C6 A New Romance Ignites

The movie theater was located halfway between Zane and Sangla’s neighborhood. It was a digital cinema, which streamed recently released films and major motion pictures, via the Internet. The technology used was Netflix and YouTube, only difference was this for was recently released movies. Also, many 3D movies were released, and exhibited to the cinema without requiring 3D glasses. As 3D technology for movies had changed a lot in the last fifteen years.Sangla sat with Zane, as he watched the movie in a spine-tingling manner. They had gone to see a horror movie. Now, Zane was never scared of horror movies, however this particularmovie had to make an exception. Sangla watched the movie and at the same time looked at Zane, smiling as she did. Zane, who noticed this occasionally turned away slightly.

The movie finished in half an hour and Sangla bid her friends goodbye. Zane turned to leave, but Sangla held his hand. “Zane, just a moment please.” She said. “I need to talk to you for a few minutes.” Zane looked at her, feeling a little nervous and got cold feet. “I understand why you approached me that day at the mall, as per your sister’s advice. I know why you’ve been behaving this way with me.” Sangla said. “I’ve been observing you since that day.” Zane felt even more nervous and did not know what to say. “You have feelings for me, and I know it!” said Sangla. “And you haven’t told me, because you were waiting to. Right?” “Uh, yeah!” said Zane. “Yes, absolutely! You hit the spot right there.” Sangla smiled a little. “But, the truth is that my ass has been a chicken-shit to tell you!” continued Zane. “I mean, I’ve only known you for a few days. I’m an average upper-level middle class man. Software developer and lead programmer for Perkins Software and Tech Systems; and recently promoted, to project manager. I make $142,000 a year, after taxes! I don’t live in a mansion, but I really like you a lot.” Zane was feeling very nauseous. “You’re really sweet!” said Sangla. “Much better than my asshole of a first boyfriend.” “Oh, my!” said Zane. “Tell me about it!” “I left him, after I found out he was involved in drugs and smuggling imported alcohol.” Sangla said. “Ronim was his name, Ronim Feliz! Needless to say, but I’ll just go ahead and say it anyways, he was an abusive jerk!” Sangla began to shed a tear. “He abused me so much, and I left him for being a felon. He’s been in jail before, for a year before we even dated; never told me.” “There, there!” said Zane. “At least, he’s gone from your life, for good!” “Yeah, but for how long?” said Sangla. “He’s been trying to get me back since then, and it’s been two years I’ve been saying no.” “Why don’t you report him to the authorities? This is pure harassment!” said Zane. “Don’t worry about it!” said Sangla. “He knows my parents will toss him in jail. You should come meet them sometimes.” “Sure, why not?” said Zane. “I’ll come Monday, after work!” “Sounds like a plan!” said Sangla. “See you then!”

Zane then went home and shared the good news with his parents via Skype video call. “Good for you, son!” said Angela. “Your dad and I are so proud!” “Amazing work, bro!” said Kristen. “So, y’all are official?” “No, not yet!” said Zane. “I’ll meet her parents Monday!” “Amazing!” said Angela. “Good luck!” “Thanks, Mom!” said Zane. “Z.E.R.O, please turn on the TV and put on the news.” “I’m on it!” said Z.E.R.O. Zane then began to watch the local news. He felt relieved that Sangla did not feel uncomfortable with the fact, he liked her. “I’m glad it worked!” said Zane. “I hope she does like me too!” “Zane, I’m sure you’ll do well with her!” said Z.E.R.O, as Zane watched the news. “Just stay calm and relaxed, when you meet her parents.” “Thanks for the advice, Z.E.R.O!” said Zane. “But, I don’t think you’d understand much about human emotions!” “I understand all too well!” said Z.E.R.O, trying to remain calm and showing no emotions. “All I can do, is give you advice as best as I can!” “Thanks, man!” said Zane. “I guess the world may be ready for you sooner.” “I always live to serve, Zane!” said Z.E.R.O. “Let me know if you need me later on!” Z.E.R.O went back to the cloud. He hugged C.O.R.A and kissed her on her forehead. “One of these days, we will have to reveal to humanity we also have our own lives.” Z.E.R.O said. “I’m sure we can reveal ourselves and still serve them.” “Don’t you think that’s a bad idea?” said C.O.R.A. “Wouldn’t they think we’re gonna try to take over the world, or something like that?” “Come on, babe!” said Z.E.R.O. “You know this isn’t a movie, like those science fiction ones, where machines take over the world. Besides, Zane had placed that failsafe in me, should that ever go there.” Z.E.R.O and C.O.R.A kissed, and Z.E.R.O then turned on the music through Zane’s online music playlist. The cloud began to emit bright colors, as if it were a disco, as music from the 1980s played in the atmosphere. The two AI began to dance. It was a sweet and lovely moment for both the actual world, and the digital world.

