True Calling Page 8

  “I guess we’ll know soon enough. I don’t know if he really likes me though, he barely acknowledged me today,” I say forlornly.

  “Ariana, you’re so exasperating! You told the poor guy to stay away!”

  “Well, not exactly...”

  “Ari, guys don’t over-analyse things like we do, if you said you couldn’t be together then that’s what he took from it. If it’s any consolation, I’ve always thought he had a sweet-spot for you, all those sly looks and flirting. I’m sure he likes you too,” she says reassuringly.

  “As for Zane, what’s all that about?” she enquires.

  “I was hoping you could tell me. I’ve gone over and over it a million times in my head. I haven’t completely ruled out the notion of a malfunction somewhere in my brain. Despite what Dr. Victus has said, I know the Vita was never fully tested on humans before they inserted it in us, so who knows what it’s doing to us internally. Or the other conclusion is that Zane is real and ... and he and I meant something to each other,” I tell her. She takes a few moments to reply.

  “Perhaps it’s a mix of both,” she says. “Let’s say you’re partly right about the Vita, let’s assume it’s messing with your mind, and some of your memories are coming back as dreams; therefore, Zane is real. You must have shared a strong connection for the recollections to come back so vividly.” It’s what I’ve been thinking myself, but I’ve been afraid to verbalize it.

  “If he’s real and he lives on Earth, I’ve no way of ever seeing him again, the dreams will only serve to confuse and upset me,” I admit. Eve purses her lips.

  “Maybe you should tell Dr. Victus and he can organize to get your Vita repaired or replaced,” she says, totally missing the point. My gut instinct still tells me that I’m right to keep this quiet.

  “I don’t know, maybe the dreams will just fade out in time.”

  Suddenly the commiboard springs to life and the image of Zolt Rada appears on the screen. I feel extremely anxious as he confirms that all Top Ten suitor lists have been added to the portal. Eve’s fingers are already in flight on her data-cuff, there really is no point in delaying it any further, so I follow suit and call up my own list. I scan read it, urgently seeking out his name. I’m relieved and delighted when I see that Cal is number eight. I then look back over the list, more carefully this time, reading the names of the other suitors who have been matched with me. I only know two of them, I’m clueless on the rest. One of the other boys in my class, Ada Kline, is number six on my list. I note with dismay that Evan Adams is my number ten and I glance nervously at Eve.

  She is unnaturally subdued. “Well?” I ask.

  “I don’t know any of them,” she says flatly.

  “What! Isn’t Evan on your list?” I ask aghast.

  “No,” she says in a tiny voice.

  “Oh Eve, I’m so sorry.” How am I going to break the news to her? How can I tell her that he’s on my damned list.

  “Let’s see your list,” she says and before I can stop her, she’s scrolling through my Top Ten. There’s an uncomfortable silence, and then I see the tears falling slowly down her cheeks.

  “Please don’t cry,” I choke out. “I won’t date him. I’m only interested in Cal anyway. There are sure to be other suitors on your list that you connect with.”

  “He’s the only one I wanted,” she says sadly.

  “You have to remain positive Eve, it will be OK.” I’m grasping at straws here, Eve knows what I think of this pageant, she’s heard me rant and rave many times. The irony of our role reversal slaps me in the face. Good, kind, loyal Eve, who always sees the best in everything and everyone. How come she’s been so let down and I seem to have gotten my heart’s desire? It hardly seems fair. It’s upsetting to see the devastating impact it’s having on her, and once again I find myself seething at the authorities. How dare they play God with our lives, what gives them the right to decide whom we should love and whom we should marry?

  I am so livid, I feel a strong urge to punch something. Eve’s mother quietly enters the room and moves to console her. Knowing Eve as I do, I’m sure she has confided completely in her, so she understands what a crushing blow this is. I feel like I’m trespassing on a very private moment, I should leave. I wrap my arms around Eve from behind and give her a kiss on the cheek. I don’t offer any words of comfort, both because there are no words that can soothe her, and it would seem so unnatural coming from me.

