Our wager was that if I lost, I had to continue helping with the play. If Dorothy lost, no annoying piano tunes for two months. Dorothy won again that night. I had no complaints though. It was a good match. However, I realized I was slacking on my game, and began researching strategies to find a way to beat her.
With it being so close to Heaven's Day, I guess no one in Paradigm needed a negotiator. I was able to help Dorothy finish her project with a day to spare, so that she could focus on rehearsal. In the process, however, I discovered I was hopeless at sewing. Carlye, the nurse practitioner, had to fix some of my mistakes. She asked Dorothy if I could switch places and help the kids practice their lines, but Dorothy said no, probably wanting to keep the surprise ending a surprise for me. I don't see how since I've read the book, so I know the ending. But it turns out the clinic would see an increase in patients with flu and common cold, so Dorothy would have to take over Carlye's spot, who would go help Dr. Plebanski with the increase of patients. Dr. Plebanski told me she had a hard time getting supplies and medicine for the clinic as of late, and her usual suppliers were drying up. I took the day before the play to look around the city and secure supplies, delivering them as a much-needed gift for the clinic as well as providing her another list of suppliers she could use in case regular providers couldn't help her.
But now it's the day of the play. Norman had volunteered to cook up a spread for the night, and so, naturally, I was helping him prep and pack things to run over to the clinic. Dorothy was busy over at the clinic running through a last rehearsal with the kids, and would come back to freshen up in the early evening. In the meantime, I was keeping an eye on a roast and potato salad.
Roger heard the oven timer sound off and he was about to check on the roast when Norman popped in the kitchen from the laundry room, beating him to the oven. Roger went back to peeling boiled potatoes for the potato salad. He had about three left in the sink, the other sink being filled to the brim with peeled potatoes.
"The roast needs a few more minutes and then it'll be ready. How about you, sir?"
"Potatoes are nearly done. Just need to be cut and mixed with all the trimmings."
Roger pointed to the trimmings on the butcher block that he had cut earlier.
"Marvelous job, sir!" Norman grabbed the bowl that was near the trimmings and set it on the counter near the sink filled with potatoes. He found a cutting board and knife, and began quartering the potatoes into bite-size pieces. Roger went back to peeling the last of the potatoes.
"So, sir, were you able to find Miss Dorothy a gift for Heaven's Day?"
"Mm… oh! Yeah, I found her a few things. I'm hoping she likes them."
"Very good, sir! It seems you are ahead of things this year."
"I tried to. It's been a crazy year."
"Indeed. Hopefully the New Year brings us even more blessings."
Roger nodded, finished peeling the last of the potatoes. He found a cutting board and knife and began helping Norman cut the potatoes.
"How are things with Big O's maintenance, supply wise? I appreciate the maintenance reports you've been given me, but I want to make sure you're not hurting on anything."
"I've been stocking up on spare parts and other necessities. As of right now, Big O is ready to go at your command."
Roger looked at his watch, having yet to summon him since the reset.
"I just find it odd no one has tried to attack the city with a giant robot or monster. Makes me wonder if the enemy Angel warned us about is saving all their cards for when they think the time is right."
"Master Roger, I'm surprised at you. Normally, you don't worry about such things unless you have the facts in front of you," said Norman, bewildered at Roger's attitude.
Roger grimaced, moving the potato he had cut aside and grabbed another one. "That's the thing, normally I wouldn't. But… I don't know… it bugs me that when Dorothy and I went into the tunnels, all the access points below ground that I knew of were sealed up. And the new ones we found looked decrepit or had collapsed."
"Do you think it has something to do with the reset?"
"Maybe. It's like they're covering their tracks. Learning from their mistakes and it makes me feel uneasy. Did your man ever get back with you?"
"No, not yet. It probably won't be until after the holidays until I hear back from him. But rest assured sir, as soon as I hear back from him, you will be the first to know. Now, I think we need to focus on this potato salad for tonight? After all, it's Miss Dorothy's big night as a playwright!"
Roger chuckled. "She doesn't think it's a big deal. She keeps telling me it's just for kids."
"All the same, to write a screenplay in as short of a time she did, and get everything set up with Miss Carlye and Dr. Plebanski, it's amazing that she got everything done in such a short time."
