Galactic Earth (15 page)

Hastily running, Layla instantly located the address on her phone. A peculiar thing about it was that it belonged to a well-known publisher. Maybe, they just share space, she thought. Not wanting to waste time, Layla hopped on the nearest subway and zoomed toward her destination. While on the train she fiddled with her fingers, so filled with anticipation that she could barely keep still. A gentleman offered his seat, but Layla declined, she was too excited to sit. Adrenaline pumped through her as she quickly exited at her stop.

Following her phone’s GPS led her to a new blue tinted polished looking building. It looked like it could have been a hotel if valet was added. Layla went inside and was greeted by the desk clerk.

“May I help you?” she said.

“I’m looking for the head of this company,” Layla said pointing to the label on a box she took from the bookstore.

“Gauri Publishing? Oh that’s on the 11
th
floor they just bought the space and moved in not too long ago. You’re the first person to request them.”

Layla walked towards the elevator, not wanting to run into “him.” She knew an executive who works for one of the big players at this building.

Hopefully I won’t run into him, she thought.

The elevator was taking longer than usual and Layla let out a breath of impatience with arms folded, tapping her foot franticly.

“Are there any other elevators?”

“I’m sorry there isn’t,” said the receptionist.

Suddenly, the door opened revealing a man. It was him, the man she had hoped to avoid. Layla gasped in shock.

“Layla?” the tall handsome green eyed man said.

“Dennis,” Layla said, eyeing his new physique.

She was looking at his gut, but now it was gone. Seeing Dennis well-built with broad shoulders was beyond her expectations.

“What are you doing here?” he asked stepping out.

“I…’m looking for someone.”

“Who,” Dennis asked curious?

“I’ll know when I find him,” replied Layla.

Dennis chuckled.

“Always the mysterious one,” he said.

Layla stopped the elevator doors from closing and went inside.

“It was nice seeing you again Dennis,” she said putting a smile. Layla pushed the 11
th
floor button.

“Wait,” Dennis said, preventing the doors from shutting, “Let me go up with you, I forgot something,” he said wiping his long brown hair.

They were now the only ones inside. Layla stood with her arms folded impatiently awaiting her floor.

“11
th
floor, what are you going there for?”

“Business,” Layla courtly replied.

“Isn’t that a publisher? Why are you going there, did you write a book or something?”

“Maybe,” she said not giving him much attention.

This conversation was stalling Layla, she didn’t want to engage in small talk nor hear any chit chat. Dennis went on about his new career and how his new relationship didn’t work out. Layla eagerly waited for the elevator to arrive at her destination.

“Listen, Layla, I’m really sorry about what happened between us. It was a rough time in my life, and I didn’t know what I was doing,” Dennis said, alternating his focus on her and the floor.

“It’s ok, I know,” she replied.

There was a silence, which felt awkward for both.

“I want you back Layla,” Dennis said, breaking the hiatus after passing the 7
th
floor.

Slowly, the elevator came to a stop at the 8
th
floor, bringing relief to Layla. She hoped she could stall until the 11
th
, but this worked too. A young businesswoman with short hair and three other men walked in, greeting them. They were all going down. Two of the men were stood back discussing numbers while the other man and woman were happy about a deal they just struck at their firm. Dennis sidestepped closer to Layla who now had nowhere to retreat.

“My feelings for you haven’t changed,” he whispered looking down at the floor with folded hands as if in confession.

Layla stood rigidly staring at the ceiling, concealing her emotions.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you, but I’ve finally got my life together.”

Seeing his new appearance, it was hard to argue with that statement. Flashbacks of their previous relationship popped in Layla’s head. She relived the happy times when she felt life was a romantic sea of magic and joy until he suddenly left her, using his financial situation as an excuse. She held herself from tearing, but that incident hit her hard. She waited for him to get his act together, but instead found him dating another girl along with changing careers. On the other hand, if it were not for their breakup, she probably wouldn’t have had the fiery drive to better herself and achieve what she did, becoming a strong independent woman. With that thought, Layla simply gave a faint slight smile.

11
th
floor, thank God, she thought.

