Letters to the Star Whisperer

-53-

"So, I just wanted to thank you Ethan, again," Aspen said.

Ethan realized he didn't hear whatever she had said, but just nodded. "It's nothing, really," he said taking a bit of his dinner.

"No Ethan," Jane said. "You don't understand, you're a hero. Do you realize what we women have to go through? We always have to look over our shoulder, wondering if the guy we are actually talking to is nice or pretending to be nice so they can trap you and get into your pants."

Karen nodded, "Yes, that's true. Ethan, we are treated like meat. Not all men treat women that way, but I have met men that have told me I need to start popping out babies. I can't have children, no matter how badly I want them, I just can't have them. Not all, but a lot of men and also other women feel like you're somehow less of a woman if you don't have any. That's why I became a school teacher, because I love children."

Skyler nodded. "Men can be so horrible sometimes. I have met a lot of sweet men, but it's the men treat me like shit that I will always remember. I can write a book on all the nasty things men have said to me over the years. I even had one man threaten my life before I wouldn't talk to him."

"Seriously?" Ethan asked. "Didn't you go to the police?"

Skyler almost laughed. "They don't take that stuff seriously. Trust me," she said.

"Yet, if we even bring any of this up, we are 'feminazi', whatever that means. I don't know if I am a feminist or not, but why should that matter? No matter who I am, shouldn't I have the right to feel safe?" Jane asked, staring into space.

"If it was any of you, I would have punch him for you guys. .. you girls," Ethan said. They all giggled. "But Aspen, I promise nothing like that will happen to you, as long as I am around."

Karen and Skyler looked to each other and raised an eyebrow with a half smile. They giggled a bit as they saw Ethan and Aspen smiling at each other. "You guys are so cute together," Karen said.

"Just kiss already," Jane said.

"What happened to that talk we just had?" Aspen asked.

"Just on the cheek, come on," Jane said, then started chanting, "Kiss, kiss, kiss."

Aspen rolled her eyes. Before Ethan could say anything, she gave him a kiss on his cheek, and he felt his stomach tighten. "There, on the cheek. Now shut up."

Ethan gave a goofy smile as the stain of warm lips still burned on his skin. They ate their waffles and after they were done, Aspen gave a big tip (along with everyone else) and said their goodbyes.

Jane had driven her car over, so she didn't need a ride. But before she left, she hugged Aspen again. "I'll get him."

Aspen just laughed. "I'm not telling you no.. . but I am telling you no more blind dates."

"Deal," she said then let go. "Ethan, buddy boy."

He lifted he head, "Yeah?"

Jane pointed to him, "You're good." After that, she got into her little car and drove away. Aspen and Ethan were alone as they started to walk back to Aspen truck.

"I just wanted to say-"

"Aspen, please stop saying thank you.

She laughed. "Ok. .. but thank you though."

"I am just happy that I caught him."

She looked up to the stars as they walked, "I am so happy Ethan.. . I don't know how to explain it."