Not A Machine

I'm Not Heartless

Read "Glitches" on Marissa Meyer's profile (marissameyer22) or in "Stars Above."

Cinder's POV

Right at that moment, Adri saunters back into the house with Pearl and Peony clinging to her sides. Pearl storms into the living room, leaving my sight. Peony wipes her red, teary eyes and sits on the floor next to Iko and I. Feeling useless, I rest my non-metal hand on her shoulder. Adri glares at me as she stomps into the living room, sniffling. When I'm sure no one is listening, I open up my mouth. "Peony?" I ask. Before I can say anything else, she looks at me. "Can we go into your room? With Iko?" I nod and disconnect the android from the charging dock.

Peony and I lay back on my bed and Iko waits on the ground. We listen to the blaring quietness outside, with the occasional passerby. To be honest, I don't know how to handle this situation, I'm not heartless, but I don't remember anything before the surgery. I study my cyborg hand until I hear Peony sit up. I follow. "Are you okay?" I ask. Peony offers me a soft smile, "Yeah. Maybe my dad will be the first survivor." I mumble in agreement, "Maybe."

The younger girl scratches her head as she stands up. "I'm going to my room for awhile. I'll see you later, Cinder." Then she looks down at the newly-fixed android and adds, "And you too, Iko." Peony leaves the room quietly, leaving me and the android.

Iko's censor focuses on me. "I think it's time you finally introduce yourself."

"My name's Cinder."

"That's an interesting name. Why did you come here?" she asks.

I sigh. "I was in a hover accident with my parents. They died. I became cyborg. No one in Europe wanted me and no relatives claimed me. So I came here."

"That's interesting, and depressing. What do you remember from before the accident?"

"Nothing."

Iko and I stare at each other.

Adri pushes open the door and slams it behind her. "What are you doing?!" I hesitate. "Um, talking with Iko...?" She doesn't seem to care. "You need to start earning your meals. I can't have a machine wasting precious food I've earned for my daughters! Since you fixed the android, I can tell you have mechanical abilities, or whatever. I want you to go down to the Town Square Market and set up a booth. With the money you earn, you'll give it to me for your keep." Adri turns around and slams the door shut.

"I'll help you with the market," offers Iko.

"Thanks."

I look out the window, watching the miniscule snowflakes fall from the gray sky. 

Hoping Iko won't hear, I whisper, "I'm not a machine."

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of "Not A Machine." Stay tuned for updates!

~Cyborg_Cinder