Waiting on the Stars - Chapter Six

In the rotunda of Marks Enterprises, Adele passes the hologram offering a selection of nano-fabric scarves to virtually sample.  Scanning the bracelet on her wrist, the women next to Adele orders two effervecent scarves.  A drawer opens at the unmanned kiosk holding two of the matching scarves that were previously displayed.  As the woman places them around her neck, the hues adjust to blend with the shades of her hair color and skin tone while the same design remains.  Turning to view the result, Adele admires the scarves and considers a future purchase for herself. 

Leaving the Starcups kiosk, a man wearing a smart trimmed angular jacket rushes past her looking at his palm filled with a calendar full of meetings.  He speaks into his hand giving orders to his office Ai about what he needs to have accomplished in his absence that afternoon. He taps a pair of Fenix glasses that he is wearing which releases up to the minute stock margins, news, and social media.

The floor beneath her feet shifts to a cool ocean beach front.  As a 3-d image of a large whale passes below her, a hologram of a dolphin jumps up next to her as if to kiss her cheek advertising the opening of Sea Nation just outside of Kell City.  “This floor wallpaper is similar to my own at home, but I like this one much better”, examines and considers Adele enjoying the extra touch of the dolphin.

An Ai stops in front of her guiding one of the uni-wheel transporters, the Ai asks, “Would you like a curtesy ride?”

“Yes, thank you” replies Adele stepping onto to the 2-foot square platform that looks something like a podium. “I’m going to the 17^th level to Marketing and Trade.

The contraption appears to be something like a unicycle but more stable and where the passenger can stand, the vehicle carries her to the narrow cylinder track used for only transporters. She takes her place in optical line with the other guests on the uni-cycle transporters.  Rotating until reaching the 17^th floor, the transporter emerges and drives her to the front entrance of Marketing and Trade section.

The doors unlock and open in an obtuse puzzle motion as Adele walks inside the large office unit.  From a distant view, the office space looks like a maze of various contours and silhouettes. The desks are a mixture of cubic and trapezoid shapes of different angels to assist with ergonomic health and well-being of their staff.  Some appear to be lounging in their workspace while working, while others stand and lean, with a few more employees resting their weight on their knees in specially designed chairs optimizing the strength of the alignment of their spines.

Walking through the corridor a familiar face steps in front of her, “Adele is it?  I’m surprised to see you here”, firmly states Clayton Slay with a superficial smile closing her arms tightly about her with a judgmental stance.

“I’m surprised to be back so soon too, I’m meeting Mr. Worthington here for an appointment”, Adele replies nervously hanging on to her bag.

“Are you back for a second interview?  I didn’t see that he was conducting a second round of interviews for the potential candidates on his agenda for this week”, shrewdly remarks Clayton acting more as a guardian than a paid assistant.

“I’m not meeting him about the position, he’s helping me with other business”, responds Adele not entirely sure how much she should share.

“That’s interesting since you just met last week”, deftly acknowledges Clayton looking Adele over from head to toe leaving Adele feeling as if she doesn’t measure up to her standards.

“He’s helping with a real estate project”, explains Adele feeling interrogated but confident that the situation is innocent.

“I’ve never known Mr. Worthington to have much free time on his hands to assist with anyone else’s projects.  Maybe it would be better if you left the information with me and I can give it to Mr. Worthington when he is available”, suggests Clayton not wanting a potential usurper to enter her perimeter of power.

“He set an appointment with me, so I’ll meet with him.  Thank you for offering to help”, politely returns Adele not entirely comfortable leaving any information with her for fear it may be intentionally lost into oblivion.

“If you need my help, please let me know.  I can take you to the waiting area until Mr. Worthington is available to meet with you” responds Clayton quieting plotting of not informing him of her arrival.

“That won’t be necessary, Ms. Slay”, replies the voice from behind Clayton “I’ve been waiting for Ms. Elyson to arrive.  We have a meeting scheduled in five minutes.  Would you like some coffee or tea?”, asks Raiden feeling pleased that she arrived early for her appointment.

“Sure, tea sounds good with a little cream and a lot of sugar”, informs Adele grateful to escape the interrogation of his unofficial warden.

“Mr. Worthington, I can have Jeeves bring the tea to you”, remarks Clayton surprised the Raiden had offered to retrieve the team in person.

“No, that’s fine.  I still can remember how to make tea”, smiling politely but answering firmly to Clayton, “Adele, my office if you remember is just around the corner to the left.  Make yourself comfortable, I will be there in a second.”

Clayton stares resolutely at Adele as she follows Raiden’s directions to his office.  Following closely behind Raiden to the staff kitchen area, Clayton observes Raiden’s behavior to see if he is feeling all right that day.

“Is there anything I can help you with? Are you feeling okay?” inquires Clayton suspicious of his motives to be so helpful to someone as of yet not connected to the company.  “Do you know Ms. Elyson?”

“Actually, I do know her,” states Raiden open to defer some office gossip “Adele is an old friend of the family that I have known for many years.  She recently returned to the area and we are getting re-acquainted.  Please take care of her when she visits the office. I am hoping she will consider being a part of our team.”

“Hopefully she will be as talented as your memories of her”, snidely remarks Clayton turning on her heels departing from the staff kitchen.

“I’m sure she is”, retorts Raiden not wanting Clayton to have the last word on his assessment of Adele.

Placing the teacup on the plexiglass table in front of her, Raiden asks “Are you comfortable?  How have you enjoyed the morning?”

“So far its been a good day”, replies Adele take a quick sip of her hot tea “I ran a couple of errands before heading this way.  Thank you so much for meeting with me and helping me to choose a new home.  The whole idea of finding a new place feels overwhelming.”

“I have put together a list of some options that I thought you might like”, suggests Raiden pulling out his INote with various properties listed and their purchasing price.

“These look great!” exclaims Adele tapping on the screen to enlarge a 3-d interior viewpoint of each property.  “Are these all located in Crestwood?  There are so reasonable too!”

