Holly NX

Chapter 2

When the store finally opens, people file in slowly and a few hours pass as they each take turns eyeing me up and deciding I am not their type. People buy a few models here and there in each of the rooms and I watch as they grab their new dolly by the hand and lead them away. Occasionally I will also catch a glimpse of the owner. He is charismatic towards his customers, often getting them to up their budget in order to get an android of higher quality. I notice that he gets quite close to the men and women he chats with, breaking their personal space barrier and making it seem as though he has their best interest at heart.

There is a change in Sal's demeanor when a skinny man in a beanie enters the room. Instead of his usual, friendly smile, he glares at the man as he strides through the room. The man cannot be over 30, but it is obvious that drugs have aged him at least a few years. When he smiles at Sal, his teeth are discolored and worn. His skin pulls awkwardly and he is in clear and dire need of some moisturizer.

"Yo, Sal buddy. How are ya?" He faces Sal with outstretched arms but only receives a stand off stare.

"What do you want, Richard?"

"Oh come on buddy, you know a man's got needs. I'm just here to look at your beautiful merchandise."

"You come here for that after what you did to my daughter?" Sal's eyes are enraged and he closes the gap between himself and the man to grab him by the collar. "You should not have come here you little prick."

"Hey now, last I checked your daughter and I were two consenting adults. Nothing wrong there. That's not what I'm here about anyway. My buddy's got a birthday coming up and he's been so lonely lately. So lonely. So I came here looking for a solution. I don't know anyone who has droids quite like you and you know I'm good for the money, so why don't we just come to an agreement and have you sell me that beautiful broad right over there." He points at me and I stifle a cry of disbelief. I pray that at this moment, Sal will make Richard disappear like his other customers and I will not have to ever have him lay a hand on me.

Unfortunately, Sal's face lightens up and he laughs.

"You know what- you want this one?" He pauses to laugh again. "I have an even better idea. How about you pay me 200,000 ston extra, as a fee for you being a piece of shit, and we have a deal?" He lets Richard's collar loose and pats him on the back.

"Um, that droid's only worth 50K there, Sal." Sal lets out a maniacal laughter that rings in my ears.

"Yes, yes it is!" The laughing continues and Richard chimes in with his own shy laughter.

"Well, you drive a hard bargain, friend, but I suppose that's fair." If I had a stomach, it would drop. The guy looks disgusting to me and his clothes are absolutely hideous. I am supposed to go with him? I keep everything to myself and continue my blank stare, but I wish and hope during each signing of paperwork that he will say "you know what? I changed my mind. See ya," but instead they finish the last signature and Richard makes his way towards me. He rubs his hands together and licks his lips as he approaches, easily pulling off the douchebag classics.

"Yeah, Smiles is gonna love you." He grabs the hand on my face and leads me off the pedestal. "Glad to be doing business with you Sal. Am I all set to go?"

"Yeah, now get your ugly mug outta my sight. I might have tolerated you for this purchase, but I don't want to see you again." Richard takes his leave and drags me towards the entrance of the store. I do the walk I have been programmed for, gliding along the floor with ease and swaying my hips.

When we cross the doorway outside, I have to squint in order to let my lenses adjust to the sudden contrast of light. My location programming reminds me that the shop is in the middle of the Neert shopping district tucked between the cracks of Cell City. The area is a popular stop for all shopping needs and therefore is littered about with more people than I would have thought imaginable. The street is a sea of color, alive with bright colored hair and clothing. There are several groups of teens- probably about 15- all wandering in and out of shops. They carry bags holding unknown goodies and I crane my neck to see what a nearby girl has tucked away. I see a beautiful forest green velvet before I am further whisked away. I try my best to bury my growing envy.