Cal is waiting at the bottom of the steps. “Ariana, you look ... very nice,” he says stiffly and it really just doesn’t suit him. I resist the urge to howl with laughter. In my ear he whispers, “You look insanely stunning and I’m sure all the other boys are going to agree.” He looks decidedly unhappy.
“I only have eyes for you,” I whisper back at him; this seems to placate him somewhat. I’m getting much better at this romantic stuff, I think. I look him over and he’s equally stunning. He’s wearing a gray blazer over a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the top to show a hint of glistening skin, and denim jeans. He wears the same black lace-up boots as before.
Once we’ve completed the security and identity checks, we are escorted to a large hall at the right-hand side of the center. The room has been decorated very extravagantly; there are lots of low couches in vibrant shades grouped into sections around walnut coffee tables and several circular, high tables and stools scattered throughout. Various groups are already congregating in these communal areas. The lighting is low, but it’s not too dark, and there are many colored lights radiating across the room in sensuous waves, like some kind of surreal, magical illusion. At the other side of the room I notice rows of small tables and chairs, similar to the type you’d normally find in an outdoor cafe. In the middle of the room is a small stage with a microphone and stand. Waiters walk around offering drinks and canapés.
Cal locates a group of his friends and we walk over to join them. Cal procures a drink for Eve and myself before tending to himself, Eve is impressed no end. “He’s such a gentleman. Things seem to be moving very fast with you two,” she whispers in my ear.
“Yeah, it’s like I’ve known him forever,” I agree.
“You look good together,” she says loyally. Cal introduces Eve to his friends one by one, and it turns out that one of the boys is on her list; we move aside to allow them get better acquainted.
“I don’t know how long I can keep this up,” he whispers. “I’m itching to touch you.”
“I know how you feel,” I say longingly, “how long should we leave it before we head back to our hideout?”
“I think we should make a dash for it now, and ditch this bloody nightmare,” he whispers back.
“Hilarious,” I say sarcastically.
“Maybe Sunday, then we‘ll have all day to hang out,” he says expectantly.
“It’s a date,” I tell him as I already start a countdown.
I glance up subconsciously and notice the overhead rail, it’s so high up that most people wouldn’t notice it. There are various men and women surveying the crowd as they chat. I spot several cameramen with their lenses trained all over the room. I easily make out Zolt Rada among the group, because he’s staring intently in our direction. I quickly drop my eyes as I shiver uncontrollably. “Are you cold?” Cal asks as he starts to remove his blazer.
“Yes, but keep your jacket on, it’s not what you think,” I say. I motion with my eyes and my head for him to look up. He carefully surveys the overhead layout. “Is he still staring at us?” I whisper.
“Who?”
“Zolt Rada. He was glaring at us,” I whisper back.
“Well, he’s not looking at us now,” he says.
Shortly afterwards Zolt Rada takes to the stage and thanks everyone for coming. As if we had a choice, I mutter under my breath. The girls are all assigned set tables, each table is numbered, and the boys are given set times for each ‘date’. He reminds us that we have a strict ten minute slot each and advises us to use the time wisely to get to know as much about the other suitor as possible. He finishes with a reminder to rate each date by 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Cal and I unhappily part ways for the moment.
I locate my table and wait patiently until the buzzer rings, which signals the start of the dating, and we’re off. Lennox is No. 1 on my list and he’s, therefore, my first date. He’s a lovely guy, but there’s no spark between us whatsoever. It just goes to show, that even with all their fancy assessment tools, the government can’t legislate for chemistry. Lennox may look like my perfect match on paper, but the reality is that we’re not suited at all. The same goes for No. 2 and No. 3. At least all three guys seem like decent sorts, so my compulsory dates should be enjoyable enough. I know none of them will lead anywhere though. I briefly wonder if I would feel otherwise if Cal weren’t in my life. It’s hard to know whether it would make any difference or not.
