The neons of the present glow. Blocky structures on high poles radiate throughout the dark sky. Sleek
vehicles hover, zooming by. Most buildings are huge rectangles. People are mostly tall. People change. I’ve
heard that everywhere, anywhere. It’s okay to change, but not to destroy or ignore information.
My pocket buzzed.
"
Hey, Darlin'. Thought we'd go for that free tastin' downtown."
Her voice was silky and deep. My dear friend called my name once more.
"
Jill?"
"
Oh, hey, Iris. Free tasting? Is there a new restaurant?"
"
Yeah, thought you'd like it. It’s that Asian nicky-nacky stuff."
"
Oh, ok. I'll drop by."
"
Oh, no, sista'.I got a taxi, we're about to drive by your door."
The long hum followed. My hand dropped to my knees and the screen blinked black. I had to get up
and sling my sachel over myself. Boots by the door, I tugged them on while walking out. Tripping, I was out the
door. All the way down, I gripped the rails and looked out through slim windows. The lights glistened in
different oranges outside, soaking the whole terrain in gold. Like Iris said, a cab was waiting outside my
doorstep.
It was already darkening when I stepped into the beetle-like floating car; it bounced lightly. Once I was
in, dim lamps traced out the scene for me. Sleek leather seats in a circle, tight. Blackened windows: you see
them, they don’t see you. “Come on in, Jill!”
Iris’s tanned skin was bathed in amber rays, her eyes glowing. She had dreadlocks, some dyed in neon
colours, with long feathers of spots and stripes.
“
Oh, Jill. That's Grey by the way. He's my pal from work. I promised him we'd meet up fo' that project
thingy.”
I sat down and the cab took off. In our round seating I just realized a man sitting across me. He had
bags under his eyes and long greasy hair, blocking one eye. His clothes were expensive. He tapped his fingers
on his knees and flicked his long bangs. Something about him was not Iris-like. Knowing Iris, this wasn’t
someone she'd take to a restaurant. Grey's aura was...grey.
“
Whats up with all of 'em holographs ya got?” Iris's long painted nail poked at a silver disc sticking out
from my satchel.
“
I’ve been reading a lot lately.”
“
Nice, girl. 'Bout what?”
“
History.”
Iris was about to ask me something. Grey shook his head dramatically, his bangs hardly moving out of
his eye's way. I remembered reading in the museum: “History is useless. You’re never going to achieve
anything when you keep looking back.”