'This bot does not exist.'
My brows furrowed since the day before, staring at the screen once more. I felt my eyes shake slightly from the lingering thought in the back of my head.
No, it can't be. He's with me just a few days ago.
Though I shook it off. My feet brought me to the corner of my room where a gray camera bag was laying in dust—evident from not using it too much.
Almost abandoned to be exact.
I took the handle and placed it on my lap. Unzipping the bag, a black digital camera was shown, a ray of my afternoon shadow cascading on it.
My lips curved into a smile. I can capture the moments I have with Eli.
My head turned to the window, a faint orange beam filled the trees and the simple interior of the houses in between. The light subtly flickering across the neighborhood.
I took the digital camera out of the bag, almost in the size of my hand.
Today, I'm finally doing something I want.
Smiling ear-to-ear, I pointed the camera behind the window—crouching as to view the birds laying on a branch.
I zoomed in and pressed the red button.
My lids half-blinked, mouth parting in awe as the yearning of yesterday's dream was felt in my chest—it was warm,
And welcoming.
Like him.
In the blink of an eye, the bird flew away and all I have left was shaking leaves that was bothered by the fellow's sudden flight.
Was it...like that with Eli?
I gulped, standing from the crouch and walking out my room.
No, that can't be.
My feet rushed to the living room where no traces of my parents were found. I heard murmurs upstairs. I held on the staircase, a foot almost stepping up—
Almost.
"Argh, that kid. What is it that she wanted that course?" Dad's voice echoed in evident irritation. "Well, our Annie is very determined with that career though." Mom replied and he just let out a sigh.
"Y'know, Annie invited a friend over." My mom's voice echoed faintly, changing the subject.
"Is it...a guy?" He murmured, almost whispering. "Yeah. He looked....very manly." Mom uttered and made me feel a slight warmth rising on my cheeks.
"I like the kid." Her voice echoed. "He's well-mannered."
I shook my head and grinned.
Ahh, my parents, really—
But then I paused, brows lifting.
I need to confirm the chat notice to Eli.
I took a few steps up the stairs, "Mom, Dad, I'm going to the store to buy snacks! Do you want me to buy anything else?"
My heart skipped a beat.
They went silent for a moment.
Then, dad's voice echoed, "Uh, just buy a few onions."
I rushed over the door and shouted, "Alright got it!" And with that, I ran as fast as my feet would over the streets.
Though I paused—encountering dogs around. My feet walked quickly, but not running at the direction we went before.
I stopped at the white walls and the simple interior. There was a sign beside the door.
Internet Cafe
So it was a cafe. I pushed the door and quietly looked inside—it was cozy. Wind swept the room through the air conditioner as clacking of keyboards were heard.
"Push it! Push it!" One screamed over his seat.
"Argh, I said go to the Mid-Lane!"
A faint swoosh and scream sound effects were heard faintly. My feet wandered around as the aroma of coffee reached my nose, lingering the familiar scent.
There were many computers.
"Annie?" I turned to the voice in the corner, seeing a familiar face which made my eyes roll.
"Hey, why didn't you reply last week?"
A smirk crept on her face as she held the tray of cups on her arms. "Girl, mah apologies but how ya doin!" She excitedly went to me but stopped when the drinks shook.
Kim placed the tray on the table beside me.
"So, what is it that you're gonna tell me?" Her eyes twinkled as they looked at mine, making me chuckle. "Well...."
"Well what? Get on it and spill it, girl!" She clapped her hand enthusiastically. "So first, I met Dyl—"
"Shut up if it's about that good-for-nothing jerk again." She declared and went to grab the tray. "He's the real reason why you don't have a frickin' relationship yet."
"Fine, fine. I'll cut to the chase." I thrown my hands up. "I met a guy—"
'Clang'
Kim dropped the tray against the table slightly, making it echo.
"No," Her lips curved into a smile, covering her mouth. "No. Way. Annie!" She jumped, making me laugh.
"Yo, girl. And what's crazy is that..." She leaned closer to me, perking up her ear. "I've been talking to a chatbot then," her brows furrowed, and had a change of expression.
Gosh, this girl is hard to talk to.
"Then this guy showed up." I exclaimed and made her face contort in disbelief. "He told me that he's the bot I'm talking with."
"Are you...." I waited for what she's going to say.
"High?"
My eyes rolled at her and crossed my arms. "Are you my friend or a basher?"
"Both." She smirked, making me shake my head and pinch my forehead. "Nevermind, I'm looking for someone though." I changed the subject.
"The who?"
"Do you....perhaps saw a guy with a tall and muscular frame, kinda tanned-skin?" Her polished brows went sky-rocket and mouth parts.
"Thats, the guy?" I nodded and put a hand on my pocket.
"Yeah. Got a problem?" My eyebrow raised, ready to throw hands.
"I've actually seen him but I think he's off duty today." She said and I heard someone scream from the corner.
"Hey, where's our coffee?"
Kim and I made eye-contact and she quickly grabbed the tray, rushing to the customer.
"Be right back."
I watched as her frame got hidden along behind the computer tables.
"Oh?" I turned to that voice and saw a face that made my face sour. A sigh came out of me.
"It's....been a while. Small town, huh?" Dylan said nonchalantly and stood there looking at me with a hand on his pocket. I gave him a formal nod as a greeting and walked past him, rushing to the door.
"You're going to ignore me after I put in all that trouble just to defended you from Joshua?" I turned to him and saw his tongue clicking on the side of his cheek.
My eyes went on his neck. He wore that pendant again.
Forcing a smile, I gritted my teeth.
"Thanks, by the way." I muttered and turned my back, walking to the door. He doesn't seem to do anything to stop me.
Psh, as if he will.
I twisted and opened the doorknob, revealing a petite figure. The light cascaded her small frame and blonde hair. Her sharp eyes highlighted with a thick eye-liner looked over mine.
Then immediately looked behind me.
"Oh, babe. There you are." Dylan called behind me and she walked past me, slightly bumping against my shoulder.
I froze in my position and standing in front of the door, holding in my temper—but for some reason...
I don't feel that bad anymore.
My head turned to them, giving them a formal smile as acquaintances.
Why do I feel...less hurt?
"Oh, she's here too." My lips twitched at her irritated remark.
Is she blind? She saw me earlier!
"Melody, right?" I asked and she blinked twice, frowning in mock offense. She went to me, but Dylan stopped her by the hand.
"It's, Melissa." The girl exclaimed firmly.
"Okay, Melinda." I smiled cheekily and her brows got closer together.
"What in the doodledo is goin' on here?"
Kim stood behind Dylan and Melody—er, Melinda? Whatever she's called. Kim crossed her arms and looked at the couple.
"What do you want?" Kim's eyes sharply fixed on Dylan. "Serve us coffee, please." He said, smiling and dropped into a serious frown. He held Melinda's hand and they walked to the table on the left side.
"Dude gained more attitude than what he already had in elementary." Kim whispered in my ear and we both chuckled.
'Cling'
The chime twinkled as the door creaked open. Both of us turned to who it is and made my mouth part.
In a glimpse, my feet scuttled hurriedly and walked towards him. His tall frame towered over me as light shone behind him like a halo.
His eyes widened slightly, those dark brown hues met mine once again.
"Master, you're here?" His tone curious and surprised, looking at me with doe eyes—twinkling in mirth I can't explain.
I sighed in relief.
To be continued...