Artificial Mates - Chapter 35

The door slowly creaked revealing my workspace; it was just as I’ve left it. Nothing had moved, except for the last three samples I couldn’t finish that night. A light knock on the door pulled me from my complexion. There in the entrance stood Mr. Ramdin.

“Good morning, Miss Kerry. Good to see you back but also concern you’re back so soon. Still, I’m happy. Cause these past few days, I’ve been doing your work and now I’m working on fumes,” he stepped aside letting the tiny girl wearing a lab coat move forward. “This is Anna Campbell, your new assistant,” he turned to the girl. “And this is Liliane Kerry, the one responsible for quality control around here. She’ll teach you all the tricks. Please, don’t give her a hard time, she’s a real asset to this company,” Anna nodded eagerly her dark red hair cascading over her frail shoulders. She marched towards me holding out a hand, I gave it a firm handshake.

“Happy to meet you,” she said in a high-pitched voice. She must be barely eighteen.

“The pleasure is mine,” I pushed my glasses up my nose and pulled my hand away. Mr. Ramdin turned toward to corridor ready to exit.

“Do I have anything specific to do today?” he tipped his chin to my screen.

“I’ve already uploaded the list, don’t worry, I’ll do some of them just to ease the workload. I don’t want to crush you with labor. It’s only your first day; I’ll go easy on you,” he nodded at us then turned to leave. I stood there for a moment, not knowing what I was supposed to say. I cleared my throat and went to hang my bag at the usual spot. Then remembered what Grant had told me. I pulled my sandwich from it, slipped into my lab coat and sunk onto my chair.

“You don’t buy your food at the vending machine?” she asked as I took a bite into the cheese sandwich. I gave her a cautious peek before answering.

“No, it’s homemade. I don’t eat at the cafeteria either,” I don’t know what Grant use but this simple cheese sandwich tasted like a piece of heaven. I grinned as I chewed on it.

“You cook your own food? That awesome,” I rose my eyebrows at her. Her compliment appeared to be genuine. I licked my fingers when I was done and got my water bottle.

“I don’t, my boyfriend cooks my meals,” I said the words before I could stop myself. I gasped at my own mistake. What the hell was that? Are Grant and Demos my boyfriend… with an S. That sound so wrong. Anna’s eyes lit up at the mention.

“Super! You’re so loved. My boyfriend, he can’t cook to save his life. I’m not a good cook either,” she pouted.

“Me neither, I tried to cook fried rice only end up burning the pan,” we both giggled and I knew Anna was a decent person. Suddenly work was less of a burden.

As I ate lunch with Anna in the small patch of green out the building, EWink opened. I quickly put down my bowl of pasta.

Demos: Bonne appetite

Liliane: Thanks, how’s your first day?

Demos: Good. Went through the basis. Met the team. It’s lunchtime now so I’m free

Liliane: That’s good news

Demos: And yours?

Liliane: I’ve got a new assistant. She’s nice

Grant: I’m happy to hear you both are doing well

Liliane: Thanks for the food. It’s amazing. Thanks for feeding me

Grant: I’m trying my best with the little resources I have

Liliane: Well, you’re doing miracles. What are you doing alone at home?

Demos: Who said he’s alone at home

Liliane: Where are you, Grant? Don’t tell me you’ve got a secret life I don’t know about?

Grant: *Laugh* I’m at some friends on the 63rd floor

Liliane: *suspicious* doing what?

Grant: When we sync you won’t have to ask

Demos: can’t wait for tonight

Liliane: Ok, guys I have to head back to work. Will see each other tonight

Demos: *kiss*

Grant: Text me when you’re done. I’ll pick you up

Liliane: Sure. Mr. Randin promised there won’t be any overtime

Grant: *kiss*

I grinned at the interface then noticed Anna staring at me. I picked up my bowl of pasta averting my eyes.

“You really love him, right?” she leaned closer as if sharing a secret. I almost choked on my plastic fork. I straightened up trying to hide my surprise.

“What are you talking about?” I shoved another bite in my mouth pretending I didn’t get what she just said.

“I mean your boyfriend. You were texting him, right?” You had that sort of smile on. You know, the one that says you’re in love with the tiny heart floating around you,” what the hell was she babbling about? I yanked my bag and slammed my empty bowl inside.

“You’ve been together for long? Cause, my Yujin and I are in the honeymoon phase. We are all about kisses and romantic stuff,” she sighed with her cheeks turning pink. I narrowed my eyes at her. I surely didn’t have that stupid expression when I thought about them, right. Moreover, why would I think about them in that way? I cleared my throat trying to get rid of the discomfort.

