Warped Perception

It’s hard to fathom which is worse; all the torture I’ve received throughout my scholastic career (and being that I’m eighteen and graduating in less than a month, it is quite extensive) or the sheer unadulterated complete and blatant mockery of the absolute ignoring of every word I say by this uninterested collection of people known as the Young Inventors Commission from Ingenious Ingenuities? A group whose sole purpose is to find and locate upcoming inventors to help Ingenious Ingenuities stay on the cutting edge of technology. A group who had the foresight to hold an Inventors Exhibition to encourage young inventors to come to them. A group who is supposed to have an open mind to all possibilities that are presented to them. A group who – Oh look, the guy on the far left, a Mr. Richards, actually moved, albeit to yawn. Seriously, why have a fair if all you’re going to do is play games on your phone, like Mr. McNally, or take a nap as the Ms. Trapper on the right was doing?

“We’ve heard enough, kid,” the guy in the middle, Mr. Penterly held up his hand. “Why don’t you come back when your older than twelve.”

“I’m eighteen… I”

“You’re not even in college,” Mr. Penterly interrupted. “And you don’t have any trials to back up your claims.”

Did this guy really think I could just perform tests in my bedroom? Perhaps he thought I had a colony of lab rats in my Mom’s basement? “But…”

“Next,” Mr. Penterly called, and then went back to looking at his phone. “Come back when your older. This is an exhibition meant for serious inventors, Mr… ah…”

“Jeremiah. Jeremiah Willingham.”

“Whatever.” Mr. Penterly finalized our meeting by waving me along.

I gathered my Star Wars helmet with the blast shield permanently fixed down, taking care to fold the rear connected injector needle with attached microchip (similar to what you would put into your pet to locate them if lost) inward as to not cut myself and made my way toward the exit.

I take it back; this was definitely worse than all the torment I suffered throughout my school years. Those people I don’t give a crap about, but this? This was my future. My way of helping my Mom out as well as the only way I’d be able to afford to go to college. I have good grades, above average grades, really, but that is only against my classmates at Hilldale High. But compared to the rest of the state and even more so the country, or as I like to call; actual students, I wasn’t getting any sort of scholarship. As I closed, and then re-closed, and then re-closed the door to my Mom’s rusted, decrepit Ford Escort – like either of us could afford to fix the door – I couldn’t help the tears.

Now, I can understand that Ingenious Ingenuities isn’t exactly known for virtual reality gaming, but I still thought my simple design – helmet, shield to block out light, insert needle with attached preprogrammed microchip to manipulate data into the brain with the desired information; was fairly straightforward and something that could open up possibilities outside of games – and therefore be of interest to Ingenious Ingenuities. I was clearly mistaken.

As far as flaws go, there were only a couple, and I would deem them minor, though Mr. Penterly made it seem like they were the equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest. First of all, was durability – I mean I did make it out of a Star Wars toy after all. Secondly was player interaction. All Non Player Characters were either myself or my Mom – A complete lack of a social life really narrowed down the people I could ask to program in their information for the game. Third, the selection of games I created for the device was small to say the least – three. That’s it. I had a racing game (Mom and I are your opponents), a one level fantasy game (I’m the evil boss and my Mom is a Fairy that guides you), and a relationship simulator – one where a female gets to date a male character and when it progresses far enough, it can even lead into sexual acts. It could have easily been a female character, but I was not about to have my Mom be defiled in any way, virtual or not. I only created the last game to show all possibilities, and perhaps open other venues to wanting my device. Lastly, were the lack of test subjects – Like I was qualified to insert anything into anyone. But that was it. That was why I was demonstrating my concept to a multi-billion dollar company.

Only to be turned down because I was too young?

Without even consideration?

My hopes…

My dreams…

I was heartbroken.

*

“All right class,” Ms. Johnson, my smoking hot, red haired, hour glass figure, Life Management teacher announced. “To finish the school year we are going to have a team project in which the pair of you will have to determine the long term care of…”

Oh Dear God… Ms. Johnson held up a baby.

“This baby has the same weight as a real baby, needs to be fed, nurtured, and cries, so have fun. And seniors; this will count as your final exam.”

I just hung my head.

“Partners for this wonderful experiment are up to you. We have twelve girls and twelve boys in here so I now pronounce you husbands and wives!”

It didn’t take long for my partner to be decided for me. Kiara Marchant… the only other person to not even bother to get up and find a partner.

Not that I could blame her. Kiara was a Goth girl who was into anime… Or she was an anime girl who dressed as her favorite Goth characters – Who could really say? She had shoulder length hair that I assumed was naturally black, but was dyed to a very un-natural color of it that also had purple and light blue dye highlighted into it. She wore black lipstick and matching eye shadow, and had her ears pierced several times along with a matching one in her nose. She didn’t run in the same crowd as – well, anyone, really.

“C’mon Jeremiah,” Ms. Johnson smiled. “Go sit with Kiara.”

It was a lonely walk to the other side of the classroom. All eyes were on me and gossip was flowing between making fun of me for being with the “weird Goth girl,” feeling bad for the outcast for being stuck “with the nerd,” or piling on both of us saying we were a “perfect match.”

I was uncomfortable, to say the least, when I finally arrived. “Hey, Kiara,” I squeaked out her name, barely above a whisper.

Kiara just stared at me, as if sizing up my intentions.

I had no idea what to say to Kiara as I plopped into the chair next to her.

“I expect a paper laying out your plans for your marriage, how you plan on raising your child, as well as your combined futures. It should be detailed with financial culpabilities as well as who handles simple household chores. I’m leaving you the rest of this hour to get a general outline accomplished, but as you leave, one member of your marriage must take your child with them.”

Well, that helps with the “what to say” dilemma. “So, are your parents married?”

Kiara stared at me carefully, what she was looking for, I was unsure… “Whatever fucking jokes or snide asshole comments ya want to say about me, just fucking forget it. I heard them all before and I don’t need to hear them again.”

“Uh…” I stammered as I tensed up.. That was defensive and uncalled for, but after hearing our classmates be complete imbeciles, oddly understandable. I took a breath and tried again, “So, are your parents married?”

Kiara seemed taken aback before she hesitantly answered, “Yeah.” She was obviously waiting for the punch line.

“Okay,” I chuckled. “Mine aren’t, so why don’t you tell me what you know about your parents. Do they both work?”

Kiara’s defenses seemed to crumble, just at the knowledge that at the very least, I wanted to work on our assignment. “Yeah, my Mom is a real estate agent and my Dad is in construction. They like to say, “He builds ’em, she sells ’em.”

It was a good hour. We didn’t delve into each others personal lives, but we didn’t need to either, though I did get the impression that her Mother and her were not close. We just worked well together. Kiara was willing to work on the project with me and I with her. That was enough. Besides, Ms. Johnson seemed more concerned with the financial aspect of the relationship as well as stressing our “child” so that was where we concentrated our efforts. Yes, it was a good hour.

“All right everyone,” Ms. Johnson clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Five minutes until the bell and I have twelve children who need a mommy and a daddy up here.”

Kiara and I looked at each other. Honestly, I don’t think she cared, and I know I didn’t, but how to decide?

“Okay,” Kiara gave a knowing smile. “I’ll take it today, but I have somewhere to be tonight at eight-thirty… Can I drop it off with ya tonight? Around six? That way it will give us time to plan out a babysitting schedule.”

I stood as I heard the bell. “That sounds good me to me.” I wrote my address on the inside of her notebook, “See you tonight.”

*

I don’t know what is more surprising; A girl at my front door or my child at my front door? Or what’s the math on a girl and my a child at the front door? But since all I can see is the girl’s head, does that take away some of the cumulative property?

Kiara was decked out in baby gear. Our child sat in some sort of baby backpack – or should I say baby front pack? – it had a pacifier, teething ring, and a rattle hanging from various points of it from little yellow and red plastic chain links. She was also carrying a diaper bag with old issues of parenting and baby magazines and she was holding it in such a way – all I could see of my fictitious, blushing bride was her head and her shoes.

Apparently my surprise was evident on my face as she almost laughed at my sight.

“My Mom was shittin’ bricks when I came down from the attic with all my brothers old baby crap. She thought I was pregnant.”

I chuckled at the announcement. “So what did she say when you told her the truth?”

“I didn’t,” Kiara shrugged. “She don’t trust me, so I don’t care.”

“Oh.” It was an involuntary, awkward response. Who am I to pry? I’m just her husband. “Well, come on in. Can I help you out with any of… that?” Kiara handed me the diaper bag. “I figure we can figure get this project done in my workshop in the basement. Follow me.”