“Yes, they’re actually near-by and within a five mile radius of each other”, explains Raiden without adding that the properties are also within five mile radius of his own home.

“The landscaping is beautiful too!” observes Adele amazed by the functionality of each home “How did you find them?”

“I’ve been aware of the properties for a while”, acknowledges Raiden without admitting that they have been a part of the company’s rental property investments that his department manages.

“I’m shocked that I can afford them”, remarks Adele relieved that it will not be as challenging as she imagined in order to find a new home closer to her work.

“Would you like to go see each of these places?” asks Raiden hoping that she has time available to her today.

“Sure.  Do you have time?  I didn’t put anything on my schedule because I wasn’t sure how much time you would have today and I didn’t want to interfere in your plans”, genuinely replies Adele with anticipation.

“I’ve already cleared my calendar for this afternoon.  Remember you promised lunch as well!” teases Raiden hoping she did remember a meal was included in the plans for the day.

“I didn’t forget.  But I’ll pay since I’m so grateful that you are helping me today”, offers Adele sincerely appreciative that he is taking time to help her.

“Great!  My glider is on the upper level.  Walk with me and we will head that way”, offers Raiden placing his hand in the small of Adele’s back to gently lead her out of the office.

Walking into the staff cubicle area, many heads turn to observe who the new woman that is walking with their director.  It is a very unusual sight to see him go out of his way to be friendly to any of the female staff or guests.  He seems to be smiling and more talkative than his typical more formal professional behavior.

“It’s a friend from a long time ago”, explains Clayton enjoying being more in the know than the other staff “They’ve known each other since childhood.  They are family friends.”

Hearing a collective “Oh ...”, “that makes sense”, and “they know each other” from the staff, Clayton feels satisfied in her new higher status of office confidant.

Reaching the first home, the doors to the luxury glider slowly fold open into a hidden casing at the top of the vehicle. Adele steps out on to the speckled cell porch pad made of self-healing cement that uses bacteria known as Bacillus Megaterium mixed with calcium carbonite to repair any cracks or blemishes.

Locking the glider with a wave of his hand, he catches up with Adele walking towards the entrance of the potential home.  The house is made up of all curved edges for a more ergonomic assimilation with nature.  The home contains many windows to help with adjustment to solar light and energy. To prevent damage from storms or creatures, the home is built up on stilts.  The entrance at the base level is similar to a tubal class elevator that seals in its passengers as well as providing a disinfecting mist from allergens and other bacteria from entering the home.

The living room floor is translucent in hibernation mode waiting for the owner to choose a floor wall-paper.  Several outlets are hidden on the windows that provide solar energy.  Most appliances these days are wireless, but it helps with some of the old school items that some still own.

The windows are covered with triangular reflection panels providing one side of black-out tiles for sleeping, another for shading from ultra violet light when desiring a view from outside, and a third side of the tile is illuminated for decoration offering a selection of ten different patterns to choose from when entertaining.

The fireplace a focal point of the room in encapsulated in a tear drop dispenser.  It is self-lit with soft-light panels of blues and shades of burgundy. The track lighting is glowing from behind round orbs hanging on the walls.  The hallway is trimmed in spiraling illuminators delicately outlining the round corners of each room.  Modular collapsible cube lighting hangs in the corners of the living room.

Walking down to the end of the hallway, Adele notices the bathroom.  The shower has a twelve-head surround water dispenser with a digital log to measure temperature and water usage.  The shower contains a built-in speaker and screen.  The flooring of the shower retracts for a hot tub jet spa with water flowing into it like a cool sleek waterfall.  The transparent doors quickly change into black-out or scenic views that can be individually programmed to each user.  For example, a user may choose to take their 'shower' in the middle of the Amazon, Universe, a theatre or perhaps even, a football field.

The toilet offers a heated seat, bidet, air dryer, and water temperature settings with a built-in deodorizer of pine, fruit, or floral scents. Rather than the typical sound of flushing, it offers a selection of short tunes to choose from such as chimes, bells, cosmic synthesizer, etc.  Upon each flush the toilet will self-sanitize as a lid automatically slides to cover the tank.

The sink is of oval shape but the bottom of the bowl is clear and lighted by different shapes to decorate the additional counter space with such options as paisley, floral, or checkered designs. The light offers options of red, blue, green or compatible to many other shades that can be ordered from the manufacturer. On each side the clear touch panels, they highlight the water to red, blue, or green depending on the temperature of the water.  Above the sink is a smart mirror similar to one that Adele uses every day but with enhanced tech in comparison to the one she already owns.  It can be controlled by the direction of the iris as the individual is looking on into the mirror.

“If you are amazed by the bathroom, you need to see the master bedroom”, encourages Raiden believing that Adele has already made her decision by the look of pure amazement and delight on her face.

The bedroom has two built-in nesting chairs for comfort and ease. The comfy egg-shaped chairs are sound sealed for a complete musical experience or to hide-away from other noises within the home.  “I would love to read there”, announces Adele climbing into the chair and imaging an entire library being read within moments of relaxation.

“It will lean back or rest on its side if you press this panel”, explains Raiden as Adele slowly moves within the oval chair to a more comfortable position.

“I love it!” exclaims Adele “Have you tried it before?”

“I have one in my home”, remarks Raiden pleased that she likes the chair so much since it is one of his most favorite features of his home.

In front of the master bed area is a sofa that massages your back as you relax or choose to rest.  It also reclines for a more comfortable viewing experience.  Large panels of media screen made of plasma gel are built into the wall.  The screens can be molded and reshaped depending on where and how you are sitting in the room for easier viewing.

“This is perfect!” exclaims Adele finding the home to reach even past her more far-out expectations.

“Would you like to see the kitchen?” asks Raiden surprised that she had not been interested in looking at it yet.

“I guess so.  Will it cook for me?” jokes Adele wishing to have homecooked meals that actually taste good that she does not have to prepare.

“Yes, I might. I do make a few tasty dishes. The kitchen has some interesting features”, laughing and states Raiden content that Adele may be choosing to be his neighbor without her knowledge but by her own choice.

