Forget Me Not

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

I slipped the folded up piece of paper between my hands, a long sigh escaping me as the wall slid back into place. I had left Runda with Nuada, knowing he would be protected until it was the right time, just like the older man had said. I wasn’t going to ruin this… no chance.

“Robonna, lead me back to the hall please?” I said directly to the robotic woman, my eyes glittering with nerves. I was going to start immediately and there was to be no holding back.

“I already called a car for you. It’s waiting for you outside.” She responded, gesturing towards the steps that lead to the ground level. I merely sighed and pulled up my dress so that I wouldn’t slip and took those courageous steps. My flats made little noise, which was nice, I would probably scare myself otherwise.

The soft material slid around my thighs as I took hesitant steps, finally making it to the landing. Then it continued as I walked towards the front door, making sure to take very careful and planted steps. Kieran always says I’m a klutz, which is honestly very true.

When the night air welcomed my skin I took a deep breath, listening to the car engine hum softly. Was I really ready for this? Yes, I’m eighteen, but is that old enough? Well… I can only live till 21 so I suppose right now is the only time all of this can happen.

My eyes looked to the sleek vehicle, watching as the light form the streetlamp made the dark paint jump and dance. It was fascinating, catching my attention naturally until Anam butted in like usual.

          ‘Stop wasting time. I’m depending on you.’ He sounded like somehow in some realm he was crying and begging for my help and the feeling just made me coil into myself due to discomfort.

          “Fine!” I shouted suddenly, fleeing to the car to slide in and huddle myself on the smooth seats.

‘I’m sorry.’ He commented quickly before the cold metallic voice of another Robonna whispered into my ear.

“Are you alright, miss?” The robot inquired mechanically, making me uncomfortably switch my sitting position on the now rather cold and bland seats.

“Yes, I’m fine, thank you.” Was all I said before looking out the window to stare at the house. It seemed bizarre still to be even living there with such a secret, and an immensely important secret at that.

Nervously, I felt the paper cross between my fingers while watching as the home fled behind me and the open, meek road welcomed my eyes.

“Where are you wishing to go?”

“The hall, please.”

“Are you invited?”

“Of course, it’s my birthday.” I responded blandly while rolling my eyes from habit. I’m not the most polite child there is…

“Alright… Aislinn is it? Kieran is back. She is waiting in the hall for you… she wants to know where you’ve been.” The robots eyes looked back to me, making me gasp in dismay. Its eyes were glowing, the color just a bright shade of shadows as always. The womanly features weren’t really there in the design, it was just a skeleton really. The skin wasn’t the same, but rather in sections of cold looking pieces that stitched together with little concern or formality.

          “How do you know all of this?” I gulped, scooting farther back in my seat from pure fear.

“All of the new Robonnas will be like me. They are replacing all of them in the next following nights.” Her strange mouth pulled upward in a horrific smile that made my nose coil up.

“That’s great… please redirect your attention to the road.” I said sternly, somehow getting the disturbing robot to do as told although, obviously, she had no need to look in the front of the car. It was as if she was hooked up to multiple cameras that were everywhere, and honestly I wouldn’t doubt if that was so.

Without hesitation I looked away from the repulsive creature, continuing to stare out the window as I held very tightly to the piece of paper. No way was I going to let some creepy robot ruin my fate. Runda and Nuada, plus all the other men still able to live in Amach, were depending on me, so I had to do this.

          Eventually we were back at the hall and I was quickly fleeing the car and running into the building, despite my fear of falling.

“Aislinn! Where have you been?” I heard immediately after entering the building. I could tell there were many people inside the building, but I couldn’t identify any of them as Kieran, which was who I was deliberately looking for.

“Sorry, I forgot something at home.”

“Well,” The click of heels met my ears as I looked in the general direction of Kieran’s voice. I suddenly felt like what Runda must feel like and found it rather frustrating. “We’ve been waiting to end this night specifically for you.” Soon she was in my sights, a smile plastered across her face. She reminded me of the strange robot in the car.

“I appreciate that and your appearance.” Lightly, and with little love at all, I hugged the taller woman. I wasn’t interesting in any of this anymore, but it was needed.

“I’m glad I could make it for you.” She cooed into my ear for a moment before pulling away, one arm still secure around my shoulder blades. “Ready?”

“Of course, let’s get this party started.” The room erupted in cheers and laughter before we all filed into the kitchen.