“Workshop? Basement?” Kiara raised her eyes?

“Yes, I do all my work down there.” I half smiled, “It’s quieter in the basement, though since my Mom’s at work that don’t really matter.” My face scrunched as I then realized the error in my lie and went with the truth. “Okay, my room is a disaster right now. But I really do get more work done downstairs.”

Kiara suppressed a laugh, “All right, lead the way.”

The basement was a basement in the strictest sense of the word. It wasn’t furnished, it was used for storage, and it did not have heat which made it much cooler than the rest of the house – I had to wear a insulated coat when I was down here in the winter. But my Mom did allow me about a third of the space. A couple un-matching barstool chairs each lined the three long, narrow tables I had, so I could freely move around as I worked on whichever project I was currently fascinated. I also had a beige couch, complete with several rips and tears, two very distinct throw pillows – one snot green and one pink, as well as a grey blanket, also with a tear in it, for when I fell asleep down here.

“Here, let me clear some space.” I went to the first table and cleared enough of an area where we could work.

“And you say your room is a disaster?” Kiara laughed. “What is all this…” She hesitated as she thought of the right word, “stuff?”

I glanced around and I could see how nobody would possibly understand what this hurricane was supposed to be.

“Well, I like to create things – some useful, some… not.” that was a major understatement. The next thing I build that would be useful will be the first.

“No shit?” Kiara was taken aback. “So, what have ya built?”

“Well, I invented these security sensors.” I went to the far table and held two of the four small devices. “Put one sensor on the outside of each corner of your house, and if anybody disturbs the laser – Bam! – instant alarm.”

“Cool,” Kiara looked at me surprised.

“Yes, but the downfall is that it is not connected to anything so nobody is notified… That, and the neighbors hated it. Mrs. West’s cat set the darn thing off and they forced me to take it down. It’s not like Mrs. West needed car windows. It’s a convertible for crying out loud.”

Kiara laughed. A gut wrenching laugh.

“For three days, though, our house was really secure.” I put down the device and went to another table. “And this one is meant to be a virtual reality gaming system.”

“What?” Kiara lit up. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” I smiled at how excited she was at one of my inventions. “It’s actually easy. Put your desired gaming chip in here,” I picked one up with a pair of tweezers and demonstrated before putting it back with the others in the small padded jewelry box. “You then put on the helmet, flip the switch, brace yourself for the small prick of the needle, and voila! – You are now playing a game virtually.” I carefully set the contraption down. “Well, that’s how its intended, but the big wigs at the Inventors Exhibition weren’t interested..” I then mumbled the line that still haunted me, “Too young.”

Despite her excitement, Kiara noticed my melancholy. She gave off a saddened, “Oh.” She thought for a moment before adding, “Does it work?”

“Theoretically.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Just haven’t been able to test it. My Mom, though supportive, isn’t willing to be my guinea pig to any of my inventions.”

“Well then, screw those big wigs,” Kiara adamantly protested. “Adults suck.” She then gave a half chuckle, “So, what should we name our child?”

We were a very productive pair; so much so that all we felt we needed to do was write the paper. We named our child Ciel, after some anime Kiara loves, we lined up a babysitting schedule balancing around her anime club and my part time bus boy/ dishwasher job and even hammered out all the details for what our careers would be and a run down of potential bills we’d have to pay. Dividing the household chores was even easier. Of all the girls to be paired with, Kiara and I definitely made a great husband and wife.

“Is that what time it is?” I couldn’t help but be amazed at how time flew by. An hour and forty minutes had passed and it felt like twenty minutes.

“Yup,” Kiara smiled. “But no worries, I still have, like forty-five minutes before my anime club meets. I can be late for that if it means getting this done.”

“Well, if that’s the case, let me make us some dinner. How about…” And this is where my adolescent mind wanted to show off, “I make a pizza for dinner.”

“Cool,” Kiara smiled. “Where ya ordering from?”

I grinned a beaming smile. “No, I said make. Besides, I’m too broke to order anything. I’m actually going to cook a pizza, and I don’t mean just heating up a frozen one, either.”

“You cook?”

“Give me thirty minutes,” I turned to walk upstairs before pausing at the stairwell. “Pepperoni and mushroom all right?”

Kiara scrunched her nose, “Not a big mushroom fan. Can it be just pepperoni? Or can ya make it a half and half?”

“Of course!” I practically jumped up the stairs, taking two to three steps each time.

I’m cooking food for a girl.

That’s not my Mom.

Miracles can happen.

I do understand, however, that nothing will come of this faux relationship. But still, its nice to have someone to come over, and despite it being about homework, to have a conversation. Add the fact that it’s a girl? Never in my eighteen years have I fathomed having a girl willingly converse with the class nerd. Regardless of duration, it really is nice.

The smell of garlic and basil was permeating through the kitchen. Pulling the pizza from the oven, I knew I had outdone myself. The aroma was fantastic. The toppings, meticulously located, appeared to be a work of art. The simmering grease was almost sparkling – okay, that last one went a little overboard, but still, I found myself truly hoping Kiara liked it.

As I went to cut my Mona Lisa, I heard a blood curdling shriek.

“AHHHHH!”

The scream was so unexpected, it took the briefest of moments for me to react. I dropped the pizza cutter and sprinted down the basement stairs.

“Kiara, are you all right?”

I reached the bottom step only to see Kiara lying in the fetal position, whimpering by the table.

“Kiara, what happened?” I kneeled down, and tentatively reached out to her. I hesitated right before the point of contact; not having broken the touch barrier with her I was unsure, but quickly realized that this wasn’t the time for hesitation. I put my hand on her shoulder, “Kiara?” I lightly shook her, “Are you all right?”

Kiara creaked her eyes open, “Jeremiah? Is that really you?” She closed her eyes, “AHHHHH!” Her eyes flew back open, “What the fuck is happening to me?”

“Just tell me what happened?”

Kiara grasped at her head, tears in her eyes, “I… I… I tried your game. And… And… And…”

“Kiara,” I interrupted. “Look at me.” Her eyes slowly drifted to meet mine. I smiled and nodded my approval. “Now take deep breaths,” I started doing the same, creating a rhythm between us. “Good. It’s over now. Everything’s okay. Just keep breathing.”

As Kiara followed my instructions, she calmed down. She even offered a faint smile. “Sorry about your gaming system. That was fucking intense – and it felt so real.”

“I did say it wasn’t tested yet.”

Kiara looked to the right and I followed her gaze. Sure enough, a few feet away was my now cracked Star Wars helmet. I carefully let Kiara go and shifted to the device. It took a millisecond to see the damage as the helmet was cracked, but more importantly was that the switch for the needle was still in the “on” position. “How did you take it off?”

Kiara looked over at me, one hand failing to wipe the cascade of tears away. “I just took it off.”

“But you didn’t flip the switch,” I moved closer to Kiara. “Let me see.” I bent her head forward and sure enough, a pin prick of blood was escaping from the back of her neck. “It’s just a little blood. I promise, you’ll be fine.”

“Ya sure?” Kiara’s eyes were soft little pools on the verge of becoming an ocean.

I gave her a beaming smile, “I’m sure.”

Kiara then did something completely unexpected. She leaned up and slowly, deliberately kissed my cheek. “Thank you.”

Thank you? Thank you for what? I will never understand women.

Kiara saw my confusion and pulled back. “I should go.”

I stood and held out my hand, “Yeah, you don’t want to be late for your club.”

Kiara gingerly placed her hand into mine, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Absolutely,” I half smiled, still hoping she was all right. “But at least let me get you some pizza to go. Can’t have my wife starving while watching anime.”

Kiara put her hand to her lips, almost in an attempt to hide her slight giggle.

I grabbed all the baby stuff and followed Kiara upstairs.

*

“Very nice, Jeremiah,” Ms. Johnson smiled as I walked into class.

The rest of the class openly laughed at the fact I had the baby strapped to my chest. Everyone else in the class seemed to have gone the route of not caring about the assignment. As I walked to my seat, I saw babies just laying on the their desks, one was holding their baby by the foot, and someone even had their baby stuck upside down in their backpack.

“And where is your baby Glenn and Harmony?” Ms. Johnson asked.

“Um, I left it at home,” Glenn announced, before going back into his conversation with his friend, Thomas.

And then there was that… I weep for the future children of my classmates. However, if this project is graded on a curve, Kiara and I already have an A.

The bell then rang and I quickly realized I didn’t have a partner.

