Page 16 of Atticus
“Then we’ll change their minds the old-fashioned way,” Lucy says reassuringly. “Won’t we, Atticus?”
I nod, though my processors whirl, trying to resolvehowexactly we will do this. When I scan newspaper articles and the like online, I find several reports of damaged and abused androids. My circuit slows. There are people who would hurt me if given the chance. Could they really be here in this little town as well?
I shall have to do what I can to be cautious, within the limits of my programming, while still working to fulfill my primary directives.
“Good luck,” Trey says. “You’re gonna need it.”
“Thanks,” Lucy says. “If I notice anyone on the staff acting cagey, I’ll let you know.”
Trey stops, arching a brow at her. “Staff?”
Lucy shrugs. “You said they bypassed the alarm system. It’s kinda lucky for someone who doesn’t know the school systems and layout to know where to throw a brick, isn’t it?”
“I didn’t expect you to piece that together. Smart woman.”
“Not really,” Lucy replies. “Too many crime shows. I’ll see you around campus?”
“Absolutely,” Trey says. “Nice meeting you, Atticus. Lucy.”
“And you, Officer Washington,” I answer.
“Trey is fine when class isn’t in session.” He nods. “Take care, now.”
* * *
“He liked you.”
Lucy and I make our way down the school corridors to her classroom, which are lined on either side with dull blue lockers, She peers at me as I open the door for her and follow her in, then let it shut quietly behind me.
“What’re you talking about?”
Alone in the classroom, I take in these familiar surroundings again before allowing my gaze to settle upon her.
My eyes stray to her build, and it occurs to me just how perfectly proportionate she is. Then I’m distracted again by the elegant details of her tightly woven braids, draped around her shoulders.
“He was giving off all the proper signals,” I muse aloud. “He found you attractive.”
“Did he?” Lucy’s cheeks flush as she heads for her desk. “I guess I didn’t notice.”
“Is that so surprising?”
“It’s not that.” Lucy frets over her small collection of books on a nearby counter, straightening them. “I just...don’t date.”
Date. It doesn’t take long for me to make sense of this statement, still uplinked to the school connection and sifting through long streams of informational data. Articles pop out here and there among the several hundreds I have access to, most in regards to her generation and the romantic landscape they have no choice but to deal with.
“You don’t date?”
She nods, then motions away with her hand, flitting to the other side of the desk as though it’s a buffer between us. “It’s a long story, and not one I want to talk about before my first day of school. Some other time maybe, yeah?”
“Of course,” I agree. “Whenever you wish.”
Her deflection troubles me. I scan my programs and systems, searching for possible malfunctions. Why is my gratification drive currently reacting so strongly to the possibility of Lucy and Trey exploring attraction? It’s an uncomfortable sensation. The closest human experience I can compare it to, within my knowledge bases, is an ache.
* * *
As Lucy is a teacher with a focus on World History,anythinghistory is shared between herself and one other teacher, Mr. Bryant, who acts as both the resident early and modern American History teacher and the science teacher. First period World History is for the ninth graders, followed by second period World History for eighth graders. She also instructs Ancient World History, and Medieval History is scheduled in the late afternoon as an elective. Our schedule is completely full, and there is never an empty desk. There are a few last minute enrollments too, which makes Lucy wonder aloud to me if they’re really here for the subject matter or for the interesting teacher’s assistant. Either way, I’m ready and willing to use that curiosity to our advantage.
As she introduces herself time and again to each new sea of youthful faces, Lucy doesn’t cower or show any signs of nervousness. Quite the opposite; she seems to thrive in this environment. When she speaks, it is difficult for me to draw my gaze away from her, captivated by the underlying passion for history and learning she shares at every possible moment.
