The Old Neighborhood Part 2
Adrian and I stared at each other for an uncomfortable length of time.
I wasn't expecting Marshall to have allies, much less another one of my brand.
Marshall had entered the house.
"Have fun, you two." He slammed the screen door.
That's when Adrian charged. Pierce launched himself at Adrian, knocking him over.
Debbie coiled around his stem.
"Should I?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Let this be a lesson to Marshall," I looked in the window. I could see Marshall watching us.
I helped hold Adrian down while Debbie inched towards Adrian's motor.
A hideous whine filled the air. I shut my eyes. I couldn't bear to see what was happening.
When I opened them, Debbie had Adrian's motor in her cord. "Trophy?" she said. She passed it to me.
I felt myself lose strength. Why was my motor going bad? I should last for many years.
Debbie slithered towards me. "Oh, I know what's going on. Your motor's failing."
"My what?" I gasped out.
"Your motor," Debbie repeated. Pierce appeared beside her, holding my trophy.
"Let's see if you're compatible with this," Debbie said. "On your back please, and when you're all settled... Freeze."
Web and Mumble held me down. I took a deep breath and froze.
"All right! You can wake up now," Debbie said.
I opened my eyes. I felt just like my old self, but... better?
Web and Mumble helped me to my wheels.
"I helped Mr. St. Peters dismantle vacuums," Debbie replied. "I just needed to reverse the process once I got the old one out."
I wheeled down the hall. Debbie had thrown my old one in a recycle bin.
I returned to Oracle's room.
"You sound better," she said.