Ms. Johnson’s lecture soon began, with it focusing on what college would cost eighteen years from now – and I thought I was screwed at the current prices. Our kids are going to have to perpetually get used to saying, “Do you want fries with that?”

The door creaked open thirty minutes later, drawing all eyes to it.

It was Kiara.

I think.

And she looked ragged.

More so, actually. Kiara simply was not herself, and yet she was. Her hair was still the same, except it was done up – in a sort of messy way that allowed a strand to fall on the side of her face. Her makeup was sort of done – she didn’t have on eye shadow but she have an excessive amount of rouge to her cheeks and her lipstick was a pink color instead of black. But neither the hair or the makeup came anywhere close to accentuating her bright pink dress that was at least a size to big on her. If this is the look she was going for, I will be polite – but, what the heck?

The worst part of her ensemble, however, was her body language. Kiara appeared like she hadn’t slept in a month.

“Kiara? Are you all right?” Ms. Johnson was quick to ask, but I thought it was obvious she wasn’t.

Our classmates weren’t so sympathetic with their laughter.

I didn’t wait. I didn’t run, but I did put speed into my steps as I crossed the classroom. As I passed Ms. Johnson, I saw the dam about to burst. “Do you mind if we step out into the hall, Ms. Johnson?”

I did not wait for an answer as I grabbed Kiara’s hand and gently pulled her toward the door.

“Not at all.” I heard the smile in Ms. Johnson’s voice. “Fulfill your husband duties” Then, almost as a breath of a whisper, and definitely meant just for her, “Almost like Ethan. Almost.”

Glenn, however, didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, fulfill those husband duties… Just like I did last night!”

That comment caused a raucous of laughter but as I shut the door, I still heard the slap Harmony gave Glenn.

“Kiara?” I honestly had no clue on what to say. Not that I had much – any – experience with girls, so I left it at just her questioned name in hopes that the blanks would be filled in by her.

Kiara’s head was downcast and she was whimpering. I raised my hand to her cheek, the excessive caked on powder padding into my palm, and tilted her head slightly upward. “Kiara?”

The dam broke. “Oh, Jeremiah, something’s wrong with me.”

I embraced her, fully, for the first time. Her head found a home on my chest, her tears found one in my shirt, and my hand found one at the base of her head. “Tell me.”

I felt the shock in her body at what I had done, before she seemed to snuggle even further into me. “The virtual game I played at your house won’t… It won’t… It won’t stop. It’s playing all the time.”

“Huh?” I still held her as I processed what was said. “That shouldn’t be poss…i…ble.”

Kiara pulled away, scared as I never saw this strong, independent girl before, “You don’t believe me, do ya?”

She took a step back, and I immediately felt – knew – she was going to run.

I embraced her again, even more tightly than before. “I believe you.” It was said softly before I reiterated more firmly, “I believe you.”

I felt her relax in my arms, as if just the confirmation of someone, anyone, believing her was worth her sanity. “When can you come over to my house again? I need to start testing some of my data and I’d like you there so we both can understand what your going through.”

Kiara looked up at me, “I’m ready to go now.” She then gave an awkward chuckle, “Have you seen what I look like?”

I matched her laugh, “Um, yeah.” I glanced back at the classroom, “I’ll just let Ms. Johnson know, that way she won’t give us detention or anything for ditching the rest of her class.”

“Okay… And Jeremiah?”

“Hmm?”

I looked back at Kiara and was met with a kiss. Not on the cheek, either. Kiara pressed her lips to mine and after a moment, her tongue as well.

This was my first kiss.

And I had zero knowledge of what to do.

After the initial shock and subsequent tensing of my body, I fell into what was transpiring. I put my hands on her hips and I hesitantly parted my lips. I just followed her lead – or I should I say I tried to follow her lead. As soon as my mouth opened, her tongue invaded, and swept, and curled, and danced in what seemed to be an expert manner against all things erogenous inside what felt like my entire being.

Kiara pulled back, almost dazed, her eyes twinkling like they were the lights from the stars above. She giggled, almost an obnoxious valley girl giggle and she glanced downward towards my peaking crotch before smiling back at me. “Jeremiah, you taste delicious. Meet me at my car as soon as you can; I need to get some stuff out of my locker.”

As Kiara walked away, I stood frozen. It wasn’t the kiss… or it partially was, but more so what she said – “You taste delicious.”

I don’t have any experience with girls. Obviously. So when I created the program for the dating simulator, I was always nervous that the dialogue was going to be, well, cheesy. I mean, really, when have I ever – and I mean ever – conversed romantically with a female? So I looked online. Most of the dating aspects came from overused pick up lines but for the scenes that came off as sexual, I browsed some of the more, let’s say, risqué websites. And I just heard Kiara repeat one of the lines for my dating simulator. Verbatim. Is Kiara actually acting out my program? That may explain the kiss as well. I never have seen Kiara with a guy before, but that kiss was extraordinary. Not that I have any experience to compare, but if neither does she, did she act out the program exactly? One in which I used, again, those risqué websites to imbed the abilities into the gamer?

I gulped at the thought.

The bell rung to wake me out of my stupor. I quickly popped my head into the classroom, “She’s going to be fine.”

Ms. Johnson gave a slight nod for affirmation and I moved my head out of the way from the stampede of students heading my way.

“That’s a nice look for you,” Glenn laughed as he pushed at my chest when he walked by.

I glanced down to notice all the beige powder on my shirt. I shook my head, not caring in the slightest and darted my way through the sea of people I am forced to call my peers and headed to the parking lot.

“Hey,” Kiara smiled as she waved to me from her older model Chevy Cruze . “You were taking so long, I thought, maybe, you changed your mind.”

“Sorry for the delay,” I smiled back. “But not to worry; I intend to fix my mistake.”

Kiara’s face scrunched up for a moment but she didn’t say any thing.

“What was that look for?”

“Nothing,” Kiara responded as she got in the car.

*

“Kiara, this is my Mom. Mom, this is Kiara, the girl I told you that got paired up to be my wife in my Life Management class.”

Mom was sitting on the couch watching a soap opera as she always does right before she has to go to work.

“You’re home early…” Mom stood and then paused – she did a really good job of holding in her reaction to how Kiara looked. “Hello, Kiara, you can call me Laura.”

“Nice to meet you, Laura,” Kiara awkwardly smiled.

“Yeah, there was an issue at school, so we’re skipping our last two classes to take care of it.” I then threw a preemptive strike to my Mom’s next question, “And yes, I promise neither of our grades will be affected in our last two classes.”

“Good to know.” Mom then offered a slight smile. “My dear, your makeup is uneven. A girl has to be careful when she leans up against someone; you’ll smudge. Would you like me to help fix it for you?”

“Oh, yes, please.,” Kiara was overly enthusiastic. “Thank you.”

“Come with me to the bathroom.” Mom started down the hall. “And Jeremiah, you may want to change that shirt.”

I followed them down the hall and as they went into the bathroom, I went to my bedroom right next door.

“So how do you want this to look? Like the right or like the left?”

“Neither,” Kiara sounded utterly deflated.

“Oh, a makeup mishap. Girl, we’ve all been there before.”

“In front of three classrooms and a lunch period full of cruel teenagers?”

“I can’t say that,” Mom laughed a little. “But mine was just as bad as it was on my wedding day. I had hired a makeup professional and she got her clients mixed up. I was an actual clown, with the full white face, large red lips, and huge red dots on my cheeks. By the time I walked down the aisle, I was mostly ok, though some of the excess red wouldn’t come clear off. In every picture, it appeared I had a sunburn.”

Kiara laughed, “I guess that’s really bad, too.”

“We’ve all been there before. Lucky for you, I always wanted a daughter to do this with.”

“Yeah,” I called out as I found what I call my work shirt, a well worn grey t-shirt that I don’t mind getting dirty. “There is zero chance of you getting me in front of that vanity!”

Mom and Kiara both laughed.

“There, all done. Now, about the dress?”

“It’s my Mom’s. I borrowed it because I don’t actually have a dress.”

“Oh, well, you appear to be closer to my size, or what I was a size ago, so lets see what I have for you to impress Mr. Whoever.”

“I’ll be downstairs Kiara,” I grabbed my diagnostics device, because even I take my work home (my bedroom) with me and headed downstairs.

*

“You’re Mom said she’s off to work… What are you doing?”

I could tell Kiara held in her laugh. I couldn’t blame her though, as I probably would have done the same thing if I saw somebody crawling on their hands and knees underneath a table on the hard concrete of the basement floor.