The next hour and a half passes quite quickly. All of the guys on my list are likeable, with the exception of No. 7—a guy called Dan, he’s totally obnoxious and quite creepy. He leers at me over the table and makes very suggestive comments, causing me to feel very uncomfortable. My expression must betray my thoughts as I hear my data-cuff beep with an IM from Cal, I hadn’t noticed that he was sitting only two tables away.
“Are you OK?”
I type quickly. “He’s creepy, but I can handle it.” I notice that Cal barely pays any attention to his date as he attempts to stare Dan down from his seat. Poor girl, I think —I can afford to be charitable. Finally, the buzzer sounds, indicating the change-over and Dan moves on, but not before planting a slimy kiss on my cheek as he goes. Cal’s fists are clenched tightly at his side so I attempt to smile seductively at him, in the hope of distracting him. It works as his hands relax and he wanders over towards me. This is our scheduled date so we have ten precious minutes together.
“I seriously want to damage that guy,” is his opening line.
“Join the queue.”
“What was he saying anyway?” he asks.
“You really don’t want to know, he was disgusting. I hope he doesn’t request a date with me, I’ll probably have to bring a gun with me for protection,” I say jokily, hoping to lighten the mood. Cal’s face is still fuming so I change tack. “So how have you been getting on, met anyone nice?” I ask tentatively.
“Half of them are total bimbos,” he says bluntly. I shouldn’t be pleased, but I am.
“And the rest?” I ask nervously.
“The others seem like nice girls, but I didn’t feel a spark with anyone. Then again, I’m hardly likely to, given the depth of my feelings for you,” he says as he stares directly into my eyes. My eyes wander to his hands which are placed on the table in front of him, mere centimeters from mine. I badly want to reach out and touch him. He must feel the pull at the same time that I do, as he motions for me to place my hands under the table. We hold hands tightly and don’t let go until our time is up.
“Did you manage to talk with your father?” I ask him.
“Yes, it was a futile exercise,” he says through gritted teeth, and I know what the answer was.
“Thanks for trying anyway, I appreciate it.”
***
Evan Adams is last on my list and he is the one boy that I’ve not been looking forward to meeting. Even sitting across from him now feels deplorable; like an act of profound betrayal. He is handsome and interesting and I can readily see what the attraction is for Eve. He’s a really nice guy too, incredibly intelligent and very attentive. I mention Eve as many times as I can, so he’s left in no doubt that we’re the best of friends. He speaks very respectfully of her, and I think if they’d been left to their own devices they may well have ended up together.
At last, the event draws to a close and we’re permitted to leave. Cal has borrowed his father’s rovercraft for the night and he offers us a ride. We gladly accept given the chilly night air, and the fact that neither of us thought to bring a coat. I’m glad to hear that some of Eve’s dates went well and she is interested in meeting a few of the boys—she’s so affable. She doesn’t ask either of us about our dates, but I think it’s fairly obvious what’s going on between us. I expect that when we’re alone she’ll quiz me on my date with Evan. We drop her off first, and I give her a wave instead of my usual hug. All too soon we’ve reached my house and it’s time to say goodnight. I’m utterly miserable as I wave him off, and I know that my self-inflicted c
hastity won’t last much longer. If only he weren’t so damn irresistible.
My data-cuff pings just as my head hits the pillow. It’s an IM from Cal, “Sweet dreams gorgeous girl.” I hug myself tightly and fall asleep with visions of him lingering in my mind. It doesn’t work though, I still dream of Zane. The Medicet makes a welcome return to my bedroom.
The next morning I log onto the portal and rate all my dates, I’m generous with all of them except for Dan, who I score a 1. I would assign 0 or lower if that had been an option. I won’t get to see their ratings until after the deadline, when it all becomes public knowledge. The only date I request is with Cal.
I'm scheduled to meet Fenuka in my room for 9 a.m. so we can review my ratings together, and discuss organizing my dates. I pull on the black jeans and cream silk shirt that she assigned for me today. I wear black wedge ankle boots on my feet, they’re really comfy and give me an extra bit of height, which elongates my legs. I have just finished dressing when my father comes to say goodbye, he is on an exploratory mission for a few days, and he won’t be home until Thursday.