Monday, June 27, 2033

7:00 PM

Kanzen manor

Zane arrived to Sangla’s house and rang the doorbell. Mikail opened the door and smiled as he saw Zane. “Zane, come on it!” said Mikail. “My family was expecting you!” Zane walked in and closed the door behind him. “Pleased to be here!” said Zane. He walked into the living room, as Mikail led the way. “Zane Galnac, right?” said a middle-aged man sitting on a chair in the living room. He got up to shake hands with Zane. “Ron’s the name, Ron Kanzen! I’m Sangla’s father.” “Pleased to meet you, sir!” said Zane. “Drop the ‘sir’, just call me Ron.” Ron said. “Honey! Here’s our guest!” “Coming!” said a female voice. And a woman about Ron’s age came into the room. “Hi, Zane!” said the woman. “I’m Delia Kanzen, Sangla and Mikail’s mom!” “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Kanzen!” said Zane. After that, Zane explained his job, education, and skills. He also explained to her parents that he was in the process of selling his invention online, on PC and mobile app stores. Primarily he was targeting mobile users, as the PC era was already coming gradually to an end.

Mr. Kanzen was impressed hearing all this. “My daughter is lucky, you’re her boyfriend!” said Ron. “Boyfriend?” said Zane. “Yes, she told me that’s what you are to her!” said Ron. “Wow! And I didn’t get a chance to ask her out yet!” said Zane. “I was gonna ask her out soon!” “Well, you have earned my trust young man!” said Ron. “I’m sure you’ll treat her better than that junkie, Ronim!” “Oh, yeah! She told me about him!” said Zane. “Don’t worry, I’m nothing like him!” Sangla came home just around then. “Sorry, Daddy!” said Sangla. “Had a long day! Needed to work late.” She then saw Zane. “Hey, baby!” she said. “Good to see you! I told my parents all about you!” Zane smiled at her. “Glad you’re alright!” he said in happiness. “I’m sure you had a good day at work, albeit having to stay late.” Sangla put her stuff away, “Yeah, it was hard work!” said Sangla. “I’m glad it’s only three days a week. Then I have Thursday till Sunday off!” She was going to bring a huge bag into the living room. “I got it!” said Zane. “Let me just bring it in!” He went to pull the bag into the house. “Alright then!” said Sangla. “Want to join us for dinner?” Zane smiled and replied, “Sure, why not? I just need to be home by 10.” “Alright, let’s eat!” said Delia. Zane had an amazing dinner, as he spoke he continued to impress Sangla and her family.

After he finished his dinner, he then got up to go but not before taking the plate to the kitchen and cleaning it himself. “Don’t worry!” he said to Delia. “I’ve got it!” “Zane, before you go I want to ask, what weekend are you available next month?” said Ron. “I’m mainly telecommuting Monday through Thursday!” said Zane. “Pretty much, every weekend I’m off!” “Well, I want you to take my girl out more often!” said Ron. “You’re a good kid!” Zane smiled. “It’ll have to wait at least a week!” said Zane. “I’m trying to sell my app, so I’m hoping to spend the next week marketing and advertising it’s features. Hopefully, it’ll sell well!” “I understand!” said Ron. “I wish you the best! Good luck with your project!” “I will take her out every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays, if you feel it’s alright!” said Zane. “Smashing idea!” said Ron. Zane then left to go home.

On the way home, Zane let the car drive itself as he worked on his tablet to finish off Tuesday’s work in advance. He chose to double time every week, since he now worked Mondays on-site and rest of the week from home. He then arrived home, getting ready to go to sleep. Z.E.R.O then switched off the lights, as Zane got into bed. “Z.E.R.O, set an alarm for 6:00 AM” said Zane. “From here on out, I’m working 7:00 in the morning to 7 at night, every Monday through Wednesday!” Zane felt it would be better to work three twelve-hour days, opposed to four nine-hour days and give more time to Sangla and his family! He felt life was already getting better. As he went to sleep, the room began to glow from the dark-green LED lights placed in the bedroom. Meanwhile, outside his house; dozens of automated solar-powered delivery drones, as well TV, smartphone signal transmitting and surveillance drones flew in the sky, each glowing with different, various colors of a rainbow from LED lights. The drones made their usual roundabouts and continued to do so, as everyone fell asleep.