'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. It can't be that he's only real to me.
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 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.
I shook my head and chuckled.
Ahh, my parents, really—
My brows went up and paused.
This means, Eli isn't only real to me.
He is real
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?"
He must exist.
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 finding someone though."
"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?"
"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 eyes shut.
"It's....been a while. Small town." Dylan said nonchalantly and walked past me. I gave him a formal nod as a greeting and walked past him.
"You're going to ignore me after I defended you from Joshua before?" I turned to him and saw that pendant hanging around his neck again.
Forcing a smile, I gritted my teeth.
"Thanks, by the way." I muttered and walked to the door. He doesn't seem to do anything
It opened and light cascaded her small frame and blonde hair. Her sharp eyes highlighted with a thick eye-liner looked over me.
"Oh, babe. There you are." Dylan called behind me and she walked past me.
I froze in my position and walked towards the door, holding in my temper—but for some reason...
I don't feel that bad anymore.
Facing them, I gave a smile.
Why do I feel...less hurt?
"Oh, she's here." My lips twitched at her irritated remark.
What does she even mean?!
"Melody, right?" I asked and she quickly 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. She 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 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 brows raise up.
In a glimpse, I walked towards him felt his arms wrap around me as a greeting.
"My master," His breath fanned over my ear.