Compulsive (ON HIATUS)

Going Through Changes

I stir in my sleep as I hear a knock on my door. I hear the android's voice asking if he can come in which makes me open my eyes.

"Uh, yeah. You can come in." I sat up and try to flatten my bedhead. The door opens and in walks the droid with a small smile.

"Good Morning Amara. Margaret has prepared breakfast and everyone is already eating downstairs. Should I inform her you will be joining them?"

I sigh and shake my head. Unfortunately the weekend had come to an end and I would be forced to leave my room and socialize. Yet, I still wasn't in the mood to face Ethan or my aunt. Mark looks at me and gives me a sympathetic look like he could read my emotions.

"I can understand if you do not wish to join your family. Would you like for me to bring your meal upstairs?" I start to protest but the sound of my stomach grabs both of our attentions. He chuckles and I stand dumbfounded, did he find this funny? How is that possible? "I'll be back with a tray momentarily."

I take this time to start getting ready for the day. I walk towards my bathroom which is connected to my room and take a quick shower. Afterward, I brush my teeth and comb my hair before slipping on the clothes I had picked out the night before.

I emerge from the bathroom to see the tray had been set up by my nightstand. I had expected the android to drop off the food and leave but to my surprise he was waiting next to my bed.

"Thank you." I mumble as I sit down at the corner of my bed and bring the tray on top of my lap. He continues to stand there without saying anything."Is everything okay? His face looks confused as I start to cut up the food into smaller portions.

"To my knowledge, yes. Is there something wrong you'd like to bring to my attention?" I snort at his worried face and rephrase my question.

"I meant, why are you just standing there?"

"Oh I see. Well, I stayed to keep you company. Studies show that people who eat alone have poorer eating habits than those who eat with others. It is my job to ensure you become the best version of yourself." I glare at him before stabbing the food in my plate.

"You're going to help me become the best version of myself?" I scoff as I shove a piece of sausage in my mouth. "I thought your only job was to keep me safe?" The droid shakes his head as I talk while eating. He pulls out a handkerchief from his side pocket and hands it to me.

"That is only part of my program as I was also tasked with ensuring your success in this project." I take his handkerchief and wipe the corner of my lip that had maple syrup.

"Ensuring my success? Please, all I have to do is make sure you're able to accomplish assigned tasks and pose no threat. I've skimmed through the project files." I set the cloth down and continue eating.

"Surely you are not forgetting that my file is different. If I recall, Nicholas thought it was best if he was tasked to safeguard the file."

"So." I mumble in a defeated tone as I knew where he was going with this.

"So you did not read my file. I am different from the original model assigned to project guardian."

"I mean, I guess. I just don't understand what makes you so special."

"I was made by your parents who had you in mind." I set my fork down and look at the floor as my appetite is suddenly gone. "I know you have feelings of resentment towards me." I snap my head up as I feel my palms begin to sweat. "That's okay. If it helps with the greiving process, you can hate me all you want. Just know Amara, I want what's best for you. I will always protect you while pushing you to do great things." The android gives me a small smile and I blink as I'm taken aback.