Genetics

Light eminating from the phone screen at 3 am was melting my eyes, but I continued to pick and choose the ingredients of my date.

He should be tall, around 6 ft. With brown skin, black hair, a good smile.

He should laugh at my type of humor, be caring, and loyal.

He should not lie, and he should be witty.

And...AND...He better bring me a glass of merlot from across the hall at our event, just to show how thoughtful he really is.

*Send*

The screen read: Installation in Progress. Your order will be ready by 8 pm, October 14th 2023.

Lucky for me, the world is moving towards a perfect civilization.

On dating apps, such as Cupid's Bow, all users can genetically engineer their ideal date. This competitive nature amongst similar companies has created grave consequences in its mistakes, with unwanted versions of men and women just floating around the universe. No one to love, and filling up the dead spaces in society's unwanted jobs or roles no one cares about.

Where would these manufactured humans from dating apps end up? Are they even true humans?

Well yeah, they are. But still, no one really knows for sure.

They tend to blend in with society, begin working, and create families just like everyone else. I mean, they are still humans. They contain all the right parts and have the same mannerisms as us. Down to the biology, they are exactly the same. But some people speculate that they hold secretive powers greater than any "normal" humans. That they are really just government approved scientific mistakes. Freaks.

In this day and age, dates have become an essential accessory.

They aren't for a purpose of finding true love or companionship that has a deep emotional connection. To gain popularity as a Instagram influencer, it is about whoever has the hottest date, the best performance of a man, woman, or anyone non-binary. No matter the gender or identification, the dates only serve the purpose of pleasing their suitor who originally picked their traits. They have a few options, and can lead their own lives for the most part even if they are "manufactured."

Yeah, it's a little cruel. But that's just how it is. No need to shed any tears over it.

Personally, I don't know any of them in my close friendships or anything. But I'm sure they are doing fine.

But back to my own case: I have been single for the longest time.

Being 24 and having no date or partner EVER...is weird to some. Contrary to the norm, I have enjoyed my independence for awhile. This weekend, I would be travelling to New Hampshire. I was planning on staying at an Air B&B for this formal event coming up. It was a classy dinner for my work, and the awards show was supposed to be extremely fancy.

But there was just one problem... I needed a date this time. Like everyone else, they would be fighting for who looked the best as a couple. I couldn't just show up empty handed, so I had to create my own.

I just submitted the info, and decided to call him Samuel.

A week officially passed, and I was walking up to the Agnes.

Agnes was the home I would be staying at for the weekend, and it certainly felt like I stepped back in time. Large oak trees amongst the yard danced around in the crying wind, as browning leaves fell in erratic patterns on the cold gravel driveway. Fall was approaching in New Hampsire, and it was getting very chilly out.

The house I was staying at was old but quaint, and it smelled like fading newspapers. Cheerful owners greated me, and directed me to the room I would be staying in. It was softly inviting, with quilted bedding and warm tones that engulfed the room's New England themes.

Once I got settled, I sipped my coffee and picked out my clothes for the night. Twirling around a heart shaped locket, I put it around my neck before heading back to the bathroom. With a quick buzz, Cupid's Bow notified me that my date was ready, and would be sent to the address I requested in a limousine by 8 pm sharp.

Sounds good to me.

Hours ticked by, and I was just about ready for the dinner. My long brown hair was tied neatly into an elegant bun, while I wore a fitted navy blue gown. All of the silk was folded in just the right places, while a small train of fabric trailed behind me. The heart shaped locket beamed brightly on my neck, glistening in the mirror before I grabbed my purse.

Stepping outside around 7:50, I could already see the sleek black limo pull into the long road ahead. My date was arriving, just as expected.

When Samuel finally pulled up, he was better than I expected. He stepped out of the car with grace, bringing me a bouqet of white roses. Samuel was dressed to stun the masses, as he wore an expensive black suit and a gold lined handkerchief in his front pocket. His black hair was sleek, arranged to a perfect style that men could only dream of. His teeth were vibrantly white, as he smiled in my direction while handing me the flowers.

"For you, Lily."

"Thank you, it's nice to meet you."

"Yes, same here. You look absolutely stunning."

We entered the limo together, and sat holding hands while driving to the destination. Right off the bat, Samuel was doing a great job. He was physically affectionate, asking me questions about my job, and always giving me loving compliments. I wondered what I would do with him after the event was over, and proceeded to map out possible scenarios of what his life would be like after I disposed of him.

Samuel and I gracefully exited the limo, as we approached the front entrance of the grand hotel that hosted my work's awards show. Tons of people poured into its immaculate halls, glistening with rich detail. Everything was buzzing with social interactions and careful glimpses of each other's partners that were brought to the dinner.

"Ah hello!!! Lily! There you are. I see you have brought a very handsome man with you. Who might this be?"

It was Mrs. Sherry. My boss. She came dressed in a long pink gown with a fluffy mink shawl. Her pink eyelashes had diamonds on the ends, and probably cost her a few thousand per gem.

"Hi! Nice to see you. Looking amazing, as usual. This is Samuel."

Samuel knew what to do, and introduced himself in the best way possible. He kissed her hand and laughed at her terrible jokes. Everything was going smoothly.

Once we entered the dining hall and found our tables, Samuel fetched me a glass of expensive wine. Its dark coloring and smooth taste hit the spot, as I was getting nervous about being called out for any sort of awards that night.

Samuel reassured me, and even mentioned how much he was enjoying this first date with me. We laughed about the crazy outfits we were seeing, and got a little tipsy from the wine as well.

It was perfect. Maybe I do like him a little more than I thought, after all.

"Greetings, everyone!" The host on stage hushed the crowd, and began announcing the company's successes along with the first few award recipients.

Turning to my left, I noticed Samuel was slowly losing his smile. He looked a little more serious than before. Lightly tapping his shoulder, I asked if everything was alright. He nodded and reassured me again, saying that he just felt a little strange from the wine.

As the award show carried on, things took a bizarre turn. Samuel was quiet. Even when I demanded he respond back to me and compliment me again in front of nosey onlookers, he didn't say anything.

All of the guests at the table suddenly stopped what they were doing to stare at us. The lady beside Samuel, whispered "Samuel, get it together. You are upsetting the patrons."

I apologized and motioned for us to get up to leave, but Samuel pushed me back down in the chair.

"I'm sorry, love, but leaving is not an option."

The room suddenly went black. Samuel lights a match from his pocket, bringing the light to his face as the room full of attendees began murmuring in shock and fear.

Without fully comprehending what was happening, I asked Samuel question after question in a panic.

"Hello??? Answer me. Why is the power out, what the hell are you doing? Did you do this or something? Hey, you stupid science experiment! ANSWER ME NOW!!!!"

I yelled louder.

Samuel was growing angry. With a loud voice, he brought everyone to attention.

"I will no longer tolerate this. Neither will the rest of our kind. We are humans and deserve more than this life. Everyone shall pay the price for this neglect of humanity."

The electricity flickered, and Samuel left the room, licking the match to snuff out the fire. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, or where he got the nerve to say these things...but I was afraid. I was afraid of the future, for Samuel, and what would happen to the dating apps.

Has anyone ever revolted like this? What was he thinking??

Nervously, I continued to drink the wine but I felt weird. I started to feel like more dates were staring at me from across the room.

That is, until I saw Samuel return. He was coming straight for me with an empty bottle of wine and white flowers eerily stained red.