The military started exploratory missions about six months after we moved here. We know so little about the planets around us; these fact-finding missions aim to identify if there is life on other planets, and if any of them can supply us with the natural resources we need to sustain our existence. I’m keen to discuss the photo with him, to see what he makes of it, but it’s not safe to talk here; it’ll have to wait until he returns. I kiss him on the cheek and hug him tightly while I wish him a safe trip. I grab my gray coat as I head out the door.
I’m a little anxious as I wait with Fenuka for my results. I don’t know why, as it really doesn’t matter, the only opinion that matters to me is Cal’s, and I already know what he thinks. I’m shocked when I score an average of an eight overall. Six boys have requested dates with me, including my Top Three and Cal. Thankfully creepy Dan seems to have gotten the message, there’s no request from him. I’m unhappy that Evan has requested a date and my stomach churns in anticipation of breaking the news to Eve. Fenuka is delighted with my performance, especially when the list of female rankings are announced and I’m in the Top Ten. I’m not pleased to discover that Cal is ranked No. 2 on the male list and my mood instantly sours.
Fenuka and I are looking at my schedule, and provisionally marking in dates when the daily Top Ten Report is announced. Our new strategy doesn’t appear to be working: Cal and I are still top of the list, for some reason the public seem to have taken a real shine to us. I notice with dismay that the new footage contains several shots of us at the event last night, including our clandestine hand-holding. Most distressing of all is the fact that they have Cal’s IM from last night displayed for all of Aqua to see. I cringe as I imagine the stares and finger pointing that awaits me today.
Just then an important news flash pops up on the screen. The announcer states that the authorities have made an important change to the rules governing ‘The Calling'. Effective immediately, homosexuality and bi-sexuality are outlawed, and all gay men and women will be administered with a sense elixir at their next medical check-up. Those who are aged seventeen are required to immediately participate in the pageant. Anyone found to be engaging in homosexual activity will be immediately imprisoned without trial.
I am staring in shock and bewilderment at the screen. I can only assume that the government has made this decision based on the same original argument they presented for the necessity of ‘The Calling’—all those capable of producing children must deliver, irrespective of their sexual orientation. I’m totally disgusted, this really is a step too far. I hear a thunderous noise from the room next door. Cal! “I’ll be back in a minute,” I shout to Fenuka, already up on my feet and moving towards the door.
I can hear raised voices coming from Cal’s room, but I don’t hesitate to barge in. Cal is extremely agitated and he’s ranting loudly at his pageant coordinator. Not that it’s anything to do with him, but Cal is so distraught he can’t help lashing out; his coordinator is just unfortunate enough to be caught in the crossfire. The sideboard has been overturned and it’s lying, in two broken parts, on the middle of the floor. Cal hasn’t noticed me yet, but I cross the room and position myself directly in front of him, as I place my two hands firmly on either side of his face. “Cal, listen to me, you have to calm down,” I say urgently.
“I can’t believe this Ariana, did you see it? They can’t do this to people, they can’t force them to be something they’re not! As if they can be cured, as if it’s some disease, as if the authorities can bring them to their senses. It’s despicable.” He is shouting noisily. “It’s starting now, can’t you see it? Someone has got to do something! I should have seen this coming, when they told Ben and I that we couldn’t re-start our foundation, this has been their plan all along.” I agree completely with everything he’s saying, but it’s dangerous to be voicing such opinions so publicly.
“Ssshh Cal, you’ve had a shock, and I know you’re deeply upset for your friend Ben, which is completely understandable,” I say purely for the camera. “Don’t say another word,” I whisper in his ear. “Please, for me,” I plead. I stare into his eyes and see the noticeable strain. I start to rub his back soothingly and he stops talking and places his head on my shoulder, I wrap my arms around him and wish I could absorb some of his pain. After a few minutes, I guide him gently to the couch and push him down while I go and make him a cup of hot sweet tea for the shock. His pageant coordinator seems to have discreetly disappeared, probably welcoming the chance to escape, so I close over the front door. I sit beside him and try to coax him into drinking the tea. I don’t know what else to do and I’m starting to seriously worry about him when he finally looks up at me and presses his lips firmly to mine. Now is not the time to criticize, besides I need this intimacy as much as he does. We sit holding each other for an indeterminable amount of time.
