Ricardo's point of view
I drove out of that stupid party, the lights from the city fading into the background as I pressed my foot down on the accelerator. Jeremy sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on me, probably trying to gauge my mood. My hands gripped the steering wheel tight, and though my eyes stayed glued to the road, my mind was elsewhere, spinning with realizations I could barely believe.
The words left my mouth before I even realized I'd spoken them aloud.
"Naomi is the one with the neurochip."
The car filled with silence, tense and electric. Jeremy's head whipped toward me, his eyes wide, like I'd just told him the sky had turned green or gravity had stopped working. "Say what?"
I sighed, feeling infuriated. I am already heating up with anger to be reiterating things over and over again. "I said Naomi is the one with the chip", I seethed.
"How do you know that, Rick?" Jeremy pressed, his voice laced with impatience. It felt like he was interrogating me, doubting every word that came out of my mouth.
"She used her electric powers on somebody," I replied, the coldness in my tone unmistakable. "I don't feel like narrating anything."
Jeremy tilted his head, giving me a skeptical look. "Maybe it's some invention she's trying out. The girl's a genius. Maybe it's some protective device she had on her arm or something."
There it was again—Jeremy brushing off my instincts. Every single time I tried to raise a concern, he'd find some excuse, a way to rationalize it as something else. It was beyond frustrating, like talking to a wall that refused to hear the truth. Rage swum through my wires, to my CPU
I let out a long, controlled breath, forcing myself to keep calm. "The girl didn't know what was happening, Jeremy," I said, trying to soften my tone, but there was an edge to my voice that couldn't be disguised. "If she did something like that intentionally, she wouldn't have been so shocked by it. She looked as clueless as anyone else in that room."
"I guess we have to make sure Gaston doesn't find out, if you are right", Jeremy said, concern heavy in his voice.
"Absolutely," I replied. "We'll keep it from him, and make sure he doesn't catch it when he scans our memories. If he does, she's in serious trouble."
Finally, the silence I had been craving settled around us like a warm blanket, giving my mind room to wander. Thoughts of my time with Naomi crowded my head, mixed with the drama that had soured the evening.
"So, I thought you were into Naomi, but it seems like Brianna's on your radar too," Jeremy drawled, his voice teasing. "Or maybe you're just programmed to juggle multiple girls at once?"
"I'm not interested in either of them," I replied flatly. "They're both human—or well, Naomi's a cyborg, I guess. And you know how human-Android relationships end up."
"Well, Daniella's an Android, and Gaston's human. They seem to be doing fine," Jeremy quipped. I cackled, and he couldn't help but join in. I figured he was joking—at least, I hoped he was. Otherwise, I'd be seriously surprised if he actually believed that.We both kno that relationship is stupid and unhappy on Daniella's end.
"But really," he went on, "it could work. There are relationships like that."
"Is that something you're saying because you think you and Naomi might have a shot?" I let a hint of mockery slip into my tone, catching his smirk in the mirror.
"No way—you actually like Naomi," I said, genuinely surprised. He shot me an awkward look but stayed quiet.
"I'll take that as a yes," I chuckled. "Guess we'll be talking about this when we get home."
The next day, I lay sprawled on my bed, mindlessly scrolling through Campus Social on my mind link. My mood darkened as I saw the comments people were making about Naomi. I couldn't explain it, but something about their words struck a nerve. And, of course, people thought there was something going on between Brianna and me, adding to my frustration.
Just then, a message from Brianna popped up.
"Hello, my love," it read.
"What?" I replied, trying to sound distant.
"I was wondering if you'd like to go to the carnival today. We could try the Ferris wheel, the carousels, eat some cotton candy... just have some fun."
"Brianna, have you even been on Campus Social today? Do you see the rumors people are spreading about us? Everyone thinks we're dating."
"I know. I wanted to use today to apologize. Don't you want a little escape?"
I sighed. "I'm bored anyway, so fine. I'll pick you up at your place around noon."
"Alright, my love," she replied, clearly ignoring my tone.
Rolling my eyes, I dragged myself out of bed and headed downstairs. In the living room, I spotted Daniella, while Gaston sat shirtless on the sofa, a newspaper in his hands and his hairy chest on full display, with Italian flag-colored shorts completing his look. Jeremy was off to the side, absorbed in his phone.
We try not to reveal what we really are, so in public, we use mobile phones to call and text like everyone else. But at home, we mostly rely on our mind link.
"Hello, famiglia," I greeted as I entered the room.
"Hi, Ricardo," they chorused back.
After brief hellos, I headed to the kitchen and started helping Daniella with breakfast. I needed to ask her something privately, away from Gaston.
"Oh, look at you, helping out!" She shot me a mischievous smile. "Alright, what's on your mind?"
I blinked, caught off guard by how easily she'd knew my intentions. "I can read reactions, you know. Comes in handy," she said with a knowing glint in her eye.
"Do you know anything about the Neurochip?"
She raised an eyebrow. "No, every time I ask, he just smirks and says it's 'a secret.' Why do you ask?" Her curiosity was obvious, but for Naomi's sake, I couldn't say any more.