“I’m searching for the microchip that was attached to the tip of this broken needle.”

When I got downstairs, it took me about the time I wanted to run a diagnostic check on my dating simulator microchip that I, in fact, couldn’t find the dating simulator microchip. Further investigation found that the crack in the helmet was not the only damage done to the virtual gaming device, but the tip of the needle, which housed the microchip, was snapped off. So I am on my hands and knees, on a hard, cold basement floor, searching for something with the word “micro” in it. I was going to be a while.

“Well, can I help?”

“No, I’ll search for it.” No way was I going to make her do what I was doing. “But you can start explaining to me exactly what your experiencing. Try not to leave out any details as the smallest of information could also be the most important.”

“Well…”

I could sense her embarrassment. “Listen, I know that you were playing the dating simulator, and I programmed it, so there’s nothing you’re going to say that will surprise me.”

Kiara took a deep breath and sighed, “All right, when you went upstairs to make that amazing pizza…”

I couldn’t help but have a deep sense of pride at that knowledge.

“I looked around and, to be honest, I was in awe down here. You’ve worked on so much… and then I saw your virtual gaming device and said, why not?”

“Go on.”

“Well I put a chip in as you showed me and put on the helmet. I didn’t know what the game was.” Kiara paused for a moment to give me her blunt assessment. “Ya know you’re a pervert, right?”

“I am not,” I defended. “I would like to think of myself as anal for research. Quite a bit of time went into designing every single one of those games, each with a specific market for gamers. Racing for sports fans, a fantasy world for first person gamers, and a dating simulator for people who are into reality gaming.”

“And that reality gaming leads into some very graphic sex.”

“In case you didn’t know, I haven’t been with any girls, so, yeah, I pulled scenes and scenarios from the internet. Like I said, anal for research.”

“Yeah, anal,” Kiara giggled.

“Okay,” I laughed. “Funny, but I didn’t put any anal in that simulator.”

“I know,” Kiara’s tone got serious. “But when the sexual stuff began to play, that’s when I ripped the helmet off and threw it to the ground.”

I stopped where I was, no longer looking for the microchip, “And you said that the game is still being played?”

“Yeah, like all the time.”

I turned around and scrambled to stand. “Let me… Wow.”

Kiara was blushing a deep crimson, but I barely noticed. Her eyes were done in a smoky look with her lips a deep ruby red, and her foundation powder really amplified her skins beauty. And that dress! An exact match to her lipstick that hugged her body effortlessly starting from the wrap around the neck to just above her knees, which allowed her surprising figure to be showcased.

I repeat – while drooling. “Wow.”

“I take it you approve.”

“Man, I feel underdressed now.” I wiped at my mouth and shook my head. “Come here to the couch so I can look at you.”

Kiara’s confusion was evident as I guided her to the couch. She sat down as I put one knee on the couch next to her. Her abashment seemed to melt away as I put my hand to the back of her head and slightly lowered it.

Kiara’s hand shifted, “I didn’t think you’d be so forceful about it, but I know I’m ready to…”

I heard Kiara lick her lips.

“I think I know what happened.”

All her movements halted at my declaration.

“What?”

I sat down next to her and her bewilderment was far more evident.

“I think the reason I can’t find the chip is that its still inside of you.”

Kiara’s hand felt the back of her neck. “What does that mean?”

“The game is still running because the microchip is still sending signals into your brain. And it will until I figure a way to get it out.”

Kiara began to cry. I embraced her again, for the I don’t know how many-eth time. “I’m sorry Kiara. Don’t worry, though. I’ll figure it out.”

“Ya don’t understand,” Kiara sniffled. “It makes me want to do so many things. When my eyes are open, I have this overwhelming need to be with you, to do things with you. But when I close my eyes, the game just repeats, and repeats, and repeats – I went through five pairs of panties last night before I gave up and had to sleep on a towel.”

“So the new look today was…” I couldn’t complete that sentence.

“All for you.” Kiara looked up at me and closed in.

“But…”

“And so is this.”

Kiara’s lips met mine and the feeling was exquisite. She quickly broke through the barrier that my lips were providing and delved into my very being with her expert manipulations of her tongue.

It was a kiss that was more feral than what she gave me in school, but then again, we were at school. Without prying eyes, this was carnal.

Kiara slowly, and without breaking our passionate connection, moved on top of me. She smiled when she felt my erection against her. She seemed to cherish it for the briefest of moments until that wasn’t enough. Gently, she began rubbing herself against me and I could already feel through my khaki’s her wetness.

Kiara pushed herself into me, grinding against me harder with each movement. Her breasts were pressing against my chest, her nipples poking me like two little pin pricks of pleasure.

I had lost all sense of thought. My hands went to her sides and involuntarily, my hips raised up to meet the onslaught that was causing my euphoria. I broke the insane kiss as I strained. My dam was on the verge of exploding.

Kiara stopped all movement with a crazy smile. “Not just yet, Darling.”

Darling? Did Kiara just give me a pet name? Where did that come from? And where is that cool breeze coming from?

Oh. My. Goodness.

“Oh my goodness, Darling.”

My pants were at my knees and Kiara had already sat back on top of me, the head of my erection already inside her canal.

“You feel so good… Are you ready for the rest of me?” Kiara’s smile was wicked as she didn’t wait for my response to that question and lowered herself all the way down my shaft, impaling herself with everything I had.

I had several emotions about this, but none of them formed a rational thought, let alone a sentence. The best I could do was, “Ugh.”

Kiara took my hand and placed it on her breast. When did she even remove the neck strap to her dress? The feeling was soft, pliable, and exquisite. Two wonderfully shaped orbs that I had every intention of investigating further to come to the conclusion of ‘Oh Hell Yeah.’

“Pinch them, Darling.”

Pinch? How did she really want me to do that. I can squeezed them.

So I did.

I can hold them up.

So I did.

I can even massage them.

So I did.

“No Darling, my nipples. Pinch my nipples.”

So I did.

Kiara stared deep into my eyes, and I found unbridled lust waiting for me, “Darling, its time to make me your woman.”

Finally getting what she wanted, Kiara began riding me, but it wasn’t just a simple up and down movement. She pulled out several tricks; she arched her back, when she dropped down, she added a little corkscrew motion, her inner muscles grabbed at my invading spear. She pulsed, she pulled , and mostly, she smiled an animalistic grin. Her eyes remained locked onto mine, almost as if judging how much pleasure I was receiving. And her words? They just came in a torrential barrage, each word seemingly dirtier than the last.

“Fuck me. Yes, Darling, fuck the shit of my pussy. Show me whose pussy this belongs to… Fuck me!”

I had no response but to thrust into her. The feelings were of absolute pleasure. The velvety smoothness, the warm sensations, the sheer wetness that engulfed my manhood – A virgin, I was no more. My head was swimming, unable to concentrate, unable focus, unable to even breathe, and after all the foreplay – unable to last.

Ecstasy. That was the only word that could describe what I was feeling. Kiara was driving me to the state of nonexistence through ecstasy.

I grunted something fierce with Kiara echoing me exactly. Her channel squeezed against me, and it felt as if a faucet was turned on full blast. I was no better, as I let loose what felt like my soul into her and it felt like the whole couch – house – world shook into oblivion.

We stared at each other, our eyes expressing more than what words could. It was a surreal moment, and I knew then her feelings were now warped.

Kiara fell back to my side, and purred a contented little mewl as she burrowed into my side. My hand found a resting spot on her back and I rubbed it gently.

“That was…”

“Shh,” Kiara smiled into me. “You don’t have to say anything. That truly made me happy, too.”

Not sure that was what I was going to say but I obliged.

We fell asleep, just like that.

*

Guilt. I had never really did anything that I felt guilty about; not even Mrs. West’s car. But what happened on the couch in my basement and having Kiara feel absolutely happy and carefree about it… I felt terribly guilty.

I know Kiara would not have done any of those wonderful, pleasure causing, absolutely phenomenal – I mean despicable sexual maneuvers on her own, especially with me if she was in her right mind. The problem was that she wasn’t in her right mind. She was living out a dating simulator in which I invented, one that focuses the attention of a female to dating me. And not just to date me, but to screw the living crap out of me. With me thrusting back into her, encouraging her to go further and deeper into depravity to fulfill the sexual outcome of me cumming. All the while, her getting insane pleasure from it.

I had to fix this.

But I first had to figure out what to do with the sleeping girl at my side. The one with a smile so large, the equator would be jealous.

“Kiara, we need to talk.”

