Galactic Earth (18 page)

“Is that ok?” Layla said returning his smile.

“Of course, however you find God in your way is perfect. It’s nice to see there’re still some out there with morals and discipline.”

“Thanks, I’m more spiritual minded than religious.”

Yawning with her mouth wide open like a lioness, Layla stretched back her arms.

“You must be tired from your journey, why don’t you get some sleep?”

“No, no I’m ok. Well maybe if it’s ok with you.

I’ am a little tired, but I have so much to ask you,” she said.

“We have all day tomorrow to talk. Come,” he said getting up.

Layla followed him to a guest room where he prepared the bed for her. Gudama gave her thick comforter and an additional warm blanket.

“You know its summer,” she said.

“Just in case, sometimes it gets cold by the shore.”

“Ok, thank you.”

Layla got settled in. Gudama brought some pajamas for her.

“Try these, they’re clean and should be your size.”

“Oh…thanks,” taken back by his hospitality.

Layla put one on while Gudama waited in another room. The clothes smelled great as she tried them. She then acknowledged the one that fit and then lay down.

“Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight,” he said turning the lights off.

Curled up on the bed, Layla lay in amazement of her life. Her mind raced like jet processing everything that had happened while her body was exhausted. Eventually her brain submitted to the will of her worn out physique and before she knew it she fell asleep.

Shining brightly like the sun, Layla stretched her arms wide while taking a big deep breath full of ocean fresh air. She had a pleasant expression on her face as if she were in nirvana. Sunlight warmed her closed eyes and her face resembled a smiling Buddha. The silk white pajamas Gudama gave her made her skin feel soft, moist, and refreshed.

Healing solar rays soothed Layla supple skin. She sat on the side of the bed admiring the glowing ball of light dispelling darkness out of the window. Getting up, Layla went to the main room where Gudama was setting up kitchenware for breakfast.

“Good morning Layla, did you rest well?” he said pleasantly with a friendly expression.

Layla was mesmerized for a second by his smile.

“Good morning, I slept well thank you,” she said running her hand over her hair.

Gudama was wearing an opened white shirt with blue flowers.

Must be very comfortable…nice abs, Layla thought admiring the view.

“That’s a nice shirt,” she commented.

“Thank you. Do you like swimming?” he asked buttoning a few buttons.

Layla’s mouth hung open not knowing the intention.

“The water from the bathrooms here are dirty, so I thought you might prefer the ocean. Salt water has a purifying effect and maybe before eating you’d-”

“I’d love too!” replied Layla.

“Great, we have extra bathing suits that the rich business visitors leave behind. I’m sure you’ll find one that fits,” he said pointing to another small building outside where the laundry and other equipment was, “Don’t worry, we’ve cleaned them,” Gudama assured.

“Ok great, thanks,” said Layla.

“I’ll meet you outside after I’m finished with this.”

Layla went to the other building and searched for a bathing suit. There was a whole bunch of equipment for various tourism activities. Snorkels, fins, goggles, and swimming suits were in the closet. In the laundry room, Layla found baskets full of clean clothes, comforters, and other attire. She began digging into the one with bathing suits. There were plenty of extras, but they were either too big or tight. After a while of searching, Layla let out a breath. Her head fell to the side where her eyes caught another orange bikini on top of another clothing basket.

Should I where this, would it offend him, she thought after examining it?

She hesitated as he held it, debating whether or not to wear it.

“Oh whatever, if rich men with their skimpy women come here I’m sure it wouldn’t be the first time he’s seen a girl in a bikini,” Layla said, “At least he’ll get a good view.”

Walking on the sunlit sand felt wonderful to Layla. She withdrew ample amounts of fresh pure air giving her a new sense of vitality. Dipping her feet in the rejuvenating water tickled her nerves as she laughed in delight of the sunshine view. She up and admired the brilliance of the sun, how it lights the whole world giving it life. A smile wiped her face as the wind played with her brown orange red hair. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the experience. Upon opening them, she noticed that the moon was visible too.

What a rare sight, she thought.

“The sun and moon, what an amazing view,” Layla said, “I truly am a lucky soul.”

