Page 5 of Galaxy Between Us

“I’m sorry dear, but this retreat is just for Alphas and Betas.”

I freeze and so does Ari.

Did I hear that right? Just for Alphas and Betas?

My chest stings as the weight of those words crush us both. Rage clouds my vision at the sight of Ari’s broken expression. I have to force myself to tear my gaze away from him and back to the lady.

“It doesn’t say anything about that in the pamphlet,” I argue.

“Well, no, but it’s implied. He can’t go.” Her words are spoken softly in a polite tone and yet they’re the worst, most cruelest thing I’ve ever heard.

“Can’t we just say he’s with me?” I beg, “Please, we’ve been planning this for ages, and we already bought the tickets!”

Ari is speechless, clutching his ticket in his hands with defeat. I can hardly look at him. I can’t stand such a crushed look on his face. It makes me feel enraged down to my core.

“I’m sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. We can get him a full refund for the confusion.”

“Please! There has to be some way he can come with. He passed the placement exam! This isn’t fair!” My fists slam the counter. I’m aware that the tantrum brewing isn’t very manly and mature of me. She’s an Alpha too, so I probably look more pathetic than intimidating, but I don’t care. I bare my teeth at her anyway until Mom places a firm hand on my shoulder.

“Knox, sweetie, you need to calm down.”

“She won’t let him go, Mom!”

“It’s not her fault, Knox. This type of thing just isn’t meant for Omegas, but you know what? You’ll be able to finally make some Alpha friends who share your interest!”

I can’t believe her. I don’t want other friends, I want Ari! I turn back to the receptionist hoping she can see my desperation. She looks back pitifully, providing no favorable solution.

“Even if I could let him in, I’m afraid most of the activities and gear wouldn’t be suitable for someone his size. He’s too small. You wouldn’t want your friend to get hurt, would you?”

I know she’s just trying to reign in my temper, but she has a point. Arius wouldn’t fit the space suits made for Alphas, and he’d be too weak physically for some of the activities judging by the pictures along the back wall. But it still doesn’t make me want him to stay behind. It makes me determined to protect him through it all.

Finally, I force myself to look at him.

He’s crying silently. Holding back his sobs as his mom coos reassurances in his ear. The shuttle leaves in thirty minutes.

“I guess we’re not going then,” I drop my shoulders, defeated. He looks at me then. Snapping his head up with eyes so watery they shine like jewels.

“No, you should still go, Knox,” his broken words pain my ears.

“But– “

“Let’s face it! This is your dream, not ours. I was just tagging along while I still could. Omegas don’t have dreams.”

I’m already shaking my head as he squeaks the words out and wipes his eyes on his sleeve. I feel nauseous. I’m not confident enough to go alone. The only thing that made this easy was the comforting knowledge that Arius would be by my side through it all.

“I don’t want to go alone,” I complain. “This is our last time together!”

“Stop saying that! I’ll wait for you just like you’re going to wait for me.”

“Ari… “

“Go for us,” he reaches for my hand, squeezing it in his smaller one. “Please, Knox. And then, you can tell me all about it when you get back.”

Ari’s words are final. I know I’ll see him again. It’s only six weeks. I just…wish I didn’t have to wait.

Chapter III

My childhood room has never looked so bland. I packed as much as I could to make my dorm room feel like home, but as I look around at all my space toys and equipment that won’t be coming with me, I slowly realize that I’m not bringing my personality with me to boarding school. Everything that I was as a child will be left behind in this room as I step into a new chapter of my life.