Naomi's point of view
Monday morning arrived with the insistent beeping of my alarm clock, jarring me awake. I blinked groggily, realizing I hadn't even made it to bed last night. Instead, I had fallen asleep slumped over my study table, the faint glow of my macbook in sleep mode casting a soft light across the scattered papers. My neck ached, and my thoughts were hazy, a jumbled mess of half-dreams and the lingering questions from the research I was doing.
I spent all weekend digging through articles about these Androids, and not one mentioned them causing any reactions in humans. But the more I read about Gaston, the more disturbed I became. This man is bad news. The fact that he managed to bribe doctors into using their patients as lab rats without consent? It's beyond sickening. Innocent people suffered horrifically, dying painful deaths, and all because of his twisted experiments. Five years in prison? Nowhere near enough for what he did. But of course, when you're rich and powerful, you can buy your way out of real justice.
What infuriates me the most is that he's undeniably brilliant. His ideas could reshape the world in incredible ways, but why does he have to use such… unethical methods to test his inventions? What kind of person does that? And how did he manage to get away with it for so long? The questions buzzed in my head like an endless loop, but sitting here stewing wasn't going to get me any closer to answers.I needed to get ready for school.
I rushed to get ready for school, my mind racing with everything I'd uncovered about Gaston Russo. I needed to talk to Benji. He had to know what I'd found. But today wasn't going to be an ordinary day for me—I was determined to show up in a way no one at school had ever seen before. I was going to stand out, to shine like a star.
By the time I hurried downstairs, my mom was at the counter, placing toasted bread on a plate. "Honey, you're not wearing your glasses," she pointed out, glancing at me with a hint of surprise. That's when it hit me—my eyesight had somehow improved. Perfectly, in fact.
"I... don't need them anymore," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I grabbed my toast, the weight of that realization sinking in. I seriously didn't need glasses for my myopia. It all seemed unreal, like I feel like I have grown accustomed to wearing glasses that the fact that I can live without them stuns me to the core.
"Contact lenses?" my dad muffled while trying to push a big piece of toasted bread into his mouth. "Something like that", I answered and took a sip of the chocolate drink my mother made. "Plus your outfit today is not the outfit our Naomi normally wears", my mom added.
Today, I decided to let my curly hair down, securing one side with a hairpin while letting the other side cascade freely over my face. I wore high-waisted jeans paired with a pink knotted top and matching pink Jordan sneakers. I wanted to present a look that was new and unexpected; I was tired of the stupid comments people made about my appearance. Today, I would show everyone that I could switch it up, too.
"I just wanted to change my look for today, but I'll go back to my usual style tomorrow—the clothes I feel most comfortable in," I explained. Deep down, this change was partly motivated by Ricardo. His attempt to insinuate that I was ugly stung, and I felt the need to prove that I could be beautiful too. I couldn't shake off his words, which played in my mind all weekend like a relentless song: "Can we talk to pretty girls now?" I had heard similar remarks countless times from Brianna and others at school, so I'd learned to accept them. But his words shattered me like fragile eggshells.
"I hope it's not because of Brianna. Your mother and I always tell you that you are beautiful. You should trust us over your schoolmates, don't you think?" my father advised.
I smiled at his words, wishing it were that easy. I tried not to let the comments get to me, but my mind often insisted otherwise. Hearing those things repeatedly made it hard to ignore. "Your father is right," my mother chimed in. "I'm glad to see you changing your style, but I hope it's because you want to, not because someone's words got to you. You are beautiful, my lovely brown-skinned flower."
"Thank you, Mom and Dad," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. My mom came over and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. I loved my parents so much. They, along with Benji, were my biggest supporters, and I couldn't imagine my life without them.
After a few minutes, my phone started ringing. I pulled it out of my bag and answered.
"Benji, are you here?"
"Yes, I am," he replied.
"Cool, I'll be there soon."
