Chapter 8: Changes
Author's Note: This chapter has been edited, I changed some of the dialogue in the scenes and POVS as that's why it was posted, deleted and then reposted again. Thanks for your patience lol:)
Humans, the very thought of those creatures made Vega want to wince in disgust. She would often talk about what these strange creatures would be like with her friends. Many speculations and assumptions would arise about them, but the most popular one was that humans are ugly and vile.
Vega pushed into the door leading into the building, she sighed in frustration, oh what she would do to be back on Cluster Prime with her friends. Unfortunately, cluster Prime, like Earth, was early in the morning. Right now, it was first period, Drab likely would be pulling a stunt on the teacher from the back of the class; however, the teacher never managed to catch him. Shell, being the nerd he is, would already be working on tomorrow's homework in the front of the room, and Tuff…he definitely is stuck in a small place again due to his size. Vega sighed softly; hopefully, Drab or Shel remembered to grab him at some point.
She proceeded to stroll down the hall until she reached her classroom. Students pooled into the room as they filled their seats; Vega felt tense being surrounded by these monstrous aliens. She let out a soft gasp when she saw a six-and-a-half-foot blue and white robot sitting in the back with her head resting in her arms on the table. XJ9. She thought in shock and slight horror, a part of her wanted to run, yet another part of her wanted to scream and fight XJ9 for hurting Vega's people.
"Oh, class, we have a new student joining us today!" The teacher gestured to Vega at the doorway, making her snap out of her thoughts and look at him. "This is Vega, she's from…sorry, miss, where are you from again?" Vega observed the man for a moment, he appeared to be bald except for the hair on his upper lip. He had enormous glasses that sat on top of his round nose and she noted how, unlike the young humans, his skin had wrinkles in it. She learned from her mother that humans get wrinkles from a thing called aging. She felt a shudder run through her core Eww, that is so gross.
"Uh… I'm just from north of here." She stated simply, not wanting to give away her actual identity. In a way, she was still telling the truth, Cluster Prime is somewhat north of Earth.
"Ah, interesting. Well, please choose a seat, and we will get started." He turned back to the board, and Vega slowly made her way down the row of seats. She noted how a few of the students were whispering and some were staring directly at her. Their behavior reminded her a little of the students at her old school, except they talked and gawked at her for vastly different reasons.
Her optics remained focused on the other robot girl as she took her seat. XJ9 remained in the same position, seemingly unaware of Vega's presence. It felt so surreal, the great monster who destroyed their chips and the arch nemesis of her mother now sat right across from her. It amazed her to see the tremendous monstrous XJ9 peacefully sitting at a desk, doing absolutely nothing and was surprised how XJ9 didn't even acknowledge her.
Vega casually set her bag next to the seat and sat down while adjusting the chair closer to the desk. She winced as her hands felt a weird dry substance underneath the seat. It is confirmed humans are disgusting.
"Class, I will be assigning a semester project…" A round of collective groans followed, "Quiet! I am being nice. I'm going to let you choose whatever decade you want to present and your partner! You have the whole semester to finish it, so I expect it all to be on time, no exceptions! I will be giving you the rest of the hour to start choosing your partners." Many of the kids got up and started chatting, most likely not about the assignment as the two robot girls remained unnoticed in the back of the room.
Vega glanced back at XJ9, still unmoved. She hesitantly reached over and tapped her shoulder, worried that she would get attacked by doing so. "Excuse me?" She said softly. The robot girl didn't move, Vega raised an optic as she once again tried to get XJ9's attention, nudging her shoulder. "Hey, I'm talking to you!" Was she out of batteries or something? Vega wondered as the nudging seemed to not do anything. She leaned closer as she observed XJ9, XJ9's head appeared to be buried in her arms, but Vega noted how tense she looked. XJ9's optics were tightened shut as her lips seemed to make subtle movements. She tried one more time again in a louder tone using her name, "XJ9?"
Vega jerked back as XJ9 suddenly sprung up in her seat with a look of fear on her face; her optics widened in sheer horror as her hands gripped on the edges of the desk. "I'm not like you! I'm not…" XJ9 blinked and shook her head, followed by a groan. Her outburst gained some odd glances from their classmates. She heaved a few artificial breaths, regaining a sense of her surroundings. She gulped as she regained her composure and glanced over to see Vega standing by her. XJ9 appeared to be embarrassed and lightly chuckled bitterly, "Sorry, I-uh… haven't really been sleeping lately-it's nothing though. Just life as a teenager, right?"
