∞L A U R E N∞

"Good morning Drey!"

I happily skip towards the kitchen as I greeted Drey. It's only 5 in the morning but I'm awake and ecstatic to start my day.

"Good morning Lauren. What do you want for breakfast?"

What do I want for breakfast? I remember the omelets and toasted bread I had for breakfast before. A smile form in my lips as an idea came into my mind.

"Drey, teach me how to turn the stove on or whatever you call this thing."

Cloud told me that he can't cook but it's odd to find fresh eggs in his refrigerator. I also found some garlic and onions. I place the phone Cloud gave me on top of the speaker and played one of my favorite songs while I'm enjoying myself beating the egg.

"Day after day
Time passed away
And I just can't get you out of my mind
Nobody knows, I hide it inside
I keep on searching but I just can't find
The courage to show to let you know
I've never felt love like this before
And once again I'm thinking about
Taking the easy way out"

Westlife's if I Let You Go. Such a great and meaningful song. After making the omelet I toasted some bread and prepared two cups of brewed coffee.

"Do you like the song Drey?"

Drey smiled at me as he help me set the table.

"Certainly. The melody helps calm the senses although I do not have one."

I burst out laughing as I drizzle some honey on the toasted bread. I can't believe robots have humors too.

"Drey something smells so good. What did you order for breakfast?"

I look at the kitchen door and saw Cloud stretching his arms and rotating his neck with his eyes close.

"Lauren prepared a special breakfast for you."

He open his eyes and blink twice as he stared at the food on the table.

"You know how to cook?"

That is an odd question. I nod my head as I take a seat.

"Yes, every girl should know how to."

It's not important to learn how to cook complicated dishes. The basic ones will do.

"Most girls your age these days are so dependent with restaurants and fast food. Cooking at home is considered old tradition."

I felt a pang of pain inside me as I stared at Cloud. That is one of the saddest things I heard in this time. Cooking is one way of family bonding especially during birthdays, thanks giving day, and holidays! I can still remember how I help my parents in cooking a meal and washing the dishes after it.

"Girls my age? I think you forgot that I'm already 200 years old Cloud."

He raise his brows at the sudden realization as he sit infront of me.
He grab the fork and is about to bring it closer to his mouth when he stop midway and bring the fork down.

"Thank you."

I said with a smile on my lips as I clasp my fingers together and close my eyes for a silent prayer.

"Amen."

Cloud let out a sigh as he take his first bite. I'm secretly watching his expressions, I can't tell if he likes it or not.

He ate everything on his plate and drank his coffee. He didn't say anything as he went out of the kitchen and head straight towards the living room switching the television on.

"Do you think he liked the food?"

Drey nod his head as he clear the table.

"Yes he likes the food so much his endorphin level was so high while eating."

Ooh so Drey can read endorphin levels too. I think he can also scan pulse rates and maybe the blood pressure. Cloud doesn't seem to be in a hurry today, is he not going to work?

"Do you know Cloud's work schedule?"

I've seen him work once and that's it, I've never seen him wear a suit and tie again.

"Cloud is only reporting in his company once a week to sign some papers."

I nod my head as I stared at Cloud. I can clearly see him since the wall that separates the living room from the kitchen is made of glass. So it's true that Cloud owns a company.

"Tell me everything you know about Cloud."

I'm still enjoying my cup of coffee without removing my gaze on Cloud's back.

"Full name Cloud Yu Madrigal
Born in the year 2178, on the fifteenth day of February at exactly 1:23 am.
Declared as the youngest CEO in the year 2183 at the age of 5 after his father's death in year 2182."

"Woah wait."

Did I hear it right? His father is dead.

"What about her mother? Where is she?"

Drey didn't mention anything about Cloud's mother.

"I'm afraid I don't have stored information about Cloud's mother."

What happen to his mother? So that explains why he's all alone in this house and is managing a large company at the age of 24. I suddenly have the urge to hug him, I can't imagine him going through those hardship. Maybe that's the reason why he's trying to look and act tough all the time.

"It's ok. I'll do the dishes Drey."

I said with a smile as I lifted my plate.

"There's a machine responsible for washing the dishes."

My mouth form an 'O' as Drey pointed at the machine placed at the corner of the kitchen. He got the dishes on my hand and put it inside and switch the machine on. There was a gurgling sound inside then after a few minutes the dishes are all clean and wiped dry. Unbelievable, humans are so dependent with machine these days.

I made my way to the living room and sit beside Cloud. He's watching a documentary film of humans having a trip to Mars.

"Is that for real?"

I ask without taking my eyes off the television.

"Yes."

I can't believe it. Technology these days is definitely not a joke. Minutes passed and I'm getting bored, the sound of the television starts to annoy me and Cloud's not even blinking on his seat.

"Cloud I'm bored."

I said with a groan as I let my body slide off the couch down to the carpeted floor.

"So? Not my problem."

I scoff as I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously?! You'll spend your day here inside watching television?! "

He look at me with a blank expression on his face and nod his head.

"Nope I won't allow that to happen. I only got 7 months more and I should take this chance to explore. Come on take me out somewhere."

A frown form on Cloud's face as he look at me.