“The kitchen offers a gel panel next to the refrigerator to keep vegetables and fruit fresh for a longer time. The refrigerator has a smart panel displaying when each item was taken and returned, a shopping list of frequently used items that will be ordered and delivered to your home, the timing can be programmed into how often you would like to replace certain items”, instructs Raiden adding to impress Adele, “It’s one of the items my company markets.”

“The counter tops are so solid. Where is the stove?" asks Adele wondering if she will have to purchase a stove in her budget.

“It’s right here”, explains Raiden touching a panel underneath the counter “It recognizes my fingerprint.  The counter area and storage drawers are child-proof as well as the oven.  You choose who you would like to include in the program, they are the only ones who can open the oven. To make this adjustment is quite easy though.  Let’s say you invite me for Thanksgiving and I would like to help cook, you place your finger here first to open the network, then I can just tap my finger here and I can be added.  It works the same way for the security features on the home.  Thirty-point facial recognition is also possible as an option as are most homes now.”

The island is also a serving table with a counter table to the front for easy quick service for family members or guests. 

“The dining room table has effervescent lighting.  Touching the corner of the table will offer ambient music to dine with or also help to keep your serving platters warm or cool if needed”, demonstrates Raiden offering an invitation “The first dinner meal you make, you will have to invite me over.”

“I may order in to make sure it tastes good, but it sounds like a great idea!” jokes Adele hoping that the opportunity will become a reality sometime soon “I need to find a way to pay you back for all of your help today.”

“So, what do you think?” asks Raiden excited and in anticipation of knowing her opinion.

“It’s absolutely beautiful, everything I want, in a good location, and the right price too”, amazed explains Adele wondering how such good luck could come her way.

“I’m going to take this paperwork back to the office.  Many of our properties are rented or sold to employees so it should only take a couple of days”, explains Raiden excited to have a new neighbor but hiding the fact he is greatly reducing the price of rent for her as a guarantee of her ability to choose to live there.

Settling back into the glider, Adele can hardly contain her excited at finding the perfect home so easily.  “I just can’t believe it.  It’s exactly what I want.”

“I’m glad that it worked out for you”, states Raiden a secret not sure that he wants to tell her they will be neighbors until the purchased has been finalized. 

“I wonder what my neighbors are like?” ponders Adele peeking out the windows at the other homes in the neighborhood. “I wonder if they ever have neighborhood events.”

“I’ve seen the digital newsletter that will display on your front door once a week.  It can be quickly hidden if you find these kinds of notifications bothersome.  It appears they have planned events about once a month, offers Raiden having never attended one by choice but only by obligation “Do you like those type of things?”

“Oh, I think they are great.  The events help to make new friends and also I'm able to meet others.  I usually find someone that I can depend on as well as they can rely on me in case of an emergency, an additional layer of security, or the normal interchange of friendship.”

Having not considered these points before, Raiden replies “Maybe I should attend one or two and get to know my neighbors better.”

“You should.  I’ll miss my neighbors when I leave my complex.  I’ve gotten to know some of them really well over the past few months,” sadly explains Adele “but I can still remain friends with them even though it won’t quite be the same as before”.

“Adele, I wanted to continue our conversation that was interrupted during the picnic earlier this weekend” starts Raiden wanting to have a conversation that had previously started earlier with her.

“Okay, I’ve wanted to explain myself to you as well” begins Adele wanting to clear the thick air of past memories that was lingering between them.

“Did something happen that I am not aware of?” sympathetically asks Raiden bracing himself for her response.

“It wasn’t about you.  As you know my family owned several resorts during that time.  My dad had inherited the business from his grandfather as you are aware”, begins Adele trying to put the past into perspective “My father had signed some paperwork dispersing his shares with the Elyson Foundation to cover some of his expenses.  At that point, Argon Wynn-Elyson had just married his wife, my dad’s cousin Anadael, and were running the foundation together. They were hoping to merge the companies to form one large conglomerate along with Elyson Energy.”

“Yes, I remember all of that”, confers Raiden wondering what this has to do with their last farewell.

A monotone digital voice announces, “Due to an unexpected power surge, high energy levels have been detected. The glider will need to return to its docking station to recover power.  You have 12 minutes remaining to return to the docking station."

“You can drop me off right here, I can take a transport back to my home or walk. I only live a few blocks away”, offers Adele “We can talk again some other time.  Thanks again for your help today.  It was so very thoughtful of you!’

“We will meet again.  I don’t have your number”, anxiously replies Raiden realizing that he doesn’t want the day to end.

“It’s on my application”, smiles Adele. “I’m sure Clayton as it.  Once you send me your number, I’ll call you.”

“That’s a deal!” shouts Raiden as the door closes and Adele waves to him on the moving sidewalk.

 

 

Waiting on the Stars - Chapter Five

Checking the time yet once again, Raiden anxiously wonders how anyone could be so consistently late.  Pressured to join in the outdoor activity to Oragone Falls, annoyed Raiden tries to fill his time by adjusting the stove and countertop to it's self-cleaning setting.

He finishes packing the Dream-Glyder, with the solar cooker for the barbeque.  The BBQ apparatus looks similar to a rainbow with solar panels that unfold to display the heating unit.  The panels are parabolic reflectors that induce heat up to 350 degrees to steam, roast, or fry delicious delights in as little as twenty minutes.  He throws in a couple of pairs of Fenix glasses that can see at night, provide up to date weather conditions and terrain, as well as a compass.  Packing a couple of portable rocking chairs with cup holders, hydrating backpacks, a global hotspot, and yeti cooler of items for the BBQ

Wearing his sapphire Tencel, merino wool, and nylon blend shirt to keep moisture from the skin, Crustidon superflap men’s leggings with matching hoodie in black, and his ultra train speed hikers, Raiden looks prepared for his outdoor adventure.  His leggings have a wrap around masculine skirt something like the old Scottish kilts that feature large pockets to carry a knife or other camping tools.