“Well, it’s new I guess,” she quickly turned to me with sparkling eyes.

“That’s so cute. Please tell me more. How did you meet? Did he already confess? Have you kissed?” I stepped away from her a little frightened by all her questions. What was that? Was she a double agent or something? An undercover patrol agent? When she noticed my hesitation she quietly moved away biting her lip. “I’m so sorry, I got excited. The last job I had only had old ladies. I was surprised we are the same age I really want us to be friends. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable with all my questions. I swear I won’t do it again,” she lowered her head. I gave her a timid smile.

“I’m twenty-six, by the way,” I added. Her head sprung up making her red hair move away from her small face, she had a lovely face.

“Really? But you look way younger, I thought you were around twenty or less,” we both burst out laughing. The afternoon went on as we chatted about our hobbies. She likes romance novels while I like sci-fi and fantasy. Anna was actually quite good at work; she listened when I talk and followed the instructions. She was much quicker than I was with a keyboard. Therefore, I let her do all the data entry as I checked the samples. By three pm, all the samples on the list were completed. I sighed with relief rubbing my sore neck when Mr. Ramdin came to check on us.

“I knew Miss Campbell was a good choice,” I nodded in agreement. He was right she did a good job. I quickly opened EWink on my way out.

Liliane: I’m done, I’m on my way out.

Grant: I’m in front of the building.

Liliane: coming

Demos: I’ll finish at 5 pm

Liliane: Do we pick you up later?

Demos: no, thank you. Get home. Stay safe

Liliane: Yes, Mr. Patrol agent!

I quickened my pace, Anna’s tiny legs pressed on to keep up with mine. I didn’t see anyone in the sea of bodies. There were invisible. All I wanted was to get home. I swapped my bracelet over the panel and stepped out. The flow of employees parted at the end of the stairs and there standing in the golden light of the afternoon, Grant wearing my white shirt and black jeans, his smile serene. The wavy curls shinning around his gentle face. Warmth wrapped around my heart as I made my way towards him.

“Hi,” I smiled. I was sure my face looked stupid yet I didn’t care. He took my bag and pulled the strap on his shoulder. He took my hand in his; the moment, our skin came into contact all my doubts and fears vanished.

“I couldn’t sit at home. I’ve arrived an hour ago,” he chuckled. His good mood sure was contagious.

“Liliane!” called a high-pitched voice behind me. I turned around remembering Anna. Grant peeked at her with curiosity.

“Oh sorry, Grant this is Anna Campbell, my new lab assistant,” she extended her hand at him, which he delicately shook. Her big hazel eyes widened as she pulled her hand away.

“You-You’re… a model from Sognare? I can’t believe it, I’m a big fan!” she squealed then closed her mouth when she noticed her mistake. “I’m sorry for babbling,” she whispered as she pulled closer. I pulled Grant away from the stairs towards the tunnel that led to the station. Where we had less attention. Anna quickly tugged along.

“I like her,” he grinned. I narrowed my eyes at him. He turned around to face her. “Can we be friends?” asked Grant with his beaming smile. Anna squealed with joy. Ok, she was nice and maybe had too much caffeine for her own good.

“I’ll love too. One of my friends has an older model. Sognare’s models are the state of the art. You look so real. If there wasn’t the artificial logo above your head, I would have never guessed,” she giggled. As we talked Grant held my hand keeping my jealous beast in check, else I would have punched poor Anna in the face. When the Transfer arrived, we waved her goodbye and stepped in.

“She’s a lovely person and likes artificial… what are the odds?” commented Grant. We were lucked to get a seat on the crowed Transfer. I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Tired?” he asked I only nodded. “Sorry. I can’t ease your pain. I’ll need my full battery for the sync,” I slowly turned to face him. He smoothed the creases on my forehead with his thumb.

“Liliane you still want to do this?” his hand searched for mine and squeezed it.

“Yes,” my voice only a faint whisper.

“Good, I’m happy,” he pulled me closer.

When we got home, I took a long shower. That preparation thing was stuck in my head. I took the opportunity to wash my hair too. Grant prepared a light dinner. He explained that I might experience some discomfort like headaches or stomach issues. We sat in front of the TV, I ate my dinner earlier than usual as we waited for Demos.

At 5:23 pm, the front door opened. Demos paused in the entrance. I got to my feet and rushed into his arms. I soon found myself kissing him like there was no tomorrow. Grant slowly joined us.

“Are you ready?” he asked with a timid smile. I frowned at him then slowly nodded.

“Yes, I am.”