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AUTUMN 2066
Walking into Uncle Tody's store, my heart raced at knowing I'd see Liam soon. The aisles were full of fresh produce from the farm. People meandered through the store picking huge heads of lettuce or bags of apples.
A lady clad in a black pantsuit smiled at me. "Congratulations, Ambrose. We look forward to seeing you in The Pageant," she gushed.
"Thank you," I accepted, accustomed to being approached by strangers. "Remember to vote, I'd be nothing without the people of Tealé." It was a boxed response; I’d practiced it my whole life.
"I will," she replied, turning to examine a purple cauliflower and allowing me to continue down the aisle.
"How can I help?" Tommy asked when I reached the counter.
"I need black bean sprouts," I asked, knowing they'd be out back.
"They're in the fridge," he replied. "Liam's out there doing inventory, he'll get them for you."
"Thanks," I said, following the familiar path to the back of the store. Boxes were piled high either side of the walkway, needing to be unpacked or recycled. I'd gained an appreciation for the inner workings of the produce store.
I slid the fridge door open, beaming with anticipation. Liam stood in the cold room, dressed in a climate suit and gloves, ticking items off on his clipboard.
"What do you . . ." Liam began, his words trailing off when he saw me. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you," I replied, crossing the space between us and hurling myself into his arms. My lips met his.
After a few minutes of breathless kissing, he pulled away. "What's going on?" he asked, his brows furrowing.
"I broke up with Oliver," I declared, triumphant.
"Why?" he asked, surprised. "What about the whole number one relationship?"
"I don't like Oliver," I replied. "I wish I could say, ‘He's a nice guy or we have so much in common,’ but I can't. He's shallow, vain and manipulative and I can't take it anymore. I want to be with you. You're too good to be a consort, and I love you."
His eyes glazed with unshed tears. "I love you too," he replied, kissing me. "But what about The Pageant and being a number one for life?"
"I don't care about it." I shrugged. "But my lucky comet, Henrietta, is orbiting, and a Pageant was announced today for all the current number ones. I'm going to be in The Pageant," I squealed. "All I have to do is be there for one week, get eliminated and we will be set for life. We can get married. My rank will open opportunities for you to go study teaching. This is our chance at happiness."
"Wow," he responded, scratching his head. "Many men would be emasculated by their wife providing everything."
It had never occurred to me that Liam wouldn't want me be the provider. My chest ached a little, but my plan hadn't included The Pageant and I could live without it.
"I'll drop out of The Pageant and we can get married whenever you're ready," I replied.
He stared at me, his mouth dropping open to form an oval. "I would never ask you to give up your dreams, even when you were dating another guy who made my blood boil. I'm not that guy who feels emasculated. I'm proud of you and I want you to succeed."
"Thank you," I gushed, kissing him. "I'm going to tell my parents about us tonight."
"Okay. I'm going to get the final things in order for my epic proposal," he replied, kissing my forehead. “Are you sure . . .”
My parents’ ring tone echoed off the cold room walls.
"I got to get this," I said.
"Congratulations!" Mama and Papa yelled into the phone. "We're so excited! Where are you? We need to celebrate."
"I'm at Tody's shop," I replied. "I'll be home real soon. I need to talk to you about Liam."
There was silence for a moment. "We're looking forward to it," Mama responded, smiling. "Tell Liam he can come over and celebrate."
"Bye!" I said, feeling ready to burst.
"So, are you coming over?" I asked Liam.
"I guess," he agreed. “Just let me finish on my shift.”
"Absolutely," I kissed him. "I better go; Tommy might get suspicious. We only have to hide for eighteen days and then we can be together in public."
"You're not going to be ashamed of me?" he asked, putting his forehead to mine.
"Never." I smiled, kissing him again before grabbing the beans. "Bye."
"Bye," he farewelled. "See you at dinner."
I waved, retreating into the warmth.
Neither of us would make it to dinner.
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