"That's because Dorothy's amazing in her own right."
Roger caught himself in what he said and looked at Norman, who was beaming.
"Indeed, Miss Dorothy is truly an amazing young lady."
Roger smiled to himself, grabbing another potato to cut while Norman went to check on the roast.
*************************************
Roger was finishing up showering after helping Norman load the Griffon up with the food and drove to the clinic to help set up spread. Norman had stayed behind to help finishing setting up while Roger took Dorothy home so she could have a chance to shower and change for the night. Dorothy had set up the conference room with seating and Roger had helped her move the piano into the conference room.
He turned off the water to the shower, the steam starting to dissipate. He leaned his head on the shower wall, thinking to himself. The water from his hair dripped down into the drain, making soft echoing noises against the shower wall.
What am I doing? We've been going strong for a while now. Am I holding back? Normally I… oh, forget it. I'll figure it out, eventually.
Roger opened the glass door to his shower and grabbed the towel hanging next to it to dry himself. Once he finished, he wrapped the towel around his midsection and stepped out, heading over to his vanity to find his hair gel in his cabinet and began styling his hair into his normal hairstyle. He checked over his face to make sure he hadn't missed any spots while shaving before he had stepped into the shower. Satisfied, he applied his favorite aftershave, and then his deodorant before stepping out into his room and towards his closet.
She said casual. Hmm… where is it? There it is!
Roger pulled out his brown suit jacket, as well as black shirt and pants. He went over to his dresser, looking for his undergarments, finding what he needed. He then got dressed, looking himself over once in the mirror, before stepping out of his room and waiting for Dorothy.
He didn't have to wait long, however. Dorothy stepped out of her room, wearing a mid-length butterfly sleeve swing black dress, black headband, low heels, and her silver bead pouch she had worn on their official date. She was brushing her dress down with her hands when she looked up and saw Roger looking her over, admiring her beauty and grace from a distance. Dorothy stopped, recognizing the outfit Roger wore from his time he went under the sea with Angel to find memories, which turned out to be a megadeus. But she never forgot the outfit and found herself smiling, admiring Roger from a distance. They met halfway, Roger taking her hands into his own.
"You look… lovely. Black does look amazing on you."
"I could say the same about brown on you. You really should add more color palettes to your wardrobe."
"You know my rules, Dorothy. But even they have been slightly bent when it comes to you."
"I see," she replied with a coy smile.
Roger took her left hand, both walking to the lift. Dorothy stepped in first, followed by Roger, who then shut the gate and pressed the button for the hangar.
"So, who's all coming besides the parents?"
"I invited R. Instro, since he helped me with the music. Dan is coming, but only because I invited Angel, saying she needs protection."
Roger gave Dorothy a puzzled look and she shrugged.
"I have no idea, just like you. Apparently, he thought having her detail would be too much and cause alarm, so he said he would do it."
"Dastun has always been fickle with details. He has his reasons, I suppose."
The lift reached the hangar and the gate open. Roger let Dorothy step out first, followed by himself. He grabbed their coats from coat rack and handed Dorothy her coat.
"Ready for your big night?"
"How many times do I have to tell you, it's just a kid's play? Nothing special. However, we did take certain liberties with the tale. I wanted to make sure all the kids had parts."
Roger gave a small laugh as he opened the door to the Griffon for Dorothy to get in. He shut it and moved over to the driver's side, climbing in.
"You keep saying it's not a big deal, but to those kids, it is. And, I think that's one of the reasons why I'm treating it as big deal."
"You're acting strange again, Roger Smith," said Dorothy, shaking her head.
Roger shrugged as he turned the key in the Griffon, putting the car into gear, and left the hangar.
***************************************************
Roger and Dorothy arrived at the clinic. Roger parked the car and they both stepped out to go inside, finding Dastun smoking a cigarette on the steps. Dastun tilted his hat to Dorothy, who briefly said hello, before going inside. Roger lingered for a moment.
"I won't say it in there, it's too festive, and I don't want to break the mood. You had any luck in the tunnels?"
