I squirm uncomfortably in my seat. “Yeah. I wanted to make you something because that’s always way more special in my mind. Since you enjoy Christmas so much, I thought you might like a scarf for the season.”
Luna immediately starts wrapping it around her neck, smiling from ear to ear.
“I’m not a professional, mind you,” I hasten to add, “but Nana taught me and Felix how to crochet when we were young, and I’m not too bad at making simple things like scarves or blankets as long as the pattern’s not too complicated.”
The aliens study the scarf with obvious fascination.
“I have heard of ancient civilizations weaving fabrics to make their own clothing, but I have never seen the end result,” Najar intones, expression serious. He studies Felix. “You can make garments like this as well?”
My brother winces. “I’m not as good as Gemma, but I can follow simple patterns.”
Khephren turns to Sasha, eyes alight. “Can you also weave fabrics? I would very much like mittens for my tentacles!”
Sasha holds up his hands. “Whoa, baby. Sorry to disappoint, but I cannot knit, crochet, or anything like that. Also, that material is calledyarn.”
All three Dravethians sayahin unison.
Then Khephren’s whole posture, tentacles included, wilts a little in response to Sasha not being able to make him anything. He stares longingly at Luna’s scarf, and I totally cave.
“I could teach you how to crochet,” I offer, praying I haven’t dug a hole for myself that I’ll regret later.
I’m nearly blinded by the look of joy Khephren shoots at me.
“Really? Truly? You promise?” I’m surprised he doesn’t trip over his own tongue with how fast he responds.
“Sure. I brought some hooks and yarn with me. When we have some free time, I can teach you.”
After all, we’re family now.
Luna snickers. “Galactic gods. Before you know it, Kheph will be making scarves for all of us and each of the cats on the ship.”
Nodding in agreement, Sasha gives her a fist bump.
Najar leans in to whisper something in my brother’s ear, and he turns bright red. I suspect Felix will be crocheting for his man in the near future.
Luna moves to my side, planting a kiss on my cheek. “This is the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received. Thank you.”
A tension I didn’t realize I was holding lets go at her words.
“I’m glad you like it.”
She grins. “Like? I freakingloveit. In fact, it will come in handy for my Christmas present to you, which is a little bit of a surprise.”
I cock my head inquiringly. “Color me intrigued. Tell me more.”
She leans in, whispering in my ear and raising goose bumps on my skin. “I’ll take you there when we can be alone.”
“It’s a date.”
We watch the others open their stocking bags with obvious pleasure, especially Khephren, who goes into raptures over every single item—including all the Earth treats and the alien-themed Christmas poster with Santa and his reindeer caught in a UFO’s tractor beam, which he proclaims he will hang in his room.
I finally turn my attention to the pseudo-stocking Felix made for me. The oddly shaped bag is made from an unusual shimmering fabric that’s warm to the touch and almost seems alive.
Please don’t let it be alive!
Closing my eyes and hoping for the best, I reach inside and start pulling out items. I’m relieved to learn that most of the small bits and pieces are various kinds of delicious-looking extraterrestrial snacks and sweets. There’s also a rather interesting handbook entitledThe Intergalactic Alliance’s Guide to Traveling the Universe, which might come in quite handy.
When I get to the bottom of the bag, I find a small box that contains a beautiful necklace with a pendant composed of clusters of small stones. They change color as I watch, forming a constellation pattern that’s almost certainly astronomical in nature.