The robot girl faceded a grin on her face, yet her optics seemed empty and pained as her whole body seemed tense. Vega noticed how XJ9's hands would slightly twitch every few seconds and the odd oil smell that came from XJ9. Wow, mom wasn't kidding about XJ9's state. Vega forced a smile and reluctantly reached out a hand to the Cluster's enemy, "It's totally fine, I understand. My name is Vega."
The robot nodded as she reached and shook her hand; which made Vega cringe, "I'm Jenny." Vega resisted the urge to show her disgust at the human sounding name. Why would you make yourself more like the hideous creatures of this planet?
"Jenny, huh? Well it's nice to meet you, Jenny." Ugh, just saying the name makes me want to vomit-the robot girl is worse than I thought. "Well, there's a class project that's due by the end of the semester and I was wondering if you'd like to be my partner."
Jenny raised an optic, she looked as if she was again, ready to collapse. "Hmm, why? There are other kids that will get you a better grade than I would." That wasn't totally true, her computerized mind could work faster and smarter than everyone in the class. Lately, however, her grades have fallen below average.
Vega shrugged, "I guess, but I don't really know anyone and humans aren't my forte… So I figured since-you know-were both robots we could get the assignment done together." She weakly smiled, hoping that sentence didn't sound oddly suspicious.
Jenny tapped her pencil against the desk in a weird rhythm, her optics absently focused on its movements. "Jenny?"
Jenny glanced back towards Vega as she snapped back in reality remembering she didn't answer, "Hmm? Oh, uh, sure. We'll talk after."
Vega nodded, as she watched her turn her attention back to the pencil. Jenny's optics showed a mix of complex unreadable emotions. Vega didn't understand why Jenny was so intently glaring at the pencil. Maybe it's an earth thing.
—-
Sheldon sat up in his hospital bed as a tray of what appeared to be glop and a cup of water with some pain meds on the side- his breakfast of the day. With only one hand, he placed the capsules in his mouth, followed by sips of cool tap water. He coughed, now realizing how dry his throat must have been. Sheldon then picked up the spork and carefully placed the questionable gruel in his mouth. It carried no taste, yet felt some pleasantness of finally getting food in his stomach. After all, the last meal he remembered eating was almost three days ago before the incident.
Sheldon's jaw slowly mashed the food in his mouth, struggling to do so with the pain and swelling. He found it frustrating as his stomach cried in hunger, yet the movement only ached his jaw more. Eventually, he placed the spork down as he leaned into his bed, deciding to take a break. The sun emitted its light through his window, he glanced around the room, noting Brad's absence-he likely is at school and will come later that day. Sheldon sighed as he laid in pain, what he wouldn't give to be in school right now, Lucky... Despite being a social outcast, Sheldon genuinely loved Tremerton High and the teachers there, which earned him the name teacher's pet. However, it wasn't just the teachers, but two of his best friends, Brad and Jenny.
He paused in thought for a moment. One best friend was probably more accurate now. Why wouldn't it be? Sheldon lied to her and broke her heart. He painfully recalled the day when Jenny found out the truth with Silver Shell, the broken look on her face is imprinted in his memory forever. The memory of the physical pain and her screaming that followed didn't hurt him as much…he deserved all of that. All he wanted was for Jenny to be his. How could I've been so stupid? He bitterly scoffed at himself, as he thought about everything he had done to win her over since the day they met- each attempt was less successful than the next. I never deserved her…and I never will. Sheldon felt a tight knot in his chest as he lost his appetite, carefully placing his tray of mostly untouched food next to him in the bed. He leaned his head back against the overly fluffed pillow and glared at the celine, wishing he could disappear.
Faintly, he heard heels clacking against the tile floor outside the hallway followed by a small collection of excited voices. Sheldon turned his head towards the door, raising an eyebrow, confused at the sudden commotion. He considered ignoring the excitement but his attention was grabbed when the sound appeared to be getting closer, which made him sit upright in curiosity.