Dastun stubbed his cigarette on the wall before flicking it on the street. "Nothing, the Madam President and I can't find an entrance to the underground area you and her described. Frankly, it's annoying."
"I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels that way."
"We were going to explore more, but apparently there's a snowstorm coming around Heaven's Day Eve, early morning hours, maybe sooner. Governor Batter was kind enough to inform the Madam President of the bad weather. It's been moving slow, but it's hit the surrounding mountains outside Electric City. Apparently, the governor has an old man that lives out that way that he checks on every now and then. He was kind enough to phone the Governor, who phoned us. So, our time has been cut short as she has been getting public works ready for snow removal, and I've been getting ready for potential looting. There's a good chance it'll shut the city down, and also a good chance they won't get to your neck-of-the-woods until they get the domes cleared. So, make sure your household is ready, Roger."
"Why hasn't an announcement been made yet, including for those outside the domes?"
"They were hoping it would shift north and apparently it looked like that. But Governor Batter phoned the Madam President an hour ago. They're starting to get the outer bands of the storm hitting their territory in the lower elevations. An announcement is scheduled to go out tonight and all of tomorrow. Like I said, Paradigm is expected to be shut down for the next few days."
"So, I have to ask. Why are you here with Angel?"
Dastun got red in the face.
"It's none of your business, Roger! I didn't want her regular detail to scare everyone off, so I came instead. She also just finished re-finalizing the budgets and good chunk of it is going outside the domes. So, I figure some people might get excited, probably not, who knows. What of it that I'm with the Madam President?"
"So, making a note not to ask about that subject anymore, and phrasing Dastun. Thanks for the warning about the snow. Is that all I get for Heaven's Day?"
"No news is good news, Roger. Enjoy the holiday. Now, let's get this over with. I am kinda tired of people…"
"If you're referring to the play Dorothy made for the kids, don't have that attitude around her. She worked hard on it and for the kids. Let her have the night."
"Aren't we sensitive today?" said Dastun in a mocking tone.
Roger responded with a scowl and muttering, walking inside, while Dastun followed in behind him. Many parents were inside the entry way, chatting with one another. Many knew each other from their jobs on the docks or in the warehouse factories. Roger saw Dr. Plebanski, chatting with one of the parents, who noticed Roger, and waved. Roger walked over, taking his coat off. Dastun went to go find Angel.
"Roger, good to see you dear. Where's Dorothy?"
"I think she's over in the conference room, going over a few details. Did you get the items I asked?"
"Yes, they were delivered, and I have them ready to go at the right moment. Talk about trying to keep it a secret from Dorothy. I've running around like crazy trying to keep them hidden. I don't think she noticed, or she probably is slightly suspicious of my behavior. Where are you sitting?"
"I'll be standing on the wall, watching. Everyone else has been working all day so I'll let them have a seat, since we don't have that many."
"I'm trying to work on it, but you know how things go. We're outside the domes, so naturally our orders get filled last. By the way, thank you for that additional list of suppliers. We got more deliveries today for antibiotics and flu and pneumonia vaccines. I'm just waiting for the pneumonia cases to come in after the flu and colds."
Roger nodded. "Anything to help. You helped me and a bunch of my clients, so it's the least I could do. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if Norman or Dorothy need help anything." Roger made his way to the room.
"Of course. And Roger?"
"Mm?" Roger turned to look briefly at Dr. Plebanski.
"Thank you… for all of this tonight. It means a lot… for everyone."
Dr. Plebanski gestured to the crowd of waiting adults. Roger nodded and went to go find Dorothy and Norman at the conference room, hanging his coat in Dr. Plebanski's office on the way there.
When Roger entered the conference room, he could see Dorothy had outdone herself, making use of what little extra lighting they had to light the stage, as the main room lights would be cut off so that everyone could see. She had also added makeshift curtains to the left and right of the backdrop he and Norman had created for the kids to hide and come out for their cues. Roger found Norman chatting with R. Instro in a corner and made his way over.
"Norman! Instro! Excuse me for cutting in. It's great to see you, Instro!"
"Roger Smith, a pleasure as always. You haven't been to Amadeus in while."
