E.R.I.C. (The Almost Series Book 2) Read Free Page A

laugh when I was frightened. He didn’t say he loved me but, I knew deep inside—he did.
    Dr. Cole frowned. “P.O.P. stands for Performance Optimized Parent. It’s just a highly advanced computer that learns to adapt with its human child, which we connect him to at birth. He isn’t real. You must understand that machines cannot feel emotions—that’s why you were given an O.H.P.”
    “Yes, an Optional Human Parent—Darla.” I rolled my eyes. The glass elevator declined from the roof into the tower at Pigeon Key Research Facility. “I know what I felt—Pop cared for me and I miss him.”
    “Maybe you’re really just an emotional S.H.A.Y.,” she said. “That would explain why you’re such a pathetic scientist.”
    “If I was so horrible, why are you using my inventions?”
    “You’re even more obnoxious than before. What sort of mischief did you get into while outside the research center?”
    The elevator stopped. “I—”
    She raised her finger. “Forget it, we’ll discuss things later.”
    “I want to see my Pop.”
    “If you don’t shut your mouth—”
    The doors opened.
    The room that stood before me was the most familiar besides my living quarters. Each day, I went to work here with the other scientists. I wore a white cloak and goggles, studying and analyzing various chemicals, exploring their ability to save the lives of mammals and aquatic life. There were rows of lab desks where everyone partnered together. Synthetics had been my strongest subject—always creating tails for dolphins. Most of the scientists wished to design better machines. I thought—why not save already living creatures? Jerome agreed with me. We worked together the most.
    Two scientists I worked with regularly stood in the lobby of the robotics lab. “It’s Shay!” one said. “Look everyone, she’s safe!”
    Goggled eyes glanced up from their projects. Some of the scientists clapped; a few came over to hug me, most smelling of formaldehyde.
    I welcomed them like a starving animal. My heart pounded. This was the last time I’d see these people. I’d never step inside this lab again or save another dolphin. My days were over.
    Smile.
    I had to smile.
    Yes.
    They didn’t need to know I was a walking corpse.
    “We missed you.”
    “It’s not the same without you running through these halls.”
    “Are you injured?” Jerome asked. He grabbed my arm, studying the discoloration of my veins. “What’s happened to you?” He pushed up his glasses, squinting. “Let’s set you on the examination table.”
    “Enough!” Dr. Cole said. “I must examine the S.H.A.Y.”
    Jerome backed away. A lone tear trickled down his cheek.
    We locked eyes. My fingers trembled.
    “Goodbye, Shay,” he whispered.
    I frowned. “I know, and it’s okay.”
    “No,” he said. “It’s not.”
    Dr. Cole grabbed my arm and jerked me forward.
    I glanced back at the scientists. They stood still.
    I waved at them. “It’s okay, guys. I’m going to be just fine.”
    Jerome burst into tears.
    “Get back to work,” I said. I turned around, trying my best to keep my composure. I stepped into the elevator. “It’s going to be—”
    The doors shut.
    “Well played,” Dr. Cole said.
    “It’s not their fault.”
    My throat tightened.
    Amie walked beside me. She wore a kilt and played the bagpipes. A desperate laugh escaped me. Dr. Cole squeezed my arm tighter. There was a skunk in between Amie’s legs. It moved. I laughed even louder.
    “Stop that,” she said.
    “I can’t, this is all so ridiculous. I’m a ‘product’ and you’re my murderous bouncer. This reminds me of when I was little and you tried to teach me to ride a bike. Do you remember that?”
    “I’ve tried desperately to block that day out of my mind. You have very poor coordination.”
    “You weren’t this mean when I was small.”
    Dr. Cole loosened her grip. “You weren’t so unmanageable then.”
    “Why did you stop training me?”
    “My skills were