I quickly gulped down the last of my chocolate drink, grabbed my bag, and waved goodbye to my parents before heading out to Benji's car. As I opened the door, a wave of his cologne enveloped me. "Benji, you smell like you're going on a date," I teased.
"I forgot to tell you! On Friday, Angela and I were paired for an English project, and I've had a crush on her for weeks now. I wanted to smell good for her," he explained, a hint of nervous excitement in his voice.
"Well, you definitely achieved that. You smell really good," I complimented him. He deserves all the love he can get. Benji is an amazing guy, and I'm sure Angela will see that too. One of us has to find a shot at love, right?
"You look different today...oh yeah your glasses. I forgot that you could see clearly without them, so I guess you don't want to wear them but what made you change your entire style today?"
"Since I am not wearing my glasses like I usually do, I decided to change my entire outfit", I answered. He looked at me and the road ahead alternatively. I know he could read me. This boy knows me too well. He knows how I behave when my insecurity issues set in and I could tell that he knew I was lying. I was battling my inner demons, the once constantly telling me I am ugly and the constant self degradation I subjected myself to.
No, it wasn't just Brianna; it was the words of a boy I barely knew, a suspected android, that affected me so deeply. No matter how hard I tried to convince myself that I shouldn't take such remarks to heart, I found myself doubting my own words. Those comments haunted me, reopening old wounds. It's like picking at a scab—you bleed again.
"Not just Brianna, but others too," I replied, my voice wavering.
"Naomi, we talked about this. Don't let those girls' words get to you," he urged. "All they know is partying and wasting their time on irrelevant things. You have a brilliant mind capable of creating the next software or an award-winning invention. You're not just beautiful; you have brains, too—an asset far more valuable than beauty alone."
I looked down at my palm, considering his words. I knew he was right, but I always seemed to end up back at square one.
"I spent my weekend researching Android robots," I told him.
"And?"
"Well, I took extensive notes about them and their creator on my notes app, which you could read later to get the essence of what I am saying. But so far, he's bad news. He's responsible for… fifteen?" I tried to recall the exact number.
"Yes, fifteen deaths in Italy," I continued. "He bribed doctors and tested his inventions on patients without consent. If you read the accounts of what those patients went through before their deaths, you'd feel their pain. He was imprisoned for five years."
"Five years only? That's way too lenient," he responded, shaking his head.
"See? smart minds think alike, right?" I winked at him, cackling like a wicked witch. He chuckled, his lips spreading into a wide smile.
"And what does this have to do with Ricardo and your reactions?"he brought up.
"First of all, Gaston Russo's criminal history only reinforces my belief that these machine humans are a disaster waiting to happen. I just hope we have a bunker to hide in when the apocalypse comes."
He laughed, "Girl, you're overthinking it. Besides, if they were doing something illegal, the government wouldn't have approved his Android Humans. They might just be here to make life easier. Who knows? Maybe he's found legal ways to test his stuff now."
I spat, "You trust the government? Trust me, governments everywhere are the same. Some are just more selfish, greedy, and wicked than others, but they're all messengers from hell. Here to do the devil's bidding"
No surprise there. I knew he would dismiss my concerns, but deep down, I felt I was right. I just hoped no one I cared about would suffer, get hurt or die before I was proven right.
"I discovered that he created two powerful Androids, but they haven't been released for sale like the other robot humans. Apparently he's keeping them for "further testing". Who knows what Russo is really up to. I guess it's no good?" I explained, trying to provide more reasons for Benji to see things from my point of view. However, the look on his face suggested he thought I was delusional. I turned my head and gazed out the window as the school buildings began to emerge from behind the tall trees.
~
The first quarter of the day went well as I moved from class to class. I hadn't attracted any negative comments so far, which meant my outfit change might be working, though I wasn't going to get my hopes up just yet. Luckily, I hadn't run into Brianna today—thankfully!
During snack break, the intercom crackled to life: "All students who participated in the Science Club entry test, your results have been posted on the noticeboard. Please check to see if you made the Club or not. Enjoy your day!"
