An image of perfection

Chapter 4: changes

Victoria's POV

I shutter as I walk into the door and see my mother with her arms crossed in the corner, looking off at the walk as if she didn't see me walking in. She avoids giving

me eye contact as she lectures me. "I received a call from Mr. Uranis today. He said that you were misbehaving in class." She says. I hesitate before I open my

mouth but then begin to speak. "Mother, I was standing up for myself. He was saying that humans aren't supposed to be perfect, so I was just showing him what

you taught me!" I defend. "Victoria, I'm proud of you, for once. At least you stood up for what you believed in." She says. It's not what I believe in, it's what you force

me to believe in. "But next time you disrespect a teacher, for any other reason, you'll be in trouble." She says. I nod at her clarification. I then head to my room to

finish my homework.

Caroline's POV

The year is 3009. I'm sitting on the living room couch skimming through an old photo album. I stop when I see a picture of Victoria when she was only 2. She sits at

the dinner table, smiling and reading her favorite book. Now she's off living in the north of London. I still can't believe she's decided to abandon the life I've offered

her. She could have stayed with me and gotten a job of high position and good pay. Instead she works as an android manufacturer. I never thought this would

happen!  Today she's coming over to visit for dinner. I have something very important to discuss with her. Something life changing.

Victoria's POV

Today my mum is inviting me over for dinner. I find this quite inconvenient considering that I had to take 2 hours off from work today. Whatever she has to discuss

had better be important. I finish up a few parts of the prototype and then head off home to get dressed. I don't have much time, it's already 5:30! I change the

setting of the electric car to fly home, to get there quicker. Hardly anyone drives these days, because people are always on the run. Like me!

I change into my white leather suit and white boots. I apply light blue mascara over the crystal blue of my eyes, then I tie my hair into a braid. I grab my wallet and

exit through the door.

Caroline's POV

I've finally finished cooking the roast beef and vegetables. Now I'm waiting for the mashed potatoes to finish. For dessert, I made her favorite, cherry pie.

Hopefully it will appeal to her. Ding dong. I rush to the door, eager not to keep her waiting. "Hello, sweetheart! It's wonderful to see you." I say. "Nice to see you as

well, mum." She says. I give her a hug and we walk inside the living room. "Would you like some tea?" I ask. "Yes, decaf please." She responds. I smile and nod,

walking towards the kitchen to fix the tea. I come back to the living room with two cups of tea and toasted bread with bruschetta. "It will be another 15 minutes for

the mashed potatoes. Would you like some toasted bread with bruschetta?" I ask. "No thank you, mum. Tea is fine." She says. She sits on the couch, sipping her tea

with her legs crossed. After a few minutes, I've finished my tea. "Well, I'm going to go check on the mashed potatoes. Make yourself comfortable." I say.

Victoria's POV

This is getting boring. I wish that my mother would just get to the point and tell me what she wants from me! I get off the couch and sit in the dining room, fooling

around with my nail polish as it crumbles off. "Okay, the mashed potatoes are done. Shall we eat?" She says. "Yes please, I'm famished." I say. As we eat, my mother

stops for a moment. "So, Victoria I guess I will just cut to the chase. The reason I invited you here, was because I have something very important to tell you." She

says. "No kidding, I was completely unaware." I say sarcastically. "This isn't a laughing matter, Victoria. Now, you've heard the news, haven't you?" She asks. "Yes,

the last relative of the Queen of England has died." I say. "Yes...and- "And now they're opening up the position to any authorized distinguished member in

government  with a high status who is fit to rule, yes I know. Mum, what has that got to do with me?" I ask. "That's the important part. See, myself, as an authorized

distinguished member in government have the obligation to fulfill that roll." She says. "So you're going to rule over England? Wow." I say hastily. "No, Victoria. You

are. I've already arranged everything. You're younger, smarter, and you're  a leader. You were born a leader." She says. I slam my glass down on the table and

grab my hair. "Yeah, well I'm also a 20 year old woman who has aspirations to become a full time android manufacturer. I do not want to rule over this country!

I've never wanted to! You've always been there to force me to live your twisted dream! I can't believe you." I say. "I'm your mother do not raise your voice at me."

She says. "This is absolutely ridiculous. Tell them I am not interested!" I shout. I head to the front door. "They'll be waiting for you art the central palace. You don'twant to disappoint

them." She says as if this isn't a problem at all for me. I slam the door behind me.