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  “I knew you would rescue me,” said Samantha. She slithered up the wall to the window ledge with Randall following close behind.

  Randall could hear the guards trying to break down the doors and Dr. Arno screaming for Charlie.

  “Where is Charlie? He has the key to the basement. Get in there now and stop the chaos! I don’t want the authorities involved,” yelled Dr. Arno.

  He looked back before leaping to safety. The green water emptied from the trough to reveal a legless five-foot dead insect, its abdomen ripped open. The other creatures crouched in the dark corners of the basement. Satisfied that the creature was dead, he grabbed Samantha to save her.

  He jumped on top of a plastic boulder before hitting the dry ground, the small tornadoes whirling about them. Samantha attached herself to his body. He leapt over the iron gate, skimming the pointy iron spikes. He heard Dr. Arno’s booming voice.

  “Find them and bring them back dead or alive!” snapped Dr. Arno.

  Jaz

  Jaz stared into the mirror and admired her appearance. Damn, I’ve never looked so good in my life. My green pill and that bowl of cottage cheese everyday are paying off. No one will call me fat ever again, thought Jaz as she prepared for the luncheon with Mark and Steven to discuss the new campaign. Having dropped another thirty pounds, Jaz slipped easily into the size double-zero leather pants and sheer top that showed her rippling abs. The tight regimen of 1,000 calories a day plus three hours daily with Matt and weekly jaunts of eighty miles of extreme running left Jaz exhausted yet exhilarated. In addition, she pampered herself with Botox injections and hair extensions, all to maintain that star quality her fans craved.

  It started the day she met Monique, her competitor for the Galaxy Tours part. Jaz triumphed over that day when she beat Monique in the grueling physical match, climbing boulders, crawling through thick brush, and racing through the desert in over 130-degree temperatures. She beat her by thirty seconds flat, getting applause from Todd, the director, and her new co-star, Captain Forester. It was one of Jaz’s proudest moments.

  “I was an athlete in high school and I thought you’d never make it. Maybe they should test you for doping,” said Monique after losing the part.

  “Go ahead and test me; I’ve been working every day for ten hours. Plus, I wanted this part more than you,” said Jaz.

  Todd agreed with Jaz and dismissed Monique, mostly for being a sore loser.

  But she trained like a warrior with Matt pushing her to the limit and Enrico following behind her in the van on her ten-mile runs in case she passed out. Ever since Matt moved in with her, he had set up a strict regimen, quitting his job to become her trainer. Her only reward from Matt was sparkling water and a dish of cottage cheese. He also worked in the gym, having her lift weights and doing sit-ups and timing her as she raced up the thirty-foot climbing wall.

  Daddy would be proud of me now, his little girl, the face of space travel, she thought, applying a heavy dose of eyeliner and blush to her rosy complexion. The doorbell rang and she hurried to her private van, waiting to take her to the posh restaurant near the Space Ventures’ offices.

  Jaz adjusted her sun glasses and winked at Enrico, who always had a cooler of water and a chocolate chip cookie that she indulged in once a week. Enrico calmly drove her to her meetings, events, and appearances, always protecting her from the screaming crowds and escorting her like a body guard. As they pulled up to the curb of Highrise Hotel, Jaz extended her taut leg to exit the limo. Screams erupted and men whistled as she emerged with Enrico close by her side. He urged the crowd to give her some room as she made her way to a private table inside the hotel’s restaurant. Jaz barely noticed the panting men and jealous women as she tiptoed past, her elegant figure making a sensation as people snapped photos and rushed to get her autograph. Enrico brushed them off, guiding his client to her table, and she pushed a few bills into his hand in appreciation.

  Steven and Mark both greeted her with kisses as she slid into the dark, tight booth. Jaz also recognized a familiar face, but couldn’t place her. Next to Mark sat a polished, sophisticated woman also in black leather and jeans, who smiled warmly. The four looked like a special, elite group, perfectly groomed and well-established in their professions. A centerpiece of white candles and ferns adorned the table, along with two yellow roses placed in front of each lady.