My heart began racing as if I had just completed a full marathon, despite having only been eating my bananas. I couldn't even finish the rest of them; my appetite vanished in an instant. I wanted to know my fate but dreaded finding out at the same time. I stuffed the remaining bananas into my bag and made my way to the noticeboard.
When I arrived, a crowd had gathered, all eyes glued to the paper. Some students were in tears, having not made the cut, while others celebrated with excitement. My anxiety bubbled over, and I couldn't deny that I was far from ready to see my results.
I stood behind the crowd, scanning the list with anxious eyes. Suddenly, a familiar sensation coursed through my body—those tiny electric shocks that always seemed to ignite whenever he was near. My head had this feeling of tickles deep within my scalp. He had to be near.I glanced around, searching for him.
"Hello, Naomi," his deep voice sliced through the air, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned to face him, and my mind raced. Oh my gosh, he's gorgeous, I thought. He was tall, his black hair styled into a side-swept undercut that accentuated his striking features. He looked exceptional, but I wasn't about to say that out loud; it would only inflate his ego. I couldn't help but picture how beautifully sculpted he would look without a shirt, imagining the feel of his abs under my fingertips. Okay, I definitely shouldn't be having these lewd thoughts about him.
"Yes, Ricardo," I replied, trying to keep my composure.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and a glint of mischief flashed in his eyes, as if he were deliberately trying to amp up my anxiety. "The results are in. Let's see how we did," I said, folding my arms defensively as he gestured toward the noticeboard.
Just then, Jeremy walked in. "Hi, Naomi! I like your outfit. Hope we all get in." I returned his smile, grateful for the friendly distraction. "I hope we both get in. Ricardo could watch smart minds work from the audience," I said, casting a forced smile in Ricardo's direction.
"Oh yeah, your outfit. I'm sure it has something to do with my advice on how Jeremy should've talked to a pretty girl. Just so you know, you're still not beautiful—just less ugly this time," Ricardo quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. I shot him a tight-lipped smile, rolling my eyes in response. A part of me wanted to claw his eyes—or whatever material they were made of—out of his skull.
Around him, the girls were staring, some openly fangirling. The sight was strangely sickening. It wouldn't be long before Brianna would make her move, and I knew she'd have him wrapped around her finger in no time. Every boy she wanted was hers for the taking, and I doubted Ricardo could resist her charms; that's what the guys always said about her.
My impulsive thoughts screamed at me to shout and lash out at those girls with their starry-eyed gazes on him, but reason pulled me back, leaving me questioning where I stood with Ricardo. Did I hate him? Love him? Feel nothing at all? Or maybe I even cared for him, even just a little. Deep down, a part of me wanted him in the club, despite knowing he had plans to annoy me there. I was a confused mess, caught between my feelings and my instincts.
"Wow, I had a good 98% on the test", Jeremy pointed out. I broke eye contact with Ricardo and shifted my attention to the result sheet. We got closer to the board and he was right.
"Good job Jeremy", I praised.
"My little nerd never disappoints", Ricardo giggled. A very beautiful laugh erupted from him. If he wasn't annoying, I wouldn't hesitate to fall in love with him but that isn't a risk I am taking. Jeremy's last name caught my eyes. He had the surname Russo, could he be related with Ricardo. I didn't recall Gaston having a son.
I took my mind off Jeremy's name to search for my name and finally found it on the result sheet. I squealed in happiness. "I got a freaking 86%"
I was a little disappointed because I wished for higher but I did my best and I accepted it. Ricardo's wishes of me failing the test, remained dreams from his evil plans. My face lit up like a light as I rejoiced in my head at my pass. A smile played on his face that caused me to look back at the board. He had his finger on his name. "His name is Ricardo Alessandro Russo. That's odd". Therefore, Jeremy and Ricardo might be brothers and possibly related to Gaston. Too suspicious for comfort. I guess Benji was right.
"I got 97%. Guess who is in the club", Ricardo turned to me flashing a smile at me.
