The Alien and the Cursed Star

Sabrina's scream echoed down the hallway, reaching Nathaniel's ears in his condo. Alarmed on the sound, Nathaniel rushed to her room and found her shaking in disbelief, holding the box of defaced photographs and the terrifying message, "You are next."

Nathaniel rashly took the box from her trembling hands.

"I... I found this outside my door." She stuttered, her eyes wide with fear. "Someone is threatening me. They think I killed Julia."

Nathaniel sees fear in her eyes. There she goes again. Looking cold, brave to many people, but the reality is, she needs help.

Most people wouldn't catch it. The false strength, she's so good at showing.

But not him.

He knows the truth.

She seems weak.

Weak inside.

And in all instances that she is weak, he is the one who can only help her. 

Only him, he guesses.

Seeing the genuine terror in her eyes, he decided to let her stay in his condo for a while. Sabrina was sitting on the couch, seemingly lost in thought. It was the first time he had seen her truly scared.

Yes, he had seen her cry before—just once. But she is not scared. Not like this.

By the little chances that Nathaniel saw Sabrina, most of the time, she gave off the vibe that she did not need help, and she is vocal on that.

Even though he did not want anyone invading his privacy, he knew this girl truly needed someone—her life might be in danger.

Humans killing humans. What unhuman being.

"You can stay here, but I am serious when I said that we need to set some ground rules." He said. 

"We won't eat together, and you cannot touch any of my collections." He added.

Sabrina nodded, grateful yet anxious. The rules seemed odd because most of the people really like to see her, put efforts buying her books, going to her fan meeting just to see her. But she understood Nathaniel's need for boundaries. He may not be one of them. He may not one her fans. And truly, she is not in the mood to argue. She is only a visitor and top of all; she is concern to her life. She may want to die but not being killed by just anyone. She will choose to die in accident or some disease but not into brutal way.

She settled into his living room, trying to find some peace. She saw a remote control for the television.

Well, Nathaniel does not care what she will do in the house as long as she follows the rule. What rule?

That they won't eat together.

She is living alone also in her condo. She is so used of not being with anyone when she eats.

And the other rule?

She cannot touch any of my collections.

What collections? Those vases? Old Books? Why would she even touch those? She is not a fan of old stuffs.

Whatever. 

She flicked through the television channels, trying to distract herself from the looming threat.

At first, she watched cartoons, hoping the light-heartedness would calm her nerves. But her mind would not stop thinking the current issue. She switched to a documentary channel until she reached news about UFOs.

"Stay there." The guy told her. Became much interested in the news.

She wants to change the channel, but the guy seriously focuses on the news.

Weirdo? Does anyone really like galaxy, meteors, star or whatsoever. Surely, this is not her interest. 

"Good evening, I'm Blake, and welcome to today's news. Our top story today, prepare to look to the skies as we anticipate a spectacular celestial event and potential UFO sightings in the coming months."

"In a remarkable alignment of astronomical phenomena, experts are predicting a significant increase in meteoroid activity on earth. This spectacular event is expected to occur six months from now, captivating stargazers and scientists alike."

"Meteoroids, those small, rocky or metallic bodies from outer space, will be entering our atmosphere in large numbers. As they burn up upon entry, they will create dazzling streaks of light known as meteors. This event promises to be a visual feast, with peak activity expected to produce hundreds of meteors per hour." The newscaster added.

UFO Sightings Predicted

"But that's not all. Alongside this meteoroid shower, there's an intriguing forecast of potential unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, being spotted in our skies. Analysts suggest that the heightened activity in the night sky could lead to an increase in reports of strange, unexplained aerial phenomena."

"Last 200 years ago, there has been a rumor of surge in UFO sightings, UFO are expected to be seen six months from now and who knows when the next UFO will be."

"For those eager to witness these events, the best viewing conditions are expected in rural areas away from city lights. Mark your calendars for the month of December, when the meteor shower will be at its peak. And keep your eyes peeled for any unusual objects that might be soaring through the night sky."

"So, whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just a curious observer, the next few months promise to be an extraordinary time for skywatching. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to this cosmic event. I'm Blake, and this has been tonight's top story. Thank you for watching and have a great evening."

"UFO? Those are not real." Sabrina says.

She cannot even handle to finish the news, but the owner of the television is really into UFO things.

Such a pointless, imaginary story.

Nathaniel walks upward going to his room after hearing the news.

Good for her because she cannot take to hear another UFO news. She then changed the channel.

--

The news anchors spoke in gravestones about the ongoing investigation of Julia's death, hinting at a mysterious suspect. Sabrina's heart sank. She knew that many people were quick to point fingers at her. The reporters outside her condo were a constant reminder of the public's suspicion.

She switched off the television in frustration and turned to Nathaniel, who had just returned from his room.

"Can you believe how people judge me without knowing the facts?" she said, her voice tinged with bitterness.

"They are so quick to accuse."

Nathaniel looked at her, his expression is like scanning her mind making Sabrina wonder what he is thinking.

"Then why are you hiding?" He asked calmly.

"Why are you afraid to tell them the truth? Why are you here, in my condo, instead of facing them?"

Sabrina sighed deeply, the weight of his questions pressing down on her. "No one will believe me." She said softly, her eyes filling with soon to drop tears.

Why was she even explaining herself to him?

For all she knew, he might be just like the rest—ready to believe the worst, ready to think she did it. Maybe he already had. Maybe the suspicion was there in his mind.

Maybe he would accuse her too.

But the way he looks at her now. Sabrina feels like she is not being judged. He never looked at her the way others did. Never treated her like she made what was in the headlines.

And maybe that's why—despite everything—she wanted him to believe her.

To take her side.

To stand beside her when no one else would.

To take her side without question.

Because if he didn't—

Then who would?

"They have already made up their minds. They see what they want to see."

Nathaniel sat down next to her making enough distance, sensing the depth of her despair.

"Tell me what really happened." He urged gently.

Sabrina took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She needs someone who believes in her. This can be Nathaniel.

"It all started at the yacht party." She began, her voice a bit trembling. She remembers that day, the day people accused her as murderer.

"Julia and I were not good friends. She is my rival; there was a lot of tension. She was arguing with me, she said that she will announce something that will affect my career. She then left the room as I noticed that she also left her bag, so I want to give it back to her. I accidentally saw her with James Harrington. They were talking but I cannot hear them. They seem got into a fight, discussing in a very serious tone. It got heated and I hesitant to intervene."

She paused, wiping away her tear. "I decided to go back in my seat not talking to anyone and just drink, the atmosphere was so toxic for me. The next morning, I heard about Julia's death. And then, the accusations started. People think I had something to do with it because I was seen arguing with Julia."

Nathaniel listened intently, his mind piecing together the events.

"But you did not do it." He said firmly, sensing the truth in her words. It was not a question. It is a statement coming from someone who is sure that she did not do it.