It had been years since I last saw Kate. We'd been texting on and off until finally after many failed attempts, we settled on a day to meet up. The only news I had was that she had recently left the border and was now somehow retired from that life. Which seemed odd to me because Kate was still young.
She lived in a complex destined for high-ranking people. The system had created whole new neighborhoods for all those who had played crucial roles in the system. I could end up there one day, just like all the Narval Officers and workers of the Nexus Court. So, it was cool to get a peek at what this place was all about.
Two big silver flags waved proudly welcoming the entrance to the complex along with a big painting on the pavement that said: "Technology now, for a new human tomorrow: Thank you"
Her house was number thirty-three, and thank God I had the number because seriously, they were all clones. But not any type of clone, luxurious crystal bubbles piled up in perfect harmony unfolded all along the street. All of them had their own spaceship parking and a big front garden.
When I finally got the number a swing sticking to the ground caught my attention. Odd. Was that the right house? I rang the bell and my fingers trembled. This meet-up meant more to me than what I wanted to admit. "Alright, calm down Grace," I mused to myself.
"Coming!" A voice said from the other side. Then hurried footsteps approached the door and suddenly a soft cheerful cry. The door opened, and there she was. Kate with a wide smile and... wait... on her arms...was that... a BABY?
"There you are, girl! My favorite Nexus Courter of the era!" she exclaimed. She looked much the same, still sporting her shaved hair and comfy clothes. However, she wore a new implant in her ears that emanated a soft flickering green light.
"What is this?!" I asked, looking at the baby. Her big blue eyes like two light bulbs analyzed me top down as I talked. Kate chuckled at my reaction.
"Alright, let me introduce you. This is Zoe, my daughter," Kate said, holding Zoe's hand and waving it at me. "Say hi, Zoe. This is our friend Grace."
"Oh my god. Like, yeah. Oh my god," I couldn't say much more.
"Get inside before you have a mental breakdown," she said, and we both stepped in.
We walked into the living room, which was filled with foam blocks and toys for kids, sitting on a large couch at the center. There were medals and other certificates of honor hanging proudly on the walls. Kate left Zoe next to a large box of toys, which immediately caught her attention.
"I know we've been talking on and off very little, but for God's sake, you could have mentioned you had a daughter!" I exclaimed.
"I could, but then I'd have missed that hilarious reaction you just had," she said, and we both laughed. "And that's not the only surprise I've got for you." She continued.
Before I could process her words, a figure emerged from the hallway. "Surprise!" Laura announced, stepping into the room.
"What the hell?!" I exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.
The last thing I knew about Laura was that she had ended up as a Ranger in the Mountain Camps. I had envied her, because man, who wouldn't want to be sent to the closest place to what we could call nature? It was a peaceful place, and Rangers there lived well. The only hindrance was timing because finding a day to meet was an impossible mission; our schedules seemed to be like opposite poles. But still, there she was, back from the mountains, looking brighter than ever, thanks to Kate.
She wore her hair longer, and her features were more pronounced, giving her a mature appearance in a good way. "The mountains have been kind to you, Ranger," I said.
YOU ARE READING
SILVER EYES (GXG)
Romance[2024 WATTYS WINNER] Grace had no idea what she would find on the other side of the wall when the gates opened. Even less so that they wouldn't let her brother cross. Why? A blue-eyed and fierce commander, named Heather, holds the answer. She closed...
