Between the Lanterns (8 page)

“I’m ready, sweets,” she said. “Let’s do this.”

-

August was a mess. His stomach was a bubbling caldron of witches’ brew. He felt he might throw up, pass out, or have a very violent sit- down with the porcelain chair.
 

“You alright, man?” Bobby asked. “You look like terrible. Here, take a sip of this wine. It’s amazing, dude.”

Bobby Li had been August’s only friend for as long as he could remember. He wasn’t as open and caring as August would have liked in a best friend. He was like most other people today, in that way. But he was fun, hilarious, could sing like an angel, and never let August down. They grew up near each other and hung out almost every day from middle school to when they graduated high school.
 

After that, they didn’t see each other as much. August had worked on the assembly line, and Bobby was a traveling musician. He was on the road all of the time. It would be nice to say that Bobby got to travel around playing songs he wrote to huge, adoring audiences, but that was just not the case. Bobby also worked for Montek, and went to their many conventions around the country, playing soothing music that was scientifically proven to put customers in a buying mood. It was selling out big -time, but a Credit is a Credit, and you can’t eat hopes and dreams.

August took the offered glass of wine. It was sweet, delicious, and had a bit of a kick to it. It was real wine. Not Nutricator garbage.

“Wow. That’s fantastic, Bobbo,” August said, feeling the burn in his chest. “What is it?”

“It’s muscadine wine, dude. You’re getting married at a muscadine vineyard, you know?” Bobby replied.

“Oh, yeah. Well, we didn’t pick this place for its association with alcohol,” August said. “Though now I’m thinkin’ that it’s a very lucky coincidence. We chose Maria’s Vineyard because it’s the most beautiful place for an outdoor weddin’ in New Dothan. And Sam surely deserves the best.”

Bobby poured another glass and handed it to August, and said, “Cheers to that, Auggie. Don’t gulp it, though;: I don’t want you falling down when you’re up there. It might embarrass your wife-to-be.”

“Right. I better put this down, then,” August said, resisting the temptation to down another glass of the strong wine to cool his nerves. “Oh, did you grab those things I asked about, Bobbo?”

“Yeah, man, I got ‘’em right here,” he said, holding up the unusual bridal gift. “I still can’t begin to understand why you need these, but I stopped trying to understand you and gadgets a loooooong time ago, Auggie.”

The two friends shared a good, long laugh at that, and then August put one arm around Bobby and said, “Listen, Bobbo, thanks for being my best man. It means a lot to me.”

“Don’t get all weird on me,” Bobby said, shrugging out of the hug. “We’re buds, and it’s my honor. Now let’s get out there before she beats you to the altar.”

“Right,” August said, taking them from Bobby. “I need to set these up before she starts walking down the aisle.”

The chairs set up for the wedding were few, but filled. They had decided on no designated sides; people could just sit wherever they wanted, and that included family. Since Samantha had no family, August had decided to skip the whole parents -sit -up -front thing. If they got there early enough, his parents could sit up front. Otherwise, they’d have to be happy with whatever they got. He had already explained this to his parents, but it didn’t matter to them. By the way they reacted, August would be surprised if his parents even showed up. Which, of course, they didn’t.

Looking out at the crowd, he was pleased to see two newer models of Montek.Automatons in attendance. He felt pride when he looked at those machines. After John had died, and they had the option of putting his memories inside of one of them, August had begun working on the automatons at the factory. He found that their limitations were astonishingly frustrating, and he was glad they hadn’t chosen that path with John.
 

For starters, they couldn’t have afforded it. Even a year ago when they first came out, it cost as much Credit as a new AutoCar just for the body of the automaton. Affordable, Dr. Granger had said... yYeah, right. The BrainSave was a good deal cheaper, though, and still is. The new automaton bodies were even more expensive, thanks in part to some of August’s contributions. He never really thought about the ramifications of improving these machines. He just saw a problem and tried to solve it.

His surprise for Samantha in place, August stood and waited for his bride-to-be. She had not let him see the dress before the wedding. August was glad of that because now there was a sense of mystery to go along with his anticipation to marry the love of his life. Suddenly the music started, and people turned their heads, waiting to catch a glimpse of the bride.

