Detroit?

Living with an android (pt. 2)

2nd week

My eyes narrow as I watch my father and Markus laugh alongside each other. A game of chess was going on right in front of them, each of them enjoying their time together. Even if the outcome was almost always going to be the same... my father was enjoying himself. It was enticing, really. How my father goofed off with a piece of metal like an old friend. The looks he would throw to Markus, almost like those of a loving father to his son who was about to graduate.

Although, perhaps the weirdest thing was the ways Markus reacted. His brilliantly colored eyes scanned over the chess board over and over again. If I could see inside his head I was sure I would see every possible outcome of this one move he was about to make. He was a computer, of course. There was no way to beat someone that could do such things. That wasn't the weird thing. To be truthful it was expected. No, the weird thing came when my father would pause to think of his next move. This would take long chunks of time as he scanned pieces of the chest game not so thoroughly as Markus. His fingers would twitch in anticipation, Markus' stillness probably didn't help much. Yet, as I watch I see Markus sneak glances at my father. From the side where I stood I could see the small half-smile that seemed to stretch across his face without him even realizing it.

Markus was showing emotion. The android. Was showing emotion.

It was scary. At the sight I felt a shiver run down my spine. The creepiness was so much I almost turned away from the game. Or at least that's what I would like to think I was about to do. In truth I was too busy staring at my father's android.

The past few days had been enlightening to say the least. Markus, my father, and I had spent many dinners together. My father and I growing closer as Markus manages to worm his way into every conversation without much effort. The meals he cooked were finished off by people who truly enjoyed what they provided.

As the days past I began to find something weird happening. My father would sort of back off of conversation as Markus and I took talk to a new level. We would speak about topics i didn't think an Android ever could comprehend. After playing him a few songs from my music library I had found that he hated rock. Classical music tended to be his favorite, I even caught him tapping along to the beat here or there. His favorite types of paintings were similar to my father's. Copies and landscape paintings were lost on him. He also hates cooking deserts, something my father laughed at and retorted with a 'good thing I don't have a sweet tooth'.

Overall, my opinion on the android has changed. Drastically. No longer was Markus an enemy. Instead, I would consider him a friend. As my eyes scan over the stubble that never seemed to grow, the tan skin that was the perfect shade, the clothes that hugged him just the right way-

"I'm going for a walk." I suddenly say, turning on my heel. The sudden actions were uncalled for, sure, but necessary. When I had I began to admire Markus like a potential partner? I dig my nails into my palms as I take steps away from the chess table and the two men sitting down. I needed to get away. Perhaps reconnect with friends?

"Oh! Well, if you must take Markus with you. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, my love." I almost curse the rumbled quality of my father's voice. The one man I didn't want to spend time with and I couldn't turn him away. What could I say to my father's request? 'Oh no I need to be alone to think about my sudden romantic interest with your Android?' Something tells me that wouldn't end well.

So, I force a smile on my father and glance back. Pushing as much of the unhappiness from my smile as I could I nod in thanks to him. Of course I could speak but there was no guarantee  it wouldn't come out snapped and rude, one thing I never wanted to be with my father. He deserved better.