The lights flash on his music speaker as the doorbell rings.  “She finally made it” whispers Raiden to himself.

“Hello … it’s me … where are you?” sings Isla into the video box on the door adjusting her skirt and mini-top that do not look like she ever had any intention of spending the day in the woods.

“Are you going to be comfortable wearing that?” questions Raiden wondering if the plans changed that he may have not been aware.

“Yes of course, I’m wearing my ultra train sneakers, can’t you see?” remarks Isla modeling her new purchase for him.

“Do you want a hoodie to wear?” inquires Raiden suspecting the thin material will not keep her warm for very long.

“I guess.  It seems a bit chilly outside.  I don’t go out into the environment very often.  But can you find one that matches your outfit?” asks Isla always looking to coordinate whatever she wears. 

“I think my niece left one of her jackets the last time she visited, but it will probably fit you.  If not, we can stop and buy one for you” offers Raiden a little perturbed of the potentially even longer day.

“It’s fine.  I brought my lighted LED necklace in case it gets dark.  It has a compass on it too, but I don’t know how that works, do you?” sincerely asks Isla rarely outside of the boundaries of technology.

“Here you go.  Yes, I know how a compass works” replies Raiden judging her and wondering if she is being truthful with him and then considers her statement might be a fact.

Linking her arm with Raiden’s arm, Isla snuggles into him, “I’m so glad you are taking today off to spend time with me.  You’ve been so busy lately.  I think you have almost forgotten who I am.  But I would never let you do that you know.”

“As you are aware, I have been busy with the merger with the Elyson Foundation”, informs Raiden untwisting himself from her grasp “I’m sure you have plenty to do on your own when I am not around.”

“Someday I’m going to be spending every day with you so there is no way you will forget me”, teases Isla touching his hand and looking him directly in the eye.

“Who knows what will happen or where each of us will be, the future is uncertain”, Raiden returns not wanting to be put in a corner to confirm a more serious relationship between them that he is not willing or prepared to do.

Looking more deliberate and speaking in a direct tone, “I’m sure my brother’s investments into your company will guarantee a future for you, so you don’t need to worry about what will happen.”

Slowly Raiden strokes his chin and decides not to respond to her.  He grabs the last kit bag resting next to the door and heads toward the launch pad of his Dream-Glyder.

“Will your brother and sister-in-law be meeting us at the Falls or are we meeting them somewhere else?”, inquires Raiden relieved that others will be spending the day with them.

“Yes my sister, Eyta, is coming and so are my brother, Cohen and his wife, Morena” explains Isla disappointed that Morena had insisted on coming as well when Isla told her that they would be spending the day at the Falls.

“I don’t know how Morena ended up with Cohen”, remembers Isla “I was only a child.  But I liked Morena’s cousin, Adele, so much more. I haven’t seen her for years. She was a great babysitter and Cohen seemed to like her so much from what I could tell.  It never made sense that he married Morena rather than Adele.  While they were still engaged, I found a notebook that he had sketches in it of Adele.  I showed it to him, but he said that I should throw it away before Morena saw it.  He looked sad when he said it.  I’m sure he was in love with Adele rather than Morena.  I don’t understand how they ended up together.”

Considering some things that he did not want to share, Raiden responds “Some things are meant to be kept between two people, especially if it involves heartbreak or disappointment”

“Whatever, I think it is better to make good choices in the first place”, retorts Isla grabbing his hand “like I’ve chosen you.”

Moving his hand away from her and grabbing an ice drink container, “Experience and time often gives the answer to whether something or someone is a good choice or not. What still may be a good choice, may not be exactly the right choice for one person but the perfect choice for another.”

“I don’t know what you are going on about, but my family is probably waiting for us already at the Falls.  I ran a little late today because I couldn’t decide what to wear.  There are so many choices to be perfect you know”, explains Isla trying to assimilate with what Raiden has just said to her but not understanding what he was actually implying.

Flying over the urban center city, eventually they reach a dense wooded area near the staggered mountains of interwoven shades of blue and green.  The falls are within reach as the hear the thundering into the waters below them.

A voice announces overhead “Approaching Oragone Falls.  The portal is three miles east. You will be landing in 30 seconds. Prepare for your arrival.”

“Thank you, Myra”, states Raiden gathering his oversized bag of camping equipment together. “We will be leaving again in three hours.”

“I will be in hibernation until your arrival again at 4 pm”, responds the symmetric voice again.

“Why do you call your AI a name like Myra?  Why not something more modern?”, asks Isla. “My AI is called Dael, just like the amazingly handsome Fusion Vision actor.  He's so hot!"

“I like the name Myra.  I named my AI after my mother” explains Raiden wondering why a name of an AI would matter to her.

“Hi everybody! We’re here!” shouts Isla doing a rather childish toe trot to meet her family with her arm outstretched as if to hug them but does not.  “Did you wait for us for very long?  Raiden took forever to pack the glider.  He wanted to make sure I had everything I wanted.”

“Hi. How are you?” asks Raiden approaching the gathered group on the landing platform “I hope you didn’t wait too long.”

“Isla already explained why you are late”, offers Cohen taking one of the bags from Raiden’s shoulders. “Isla seems happy today, it's good to keep her happy. I never know what kind of mood she is going to feel the need to wear each day."

“Isla, where did you get those shoes?  I love them!” compliments Eyta envying the trendy if albeit peculiar, impractical, and expensive footwear “Did you see my new bag?”

“Maybe we should trade” suggests Isla admiring her sister’s newest purchase “that purse is absolutely gorgeous.”

“I’m not sure how a handbag can be gorgeous, but there are many things I’ve yet to understand”, murmurs Cohen glad to see another friend to spend the day with them other than just his wife and sisters.

As the group heads out along the trail to the picnic area, Morena announces “I don’t think I’ve seen so many birds in one place.”

“It’s beautiful here.  It’s one of my favorite places to hike”, shares Raiden admiring and picking up a colorful stone at his feet.