Roger felt shame creeping up inside of him. "I'm sorry, Instro. Cases have been… well… crazy. And then I was helping Dorothy with her play. I tell you what, are you going to be open for New Year's Eve?"
"Yes, one of my best nights. I'll be having a party with a few guests, including Chief Dastun and the Madam President. I was hoping you would be able to attend."
Roger raised an eyebrow with Dastun and Angel attending R. Instro's place, but decided to ponder the thought later. "Yeah, sure. I'll let Dorothy know."
"Wonderful. Speaking of Miss Dorothy, I promised to help her tune the piano. If you will excuse me…"
R. Instro walked away, looking for Dorothy. Roger turned to Norman.
"You need help with anything Norman?"
"Everything is ready to go, sir! I see you are well dressed!"
"Dorothy told me casual."
"Indeed, sir. Shall we go find our places? It seems everyone is finding their seats."
Norman's observation was correct. It was nearly time for the play to start and everyone was coming into the room to find their seats. Angel was the last to come in, but many parents stood up again and clapped for her. Angel bowed her head at their applause, waiting for it to die down, and sat down in the corner. Dastun stood next to her.
"Dan, sit down," she whispered, "You're giving people the wrong impression."
"And what impression is that, Madam President?"
"You look like you're about to beat someone up. Nothing is going to happen. Relax, please, for me…"
Dastun sighed, taking off his hat and sat next to the Madam President. "This isn't really my sort of thing," said Dastun, scratching his bald head.
"You need to learn to relax."
"I think we could be spending our time looking for other things…"
"Dan… it'll be fine."
Dastun crossed his arms. "If you say so."
Roger found his way over to Dorothy, who was thanking R. Instro for helping her with the piano. Roger looked around for brief second, then gave a quick kiss to Dorothy on the cheek. Dorothy blushed.
"What was that for?" she giggled.
"For good luck. I'll be standing on the wall. You'll do great," he said, giving her a warm smile.
"Roger, it's just a kids' play. It's not that big of a deal," she said in a hush voiced.
"I beg to differ. You see that?"
He gestured to the crowd.
"You're giving these parents something to remember, something precious. And these parents don't have a lot of time as it is with their work schedule. They work from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's a long day. This means the world to them, and you're the reason they're having this moment, Dorothy. You did most of the work. Everyone else just did heavy lifting when needed. This right here shows the kind of person you are, Dorothy, and the one you have always been."
He bent over and kissed her other cheek, gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, and moved to stand on the wall. Dorothy blushed again. He saw Angel looking over in their direction, but turned to face the stage, somewhat nervous. Had he looked for a second longer, he would've seen Angel smile and take Dastun's hand, who turned red, and pulled on his collar nervously.
Dr. Plebanski and Carlye entered the room, shutting off the lights, and made their way over to the surgical lights which they had converted over to spotlights to be used on the stage, turned them on and moved them to the far left. Dorothy began playing a lively rendition of Piano Sonata No. 11. Hearing the cue, Sheila, Michael, John, who were playing Marian, Robin Hood, and Little John came running into view. They looked around for a moment into the crowd, their hands over their eyes, searching for something.
"Where is Friar Tuck?" asked Sheila, moving around the boys and pretending to look for the friar, "Doesn't he know today's the day?"
"Marian, please," said Michael with a flair, "I, Robin Hood, know where all of my merry men are. You see, listen…"
Michael put a hand cupped over his ear, feigning listening for a sound that was happening off the stage. Arthur, playing Friar Tuck, was making loud snoring noises off stage.
"He is snoring," said John, who was playing Little John, "He's must've eaten himself into sleep again…" He turned to face the audience, "Or he stayed up watching cartoons again."
Roger shook his head, chuckling, noting that Dorothy did advise him of script adaptation changes she had made. This had to be one of them. The joke also prompted a laugh from the audience.
The group of children ran off to the right where the curtain was, making bunch of noise, chanting, "Friar Tuck, wake up!"
Dorothy changed the piece from the Sonata into Roger's least favorite tune. Roger grimaced. Why, Dorothy, why?
