Page 39 of Nixx
“I have to go back to the kitchen. I have to finish the pizzas.”
Not at all upset, he branched off into the kitchens. But I'm not fooled; if he gives me access to his kitchens, he doesn't seem thrilled by my culinary experiments. But I trust him. I've found a set of ingredients close to the ones I know. And then pizzas are universal and flexible so that everyone can interpret what they put on them.
I see that Rajj has prepared his many pots of fruit, raw, boiled, or cooked in vegetable milk. You, my buddy, when you have tasted my pizzas, we will talk about it.
I check the condition of my dough. I used some of the sourdoughs they use for their beer, which they call ignis. Flour, water, and a drop of oil I found in a flask.
I separate my dough into several pieces under the watchful, and let's say perplexed, eyes of Rajj and Nixx. I then roll out my small dough pieces into several large round sheets.
Then I take the bowls and arrange their contents on the dough. I have previously requisitioned some wooden utensils that I will use as pizza peels.
My pizzas are ready to be put in the ovens. I put the first one in the oven and explain to Rajj how to place it in the oven, how to turn it around for even cooking on all sides and how to take it out.
When I take it out again, one thing is sure; the smell is there. For the taste, we'll have to wait a little longer.
“I think I get the idea. You can go to the dining room, I'll do the others and I'll be right there,” says Rajj. “It indeed smells good, your thing,” he whispers to me.
Nixx and I meet Lokk, Rymm, and my friends in the dining room. I hasten to take the news of Gregory and of Ferdinand who is well recovered from his wounds.
I report to my friends about my trip to the southern land and answer their questions. I skillfully dodge questions about Nixx's attitude toward me though.
Rajj and three women arrive carrying the pizzas. The strong smell attracts attention.
“Rhoo Sarah, you made pizzas!” exclaims David, interrupting his conversation with Lokk to grab a slice.
He takes the opportunity to cut them all into small pieces and allow everyone to taste them. In the Erian team, strangely enough, it is Rajj who starts the ball, by biting generously into a slice. Everyone looks at him—and waits for his verdict.
“Sarah, come back whenever you want in my kitchens, your ‘pizza’ is excellent. I hope you will not hesitate to make other culinary experiences.’’
His comment sweeps away any suspicion of my pizzas and in the end, they are a big hit. When the meal is over, my friends tell me they are going to bed.
“Sarah, have you visited our quarters? You'll be sharing a room with Eva. Come with us, we'll show you where it is.”
And here it comes again. When I didn't see it coming, an arm wraps around my waist and its owner announces to everyone in a determined voice that sounds like a roar in my ear:
“Sarah stays with me!”
It's clear, unequivocal and unequivocal! Moreover, his statement did not only attract the attention of my friends. But his own as well. Marc bravely takes a step forward and stares at me with a questioning look.
“Sarah?” he asks me.
No doubt if I tell him I don't want to follow Nixx, he'll go to battle. Even if we are no match for the Erians. But Marc won't let any of us down. He is the most protective and the most loyal of friends.
But either way, I want to follow Nixx. I have an idea of what he has in mind and frankly, if he lives up to the kisses he's already given me, it promises to be.
“See you tomorrow!” I say with a reassuring smile.
I feel a slight heat invade my cheekbones at the thought of what they must think of me. I turn away and meet Nixx's gaze. He stares at me intently, oozing satisfaction from every pore. He pulls me towards the large opening that overlooks the cliff, swings me into his arms and takes flight.
Barely two minutes later, we land on the platform that serves his house. We enter and my brain is spinning. Am I doing something wrong? Is an affair with an alien reasonable? How do they handle their relationships? And if he dumps me right afterward, will I put my friends and myself in danger? And are Erians made up like humans? Ha and then, on the Proud, I had no relationship, so no birth control. Do I risk pregnancy? Or catch a disease?
My stress must be visible, because Nixx having finished to close windows and door, takes me back in his arms, and whispers to me with a low voice:
“Sarah, take a deep breath and calm down. You decide what happens next. We'll move at your pace,” he promises me.
I take a deep breath and nod.
“Nixx, kiss me again!”
