After that conversation, I was intrigued. Why would someone like Adamanthe want to know me better? My sleep was overcome with fantasies of our time spent getting to know one another.
After one dream, I woke up in a cold sweat. I touched my mouth. It felt so real, his lips pressed softly against mine. Heat flushed my cheeks and I got up to wash my face.
Instead of dwelling on my emotions, I threw my energy into work. Noah and I spent every working hour cataloging and chronicling all the plant and animal DNA. Days were becoming routine and monotonous. I was constantly avoiding moments alone with Adam.
"I think I got the casing for transport figured out!" I say finally, after many days and countless hours of trial and error.
"That is fantastic!" Noah says, walking over to the prototype I have in my hand.
"This case has a double sealed chamber. It is pressurized, temperature stable, and the top serves as a seal but also a light. It can be modified for each individual case. However, the program I have used can pre-populate the case once it is built." I take a large breath. "We can mass produce them and then depending on what DNA we put in it for transport, we can tell the program what it needs to keep the DNA stable. Any questions?"
I smile at myself, I spent over a month perfecting my design.
"Let us show Elitist Adamanthe! I am positive he will be pleased with your progress." I blush at the mention of Adam.
"Of course," I glance at the clock, "Would you mind? I have requested early leave to meet a friend for dinner."
Noah nods, "Of course, you go enjoy your time!"
"I appreciate you!" I collect my things then leave our shared workspace. Not before calling out, "Noah, be careful. I have the hologram of that, but the physical replica took days to perfect."
"Understood."
I catch transport to the exclusive Major bar and restaurant. When I enter the building, I see her golden hair from across the room. My hand raises in salute and she echoes my gesture. Sliding into the seat across from her, she gives me a shy smile.
"Nice to have your company again." Gaia says. "I have some personal news to share with you."
"Whatever could it be?" I feign disinterest and she laughs.
"Oh! Well, I did order us some drink and appetizers. I figured I might let you choose the food." Then she leans in as though we are co-conspirators. "I will be raised to the status of Elite in two months time."
"Congratulations!" I say as the drinks arrive. We both pick up our glasses and bang them gently on the table three times. Only after, we down the contents of our drinks. "Another!"
The waiter complied quickly.
"I received an official notice yesterday."
"Hence the comm for company." I muse.
"Valid." She nods. "I will miss our constant company at the meet and greet ceremonies. However, this is a well-deserved opportunity and I am ready to move to the next tier."
"Then," I banged my new glass three times on the table, "here is to your accomplishments. May the never end!"
"Agreed!"
We spent the night laughing, talking, and drinking. It did not vary much from our meet and greet evenings. Except for the random conversation breaks. After all, we had to engage in communication with potential mates.
By the end of the night, my legs buckled as we met with transport. Ironically, we live in the same dwelling.
"Until next time!" I made sure Gaia made it into her abode before going up the few flights to my own dwelling.
A box sat outside the door. I scanned my wrist to open my dwelling and again to be able to access the package. Setting it down on the table, I stumbled to the bathroom.
The water nearly burned my flesh as I scrubbed the day away. When I was dressed in my nightwear, I returned to the kitchen for water. After a few sips I eyed the package with interest.
I set my glass down and opened the box slowly. On top laid a note on crisp white card stock paper.
"Calypso, I am proud of your accomplishment. The prototype is already with a team of engineers who will determine when it can be mass produced. Please accept this gift and invitation."
There was an envelope with curling golden script. It was beautiful, I have not known anyone to still use written letters. Well, with the exception of Adam. Every form of communication is technology based.
Inside the envelope read an invitation to an Elite ball. I gasped at the archaic nature of the invitation. Elites have too much wealth, they spend it on frivolous, antiquated activities like balls.
As a Minor, I never would have imagined spending money on things that unnecessary. I took the wrapping paper out of the box and it revealed a stunning gown. It was black velvet with off the shoulder straps. Beneath were black heels. A small black box, once opened, revealed a diamond necklace and diamond earrings. It was far too excessive to be considered a gift.
I touched my cheek, noticing my smile was wide. As an intellectual, I should not accept my feelings. As a living organism, I understand my joy at receiving such a present.
The date on the card read only two days from today. I sent a private comm to Adam.
"I accept your invitation."
An immediate response came through. "Splendid! I shall pick you up a half hour before."
"What mischief am I about to undergo?" I thought to myself.