Odyssey of the City of Lights

Odyssey of the City of Lights - Book 1 - Chapter 8

I helped Aaron and his friends in dismantling their display. To my surprise, there were some physical objects that I hadn't noticed before. Amelia explained that it was panels to help the holographic projectors have anchor points. It was her idea and creation to integrate multi-paneling to allow for better depth perception instead of relying only on the projectors.

As we finished, Masson spoke up, holding an oversized bag of things we just packed away. "Celebratory meal? Or do we wait till we place?" he asked.

Aaron shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm down either way. But does this count?"

"Let's do a mini celebration at our usual," Amelia suggested, "and then do the big meal when we actually place."

Both Aaron and Mason sighed in unison and playfully groaned, "Perfectionist!"

Amelia blushed and shrugged. "Whatever!"

"We will meet you there," Aaron said, pointing at me. "He's from out of town and is coming with us." Mason opened his mouth to protest but withered under Aaron's gaze and closed it, raising his hands in surrender.

As Aaron led me to the car, I felt uncomfortable. "If it's a problem that I come, I can just wait somewhere, and you can pick me up after?" I offered, not wanting to impose on their plans.

Aaron laughed heartily. "Nah, man. He just has a stick up his ass. I knew he was going to protest 'cause you aren't part of the team and whatnot. Don't worry. He's talented but socially... challenged."

We drove around the community center to the other side of the beautiful lake, parked, and walked into a food court. The moment we entered, an array of enticing aromas greeted my nostrils. Scents I had never experienced before tempted me, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As we walked along the row of restaurants and stalls, I took in the serene beauty of the lake through large glass panels on the wall. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue across the water's surface. It was similar to the pond we had in my village. Just bigger. With prettier flowers. And a city in the backdrop instead of fields.

Aaron pointed to the restaurant we were headed to. He walked up to a display by the door and announced, "Table for 4, waiting on arrivals."

He held out his wristwatch, and the display changed from a slide show of offerings to a digital face similar to the one that helped me at the competition. "Tables are available; please come in when your party members arrive. Your reservation was accepted, and your digital signature was registered."

Aaron motioned to some chairs facing out towards the lake. I followed, and we sat down to wait for Masson and Amelia. From afar, I stared at a few people paddling on the lake and a few others on something that looked like skateboards and bicycles.

"So, how do you like my hometown?" Aaron asked, breaking the silence.

I looked at him, then around at the food court, my eyes wide with wonder. "It's incredible. I never knew the world was so...so big...so advanced."

Aaron smirked. "This isn't even the whole world. This is just a small city in this district. But that totally makes sense." He paused as we both heard his name called at the same time. Turning, we saw his friends approaching from the entrance by the lake. Aaron waved at them, a warm smile on his face. "I'm headed to your hometown on Monday. So the day after tomorrow, I'll drop you off. You don't have to walk all the way."

For some reason, his words brought a pang of sadness to my chest.

The friends arrived and led the way into the restaurant, where we were seated in a comfortable booth. Since I didn't recognize a single item on the menu, Aaron took the liberty of ordering for me. Our drinks arrived first: two beers, a glass of wine, and a soda for me.