Samantha took a deep breath and stepped out into the courtyard of the vineyard. She saw the audience turned back to look at her, and felt her face blush with embarrassment. Samantha’s gaze drifted further and settled on August, who was more breathtaking than Sam had imagined. He had insisted that she not see his tuxedo or him in it. He had only done so to tease her because she had set those same rules for her dress, but now she was glad he had insisted.
 

She was already happier than she ever believed possible, but at seeing him in that nicely cut tux with tails and a very handsome ivory vest and tie, she was filled with even more love and anticipation. She wanted to hold him and have him hold her. She wanted to feel his heartbeat against her cheek. At that moment, Samantha never wanted to stop holding August… and then she looked above his head, and her knees went weak. The Bride began to cry tears of endless joy. Samantha didn’t care if she was holding up the ceremony or making a scene. She lost control right there on the bed of roses that covered the aisle.
 

When Sam walked out, August’s heart exploded with light. He had never seen a person looking more radiant in his life. Samantha looked more breathtaking than he had imagined possible. Her dress was a Renaissance style, and she resembled a princess from an ancient legend. It was an ivory color that matched exactly with his vest and tie. He had no idea how they had matched unintentionally, but it was perfect. It’s how their entire relationship had always been;: filled with fortuitous circumstance.

August could barely breathe with the sight of her looming in his vision. He noticed her look up and see the surprise he had added at the last minute. When she began to cry profoundly, August could not control himself, and he wept along with her. It was a cry that came from deep within his soul, and it was a gift to Samantha.
 

He didn’t care if anyone judged him for crying. He didn’t care if they were holding up the ceremony. It was their wedding, after all. August just wanted to hold her, and for Samantha to hold him back. He wanted to kiss the top of her head, and the back of her neck. He wanted to smell her hair and nothing else.

Samantha started walking again and then broke into a run. She collided with August in front of their gathered friends and family. She kissed him deeply to shocked gasps, and even a few oohs and ahhs.

“Are those our lanterns, sweets?” she asked breathlessly.

“The very same, love,” August answered, grinning from ear to ear. “The ones from down at the end of West Main Street.”

“How… how did you get them? Have you been drinking? Are you going to jail?” sShe asked, concealing a smile.

August laughed, and answered, “No, Sam, I’m not going to jail, but I did have a few sips of muscadine wine. Let’s just say there are two perfectly good and newly repaired replacements floating above people’s heads on West Main.”

“It’s amazing, August,” Samantha said. “It’s… perfect. It’s us.”

“I couldn’t go through with this unless we had our lanterns,” he said, shrugging. “Everything important that has ever happened to me happened between these lanterns. I intend to continue that tradition for the rest of our lives together. When we have babies, when we have anniversary dinners, when I hold you in our home, it’ll be between the lanterns.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more, sweets. Now, what say we get ourselves hitched? Care to join me?” Samantha said, extending her arm for him to take.

August clicked a switch on his cell, using an app he had designed, and the two lanterns sprang to life, bathing them in the softest golden glow. From everyone watching’s point of view, August and Samantha went from regular people to beings of light and magic. It was the most beautiful wedding in the history of New Dothan.

Chapter 8

SOMETHIN’ IS BURNING

“Happy Anniversary, sweets!” Samantha squealed while handing August a large, gift- wrapped box with a big silver bow on top.

“Happy Anniversary, babe,” he replied, planting a quick kiss on her soft, thin lips. “I can’t believe our weddin’ was a year ago, you know?” Hefting the large box in his hand, August added, “Wow, this thing feels heavy. You didn’t have to get me somethin’ so big, Sam!”

“Oh just hush up and open it,” she urged him. “Go on.”

August did as instructed and unwrapped the box. Inside, he found something that he didn’t quite expect but loved nonetheless. He thought it was the coolest thing anyone had ever done for him.

“Sam, did you make this?” he asked in awe. “It’s amazin’, love!”