Kiara stirred from her slumber, first stretching out a little, followed closely by her using her hand to wipe at her eyes. “What time is it?”

“Eight-thirty.”

“Really?” Kiara yawned and the smiled, “I don’t think I slept so well in my life.”

“Perhaps because you didn’t sleep at all last night?”

“Maybe,” Kiara cuddled back up with me. “Or maybe I’m with the person I like most.”

I pushed her away, staring straight in her eyes, “Don’t you feel this is sudden?”

Kiara shrugged, “I don’t care.” She then pressed her body into a form sealing hug and kissed my cheek.

“But don’t you think this is just a reaction to the program?” I snapped, a little more harshly than I anticipated.

“What the fuck is this about?” Kiara’s body became rigid and her eyes slanted. “Are you trying to get rid of me? Fuck me and leave me?”

I immediately backed off, my voice calm and collected, “No, you misunderstand what I’m saying – All I’m saying is today was the first time I’ve ever had sex – and it was great – but we’ve just met yesterday.” My voice then rose again, “Doesn’t that seem strange to you?” I had to get her to understand not only what was happening to her, but also that we should not be together.

“It was the first time I’ve ever had sex, too – You are my first sexual anything!” Kiara blurted out and I was taken aback. “It’s not like I’m a super slut and sleep with anybody and everybody. All I know is that after we fucked, I was able to sleep. I only feel normal when I’m with you. Being with you slows the overwhelming need to follow the program. So I have a choice, either progress it in real life, or go insane! Are you fucking serious right now?”

Kiara’s words were full of anger, but her eyes… Her eyes were full of terror. I’ve had those same feelings every time I even thought about asking a girl out. Rejection. The feeling of not being wanted… Of being hurt. Who am I to hurt her? It helps that she obviously fully understands what is happening to her, but she’s willing to fight it unlike me, who wanted to run away from it. What a selfish thought, especially since it was my device that did this to her.

“Okay,” I smiled. “I understand, but come on, look at the clothes you have on.”

“What?” Kiara glanced at herself. “I’m wearing this for you.”

“That’s my point,” I tilted my head poignantly. “You’re wearing this for me, but what about you?”

“But you’re a guy, this is what guys…”

I held up my hand to cut her off. “I’m a guy who never said I didn’t like you just the way you were.”

“Are you fucking with me right now?” Kiara’s voice, facial expression, and body language portrayed the shock she was feeling.

“Not in the slightest.”

Kiara hugged me fiercely again, some tears following with it. “Thank you, Darling.”

I exhaled a deep breath and wrapped her up in an embrace of my own.

Kiara crawled on top of me again, but not like before. This time she just sat on my lap and relished in our cuddle. “You have no idea how much I cannot wait to get out of this stupid dress.”

“Just be you, all right?”

Kiara leaned back so she could look me in the eye, “You may wish you never said that, Darling.”

I laughed as I brought her into another hug. “Maybe, but for now, how about some food? Cheeseburgers and French fries?”

“Cooking for me again? A girl can get used to that.” Kiara rubbed up against me before lifting off my lap. “See you upstairs.”

And a guy could get used to that.

As Kiara bounded up the stairs, I took a deep breath and smiled at my minor victory. At the very least, I know she will still be herself, but just add me into her mix. I hope I didn’t make a mistake by not breaking it off, but how could I fix my mistake if we weren’t together? Add the fact that her petrified eyes will haunt me – and I will do everything I can from seeing those again. I pulled myself up and headed toward the kitchen to make my wife dinner. It’s the least I could do after all she did for me.

*

I wasn’t expecting it. Honestly, the girl was like a ninja. Here I was, walking the illustrious hallway of Hilldale High School on my way to lunch when suddenly, and without warning, I was attacked and dragged away. Granted, I had only been pulled three feet, but still, there is the principal behind it.

“What the heck was that for, Kiara?”

I could barely see my attacker in the dim light of the janitors closet. But what I could see was the mischievous smile through the dark purple lipstick. Her hands were quickly undoing the button to my pants and didn’t seem to be going fast enough for her liking.

“You want to do this… here?”

Kiara looked at me as my pants pooled to the floor. “I’m feening for you.”

Kiara knelt down, pulling my underwear with her, while using my pants to comfort her knees. Her head, well, that was in my crotch while her lips were already half way down my shaft. My mind became a blur as she drove herself down to the brink only to come back up to the tip. Upon reaching the peak of her ascension, her tongue swirled about, making careful, deliberate caresses on the sensitive underside before driving herself back down to my base.

Sheer carnal bliss.

Kiara said she had never had a sexual experience before, but to be able to put someone who is always thinking about various projects to a mind numbing state was impressive. All I could feel was an overactive rapture to the stimulus her mouth was delivering.

On reflex, I gently put my hand into Kiara’s hair, but that wasn’t good enough for her. Her hand clasped with mine as she encouraged – forced – me put pressure on the back of her head. Her hand then slipped in between her own legs and I could hear the deep sloshing sounds between her thighs.

I thrust forward as I pushed her head deeper onto me which only seemed to spur her on.

I was developing a nice rhythm, but Kiara had one more sly move up her sleeve and it caught me completely off guard – her free hand began to massage my balls, which caused my very being to begin to boil.

I was done for. My head tilted back and I started to groan. After the first noise, I began biting my lip as I realized, yes I was still in school, but that did nothing to stop the flood I began to unleash. Wave after wave was jettisoned and Kiara took wave after wave, each one following with a gulping sound.

Kiara slowed her ministrations, but didn’t relinquish her prize from her lips until I was drained of my very soul. I looked down with weary eyes to see Kiara, smiling like the Cheshire Cat around the tip of my deflation, slurping at the remaining droplets as if they held the secret to eternal life.

Playful minx.

Kiara stood up, pulling my pants and underwear up as she did. “You taste delicious.” She licked her lips, “See ya fourth period, Darling.”

As Kiara reached for the door, I pulled her back into my arms and gave her a soft kiss. “You’re still dressed differently today than you normally are.”

Kiara’s head tilted in surprise.

I thought we had put this conversation, full of all the agreements that she would be her normal self, to bed last night. And though she just gave me my first ever blow job, and a fantastic one at that (albeit I have no basis of comparison; I’m not complaining). I was not going to allow her to change for me. No way. Fight the program, yes, but don’t fight herself.

“Don’t try to deny it. You may still be wearing the dark colors, but your black jeans are tight and form fitting and I’ve never seen you wear a short tank top before, dark purple or not, because, and though I’m not surprised, I would have noticed the belly button piercing – and I know for a fact the purple lipstick is new… So what gives?”

Kiara gave me a crooked smile. Which then became bigger. Which then became wider. Her eyes watered up for a brief moment. “You noticed?”

“Uh, duh.”

Kiara giggled, “Okay, but no, I’m not breaking my word. I’m still me, these are my clothes and the lipstick is not new… I just never wore them to school before.”

I looked at her somewhat skeptically, “Why not? You look really good.”

Kiara blushed a little, “Thanks, but I get teased enough without the whole ‘look who’s now trying to fit in’ attacks. Just today, that bitch, Rachel wouldn’t get off my ass in second period.”

“So why now?”

“Are you really going to make me fucking say it, you ass?” Kiara playfully slapped me. “Just you noticing made it all worth it, Darling.”

“Ass and Darling… My, I have a lot of names,” I chuckled.

“It’s because you are,” Kiara pulled my arm and then gave me slight shove in my shoulder toward the door. “Now let’s get out of here. I’m already late getting back to History class from lunch.”

“Well, that’s not my fault,” I said as I pulled open the door. “But I wonder if that was the first time a guy got a blowjob in the janitor’s closet with a baby strapped to his back?”

Kiara laughed, “Get going.”

*

After the encounter in the janitor’s closet, I contemplated how I could be more useful to Kiara in her fight against the program. Sure, I’m spending all my free time searching plausible ideas on removing the chip, because leaving a crater in her neck because I dug it out wasn’t an option. But it obviously wasn’t enough if she’s feening for me. She admitted that when we were together, it was easier for her to fight, so I devised that spending time with her was the best option.

I started walking Kiara to her classes.

I arrived to our Life Management class with Kiara melded into my side.

“Glad to see your feeling better, Kiara,” Ms. Johnson warmly greeted us.

“Look at her smile, everybody,” Glenn announced. “Way to fulfill those husband duties, J!” He followed up that exclamation by thrusting his hips several times.

J? Seems like everyone is giving me a pet name nowadays. Somehow, its not the same coming from an egotistical douche bag.

