Playing Marbles for the Big Blue
04 Angel Flight
Will Celeste learn how to fly like an Alvian?
04 Angel Flight
I, Gail, and Sally had bonded as mother and daughters. I no longer thought of myself as a captured prisoner or slave. I stayed with the Hardins through human love even though my original body was not human. As a human woman my maternal instincts were fulfilled caring for my daughters. I also cared for their father Greg but that was only for my daughter's sake.
Greg had lied to me and assumed that I was stupid since I had appeared to him as his neighbor Natalie. Greg used the amnesia that I presented then to facilitate giving his children a mother. He took advantage of a professed amnesiac on the pretense of protecting her from discovery.
If the status quo maintained, I would never be a real wife to Greg. I really did not need Greg's help since being Natalie gave me a legal identity and together Sela and I could take care of ourselves. I would continue to be a Hardin only for the sake of the children.
I had not cared about the family dynamics of the Hardins when I first arrived with them. Greg continued to go to work, and the children continued going to elementary school and middle school. I was so bogged down in my own misery at having so much to clean up that I really did not know why they had left but just that they were gone.
When the home became well cared for and easily maintained. I discovered and kept up with their comings and goings. Greg's job as an episcopal priest was flexible enough at most times during the work week to be able to put the girls on the bus and be back to meet them when the bus returned. Eventually I took over those duties from Greg
.
About a month after I had become a Hardin and things had settled for us, Greg had me take the tests from all the professional certifications that the original Celeste had gotten. I aced them all which greatly surprised Greg who had just been testing to see if he should help me apply for reinstatement at the original Celeste's job which she telecommuted to in the hours when the girls were away at school.
"Celeste, How do you feel about contributing to our household financially even though you haven't recovered your memory yet?"
"Our savings has not been growing for quite a while and I want our girls to have the means to get more education beyond high school. I'm formulating a plan for a business that I and the girls could run which could give us the savings for our girls."
"Can you tell me about the details of that business, Celeste?"
"I'm not sure that it is a fully formed idea yet. Let me noodle on it and get back to you, Greg."
"Celeste, you test out as maintaining the same certifications that you were qualified in before you left us. Please look at the work folder on your computer to familiarize yourself with the work you had been doing before. If you would like to do it again, I could help you apply for reinstatement."
"Greg, I will do that. I know that money has been tight while I was gone because of the loss of my income. I'll look at the Work folder to see if I feel able to do that work again."
"Of course, Celeste. Please tell me what you want to do about getting reinstated after you have a chance to review those work files.""
"I will, Greg."
I of course agreed to and received the job reinstatement. It served my interests as well as the family's interests. If my situation with the Hardins became unbearable, I could easily divorce Greg and support myself by working that job or another like it full time.
I did very well at work and the things that I didn't remember were covered by my amnesia. I was a very valuable employee so the things I could not remember about work-related things did not impact my employment.
I loved my new life as one of the Hardins. I continued to work on my secret business idea but could not present it yet because it used a fictionalized Limoxian Universe that I was supposed not to know. I suspected that eventually they would tell me about being Alvians so as to stop having to exclude me from that part of their lives.
More time passed and it had been six months since I had become a member of the Hardin household and a year since the original Celeste had died. Sela still kept the real me company as well as looking for other Limoxians.
I stood in the backyard, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The warm afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass as I watched Greg help Gail and Sally into their specially designed flight suits. The girls' eyes sparkled with anticipation, their small hands fidgeting with the unfamiliar fabric.
"Now remember," Greg said, his voice low and reassuring, "these suits will help protect you during flight. They're made of a special Alvian material that's both lightweight and durable."
I nodded, absorbing the information.. The concept of flight without any visible means of propulsion seemed impossible, yet here we were, preparing to defy gravity.
Greg turned to me, his expression softening. "Are you ready, sweetheart? I know this must be overwhelming for you."
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I think so. It's just... all so new. How exactly does this work?"
Greg smiled, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "The flight capability is linked to the implants in our arms. It's Alvian technology, far beyond anything on Earth. When activated, it allows us to manipulate gravitational fields around our bodies."
As Greg explained the basics of Alvian flight techniques, I felt a strange tingling sensation in my arms. I glanced down, half-expecting to see something visible, but my skin looked unchanged.
"Will it hurt?" Sally asked, her small voice filled with a mix of worry and excitement.
"Not at all, sweetie," Greg assured her. "It might feel a little strange at first, like butterflies in your stomach, but it's completely safe."
