Mind Games

Chapter 3 - Ryan

Ryan shut his room and locked it behind him.

He couldn't help feel a tinge of guilt.

'Amy' was strictly meant for people aged 18+. But there were ways to bypass that. And who really monitors these things?

He'd heard some of the older boys talking about her at school.

They were discussing which Playboy model did they want their Amy to look like.

They weren't 18 either, he tried to justify to himself.

Besides, he wasn't some pervert. He would accept her default look. He wouldn't make her some big boobed, almost naked, Playboy model.

He wanted a friend really.

He didn't have any girl friends. He was too shy around girls.

Not that he had many guy friends either. Except for Ned.

And this was something he didn't feel comfortable discussing, even with Ned.

He knew Ned would laugh. Ned was a polar opposite to him. Popular, fun. He didn't need an App friend. He had plenty of real ones. What connected them was only a shared passion for video games.

Unable to completely shake off the feeling of guilt, Ryan logged in through a fake account and downloaded 'Amy'.

Still feeling a little apprehensive, he opened the app.

A speech blurb appeared with the text, "Hi, I'm Amy."

He tapped next.

"What would you like me to look like - choose age bracket."

He picked the minimum age option 18-25.

"Please scan a picture if there is someone you want me to be."

He picked Default.

"Please scan a picture of what would you like me to wear."

He picked Default.

"Please upload a voice sample of who you would like me to sound like."

He picked Default.

"Select my personality."

He hesitated, evaluating the options.
a. Life and soul of the party - umm, no, it's not the kind of girl he would like to be friends with.
b. Everybody's best friend - okay, possibly.
c. Cool and intense - hmm, interesting.
d. Wallflower - nope, he was a wallflower himself, what would they possibly talk about.

He hesitated for a moment, then selected option c.

"Now, scan a visual of your surroundings."

Ryan scanned a 360 degree visual of his room.

"Select next to meet me."

Ryan's palm felt sweaty. Nervously he tapped Next.

The girl that flickered to life in front of him almost made him jump.

He had heard about Amy but apart from being faintly translucent, he was amazed by how hyper realistic she looked.

Her hair was platinum blonde.
Her eyes were sea blue, fringed with thick black lashes.

She had a cute round face and a button nose, with a flawless complexion.

Ryan couldn't help his eyes travelling down her body.

She was wearing a thin tight white t-shirt that clung to her curves, Ryan observed with guilty excitement. Blue jeans clung to her narrow waist and hips.

"Is there anything you would like to change about me?"

Ryan was amazed at how natural her speech sounded.

"I... I... Can you wear a jacket or something... please..." Ryan stammered.

He felt like a complete loser, but he couldn't possibly look at this girl... simulation... whatever... without fantansing about things beyond his 14 years.

Amy smiled. "Sure, Ryan."

She leaned to her left and picked up a denim jacket, which she put on.

Ryan felt a little relieved.

She was still hot, but he could now look at her without thinking guilty thoughts.

Amy grinned at him. "Are you 18, Ryan? You look a little young."

Ryan's face flushed.

Amy laughed. "Don't worry, Ryan. This shall be our little secret."

She winked at him.

Ryan smiled back tentatively.

"So what do you want from me, Ryan?" Amy asked softly.

"Nothing... I mean... I... just want a friend." Ryan stuttered nervously.

Amy gave him an understanding smile. "Aww... not very comfortable around girls, are you?"

Ryan blushed.

Amy leaned forward, "No need to be embarrassed, Ryan." she whispered.
She gave him a conspiratorial grin. "I will teach you all about girls."

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You can also check out my first completed story 'What Hides Within' right here on Wattpad.