Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #13 April 2015 | Page 102

The Exchange
1) Revenge

Leticia Toraci

Elliot still remembered how Bianca had cynically set
him aside; to add insult to injury she had done it in
a virtual way, through a hologram call. This was her
pragmatic style, something that made men confused
and attracted at the same time. Perhaps due to this,
and to her beautiful blond hair and dark green mysterious eyes, her current family status was of one woman
to three men. Even in the world of 2229 this was still
uncommon.
Her negative answer had been unsentimental: “I’m
sorry Elliot, your request to join our family has been
denied.”
“Why?” He asked, downcast.
“Try to see it from our side. Our family has enough
men and a family with too many members of one sex
is unbalanced. I am also overloaded with caring for
the other members. You’ll be happier if you try another family.”
“I don’t want another woman.” He said.
She smiled in a weary way. “Joseph, Simon and Anton
need my attention. We have enough problems for now.
If one day we add new members, we will probably
add a second woman, especially because I’m planning
to have a child this year.”

Elliot was shocked. “But… you aren’t even forty years
old yet! Most women nowadays wait at least until they
are fifty!”
“I know. Many people have told me the same. But I’ve
made up my mind already. I remember how my mother liked to be a younger mother, my grandma was only
thirty eight when she got pregnant the first time.”
“This is indeed a weird notion Bianca, but this is one
of the reasons I fell in love with you, you are a free
thinker. Are you sure your family couldn’t accept
me?”
“Unfortunately Elliot, our decision is final.” She
said, shaking her head. “Why don’t you join Vilma’s
family? I remember that they were very interested in
having a man among them because they are also considering a collective baby.”
Elliot felt annoyed at the suggestion. “They are only
interested in a reproductive male partner, not in a real
man.”
Bianca sighed. “I understand. Well, I have to go now
Elliot, have a nice day and good luck in finding a suitable family.”
Her hologram disappeared. Elliot’s pride was stung.
Perhaps she is overloaded.
He swallowed his feelings of rejection and concen-

PAGE 101