Alien Scrooge - Zara Zenia Page 0,1

Ocean. The cool sea breeze drifted in through the open windows, gently lifting the loose hair that had fallen from Cara's braid. She hummed along to the music while taking quick glances at the distant, glistening waters beyond the ridge of the road that reminded her of the beaches she had grown up on. The sun sat high over her now reflecting off of the hood of her dark green Jeep and her dashboard told her it was eleven. She had been on the road for two hours and her anticipation grew as she entered the last stretch of her journey.

"I've made great time." She spoke to her hands that gripped the steering wheel tightly. "Just a little bit longer."

Thoughts of Oscar and her conversation with her mom paced through her mind as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. She remembered the uncomfortable ride back to Oakland, California the year before, glancing at the empty seat next to her. She could picture him in it, leaned back, his brown curls falling haphazardly over his head, lounging casually in her Jeep as if he hadn't tried to rob her parents. She felt the same rage bubbling inside her and the cold speech she gave flashed through her mind.

"When we get back to Oakland, you need to pack your things. We're done. If you aren't gone before the night is over, I'm pressing charges." She had broken the silence abruptly, her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment and her eyes fixed firmly to the road in front of her. When no response came she peeked from the corner of her eye at the passenger that had pulled so much resentment from her overnight and she could have sworn Oscar was grinning.

The radio cut into her thoughts as her Christmas tunes faded to static. She turned the dial, scanning for a new station in the white noise. A clear, male voice broke through, informing her of the weather forecast for Big Sur in the weeks leading up to Christmas. He promised a light chill in the air, but nothing that would stop visitors from exploring the picturesque beaches and scenic mountain trails in the area. Cara remembered fondly the landscapes that inspired her to become a photographer. She couldn't wait to get home and light that spark again. The weather man turned the segment over to the news anchor to begin her broadcast.

"Hello and welcome, I'm Nancy Blake. As Christmas creeps closer, many people are making plans with friends and family for the holiday. This time of year is a joyous one for most, who join their loved ones in festivities and celebrations. For others, though, reports show this season is one of suffering and loss. Studies chart the increase in suicide rates around the holiday season marking an important time for communities and individuals to come together in support of one another. For the next few moments, the station will broadcast the numbers of several suicide prevention resources as we ask listeners to take a moment and mourn the loss—"

Cara turned the radio off and put her full attention to the road, trying to empty her mind of the bad news that permeated her Christmas holiday. She picked up her phone to call her parents as she left the highway behind her, doing her best to abandon the sad thoughts with it.

She turned her Jeep onto the long driveway to her family home and let out a heavy breath as a feeling of relief fell over her. Her parents stood at the top of the yard waiting for her. Cara was swept up in the excitement and lightly tapped on the horn to greet her parents as she rolled up the asphalt toward them. The two animatedly waved at their daughter as she pulled up next to them and put her car in park. She jumped from her Wrangler and dove into her parent's arms in the cool mountain air, letting their warmth wash over her.

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Cara's dad untangled himself from the family hug and got to work unloading Cara's bags. The trio settled the suitcases in Cara's childhood bedroom where she always stayed when she visited for the holidays. After she had gathered all her things, her parents left her alone in the room so she could shower and get comfortable.

With the drive washed away, she stood at the mirror, gazing into her own cool blue eyes in the glass and running a hair dryer across her damp