"You're not my responsibility ok? You're no longer a child in fact you're a grown up 200 year old lady. You can go outside without pestering me."

I stand up as I place my hands on my hips. Geez boys these days are such a gentleman! Note my sarcasm.

"Excuse me? As long as I am in this year I am your responsibility. You're part of Casper's will, remember?"

He inhaled sharply as he pinch the bridge of his nose with his back slouch clearly accepting defeat.

"Fvck."

I heard him mumbled under his breath then he stared at me for almost two seconds before standing with his eyes close as he run his fingers through his hair.

"Fine. Go get dressed."

I clasp my hands with excitement with his answer and rush towards the elevator.

※ C L O U D ※

I'm leaning on my car waiting for Lauren to come down from the elevator. No matter how much I wanted to spend my time at home I know thay granny won't stop pestering me.

The elevator pop open with Lauren wearing a white dress with laces that gently flows down her knees paired with cream flats and her long hair tied on the right side. It's so obvious that she's not from this year.

I was about get inside my car when she stop me by pulling my sleeves. What is it again this time?

"I want to try riding the bus."

I furrowed my brow as I stared at her. I clearly don't get the logic behind her request. Why would you ride a bus if you have a car?

"Come on, I want to try it."

I sighed as she started pulling my sleeves. She excitedly pointed at the bus sign and pulled me towards the waiting shed. People start staring at her from head to toes because of her clothes and even her hair. Today's fashion is different, the more skin you expose the more fashionable you are to society and the shorter your hair is the prettier you are. You can't see anyone with a long hair these days. Men's fashion however is still the same, but most of men do cross dressing these days.

The bus stop in front of us and she excitedly pulled me again. Geez she's an old lady that acts like a child.

"Where's your card?"

She pulled her card from a weird looking wallet and showed it me with a smile. I let out a sigh as I show her how to swipe a card for transportation access​ and she did the same thing.

I walk pass some passengers and sit on a chair near the bus window. Lauren happily sit beside me with her eyes wandering, she'll be smiling for a moment then she'll be frowning in a second then she's back to smiling again. Oh she's embarrassing me.

"Oh my goodness."

I heard her whisper as she stared at a green haired girl wearing a micro tube and minnie skirt with fishnet stockings paired with 6 inches stiletto.

"Hey stop staring you'll get yourself in trouble later."

She cleared her throat as she sit straight with her hands on her lap. The bus is full but still a lot of passengers are still trying to catch up with the ride. I pinch the bridge of my nose as a group of noisy teenagers flock the center isle of the bus. This is why I hate public transportations.

I was expecting for a quiet ride when Lauren poke my shoulders. I turn to her with an annoyed expression planted on my face.

"Look at that two old ladies, don't you think we should give them our seats? They need the chair more than we do."

I let out a sigh as I turn towards the window completely ignoring Lauren when she pinch my left shoulder.

"Oow! What was that for?!"

She's pressing her lips together with her eyes chiseled. Oh crap here we go again.

"Look Lauren it's not my fault if they came in the bus with no vacant chairs and you're older than them remember? You're 200 years old you need the chair more."

I turn towards the window again when she suddenly grab me by the ear forcing me to stand.

"O-ow! What the fvck are you doing?"

She pulled me up by the ear squeezing ourselves in the group of teenagers as she approach the old ladies.

"Excuse me ma'am, please have a seat."

They look surprised as they stared at Lauren and me.

"Thank you."

They said with a smile as they made their way to our chair and sitting comfortably. There goes my comfortable seat thanks to Lauren. I look at her sharply ready to scold her but then the bus begun to move, Lauren clearly lose her balance with the sudden movement of the bus good thing is I was quick enough to hold the hand rail. I felt Lauren stiffen as I touch her waist and pulled her closer to me to help her regain her balance, I can see that she's not used to close physical contact.

A smile form at the corner of my lips as she tried to reach the hand railings but can't since she's short. She sighed in defeat as she stared at me. Few moments later the bus stops once more to accommodate more passengers which pissed me off big time. A group of hoverboarder boys stand in the isle and I know they're eyeing Lauren. She's an old fashion geek alright but I'll admit that she's a head turner. I put my arm on Lauren's shoulder as I lead her at the back side of the bus away from those boys.

"I hope you're enjoying the ride."

I said sarcastically without looking at her as I lean on the bus wall.

"Certainly, I'm perfectly enjoying the ride."

I scoff with her response and put my hands inside my pocket.

It took us about 20 minutes to reach the center city because of the heavy traffic.

"So where do you plan to go?"

I ask plainly as I look at Lauren who's still staring at the flying cars and robots on the road. She's clearly amazed with everything around her right now.

"Hey we don't have all day--"

"I want to visit the park."

Seriously? The park is just 5 minutes walk from where we are standing. I started walking and I felt Lauren's grip on my sleeves as we made our way to the park. As soon as we reach the park a smile stretch at Lauren's face as she run towards the neatly arranged flowers beside the isle.

"Look at these pretty flowers!"

Her ignorance is amusing me.

"Those are fake flowers."

I can see the disappointment in her face as she stared at me.