Sheldon's door swung open and a woman stepped inside as the swarm of people called out for her in the hallway. The woman appeared to be in her early to mid-thirties and had dark hair cut short-styled into a pixie cut, her cheekbones were sucked in with a pointy jaw and she had large full puffy lips and small dark brown eyes. Her nose was long and skinny. She wore an overly tight pink dress that emphasized her feminine appearance, with heels that made her a few inches taller than she really is. It was very clear to Sheldon she has had a lot of work done. The overly powerful and recognizable scent of perfume stung Sheldon's nose as his eyes began to water. She turned as a frail old nurse started to shoo them away and reached for the door handle. "So sorry, Ms. Kourtney."
The woman laughed and waved dismissively, "Oh darling, I never get tired of my wonderful fans. You're all so wonderful." The crowd kept shouting praises as they are in awe about how Kourtney takes time to visit sick people in the hospital right before the nurse finally closed the door. As the door shut, the woman's demeanor turned into a grimace as she rolled her eyes, "Poor people." She mumbled in disgust. Kourtney gestured to the door, "You know, the old maid in the white suit could use some work done on her...a lot of work."
Sheldon blinked, clearly unamused, "You mean the nurse?" He mumbled despite the pain in his jaw.
"Yea, her." Kourtney pulled up a chair next to his bedside and sat next to him as she set her Jean Phillipe purse in her lap. "I actually had an important meeting scheduled in Los Angeles, but luckily they moved the date a few days when I had to postpone, I was worried they'd cancel. I can't imagine missing that."
Sheldon rolled his eyes, she has always been like this, always putting him last on her priority list. Still, he felt some sense of happiness at seeing her. She grimaced again as she observed him, "You've seen better days."
Sheldon let out a bitter scoff, as he looked into her eyes, "Good to see you too, mom."
Kourtney's eyes widened as she raised a finger up to her lips and shushed him, "Shh! Not so loud, Sheldon!"
Sheldon frowned, he knew that no one knew the 'great CEO of Fashionista Magazine- Kourtney Lee', had a son and for some reason, his mom wanted to keep it that way. Something about having a teenage son making her sound too old and her not wanting people to know she had a kid at such a young age. The only similarities between the two of them one may notice is their hair and eye color as well as the same skin complexion and height. The freckles are even on the same spot on their faces. Before her countless surgeries, they looked nearly identical.
He winced as she placed her hands on his cheeks, observing him side to side. "You poor thing…on the bright side, I know some good surgeons."
Sheldon groaned and shook his head, as he shoved her away confused, "What…what are you-why are you here?" Seeing his mother present and being interested in him was a shock to Sheldon, as she was never really around.
"Your friend called me…what was his name again? Chad or something?"
"Brad?" Sheldon raised a brow, surprised his friend managed to even get a hold of her as she would never pick up whenever he called.
Kourtney shrugged as she pulled some blush out of her bag and started dabbing it on her skin while looking at her mini mirror, "Yea, something like that. Anyways, he called me and was going off about how you were in the hospital-yada yada- which doesn't really come as news to me since you're accident-prone." She lightly chuckled as Sheldon stared at her unimpressed. Kourtney finished reapplying her makeup and set it back in her purse as she folded her arms, "What was interesting to me is he mentioned something about a robot being there?"
Sheldon sat there for a moment, speechless. He softly stammered, stunned, "He…told you?"
His mother sighed, exasperated as she rubbed her forehead. "Sheldon, what did I tell you about inventing things?! It's dangerous!"
Sheldon blinked and lightly shook his head, ignoring the shooting pain in his jaw, "No, I didn't create her. Her mom, Doctor Wakeman did."
Kourtney raised an eyebrow, wondering if she heard her son right, "Her…mother?"
Sheldon shrugged, "Well…yea, she calls Doctor Wakeman her mom. She actually goes to school with Brad and I."
Kourtney tilted her head, her nose wrinkled in confusion, as her mind tried to process everything her son was saying "A…robot goes to school with you?"
"Yeah, but she isn't like other robots. She's just a regular teenager like everyone else in school…except with powers and skin made of metal but that's all that's really different about her."
His mom stared at him bewilderingly as if she just saw Sheldon grow a second head. Sheldon slightly expected this as it wasn't something his mom was used to. He is like that himself sometimes, in fact he probably wouldn't have believed himself either if he had never met Jenny. Sheldon continued to explain how they met, and their friendship as well as his unrequited and undying feelings for Jenny. He faintly smiled as he finished, "She really is a special girl, mom."