Kiara looked at him with disdain before a smug smile percolated her lips. “Actually, I’m the one who fucked him, Asshole!”

Glenn stared at her wide eyed and in disbelief. In fact, the whole class was.

“CLASS!” Ms. Johnson exclaimed. Her voice then went down to a tolerable level. “Now everyone, find their seats and let’s start with today’s assignment.” She then ripped off a piece of paper from a pad, “And Kiara, this is your detention slip for language.”

Kiara sat down in her seat, and I kissed the top of her head as I removed the baby from my back. As I then sat down, I couldn’t help but look at her, “Where did that come from?”

Kiara shrugged as she pulled out our nearly completed paper, “I don’t know, just when I’m with you, I feel I can do anything, ya know? I can take on assholes and know I’ll be fine because you’re by my side.” She pulled out a mechanical pencil, “So, where are we retiring?”

*

With Kiara having detention after school today, and my having to work tonight, we were effectively eliminated from being able to see each other this evening. Still, when we were parting ways at the detention room, I was surprised at the emotions she was demonstrating as we said our good byes.

“I’ll miss you,” Kiara half sniffled, holding back a few tears as both hands clutched at my evergreen polo shirt.

“It was worth it, though.” I gave a comforting smile. “First time I ever saw Glenn McDougal speechless.”

Kiara gave a faint laugh at that.

“Listen, I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah,” Kiara smiled. “I want to be the only one riding my husband… I mean giving my husband a ride,” she raised her eyebrows twice. “Just sorry I couldn’t take ya to work now.”

“I chuckled, “It’s all right.” I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers for a soothing kiss.

*

All throughout my shift, I realized I miss Kiara as well. It has been a phenomenal few days. And the sex – wow – as an eighteen year old guy, there’s no way I could deny the pure unadulterated satisfaction I was receiving. But I also realized, I wasn’t really connecting with Kiara as she was with me. I wanted what she was feeling. How to make that happen?

“Hey, Jeremiah, you have a visitor.”

I was working on autopilot – put the dishes into the rack, put the rack into the dishwasher, put the clean dishes in the correct place so they could go back onto the floor – that when my boss had pushed open the swinging door, it surprised me to the point that I dropped the rack I was pulling up right back on the floor.

My boss then gave a rare laugh, “Good thing that wasn’t full of dishes.” He then went right back to his serious tone, “We’re all caught up, so if you want to take your break now, you can. But no free food,” He emphasized those last three words.

My boss had left, but I still responded, “Yes, Mr. Anderson.” If I hadn’t, he would’ve came back for his answer, and then he would have been an impossible bear the rest of the night because he had to take the two extra steps he should have waited to take in the first place.

“Kiara, what are you doing here?” I embraced her when I approached.

“Mmhm,” Mr. Anderson coughed as he gave me a stern glare. The message was crystal clear.

“Come on, Kiara,” I grabbed her hand. “We aren’t supposed to fraternize in the dining area..”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

I led her outside to the enclosed dumpster area. The early summer heat was on the verge of becoming unbearable but the late spring breeze did enough to balance out the equation.

“At least it doesn’t smell… Too badly,” Kiara waved a hand in front of her nose.

As we reached the one employee table we had in the enclave, I turned to face Kiara, “So what brings you…”

Kiara cut me off with a kiss. A mind blowing, fervent, full of need assault on my lips. When she finally finished, all I could mutter was, “Wow.”

“If you like that, you’ll love this,” Kiara’s hands immediately went to my belt.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” I grabbed her hands to stop her. “We need to talk.”

Kiara pulled her hands away from me in frustration. “What now? Huh? Are you trying to push me away again? Feeling guilty so ya want to get rid of me? Huh? What more do…” Kiara tilted her head as she saw I was doing my best to not outright laugh at her. “Then if none of that, what? Why don’t ya want to have sex? I’m not good enough to fuck anymore?”

I couldn’t help it anymore and I chortled so hard my sides hurt for a moment. “No, its nothing like that.” I took a deep breath to collect myself. “I did a lot of thinking today…”

“Oh great, here we go again,” Kiara rolled her eyes.

I ignored her. “And we’ve been doing quite a bit of sexual things, and its great,, it really is, but I want more. So I was wondering if you were,” I paused as I came to grips with what I was about to ask. My hands became clammy and my eyes darted to my feet as I continued, “interested in going out sometime. Maybe a movie, or dinner, or just coffee, or a walk in the park, or…”

“Darling,” Kiara interrupted. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Um, yeah.” Somehow, I still couldn’t find myself to look at her.

“You want to date me?” There was absolute shock in her voice.

“Uh… Um, yeah,” I started to glance back up when Kiara embraced me in the most heartfelt hug.

“Yes! Yes! A million times, yes!”

“To which one?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around her.

“To any of them, to all of them, to everything, yes!”

I let out the breath I was holding still surprised that a girl knowingly wanted to go out on a date with me. Until now, I felt the program was driving us together, but now, I know that was not the programmed response in the simulator. It made me want to connect with Kiara more than ever.

“Turn around.” It came out far more forceful than intended.

Kiara did so without question. My hands began to navigate down her sides, from her shoulders, then slowly down. She gave a sharp intake of air as I brushed past the outside of her breasts. They kept going until they found the button to her jeans. It was so easy to undo.

“What are you going to do to me?” Kiara breathed.

“I’m going to show you who owns your pussy.” I put my hand on her upper back and pushed her over the table. The words felt awkward to say. I’m just not as comfortable or as good with the dirty talk as Kiara is.

“I thought you just wanted to date?”

“We can do both.” I punctuated the statement my pulling down her pants.

“I like the direction this conversation is going,” Kiara giggled. “Now fuck the shit out of me and make me your woman.”

Yes, she was so much better with the dirty talk. Point proven.

I undid my belt and dropped my pants. I wasn’t sure how, but I wanted, more than ever to do exactly as she wanted. My erection was tall and fierce, and it poked Kiara in the butt. I lined it up and pressed forward – only to slide right between her legs.

“Here, let me help you,” Kiara reached between her legs and I felt heavens gate. It was soft, wet, and oh so inviting.

“You are, um, mine, now,” I grunted.

I thrust forward. And then again. I repeatedly slammed myself as deep as I could go with reckless abandon. There was no subtlety in what I was doing, after all, my break was almost over.

“Oh yes, give it to me, fuck me, show me whose pussy this belongs to.”

I grabbed onto her hips. I was pulling her against me as I was bucking ferociously into her depths. To give her what she wanted – to make her my woman – it was the only thought in my mind and it was stuck there, driving all that I am and all that I will be into each forceful piston of power into her abyss.

“Oh, fuck Darling!” Kiara seized in front of me, her body quaking in a manner I have never seen from her. An explosion came from inside her, and despite my constant plugging, it shot forth, spraying onto my crotch.

I penetrated Kiara one last time, unleashing a tsunami deep within her canal. I grunted as my body shook, and it felt as if heavens gate just opened and it was sheer bliss.

Kiara glanced back at me with weary, but absolutely satisfied eyes, “Please do that to me anytime you want, Darling.”

“It will be my pleasure.” I took a deep breath and looked at my watch, “Crap, I have to get back to work.” I pulled up my pants and kissed Kiara, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

*

I took Kiara to the lovely, luxurious, and fancy Archie’s Diner; complete with the ambiance of a cockroach motel bathroom and the smell of a rotting corpse. How did this place pass a health inspection? The customers weren’t any better. The table behind us had a kid whose favorite game was kicking the back of our seat. Three tables ahead of us, there was a couple who had twins, that couldn’t be more than a month old, who didn’t even try giving them pacifiers. Then there was the homeless guy who came up to every table a minimum of four times begging for money – and their food – before he got kicked out. Yes, the benefits of me being broke. We’d be at my place of work, but Mr. Anderson doesn’t even allow employee discounts. So much for trying to impress a girl on the first date.

“Sorry.” My melancholy was evident as we switched to the other side of the booth we were in to get away from the constant pounding our backs were receiving.

“Listen,” Kiara smiled in a way that lit up my heart. “I am truly happy being here, with you. Is this place a maggot infested dump where even the roaches feel like they need to wear hazmat suits just to walk around in? Yes. A place that an inhabitant of a third world country would look at and say, “Ya know, I think I’ll pass” because it smells like raw sewage that needs to be burned to the ground to protect all mankind? Again, yes. A place where if a nuclear bomb exploded, the radiation would be better for civilization than just looking at this eyesore? Also, yes. But does this moment, of you taking me on my first date ever, you being a gentleman and holding open the door for me, you spending what little money you have on this fantastic evening trump all that this place is? That would be a resounding yes, Darling.”