Gail, ever the adventurous one, was practically bouncing with impatience. "Can we start now, Dad? Please?"
Greg chuckled, ruffling Gail's hair. "Almost. We just need to go over a few more safety precautions. Remember, we'll start low and slow. No showing off or trying any fancy maneuvers until you're comfortable with the basics."
As the family huddled together for their final preparations, I couldn't help but feel a surge of maternal protectiveness. Despite my being decieved about my own identity, the bond I felt with these girls was undeniable. Whatever challenges lay ahead in the sky, I was determined to face them together, as a family.
The family made their way to a secluded clearing on the outskirts of town, far from prying eyes. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grass as Greg gathered everyone around him.
"Alright, everyone," Greg said, his voice a mix of excitement and caution. "It's time to show you how to activate your Alvian flight capabilities."
I watched intently, my heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Despite Greg's earlier explanation, the concept of flying without any visible means of propulsion still seemed impossible to me.
Greg stood in the center of the clearing, his arms relaxed at his sides. "The key is to focus on the implants in your arms. They're connected to your nervous system, so you can control them with your thoughts."
He closed his eyes for a moment, and suddenly, he began to rise off the ground. Gail and Sally gasped in delight, while Celeste's eyes widened in astonishment.
"It's all about intent," Greg continued, hovering a few feet above the grass. "Visualize yourself becoming lighter, almost weightless. The implants will respond to your desire to fly."
Gail, always the adventurous one, was the first to try. Her face scrunched up in concentration, and after a few seconds, she let out a squeal of joy as her feet left the ground.
"I'm doing it, Dad! I'm flying!" she exclaimed, wobbling slightly as she rose to join her father.
Sally, more cautious by nature, took a deep breath before attempting the feat. Her ascent was slower, but soon she too was airborne, giggling with delight.
I hesitated, unsure of my abilities. Greg floated down to my side, offering an encouraging smile. "You can do this, Celeste. Trust yourself."
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and focused on the strange tingling sensation in my arms. I imagined myself becoming lighter, picturing my body rising effortlessly into the air. To my amazement, I felt the ground fall away beneath my feet.
As I opened my eyes, I found myself hovering alongside my family, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief coursing through my veins. The world looked different from up here, more expansive and fuller of possibility.
"Well done, everyone!" Greg beamed, looking proudly at his floating family. "Now, let's start with some basic maneuvers. Remember, slow and steady wins the race."
As they began to practice simple movements – forward, backward, up, and down – I couldn't help but marvel at the surreal nature of our situation. Here we were, a seemingly ordinary family, defying gravity as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
As the family hovered in the air, Greg's face beamed with pride. "Alright, everyone, you're doing great! Now, let's try moving around a bit."
I watched in awe as Greg demonstrated smooth, graceful movements through the air. He glided forward, then backward, ascending and descending with ease. The girls' eyes widened with excitement, eager to mimic their father's actions.
"Remember," Greg called out, "it's all about intention. Think about where you want to go, and your body will follow."
Gail, ever the daredevil, was the first to attempt movement. She shot forward with surprising speed, letting out a delighted squeal. "This is amazing, Dad!"
Sally, more cautious, moved slowly and deliberately. Her face was a mask of concentration as she navigated the air currents. "I feel like a bird," she said softly, a smile spreading across her face
I hesitated, still adjusting to the strange sensation of weightlessness. Greg floated over to me, offering an encouraging smile. "You're doing great, honey. Just take it slow."
Taking a deep breath, I focused on moving forward. To my surprise, my body responded instantly, gliding through the air with unexpected grace. The feeling was exhilarating, unlike anything I had ever experienced before.
As the family soared together, their laughter echoed across the clearing. Gail and Sally quickly gained confidence, chasing each other in playful aerial tag. Their natural aptitude for flying was evident, their movements becoming more fluid and instinctive with each passing moment.
I found myself relaxing into the experience, the initial fear giving way to a sense of freedom and joy. I watched my daughters with a mixture of pride and wonder, marveling at how quickly they had adapted to this extraordinary ability.
Greg flew alongside me, reaching out to take my hand. "How does it feel?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with delight.
"It's... incredible," I replied, my voice filled with awe. "I never imagined anything like this was possible."
As we soared higher, the world below seemed to shrink, offering a new perspective on their surroundings. The family flew in formation, reveling in our shared experience and the unique bond it created between us.
As the family soared through the air, reveling in their newfound ability to fly, Greg's expression grew serious. He glided closer to me, taking my hand gently.