“I hope you don’t mind Raiden”, excuses Morena “I forgot to tell you I invited my cousin to join us for the BBQ today.  She recently returned to the city and I thought it would be a nice way to introduce her to the area again after so many years away.”

“Which cousin are you talking about?” curiously asks Raiden holding in his excitement for who this person could possibly be.

“I think you might have known her when you were younger.  I don’t know if you’ll remember her since it has been so long ago.  It’s Adele Elyson”, explains Morena “You probably don’t remember her, she wasn’t exactly someone like you would notice.”

“Yes, I remember Adele quite well”, responds Raiden not exactly liking Morena’s condescending tone and wanting to support his newly re-acquainted friend. "She's great.  She was lots of fun as I remember her."

“She used to follow my husband around everywhere before we were married.  I think she wanted to be me.  But Cohen couldn’t keep his eyes off me”, indignant if not accurate shares Morena “Isn’t that right, honey.”

“Whatever you say”, responds Cohen completely intentionally ignoring his wife before hearing the word ‘honey’.

“I think it was more like Morena following Cohen”, remembers Eyta whispering to Isla, who is still not an entire fan of Morena but resigned to the fact that her brother chose to be with her.

“Oh look, she must have heard us speaking about her”, chides Morena raising her hand as a megaphone and waving with the other, “Over here, Adele!  Look up here!”

About forty feet below the trail, Adele waves to the crowd gathered at a bench on the trail not too far above her.  “I’ll be there is just a minute!”

On the hill, Raiden turns his vision away from her, trying not to smile from his excitement at unexpectedly seeing her again. 

“I’m glad you could make it”, offers Morena “If there isn’t enough food for the BBQ, you can share with me.”

“Oh, were you not expecting me?  I don’t mind. I can make other plans, there’s a convenience shop at the crest of the mountain that has a café”, offers Adele slightly embarrassed to put the group in an awkward position.

“Morena forgot to tell Raiden you were coming.  He was planning the menu”, bluntly states Eyta quickly coming to Raiden’s defense.

“Don’t worry.  I brought enough for a week’s worth of food.  You can have as much as you would like”, sincerely offers Raiden hoping that Adele will feel welcomed and a part of the group.

“Uhhh … thank you”, offers Adele wondering if it was her cousin’s idea to invite her along or not.

Walking slightly ahead of the group, Adele is lost in her thoughts until she accidentally takes a misstep and slides along with the down the edge of trail.

“Be careful, the edge is rather dangerous, warns Raiden instinctively grabbing Adele by the arm pulling her away from the edge of the trail and closer to him.

“Thanks, I’ll keep a better eye on things”, agrees Adele sensing a spark of attraction from the simple touch on her arm.

“Raiden is always rescuing others”, explains Isla stepping between them breaking the grasp on Adele’s arm.  “He’s my hero."  Putting her arms around him with a huge hug and a kiss on the check to clarify with Adele that he is already taken in case there is any question.

“Adele always wondered off as a kid.  She’s a daydreamer.  If she’s not careful, we will find her at the bottom of the mountain”, suggests Morena desiring for the attention to be returned to herself “I can’t tell you how many times we found her reading a book under a tree or laying on a rock staring at the clouds in the sky while the rest of us were playing games or flirting with each other.”

“Yes, I guess that I did like to do my own thing a lot”, agrees Adele remembering writing poetry in her journals or spending the day reading a new book under the sky.

“I could never figure out what you found so fascinating about the sky or the outdoors” replies Morena with annoyance and disgust “It’s always too cold or too hot to bear it for any length of time.”

“I’d much rather be at a party than a BBQ, but since Raiden adores being outside, I guess that I have to compromise once in a while” pouts Isla having almost enough of the outdoors for one day.

“While you guys set up the BBQ, I’m going to go shopping at the convenience store.  Does anyone want to go with me?” asks Eyta tired of hiking.

“I think that I’m going to get a cappuccino”, suggests Isla “Wait up for me Eyta.”

“I’m going with you too.  I’m right behind you”, yells Morena fearing that she will be left out of something.

“Are you going?” asks Cohen looking at Adele wiping off the dirt from her boots.

“I’m fine.  I think that I’ll rest on this rock for a little bit”, offers Adele finding a comfortable stop and leaning back to look at the clouds in the sky.

“I’ll help you start the BBQ Raiden”, insincerely offers Cohen hoping that his offer will be declined.

“It’s all right I can do it”, states Raiden sensing the half-hearted offer.

“Okay, I’m going to the shop to charge my phone.  I think there is probably a hot spot there”, explains Cohen already headed further up the trail to the café.

As Raiden cooks the steaks, he watches Adele relaxing on the rocks.  She seems content to be where she is in that moment.

“Are you doing all right?” Raiden yells over to her after everyone has abandoned the BBQ for more desired things.

“I’m good!” replies Adele pulling out a newly released book from her backpack.

“What are you reading?” asks Raiden moving closer to her.

“I’m re-reading the books of Jane Austen”, explains Adele wondering if he will think of her classical version of chick-lit.

“Oh, I see” observes Raiden having a personal lifelong interest in reading “I personally like Tolstroy or Shakespeare.  But my favorite is Lord of the Rings.”

“I like those writers too, as well as the trilogy”, agrees Adele remembering discussing books many years ago with him.

Gathering his courage in that there are two of them for the moment, “Can I ask you something?  Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”  cautiously asks Raiden wanting an answer that he had been wondering about for years.

“Things were complicated then with my family”, cautiously begins Adele wanting to explain everything to him but unsure of where to start.  “I had lot of obligations to my family right then.”

“But why didn’t you say goodbye to “me”?” emphatically asks Raiden feeling as if she is not telling him the entire truth.

“Well, you see ….I couldn’t …” stumbles Adele trying to find the right words to explain their history.

“What are you doing? Trying to steal my boyfriend from me?” teases Isla but claiming her territory. She runs up behind Raiden and throws her arms around him, locking her hands across his stomach as she stands behind him.