Kourtney blinked as she stared at him in disbelief. Then, she shook her head and scoffed, "Wow, what a…what a story."
Sheldon slouched as he narrowed his eyes, "You don't believe me?"
Kourtney waves dismissively with albeit forced smile
"No, I believe there's a robot and it's cute you befriended it, but…at the end of the day it's just a machine. It's not real." Kourtney stated simply. "Just like your little toys you create."
The words stung him, as he retorted, "Jenny is not like that! She's…"
Kourtney raised a hand up as she interrupted, "Sheldon, there are real people out there and real girls and relationships you can have. Yet you're wasting time on something that's fake!" She shook her head in disappointment. "I know you're not as socially accepted, but artificial relationships aren't the solution!"
"Mom, she is real! My friendship with her is real! We hang out and we even talk on the phone sometimes." He shot back angrily.
Kourtney rolled her eyes as she could tell Sheldon wouldn't budge. "I thought you were more logical than this. You are projecting your feelings onto it, it's unhealthy! You need therapy!"
Sheldon glared, he tensed up already wanting his mother to leave him alone once more. Both remained silent for a moment as the tension rose in the room. Finally, he grabbed his phone that sat beside him to get himself to cool down as Kourtney did the same-presumably texting one of her agents on how much longer she's gonna be at the hospital.
Sheldon glanced at the screen, mindlessly scrolling through his notifications; which wasn't much. He paused when he saw Jenny's name pop on his screen. She texted him! Nervously, he opened the message, his eyes carefully read the message. His heart nearly pounded out of his chest as he softly gasped, she wanted to talk. Maybe, maybe I still have a chance…
"Why are you smiling?" Kourtney demanded when she saw his goofy grin as he stared at the screen.
Sheldon's smile fell as fast as it formed when he met his mother's irritated scowl.
He held his phone tightly to his chest as he averted his gaze, not daring to look her in the eyes "Uh…nothing?"
Kourtney held her hand out, her voice had a sharp tone "Hand it over."
Sheldon shook his head and tightened his grip, "No, I'm not going to let you look at my phone!" He yelped in shock and pain as his mother clawed and snatched his phone away from him, as he was too weak to stop her. "Give it back!" He cried helplessly.
Kourtney observed the message, and frowned as she saw the contact name and the message. "I'm guessing this Jenny followed by a bunch of kissy face and heart emojis is this robot you are talking about." Sheldon's face reddened like a tomato in embarrassment as she scrolled through the messages, "So this robot…Was she the one who put you in this hospital bed?" She turned to him unamused and a raised eyebrow towards the wide eyed teen. "Didn't I warn you about dangerous machinery?"
Sheldon shook his head and stammered not wanting his mother to find out the truth, "N-no, she was-she saved me! She didn't have anything to do with this!"
The helpless boy watched as his mother continued to read past messages, "You sure texted her a lot." She read the interaction between the two. Jenny sounded so real and genuine, it almost looked convincing. She smirked and chuckled, "Wow, the Wakeman lady did an impressive job…it almost sounds like a person!"
"Because she is!"
Kourtney rolled her eyes at her son's whining. She turned off his phone and sighed. Sheldon pressed his lips, anticipating another response. She glanced down at the ground tapping her foot against the clean tile. The room once again fell silent as he watched his mother stew in her thoughts, he softly chuckled to himself believing not a lot actually goes on in there. Kourtney's features softened as the boy looked nearly beside himself. Finally, she sighed and spoke softer as she carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, however her voice lacked noticeable sincerity, rather it was sharp when she spoke, "Okay, I…I understand. You have feelings for this…robot girl. And, judging from looking at this whole thing, you should leave it-I mean uh, her alone right now."
"But mom, none of it was her fault! And she wants to talk."
Sheldon could tell his mother had no interest in his words as she waved a hand up. "Look, Sheldon. I'm going to be honest and say we might need to look into therapy."
Sheldon raised a brow as he shot back, "What?!"
Kourtney forced a smile as she nodded, "Trust me. You need it."
