Alien Romance, the daily comic strip

Yes, at this point, I'm amusing myself.

Ella and Maurice are in Ella's bedroom, talking privately while Cathy and Jon are in the living room. Maurice is in his work uniform, with a nametag that reads, "Moe." Yes, the manager at Liquor Warehouse diminishes my little guy further by shortening his name. He's okay, though! Maurice is used to enduring the slings and arrows of people pushing him down in life.

His nickname 'Arzy' is a diminutive, too, but only his friends call him that, and it's affectionate. Ren started that one and it caught on.

Ella says, "I want Cathy to like me. Everything I know about making friends is useless with her, 'cause it's all, like, conversational stuff. What else is there?"

"Honestly, Ella, you're doing fine," Maurice replies. "Don't give up. She's lonely too."

"How does Jon get along with her so well?" Ella asks.

"Easy," says Maurice, looking at the door. "Jon already doesn't listen to anybody. Cathy doesn't challenge him, and that's perfect for him."

"Heh," says Ella. "That's not wrong." She reaches for the doorknob to leave, and turns back. "So you think we're all right?"

"Yes, you're all right," says Maurice.

"Thanks so much, Arzy. I feel better now. I thought you were gonna say 'learn French' or something."

Maurice hesitates. "...well..." he says, and stops.