by S. K. Kelley
“Yeah?” His voice remains calm. “Well, I changed my mind.”
I relax my balled fist and move to look outside. At the trees across the short grass. I open the window. It’s getting late, but the breeze is still warm.
“What are the chances we’d run into each other a second time, anyway?” I ask. “It’s just something dumb that happened because I wasn’t paying attention. Why make a big deal about it?”
“Yes, but— Ah...” He sighs. “Forget it.”
I turn back to face my empty bedroom, my grip on the phone easing as confusion softens my anger. “I was trying to. You’re the one who brought it up again.”
The room falls quiet. The phone is quiet too, for a long, tense moment. Then Ice clears his throat.
“Right,” he says. “Forget I called.”
“I—”
The line goes silent, and I move the phone from my ear to check the screen.
Oh.
He hung up on me.
twenty-five
AFTER BREAKFAST, I find an envelope on the floor in the living room. Someone must have slipped it through the crack beneath the front door while I was in the kitchen.
I glance through the window, but I don’t see anyone outside, so I close the blinds and return my attention to the mystery mail. The envelope is unassuming. White paper. A clear, plastic window over the recipient address.
Whatever it is, it’s for me.
Honestly, it kind of looks like junk mail, but this is too weird. Someone slipped it underneath my front door, for one, but it also lacks any sort of logo or name above the—
Seattle-based return address.
Could it be...?
I head upstairs, where I sit on my bed, tear the envelope open, and remove two sheets of paper from inside. It’s a typed letter. And I was right. The header and ornate seal reveal the sender as The U.S. Department of Human-Immortal Affairs’ Human Advocacy Unit.
Ms. Jayde Palmer,
You are receiving this notice on account of your recent admittance into The U.S. Department of Human-Immortal Affairs’ Human Immortal Program. Please consider the following information regarding your role in the Human Immortal Program, and the issued Accessory Item (River Sapphire, model 418A-RVCA) before destroying this message.
In recent decades, our expert researchers and technicians developed and refined the production of synthetic gemstones using modified human DNA. The human DNA is synthesized with segments of the immortal genome in our state-of-the-art laboratory, and combined with precious minerals to create a synthetic gemstone with unique properties. Crafted into an Accessory Item, the gemstone may allow the human donor to assume feline form in a manner similar to that of a natural- born immortal.
Due to the experimental status of the synthetic gemstone Accessory Items and natural variations in the nervous systems of individual humans, we have yet to develop a reliable method of determining the exact means by which an Accessory Item may activate or whether an Accessory Item will perform in a desirable manner. Despite this complication, the majority of synthetic gemstone recipients in the Human Immortal Program have reported positive results.
To date, 418 incarnations of synthetic gemstone Accessory Items have been produced and received by human donors through the Human Immortal Program. For your reading convenience, the Program’s provisional results as reported by the 418 participants to date have been included below:
— 41% report the ability to assume feline form by wearing or removing their Accessory Item, or by otherwise interacting with their Accessory Item while wearing it.
— 19% report the ability to assume feline form at will.
• 17% report the ability to change forms while wearing their Accessory Item.
• 2% report the ability to change forms without their Accessory Item present.
— 5% reported random human-to-feline transitions and were removed from the Program.
— 20% reported an inability to assume feline form after possessing an Accessory Item for 3 years.
— 15% of recent participants (having received their Accessory Item within the past 3 years) have yet to report the ability to assume feline form.
The Human Immortal Program’s trial period concludes three years after the initial date of admittance. As such, we hope you successfully assume feline form within that time frame. Please note that, while the current trial period is limited to three years, the majority of Program participants reported results within ten weeks of receiving their unique Accessory Item.
In the event that you successfully assume feline form or experience unexpected difficulties related to the Program or your Accessory Item, we ask that your sponsor contact your assigned Human Advocacy case manager at their earliest convenience.
On behalf of everyone at The U.S. Department of Human-Immortal Affairs, we once again wish to express our deepest appreciation concerning your interest in the Human Immortal Program. We look forward to hearing from you in the future.
As requested, please destroy this message at your earliest convenience. Your continued discretion in matters of Secrecy and Security is vital.
Respectfully,
David H Clarke
Human Advocacy Unit
Chief Human Advocacy Officer
Dr. Richard Lacombe, Sc.D.
Synthetic Morphology Research Division
Senior Researcher, Human Immortal Program
The Human Immortal Program...
The lack of blacked-out names is refreshing, and it’s a relief to finally receive legitimate information about the strange program Ice enrolled me in. He was most unhelpful before—though I’m not sure it was entirely his fault.
Wait—
If the synthetic gemstones are created using the human donor’s DNA, that means Ice had to get his hands on a sample of my DNA to have one made for me.
Doesn’t it?
When did he do that? How did he get a sample?
Maybe I don’t want to think about it.
I refocus on the letter—the minimum sixty-percent odds of success and gemstone activation methods it mentioned. I leave my bed, set the letter on my dresser, and reach for the River Sapphire, where the pendant rests against my skin.