The bark of a dog startled her out of her euphoria. She turned around to find a beige Yorkshire running back and forth fearing the water. Layla smiled in delight and went back to shore to pet it.

“Oh you’re so cute! Are you Gudama’s dog?” she said scratching his neck.

The dog barked and ran to its discarded leash.

“Aliens have dogs?” Layla said watching it chew on it, ripping threads of fabric.

Wiping the flour off from his hands, Gudama went outside to the beach to find Layla concerned about the amount of time she had taken. The shore was deserted when he arrived and he called for her looking far into the ocean with a hand over his forehead shielding the sunlight. Fearing for the worst, Gudama approached the shore line unbuttoning his shirt. He took off his sandals and started making his way getting his feet wet. Just when he was about knee high in the water, Layla emerged, the sunlight glistening on her body. Gudama’s mouth fell open as he was somewhat in awe of the view. Layla appeared angelic as her skin sparkled with crystal like water drops. Her body glowed as light was reflected from the ocean sea. Gudama found the sight surreal. She whipped her hair to the side and opened her eyes to see Gudama who was standing by the shore.

“Hey, you were right, bathing at the beach was a great idea!” she said waving.

The bark of the dog caught Gudama’s ear who just noticed he was paddling beside her.

“Ah I don’t think he should be swimming like that,” Gudama said concerned.

Layla picked him up and brought the dog back to the shore.

“It’s ok, he was scared, but I got him to swim with me. You’re such a brave one aren’t you?” Layla said affectionately to the dog while making smooches.

She placed him down and the dog ran around dragging her with the leash. Layla playfully went along leaving Gudama dumbstruck.

That’s odd, usually he doesn’t like strangers, he thought.

Layla ran with the dog laughing, both of them enjoying the exercise.

“Sir is everything ok?” asked Luke from behind.

“She’s different,” Gudama said watching her play with the dog, “she’s not like the rest of them,” he said lightly shaking his head.

Layla turned to them showing her big bright beautiful smile, giving them a wink with a thumb up, her teeth shining in the sun while the wind played with her natural orange red brown hair. There was something magical about her blissfully having fun like a child.

“Yes, there’s definitely something different about her,” Gudama said.

Layla came back with the dog catching her breath.

“He’s so cute, what’s his name?”

“I haven’t given him one yet; someone left him here a few days ago.”

“Oh yea, well I’ll call you Snuggy. Yea, you like that? You like snuggling with mommy?” Layla said picking him up, hugging him with affection and kisses, “Hey, you guys want to go for a swim?” she asked.

Both of the men’s eyebrows went up.

“Ah, thanks, but I already bathed and Luke doesn’t like water,” Gudama said.

Snuggy barked. Luke cleared his throat.

“Here why don’t you give him to Luke, I think he’s hungry,” Gudama suggested.

Layla gave Snuggy to Luke who kept his focus on the ground and started walking with the dog back to the lighthouse. She followed them, but noticed Gudama was standing facing the sun doing some breathing exercises.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“Yes, in a little bit, just doing some yoga.”

Gudama proceeded to do some stretches.

“Surya Namaskar?” Layla said.

“Oh, you know this?”

“Yea, I love yoga. I do this all the time. Can I do it with you?”

“Sure,” he said pleased with her knowledge.

The both of them did twelve rounds of yogic postures honoring the sun. Afterwards, Gudama began doing pranayama. Layla followed, uncontrollably smiling as she closed her eyes.

Sitting in lotus position, Gudama and Layla did deep breathing exercises filling their lungs with the ocean’s fresh clean air. The routine left them calm with a clear head.

“That was great, I’ve done breathing yoga before, but nothing like that,” she said to him.

“Yes, this is very good for your chakras and overall wellbeing,” replied Gudama.

“Chakras, you know about chakras? I never thought aliens did yoga and knew about chakras,” she said pleasantly surprised.

“Well, a lot of this is ancient knowledge which was taught to your people in the past,” he said.

He really seems to be sincere, Layla thought.

“Out of curiosity, how did you manage to find me?”

“I have a lot of useful friends and brains that match my beauty,” Layla said folding her hands playfully.

Gudama let out a chuckle.

