The Cold Unknown

Chapter 20 - Happy Family

The next few weeks went by quickly, and I was very happy with what we had done. Luther found a job, and Jack was kind enough to give us enough money to find a place of our own. We found a nice house, and while Luther worked his 9 to 5 job, Kara dedicated her days to spend time with me.

We would build forts, and go on adventures using our imagination. She would read me stories, and teach me things. Kara didn't want to put me in school, cause eventually people would notice I wasn't getting older. So instead, Kara taught me herself. I'm learning multiplication now, and it's really fun!

Today is Christmas Eve, and I'm super excited. We decorated the house, and tree we have is one of those fake trees that spins and has color-changing lights, but it still looks so real and pretty! Right now, I'm sitting in the living room watching my parents dance to some Christmas music. I can't help but smile at the sight. They are so cute together. We are planning on reading some Christmas stories later tonight, maybe watch a couple movies, and opening one gift before tomorrow morning. 

Just as Kara and Luther finish their dance, the doorbell rang. "I'll see who it is." Kara says. I heard the front door open, and Kara gasped in delight. "Oh, hello! What a surprise to see you! Come on in! - Oh, I don't believe we've met. I'm Kara." A man's voice responded. "The name's Hank, it's good to meet you."

I turned to see our new guests as they walk in. I instantly stood and ran over to hug a familiar face. "Connor!" I exclaimed. "It's good to see you again, Alice." He said, hugging back. He turned to Luther and held out his hand. "I'm Connor." Luther shook it. "Luther. It's nice to meet you." I then met Hank. He was an older man, and I think he's who Connor referred to as his "grumpy old friend" back at the church. We all sat down after Connor and Hank took off their coats, and put the gifts they brought under the tree. "How did you know here to find us?" Kara asked. "Well, I knew you guys were headed to Canada, and I've heard about you from a couple other androids I met along the way. Someone told me that a woman named Rose helped you get here, and so after finding Rose, she told me where you guys live now. I had a feeling Alice wanted to see me again." Connor told us.

"Of course I did! You are so nice! And you helped free us all." I replied. The doorbell rang again. More guests? "I'll get it." I said, already running to the door. Opening the door, revealed Rose, Adam, and Jack. "Alice!" Rose exclaimed. "Hello! Come inside, it's warm!" I said. They did, and were greeted with another round of, well... greetings.

They sat down, and we continued to talk. I noticed Rose had brought a few gifts as well, all piled under the tree - it was a pretty sight. "Is anyone else coming, Kara?" Jack asked. "Not that I know of. You guys coming was all a surprise!" Kara replied, laughing a little. I looked over at Connor, and he had a weird look on his face. "What is it, Connor?" I asked. "Well..." He started. "I didn't know if anyone else was coming, so I may have invited a few people..."

Luther and Kara seemed alright with it. "That's fine, Connor. 'The more, the merrier.' That's what I say." Luther said. Kara nodded in agreement. A little bit later, someone knocked on the door. Kara got up to answer it. "Jerry!" I heard her say. "I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas! Do you mind if I stay for a while?" Jerry asked. "No, of course not. Come in!" I heard Jerry walk in, but he wasn't the only guest at the door. "Markus?"

"It's nice to know you made it over safely... Connor invited us... I don't believe I ever got your name." Markus said. "I'm Kara." She told him. "Kara, these are my friends, Josh, Simon, and North." I heard Markus say. "It's a pleasure to meet you." I heard one of Markus' friends say. "Of course. Please, come in." Kara said to them. They all walk in, and introduced themselves to everybody.

"I'm sure everybody knows, but I'll still say who I am. I'm Markus." He said. The guy I heard from before spoke up. "Josh." Next was a blonde android. "Simon." Lastly, there was a pretty woman. "My name's North." She said. "I do hope there's enough room for us." Markus added. "Of course there is." Kara assured him. "I can grab chairs from the dining room, if needed."