“We were talking about things in the past” offers Adele moving away from Raiden and then towards Eyta not wanting to cause any issues with Isla.

“You better keep an eye on her, she might try to steal your man” taunts Morena grabbing her husband by the hand pretending to need his help to come down the trail to the picnic table.

Ignoring their comments, Adele opens her backpack and puts her book away. Eyta sits down next to her at the picnic table and gives her a reassuring look.

“These steaks are amazing Raiden.  I couldn’t have done a better job myself”, sincerely implies Cohen having never cooked food on a BBQ.

“Thank you, Raiden.  Next time we must invite you and Isla to our house for dinner.  Eyta, you can come as well and bring a friend so we can play games”, suggests Morena ignoring Adele sitting across from her.

“I’ll bring Adele with me” announces Eyta “From what I remember, she plays just about any game really well and she use to let us win most of the time!”

“Monopoly was the best.  We use to play for hours”, offers Isla “Of course, I always won.”

“You always cheated” counters Eyta still feeling sore from the memory of coming in second one too many times.

“No matter how I got there, I still won!” defiantly announces Isla slamming her fork down in mock agitation.

“I think you both maneuvered your own way to win the game” Cohen intervenes as the tension mounts.

“I’m ready to go home” states Morena feeling ignored and gathering her things together “Anyone else ready?”

“I still need to go back to the office tonight, why don’t you ride with your sister back to town”, suggests Raiden to Isla.  “It will take awhile to clean up here.”

“Okay. Adele came on her own, so I guess we will leave you to it”, agrees Isla having reached her capacity for enjoying the outdoors for the entire year at two hours and counting.

“Thank you everyone.  It was good to see you again”, warmly states Adele as she heads toward the café to purchase a bottle of water.

As she returns to the camp site after her purchase, everyone has left except for Raiden.  Adele silently helps him pack up the rest of the equipment and carry it down the hill to the launch pad.  

“Thank you for helping me”, returns Raiden not entirely sure how to begin to ask the difficult questions that he wants honestly answered.

“No problem, it’s the least I can do for being invited to join such a nice day”, explains Adele not knowing exactly what to say.

“About earlier, I didn’t mean to pry.  I thought that I would ask because it seemed rather abrupt the way you left”, explains Raiden wanting to prolong his departure and hoping to open a conversation again.

“I’ve wanted to tell you.  It was such a long time ago, but I didn’t think you would remember”, shares Adele “My dad was facing ….”

At that moment a hologram image of Isla appears on his wrist trying to reach Raiden. Not wanting to be disturbed, he interjects, “This can wait, I’ll call her back later.”

“No, go ahead and take it.  She might have forgotten something.  I need to be on my way anyway.  Thanks again!” offers Adele walking away from him towards her air-pod wishing that things had been different between them.

 

 

Waiting on the Stars - Chapter Four

 

Checking her reflection in the smart mirror, Adele examines her face while sitting at her vanity. To the left side it lists her schedule for the day, providing the outdoor and indoor temperatures, as well as projecting a streaming newscast.  Tapping the mirror, she programs her air-pod to prepare for her departure in one hour at 8:30 am.  The mirror informs her of how many minutes she acquired of REM sleep that night, her current weight, and hydration level. It also lists her network of friends to greet in the morning if she chooses to connect with them. As a final touch, her smart mirror is also an air purifier helping to create a healthy environment for her home.

Listening to music as she uses her facial steamer as it extracts particles from her pores, Adele feels cool and refreshed. Tapping the mirror with two fingers, it slowly scans her features for any blemishes or skin irritation.  Highlighting the image of her face, it points to some dryness on her forehead. Using an automated facial scrubber, any remaining makeup is removed.  She applies a magnetic face mask to lift any impurities replenishing her skin with a mixture of carrot seed oil, sunflower oil, vitamin C and E. Placing a small round brush on her cheek that attaches to her mask, it removes the magnetic treatment for a smooth clean finish.

Grabbing a small bottle of hydrating moisturizer, she gently rubs the cream until it is absorbed below the surface of her skin.  She waits thirty seconds and scans again to see that the cream has resolved the dryness issue.

“Please use the Sensation scent today”, requests Adele as the vanity sprays a light mist of hypo-allergenic fruit and floral scented perfume.  Adele applies the milk makeup holographic stick to enhance and lighten her facial glow.

Walking to her closet, she stands in front of her long dressing mirror as the revolving rack displays various outfits.  In the long mirror, an image of each item is projected on to Adele’s reflection in the mirror so she can visualize what each of these outfits will look like on her form without actually having to try one on.  Sorting through about twenty possibilities, Adele finally chooses her favorite lemon chiffon top with descending “v” collar and white matching slacks.  Glancing into her shoe closet, each shelf opens and then returns to its storage space.  She chooses a pair of yellow mobilizers that have a cushioned toe with quality arch support, however the shoes do not offer any heel decoration leaving an image of one dancing on their toes. Her shoes buckle at the ankle with magnetized fasteners for comfort that have been customized to her foot size.

Just before stepping out the door, she finds her mid-calf long sleeved coat with sides that have been diagonally “slashed” in the middle section, a trendy fashion detail, one of Adele’s recent splurges from the Holo-mall this past fall. 

“Vera, please turn out the lights and lock the door”, requests Adele as she steps onto the Air-pod porch and leaves her rental home. Touching a feature on her bracelet to identify her fingerprint, the air-pod releases the door locks, opening the air-pod for Adele to enter.  “Hello Vera, take me to Bank One on Aurora Place”.

As the air-pod moves swiftly past other vehicles on the airway, Adele relaxes into the comfort of her captain’s chair, reviewing the latest trends in advertising for travel. Images float in front of her as she considers the color, texture, and tone of each appeal.  She considers what features are attractive and that engage her to discover more information. Evaluating the emotional allure of each artistic piece, she determines the scale of their intrinsic value. 

