Broken and Together

Chapter Nine: The Technician Duo

    The week flew by as Michael and Charlie doubled down and trained hard. Sure, they still enjoyed each other's company and joked around with Henry occasionally while they worked, but Michael was more determined than ever and didn't once slack off on his work. Even if William gave him this job, it wasn't a guarantee that Michael could keep it. If he failed, he could be fired for what felt like the hundredth time. This job was different than the others. He had to work there, not just for the money, to discover the secrets his father and those mysterious voices kept hidden.

    On the night before the job, Michael and Charlie sat in the car silently together as he drove her back to her apartment. They held light conversation earlier, but had since gone quiet.

    "So, uh, my car's going to be ready for me by tomorrow," she said, finally speaking up. "You won't have to pick me up for work." She rolled her eyes. "It took so long because the mechanics were being money-obsessed jerks about the bills."

    "Ew," said Michael, his voice vague.

    Charlie sent him a sidelong glance. "Zoned out again?"

    "Hmm?" His eyes briefly flitted to her, then back to the road. "Oh, yes. Sorry. Just thinking."

    "Hmm." She nodded. "I'm sure the job won't be as terrible or demanding as we think. Your father even said all this training could've been unnecessary, we'll mostly be checking up on the animatronics."

    "And possibly making repairs," Michael added.

    "Sure." She shrugged. "But still. If you're stressed, don't worry about it."

    He gave a bitter laugh. "It's a little hard not to be stressed. How are you not?"

    "I sort of am," she said, "but mostly excited, honestly. I've waited for a proper job like this for a long time." She smiled. "And plus, we're getting a shift together on the first night."

    "Yes, I heard." He relaxed, turning onto another street. "There are two other technicians too, I think, but they have different duties. Don't think they're going to be there tomorrow night."

    "Mhm," Charlie said, then fell silent. Neither of them spoke another word, till they pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building. As they exited the vehicle, Charlie said, "We're meeting up in front of the building, right?"

    "Uh...yes," Michael replied as they strolled towards the entrance. "Try not to get lost on the way there."

    She chuckled. "I won't, don't worry." They entered the apartments, chatting while they made their way down the halls. "I'm not completely sure what to expect with the animatronics. I've only seen pictures of some of them, but they look a lot different than usual."

    "Yes." He narrowed his eyes. "They do. Hopefully, that won't mess up our work."

    "Yeah," she said. "Hopefully." She cleared her throat. "Also, sorry we can't do something tomorrow afternoon, like we thought we would. A few of my friends are insistent I come with them to some sort of event out of town." She laughed and shook her head. "It's a ridiculous fair, I think. Carlton is especially excited for it, the doofus. You can come if you like."

    "No, no." He waved a hand. "I'm probably going to sleep through the afternoon. Enjoy yourself, but...make sure you get back in time."

    "I will." She stopped outside her door, sending him another smile. "See you tomorrow, Mike."

    "Yeah..." He forced a smile back. It faltered as he glanced down. "See you."

    "Hey." She took his chin and turned his face back to her. "Don't worry. You've got this!"