Kourtney watched as her son lay on his side and under his already swollen and broken face, tears streaming down his cheeks. She spoke again, "I'll… I'll call to schedule an appointment with a therapist and…and maybe we will talk later about what would be best with your schooling. Homeschooling might not be a bad solution, it's not like you interact with anyone anyways."
"What, no mom! You don't understand, I love her! I want to make things right with her, there are so many things I need to fix and-and…" He sniffed, swallowing the lump of tears down his throat. "I just need to talk to her."
Kourtney started to shush him as she brushed her hands through his tangly hair but still kept her distance, "I know honey, I know. But, you might be better off taking a break with it-er, her."
"Get out." Sheldon mumbled interrupting his mother, his voice filled with disgust.
Kourtney blinked and was surprised by her son's tone , "Excuse me?"
Sheldon sat up as he narrowed his eyes, "I said get out!" He was slightly shaking as he felt his breath become shallow.
"Sheldon, I'm doing this for your own good." She spoke sternly and softly. She tried to keep her voice down in attempts to calm him down as well as not wanting anyone outside to hear the conversation.
"No, you're not! You don't care about me, you never did! Now leave me alone!" He buried his head into the pillow and covered himself with the thin blanket.
Kourtney watched as Sheldon became inconsolable, she was at a loss for words and sat uncomfortably in her seat. "I'll be outside, I need to get some work done." Sheldon didn't respond as he heard her footsteps heading to the door opening and shutting again.
Sheldon peeked outside his blanket and found himself to be alone once more. He slowly sat back up, tears slowly streaming down his swollen cheeks. He wanted to break down and sob, but the pain in his jaw was too great; he took a deep breath to calm himself only soon regretting it as his ribs gave him a sharp sting of pain reminding him of the fractures. Sheldon gazed down at his phone, tempted to respond to the text. But did he even deserve to hear from her again? Sheldon recalled all the times he probably made her uncomfortable, all the times she would yell at him to stop. He shook his head, remembering his mom's words, Why am I like this? He placed the phone on his desk and closed his eyes. The painful thought reluctantly came to him as his mom may have been right about one thing. Maybe, it's better…if I just left her alone.
—-
The school library was not packed as most of the students were in class except for Jenny and Vega. Quietly, the two sat in the corner at a round table as some old history books yet to be opened laid on the dusty wooden surface. Jenny rested her head onto the desk as she internally checked for any messages or possible missed calls from Sheldon, displeased that there were no new notifications.
It has now been over a day and she still hasn't heard from Sheldon, she anxiously tapped a pencil against the table. Momentarily, as her audio receptors paid attention to the sound that was produced. It sounded off. Instead of the usual pencil tapping, it sounded like…like metal hitting something…and Vexus taunting her from a distance.
She knew he was alive and conscious, Brad told her the day before, but couldn't figure out why the boy who would attach to her like a leech was suddenly so distant. In the past, after she blew up at him, he would be hurt but within a day he would be back acting like how he always did; so what's so different this time? He's in the hospital. That was the difference. Jenny felt a slight sting of guilt, yet tried to reason with herself that she was just mad and hurt that day; her mind was clouded with overwhelming emotions and thoughts that she wasn't thinking clearly when she physically attacked him. She lightly kicked the table leg as she slouched in her seat, her optics blankly gazed around the room. Sheldon would understand that, right? He always does! She nervously hoped to herself.
Jenny blinked as Vega spoke, breaking Jenny out of her thoughts. "Wow…humans sure did have a lot of wars…" She flipped the pages of the history book as she rested her cheek on her hand, "And diseases…sheesh. Heh, too bad they don't come with antivirus software or something." She chuckled to herself somewhat amused at the book she was reading.
"Yeah, humans can be interesting." Jenny replied absentmindedly as she continued to stare aimlessly at the wooden table.
Despite only meeting her almost an hour ago, Vega noticed how withdrawn and distant Jenny was. She doesn't believe it was possible for Jenny to be already suspicious of her because according to her mother she has been like this for a while now. A part of Vega was tempted to leave Earth and abandon the mission as Jenny already seemed to be in the state her mother wanted her to be and she didn't want to stand another minute on the gross human planet. There's also a part of her that just wants to go ahead and attack the very robot who hurt her people while she appeared to be at her weakest; giving her the same torment that XJ9 has given Vega's people. Under the desk, Vega tightened her fists as her cooling systems picked up in an attempt to calm herself down; in reality, she knew she wouldn't stand a chance against XJ9 due to not having powers.
