MAP OF THE PROBLEMATIQUE
Chapter 9: Hitchin' a Ride

We ran for what seemed like miles, through the woods and over hills until we came upon a stream, and when I finally collapsed at the water's edge, I was the only one panting.

"My God...." I splashed my face with water. "Remind me never to take Lydia to one of those things."

Joe breathed a laugh next to me. "It's no place for the young."

"Can we find my Mommy now?"

"You can say that again....." I looked up and over my shoulder at the little boy that stood waiting next to Joe. "David?"

His eyes flickered to mine and held my gaze intently, waiting for me to continue.

"Do you know where your mother is, honey?"

"She is at home."

"And where's home, exactly?" When I paused for his answer, I recieved silence in return and could tell he didn't understand, so I continued. "Don't worry, David. We're gonna help you.

"Joe..." Dragging myself to my feet, I tied my hair back as I turned to my companion, dropping my voice. "I have no idea what to do. I mean, what-- who do we see about this? A child, Joe.... I had no idea they made them this young. I think I agree with those people back there, it really isn't right....."

"Well, love, there isn't much we can do now, is there?" Joe sighed, then fell silent for a moment. "What about Lydia?"

"What about Lydia?" I could feel my face get hot at the mention of my daughter. "What, you think this--"
"No, no, Wendy--" Joe waved it aside. "What I mean to say, is: If we're looking for Lydia, wouldn't helping David hinder our search?"

"Well, yes, but-- Jesus, he's a child!"

"He's Mecha."

"And you're not?" I scoffed. "I mean, no offense, sweetheart, but come on......"

Joe's gaze drifted from mine and he sighed heavily, crossing his arms across his chest without a word.

"Look. Joe. I am a mother looking for her child. He is a child looking for his mother. Mecha, Orga, whatever-- I'm beginning to think we were meant to help each other. We all..... need each other. Don't you think?"

My gaze was finally met by emerald green.

"What?" I grinned. "Are you jealous? I thought jealousy was an emotion strictly reserved for those with blood, flesh and pulse."

Joe leaned in with a devious little grin on his face. "Dr. Know."
"Dr. Know?"

"Dr. Know. He knows...... everything. That's where David wants to go to find his Blue Fairy. He says if he becomes a real boy, his mother will love him."

I took a breath to respond and then Joe's words sunk in. I felt a pang in my heart for the little mechanical boy clutching his equally as mechanical teddy. "And where do you propose we find this esteemed doctor?"

"Rogue City. Where else?"

A car finally pulled over for us at the main highway. We'd made our way out of the woods in less time than initially anticipated, and, as it happened, the car we had flagged down contained three very eager teenage boys. I sighed. Oh, dear, this should be interesting.....

"Let me handle this, love....." Joe said quietly, patting my shoulder. "You go wait with David."

Only a few moments after I stood back to watch Joe talk to the boys, I felt a small hand slip into mine. I looked down to find David at my side, watching Joe intently.

"He has a way with people."

I gave a bark of laughter, and one of the boys broke Joe's gaze to look at me briefly before returning his gaze to the Mecha crouched at the side of his car. "Yes, you could say he does...."

"Does he have a way with you?" David looked up to meet my eyes. I chuckled. Every line from this boy's mouth threw me for a loop, and I thought for a moment.

"He's been very good to me. I've needed a friend, and he was there for me when I needed him."
"Your daughter. Yes." His eyes returned to the car. "I remember what you said at the Flesh Faire. I hope you find her."

"Thanks," I murmured, and smiled with suprise when I felt David's hand tighten slightly around mine.

Laughter brought my attention back to the car. I knew Joe had been successful at securing us a ride. The grin he displayed as he sauntered back to us further solidifyed my guess.

"Come on, now, you two; it's time to go."

"Oh, Joe, what did you say?"

"Enough, Wendy, darling." Joe put an arm around my shoulders, kissing my forehead as he guided David and me to the car. "Just enough."

The city lights were a bit more dazzling tonight than they had been before for some reason. I wasn't sure if it was due to my lack of sleep or the adrenaline that still pulsed my veins; maybe it was an intoxicating mixture of the two. All I knew was, it was three thirty in the morning and this night wasn't about to end any time soon.

Rouge City..... the city that truly never sleeps.

David sat in my arms; Joe and one of the teenagers flanked us in the backseat. The teenager brushed shaggy blonde hair from his eyes as he stared at David.

"Hello," Teddy's rough voice broke the silence, making the teen jump. Jesus.... he muttered, but eventually reached out to touch Teddy's paw. "Don't worry," Teddy assured him. "I don't bite."
The boy chuckled. "They're.... they're not Orga, are they? Your friends....." The boy looked into my eyes honestly; his question made Joe's head turn, and caused Joe to smile.

"I'm the only one who is," I said softly, nodding.

"Yeah, I figured." The boy smiled. "Your boyfriend's too pretty to be real."

"Hey," Joe leaned foward, grinning. "I resent that."

Smiling, the boy shrugged sheepishly as Joe and I laughed.

"I'm going to be real," David piped up. His first words since he wished me luck in finding my daughter. "I'm going to find the Blue Fairy and she's going to make me a real boy!"

"Hey, David, hey," I hugged him close, calming his metallic nerves. "It's alright, sweetheart."

"I had no idea they made them that young," the blonde teen whispered. "It's terrible."

I nodded. "I treat him as if he's real because, for one, well..... really? Look at him. He is, after all, just a boy. They've programmed him not to know better. I want him to..... exist..... comfortably."