"They're fake?"

I nod my head as I put my earphones on.

"There are tiny lights inside each flower. They turn it on every night."

She look around the park and pointed at the big tree at the center. I blink my eyed twice as I let out a sigh.

"Even that is fake."

She lick her lips as she played with her fingers, she clearly looks disappointed with the fake flowers and trees. There are only very few people in the park right now and it's really no fun. I raise my brows as a smile form in her lips once more.

"Let's go buy some groceries."

I turn my back and started walking out of the park and I felt Lauren's grip on my sleeves once more. We need to cross the road and in order to cross we need to take the overpass. I can see the confusion in Lauren's eyes as she stared at the escalator on the overpass. I hold her wrist as I step on an escalating pad and pulled Lauren on it. The pad started to move up on the overpass down to the opposite side of the road.

"What are these signs?"

Lauren said as she pointed at signs printed on the sidewalk.

"This lane are for people using their phones and the other lane are for people who don't to avoid collision."

And most of the crowd are on the cellphone lane. I pulled Lauren inside a grocery store and went inside a closed cubicle with her.

"What are we doing here?"

I frown at her as I have a seat and pulled a chair for her.

"You said you want to buy some groceries?"

"Yeah the grocery store with the grocery basket and carts."

Oh she's talking about the way the do groceries before. I pulled her down to sit on the chair and turn the screen in front of us on.

"This is how you do groceries today."

I click on the following the options infront and stop on the meat selection. I turn to Lauren and pointed the screen.

"What do you want for dinner?"

She ask me with a smile. I shrug my shoulders as I lean on the chair. She press the word chicken and choices for chicken parts appeared on the screen.

I scrolled my phone to make myself busy until she's finally done choosing.

"Swipe your card and enter your passcode."

She obediently followed my instructions and after a dew minutes a grocery bag with the items she picked came out.

"Wow. So everything's already here?"

I nod my head as I stand up.

"Let's go grab some lunch."

I was about get out of the cubicle when she hold my hand wrist.

"What?"

"You'll let me carry these groceries all by myself?"

My mouth form an O and I waited for her smile before I put up a blank expression on my face.

"Yes. It's your groceries not mine."

I heard her groan before I went out of the cubicle. I keep on walking and then stop for a moment to look at Lauren who's currently struggling with the grocery bags.

"Sheesh."

I whispered to myself as I went near her and grab the bags.

"You're taking forever ya know?"

She rolled her eyes before following me in a a restaurant. I sit on the the chair comfortably as a hologram appeared on top of the table. I swipe my hand in the air and start choosing for my meal.

"What do you want?"

"Same as yours."

I bite my lower lip as I scan my card and enter its card code on the table.
After a few minutes a robot approach our table with our orders.

I ordered for pasta and fried chicken with a glass of soda. I waited for Lauren to finish her prayer before I start eating then I decided to check my SNS (social networking sites) for updates when I felt her hold my hand bringing it down.

"Look around you."

I furrowed my brow as I look around me. What is she trying to say? What does she want me to see? I look at her with my right brow raise still clueless.

"In year 2002 when I was diagnosed with a rare disease I realized how I took time for granted.  Look around you Casper, everyone is unaware that they're wasting their precious time to be with the people they love. A meal like this one is not just a meal, it's something more than just eating. It's about the person you eat with we talk about here."

I once again scan my eyes around and realize that everyone is not talking to each other, they're too busy and too focused on their phones.

"Do you know why the world is in chaos right now? Because people value things more than they value people."

I was speechless for a second and put my phone back in my pocket as I stared at my food.

"Let's eat."

∞ L A U R E N ∞

A lot of things changed but I can't do anything about it except to accept it and find beauty in it. I enjoyed the bus ride, the flowers in the park although they're fake, the advancement of technology especially in buying groceries but I still can't hide the disappointment in me. Where's the value of caring for the old,  the chivalry of helping ladies when they're in need, the heart warming smiles as you greet people on the streets, the heartfelt laughter and thousand stories shared on table? Gone because of their so called progress and totally forgotten through time.

I lay down on my bed and hug my pillow tight. It's already 10:45 in the evening but I still can't sleep. I sit on my chair and scan my eyes around the room looking for something to do. My eyes landed at the pile thin glasses  on my side table. I never touch it since the day I got here.

"What is this thing?"

I grab one rectangular glass and as I tap my fingers on it words automatically showed up on it.

"Oh so it's some sort of screen?"

It says The Night of Shadows by Emelie Folley.

"It's a book!"

Aaw, it really is a book. It's pretty amazing since you can command it to read the text for you, there are also love photos and sounds in every chapter of the story making it really realistic but I still prefer books with pages. Ahh I miss the scent of books, the feeling of its pages on my fingertips as I flip it to the next chapter.

I remember the journal I bought at a shop earlier with Cloud,  I excitedly jump out of bed to get the journal.

Dear diary,

It's been days since I was revived, the future is indeed a great place to visit but it's not a great place to stay.
Humans forgot how to show their love to one another, they seem to live for their own benefit. It's sad to think how did our world end up this way but I guess change is unstoppable. Although my time was frozen for 200 years the