  “Jaz, let me introduce you to MJ Moore, renowned author of Love 2040, who is joining us today,” said Steven, excited to be surrounded by two beautiful women. “She will be coming with us on the Space Ventures tour.”

  “Business has boomed since we started our campaign with you. Your face and presence have made such a significant impact on our business. Everyone knows who you are, and because of that, we want to talk to you about our latest endeavor— a trip to Eden. Our investors want us to beat out the competition to get to Eden. We are losing time; Earth is drying up fast, especially the western states, and people are looking to go to this new planet that looks like Hawaii.

  Steven says you have had other opportunities and a part in the upcoming Galaxy Tours movie, and that you’ve been on location. You’ve made our brand succeed, but we need you to commit now for this Eden excursion. It’s our only hope for the future and our team would be the first to explore. Do you think you’re ready?” Mark asked.

  Maggie watched and marveled at Mark’s convictions and the young model’s poise and beauty. She finally figured out that this sleekly dressed woman was the frizzy-haired girl at the Optimal meeting. What are the chances of us meeting up? Also, the— the incredible changes brought about by the green pills. Who would have thought they could make our dreams come true? Also, the black wristband was a giveaway. Her transformation was breath-taking, a complete 180-degree change from ugly duckling to princess. Yet I sense a feeling of insecurity and doubt underneath that chic façade, she thought.

  They all stared at Jaz, waiting for an answer. Her stomach churned and her lower lip quivered as she thought about traveling to Eden, the planet of the future. The new atmosphere, climate, gravity, the place where all mankind might end up both intrigued and terrified her. She remembered the desert situation and her reaction, and how she would have to exercise more and work harder to maintain being “Jaz.” She struggled with fame, wanting it desperately, yet having to give up so much: friends, a love life and a normal life. Yet she could not refuse; an inner voice told her that time was limited.

  “Yes, I’ll do it! What an opportunity. When are we leaving?” Jaz said.

  “Tomorrow. We have been working diligently on the van’s capabilities and tweaked the mechanisms. Plus, our competitor, Space Dreams, has been bragging about its new technology. Are you up for it?” asked Mark.

  “The paperwork has been reviewed and all you need to do is sign the new contact. I’ve gone over all the details carefully, so don’t worry. And I have alerted Todd and he says he’ll wait until you get back! Besides, let’s toast to our new deal,” said Steven as he nudged Jaz and lifted his glass.

  Jaz signed and excused herself, heading for the ladies’ room. MJ followed close behind. Their combined beauty and fame triggered a rumble throughout the dining room and many stopped them for autographs. They obliged the fans’ requests and hurried to the lavish restroom.

  Bursting into tears, Jaz collapsed onto the red velvet couch and clutched her stomach, rocking back and forth.

  “I can’t do it; I know what will happen and it won’t be good. Everything I’ve worked for will disappear,” she cried.

  Maggie ran to Jaz, putting her arm around her.

  “I know who you are, Jaz; tell me what’s happening to you. We were there together at Optimal and I know how it feels— the doubts, pressure, and pain. I also struggled in the beginning, but now that I’m MJ my career is starting to take off. You are so successful, everything will be fine,” Maggie said.

  “You don’t understand: my pills are running out and I could change back into my ugly self. It happened in the deser
t, it’s the climate changes. They’ll discover that I’m a fake. Then I’ll lose everything,” Jaz said.

  “Wait, I’ll help you. I can give you some of my pills. Be strong and believe in yourself. I know you have that star quality. Here, dry your eyes,” said Maggie, handing her a tissue. She wiped the excess mascara from Jaz’s cheek.

  The lounge door opened and the newfound friends stepped outside arm-in-arm, making their way back to the table and receiving flattering glances from those around them.

  “I’m so impressed with your courage and charisma on taking us to the moon! How do you go to the moon and still look so good? Any special beauty tricks?” inquired an elderly woman who stopped Jaz.

  “You make it look so easy. Your skin looks flawless and you’re so thin. Do you work out a lot?” asked another woman.