"Friar Tuck is not getting up. We need help! If we only had an audience who could help us…"
The audience looked confused for a moment until Angel piped up, "Friar Tuck, wake up!" The audience took the hint and began chanting the same thing as well. Roger laughed for a moment, holding his chin, then cupped his hands around his mouth and began yelling with the audience. Angel elbowed Dastun, who was not partaking in the shenanigans.
"Come on! Have fun!"
Dastun grumbled. "If I yell, the words I'll use won't be appropriate for the kids."
Angel rolled her eyes and elbowed him again. Dastun took the hint, rubbing his side briefly, before chanting along with the audience.
With the audience now partaking in the play, there was a loud smash of pots being hit together. A pot rumbled on the floor until it came to a stop. Dorothy changed to a different song, now playing Sonata 11 Rhondo in D major. The children ran back onto the stage, now with Arthur, trying to hold his makeshift robe together as it had come undone. The audience laughed. Sheila quickly helped him tie it back together.
"I'm awake! Who disturbs me? I have the right to watch my cartoons late at night!"
Roger shook his head, laughing. This is too much.
Sheila came into the center, moving past Michael. "Don't you know what day it is today? It's Allan and Ellie… I mean, Ellen's wedding day! But you know what that means, right? That means the Bishop and the Prior are going to be here and stop the wedding along with Ellen's father. They're going to force Ellen to marry a man she doesn't love!"
"Never fear, Marian, for Robin Hood will put a stop to this," said John, pulling out his makeshift sword of cardboard.
"Come, my fellow friends! We must stop the bishop and their party from getting to the wedding!" said Michael and the kids ran off stage to the right, waiting for their next cue.
Two kids entered from the right. Ellie, playing Ellen, and Charles playing Allan A. Dale, took their spot and held their hands. Ellie, however, was not happy about holding hands with Charles.
"Oh Ellen, my dear love… today is the day we wed," said Charles in a dramatic romantic tone. Ellie however pulled away.
"I just want everyone to know that he's NOT my boyfriend and I'm NOT marrying him in real life," she said, scowling. The audience roared with laughter, including Dastun, shaking his head. Roger felt his ribs ache from laughing so hard, and snuck a glance at Dorothy, who was lost in playing the piano.
"You're not supposed to say that," said Charles in a hushed voice.
Ellie rolled her eyes. "Fine." Then in fake enthusiastic voice, she stated her line, "I know, my dear Allan, but my father won't allow us. Look see… there he is now!" She then added, "Please, will someone save me?" The audience chuckled as the four remaining children who had yet to be seen, came running out onto the stage. Now, Dorothy changed into playing Sonata No. 3 in B-Flat Major, K in Allegro.
"Stop!" cried Sadie, playing the Bishop, "I the Bishop of Here-ford will not allow this wedding to continue!"
"Nor will I as the Prior… the Prior of…," Abigail, playing the Prior, was having a hard time remembering the Prior's full title, "Miss Dorothy, where was the prior from?"
Dorothy without missing a beat on the piano, gently yelled, "Emmet! It was Emmet!"
"Okay, thank you Miss Dorothy!" (The audience laughed once more) "I, Prior of Emmet, will also not support this wedding! You must listen to your father and marry the man he has chosen for you!"
Jeremy, playing the Edward of Dierwold, the father of the Ellen, stepped out from the group and in a deep, comical voice said, "Come Ellen, for I have chosen you a man of worthy of your hand. A knight, by the name of Sir Stephen!"
Joey, playing Sir Stephen, stepped out, hands outstretched wide before placing them on hips, and with his own dramatic flair, yelled, "I AM THE KNIGHT, SIR STEPHEN! BOW DOWN BEFORE MY AWESOMENESS!"
Roger felt a nudge while laughing with the audience and turned to find Norman, who tilted his head in Dorothy's direction. Dorothy had taken her eyes off the piano briefly, and saw Roger enjoying himself before focusing on the piano again, but the smile remained on her face. Roger nodded, turning to face the stage once more.
Sheila, John, and Arthur ran back onto the stage. "Not if we can help it!" cried Sheila.
"We will stop you," cried John.
"So why don't you go home and let these….um… people wed in peace," said Arthur, who struggled to remember his line.