"Just curious, that's all."
After breakfast, I took a quick shower and got ready for the carnival—a perfect opportunity to experience what humans consider "fun." I threw on a plain dark blue shirt, matching jeans, and a pair of Nike sneakers. A spritz of cologne—androids don't get body odor, but some of us still like to smell good—added the finishing touch.It draws the lady humans and Androids.
Sliding into the Honda Civic Gaston had bought for us, I drove to Brianna's house. Taking out my phone, I reminded myself to practice using it naturally—no room for slip-ups today.
I partked infront of her mansion, the gardener was watering and trimming the lawn and flowers. I took out the phone and called her mobile.
"Brianna."
"Ricardo, how are you?" she answered, her voice light.
"I'm outside," I replied, ignoring her greeting.
"Alright, I'll be out in five."
I ended the call and put the phone down, but memories of her laugh, her sarcasm, and her smile surfaced out of nowhere. I caught myself smiling at the memory of me holding Naomi behind the door yesterday evening. I probably looking like a lovesick kid, and shook it off as soon as I heard a knock on the passenger window. Unlocking the door, I glanced over as she slipped inside.
She wore jean shorts that revealed her legs, paired with a cropped white hoodie that showed off her flat stomach. Her blonde hair fell straight to her mid-back, with sunglasses perched on her head. "Hey, handsome," she greeted with a playful grin.
"I have a name," I replied curtly, starting the ignition and pulling away from her luxurious mansion.
She huffed lightly. "Look, you can't be mad at me. You're the one who initiated the kiss, so I don't know what you're mad about," she muttered, clearly not intending for me to hear...but I did.
"I'm mad because of the scene you caused. Now everyone thinks we're dating, and my name's getting dragged all over Campus Social," I shot back.
She sighed, defensive. "I didn't do anything! Campus Social twisted things. But yeah, you were my date, and it annoyed me that you were with that 'good-for-nothing.'"
"I wasn't with her. I went to the bathroom and ran into her in the lobby. And for the record, I wasn't your date. You invited me. Big difference."
The frustration inside me built, hot and consuming. "Fine, I'm sorry, okay?" she murmured, her tone softening. "But you kissed me and left me there like I was just some toy."
I sighed, letting go of some of the tension. "Look, it's fine. Let's just have fun today. That's the point, right?"
She stared at me with a smile of admiration, not the kind that felt dirty but genuine. "What?" I asked, my attention split between the road and her.
"Nothing. I'm just admiring you. I've been with a lot of boys, and you really captivate me," she confessed. I couldn't help but smile at her words.
Once we reached the carnival, the sight of the towering Ferris wheel and the music filling the air made everything feel... exciting. "Come on!" Brianna pulled me inside.
There were so many booths where people played games and won prizes. "Let's ride the carousel!" she exclaimed, pointing at the cylindrical structure adorned with horse-like figures. I shrugged and followed her.
"This is kinda fun. Its not too bad," I admitted after we rode it twice. Excitement lit up her face as she screamed through the experience. "You've never ridden anything like this before?" she asked, her surprise evident.
"No, it might seem embarrassing, but I've never been to something like this." I paused, reflecting on my past. I was built and completed last year. Unlike ordinary Androids, we were part of Project 104, created long before Daniella. Gaston feared government disapproval due to our potential, so he used Daniella to secure approval. I suspected he was building other Androids like us for whatever plans he had in mind.
"Well, I'm glad we could share this together," she said, leaning in to kiss me. I instinctively leaned back. "We're not doing that, Brianna," I stated firmly. She pouted and gave me that pleading look, the one that humans, especially girls, use to get what they want.
"Just a peck."
We shared cotton candy, and I won her a stuffed panda at the mini archery game. We rode the Ferris wheel, which tilted sharply, making the gondola sway and eliciting loud screams from everyone. The cacophony hurt my ears.
Later, she suggested we visit a nearby park to hang out. I saw a different side of her there,one that was surprisingly down-to-earth. It made me wonder why she had to be so arrogant all the time when she could be like this. "Brianna, can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"This might sound a bit intrusive, but I'd like to know about your past."
The light in her eyes dimmed, and a shadow of sadness crossed her face. I instantly regretted asking. "I don't want to talk about it," she replied, her tone heavy with pain.
"I'm sorry for asking... The sun is setting, and I don't want your parents to worry."
"Pst! My parents aren't home, and if they were, they wouldn't care less about what I did with my life," she spat, bitterness lacing her words. I felt a wave of sympathy wash over me. Despite her wealth, it seemed she felt unloved and unimportant at home. Though with all her bragging, you never would have thought she goes through such things.
"I still need to take you home. The sky is turning dark," I said, glancing at Brianna as she nodded, following me to the car.
When we arrived home, I found Daniella on the couch, engrossed in a cooking show. For an Android, she had an unusual passion for cooking, guess Androids can also like human activities.I sank into my thoughts, letting the evening slip away.
Jeremy occupied the couch next to her, oblivious to everything as he focused on his phone. I felt a surge of curiosity and decided to sneak a peek. A picture of Naomi, books in hand and glasses perched on her nose, flashed on the screen. Her hair was fish-braided, cascading over her shoulder.