Naomi
Monday morning arrived with the insistent beeping of my alarm clock, jarring me awake. I blinked groggily, realizing I hadn't even made it to bed last night. Instead, I had fallen asleep slumped over my study table, the faint glow of my macbook in sleep mode casting a soft light across the scattered papers. My neck ached, and my thoughts were hazy, a jumbled mess of half-dreams and the lingering questions from the research I was doing.
I spent all weekend digging through articles about these Androids, and not one mentioned them causing any reactions in humans. But the more I read about Gaston, the more disturbed I became. This man is bad news. The fact that he managed to bribe doctors into using their patients as lab rats without consent? It's beyond sickening. Innocent people suffered horrifically, dying painful deaths, and all because of his twisted experiments. Five years in prison? Nowhere near enough for what he did. But of course, when you're rich and powerful, you can buy your way out of real justice.
What infuriates me the most is that he's undeniably brilliant. His ideas could reshape the world in incredible ways, but why does he have to use such… unethical methods to test his inventions? What kind of person does that? And how did he manage to get away with it for so long? The questions buzzed in my head like an endless loop, but sitting here stewing wasn't going to get me any closer to answers.I needed to get ready for school.
I rushed to get ready for school, my mind racing with everything I'd uncovered about Gaston Russo. I needed to talk to Benji. He had to know what I'd found. But today wasn't going to be an ordinary day for me—I was determined to show up in a way no one at school had ever seen before. I was going to stand out, to shine like a star.
By the time I hurried downstairs, my mom was at the counter, placing toasted bread on a plate. "Honey, you're not wearing your glasses," she pointed out, glancing at me with a hint of surprise. That's when it hit me—my eyesight had somehow improved. Perfectly, in fact.
"I... don't need them anymore," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I grabbed my toast, the weight of that realization sinking in. I seriously didn't need glasses for my myopia. It all seemed unreal, like I feel like I have grown accustomed to wearing glasses that the fact that I can live without them stuns me to the core.
"Contact lenses?" my dad muffled while trying to push a big piece of toasted bread into his mouth. "Something like that", I answered and took a sip of the chocolate drink my mother made. "Plus your outfit today is not the outfit our Naomi normally wears", my mom added.
Today, I decided to let my curly hair down, securing one side with a hairpin while letting the other side cascade freely over my face. I wore high-waisted jeans paired with a pink knotted top and matching pink Jordan sneakers. I wanted to present a look that was new and unexpected; I was tired of the stupid comments people made about my appearance. Today, I would show everyone that I could switch it up, too.
"I just wanted to change my look for today, but I'll go back to my usual style tomorrow—the clothes I feel most comfortable in," I explained. Deep down, this change was partly motivated by Ricardo. His attempt to insinuate that I was ugly stung, and I felt the need to prove that I could be beautiful too. I couldn't shake off his words, which played in my mind all weekend like a relentless song: "Can we talk to pretty girls now?" I had heard similar remarks countless times from Brianna and others at school, so I'd learned to accept them. But his words shattered me like fragile eggshells.
"I hope it's not because of Brianna. Your mother and I always tell you that you are beautiful. You should trust us over your schoolmates, don't you think?" my father advised.
I smiled at his words, wishing it were that easy. I tried not to let the comments get to me, but my mind often insisted otherwise. Hearing those things repeatedly made it hard to ignore. "Your father is right," my mother chimed in. "I'm glad to see you changing your style, but I hope it's because you want to, not because someone's words got to you. You are beautiful, my lovely brown-skinned flower."
"Thank you, Mom and Dad," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. My mom came over and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. I loved my parents so much. They, along with Benji, were my biggest supporters, and I couldn't imagine my life without them.
After a few minutes, my phone started ringing. I pulled it out of my bag and answered.
"Benji, are you here?"
"Yes, I am," he replied.
"Cool, I'll be there soon."