I found myself emotionally confused. I wanted to laugh. That was hilarious. But the ending was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. The whole evening had been the same way. Picking the movie, what snacks we should get; each came with Kiara’s sense of sass mixed with sweetness, neither of which were unfiltered. I appreciated every word because she meant every word. It allowed me to appreciate all that Kiara was, and I was smiling and laughing the entire time.

I took her hand, “Thanks.”

“No worries; now hand me a menu so I can find out what won’t kill me here.”

I opened a menu so we could both look at it and then put my arm around her. I found myself cherishing this moment.

“Oh, and Darling?”

“Hmm?”

Kiara turned her head slightly, just enough so I could see her. “With you, I’m a sure thing no matter where you decide to take me.” She finished with a wink.

*

Dating. For a teenager, especially one who had never been out before, is a horrifying concept. Add in the fact you have to actually proposition a girl, the terror increases exponentially. But why? As Kiara and I dated and did everything and nothing together, I came to the understanding that the fear of asking kept me away from a plethora of ‘what if’ happy moments with someone. And all those happy moments with Kiara led me to a wonderful and fulfilling relationship with a girl that was absolutely perfect. I almost didn’t want to find a way to remove that microchip. Almost.

Kiara’s house was nicer than mine. Her parents weren’t rich by any definition of the term, but they weren’t struggling like my Mom and I were. It was a bigger house and that meant bigger rooms which meant bigger things in each room. The television was huge compared to what I was used to, and sort of intimidating; especially when just to watch television, you needed three remote controls. It was furnished well, but not excessive, but it was all meticulously clean.

“Are you sure you want to watch porn with me?” Kiara held up the disc, waving it around with a playful smile.

I, however, wasn’t going to fall for her misrepresentation, as I am anal for research, especially into one of Kiara’s passions and I knew the difference. “Anime is not porn. Hentai is, but not anime. So hit me with your favorite anime because if your interested in it, I’m at least going to try it.”

“Good answer,” Kiara put the disc in and then kind of skipped excitedly back to her cuddle spot on the couch with me.

*

“You know, this is pretty good,” I took a drink of my soda. “I like that the story arcs through the entire season – It’s basically a long movie.”

“I’m glad you approve,” Kiara took my soda and gulped some of it down. “So are ya going to come with me to my anime club?”

“If you’re there, I’m in.”

“Kiara!” A female voice shouted as the front door slammed shut. It was immediately proceeded by footsteps that sounded more like cast iron crashing down with each thud. “Kiara!”

“Shit,” Kiara mumbled as she rolled her eyes. “In the living room, Mom.”

“I stopped by the pharmacy; I need you to come to the bathroom. Now!”

Kiara became defiant, “I’m not on drugs, Mom! So you can take that test and shove it…”

My eyes went wide as I squeezed Kiara’s shoulders before whispering, “Not the way; calm down.”

Kiara did a double take at me before completing her sentence, “Right back in the medicine cabinet.”

“Why does your Mom think your on drugs?”

“I don’t know?”

It was apparent that her Mother was still affecting her. “Kiara?” I rubbed her shoulders.

“Fine,” Kiara huffed. “One time this new person showed up a video game group I belonged to and he was smoking pot like a fucking chimney. The smell was everywhere. Jason, as it was his house, kicked him out, but we all stunk. Ever since then I can’t play games in a group and Mom thinks I’m perpetually high.” She tensed up as she looked at me with a shred of fear in her eyes, “You believe me, don’t ya?”

“Of course,” I smiled.

Kiara visibly calmed, “At least you do.”

“Nice save young lady. Now hurry to the bathroom so we can get this… Oh, hello.”

I stood up to greet Kiara’s Mom – the absolute definition of the strict authority figure. She wore a blue power suit with her skirt ending right above the knees. She stood straight, with both hands on her hips and her blonde hair was done in a conservative bun. And I thought dating was intimidating.

“Hello, Ma’am,” I held out my hand. “It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you. My name’s Jeremiah. And though we haven’t termed it yet, I guess you can say I am Kiara’s boyfriend.”

“You look… normal? No tattoos or anything pierced…” Kiara’s Mom lost her threatening stance for a brief moment before quickly regaining it back. Her hand met mine with a firm handshake. “I’m Kiara’s Mom; you can call me Charlene.”

“Yes, Ma’am, I mean Charlene… Do you honestly feel its necessary to test your daughter for drugs?”

Charlene’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re the corruptive influence supplying my daughter with illegal contraband. I should call the police.”

“No, no,” I held up my hands. “You misunderstand. I have not, nor will I ever use, abuse, or otherwise try drugs. I’m willing to take that test to prove it, too. And my Father was an alcoholic so alcohol is also not on my to do list.”

“Who are you?” Charlene seemed taken aback at my rebuttal.

“I’m Jeremiah Willingham; a ‘B’ student, a part time bus boy, an amateur inventor, and I’m in love with your daughter. Can I interest you in a security system?”

“Love, yes,” Charlene spat. “Love is a convenient word spouted by males of your generation to a different girl every week to try to get in their pants.”

“Actually, I haven’t told her yet.”

Charlene glanced over my shoulder to Kiara. I heard the joyful sniffles.

“Listen young man, I’ve had about enough,” Charlene seemed to bite off those words. “I will not have you toying with my daughters emotions; bad enough you have her experimenting with drugs. Now get out.” She then looked back over my shoulder to Kiara, “And you, get to the bathroom.”

“Mom! You can’t…”

I raised my hand and angled it at Kiara. “Ma’am, you have every right to kick me out of your house, and I will be leaving peacefully in just a minute.” I turned to Kiara and kissed her briefly on the lips. “I really do love you, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Relax, everything will be okay.”

Kiara’s voice was meek, “I love you, too.”

I turned back toward Charlene, “Ma’am, allow me to say this one last thing.”

“I told you, I’ve heard enough. I don’t need your assistance in parenting my daughter. Go,” Charlene pointed to the hallway and therefore the door.

I started walking, “Perhaps a warning, then.” I didn’t wait for Charlene to respond. “Now when you get older and Kiara moves out and becomes independent, how often would you like her to visit? Or even call you? Because right now, I wouldn’t count on it.” I reached the hallway, but peaked back in, “Oh, and I made a grilled chicken Alfredo for your family. Kiara said you’ve had a hard week so we took care of dinner for you.”

*

It’s amazing how fast so many people can vacate a building. Students and teachers alike all vanishing from the school in record fashion as if they were stampeding cattle. There was only two days left for us seniors, but it seemed everyone caught senioritis. It made it all the more better for Kiara and I as we were not in any hurry as we walked from her locker to mine, hand in hand.

“Did she say why?” I looked at Kiara as I stopped in front of the bathroom door.

“No,” Kiara shook her head. “I’m telling ya, Darling, last night my Mom was weird, like she didn’t know what to fucking do. She was just going through the motions, even with Dad. I never saw anything like it.”

“So when did they want to have this meeting?”

“As soon as possible; tonight if you can.”

“I wish I knew what this was about so I can prepare,” I put my hand to the bathroom door. “Last night, with the friction you’ve been telling me that existed between the two of you, I had time to plan; to stay calm, to point out what she might be missing later, and the lack of trust – the drug thing was a surprise but that turned out to be trust again, so it worked. But this…” I shook my head.

“I know I told you before, ” Kiara affectionately smiled, “Thank you for that. No one has ever spoken up for me before, and definitely not to my Mom.” She moved in and kissed me sweetly.

“Anything for you.” I pushed open the door and took a step inside.

“Are ya sure ya really want to use the shithole they call a bathroom here? That place is so toxic, ya might end up coming out of there with a hump on your back and walking like Quasimodo. Hell, I’ve shit my pants before because I wouldn’t use it.”

I laughed as I entered before I really did crap my pants.

It’s amazing what you hear in a bathroom. Also, if I can hear what was going on outside of this room, isn’t the reverse also true? The hallways are so noisy with incessant and useless gossip in which you would need a bullhorn just to be heard, but at times like this, does someone really want to hear what I’m dropping into this toilet?

“Hey, there you are, Kimmy.”

“What do you want, Glenn?” I could here the irritation in Kiara’s voice. The idiot couldn’t even get her name right.

“No, it’s what you want. Why don’t we slip into this bathroom and you can provide your wifely duties to me.”

“Ew, gross… Why don’t ya just go find your girlfriend and take that up with her.”