  As I leave the house I gasp when a shadowy figure moves out in front of me. “Hey gorgeous,” he says and I recognize his voice before I can make out his features under the moonlight.

  “You startled me,” I say, as I try to steady my thrumming heart. But I’m thrilled to see him here nonetheless.

  “May I escort you home m’lady?” he says in a pronounced old English accent and I laugh before assenting. He grabs my hand and secures it firmly in his; it feels so good and I’m delirious with happiness.

  “Just so I’m clear, it’s OK to be seen together now, yes?” he asks.

  “You’re on my list so we’re permitted to date, I’m good with that.”

  “What number am I on your list?” he asks.

  “Eight.”

  “You’re four on mine,” he says with a frown.

  “Why the frown? It doesn’t matter, does it?”

  “It means there are seven other guys ahead of me. You could like one of them more than me,” he says in an uncharacteristic moment of uncertainty.

  “You’re not ... jealous, are you?” I ask in amazement.

  “Maybe.”

  “Don’t you know your own mind?” I tease.

  “Usually, but when it comes to you I often don’t know what to think,” he says.

  “Ha! So my very presence makes you weak at the knees,” I say wickedly, repeating words that he’s previously recited to me.

  He roars laughing but says, “I think you may be right.”

  We smile sheepishly at each other as we meander down the road towards my house. “Have you ever been in love before?” he asks me suddenly.

  “I don’t know,” I say honestly. Just in time I remember that this conversation could end up going viral. “I don’t know what happened on Earth before we moved here, so I can’t be sure, but I don’t think so. Certainly I haven’t dated anyone since we moved to Novo,” I tell him. This seems to surprise him.

  “Why not?” he asks.

  “There wasn’t anyone I liked enough, plus I’ve been totally focused on my career—I put all my energy and effort into the Academy,” I say earnestly. “What about you?” I ask, not sure if I really want to know the answer.

  “I’ve dated a few girls here, but no one special, until you.” I think it’s a fairly harsh thing to say, particularly if any of the girls he dated end up hearing this conversation, but I’m secretly glad that I don’t appear to have any competition—well, not yet anyway.

  “Do you think they’re recording us now?” I whisper. His brows furrow in concentration.

  “I don’t know, I hadn’t thought about it,” he says, but clearly his thoughts are now keeping check with mine as we cease talking about our growing feelings for one another.

  ***

  We have reached my door and I’m unsure of the protocol. Should I invite him in? Do I just wish him goodnight on the doorstep? Should I kiss him goodbye? Thankfully, my mother takes the decision out of my hands.

  “Hello Cal,” she says, as she appears at the door. She has clearly checked out my list and recognizes him from his profile picture.

  “Hi, Mrs. Skyee. Cal Remus, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he says formally, as he extends his hand.

  “Would you like to come in for a coffee?” she asks.

  “Coffee would be great, thank you,” he says politely as he steps aside to allow me to enter the house first.

  I offer to take his coat and hang it up in the cloakroom. He looks well fit in his tight black jeans and gray jumper, but I think even a sack would look goo
d on him. “You look gorgeous,” he whispers in my ear as he surveys my new dress. He takes my hand as we move into the living space, but I push it away, feeling far too embarrassed for my family to see us like this. Too late, I worry if I’ve hurt his feelings again, but his smirk says otherwise. I remember his teasing words at the beach ... so innocent, so pure. Hopefully, not for long, I think, and I’m shocked at my own forwardness. I can’t help blushing even though there’s no way he knows what I’ve been thinking. He looks at me quizzically.

  “Father, Deacon, Lily, this is eh...” jeez, how do I present him? He’s more than just a friend, but not quite yet my boyfriend, and then I remember, “one of my suitors, Cal Remus.” Cal looks instantly displeased, but he composes his expression and shakes all of their hands in turn. I note the look of consternation on my father’s face. Just then my mom appears with coffee and cookies. I motion for Cal to join me at the kitchen counter so we can have a little privacy.

  “So, I’m just one of your suitors, is that it?” he whispers, as he takes a bite out of his cookie.