I quickly gulped down the last of my chocolate drink, grabbed my bag, and waved goodbye to my parents before heading out to Benji's car. As I opened the door, a wave of his cologne enveloped me. "Benji, you smell like you're going on a date," I teased.
"I forgot to tell you! On Friday, Angela and I were paired for an English project, and I've had a crush on her for weeks now. I wanted to smell good for her," he explained, a hint of nervous excitement in his voice.
"Well, you definitely achieved that. You smell really good," I complimented him. He deserves all the love he can get. Benji is an amazing guy, and I'm sure Angela will see that too. One of us has to find a shot at love, right?
"You look different today...oh yeah your glasses. I forgot that you could see clearly without them, so I guess you don't want to wear them but what made you change your entire style today?"
"Since I am not wearing my glasses like I usually do, I decided to change my entire outfit", I answered. He looked at me and the road ahead alternatively. I know he could read me. This boy knows me too well. He knows how I behave when my insecurity issues set in and I could tell that he knew I was lying. I was battling my inner demons, the once constantly telling me I am ugly and the constant self degradation I subjected myself to.
No, it wasn't just Brianna; it was the words of a boy I barely knew, a suspected android, that affected me so deeply. No matter how hard I tried to convince myself that I shouldn't take such remarks to heart, I found myself doubting my own words. Those comments haunted me, reopening old wounds. It's like picking at a scab—you bleed again.
"Not just Brianna, but others too," I replied, my voice wavering.
"Naomi, we talked about this. Don't let those girls' words get to you," he urged. "All they know is partying and wasting their time on irrelevant things. You have a brilliant mind capable of creating the next software or an award-winning invention. You're not just beautiful; you have brains, too—an asset far more valuable than beauty alone."
I looked down at my palm, considering his words. I knew he was right, but I always seemed to end up back at square one.
"I spent my weekend researching Android robots," I told him.
"And?"
"Well, I took extensive notes about them and their creator on my notes app, which you could read later to get the essence of what I am saying. But so far, he's bad news. He's responsible for… fifteen?" I tried to recall the exact number.
"Yes, fifteen deaths in Italy," I continued. "He bribed doctors and tested his inventions on patients without consent. If you read the accounts of what those patients went through before their deaths, you'd feel their pain. He was imprisoned for five years."
"Five years only? That's way too lenient," he responded, shaking his head.
"See? smart minds think alike, right?" I winked at him, cackling like a wicked witch. He chuckled, his lips spreading into a wide smile.
"And what does this have to do with Ricardo and your reactions?"he brought up.
"First of all, Gaston Russo's criminal history only reinforces my belief that these machine humans are a disaster waiting to happen. I just hope we have a bunker to hide in when the apocalypse comes."
He laughed, "Girl, you're overthinking it. Besides, if they were doing something illegal, the government wouldn't have approved his Android Humans. They might just be here to make life easier. Who knows? Maybe he's found legal ways to test his stuff now."
I spat, "You trust the government? Trust me, governments everywhere are the same. Some are just more selfish, greedy, and wicked than others, but they're all messengers from hell. Here to do the devil's bidding"
No surprise there. I knew he would dismiss my concerns, but deep down, I felt I was right. I just hoped no one I cared about would suffer, get hurt or die before I was proven right.
"I discovered that he created two powerful Androids, but they haven't been released for sale like the other robot humans. Apparently he's keeping them for "further testing". Who knows what Russo is really up to. I guess it's no good?" I explained, trying to provide more reasons for Benji to see things from my point of view. However, the look on his face suggested he thought I was delusional. I turned my head and gazed out the window as the school buildings began to emerge from behind the tall trees.
~
The first quarter of the day went well as I moved from class to class. I hadn't attracted any negative comments so far, which meant my outfit change might be working, though I wasn't going to get my hopes up just yet. Luckily, I hadn't run into Brianna today—thankfully!
During snack break, the intercom crackled to life: "All students who participated in the Science Club entry test, your results have been posted on the noticeboard. Please check to see if you made the Club or not. Enjoy your day!"
