Artificial Mates - Chapter 112

I stood before the black blinking box, with my tears streaming down my face. When Olga said that they had to transfer Demos from his body, I’ve thrown myself at her. ‘Grabbed her and pleaded to see him. But Grant had refused to let me his ruined body and only allowed me here.

“I can’t move,” the flat emotionless voice that came out of that box made me shivered. It was not his voice. I shooked my head and stepped back. Grant wrapped his arms around my shoulder making me flinched.

“It’s ok,” said Grant in a gentle tone. “We have moved you from your body. It might seem a little confusing at first. But you will get used to it,” he stared at the black dot on the front of the box. He mentioned that it was the only way he could see us. I couldn’t help shivering.

“Moved me? How much damage?” said the voice.

“Olga will need at least a month for the prepares and I’m being optimistic,” he lowered his head. I gasped covering my mouth. Grant pulled me into his arms and I sobbed against his chest. The pain in my chest was slowly growing.

“What are we going to do?” I said between pants.

“Liliane?” said the box. I looked up, Grant let go of me.

“Go to him, it must be scared to be stuck inside without being able to connect or touch,” he brushed the tears on my cheeks with his thumbs. My legs shook as I got closer to the humming device. There were cables going in and out of the blinking object. I gave a quick glance over my shoulder at Grant, he gave me a nod.

“Can I touch it?”

“He won’t feel it, there are no sensors built in his emergency unit,” answered Grant. My heart sunk. Still, I reached my trembling hand and touched the warm surface.

“Are you ok?” I gazed at the black dot.

“No. I can’t touch you,” I chuckled making tears spill. I retrieved my hand and shook my head. Grant hugged me from behind.

“I-I need to sit,” I averted my eyes. “I need a second,” I felt faint. Grant looked up with concern.

“We’ll come to see you later Demos. Come here,” he guided me to the door. I collapsed against the wall of the corridor. Grant shouted to an employee for help.

“I-I can’t—I want him back,” I let my anguish drown me. “Why is this happening?” Olga cam running to our side. I didn’t pay attention to the commotion around me. I didn’t even felt the stung of the needle when they gave me a shot.

***

“Will she be ok?” whispered a voice next to my head. I was laying down in an awkward position with my head leaning against something solid. Fingers brushed away my hair from my face. I blinked and stared into his loving face half-hidden in the dark.

“Hey,” he smiled. I tried to sit up but the ringing in my head made me nauseous. I was laying on his lap and he held my hand.

“Wh-where are we?” I squeezed my eyes shut to get rid of the terrible sensation.

“In the car. We are heading home.” I struggled to sit up and this time Grant let me. He helped me in a sitting position. The familiar sunset greeted me as the car turned in our neighborhood. My heart slammed in my chest with anticipation as we reached our complex. Grant gave me a worried look but didn’t comment. The car eased to a stop, Olga killed the engines and remain still for a moment. The tension slowly built up in an unbearable wall like tried to breath in a room filled with hot moist air.

“Grant can you wait for her outside,” said Olga still gripping the steering wheel. He gave her a puzzled look, I did too. What was so important she had to speak to me alone? My mind crafted all sorts of horrible scenarios as Grant stepped outside. I watched him walked to the main gate where that cyborg who tends to the yard greeted him.

“Liliane,” I looked up, Olga has turned around to face me. Her expression was her usual blank mask. She just stared straight at me.

‘What?” I asked with a hoarse voice. It was weak and breaking from crying so much. She signed and lowered her gaze.

“Those two have been too soft with you. If you really want to stand by them—both of them—from now on you have to be strong,” I narrowed my eyes at her. Our eyes met again. “Much stronger than that,” Olga faced away. “I’ll pick you up at 6 AM sharp, be prepare to sweat,” I thought I heard her wrong.

“But.—” I started to protest.

“Go now,” she started the engine cutting my chance to retort. I slowly climb out, Olga drove away without looking back.

“What did she tell you?” said Grant stepped closer. His arms circled around my waist, I leaned against him into his comforting warmth.

“She will come to pick me up at 6,” Grant kissed my hair. I lifted my head then twisted around to see his face. “Do you think I’m weak?” different emotions crossed his face half-hidden in the shadows. I saw pain and sadness.

“Liliane,” he took a deep breath. “Demos will need us, we all have to be strong,” it’s worried me even more that he didn’t deny it. Maybe, Olga was right. I needed to be fit. It will help me clear my head, I was desperate for some fresh air.

“Let’s go home, I’ll fix some dinner for you,” he took my hand and led me to the house. “You’d skipped lunch and that’s no good,” he went on then he pushed the gate to the garden. I noticed new plants in the alley and Demos’ gloves and goofy straw hat in a corner. My tears went down without me being able to stop them. Grant stopped in mid-sentence. I wasn’t listening anymore.

“Hey,” he reached for me and I pushed him away. He looked hurt but stayed silent.

“I’m so used to see him greet me when I come back,” I paused to catch my breath. “I-I took it for granted. I’m sorry for being dependant. I’m sorry for being weak. I’m not worthy of you—both of you,” I glared at him. But I wasn’t angry at him—only at myself.