Deep Black Road: The Head of the Snake

Chapter 25

The planet Venus floated in the late evening sky as Ricky stood by the rough fence.

How'll I get into space? he thought. If I can believe what I hear on the Network, there's not much money for any kind of scientific project these days, let alone space exploration.

Can I get into orbit on my own now I've got this glow power? I know I can fly from Pittsburgh to the farm in one go.

It's got to be worth a shot.

"Hi Ricky," said Lisa as she approached from the cluster of cabins. "All the kids are in bed now. How you doing?"

"Fine. We got the back field cleared and ready for winter. You?"

"I was talking to Grandma Shirley just now." She sighed deeply.

"Yeah?"

"Umm ... Ricky ... I ..." She buried her face in her hands, and then, after a deep breath, looked at him again. "Oh Ricky, I've done something really, really dumb!"

"Like what?"

"Like fallen in love with you."

He turned to her and said, "And it can't go anywhere because I'm robotic, right?" She nodded. "I know." He looked back up into the sky. "I've done the same dumb thing."

"You ...? Oh gosh! No way! What do we do now? I mean, we can't go on like this, can we?"

"I can, but I bet you can't."

"Uh, no ... no. It'd drive me crazy."

"Do you think I should go away then?"

"No! ... Uh, yes. ... I don't know!" She shook her head; and tears trickled down her cheeks. "Oh, I'm so confused!"

"Can we talk about it with your dad? Or maybe your grandpa?"

"Grandpa'd be better," she said softly, wiping the tears. "I don't think I can talk about this with Papa without him freaking on me."

"I'll get us some time with your grandpa in the morning after chores."

Nodding, she sniffled and said, "Okay, that sounds good; but I think I'll head home for now. Hopefully I can get some sleep. Goodnight."

"Yeah," Ricky replied. "Goodnight."

He stood there silently, staring into the sky while dusk turned to night.

She's my only friend, God! he thought. I won't be able to play with her anymore, or the kids. And if I don't have her, what do I have?

I don't want to think about that.

What'd happen if I was still in my carnate body?

That's dumb. If I was still carnate, I wouldn't be here, and this never would have happened.

She needs me gone; and I've got to go. But where?

God, what do I do? I'm about to lose the only person who really means something to me; and I've got nowhere else to go.

"Your future lies with Suzanne Harrington." The voice came from within him-God.

What?! Are you kidding? She hates me!

There was no response.

Oh boy, he thought. Here I am, losing the best friend I've ever had; and God wants me to get cozy with Her Majesty. Great.