The door opened. Layla made her way through.

“Layla,” Dennis said, putting his hand on her shoulder, “Can I call you sometime?”

Frozen, thoughts zipped through Layla’s mind.

“It was nice seeing you again, Dennis,” a smiley Layla said, and with that she turned around and left Dennis speechless. She was glad to get that over with. Changing her number was something she didn’t want to go through again. The 11
th
floor had a burgundy homely design. Layla slowly walked on the main path looking inside each empty room she passed by. At the end appeared to be the main office where she overheard a conversation. She knocked on the half closed door. No answer. Layla proceeded inside. She found the back of a big chair supporting a man talking on the phone. It was in some language that sounded Eastern. The man turned back and forth in his chair and caught her in his peripheral. He spun around to see her. She smiled and waved with a faint “hi”.

Oh no, is this whole thing a terrorist plot, she thought jumping into the stereotype.

Ending the call, the man hung up and withdrew his phone. He quickly scanned her head to toe, pondering the reason of her presence.

“Good afternoon, how can I help you?” he spoke in perfect English.

“Hi, my name is Layla Lolland with Lolland Press, and I’m doing a story on earth’s new alien friend. I picked up a copy of his book and found your address as the publisher. I was hoping you could help me with a few questions.”

The man gave her a serious look.

“How did you find this address?”

“The bookstore gave it to me, are you Gauri?” she said with a friendly smile, her big teeth sparkling.

“Have a seat,” the man gestured.

Layla sat down.

“What would you like to know?” he asked.

“Well, I found this book fascinating, everything about it is really eye opening and Gudama’s insight is so incredible. I love how he includes references to some of our earth’s finest individuals and after I read it, I knew I had to cover this.”

“You read his book? It has only been out this weekend,” the man said with eyebrows raised.

“Yes, well like I said it really resonated with me. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I actually did nothing, but read over the weekend,” she said laughingly, her cheeks blushing rosier.

The man shook his head in disbelief.

“I’m happy you enjoyed it,” he said.

“Yes thank you. This is going to sound crazy, but I wanted to ask you if you can tell me where you received the manuscript from?”

Motionless, the man stared at Layla.

“You want to meet him don’t you?”

Layla nodded her head with a big smile.

“He doesn’t want to speak to anybody, and I’m instructed not to say anything.”

“Can you at least give an address or point me in the right direction?”

“That I cannot do, there is no address on file.”

“Well, isn’t there an email that you received the
manuscript from?”

The man kept quiet, looking away while playing with a pen in his fingers.

“Please, I really believe in his message and want to help spread the truth.” Layla pleaded to him.

She pulled out her IPhone and showed him the pictures of the spacecraft.

“I was there, I saw it, I felt it, and I know he’s real…please.”

The neatly dressed man studied her. Layla returned his stare with her honest look, revealing her soul. The man thought about it, breathing deep. He had thick well-groomed long curly hair with perfectly symmetrical facial hair. He wore a nice designer white dress shirt and a sharp looking jacket to go with it. The cufflink and shiny watch complimented his elegant look quite nicely.

“Ok, I doubt you’ll have much luck, but here is the email we received the document from,” he said writing it down on a sticky note.

“Shiva4ever?” she said.

“We’ve had very few contacts. I doubt he even responds now. He doesn’t collect any money. All of the earnings go directly to our company.”

“But why and how did you two come in contact?”

“I’ve never met him. Some years ago he contacted my sister, Gauri and befriended her. After some time, he trusted my Behan to publish the book, so everything goes to her. Gudama had his own unique plan of advertising as you’ve seen recently, and we were going tell police it was a big marketing ploy if questioned. Critics however, are already declaring it as the greatest advertisement of all time. Still, my brother is dangerous and can’t be trusted. Only the two of us know of this email and I don’t know why I just gave it to you…perhaps you should leave before I come back into my senses.”

Hearing Gudama in contact with another woman created a sinking feeling in Layla’s stomach much like when she caught Dennis cheating on her.

“But there is a reason why you told me…trust is important,” she said understanding him.