  “Yeah, let us in your secret to looking so natural. Can I have your autograph?” said a young mother, holding her chubby baby up to view Jaz.

  Jaz laughed and blushed at these unbelievable comments. She pinched the baby’s soft check and signed the woman’s napkin. She smiled her most dazzling smile at the two women and thanked them for their generous comments.

  M.J stood close to Jaz for moral support. Her pep talk paid off. Jaz’s confidence level rose back to 100 percent. Now she looked forward to their trip to Eden. Luckily her purse contained the last pack of green pills, enough to cover for the next two weeks.

  They finally settled in their chairs and smiled at their handsome companions.

  “Is everything alright? I was starting to worry that we upset you. You’re the star of this new campaign and we want you to be happy,” said Mark.

  Steven nodded in agreement.

  “Everything’s fine. Just having a little girl talk,” said Jaz, who winked at MJ, their secret intact. She breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that MJ would protect her.

  Enrico approached their table and pretended to deliver them drinks.

  “Be careful of that man in black at the bar. He says MJ’s been ignoring him and he seems angry. Better leave before he creates a scene. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  All four got up and left immediately.

  Lena

  Her hand touched the sheets where Tim had laid, and she found a piece of paper: Thank you for the wonderful evening, but left for an important meeting. See you later— Tim.

  Lena blinked and bolted out of bed. Client meeting at 9 sharp and it was already 8:30 a.m. How did I oversleep? Why didn’t Tim wake me up? And it’s a meeting with Mrs. Thorsten and her lawyer! And I have to check my account—might be overdrawn. Lena fumed as she rushed through her shower, shampoo, and mouthwash routine. Pulling on her skirt, jacket, and blouse; she hurried out the door, forgetting the little green pill. No time to focus, Lena screeched out of the parking lot, hitting a curb, scraping her fender on the bush and narrowly missing an oncoming car as she entered the freeway. Pulling into the Meridian entrance, she sweated as she circled the parking lot three times, only to let the valet park it. As she entered the glass doors, the robot announced, “YOU’RE 20 MINUTES LATE, GO TO CONFERENCE ROOM 3.”

  “Well, you finally arrived; must have been an emergency. Short meeting— we’re just winding it up. Don’t worry, JD covered for you and is helping Mrs. Thorsten with the details of her account in her office. Check with her to see if she needs anything. It’s not like you to be late, started to worry about you,” said Whitaker with a concerned look on his face.

  “Sorry Mr. Whitaker, got caught in a traffic jam, terrible accident on the skyway. Won’t happen again,” Lena stammered and headed for JD’s office.

  “We’re just finishing up, aren’t we, Mrs. Thorsten? I think we have everything under control and don’t need anything from you right now, Lena. Right, Mrs. Thorsten? Catch you later. Rough morning?” JD smirked.

  “Thank you, dear, hope your day goes better. JD can handle this for me today,” said Mrs. Thorsten, taking the paperwork from JD and passing it to her lawyer.

  “Uh, so sorry for my delay. Please contact me if you have any further questions,” said Lena, turning a bright shade of orange and handing Mrs. Thorsten a business card. She straightened her shoulders and entered her office, turning on the computer and tackling the stack of messages. Never let them see you sweat. Move on and make it a better day, Lena thought.

  JD poked her head in Lena’s office.

  “Nice try, Lena, but the Thorsten account is mine now. She has more confidence in me just from this meeting; we’re having lunch next week to review any outstanding issues. You blew it, Lena, better watch your back,” she said, loud enough for the whole office to hear.

  Lena dismissed her, not even looking in her direction. Just a little pest that needs to be crushed, she thought, determined to win even bigger accounts. She smiled as she read an email from Tim.

  Last night was perfectly hot! Hope we can do it again soon. T

  She closed her eyes, remembering the cool sheets caressing their warm bodies. Such a perfect one night stand; it seemed so surreal. Pinching herself and drinking numerous cups of coffee, she strained to stay awake and focus on her accounts. The day seemed to drag on as she made calls, answered e-mails, and made decisions for clients. No one disturbed her and she worked steadily for hours, even skipping lunch, the guilt pushing Lena to work later than usual. Finally, she looked at the clock and phone—9 p.m. and a sudden text from the bank. Pay now to avoid overdraft charges on both credit cards.