My reflection waits expectantly.
Nothing happens when I flick the stone. I rub it with the pad of my thumb until the friction warms it. I tap the hard surface with my painted fingernail. Nothing.
I unfasten the necklace and hold it in the palm of my hand. I wait, staring into the blue stone, but it’s the same as always.
Nothing happens.
With a sigh, I put it on again, but I’m still human. The River Sapphire is exactly the same as when Ice first gave it to me—pretty but useless. The necklace doesn’t work.
No.
The Human Immortal Program’s trial period lasts three years. It’s only been a couple weeks. There’s still plenty of time, so I have to remain optimistic.
The River Sapphire will work.
twenty-six
I SIT ON THE COUCH, eating white cheddar popcorn and scrolling down title cards on Netflix, and my eyes glaze over the countless shows I’ve already watched with Rose. Until Night Hospital’s thumbnail catches my attention.
No way.
The lead actor, who happens to be one of Rose’s top celebrity crushes, is an immortal. His perfect cheekbones and pale, violet eyes are a dead giveaway. It’s no wonder she likes him.
How many famous people are immortals?
Standing close to the TV, I scrutinize at least a dozen title cards and preview clips of popular shows and movies. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, considering their uncanny penchant for being stupidly attractive, but many of the actors are immortals.
There are plenty of human actors too, but do any of them know about immortals, or are they living in ignorant bliss like the rest of human society?
I turn off the TV and head upstairs.
Sitting in bed with my laptop, I idly skim the Wikipedia pages of s
everal immortal celebrities I recognized. It leads me down a deep, deep rabbit hole.
There are a ton of famous immortals.
Actors and actresses, musicians, talk show hosts, sports stars, politicians. Social media influencers. Tech giants. CEOs. The Vice President of the United States?
Based on what I’ve read, famous immortals and humans often work with each other. In TV and film especially, it’s not unusual for humans and immortals to costar in projects, even as romantic leads. But I skim the sections detailing their personal lives, and it seems few share close relationships with humans outside of work.
Are more intimate relationships taboo?
The fleeting surprise when someone passing by realizes I’m the lone human in a group of immortals. The way their interest turns dismissive as they look away. The fact we have separate public schools.
Before, I thought we more-or-less coexisted on the same level despite humanity’s obliviousness, but it’s more like immortals tend to ignore humans—like they look down on us for some reason.
So then... Why? Why is Ice with me?
Why would he pay me, a random human girl, any attention? Why orchestrate our first meeting at Bargain Shop and ask me out? If I’m just an easy summer armpiece like Rose thinks, why does he still act so passive when we’re together?
And why tell me about immortals?
Summer is only so long, but our relationship isn’t really going anywhere. We go on dates—but are they even dates? He smiles and laughs and pats me on the head, and I love that, but what does he see when he looks at me?
I have no idea, and, after the way he answered Carmen’s question the other day, I’m hesitant to ask.
Was Rose wrong? Was I wrong?
I don’t know. I really like Ice, but...
With a sigh, I set my laptop aside and fall back onto my bed.
Why tell me?
What is so special about me?
Does it matter? We’ve barely talked since he went off about the random guy I tripped over at the mall.
First, he hung up on me. Then, last night, I got a random message asking what I bought with the money. I sent a picture of my new boots, he replied with “nice,” and that was it.
Was that a fight? Is that what a fight is like?
If it was, at least he’s not ignoring me. Obviously. I’m the one who didn’t reply to his last message.
Ugh... It’s so annoying.
I roll onto my side, pick up my phone, and call Rose. I can’t explain a damn thing, but she answers promptly, sounding a little distracted but otherwise like her usual, cheery self. It’s refreshing.
“Hey.”
Oops. I do not sound like my usual self.
“Uh, oh,” she says in a sing-song voice. “What’s wrong this time, Jay?”
Ah... She knows I went to Music@ThePark and had a sleepover with Night, she knows I bought a bunch of clothes with Ice’s money, and she knows I went home after. But that’s it. She doesn’t know about James or the...disagreement?
“I don’t know,” I admit with a nervous laugh. “I guess that Ice has been acting a little strange lately, and I keep thinking about it.”
“Strange? What do you mean?”
“He’s been kind of distant?” I pause. “I don’t know how to explain it, Rose. Maybe he’s just tired from...work? Anyway, we haven’t talked much since he dropped me off the other day.”
“Did you guys break up?”
“I mean, we’re not exactly dating as it is, so it might be hard to actually break up.”
“Oh, no,” she says with an easy laugh. “I’m kidding. Maybe he’s on his man period.”
I laugh despite myself. “I’m starting to wonder...”
“Wonder what? You think he has more secrets or something?”
“More secrets?” Like the deal with James Reid?
“Yeah. I’m talking deep, dark shit he really doesn’t want you to know.” Humor slips into her dramatically lowered voice. “Like that he’s secretly married or gay or only dates girls to collect clippings of their hair while they sleep.”
Oh, god, please don’t remind me.