Inside the box was a carved wooden figure that stood as tall as August’s knees. It was a sculpture of the newest model from the Montek.Automaton line, which was the most advanced version yet. Plus, this latest advancement was only possible because of August. Montek still didn’t give out any thanks or say he was responsible. They still only gave him a small Credit bonus for all of his hard work. But August said that he didn’t do it for recognition or Credit anyways. Once the man noticed something that he didn’t like, August just had to find a way to fix it.

“Well, sweets. I’m just so proud of all the work you’ve done and how far along you’ve brought their odd little project, that I wanted you to have one,” Samantha told her smiling husband. “And since I don’t like the big tin cans, I thought this was the next-best thing. It doesn’t do anything. Heck, it doesn’t even have movable joints. It’s just a wooden statue.”

“Oh Sam,” he said, turning the deceptively heavy sculpture over in his hands, “it’s better than the real thing. It’s a work of art, babe! I love it so much. And I love you, too. Thank you.” He kissed her again, and then, rubbing his hands together, said, “Now, it’s your turn!”

August took her hand and led her to the kitchen. Beside the oven was a large container. Samantha looked curiously at the box. She already had every kitchen appliance she needed.

Why would he go and buy her more?

“Well, open it, Sam,” he said, now urging her on. “Don’t just stand there.”

Samantha walked over and tore into the box. Inside she found something revolting. Why would he do this to her? He knew how she felt about these things. It must be some sick joke. And she did not like it.

“Sweets, you know I love you… but this ain’t funny. I never have and never will want one of these infernal Nutricators,” she said sternly. “I cook and eat real food. You know this. Why on Earth would you buy me one?”

August patted the air with his hands to calm her down, and explained, “I know, I know, babe. But listen to me for a second. Workin’ at the factory, and now being in management, we hear some things tricklin’ down from on high at Montek. We were quietly informed that, just like with your diner, all homes would soon be required to have a Nutricator inside. Montek has found a way to force everyone in the world to buy their terrible machines. But… because of this they came out with a new model that is very simple and affordable, to make it easy for everyone to get one. I bought one of those, and fixed it.”

“Fixed it? Like how fixed it, sweets?” she asked, now intrigued.

“I made it so that any time you tried to use the Nutricator, it would shut down and not work for 24 hours. That way, we have one, but we’ll never use it. If someone comes over and wants somethin’ fake to eat, the Nutricator will seem to work and then break down. I’ll tell them that I can fix it and then the next day it’s back. As long as no one comes every day, or very often, and wants Nutricator food, we’ll be in line with the law,” he said with a proud smirk.

“Well, I can’t say it’s my dream present,” she admitted, “but it does seem to solve an awful problem. I can’t believe everyone is going to have to buy one of these dang garbage cookers. Montek has a lot of nerve. Anyways, thank you, sweets. I love you.”

“Oh that’s not all, babe,” he said, excited to show her the next part. “I also upgraded our lanterns! First, I programmed them to be voice- activated. You can call for them from anywhere in the house, and they’ll come to you. Second, they can use whatever kind of light you want, now. I added different filtered colors and intensities. And last, I removed the old chips that linked them to the Tesla generator outside of town to put in ones of my design, instead. These new ones still draw power from the Tesla core, but they pull a heck of a lot more juice. If need be, we could power the whole house off of what these two lanterns can take in.”
 

Eyes wide with surprise, she said, “Now that is something I honestly do like. Thank you, sweets. You did too much for me. I only made a janky, old, wooden robot statue.”

August picked up the wooden automaton again and smiled at it, and told his wife, “Quit talkin’ crazy, Sam. This is the coolest gift I’ve ever gotten. I love it. Now I’m gonna go start cookin’ dinner. I’m thinkin’ Nutricator meat loaf would be mighty fine.”

He turned on the Nutricator, and it began to power up, going through it’s initial cycles, getting ready the processed proteins and fibers. Before it could cook anything, though, it beeped with an error message and shut down.

“Works like a charm, babe,” August said with a grin. “Now, would you care to teach me how to make a REAL meat loaf?”

“Sweets,” she said, already putting on her apron, “nothing would please me more.”

Later that night, they sat in their living room in between the lanterns, which were glowing with a soft luminescence – just enough for Sam to read a book, and for August to sketch some plans while looking at his new wooden figurine.