My heart began racing as if I had just completed a full marathon, despite having only been eating my bananas. I couldn't even finish the rest of them; my appetite vanished in an instant. I wanted to know my fate but dreaded finding out at the same time. I stuffed the remaining bananas into my bag and made my way to the noticeboard.
When I arrived, a crowd had gathered, all eyes glued to the paper. Some students were in tears, having not made the cut, while others celebrated with excitement. My anxiety bubbled over, and I couldn't deny that I was far from ready to see my results.
I stood behind the crowd, scanning the list with anxious eyes. Suddenly, a familiar sensation coursed through my body—those tiny electric shocks that always seemed to ignite whenever he was near. My head had this feeling of tickles deep within my scalp. He had to be near.I glanced around, searching for him.
"Hello, Naomi," his deep voice sliced through the air, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned to face him, and my mind raced. Oh my gosh, he's gorgeous, I thought. He was tall, his black hair styled into a side-swept undercut that accentuated his striking features. He looked exceptional, but I wasn't about to say that out loud; it would only inflate his ego. I couldn't help but picture how beautifully sculpted he would look without a shirt, imagining the feel of his abs under my fingertips. Okay, I definitely shouldn't be having these lewd thoughts about him.
"Yes, Ricardo," I replied, trying to keep my composure.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and a glint of mischief flashed in his eyes, as if he were deliberately trying to amp up my anxiety. "The results are in. Let's see how we did," I said, folding my arms defensively as he gestured toward the noticeboard.
Just then, Jeremy walked in. "Hi, Naomi! I like your outfit. Hope we all get in." I returned his smile, grateful for the friendly distraction. "I hope we both get in. Ricardo could watch smart minds work from the audience," I said, casting a forced smile in Ricardo's direction.
"Oh yeah, your outfit. I'm sure it has something to do with my advice on how Jeremy should've talked to a pretty girl. Just so you know, you're still not beautiful—just less ugly this time," Ricardo quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. I shot him a tight-lipped smile, rolling my eyes in response. A part of me wanted to claw his eyes—or whatever material they were made of—out of his skull.
Around him, the girls were staring, some openly fangirling. The sight was strangely sickening. It wouldn't be long before Brianna would make her move, and I knew she'd have him wrapped around her finger in no time. Every boy she wanted was hers for the taking, and I doubted Ricardo could resist her charms; that's what the guys always said about her.
My impulsive thoughts screamed at me to shout and lash out at those girls with their starry-eyed gazes on him, but reason pulled me back, leaving me questioning where I stood with Ricardo. Did I hate him? Love him? Feel nothing at all? Or maybe I even cared for him, even just a little. Deep down, a part of me wanted him in the club, despite knowing he had plans to annoy me there. I was a confused mess, caught between my feelings and my instincts.
"Wow, I had a good 98% on the test", Jeremy pointed out. I broke eye contact with Ricardo and shifted my attention to the result sheet. We got closer to the board and he was right.
"Good job Jeremy", I praised.
"My little nerd never disappoints", Ricardo giggled. A very beautiful laugh erupted from him. If he wasn't annoying, I wouldn't hesitate to fall in love with him but that isn't a risk I am taking. Jeremy's last name caught my eyes. He had the surname Russo, could he be related with Ricardo. I didn't recall Gaston having a son.
I took my mind off Jeremy's name to search for my name and finally found it on the result sheet. I squealed in happiness. "I got a freaking 86%"
I was a little disappointed because I wished for higher but I did my best and I accepted it. Ricardo's wishes of me failing the test, remained dreams from his evil plans. My face lit up like a light as I rejoiced in my head at my pass. A smile played on his face that caused me to look back at the board. He had his finger on his name. "His name is Ricardo Alessandro Russo. That's odd". Therefore, Jeremy and Ricardo might be brothers and possibly related to Gaston. Too suspicious for comfort. I guess Benji was right.
"I got 97%. Guess who is in the club", Ricardo turned to me flashing a smile at me.