Nonetheless, she knew she had to stay for the sake of her mother, her friends, and more importantly all of Cluster Prime. She also hopefully thought that she could somehow- maybe- get XJ9 to pay for her wrongdoings. Vega forced a smile and attempted to engage in conversation, "So…Jenny, what are the humans like around here?"
Jenny lifted her head, slightly raising an optic and shrugged, "Well, you know they're alright…I guess, haven't you been around one before?"
Vega's optics widened as she realized her possible slip up and looked away awkwardly, "Uh…well, yea it's just…I was homeschooled, so I don't get to be around them too much." She smiled sheepishly, not wanting her cover to be blown.
Jenny bitterly chuckled as she mumbled, her optics continued to hold a blank expression not noticing Vega's nervousness "Huh, sounds nice. Not having to deal with it all the time." She slightly frowned as she leaned against the back of her chair; again desired to be alone in her room. Yet, even the solace of her room doesn't even work anymore, as in the silence she still hears the echo of her metallic arm smacking against him along with blood curdling screams and crying.
"Don't you have friends around here though?" Asked Vega.
Jenny hesitated, her body tensed up, not really knowing how to respond. She thought back to the previous few weeks with Brad and Sheldon and the mixed feelings she had with both of them "Well…There are a few that I may or may not consider friends… It's just, you know, complicated sometimes." She scoffed with a fake smile and shrugged it off, "High school, am I right? Always so much drama until graduation."
Vega chuckled and shook her head as she put down the history book and flipped the pages for Jenny to see, "According to this, humans are always dramatic, not just in high school. Always so quick to anything including war. It's kind of cute, they don't change much over time." Vega whistled in disbelief as she shook her head. "Yea…humans don't change much, do they? Heh, look at this chapter regarding technological advancement, thinking they're so great."
Jenny shrugged as she mumbled trying to find reason, "Well, I mean they did create us."
Vega rolled her optics in annoyance, "Yes, but they then act like they own us. Look at all this technology that has been abandoned by humans as if they're toys. It's such a shame, humans really don't change huh?"
Momentarily, Jenny thought back through the past month and everything that happened. Brad, Tuck, and her mother's betrayal align similarly to what the book said, they don't change much, they went to war when they were scared and they almost got rid of her. But what about Sheldon? Wouldn't that be an exception…or maybe Vega's right about him too? With Sheldon's silence, it concerned her she might be. She tried to shove that horrible thought in the back of her head, he wouldn't do that to her, right? Again, this was Sheldon she was thinking about, the world would end before he would turn his back on her.
"Aren't you two supposed to be in class?' Called a stern voice capturing both of their attention. A short crude lady with her hair worn in a bun as she rested her fists on her hips glared at the two girls.
"Uh, we're studying right now. We have a semester project due" Replied Jenny
The lady marched over frustrated, as her heels scruffed against the carpeted floor. "That's not an excuse young lady, classes are in session and students are required to be in class during this time."
Jenny rolled her optics, it's not even noon yet and she already wanted to go home and had no desire to be around more people today. "Can we at least have a few more minutes?"
"Absolutely not! Leave now!" The librarian demanded in a sharp tone as her glasses slid to the edge of her nose; her finger pointed at the door angrily.
Vega smirked as she leaned against her chair, finding the angry human entertaining, "Wait, if we're supposed to study and work at school and the library is part of the school. Why can't we just study here?"
The librarian stared daggers at Vega as she leaned closer, "Okay, smart mouth? What did I just say? Classes are in session, therefore, no students in the library!"
Vega shrugged as Jenny's optics widened at her confidence, "Okay, but we just learn the same thing in class? Why not just here in the library? I can teach myself, it's not like anyone here can teach me anything." Vega gave a smug grin as she stifled a giggle at the angry librarian shaking in fury.
"That's it! Lunch detention, both of you!"
Vega raised an optic with a smug grin on her face, "Wow, you really don't like something being different, do you?"
