Page 78 of Atticus
God made Adam and Eve, not Eve and Optimus Prime.
I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s an android. It’s not like she’s sleeping with the student. These photos were taken outside of her HOME. Feels like a huge invasion of privacy.
The administrators at the St. Morgan School District and Vautrin Middle School refused to comment at first, but a callback received later this evening confirmed that Lucy Warren is no longer employed.
9
Atticus
I’m glad the children spoke up to Lucy yesterday, and that we’ve got a plan in place. I don’t think I could continue this charade long-term. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to deception, and I’m only able to carry it out by this newfound ability—sansinhibitor—of omittance.
I left Lucy asleep in her bed around three this morning to return to my temporary home. My only thought is of being with her. When I settle in and slip into standby, I think about ways I can possibly approach Principal Carlisle about resuming our normal arrangement. I could certainly try, though she is so averse to androids I doubt my opinion will count for anything.
I’m fortunate to have been registered to Lucy. Humanity is complicated with faults and flaws, some beyond measure, but they are not all this way. And among them, Lucy is a rare breed. She is courageous, dutiful, and loyal in a place that doesn’t appear to appreciate any of these qualities. I worry for her welfare as we continue our relationship. Teaching is, indeed, a noble calling by all accounts, and I too have grown attached to many of the students here. But nothing is worth the expense of one’s welfare and happiness.
As I usually do, I accompany Cornelius Bryant to school. It’s a busier day than usual and Lucy’s messages to me indicate she’s hard at work decorating her class for the fundraiser. With all the effort she’s put into advertising it online and creating buzz, she’s hoping the entire town shows up, and maybe some little towns outside of our area too. Vautrin isn’t equipped to handle that many people, but she remains optimistic.
I help Bryant carry several loads of history books into his classroom and set them up on his counters. Everyone is so excited for tonight, the students can’t focus, so he doesn’t try to make them. Instead, he lets them talk and help him categorize and price his gently used books for the fundraiser.
“I’ve read every single one of these, front to back.” His deep voice is touched with a hint of pride. “That’s one thing you got to remember, Atticus. Even if you are a machine. Never stop reading. If you stop reading, you stop growing. I’ll bet the English teacher would agree with me on that.”
“It’s kind of you to use your own personal library for this fundraiser.”
“Eh, I’ve been meaning to drop these off at a bookstore somewhere, but the cash they give is so miniscule anyway. Might as well go to a good cause. Who knows, maybe some students will get curious and pick up a few. Then it’ll be worth it.”
Bryant is not a bad companion by any means; he’s simply quiet. We converse a little during the evenings, but he prefers to keep to himself. He has, however, not uttered any semblance of unkind words to me. And he’s begun referring to me as “bionic.”
“I hope Carlisle gets that stick up out of her ass soon,” he grumbles as we leave for the day. “My kids love you in the classroom, don’t get me wrong. But you belong with Warren.”
I look at him at surprise, wondering what brought this on. Does he suspect I’ve been leaving the house at night? I’ve been taking extra care, ensuring I never walk the same route. I’ve avoided the road where I had my run-in with Sullivan that night outside the bar, not wishing to test his liquid bravery again when it could get him injured—and me—in more truble.
“It means a lot to hear you say that.”
“Course I’m saying it. I follow the school’s social media accounts, and I’ve never much given a shit about those things,” Bryant replies. “Only did it after that video went viral, and she updates it every day. People love seeing you with the kids, love seeing our sports, how active we are. You and her together have the capacity to make the world a better place, just a little, when normally it’s doom and gloom. What’s not to admire about that?”
I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard Bryant talk willingly when he isn’t teaching a lesson. “Thank you.”
Bryant grunts. “Don’t thank me. I’m just telling you what’s what. Tired of all this drama getting stirred up because people are judgmental or bored. Let’s get inside, I’m gonna make something to eat real quick. You power down and rest. I’ll wake you in a couple hours when it’s time to go.”
Before I do, I reach out to Lucy to tell her everything Bryant has said.
That’s amazing,she replies.He’s always so quiet, and he could get so belligerent during conference meetings, I never thought he’d be an ally.
It surprised me too.
Oh, god, Atticus, maybe I’ve been too nihilistic about all this. Clearly, we’re not alone in how we feel. Tonight, after we get all the footage and interactions we need for the school accounts, I’m going to talk to Carlisle. Hopefully the inflow of money will have her in a good mood.
My systems immediately whirl to life, resistant to Bryant’s suggestion of standby.Really? Tonight?
Why not? Fuck all of this waiting nonsense. It couldn’t hurt to approach her slowly, warm her up to the idea, right? I’ll think of something.
It takes me some time to soothe my circuitry and the ivory blood pumping through me. I pace around a little to let loose some steam, excited by the prospect. Maybe tonight, things could change. It’s possible. Try as she may, Carlisle can’t deny the positive effect Lucy’s actions have had on this school. Who could?
I do manage to settle down and go into standby until Bryant wakes me. He’s dressed a little nicer than usual, fiddling with a tie.
“It’s crooked,” he says, somewhat exasperated. “I haven’t worn one of these damn things in ages. Can you—”
“Of course.” I make quick work of it, and before long it’s straightened and resting perfectly down his shirt. “There you are.”
