus closed the door.
"Something wrong?" Jason asked as they got into his car.
"No, nothing," Ilana replied.
Back inside the house, Lance asked Octus: "Didn't she say to leave the door open and watch them until they left?" Octus immediately headed to the door and opened it as Jason and Ilana buckled up.
"Uhh, why is your Dad staring me down like that?" Jason asked Ilana. Ilana smacked her hand to her forehead in a gesture she had been told by Octus was known as the "face-palm".
"Just drive..."