"Oh, but you're Robin Hood's gang of Merry Men and his love Marian! But where is Robin Hood?" cried Sadie.
"You aren't a threat if Robin Hood isn't here!" cried Abigail.
"Be gone, you scoundrels! You are no threat to us!" cried Jeremy in his deep voice, "For without Robin Hood, you are nothing."
"PERHAPS HE KNEW I WAS GOING TO BE HERE AND WAS AFRAID OF MY AWESOME SKILL!" yelled Joey at the top of his lungs.
Roger then noticed a shadow moving behind the backdrop in a vaguely familiar shape. Dorothy noticed as well and began playing a rendition of Sonata No. 14 in C Minor in allegro assai formatting. Michael then burst through the paper backdrop, wearing a makeshift costume of Big O. Roger put his hand to his forehead, cringing at how ridiculous the costume looked, laughing. Dastun put his hand over his mouth, shaking his head.
"This is too much. Roger's a bad influence on these kids," he whispered to Angel, who laughed at his comment.
"It seems Big O has made an appearance, sir," whispered Norman, as the audience cheered and clapped, for many of them had seen the megadeus before in the streets.
"Showtime, Norman," whispered Roger, squirming on the inside at the sight of the costume, "I gather this is what Dorothy meant by the surprise. Supposedly, he came up with it," and Roger gestured to Michael.
"Behold, I'm Robin Hood in my giant robot! If you don't allow these two to marry, I'll squash you like a bug!"
He began lumbering to Sadie, Abigail, Joey, and Jeremy, who screamed, and ran off stage. Loud pots and pans could be heard again.
"It seems mini me over there is concluding negotiations, though he's using force. Eight out of ten for effort, four for execution," whispered Roger sheepishly, then chuckling.
The sounds died down after a moment and Michael came out, wearing his Robin Hood costume once more.
"My fellow friends, Ellen and Allan, fear no more! For I have taken care of the threat to your wedding day! You will now live happily ever after! Now come join us in the forest for a festive day of joy and merriness!"
"Merriment!" yelled Ellie, but Dorothy concluded the piano playing, playing the ending. Once the piano stopped playing, the audience began clapping, Roger clapping harder than the rest. Dr. Plebanski ran out of the conference room quickly to her office, and returned with a bundle of Heaven's Day roses Roger had ordered as a surprise for Dorothy. Norman snuck away to go operate the spotlight. Dr. Plebanski snuck past Dorothy with them, handing them to Roger, as she and Carlye rushed to the stage, ushering the children out and lining them up to hold hands and bow. The audience cheered.
"Thank you all so much for attending, but a very special thanks to our Miss Dorothy Wayneright…"
Roger, on his cue, walked over and presented the roses to Dorothy. What he did not expect was Norman to turn the makeshift spotlight onto the both of them. Roger stared blankly for a moment, feeling flustered, but summoned the courage to follow through. He presented the roses to Dorothy, pulling her hand up towards him. Dorothy stood, cradling the roses. They held each other's hands for a moment, both smiling broadly at each other, before Roger raised Dorothy's hand in the air. Norman found the camera that was nearby and snapped a few photos of them together.
"And our benefactor, Mr. Roger Smith," Dr. Plebanski continued, "for their wonderful contributions tonight. There's food set up here alongside the wall. Please everyone, help yourselves, and you're more than welcome to stay as long as you like."
Roger turned to Dorothy. "I like the mini me." He leaned into whisper in her ear, "The Little O, huh? That wasn't in the book."
Dorothy laughed. "Michael's idea was too adorable to not include it. I'm glad you liked it. I'm going to find Angel. I'll see you in a few moments?"
"I'll see you in a bit," said Roger, letting go of her hand.
R. Instro got up from his seat to move over to the piano, gathering the sheet music.
"I didn't understand some of the jokes, but I'm glad everyone had a great time," said Instro. Roger nodded in agreement.
"Are you staying Instro? You should join us!"
"I would love to Roger Smith, but I need to get back for the night. It was a pleasure helping Miss Dorothy. I hope to do it again, next year. I shall see you on New Year's Eve?"
"You'll see us then. Thanks for helping her, Instro," and Roger offered his hand for Instro to shake. Instro shook his hand, waved to Norman, and to Dorothy on his way out, and departed the clinic.