Taking a momentary break from her study, Adele looks out her window to see Raiden in the air-pod next to her own.  Recognizing Raiden, she is excited to see him so unexpectedly.  As she is observing him, Raiden happens to look up and notice the woman watching him from the air-pod nearby.  Adele deeply blushes but nods on being caught.  Taking a minute to realize that it is really Adele just across the way from him, Raiden smiles politely and displays a short hand wave before his air-pod curves to the left to head to his workplace.

Upon reaching Bank One, Adele smiles to herself feeling as if the day will be a great day.  Adele slides her clear crystal savings bracelet into the kiosk.  A 'Fate' greets her, which Adele remembers is another name for a 'Financial-A.I.-Technician', “Hello Adele. Welcome to Bank One.  How can I help you today? Would you like to discuss your long-term savings plan?”

“I would like to look at real estate options in the Upper Crestwood Area”, requests Adele having previously entered her specified request for a home within her affordable price range.

Within seconds, 3-d images based on her savings plan appear before her. With recent neighborhood closing costs and values listed next to each image, Adele considers the options available to her. Adele moves her hands to sort through the images rotating in front of her.  As she focuses on the virtual 2-inch door with her retina moving her eyes to the upper right corner of the ceiling, the images enlarge so she can view the interior of the home.  Contemplating her dream plans, Adele sighs and wonders if everything will come together for her to work at Marks Enterprises.

After concluding her consultation, Adele deeply lost in thought contemplatively walks towards the air-pod portal. Her head bumps into someone standing in front of her.  She notices the thick black shiny boots perpendicular to her own shoes. Embarrassed but not looking up, she whispers “I’m so sorry, please excuse me.”

She hears a familiar voice chuckle, “What happens if I don’t?”

Adele snaps her head back to see Raiden standing in front of her with a teasing smirk. Adele whispers “Hi …”

“I didn’t expect to see you here.  Do you also do your banking at Bank One?” asks Raiden hoping that he might be running into her in the future as well.

“Yes, I was just looking into some realty options for myself”, Adele replies “I’m currently renting a household unit, but looking for a more permanent location to settle.”

“What area were you looking in?  Maybe I can help you.  I have several contacts in the real estate business”, offers Raiden wanting to feel useful and helpful to her.

“I’m looking into the Upper Crestwood area” offers Adele feeling slightly nervous that it might appear too obvious that she is planning on getting the position at his company.

“Really? I live in Upper Crestwood.  I definitely can be of help to you”, suggests Raiden considering that it might enable him to spend more time with her. “When are you planning to look?”

“I hope to find something this next month that is affordable and suits my needs”, anxiously Adele replies twisting her ankle to the side in a subconscious nervous moment.

Watching her ankle move in an old familiar pattern, Raiden is pleased to see a reaction that she is slightly nervous talking with him, “You don’t need to worry, I have some time available on Monday if you are free.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you, but that would be fantastic!” exclaims Adele consoled that she will have someone much more knowledgeable about the process of purchasing a home with her.

“Shall we meet at my office at 10 am on Monday?” extends Raiden “If you’re not too busy that day, we can have lunch after viewing some of the locations.”

“Sounds great!  Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help” genuinely remarks Adele feeling as if their friendship has revived once again.

“Ok, I’ll see you then”, Raiden nods his head as he turns with a slight jump in his step.  After turning away from her, he can't help but to smile to himself as such a wonderful random future opportunity together.

Adele bites her lower lip as she slightly blushes, excited to be spending another day with her old friend.

Walking onto the air-pod portal staging area, she notices the woman from the hologram the other day exiting an upscale air-pod on the platform.  Pushing a ruffled teal jacket back onto her shoulder, the woman rushes in her four-inch heels into the bank appearing to be late for an appointment.  Adele wonders if the woman is meeting with Raiden, “Why am I even concerned?  I just saw him again after twenty years only yesterday.  I’m sure he has plenty of friends.  It’s none of my concern”.  However, her rationale does not console her internal discomfort.

“Vera, please take me to Starcups at Market Place Square” resigning requests Adele sliding into the plush chair. Adele pulls out a mirror from her bag and realizes she does not look quite as together as she had thought this morning. She grins at her image and confidently states out loud, “What does it matter? I am who I am. I don’t need to look like a model as that woman does. Being me is okay”, repeating what she had recently heard in a popular self-help podcast but not necessarily entirely believing the mantra.

The air-pod reaches Starcups where two of her newest friends are waiting for her.  As Adele approaches the table, Jennings and Alice Hammer appear to be in a confrontational conversation.  She can hear Jennings say, “No Alice, I don’t think chocolate and tomato sounds good together.  No, not even as a sauce”. 

Adele can see Alice Hammer shaking her head, “You just haven’t tried it.  You need to try my cookies! You will definitely change your mind.”

“No, I don’t think so.  Chocolate and tomato do not sound good together unless it is something like mole but then chilies and garlic are added.  I don’t want to eat spicy cookies”, assuredly Jennings replies having been tortured with other experimentations of Alice Hammer’s cooking and baking.

“They are not spicy, they don’t have chilies in them only a touch of garlic.  They are a savory cookie." offers Alice Hammer quite perturbed that her friend will not sample her latest cookie invention “I did put a secret ingredient in the batter though to make it taste even better.”

Deflecting attention, Jennings relieved looks over to see a new friend walking towards her, “Oh look Adele is here” pointing to a chair for Adele to sit next to Alice Hammer.

“You wouldn’t mind sampling a cookie, would you?” asks Alice Hammer holding a container of red cookies with dark brown chunks in them and other questionable items as well.

“Uhhh… sure”, answers Adele as Jennings furiously shakes her head warning Adele of future indigestion.

“Here you go, this one looks really good and it looks like it may hold all of the wonderful flavors I added”, excitedly points Alice Hammer to the largest cookie.

Adele carefully takes a bit and subconsciously chokes as large tears form in her eyes.

“The cilantro might get you a bit.  I might have added a little too much tabasco sauce”, concedes Alice Hammer considering how to adjust her recipe.  “How do you like it?”