"Out now! Lunch detention!" The lady screeched, making Jenny jump back a bit as Vega collected the books calmly. The two proceeded to leave the library as the librarian muttered to herself. Vega turned to Jenny, gesturing to the old librarian, "See what I mean, humans don't like change and will never change." Jenny stared at Vega's confident stride with her smug smile and back at the librarian still grumbling bitterly to herself. She felt a little guilty, but with everything that's happened, what if Vega was right? Would that apply to those around her too?
Jenny's mind racked with the questions, as it pounded loudly in her head, she tried to think of a simple answer, but nothing came to mind. She shook her head, hoping that Vega was wrong somehow, even though Sheldon had yet responded to her. She felt tense as the anxious feeling grew deep as she and Vega silently walked down the hall.
—
"Lunch detention?" XJ6 asked skeptically as Jenny tossed a few of her books into the locker. She cackled, "Oh ho, wait until I tell mom about this!"
Jenny raised an optic, with a bored expression as she replied monotonously, "Yes, but because you're in charge of me and I got in trouble, you would also be in trouble and likely put back in the basement."
XJ6 slumped her shoulders and frowned in dismay as she knew Jenny was right. "Of course, you would get the less harsh punishment. Mommy's favorite." She said with slight sarcasm.
Jenny looked somberly to the ground, her sister's words just made her think of the previous incidents and how quick their mother was to judge and replace her. Even worse that they almost…she couldn't bear to think about that again. She knew XJ6 didn't know so the comment didn't offend her, but how was she to explain that to her sister? Jenny shook off her thoughts and shrugged, "No, XJ6, mom loves all of us equally." She laughed softly, "Trust me, she does."
XJ6 rolled her optics as she leaned against one of the lockers. "Whatever you say, Jen." They both remained silent for a moment as Jenny grabbed an oil container out of the locker before she closed it and took some sips of the drink. Jenny was about to walk away, before XJ6 called out. "Hey, wait, with you gone am I just supposed to sit by myself or would mom want me to follow you?"
Jenny shrugged as she turned to look at her sister, "Do what you want, I won't tell."
XJ6 brightened hearing that, maybe now she can get a chance to talk to her new friends. "Really?" She smirked as she raised an optic goofily. "But won't you be lonely without me, your favorite sister?" She joked, recalling what their mother said the other night about XJ6 being Jenny's favorite.
Jenny rolled her optics and waved dismissively, "Nah, I'll be fine. I have someone that will be joining me."
A robotic voice called down the hallway catching both of their attention, "Hey, Jenny!" XJ6 looked up and saw-not Brad or Sheldon- but a pink robot she had never seen before waving at them.
"Whose that?"
"Oh, she's a new student, her name's Vega. She's not from here."
XJ6 raised an optic, confused. "Then where is she from?"
Jenny shrugged nonchalantly as she waved her goodbye till she ran down the hall towards Vega. XJ6 observed the new robot, something seemed off about her but she didn't know what. Vega's movements and mannerisms looked like they were forced. She watched as they turned down the corner and disappeared from sight. XJ6 stood alone for a few minutes and wondered why this felt so wrong?
XJ6 stopped her train of thought and giggled to herself, why was she worrying? This was Jenny she was thinking of, she can protect herself! XJ6 refocused onto the cafeteria. Besides, this could be her chance to finally be with her new friends and she wasn't going to waste it worrying about Jenny! XJ6 giddily ran into the cafeteria and scanned the room until- Bingo! The Krust cousins!
XJ6 bolted to their table with a wide grin on her face, "Hi girls!" She yelled once she almost knocked the table over with her impact and shocked everyone at the round table.
"Dang it, she's back." Mumbled Tiff with clear disappointment as she stabbed her fork into the undercooked chicken which wasn't noticed by XJ6.
"Sorry I bailed the other day girls, my annoying sister needed my help on something. But I'm here now!" She smiled softly as she rubbed the back of her neck, "Uhm, Is it ok if I sit with you?" She said as she looked at the crowded seats of popular kids staring weirdly at her.
Brit had a disapproving frown and folded her arms, again ready to tell XJ6 off, "Well, our table is actually…" She paused as Tiff suddenly whispered something into her ear. Suddenly her demeanor changed, "Oh, we would love for you to join us, Jessica."
XJ6 beamed at both the acceptance and how Brit remembered her name. Quickly, she sat down on the bench amongst the popular kids, no, her friends; it was a dream come true.