"Celeste, there's something important I need to tell you," Greg said, his voice barely audible above the wind rushing past them. "It's about our family... about who we really are."
My heart raced, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through my veins. I nodded, encouraging Greg to continue.
"We're not from Earth," Greg began, his eyes searching my face for any sign of recognition. "We're Alvians, beings from a planet called Alvia. Our appearance here on Earth is just a simulation, a way to blend in."
Gail and Sally, who had been chasing each other playfully, slowed their flight and moved closer to listen. Their young faces were a blend of curiosity and concern.
Greg continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "This ability to fly, it's not some newfound skill or technology. It's part of who we are as Alvians. The implants in our arms allow us to manipulate gravitational fields, just like we would on our home planet."
I listened intently, my mind reeling with this revelation. What Greg did not know is that with the aid of Sela I knew this already, the evidence was literally all around her as they hovered in mid-air.
"But Greg," I said, my voice trembling slightly, "if we're all Alvians, why don't I remember any of this?
Greg's expression softened, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes. "Your memory loss... it's more extensive than we initially thought. You're one of us, Celeste. You've always been."
I looked down at my hands, half-expecting to see them change or reveal some alien characteristic. Greg was telling me the truth but not the whole truth.
"There's more," Greg added, his gaze shifting between I and the girls. "We came to Earth on a mission, but something went wrong. We've been stranded here, living as humans, waiting for a chance to return home."
The impact of Greg's words was hanging in the air between us. Gail and Sally exchanged glances, their young minds trying to process this new information about their identity.
My mind raced with questions. Those could wait until I had a chance to converse with Sela who was the only one who knew the whole truth.
As the family hovered in the air, the weight of Greg's revelation about their Alvian heritage hung heavily between them. My mind reeled with questions, but before I could voice them, Greg's expression grew even more serious.
"There's more you need to know, Celeste," Greg said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's about your relationship with the girls."
I felt a chill run through my body, despite the warm air surrounding them. I glanced at Gail and Sally, who were watching their parents with wide, curious eyes.
Greg took a deep breath before continuing. "Celeste, you're not the girls' biological mother. Their real mother was an Alvian named Simosa. She... she died on Alvia before we came to Earth."
The words hit me like a physical blow. I felt as if the air had been sucked from my lungs, and for a moment, I forgot how to fly. Greg quickly steadied me, his hand gently gripping my arm.
"But... I remember..." I stammered, my mind frantically searching for memories that suddenly felt out of reach.
"I know this is difficult to hear," Greg said softly. "Your memories of being their mother are part of the simulation we've been living in on Earth. It was necessary for our cover, but the truth is, I married you shortly after Simosa's death."
Gail and Sally exchanged glances, their young faces a mixture of confusion and concern. "Dad," Gail spoke up, her voice trembling slightly, "is that why we sometimes have dreams about another mom?"
Greg nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, sweetheart. Those are memories of Simosa."
I felt as if my world was spinning out of control. The love I felt for these girls was real, visceral – I had grown to love them even after Greg had hijacked me from my life. I looked at Gail and Sally, searching their faces for any sign of rejection or resentment, but found only love and confusion mirroring myr own emotions. But I could not let Greg know that I already knew.
"I... I don't understand," I said, my voice barely audible. "If I'm not their mother, who am I? Why did you marry me?"
Greg's expression softened, filled with a mixture of guilt and affection. "You're still a crucial part of our family, Celeste. When Simosa died, I was lost. You helped me through that dark time, and we fell in love. We decided to embark on this mission together, as a family."
As the truth settled over them, the family remained suspended in the air, our newfound ability to fly now a stark reminder of the otherworldly nature of their existence. My mind raced with implications, trying to reconcile my deep love for these girls with the knowledge that I hadn't given birth to them.
"But why can't I remember any of this?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Greg's expression grew troubled. "The process of adapting to Earth, of taking on human forms and memories – it affected us all differently. Your memory loss was more extensive than we anticipated. We hoped that over time, living as a family here would help you recover those memories."
Gail and Sally exchanged glances, their young faces a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Is that why sometimes we have dreams about two different moms?" Gail asked hesitantly.
Greg nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, sweetheart. Your subconscious minds are holding onto memories of both Simosa and Celeste."
As the family hovered together, the weight of our shared history hung in the air between us. I felt a surge of conflicting emotions – love for these girls who weren't biologically mine, affection for Greg tinged with confusion, and a deep sense of loss for a life and memories I couldn't fully recall.
