Sweet Home Alienn Arkansas (Alienn, Arkansas #8)

Prologue

Five years ago…

Letter from Madelaine Archer to Jack Grey:

Hey Jack,

Well, I made it here. I’m settled into the incredibly barren living quarters for this “opportunity” I’ve been gifted, even though I wish I didn’t have to participate.

I start classes tomorrow, but I’d rather skip it all and catch the fastest ship back to Earth. I miss you already, Jack.

But it’s only two years apart, right? I promise I’m on that speedy ship as soon as I’m able to make my way back home to you.

Love you, Madelaine

Letter from Jack Grey to Madelaine Archer:

Hey Madelaine,

I miss you, too. It’s sure quiet without you around. But you take advantage of your “opportunity” and don’t worry. I’ll be here waiting for you when you catch that ship back to Earth.

Love you, Jack

Two months later…

Letter from Jack Grey to Madelaine Archer:

Hey Madelaine,

You’re probably crazy busy with your “opportunity,” whatever it is, but I haven’t heard from you since that first letter. You okay?

I’m kicking myself because I finally figured out that I’ve been sending you these long, meandering letters about everything that’s going on in Alienn when you probably barely have time to read them.

Like you care who Diesel’s dating or Valene’s hair disaster (her words) or what crazy thing Aunt Dixie is up to!

I swear, from now on, I’ll try to keep my letters short and sweet.

Drop me a line when you get a chance. I miss you.

Love you, Jack

Four months later…

Letter from Jack Grey to Madelaine Archer:

Hey Madelaine,

I still haven’t heard from you. I’m worried. Have you been getting my letters? I hope you’re still doing well with your opportunity. Write to me. Or better yet, call me. Please. I miss you.

Love you, Jack

Seven months later…

Letter from Jack Grey to Madelaine Archer:

Madelaine,

I just received a big package from you. Not gonna lie, I was elated to finally hear from you after all these months of no communication. Then I opened the box and saw all the letters I sent you. All of them.

Unopened. Unread. And clearly unwanted. This one will be my last.

I know you won’t open this one either and that I can expect it to be returned to me, but this is a final goodbye from me to you so that I can be clear.

I get it. We’re done.

Jack