"It's a pleasure for you to join us, Jessica. Isn't that right everyone?" Brit asked with a coy smile followed by delayed agreements from round the table as XJ6 blushed.
"Aw, thank you! You're all so kind!"
Ptresia tilted her head as she took a sip from her water bottle, "So, Jenny is your older sister?"
XJ6 glanced down and shrugged as if embarrassed, "Uh, yea. But, we're pretty different though, both personality wise and well you know…" She pointed at her computer screen face which is drastically different from Jenny's normal round face. "This."
Tiff hummed in response as she slowly nodded, "Yes, Jennifer is pretty different, she's more of a…well, a geek." She chuckled. "And she always hangs with that greasy nerd and the desperate loser who literally asked out every girl in this school."
"Brad isn't that bad." Jantrice piped up with food in her mouth. She swallowed and looked at the ground, "Then again, he became really close to that geek and the freak which definitely turned him into a total loser." She said as the others giggled at the comment.
XJ6 nervously chuckled as well, as she ignored the guilty feeling, "Uh, yea. Ha! Total losers, I could never be friends with them!"
Brit patted XJ6's shoulder with a smug grin, "Of course not! You're one of us, Jessica!"
"You know, there's a party this Friday. You should totally come!"
XJ6 pigtails perked up in excitement as she smiled, "Ooh, a party? Where?!"
"It's at Don Prima's place." Explained Tiff.
XJ6 blinked. She's never been to a guy's house before, then again, she hasn't been to anyone's house before. But, she wasn't going to tell them that! "Oh, cool! Uhm, whose Don Prima?"
The girls gasped, which made XJ6 wince a bit, worried she said something wrong. Ptresia explained, "Uhm, he's the hottest guy in Tremerton High!" She gasped as she pointed at another table filled with jocks. "There he is!" XJ6 turned to where Ptresia was pointing at a super muscular and tall boy with nicely combed blonde hair.
XJ6 could feel herself heating up as she blushed deeply. She gawked at him, fascinated with the boy. How could a boy look any more perfect? His hair, his body. XJ6's optics formed into the shape of hearts. She stammered quietly as she had forgotten her surroundings, "H-hello future husband." The girls snickered as they watched XJ6 fawn over Don which made her snap out of her daydream, sheer embarrassment on her face. She quickly turned back around, "I mean, he's cute." She smiled sheepishly.
Tiff snickered, "Oh, don't be embarrassed Jess, he's quite the catch." She smirked, "You know, he actually thinks you're cute too."
XJ6's optic widened in surprise, "W-what? But, I never talked to him before! How does he know me?"
"He saw you with Jenny in the hallway a couple times and told us he thought you were cute!" Exclaimed Jantrice. She winked when she added, "Even more than Jenny."
XJ6 gave a wobbly smile as she processed that information, the hottest boy in school…likes me?! And thinks I'm prettier than Jenny?! She felt her systems were to go into overdrive any moment as she contained her excitement. "What…what should I do?!" She yelped in panic.
"Cool your jets, we gotcha girl! We will give you the details of the party and you know, Don is nervous too! So, at the party, you should make a move on him!" Tiff exclaimed with encouragement.
XJ6 blinked in confusion , "Really? Just make the first move?"
The girls all nodded in agreement, which built XJ6's confidence, she grinned proudly with determination. "Ok, I'll do it! But when? What do I wear?"
"We will send you the information. We are going to have so much fun, Jessica!" Brit forced a pleasant smile.
XJ6 giggled and the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch time.
"We will talk more later, Jess!" Said Ptresia as everyone got up from their seats.
"Ok, see you later my favorite gal pals!" She cheerfully skipped away and as she passed Don Prima, she winked and gave a flirtatious wave before running off. This was probably the best day of her life.
Meanwhile, Don gave a strange look making the popular kids burst out in laughter. This was going to be entertaining.
—-
Authors Note: Finally, the eighth chapter is done! So Sorry for the long wait, I literally was swamped with school work and tried to write as much as I could when I had time! Luckily this is a longer chapter, so hopefully that makes up for it lol. Also fun fact, Sheldon's mom is named after a Kardashian. Anyways, thanks again for reading! I hope you enjoyed it and I would love to hear what you all think:):)