“Look, everything was going smooth until my brother found out what we were doing,” he said letting out a breath, “Ever since then he’s been trying to control everything, even threatening to expose us, he’s always been so jealous. We never told him of the email and fear he may do other stupid things. Behan and I tried to contact Gudama, but like I said, he’s hard to get a hold of. But maybe you can reach him, perhaps you’re the better person who can assist him with his needs,” he said.

“Thank you, I promise you it’s in good hands,” Layla said getting up. “What is your name?” she asked with a smile.

“Rohan,” the man said, a bit taken back by her.

“Are you Indian?” Layla asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Oh that’s so cool I love your weddings, the culture, and the yummy food! It’s all so good!”

“Ah, thanks,” he said raising his eyebrows.

“Is Gudama Indian too? He sort of looks like one,” she asked curious to find more details about him.

“Only my sister met him and she said although he has an otherworldly presence, he does have some resemblance to our people.”

“Wow that is so awesome!” Layla said with her fists clenched together by her chest.

“Layla, if you meet him please give him my message of my brother’s actions.”

“You can count on me,” she said confidently.

Layla offered her hand, which Rohan stood up and accepted, feeling better about giving her the email. After shaking hands, Layla left toward the exit. She opened the door, turned and winked in trust at Rohan before closing.

He sat in silence, listening to the fainting footsteps of Layla and the “ding” sound of the elevator.

With a slow deep breath, he let out some anxiety.

“Forgive me brother.”

Overjoyed, Layla skipped down the hall and left the building smiling like a little girl with candy. Outside, she noticed Dennis was sitting by a wishing fountain with his hand on his forehead.

“What’s on your mind?” she asked.

“Oh hey, nothing just stuff,” Dennis said startled.

“Well, you know what they say. When times get rough, make a wish!” she said immersed in joy.

Layla took out a coin, turned around and tossed it behind her shoulder into the water. She smiled, giggled, gave Dennis a thumb up and skipped away. Dennis was dumbstruck.

Rapidly, she made her way through the crowds of New York. Every cell vibrated as she could hardly contain herself. Neurons fired away as she contemplated her message to Gudama. She began walking across the street only to be shocked back to reality by the honk of a truck. Layla froze in her steps with hands up as the massive vehicle zipped by inches in front of her. Terrified, she closed her eyes and centered herself realizing she nearly could have been run over. Being so emerged in her quest, Layla was absent minded of her surroundings and promised to stay focused. Once she calmed down, her zeal sparked a big smile once more and she continued on her way with wide arm swings.

Layla repeated several mentally typed sentences to herself on the subway. Onlookers on the train found her irritating as she kept at it the whole ride.

Finally, she thought of an appropriate email message that satisfied her.

“Yes that’s it, oh my God somebody pinch me! Ouch!” Layla exclaimed.

“You said pinch you,” a punky college kid replied, making a kissing gesture.

Layla smacked him on the side of his head, knocking off his hat. Thankfully for that, Layla returned to reality just in time to hear the announcement of her stop.

“Perfect,” she said smiling confidently.

Inside at Oliver’s Organic Paradise, Layla went up to the juice bar.

“Layla, long time no see,” said a tall blonde man.

“Why hello Oliver, you’re looking spectacular!”

Oliver’s eyebrows rose as he was in the normal employee uniform sporting a messy hair due.

“Thanks, what’ll it be?”

“Hit me up with your banana berry blast with some spirulina and chlorella, oh and with some wheat grass too!”

“You got it boss, sounds like somebodies happy, what’s the good news?” he asked.

“Oh, that’s just it exactly. I’ve got the greatest story of news history!”

“Really, what is it?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see Ollie, but I’ll give ya a hint, it’s out of this world,” Layla said winking.

Oliver thought about it for a second.

“No way,” he said.

“Way,” Layla said walking away with a big smirk on her face.

“You’re amazing Layla, berry blast coming right up!” he said impressed by her efforts.

A server quickly brought Layla her drink.

With a sip of her antioxidant powerhouse, Layla wrote down the words for her email, exciting the environment around her. Drawing out her phone, Layla quickly typed away the letters which created her message. Upon completion, she gazed at the screen with her head raised in satisfaction.

