The female-faced AI didn't reply for a moment. Ten seconds later, she sighed, which still felt strange to James. It then said:
"Well, you can stay here and keep wondering, or you can wear your big boy pants and go see her. James, Sophia is being attacked by a criminal with computers. Don't leave her in this situation. She needs you, both physically and emotionally", the AI said, emphasizing every word.
James felt complicated. No matter how he wanted to put it, the AI was right. Sophia needed someone she could trust at this time, and who would be that person if not him?
If he wanted to be honest with himself, he missed her. She was a lovable character. She was the first person that invited him to sit in the cafeteria, laughed with her, and consoled him.
Oh my god, what was he thinking? Sophia has done so much for him, and he was here, trying to save his face? How stupid was he?
With a flash, he jumped out of his bed and sat on his study table. "AI, please tell her that I would be there on Friday", he said desperately. The AI smiled understandably and began typing a message on Sophia's DM.
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Sophia was already preparing to go shopping with her mom when a new message came into her PC. Frowning, she opened it, and in the next moment, her frown disappeared instantly, replaced by shock and excitement.
She took her phone and immediately Facetimed Jessica and Katie. "Jessy, Katie, guess who just sent me a message", Sophia said excitedly. "Oh my god, he replied!" Jessica, who already knew who Sophia was talking about replied in the same manner.
Sophia pointed her selfie camera to her computer screen where the message was. "He said on Friday, that's a day before New Year's Eve", Sophia said.
"That's great news. Where did he want you to meet?" Jessica asked. Sophia looked at the composed message but didn't see any location stated. "I don't know. He didn't say anything", Sophia frowned.
"Then be the one to fix the place, since he already picked the date", Katie suggested. "Okay, okay", Sophia nodded and closed the call, before facing her computer and beginning typing.
"Hello Simon,
I've read your message, and I'm glad you chose the 29th because my schedule will be open by then, but I couldn't help but notice the venue wasn't added, so I'll add it myself.
"I don't know if you live around, but I hope you did. 08, George Street, off Einstein's Road. It's a restaurant. I chose this place to ensure our safety, just in case of any unexpected and unpleasant situations".
Sophia clicked send and sighed. She couldn't believe she was doing this. A twelve-year-old dealing with a potentially dangerous hacker. Of course, she wasn't going by herself. Jessica and Katie will accompany each other just to ensure she is safe.
Then, she heard a knock on the door, and her mom popped her face. "U ready?" She asked. "Yes mom, I am", Sophia closed her laptop and left the room with her.
----------
They headed to the clothing section of the room to try out new clothes. This was one of Sophia's favourite hobbies; changing clothes, or watching her mom dress up in different outfits. It just felt fun.
Forty minutes, and nine outfit trials later, Sophia bagged four jeans, six tops and eleven custom-made dresses. Despite her protests, Sophia's mom desired that she had something fancy, or as Sophia would call it, something expensive.
$850 on one dress?
While they were at the checkout section, Sophia's mom turned toward her. "Sophia, Daniel's mom called, and she's inviting us to a dinner party on Friday, so I thought I should give you a heads up".
Sophia's face soured when she heard that. Why would this thing come up at this time? She had an appointment that same day. "Mom, I…I don't think I would come. I have something I need to do on that day", Sophia said, shaking her head.
"That thing couldn't wait till the next day?" Her mother asked. "I'm sorry, it can't, I'm sorry, but say hello to them for me will ya?" Sophia playfully nudged her shoulder.
But her mom's expression was still mournful. "Sophia, I'm not doing it because of the dinner, or the party", her mother said softly.
"What do you… I don't understand", Sophia was confused. It was already their turn on the line, Sophia handed the dress to the attendant for scanning.
"His mom called, and she said she was very worried about Daniel", her mom replied.
"What's wrong with Daniel?"
"For starters, she had to convince him you were coming to the party to get him out of the bed, and he refused to touch his breakfast".
Sophia was in a mild shock, unable to keep her jaw close. Hold on a sec, was it because of what happened yesterday? She specifically didn't invite him, yet he came. She didn't want to see him that day, but he still wanted to see her.
And now it was her fault he was depressed? "Mom, is this dinner party a means to pitch me and Daniel together?" Sophia, who had thought of all the possibilities of the last-minute invite asked.
"No no, of course not. She just felt she was returning the favour for inviting her to ours yesterday", her mom said. "Honey, please come, at least talk to him. He's not in his up state right now", she added.
"Thanks for shopping with us", the female attendant interjected with a huge grin. Sophia collected the bags from her and walked out of the mall, deep in thought.
"Mom, I...I can't be there", Sophia couldn't shake off the frown etched on her face. Why would he spoil her plan at this moment?
Her mother wore a disappointed look on her face. However, before she could say any more words, her phone began ringing. "Hello?" She began. Meanwhile, Sophia walked to the jeep and sat on the passenger seat sulking.
"What?! Alright, I'll be there immediately", her mom wore a very anxious look on her face. This was something Sophia couldn't ignore. "Mom, what happened?"
"It's Katie's mom. She had just admitted Katie to the hospital", her mom started the engine and drove off the mall's premises. "Wait, what happened to Katie?" Sophia asked with desperation.
"The doctor said she has a hole in her heart, she's currently in a coma", Sophia's mom reported, painfully studying Sophia's shocked expression.