How to Teach Your Robot to Love

Step 8: Surprise your robot.

Against my better judgement, I assumed that David was joking and went inside as usual. My parents were in the kitchen, enjoying some sort of beverage, I wasn't paying attention. It was about 9:45pm, Audrey was probably in her bedroom, and the house was quiet. This was my favourite time of day.

"Hey sweetie!" said Laura as soon as I came into view.

"Hey Laura" I replied, joining her side, leaning up against the kitchen counter.

"Did you have a good time?" Louise asked, both of them seeming very curious.

"Indeed" I answered, smiling at the thought of it, "it was lovely."

"What's you guys do?" Laura asked.

"We got coffee, and then we went to the music store to hear some live music" I replied.

"Live music? That sounds pretty awesome" said Louise, seeming intrigued.

"It was, they were some locals who apparently have been playing jazz together for years" I added.

"I'm glad you two had fun" said Laura.

"Yeah, he sounds like a keeper" said Louise with a wink.

"Thanks you two" I said, I was glad to see they weren't making a big deal out of it. Luckily for me, my parents aren't really the type to get protective over me when it comes to meeting new people. That's mostly because they trust me, they trust me to make goof friends, and if there was something wrong that I'd talk to them.

"So tell me more about him, his name's David right?" Louise said after a small pause.

"Yes, it's David" I said first and then paused, "what would you like to know?"

Louise shrugged "what set him apart from all the other wackos in your generation?".

"Are you implying that I enjoy the company of specifically the wackos of my generation, and he is one but has something special. Or alternatively, are you implying that the entirety of my generation is composed of wackos?" I asked.

"You're over-analysing this sweetie pie. Just tell me what's different about him, m'kay?" Louise instructed.

"David is pleasant to be around mostly because he isn't trying to prove anything. I always feel like people who truly pursue me are always trying to sweep me off my feet. They try to change the way I feel about acquiring friends, partners whatever. David just hangs out with me, he's so raw and honest, it's refreshing. He doesn't buy into my bullshit, and I don't buy into his. It's kind of great" I described, shrugging.

"Those are the best people, I'm glad you like him" said Laura, with a smile.

"I never said I liked him" I muttered under my breath.

"Oh for the love of-" Louise started to say.

"I'm kidding" I cut in, "I do try not to be an angsty teenager all the time, remember?"

"Well hun, you do a pretty good job" said Louise letting out a breath.

"That's kind of you to say, thanks" I replied.

"You take compliments like a champ, but as much as I like talking to you, you should go see your sister, she's been peeing her pants with excitement over talking to you about this" Louise suggested.

"Seriously?" I asked, confused by the notion of her being so excited about my personal life. Little sisters are weird.

"Seriously" Laura answered, seeming serious, almost like she was little nervous about it. That wasn't a good sign.