The buzzing of his data-cuff brings us both back to reality; numbly he answers it. It’s Ben, and he’s understandably inconsolable. This seems to bring Cal out of his catatonic state and I hear him arranging to go meet him. “Will you come with me?” he asks.
“Of course, just let me tell Fenuka.” When I head back into my room Fenuka is nowhere to be found, I send her a quick IM so she knows where I am if she needs me.
Cal places his arm protectively across my shoulders as we make our way out of the convention center towards the Velo station. When we’re seated on the Velo, he clasps my left hand firmly in his grip, his thumb running up and down the back of my hand. I’m glad that I’m at least providing some form of physical comfort to him.
We get off in Prism and head for the Novo Medical Facility. I’ve only been in this building on two occasions, both times for Lily’s class graduations. The building is very utilitarian in its design and is composed solely of stark gray brick and concrete. The only concession is the tall glass entrance doors, which slide back automatically as we approach. We sign in and go through the complete scanning procedures. Once we’re cleared we proceed to one of the meeting rooms on the sixth floor. When we reach the door, Cal stops abruptly and kisses me fiercely—as if he’s willing it to give him strength.
As we enter the room, I can see that Ben has been crying and tears of compassion automatically spring forth. Cal grabs Ben into a hug and they stand like this for a few minutes. I feel like a third wheel, so I decide to wait outside and give them some privacy. Ben looks so forlorn; instinctively I reach over and hug him tight. “I’m so sorry Ben,” I say quietly, and I hope he can tell how sincere I am. “I’ll wait outside,” I whisper to Cal. He seems hesitant to let me go, but I reassure him that I won’t go anywhere. I plant a gentle parting kiss on his lips, our strategy is well and truly screwed at this stage anyway. We barely lasted a day.
As I sit down on the floor outside the room, I think of my parents, and how they’ve raised us to be completely accepting of others, irrespective of their color, race, nationalit
y or sexuality. My mother’s brother, Mike, was gay, and she helped him overcome the petty prejudices when he first came out. She was his strongest advocate, and his death from AIDS hit her hard. I barely remember him, as I was only a baby when he passed, but she speaks of him often. I wonder how she’s taking the news.
I check my schedule and see that I should be in the Academy by now; that’ll be a definite offence on my record. I really couldn’t care less though. Eve has sent me an IM, she’s wondering where I am. I don’t reply. I’m wary of using IM, now that I know they’re monitoring our messages as well. An IM appears from Cal asking if I’m ready to go. I respond in the affirmative and the door opens immediately and he reaches his hand out to me.
We have our first argument on the journey to the Velo station. Cal wants to ditch classes and go to Strata. While I would love nothing more, it’s far too risky, and it will only generate unnecessary scrutiny. He doesn’t care until I mention that it could reflect negatively on Ben too, and that’s the last thing he needs. Cal has to concur and we make our way silently to the Academy.
***
It’s a long day and I spend most of it worrying about Cal’s state of mind. I know that he’s impulsive, so I’m concerned that he might do something rash. I spend the rest of my time worrying over how to tell Eve that Evan has requested a date with me. But I needn’t have bothered making myself so anxious, Eve already knows by the time I meet up with her. I keep forgetting that everyone can see my profile page. She is very noble about it, but I’m sure she’s hurting inside and just doesn’t want to say.
***
Cal joins my family for dinner, but he’s quite subdued. I use this as a good PR opportunity, and take my time explaining his sullenness to my mother. I hope they captured it on film. Cal offers to help my mother clean up the kitchen, and I can hear them talking quietly in hushed voices.
True Calling Page 10