Gosh, I haven’t seen that look since she finished her triathlon, thought Oliver who noticed her.

With the push of a button, Layla’s email to Gudama was sent. She finished her drink, got up, and waved goodbye to Oliver, radiating joy in her aura.

On the bus ride home, Layla stared out of the window dreaming of mystical fantasy.

Home was her sanctuary. She slipped into more comfortable clothing – her favorite pajamas given by her grandma. Her growth spurted early, developing her tall strong physique during high school. She happily prepared for herself a very veggie healthy hearty dinner filled with quinoa, nuts, vegetables, and healing herbs.

Treating herself with dark chocolate was a no brainer she earned it even if it was Monday. She ate some date treats topped with coconut shreds in addition to a fruity smoothie, tickling her sweet tooth. After satiated, Layla reclined on her couch and watched a comedy show. At the end, Layla thought about Gudama.

It’s been a couple hours, she thought tapping her fingers together. She contemplated checking her email, debating with herself if it was too early. Soon enough she had succumb to her urge.

Hopping on her seat, Layla logged into her email account eagerly anticipating a response, but found nothing. Layla let out a displeased grunt. She figured he must be busy and it was way too early to expect a reply. With that in mind, she treated herself to some herbal tea and relaxed on her couch. Pondering the possibilities, Layla was euphoric with delight. She slightly opened her bedroom window and sat in a lotus position. Entering a deep meditation, she felt a force like no other. Thoughts, worries, news, due dates, these all drifted away in her newly enlightened state. A pin drop could be heard that night which couldn’t have been better for her. The sky became darker, colorful swirls filled the way as she entered a lucid world of endless imagination, her head lightly falling on her gentle cotton silk pillow.

Springing out of bed, Layla forgot how she fell asleep as she slept like baby Buddha. It was every insomniac’s dream. Layla flew onto her chair as if a wrestler had chucked her. She checked her email with her body crouched close to the screen. Her eyes grew bigger in anticipation, yet still nothing. Recovering, Layla laughingly brushed it off, telling herself she was being too impatient and needed to occupy her time with something productive.

She jumped on her bed and began writing a draft for her article, immersing herself completely into the limitless world of writer imagination. Three days had passed. Layla logged onto her email again. She franticly searched for the golden response, filtering out other unwanted or otherwise unimportant messages. Although there were emails to make the normal person content, there was still no reply from her outer space correspondence. It saddened her this time the zeal had lessened as she wondered what could have happened. Layla resent her original email, thinking perhaps it was lost in cyberspace. Regaining her smile, she sent duplicate emails making sure it would be seen. She spun around her chair and made some finishing touches to her apartment. There was a knock on the door.

“Hi!” Layla greeted her mom.

“Hello darling,” her mother said with open arms.

They hugged and got settled in.

“My, my, your apartment is amazing!”

“Thank you, it’s not always this neat, but come in have a seat, dinners ready,” said Layla blushing.

“Did you do all this for me?” Layla’s mom said with her hands on her cheeks, “You shouldn’t have.”

“You’re my mother, I would be nowhere without you,” Layla said with a smile.

“Oh my precious little angel,” her mom said pinching Layla’s cheek.

Layla had prepared a healthy banquet. Most of the ingredients she used her mother never saw before and it was fun for Layla to explain what everything was. Together, they enjoyed their meal.

“This quinoa is so good,” her mom commented.

“Thanks, the oregano and spices give it flavor. I like adding almonds and fresh herbs, it makes it tastier,” Layla said.

“Any man would love your cooking. Speaking of which, have you found anybody yet?”

“Oh mom stop, you know I’m busy with work,” Layla said smiling. “Did you see the news abo-?”

“Oh stop that Layla, you know I don’t watch trash TV,” her mom said with her disapproving gesture.

Layla laughed at her reaction.

“You’re not getting younger, and the city is full of wealthy successful men. What about Dennis?” her mom said.

Layla gestured shaking her head, she never did tell her about catching him cheating on her.

“Come now Layla, you’re independent, strong, and healthy why not find a good man?”