"I know this is a lot to take in," Greg said softly, squeezing my hand. "But I want you to know that regardless of how we came to be a family, the love we share is real. We've built a life here together, and you've been an amazing mother to Gail and Sally."
I nodded. My heart was full of emotions I couldn't quite name. As we floated in the air, our Alvian nature now fully revealed, I realized that our journey as a family was far from over. There were still mysteries to unravel, memories to recover, and a future to shape – together.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the sky, Greg guided the family back to the ground. We landed softly in the same secluded clearing where our extraordinary flight had begun, the grass swaying gently beneath our feet.
I took a deep breath, my mind still reeling from the revelations Greg had shared during our time in the air. I watched as Gail and Sally touched down, their faces a mixture of excitement from the flight and confusion from the truths they'd learned.
Greg gathered the family close, his eyes scanning our faces with a mixture of love and concern. "I know this has been a lot to take in," he said softly. "How are you all feeling?"
Gail, ever the outspoken one, was the first to respond. "It's... weird, Dad. But also kind of cool? I mean, we can fly!" Her enthusiasm was tempered by a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Sally, more reserved, simply nodded and moved closer to me, seeking comfort in my embrace. I wrapped an arm around the young girl, feeling a surge of maternal love despite the knowledge that I wasn't their biological mother.
"And you, Celeste?" Greg asked, his gaze meeting mine with a mix of hope and apprehension.
I paused, carefully considering my words. "It's overwhelming," I admitted. "But... it also feels right, somehow. Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place."
I glanced down at my arms, where the implants lay hidden beneath my skin. "I still have so many questions, but I'm grateful for the truth."
Greg nodded, relief evident in his expression. "We'll take this one step at a time," he assured us. "Our family may not be conventional by Earth standards, but our love for each other is real."
As we stood together in the fading light, I observed the girls' reactions. Gail seemed energized by the revelations, her mind clearly racing with the possibilities their Alvian heritage presented.
Sally, on the other hand, appeared more contemplative, processing the information in her own quiet way.
I felt a complex mix of emotions wash over me. There was a sense of loss for the memories I couldn't recall, but also a growing acceptance of my place within this extraordinary family. The love I felt for Greg and the girls was undeniable, transcending the boundaries of biology and origin.
As we prepared to head home, I realized that while our flight had come to an end, our journey as a family was far from over. There would be challenges ahead, but facing them together, with our newfound truth as a foundation, felt like the beginning of something remarkable.
Greg was the first to break the silence. "I know this has been a lot to take in," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "How about we head home and talk more over some hot chocolate?"
Gail's eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite treat. "Can we have marshmallows too, Dad?"
Greg chuckled, grateful for the moment of normalcy amidst the chaos. "Of course, sweetheart. Extra marshmallows for everyone."
As we walked back to our house, Sally slipped her hand into mine. Despite the knowledge that I wasn't her biological mother, the bond between us stronger than ever. I squeezed Sally's hand, a wordless reassurance that nothing had changed in my love for the girls.
Once inside, Greg busied himself in the kitchen while I helped the girls out of their flight suits. The familiar routine of hanging up coats and removing shoes felt surreal after our airborne adventure.
In the cozy living room, we gathered around the coffee table, steaming mugs of hot chocolate in hand. Greg had indeed been generous with the marshmallows, and Gail was already sporting a frothy mustache.
"So," Greg began, his tone serious but kind, "do you have any questions about what we talked about today?"
Gail and Sally exchanged glances before Sally spoke up. "Dad, if we're really aliens, why do we look human?"
Greg nodded, appreciating the directness of the question. "It's part of our Alvian technology. We have the ability to blend in with the inhabitants of other planets. It's how we've been able to live here on Earth without detection."
I listened intently, still processing my own role in this complex family dynamic. I may not have been their biological mother, but the love I felt for these girls was undeniable.
As the conversation flowed, touching on our Alvian heritage, our life on Earth, and our uncertain future, a sense of unity settled over the family. We may have been from another world, living under assumed identities, but in this moment, we were simply a family, bound by love and shared experiences.
The evening wound down, and as Greg tucked the girls into bed, I stood in the doorway, watching. I may not have given birth to them, but I was their mother in every way that mattered. As I kissed them goodnight, I silently vowed to protect and love them, no matter what challenges our extraordinary life might bring.
No matter why Greg revealed this much of the truth for me, I had hope that later on Greg would reveal the whole truth. Till then I would share with the only one I completely trusted, Sela.