  Geez, good thing I get paid tomorrow. Better quit spending extra money, Lena thought, noticing her bank account had reached a dangerous low.

  Then an e-mail--urgent message from John Whittaker.

  Let’s talk tomorrow morning when you get in, didn’t want to disturb you today. Found some discrepancies in your recent accounts. Don’t stress, probably a computer error. Thanks, John

  Lena’s mind wanted to research account details, but her stomach growled loudly as she clicked off the computer and locked her office. No need to worry, money will be coming in my account tomorrow and I will meet with John tomorrow and he’ll clear up everything, Lena reasoned.

  She stumbled out to the parking lot, oblivious to a single car parked several spaces away. The car followed her every move, but she was unaware of its presence. Lena needed a hot meal, a glass of Merlot, and a good night’s sleep; nothing would get in the way of her mission. Just as she pulled into her apartment space, a car door opened. Lena blinked as a person jabbed a folder into her hands and flashed a bright light into her eyes. She strained to see who was threatening her and reached for the knife from the old days that she kept underneath her seat.

  “Take a look at these photos and explain yourself. Then maybe we can cut a deal,” said a familiar voice.

  Lena opened the pouch and stared at the photos of herself in the parking lot, at the restaurant with Tim, and finally of the bruised old man. His photos of a nervous, out-of- control Lena were captured and documented, down to the new scratch on her car fender. She shivered and realized someone was blackmailing her. As she straightened herself and got out of the car, her blood pressure rose and she pressed the knife to the man’s throat.

  “Who put you up to this?” said Lena as she recognized the security guard she thought was her friend.

  Maggie

  Lacy secured her a spot on Wake Up America (WUA) after her blog reached one million viewers and Maggie had to pinch herself to realize it was truly happening. The limo picked her up at 3 a.m., having only slept a few hours. She spent the night thinking about her instant fame and fans, trembling at the thought of being on live TV and streaming on all the sites. Here was the chance she had dreamed of for so long.

  Maggie headed for the dressing room in her short red Diane Karan dress with matching three-inch heels. Maggie swallowed a green pill and stared in disbelief at her new lush brown locks, full lips, and thick fake eye lashes; MJ Moore changed her life forever. She savored the moment as she wiped away a tiny tear. Breathe and enjoy your fame,
it maybe be gone tomorrow, she thought.

  “Ms. Moore, are you okay? Do you need a cappuccino? Your interview with Tom Tucker is in 30 seconds,” said Molly, a WUA intern.

  MJ was ready, having memorized her notes and talking points provided by Lacy. But Maggie’s doubts surfaced with the book signing flub and that termination with Vera always crossing her mind. She needed to let it go and realize that she deserved this fame. She took a deep breath and stepped before the cameras.

  Maggie looked up to see the Tom Tucker, beloved and popular morning show host. His eyes twinkled at her surprised gasp as he shook her trembling hand firmly.

  “It’s such pleasure finally meeting the author of Love 2040. How’s does it feel to come from total obscurity to number one on the New World bestseller list?” he said. A monitor showed the cover of her book.

  “Well, I have to thank George Meyers and his staff at Entertainment International for believing in me and giving me this chance to publish my book,” said MJ.

  “Your characters are so real and endearing, especially with this new Sim World experience. I went on your blog last night and walked into this real-time movie. Amazing and so surreal. Quite a phenomenon. How did you come up with the concept?”

  “I worked on this story for many years. But I’m also technical, having worked for a news site. And then of course there’s a little magic involved, plus you have to believe in their love story.”

  MJ winked at Tom.

  “Well, I was certainly hooked. And I like its magic. That intrigues me, so I’ve asked some audience members to view and meet you!”

  It’s easier than I thought with Tom by my side. It’s great to learn from the pros, thought Maggie, as she felt like she was talking to a friend.