Hey look at that I made him laugh, she thought.

“Gudama, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?” he said listening.

Layla searched for the right words. Before she spoke them out, a loud gurgling sound projected from her stomach. Gudama’s eyebrows rose. Layla’s face flushed beet red.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Yes, very much, I haven’t eaten a good meal since yesterday. Sorry, this is so embarrassing,” she said holding her face, covering up her true message.

Gudama let out a bellow of laughter.

“Come, let’s go to the kitchen,” he said getting up.

Great, nice job Layla, now he knows you’re a pig who just wants to eat, she thought following him!

Opening the fridge, Gudama took out some fresh ingredients. He prepared the meal he worked on.

“Sorry, I can’t offer you meat, we don’t really eat that stuff,” he said chopping some greens for her plate.

“Oh it’s ok, I’m vegetarian,” Layla said happily.

Gudama turned to her, “Really?”

Layla sat on a chair at the table while Gudama prepared a fresh warm meal for her. Luke, stone like, sat across from her. He returned her smile with an emotionless expression.

“Do you need some help sir?” he asked.

“I got it Luke, thank you,” Gudama said happily.

He smiled and served her zucchini noodles bathed in zesty sauce and spinach topped with extra virgin olive oil, and a small bowl of oatmeal full of blueberries. Homemade bread was also served.

“Mmm, this is so good,” she said eating heartily.

“Thank you, glad you like it. I grow herbs here in the backyard they give it a rich fresh flavor.”

“Yeah they do, I’m into the whole grow your own food organic living.”

Layla rambled on about all the things she does to live a more natural holistic life and the challenges doing it living in the big city all the while munching on her food. Gudama just listened while calmly eating as he too ate a lot. Luke couldn’t stand her. Soon after, Layla’s plate was almost empty.

“Do you want more?” Gudama asked.

Layla nodded her head with her mouthful. Gudama smiled and he served her more food. She again went on about her life while chomping away. Gudama was amazed at her appetite while Luke tried to ignore her jabbering.

While snacking on an apple, Layla leaned back talking about her career, ambitions, and aspirations while the both of them watched her. Gudama and Luke both looked at each other as they wondered how a skinny girl can have such a massive insatiable appetite. Despite her neglected table manners, her blabbering provided Gudama useful information which he considered in his overall opinion about her. After she finished, Gudama offered coconut water to which she happily obliged.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality, you’re the best alien chef I know.”

“You’re welcome. Would you like to go for a walk? People will be coming soon to see the lighthouse.”

“Of course,” Layla said overjoyed.

“Wonderful, Luke, do you mind taking care of visitors while we’re gone?”

“Not at all, enjoy your time sir,” he said as if he were happy to have a reason to leave Layla’s presence.

Enjoying a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk, Gudama and Layla took in the beautiful scenery. Tourists were eating, chatting, rollerblading, and having a good time on the beach. Seven gangsters found Layla’s bikini bod irresistible, passing remarks and whistling. Angry, Gudama showed a dislike which prompted them to react with profanity and threatening gestures. One of them leaned in front of Layla, making sexual comments which were cut short by a knockout punch from Gudama.

The thug fell back several feet startling the others. As they all attacked, Gudama effortlessly parried and hit one with the back of his knuckles, double jump kicked the next two, and grabbed the arm of the other attacker, breaking it, and swung him into another. The last one charged cursing. Gudama flung his wrist, smacking him several meters into the air screaming into a pizza shop. Everyone fell silent staring at them. A cop arrived shortly.

“They were harassing my girl,” Gudama said thinking on his feet, placing an arm around her.

“Those dame dirty perverts!” said Layla with a fist playing along, “My hero,” she said wrapping her arms holding him as red as a tomato.

“Good work,” said the officer impressed.

The crowd applauded as both left the scene, holding hands while the cop made arrests.

They reached the boat dock where Layla met the fishermen. He was there and noticed Layla.

“Hey there, this here’s your rich suit boyfriend?” he said seeing Gudama in his silk shirt and sandals.

“What?” Gudama said.

“No, no, he’s not a rich suit, he’s a good guy,” she said, “Don’t worry about him,” she whispered to a confused Gudama.