"Jeremy!" I yelled, startling him. He tossed his phone onto the couch, drawing Daniella's attention.
"Oh, erm... Ricardo, I didn't see you," he stammered, looking guilty. I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow at him. He scratched the back of his head, a sign of his discomfort.
"We have a lot to talk about," I mouthed, signaling him to follow me upstairs. Daniella's inquisitive gaze followed us.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Nothing at all," I replied with a sly smile, leading Jeremy up the stairs to my room. I sat on my bed, arms crossed, awaiting his explanation. He settled into my study chair, facing me.
"So... what's with you and Naomi? Why were you staring at her picture? Where did you even get it? Her social media is private; you can't find her photos anywhere."
Jeremy's voice went high-pitched as he scratched the back of his head again. "Well..."
"Jeremy," I prompted, impatience creeping into my tone.
"You know how we can access devices with our mind links...?"
"Yeah?" I replied, my curiosity piqued.
"I accessed her phone and downloaded a bunch of pictures and videos of her into my memory, then sent them to my phone. I still have them saved," he confessed, his eyes darting away from mine.
I blinked, processing his words. "You're supposed to be the good boy among us—the one who doesn't cause problems. I'm the rebel, and I've never thought about hacking into someone's device." My disbelief was palpable.
"I know, but since we met, I can't stop thinking about her. I think I like her," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
Rubbing my eyes, I took a deep breath. "You know what? I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow." I ended the conversation, feeling shock ripple through me as he chuckled and exited the room.
At school on Monday, I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that Jeremy had feelings for Naomi after all that teasing he'd done. As I walked through the hallway, girls winked at me and tried to catch my attention, but none were the girl I wanted to see. I ignored them, my mind elsewhere.
Up ahead, my friends approached, their voices carrying through the hall. "Rico!" Kennedy called, with Daniel and Luis trailing behind.
"What's up, man? How you doing?" I greeted them, shaking hands in our usual boyish way.
"We cool, man," Daniel replied, but they shot me dirty looks.
"What happened?" I asked, sensing the tension.
"You and Brianna are a thing? You served that wench Naomi at the party on Friday and now you're with that beauty Brianna?" Kennedy said with a smug pride that made my insides boil. The urge to punch him surged, but I bit back my anger. I didn't want them thinking I had any feelings for Naomi.
"Quit talking bullshit, man. I'm not with either of them, and I've never slept with anyone. And don't call Naomi a whore."
"Bro, don't tell me you're defending that Naomi girl," Daniel chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips. "How you managed to get under her skirt amazes me. That girl is always sticking her head in a book, acting like some goody two-shoes. Seriously, how'd you bag her?"
I clenched my fists, the anger simmering beneath the surface. "I didn't sleep with her. And I'm not dating Brianna either."
"It's all over Campus Social," Daniel continued, leaning in closer. "We saw everything at her party. Plus, there are pics of you two at the carnival. You're practically smooching!"
Frustration washed over me as I raked my fingers through my hair. Brianna must have posted those pictures, stirring up even more rumors. "I'm telling you, it's all rumors, boys."
They exchanged skeptical glances, but I was saved by the bell, literally. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to escape further interrogation.
Throughout the day, Naomi was nowhere to be found. Maybe she was avoiding the drama or didn't want to deal with the fallout. Jeremy and I also kept our distance, a silent acknowledgment of the tension hanging in the air.
Finally, it was time for the school athletes' tryouts. I changed into my jersey in the locker room, ready to showcase my super speed abilities. As I stepped onto the field, I noticed Brianna in the stands, her friends around her. She blew kisses in my direction, but I didn't return them, my mind still tangled in the chaos of the day.
After the game, I sprinted towards the stands, my friends and the girls rushing to meet me. My boys slapped me on the back, congratulating me on an effortless victory—I barely broke a sweat, thanks to my Android abilities. Just then, Brianna approached and kissed me on the lips. I didn't push her away; instead, I let it happen, caught off guard by the rush of feelings it stirred within me.
Then, I felt it—the unmistakable sensation of Naomi's presence. I scanned the stands and found her standing with her arms folded, dressed in her signature oversized nerdy clothes. A mix of excitement and anxiety surged through me. I slipped away from the crowd to the bench, pretending to sip water to cool my systems.
Naomi approached, her expression unreadable. "So, how was Brianna?" she queried, her tone sharp.
I shrugged, feeling the weight of her gaze. "I misjudged her," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. When she pressed on, I swiftly changed the topic. "You know, I didn't expect you to come."
"I didn't want to," she admitted, frustration flickering in her eyes. "But because of our stupid deal, I had to. I would've missed school if it wasn't for you." A sly smug crawled on my face.
I pulled my shirt off, the heat from the game still radiating off me. "Oh yeah, your secret? You're a witch. Imagine the fun we'd have spreading that rumor around."
"Sure, and I'm sure your fan club will rejoice when they find out you're an Android," she shot back, a hint of amusement breaking through her serious facade.