A Constant Reminder

Nathan Wallace is a normal man who lives a boring life. He's a surGEN. He saves lives. He does his job quite well and relishes the fact. Every night is the same, however. He has nothing to go home to. No one to go home to. He lacks a little thing called love. On the other hand, his friend, Rotti Largo, has someone to love. Her name is Marni. To be honest, Nathan knows little about her.

The doctor removes his surgical gloves. His most recent surgery is a success. He leaves the room with a bow of his head. For some reason, Rotti wants to see Nathan at his office. He doubts that it's a demotion. Every client he has had is well and alive.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Nathan raps upon the door. Rotti asks who it is. The surGEN responds. He is then permitted to enter.

"You wanted to see me, Sir?"

"Oh, no need to be so formal, dear friend. It's Rotti after work hours." The man behind GeneCo smiled. The smile will rarely grace his face seventeen years later. "But yes, I did. Are you up for a double date?" He chuckled warmly, "Well, a blinddate so to speak. Marni and I have found someone most suitable for you, Nathan! The woman's a perfect match."

"But Sir-"

Nathan is cut off by Rotti, "You're coming and that's final."

It continues this way. They go to an Italian restaurant for dinner. The lights are dimly lit. Crystal wine glasses glint as they are lifted and clink as they are used for a toast. Warm laughter fills the room. The blind date is a GenTern. Nathan wants to roll his eyes in distaste, but he does not. Rotti is his friend. Nathan suffers through. The GenTern's conversation is anything but impressive. The words are bothersome. They become white noise. Rotti must have humored himself by thinking that a surGEN and GenTern would go well together...

Marni asks a simple question. Nathan looks up.

He's in love.

She's gorgeous. Her black hair cascades to her shoulders. Brown eyes - doe's eyes- are warm with laughter. He's lost in those eyes. It's a web, pulling him closer and closer-

"Nathan? Nathan?" Marni's voice is full of concern. Those eyes are so full of warmth. Her plump lips entice him. He snaps back into reality, clearing his throat. His cheeks flush as he turned his head in embarrassment. I should have been paying attention. He thinks to himself.

"Yes, Miss-"

"Please, call me, Marni."

"I'm so sorry," Nathan flushes once more.

Marni laughs, "It's okay. I asked you a question, Nathan."

Oh, please don't say my name again. Each letter seems carefully sounded out. It's music to his ears. It's sensual. Enticing... He shakes his head, desperate to remove these thoughts from his once simplistic mind. "Oh- I'm sorry." He apologizes once more. "What was it?"

"I asked you how work was." She laughs once more. It's a rich, heavenly sound. "Here, let me ask again." The woman is a saint for having so much patience. "How was work, Nathan?"

"Good." His cheeks are still tinted crimson. "Very good. Thank-you for asking," Nathan quickly adds. Inwardly, he punches himself. He beats himself up. Foolish... So foolish.He is frustrated that he couldn't think of anything better or more clever to say. He's a medical prodigy, yet he can't think of something worthy of intelligence. It's bitter irony. None the less, the conversation continues. Rotti blabs on about something new that GeneCo promises to deliver. A new bill is in dire need of passing - so he says. It's something about organ repossession. Marni continuously shoots Nathan coy looks. Rotti remains oblivious to this.

The dinner and night finally come to an end. They all pile in the limo. The GenTern looks bored. After dropping off their dates, Nathan is alone with Rotti in the car. He's nervous. He turns to face Rotti.

"Sir?"

Rotti sighs. It's no use. Nathan is just so formal and polite... He ignores the 'Sir'. "Yes, Nathan?"

"I-uh..."

"Well? Get it out, my friend!" Rotti laughs joyously.

"No matter what happens..."

"Go on."

"We'll remains friends as well as workers." So I hope, but I don't think it'll end that way. More like bitter workers and rivals...

"Is that all?" Why, that's so simple... I wonder why on Earth Nathan brought this up? The older male is all the more intrigued by this.

"No. Promise me this, S- Rotti." Nathan looks directly into his boss' eyes. Something different lurks there. Something... dark... or sad? Rotti cannot distinguish it.

"Such a strange request, Nathan. Are you feeling well?"

The surGEN inwardly winces, nodding.

"I'm fine. Please, though."

"Very well. I promise. There?" He shakes hands with Nathan. "Good-night. I'll see you at work." Rotti chuckles as Nathan leaves the car.

"Good-night, Sir."

He feels petty for not telling the complete truth. Not only this, but he feels insecure. He's in love - with Marni. Beautiful Marni... who happens to be Rotti's fiancee. Nathan feels weak and small as he stumbles into his home. He shakes his head with the overwhelming emotion. Love has the tendency to conquer all. Did the same emotion lurk in Marni's eyes or was it coy seduction? He hoped that it was the first rather than the second part of the question.

A constant reminder floats in Nathan's mnd, You hurt your friend and he'll hurt you.

Nothing will be the same.