“It’s not really my priority right now mom.”

“Then what is, work? You push yourself too hard Layla, having a shoulder to lean on helps. Your father, bless his soul, never used to let me fall under depression. Whenever I needed him he was there, through the good times and bad times. He would have wanted the same for you dear.”

Layla was saddened thinking about her father.

“Oh Layla, don’t feel bad. Your father lived a good life, and he always took responsibility for his actions. What he did was his choice, it wasn’t your fault,” her mom said, placing her hand on Layla’s forearm.

Tears ran down Layla’s face as she sniffled a bit looking upwards. Layla’s mom got up and hugged her, it helped soothe the emotions.

“You deserve the best Layla. So, any dates lately?” her mom said sitting down again.

Layla smiled while shaking her head.

“Come now honey, you’re telling me there isn’t one guy on this planet whose good enough for you?”

“Well, there is this one guy,” Layla said.

“Really, who, what does he do?” her mom asked curiously.

“He just immigrated here, he likes helping people.”

“Yea, where’s he from?”

“Far away from around here,” Layla said with a smirk.

“Good, whoever at this point for me, so long as you’re happy and he treats you well,” replied her mom throwing her hands up.

With that they both smiled.

“Your aunt and I, we used to tease about you when you were little, you were so different from the other girls. You played by yourself doing all your weird things, and never did fit in with the other girls. We joked that the only guy you’d want to marry would have to be an alien,” she said bursting into laughter.

A big smile wiped across Layla’s face.

“Well, maybe I will,” she said fiddling with a fork.

Dinner was great for them. Afterwards, they sat on the couch and caught up with their lives, talking themselves to sleep. The next morning bright and early, Layla made a call.

“Hello?”

“Hi Henry, its Layla,” she said.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“Not much, what are you up to,” she asked?

“I’m on my way to work, what about you?”

“Same, listen, can you meet today?”

“Sure, stop by at one I’ll be on break.”

“Great, see you then,” Layla said happily.

Layla hung up and got ready.

“Who was that?” her mom asked.

“Henry, he’s a buddy from college.”

“Oh, is he the one y-”

“No, no mom, he’s just a friend,” a smiley Layla said.

“Ok, whatever you say,” replied her mom, winking.

Layla shook her head smiling and got dressed to impress. They both left together towards their destination, Layla walking her mom to the bus stop.

“Layla dear, it was so nice to see you,” her mom said holding Layla’s cheeks.

“You to mom, be safe.”

“I will, and you find yourself a good man. Next time I visit, I want to hear about your marriage plans,” her mom said pointing her finger.

Layla smiled, “Ok mom, I will.”

They hugged and her mother boarded the bus.

Layla strode strongly towards on her journey. She felt her phone buzz in her purse.

“Hello,” she said.

“Hey Layla, what’s the latest on your alien story?”

“Just give me a little more time Mark, I’m about to find this guy,” she said a little stressed.

“Ok, but we really need something soon, good luck.”

Layla hung up and checked her email again, empty. She let out a sigh and called a taxi. Layla got in and gave the driver the address. After arriving, she walked in the building with worry, her mind dwelling on contacting Gudama. Inside, she went up to the second floor and saw many cubicles with computer geeks toiling away endlessly in various assignments. Being a gorgeous girl, she inadvertently attracted everyone’s attention.

“Hello. May I help you?” a tall thin man asked.

“Yes, I’m here to see Henry,” Layla said.

The man gestured to follow him. She noticed one skinny guy with big glasses and dark mop top hair clicking away swiftly on a digital painting. Another was working on retouching a photo, while several others were on the phone providing computer services. A few others were making websites with complicated html code.

“Who’s the chick?” one worker whispered to the other. “It’s not every day a pretty woman arrives on site,” he continued.

“She said she’s looking for Henry, is she his girlfriend? Lucky little nerd,” said another.

The tall thin man led her to a small office in the back and knocked on the door.

“Henry, you have a visitor.”

Layla leaned over and waved with a big smile, her teeth glistening bright white.

“Layla what’s up, long time no see?” said Henry.