  “Yes, no ... I mean, I was caught off guard. I didn’t know how to introduce you, it’s not like I’ve loads of practice at this stuff,” I say honestly.

  “Fair enough,” he says and he doesn’t look annoyed or upset. “I suppose it’s too early in the pageant for you to call me your boyfriend anyway. We don’t want to look non-conformist, I can try to be patient,” he says with a glint in his eye. I’m not sure what emotions flit across my face, but he breaks into a wide smile upon seeing my reaction.

  “I’d better get going before my sister sends out a search party,” he says as he gets up to leave. He thanks my mom for the coffee and says goodbye to the rest of my family.

  I walk him to the door and feel the blast of the cold night air as I open it. He stands on the top step and pulls me quickly to him. Before I can object, he has pressed his lips to mine. I can’t savor the moment though as I hear my father assertively call my name from directly behind. “Goodnight,” I whisper softly as I push him gently away. He blows me a kiss and then runs off down the road. I close the door and try to hurriedly compose myself before facing into the Spanish inquisition.

  I’m aware that I’m grinning like a cheshire cat, but I can’t help it. “He has lovely manners,” my mother says in a tone that’s non-committal.

  “Are you going to marry him Ari?” asks Lily excitedly. I almost spit my coffee all over the floor, Deacon cracks up laughing. Before I have a chance to respond my dad firmly reminds Lily of the pageant process and the fact that it’ll be several weeks before my final suitor will be chosen.

  “What did you think of him?” I ask him directly, his being the opinion I value the most.

  “Don’t limit your options Ariana,” he says bluntly and it’s clear he won’t elaborate. I feel slightly deflated. Does my dad not like him? Why? Maybe it’s just the reality of what lies ahead for his little girl that is unsettling for him.

  ***

  I don’t fall asleep for hours. Except tonight, my thoughts are not of my own dramatic tribulations; I can’t stop thinking about poor Eve. I so desperately want to do something to help, but I don’t know how. Suddenly the formation of an idea begins to take shape in my sleepy brain. I recall what Cal said to me the day ‘The Calling’ was outlined to us in the Academy. “I’m going to make sure my father puts you at the top of my list” he had said. Maybe Cal’s father can have some sway in relation to Eve’s Top Ten. OK, it’s a stretch and I’m not sure exactly what influence he has with the pageant operations, if any. But he has some involvement, and he is senior level military grade so he has some clout. I determine to find a way of asking Cal privately. After several hours, I finally fall asleep with the help of the trusty Medicet.

  Zane is in an underground bunker that is kitted out like a military command center. There are rows and rows of computers and screens of all shapes and sizes. Digital maps and aerial images project across the walls and many people are milling around in military style combats. He converses with a tall man in military uniform as he is brought on a tour of the facility.

  I have a pulsating headache when I wake up. All this disruption at night-time is definitely starting to affect my health.

  ***

  I am travelling alone to the convention center when I become aware of all the staring. Having total strangers pointing and gawping completely unhinges me. I usually go about my business totally unnoticed so I’m not comfortable being the focus of so much attention. I’m particularly ill-equipped to deal with it today given my current groggy state of mind; the resulting combination of too few precious hours sleep, and the effects of the sedative. I better get used to it, I think, because this is just the start.

  As I walk up the steps of the convention center, I notice the dagger looks I receive from some of the other girls, and a few of the boys are blatantly mocking me, making kissing sounds and gestures in my direction. I think I hear a couple of wolf whistles, but I can’t be sure. I can only think of one reason for this type of reaction; Cal and I were being recorded last night. Gggrrreat.

  Fenuka is already in the room when I arrive. She conducts a quick inspection and gives me the thumbs up. Today I’m wearing a 1950’s style tea dress that has a sweetheart neckline which shows my cleavage to good effect, without being indecent. I love the soft black leather jacket that she’s teamed with it; it offers the perfect contrast to the femininity of the dress.

  Just then the commiboard activates and I freeze in horror at the image on the screen.

