The Monster Inside Me

Chapter Seven

I sat in the seat looking out the window, suddenly getting the urge to sneeze.

Achoo!

"Are you going to be okay?" Colton asked. "That's at least the tenth sneeze since this morning."

I sniffled and looked at him. "I don't know what's wrong with me. My throat kind of feels weird too."

"I hope you're not getting sick. I can't afford taking you to the doctor's right now."

"I should be fine, I'm sure it will pass. I don't usually get sick."

"Let me know if you feel like it's getting worse. I can buy you something at the store. We're almost there."

I was getting nervous about this friend of Colton's. Was he someone I could trust? I was deliberately telling him to hack into my brother's computer. Who knows what kind of information was on there. Maybe I'd find out the true reason I was put underground. That computer held secrets that Zach wouldn't tell me. Honestly, I think I was more nervous finding out the truth, it couldn't be good.

The bus suddenly came to a stop.

"We're here," Colton said.

We got off the bus and started walking down the street. We took a side alleyway where Colton stopped me and pointed to the left. A small staircase led down toward a door that had hundreds of stickers covering it. It was definitely sketchy. His friend looked like he lived in a dump. Then again, that's the impression I had gotten with Colton's place and his place was nice.

Colton walked down and knocked on the door. "Hey open up, it's just me."

A few clicks came behind the door and it opened up. A man stood in the doorway with a big smile on his face. He was slightly taller than Colton and very slender. He had short brown hair with small curls and he looked as if he just woke up since his hair was everywhere.

"Colton! My man." He pulled him in for a hug. "You never call me anymore!"

"Alright, alright," Colton pushed away, "I'm sorry, okay?"

"This must be the fair lady you told me about." He said and grabbed my hand. "Mademoiselle." He kissed the top of my hand and looked at me above his black glasses.

"Don't creep her out," Colton whispered.

"I apologize," the man said, "let me introduce myself, my name is Milo, a close friend of Colton's. Please, please, come in." He moved out of the way and let us in.

I was right, he did live in a dump. There were wrappers, cups, and dishes piled up on coffee tables and end stands. There was a bit of a rancid smell in the room. It looked like he was sleeping on the couch because there was a pillow and some blankets sprawled out.

"Excuse the mess," Milo said.

"You're still living like a pig, huh?" Colton said.

"What? What would make you say that?" He asked sarcastically and kicked something to the side.

A dog suddenly started barking and this small white fluffy creature ran up to me from behind the couch. My insides were about to explode with excitement! I had never seen a dog before. I was so happy seeing this little thing wagging its tail, I couldn't contain my joy.

I bent down and started petting the dog. "Oh my goodness," I said, "this is a real dog?" I looked up to Colton.

"No, it's a robot, I modeled it myself." Milo answered. I could sense the sarcasm in his voice.