“Rose—”
“Maybe he is a serial killer.”
“I don’t think so,” I say dryly.
She laughs again. “Oh, come on, Jay. Do you even like this guy, or are you just in it because you’re bored? You’ve known him for, what, a month now? And it hasn’t gone anywhere yet?”
“I do like him—” I groan. “It’s complicated, okay?”
“If there is one, single thing a summer relationship should not be, it’s complicated.”
“I don’t think it’s that kind of complicated, really—” I catch myself saying the exact opposite of how I feel and hesitate. “Ugh. I don’t know. He just sends so many mixed signals, and I don’t know how to deal with that.”
“Mixed signals, huh?” she asks, intrigued. “Sound like you’re the one who needs to make up your mind, then. Either get the ball rolling yourself or give up and move on.”
What?
“Maybe you’re right, but—”
She groans dramatically, and I imagine her rolling her eyes. “I know you suck at social things, but this is just sad.”
“That’s not fair,” I protest, my face growing warm.
But she laughs. “You know what I think, Jay? You should ask him out. Or at least kiss him. You can’t rely on a guy to make all the moves himself.”
Dating Ice isn’t even my main concern right now. Of course, I am losing my mind over the mystery surrounding his feelings, but it all boils down to the matter of immortals. The status quo I don’t know how to break. But I can’t tell Rose, and that makes trying to complain about it all the more frustrating.
“Maybe he doesn’t think you’re into him.”
“Ha...” I sit up and rub my temple, my eyes wandering toward the window across the room. “He’d have to be blind.”
“Don’t forget that men are stupid, Jayde. They’re all dumb as rocks. Especially the hot ones. They tend to think that, if a girl isn’t actively throwing herself at him, she’s not interested at all.”
“I don’t know. Ice doesn’t seem like the dumb type.”
None of the immortals I’ve met do.
“You never know,” she reasons, stifling laughter. “Anyway, it won’t kill you to ask someone out for once in your life.”
“That is true, but, Rose—”
“You are totally overthinking this. You just—” She stops, distracted by a second, distant voice on her end of the phone. “Anyway, you good? I gotta go. Family stuff, you know?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll talk to you later, then?”
“Of course!” Her voice is bright and warm. I can easily picture the grin on her face, and I miss her. “But you really should give him a call and set up a date yourself. Go somewhere for lunch. Bowling. Swimming out past Rock Creek? Doesn’t matter. Just relax and have fun.”
I sigh. “Okay. I’ll give it a shot.”
“Tell me how it goes. And send pics. Byeee!”
The call ends, and I stare at the screen for a moment. A long moment. Long enough for the screen to dim. Then go black.
Oh, Rose...
Her advice would be perfectly sound if Ice were any other guy—or any human guy, anyway—but I don’t think it’s so simple when it comes to immortals.
Immortals don’t just date humans.
I could call him, though.
I could ask if he wants to hang out at...the bowling alley? No. Where do people with money like to go on dates? Another classy restaurant? Or...pizza?
Everyone likes pizza, right?
Then again, I’m honestly not in the mood to talk to him.
After scrolling down FaceSpace for several minutes, I come across an outfit-of-the-day post Night made this morning. A lacy, pale green blouse. White cotton shorts. Knee-high socks and brown Mary Janes. A bow in her hair. It’s cute.
Did she go out today?
>
I like the post and, with nothing better to do, open FaceSpace messenger. Night’s currently online, so I click her photo and stare at my phone’s keyboard.
But what to say?
Mm...
Hey, what’s up?
That’s lame.
Frustrated, I work on reorganizing the top of my desk for the third time this summer until she responds.
About to cook dinner. Why?
Is something the matter?
No, everything’s good. How’s Ice?
He’s fine. Keeping himself busy.
See, he’s fine. I’m worried about nothing.
Are you keeping yourself busy?
lol, no. I’m super bored.
Haha... I have plans to meet with
Carmen and Natalie tomorrow
afternoon. You’re welcome to tag along.
Sounds fun! Count me in.
Alright. I’ll pick you up around 3pm.
(^ω^)b
Okay! See you then.
I’m sure hanging out with Night and her friends will be fun, but I’ve been hanging out with her more than Ice lately, and I’m not sure how to feel about it.
twenty-seven
THE MOMENT NIGHT LETS me know she’s on the way, I second-guess my decision to wear one of my new designer outfits.
I don’t need to impress anyone—let alone Night, who is easily the most accepting person I know—and I’m not unhappy with how I look, but I worry I stick out as...other when I hang out with her in public.
Ugh. I hate feeling like this.
My attention turns to the River Sapphire at my collarbone.
I may not compare to an immortal in appearance or have any magic powers, but can I still consider myself completely human? I haven’t morphed using the government-issued accessory item yet, but has it already affected me in some way? Isn’t the goal of the Human Immortal Program to change me into something that’s not quite an immortal but more than simply human?
Hm...
When Night arrives, she’s beautiful as always. A mix between a woodland pixie and a 1950s housewife. I’m glad I at least tried to look cute.