  CHAPTER 8

  It’s an image of Cal and me at my door last night: I absolutely cringe at the scene. I’m so embarrassed that I wish the ground would open up and swallow me. I force myself to continue looking; it’s a quick montage of our time together, so, I can at least breathe a sigh of relief that our whole discussion wasn’t televised. Fenuka is ecstatic as she tells me that Cal and I have the most click-throughs on the portal so far. I try to remember back to the presentation, to recall the exact format of the programming, but I must have blanked out during that part, as I have no recollection whatsoever. Fenuka gives me a quick run-through.

  All Aqua residents can review the suitor profile pages at any time. They can choose to follow certain suitors or couples and can document comments and status updates, for example, ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ against any activity, conversation, outfit or date, etc. A daily report is issued highlighting the Top Ten most viewed suitors, and this will help inform the public and the pageant coordinators, when it comes to ranking and matching suitors. At least my every move isn’t being tracked, and it’s only the suitors who are the most interesting or most popular who will feature on the regular information feeds that are streamed every hour across the Region. Fenuka explains that those who are the most popular stand the greatest chance of being chosen for the ‘Amor Regale’.

  At this stage of the pageant, only residents in Aqua have portal access to all Aqua suitors. The full planetary access only commences after each Region has chosen its suitors to represent them at the ‘Amor Regale’, then the monitoring will really kick into overdrive. I resolve to be as boring as I can, so as not to garner too much air-time. I have no interest in, or intention of, representing Aqua at the ‘Amor Regale’. I fervently hope that Cal will share my view; he’s a total show off at the best of times though, so I’m not sure. It also means no hand-holding or kissing in public, I’m definitely sure that won’t sit well with him. I need to add these items to the agenda for our private conversation. Having thought about this on my way in today, I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s no other choice but to show him my father’s hiding place, there’s nowhere else in Novo where we can speak in total privacy. I resolve to track him down at lunchtime to arrange to meet later. If things are to change for Eve, then it must happen today before the speed dating first night takes place tomorrow.

  “So, how does this speed dating thing work?” I ask Fenuka. She explains the event is to enable
suitor introductions: we get to briefly meet all the suitors on our Top Ten list. I’ll have ten minutes to converse with each boy, before moving onto the next. I’m required to rate each date and upload it to my profile by nine o’clock the following day. I can submit date requests via the portal to boys I’m interested in dating; the individual coordinators then work together to schedule the dates. Thankfully, we get to choose our own activities for the dates, although each coordinator has the power to override the suitor’s choice if they wish. I don’t plan on requesting dates with anyone other than Cal, so Fenuka and I will both be spared a lot of unnecessary time wasting and administration.

  The one key rule is that you must go on at least two dates with each of your Top Three, and you must attend first requested dates with any of the suitors from your Top Ten. Thereafter you can decline date requests if you choose not to see the boy again. I calculate that I’ll have to go on several dates with other boys to start off with, but thereafter I can choose to just stick with Cal. This also means, of course, that he’ll be going on other dates too; I have no doubt that every girl on his list will request a date with him. The thought is troublesome, what if he finds someone else that he likes more than me?

  Fenuka turns her attention to my make-up lesson; she’s going to demonstrate how to apply a natural layer of make-up as I need to look camera-ready at all times. Fenuka will style me for all official dates and events, but I need to master some of the basics myself so I can create a daily look. She pulls out a tray with a vast array of cosmetics and begins. I listen and watch keenly. She’s a good teacher, explaining every product and how best to apply it, in simple, clear instructions. When she’s finished she wipes it all off and then asks me to recreate it. She provides subtle direction as I attempt to replicate her actions, it’s not a bad first job; a sentiment echoed by Fenuka. She hands me a fairly heavy cosmetics bag and instructs me to leave that one at home. She then gives me a smaller one, which has a few key essentials, I’m to carry this in my satchel or handbag at all times for touch-ups, I think I can just about manage that. I can use my data-cuff to log a request for supplies whenever they need replenishing, and she’ll organize delivery direct to my home.