“Don’t ask her that question, Alice.  She doesn’t know you, she won’t be honest with you”, adamantly argues Jennings taking a large sip of her drink.

Alice Hammer gives Jennings acute daggers.  “It’s because you don’t bake. You don’t understand the higher delicacies of confectionary delights”.

“There is another name for that and isn’t delightful”, truthfully remarks Jennings hanging out her tongue as if it on fire.
 

“Okay Alice, now that our new friend appears to be crying, tell her what your secret ingredient is that you added”, instructs Jennings wondering if Adele will want to meet with them again or just think they are two crazy old ladies.

“Well, I love coming up with new recipes.  We have a contest every year at my church. I think that I might have the winning cookie recipe this year.   I was thinking I would call this ‘blood and fire’, what do you think?” asks Alice Hammer looking for a good name for her new invention.

Jennings rolls her eyes, “I think it needs to go to hell and stay there. You still haven’t told her what’s in it yet.”

“It’s an interesting name, it sort-of suits the flavor”, kindly offers Adele feeling as if the roof of her mouth is on fire.

“It’s ghost pepper sauce.  I put half a cup in the batter along with some cilantro and a dash of horseradish sauce” explains Alice Hammer “I just love baking!”

“Someone needs to lock her in a closet because she’s a delusional baker”, grunts Jennings feeling a victim of various failed experiments.

Amazed at the chatter, Adele giggles taking another bite of the horrendous cookie and feeling the tears unnaturally well-up in her eyes, “Thank you for the cookie.  It’s wonderful to meet you, Alice Hammer”.

“Oh, I think we are going to be great friends!’ Alice Hammer excitedly claps in the confirmation of their new friendship.

“Do you bake?” asks Jennings not sure of Adele’s palette for fine food.

“Not really.  I like to experiment as well”, confesses Adele who neither cooks nor bakes above any level other than to sustain life.

‘Oh, I see”, observes Jennings “Perhaps you wouldn’t mind being Alice Hammer’s assistant when she needs a victim .... urr, or I mean someone ... to sample her creative genius.”

Alice Hammer and Adele smile and nod at each other in agreement, Adele offers “I would love to.”

In response Jennings defeatedly shakes her head but pleased that Adele was so kind and accommodating to her lifelong friend.

“So, how did your interview go?” asks Jennings wondering what she will be able to share with her friends at the senior center.

“It went well. I don’t know if I have the job yet though.  A committee determines who will be hired”, explains Adele somewhat confident the interview actually went well.

“Where did you interview?” asks Alice Hammer curious to know more about Adele’s interests.

“Marks Enterprises, for the Marketing and Trade department” explains Adele nervously folding her hands in the opposite direction.

“Marks Enterprises!  That’s where Jennings’ grandson works.  Do you know him?” inquires Alice Hammer.

“I’m not sure who you are asking about.  What is his name?” inquires Adele hoping that she will meet Jennings' grandson at some point.

“His name is Raiden Worthington.  At first, he might appear a little standoffish, but he’s a nice guy”, truthfully considers Jennings “He’s quite smart, but he takes his time making a decision, sometimes too long and misses an opportunity, especially in the romance department.”

“Oh yes, he’s wonderful.  If I was twenty years younger, I might take my chances”, dreamily offers Alice Hammer winking with an exaggerated smile.

“Check your math Alice, it’s more like forty”, corrects Jennings taking a sip of her drink and taping her fingers on the table.

“Oh yeah that is right” agrees Alice Hammer adding the numbers in her head “math never was my thing.”

Adele smiles and giggles to herself, “He seems like he is still a nice man.  We were acquainted a long time ago.”

“Did you know him?” curiously asks Jennings “When did you meet?”

“We were on a service team together as young adults.  We were in Taiwan working with a children’s home.”

“Oh how thrilling!” declares Alice Hammer quite loudly for other customers to turn their heads and with even more enthusiasm “How erotic!”

“Alice, I think you mean to say exotic, not the other word” flatly corrects Jennings quite familiar with her friend’s rather unique usage of vocabulary.

“Oh yes” smiles Alice Hammer trying to place it in her memory bank “Exotic, that’s the word.”

“Yes, it was very interesting” adds Adele feeling her face return to a normal color once again.

“What kind of things did you do while you were there?” asks Alice Hammer unfazed by anyone around her.

“We lead outdoor evangelism meetings for children, cleaned and painted the classrooms, played games with the children and got to know the families through the feeding program” explains Adele recalling some of the most precious moments of her life.

“I love to travel and learning about different languages and cultures” explains Jennings.  “My late husband and I use to be missionaries in the earlier years of our ministry. I met some wonderful people during that time and made some life-long friends.”

“Would you ever consider being a missionary if the opportunity came again?” asks Adele wondering about the adventures of her new friends.

“I’d consider it, if they would consider me.  They should have a summer service corps for seniors.  I’d go in a heartbeat.  I could manage two months of my time to help somewhere.  I don’t move as fast or as well, but I can still do some things.” ponders Jennings inspired by her own words.

“What about you? Would you do missionary work again?” Jennings returns the question to Adele who is slowly tracing the rim of her coffee cup lost in thought.

“I’d like to try again one day in the future.  I’m not sure about having the opportunity or how I could afford it, but I would like to”, sincerely states Adele wondering if another change would ever be available to her.

“Sometimes our moments are just small stones in a larger pond, but we never know what or how many stones it will take to reach the other side”, offers Jennings “You may have another opportunity, you are just not aware of it yet”.

“Well I hope that stone appears some time for me”, wishfully states Adele hoping that it is a promise of things to come.  “It was really good to meet you and Alice Hammer today.  Would it be possible that we can meet again maybe next week?”

“Love too!” exudes Alice Hammer “Next time you need to come to my apartment at the senior center!”

Before Alice Hammer can offer a further invitation of details, Jennings jumps in “I’ll bring dessert and tea for everyone”.

Adele smiles and waves goodbye to her friends, looking forward to their next meeting.