That night I couldn't stay in sleep mode longer than five seconds. For some reason I felt paranoid. Like I was scared of something that wasn't there. Maybe it was because I felt so lonely. Even my mom had weirded out on me. It's like I can't count on anything anymore. I can't even count on myself being unpopular, but ready to help. Yesterday during the fire, I hadn't even really cared about those humans.
Pure programming.
It seems strange that I can feel this human. This anxiety. Did mom program that? Or is it just a side effect of having a complete reproduction of the human brain? I wish she'd programmed me to be able to speed up time. It was only three o' clock in the morning when I snuck out of my bedroom to fly over the dark, sleeping city. I just needed a few minutes to clear my mind. To really put things back into perspective before I returned home. On my way, I hesitated at Brad and Tuck's house. Should I? It's late. Humans really need their rest. No, I won't be able to sleep unless I do this.
I hovered outside of Brad's window and tapped. He rolled over, still snoring. I tapped a little louder and he woke up, squinting at the window, confused.
"Jenny? What are you doing here? "
He looked at the alarm clock beside his bed, illuminating the room with it's bright green numbers.
"Wow, I don't think I've ever been up this late," he muttered, coming to the window to throw it open.
"Brad, I.. I just wanted to apologize. You seemed so upset this afternoon."
He shrugged, running a hand through his shock of orange hair that had gone flat without all the gel he used.
"Nah, I wasn't. I mean I was a little worried, I guess. You just weren't acting like yourself. And Don Prima's a real loser."
"If he's a loser, how come he's the coolest guy in school?"
He looked up, his dark eyes illuminated by the halogen street lights outside. I froze in his glance. It was the strangest feeling.. I'm not sure how to explain it. It wasn't how I felt about Don. I mean.. Brad's my best friend. It must have been the intensity of the moment that made my mind go blank like that.
"Jenny, you're so blind sometimes."
"Blind about what?"
I really wanted to know. It was an honest question, but he never answered. He just smiled.
"I think we need to go to sleep. Don't worry about me being mad at you. We're friends forever."
"R-right. Friends forever!"
Friday night was fast approaching. I'd now gone nearly 18 hours without a wink of sleep. The final bell had just rang and I was stuffing my books into my locker when I was approached by the familiar clopping of platform sandals.
"Hi, Jenny!"
I looked up at Felicia, who seemed to have gotten her hair restyled.
"Hey, Felicia. Nice hair."
"Thanks. Got it done for the party."
I noticed Sheldon at her side, but he was seemingly intrigued with something to his left, and didn't glance at me once.
"Hi, Sheldon."
He nodded, still without a look in my direction.
"You are coming to the party tonight, right Jenny?" Felicia insisted.
"Of course! How could I miss it?" I giggled nervously.
"Good! We're all expecting you! Can't wait to hang out! Okay, well bye! Come on, Sheldon!"
As I listened to her high pitched babble I felt even worse. Sheldon hadn't even looked at me. What was up with him? Maybe he'd found greener pastures or whatever the saying is. Maybe he doesn't need me anymore.. not even as a friend. Fine. I don't need him either, then. I'll just go to the dance as Don's date and become the most popular girl in school!
As I was running around the house that afternoon, painting my nails blue, begging my mom to make me a new outfit, trying to find a cool looking purse and a good shade of lipstick, my mother was rambling on and on about how I should stay home tonight because Friday night was the biggest night for accidents. I should be ready to save the human race, she cried. I'm not living up to my purpose!
At 7:45, the doorbell rang. I flew to the door on my jet-powered roller-skates and threw it open.
"Hi, Don!"
To my dismay, I saw Felicia standing at my door. Looking so much cooler than me. Her bright green mini-dress came to her mid-thigh, and her legs seemed to go on forever in platform white go-go boots. She was wearing a matching green headband in her long pink hair, and a white purse.
"Hi, Jenny! Actually.. I'm not Don, as you might have noticed!" She giggled shrilly.
"Ah.. heh.. yeah, I thought you looked different."
"You're such a riot, Jenny. Now come on we have a party to get to!"
She grabbed my hand and drug me out to a bright blue corvette.
"It's my brother's car. He's going to drive us to the party. Don couldn't make it because he had a lot of setting up to do, but he said sorry."
"Oh. No problem.."
Felicia got in the front seat, and I slid into the back. When I glanced over, I noticed Sheldon sitting next to me.
"Hi, Sheldon!"
He was looking out the window.. and he didn't turn around.
"Hi."
"You look really nice. I've never seen you so dressed up before.."
He grunted in response. The ride to Don's was silent except for the radio blaring over-played singles.
As we pulled up in the circular driveway my heart began to sink. Why did I have a feeling that this was going to be the worst night of my life?
Stay Tuned!!