Dorothy found Angel who was grabbing some food on a plate, with Dastun behind her.
"Wouldn't you know it, Dan has a sense of humor…" said Angel, chuckling. Dorothy smiled.
"I've always had a sense of humor. It's just… my humor isn't meant for ladies and young ears. Nice job with the mini meddling megadeus though. Reminds me of Roger too much," he said, fixing himself a plate.
"Are you guys staying?" asked Dorothy and Angel shook her head.
"We got a big snowstorm coming and we have to get back. Late nights for the both of us. It should be here tomorrow night. I have some time for lunch tomorrow. Care to join me?"
Dorothy smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Angel looked around, making sure Dastun was preoccupied with getting food, before saying in a low voice, "It seems like things are going well with Roger. I've started going out with him," and she gestured her head over to Dastun, "It's been nice. We'll be at the Amadeus pub on New Year's Eve. Do you want to join us?"
"Yes, and I'm happy for you. Thanks for coming out. It means a lot."
"I'll work my magic back at Paradigm Corp, see if I can get something passed to help the clinic. I appreciate you for letting me know about their hardships, Dorothy. I'll see you tomorrow."
Angel gave Dorothy a quick hug, before finishing her plate, and joining Dastun, who now stood at the entrance of the room. Roger gave them a quick wave, while moving over to Dorothy, Norman following him.
"Shall we get some dinner and sit down?" he asked her.
Dorothy breathed in her roses deeply, smiled, and joined Roger and Norman in line to get food.
************************************************
The rest of the night passed quickly thanks to good food, good drink, and good spirits. Many parents thanked Dorothy for spending time with their kids and taking the time to set up a Heaven's Day play. Dr. Plebanski agreed and expressed her desire to continue the tradition. Some kids had drawn Heaven's Day cards to give to her or to her and Roger. Dorothy felt happy. To her, it was just a simple play, but Roger once again proved to be right. To the parents, it was something more. To them, it was moment they would never forget with their kids and the fact that someone, like Dorothy, took the time to remember them, it meant the world and more to the parents. She helped facilitate a bond with their children to remember for years to come.
As Dorothy swept and cleaned up the conference room for the night, with Roger, Norman, Dr. Plebanski, and Carlye helping her, she couldn't help but remember for the longest time, she wished to be like everyone else. She wanted to do what other human beings did. Roger had called it mimicking, but deep down, it was more. She just wanted to be accepted, even as android. But now, she was human, and everyone accepted her just fine, and she assumed it was based on her actions. From the time she first met the kids at the clinic, she couldn't help seeing their disappointed faces, and had played the piano for them. But now, she had organized a play so that they and their parents could enjoy the holiday, and have a fun memory. That didn't come from a need of acceptance. All she wanted to do was give back in her own way, thanking them for bringing her out of her shell when she felt at her lowest.
Dorothy took a brief glance at Roger, who was talking to Norman, before going back to sweeping. Was it Roger who was changing her? Roger, who gave his all in everything he did. Roger, who lived by his ideals and rules, to get the job done, but not compromising who he was in the process. Roger, who devoted himself to an idea that everyone in the city should have the same opportunity, regardless of where they lived, by making sure they had access to decent health care and childcare, even if he had to support the bill himself. And yet, Roger had just confided in her, he still had doubts about himself, who he was, and why he was here. Was this normal for a human being? Sometimes, she felt her logical though process was still too android and not enough human.
And what about her, why was she here? The memories from the first reset had not haunted her in a while since she began working with Roger. Her journal, now a reflection of the day's events, was filled with more positive entries than previous one she had filled. It seemed she had some goal, some purpose to fulfill. Otherwise, she wouldn't be here now. And at the same time, she felt like even if she didn't know what that purpose was, what she was doing now, being a negotiator or a volunteer at the clinic, she felt happy and fulfilled because the work she did was helping someone out. Even if it wasn't obvious at first.
All these people in her life, Roger, Norman, Carlye, Dr. Plebanski, Dastun, and Angel, she felt very blessed to know them. Even Angel, whom she had not got along with at all in the beginning. But because of Angel and her intervention during the third reset, she was now able to experience a wonderful life, even though they had not found their enemy yet. Dorothy wished, that when the time did come for their enemy to appear, she could fight alongside Roger, and protect what she had come to cherish and value so much since September.
"You've been sweeping the same spot for a little while now."
Roger had leaned over and whispered in her ear. Dorothy turned pink briefly for a moment, and looked down. She had messed up the pile she had swept up.
"I guess I must be tired. I'm sorry."
"Go. Sit down for a bit. I'll take care of it. Norman is packing up the car. We'll be leaving in a few moments."
Dorothy sat down near her roses, which she took in her hands and smelled them deeply. They had such a lovely scent to them. But their color, a deep burgundy red, was very stunning.
"You know, I had to keep those hidden from you all day?" said Dr. Plebanski, joining her to rest her feet, "He thought you would find them at home, so he had them delivered here."
"I'm so sorry for your trouble," said Dorothy with a small smile.
"Thank you for what you did tonight. The both of you, but he keeps telling me that most of this falls on you. It really means lot to me and Carlye. I never seen the parents so happy. Even if it was only fleeting, it will remain with them forever. You're a good person, Dorothy Wayneright. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
She patted Dorothy's knee and stood up to continue working. Norman appeared at the doorway wearing his jacket and carrying both Dorothy's and Roger's coats.
"The car is ready to go, whenever you are, sir, and Miss Dorothy," Norman said.
Roger finished dumping what he swept into a nearby trash can. Dr. Plebanski grabbed the broom and dustpan from him.
"Go. We got the rest. Get some sleep."
Dorothy and Roger bade goodnight to Carlye and Dr. Plebanski. When the stepped outside, Norman opened the back door. Roger was surprised at first, but then remembered this had technically been a date with Dorothy, after all. They climbed into the Griffon's backseat, Norman shutting the door, and Norman climbed in the front. He drove off, looking at the rear view mirror to see Dorothy snuggled up next to Roger, trying to keep warm, Roger holding her close. Norman gave a satisfied smirk.
The drive passed quickly, and they pulled into the hangar. Roger got out, then extended his hand to Dorothy. Dorothy was half asleep at this point, but it was very late. They rode the lift up, with Norman pausing to get off at the kitchen where his quarters were, saying good night to the both of them. Another stop and they got off the lift, heading for the living room.
"I suppose you're too tired, but would you like to dance?" asked Roger, silently praying for yes. However, he felt disappointed when he saw Dorothy yawn. They paused, standing in the living room.
"I would love to, but I am tired. Perhaps tomorrow?"
"I understand."
Dorothy kissed him on the cheek and turned to go to her bedroom.
She's tired. But… what do I do?
"Dorothy?"
"Yes?" She turned to look at him. The light of the dome bathed the living room, making them appear like shadows coming out into the night. And while the distance was not far between them, Roger felt like Dorothy was on the other side of an ocean, his feelings now evolving into something more for her, now catching up, and making him choke on his words. He wanted say so much to her, to tell her, and show her. But he couldn't do it. The pause in his words was making this painful for him, but the look Dorothy was giving him, a look of promise, made him stumble even more. After everything she had been through with all of her changes, he wanted to give her space to accept what had happened, but now, his feelings for her were growing stronger for her, and he wanted to take the next step. But, he didn't want to overwhelm her or hurt her in the process.
Why dammnit? Why now?
"Uh… there's uh… a vase, filled with water, by the table near your door. So, you can keep the roses fresh."
"Oh, I see." Dorothy looked slightly crestfallen. "Thank you… for being so thoughtful."
Their eyes met for a moment. They were shadows of the night and if they could read each other's minds, they were both wondering the same question. Roger broke the silence.
"You're welcome. Have a good night."
Dorothy nodded, giving him a small smile, and turned, walking down the hall. Roger watched her as she put the flowers into the vase and going into her room for the night. He shifted his weight uncomfortably, now being the only person alone in the living room. He shook his head, scowling, and went into bedroom, shutting the door.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" he groaned, beating the door with the back of his head. He sighed and changed into his pajamas, getting into bed, for another lonely night.