“Harmony, nah, she’s a frigid bitch. Would barely let me touch her. But you, you’re the slut I need. Willing to put out whenever, just aching for dick. So come on, lets get this party started.”

“Yuck, I think I just vomited in my mouth. Just go the fuck away, Asshole. You disgust me.”

“You’re coming with me into this bathroom whether you like it or not, Bitch.”

“No! Get your hands off me!”

I heard the other bathroom door open as I pulled up my pants.

I stormed out of the bathroom. Glenn was two steps into the women’s restroom pulling a struggling Kiara behind him. The entry way was so narrow, I couldn’t physically get to Glenn without going through Kiara. So I threw my final exam project. The brunt force of the baby hit Glenn in the head, causing flour to flow from the decapitated head. It was enough of a distraction for him to let go of Kiara, but it also signified a failing grade in my Life Management class. Kiara was real, the baby wasn’t.

Kiara ran into my arms, “Darling.” Tears began to manifest and trickle down her cheeks.

“What’s your problem, man?” Glenn thundered. “You need to mind your own fucking business, nerd!”

“You need to back off, Glenn.” Honestly, I wanted to do far more to him, but Kiara was in pain and she is, and will always be, my first priority. “Just walk away.”

Glenn started walking away. I was surprised it turned out that easy. I turned the other way with Kiara. “Are you all right.”

“Yeah, just shaken up a bit.”

“You’re going to be fine. I’ve got you now, let’s just get home.”

“Okay.” Kiara said it so meekly, it tore at my heart.

“Ow!”

I wasn’t expecting it. My concentration was solely on the girl in my arms when something hard crashed into my lower back. I staggered forward before trying to turn around. Glenn was on me in a heartbeat. He grabbed me by the shoulder and drove me into the lockers. I heard the pop through the crash of metal.

“She wants it and she wants to give it to me! I ain’t walking away from nothin.”

“Get off of him, Asshole,” Kiara pulled at Glenn’s arm before being shoved away, “Ah,” I heard her exclaim as she fell to the ground.

My opening.

I raised my foot backward and upward as hard as I could.

Glenn let out a yelp that sounded like it could have came from a twelve year old girl.

“Kiara, the principal’s office!”

“But…”

“Go!”

Kiara raced down the hallway as I turned. I wanted to punch Glenn. I really did. I balled my fist and as I tried to swing my arm, it just kind flapped toward my attacker. That didn’t stop Glenn from punching me. He came with a wide right hook and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt, from his fist and the hard ground on which I collapsed.

Glenn kicked me in the stomach. He liked it so much, he did it again. And again. Then he looked me right in the eye, a maniacal, sinister sneer pasted on his face. He turned and kicked again, this time my head flung back and the last thing I saw was my blood freckle the tile floor.

*

Beep…

Beep…

Beep…

My body ached. I struggled to open my eyes, but the light was agonizingly bright. I went to shield my eyes, but my right arm felt like it weighed a metric ton. “Is anybody…” I couldn’t even complete that sentence as my mouth was hoarse with dryness.

“Oh, thank heavens.” It was my Mom and she was right by my side. In those three words she spoke, I knew she had been crying but I could also feel the relief she felt. “Take a drink of water.” A straw was placed to my lips and I sucked in the cool liquid, “The doctors say your dislocated shoulder, along with your bruises and black eye will heal, but they want to keep you a day or two because you also suffered a concussion. How are you feeling, Jeremiah.”

“Like I got run over by a truck.” My eyes then flew open. “Kiara! What happened to Kiara? Did she get away?” I tried to lift myself up.

“Calm down,” my Mom snickered as she gently prohibited my movement. “She’s fine. She’s here.”

“Where? And where is here?”

“We’re at the hospital, and Kiara and her Dad are just outside talking with the police.”

“Police?”

“Yes. Did you know that after an incident at State University a few years ago, there were cameras installed at Hilldale High for increased security? To be precise, one of the teachers and a private benefactor, a Miss Dyer and a guy named Harrison, if I recall, pushed for it.”

“I had no idea.”

“Well, what happened today was caught on tape. The police are just getting Kiara’s statement and they’ll need to get yours as well.”

“But is she okay?”

“She’s fine.” Another female voice answered.

It was a chore, but I turned my head to the opposite corner where out of the shadow stepped forward Mrs. Marchant – and she looked as fierce as ever. Tension seemed to fill the room as she eyed me carefully.

“You missed our appointment.”

“What?” I exasperated.

The edges of her mouth crept upward and she let out a small laugh. “I owe you an apology, young man. Honestly, I owe you far more.”

I was now confused – and when I’m confused, I normally run a diagnostic check. Where are my tools?

“Yes, you made me think. My husband always felt I was hard on our daughter, and we’d have shouting matches about it. But I felt it was my duty as her mother to protect her. I don’t know what to say, but thank you. You made me realize I was just pushing her away. It forced my husband and I to have a legitimate conversation. It would break my heart if she wouldn’t want to see me.” Charlene started crying. “I’m sorry I accused you of using Kiara. I can see you truly do care for her. And though I won’t give up protecting her, I will try to lighten up as I’m glad to see she found someone else who will fight for her. Thank you for saving my daughter.”

“Mom?”

Charlene looked over to Kiara and smiled. “Yes, Kiara, you heard me correctly. And I want you to know that I approve…”

“We approve,” Kiara’s Dad intervened, putting his hand on Kiara’s shoulder with a smile.

“Yes, we approve of your relationship with Jeremiah. And Robert?”

“Yes, My Love?” Kiara’s Dad answered.

“You were right.”

“What?” Robert clutched at his heart and faked a heart attack before laughing it off. “Where’s a tape recorder when you need one?”

Charlene went over to Kiara and wrapped her into a warm embrace. “I may not be perfect, but I will try. I love you, Kiara.”

“Oh, Mom. I love you too.”

Robert came over to my free side of the bed. “Young man, my name’s Robert and I owe you my gratitude, my thanks, and so much more for what you did for my daughter.” He moved his hand to put it into mine and gave it a brief shake. “I’ll thank you properly when you have a little more strength.”

“That means he’s going to hug ya,” Kiara giggled.

“Aw, you ruined the surprise,” Robert shook his head as he stepped aside.

Kiara quickly took his place. She leaned down and kissed my cheek and then whispered into my ear, “I will also thank ya properly when you have a little more strength.”

*

Kiara and I missed graduation. Kiara didn’t go because I didn’t and I didn’t go because I didn’t feel like being miserable listening to speeches from people I didn’t care about before I had to figure out how I was going to drag my achingly, weary sore body across the stage. Besides, I technically didn’t graduate. I still had to take five finals. Ms. Johnson, after hearing what happened, gave Kiara and I an ‘A’ despite our baby looking like a scene from Scarface with all the flour that ended up on the bathroom floor. She said we exhibited what a couple should be with our open, honest communication, and that was plenty good enough to deserve the grade we received.

*

Finals felt surreal. I sat in a classroom, with just me and a teacher and no one else. I know I passed the exams, but it wasn’t the overwhelming ‘I aced them feeling. I was continually distracted. My shoulder kept twitching, but that wasn’t what was preying on my mind. I loved Kiara, and that scared me. I loved her so much, what would I do without her? Last night, when I should have been studying, I perfected a small scale electromagnetic pulse device. One that would disable any electronic device placed within three inches of it. Repeated tests proved it should work, though I am going to miss my tablet, and do so without harming her. Kiara will be free.

But will Kiara want to be free from me?

*

“I have a surprise for you.”

Kiara smiled as we headed down the stairs to my workshop. “Ya just passed your finals, I should be the one giving you a surprise.”

“Please sit down wherever you feel most comfortable,” I couldn’t control my voice from sounding clinical.

“Darling,” Kiara raised her eyes as she pressed herself to my back. “What’s wrong? Someone piss you off at school today?”

I gave a half hearted laugh. “No, I’m just nervous about your surprise.”

“Is that all?” Kiara kissed my upper back before she went to sit down on the couch. “Ya know I’ll love anything you give me. Don’t be nervous.”

When I turned around, I held the device behind my back. “Are you ready?”

Kiara tilted her head. She knew me well enough to know something was amiss. She eyed me carefully, unwilling to even blink as I took my first step, full of trepidation, toward her. “You’re kind of freaking me out, Darling.”

“I know, me too.”

I shook with nervous anticipation, just staring at her, staring at me as I reached my destination. I took a deep breath.

“No.” Kiara’s eyes held firm with mine. “I don’t need you to take out the chip.”

“What?” I couldn’t believe my ears. “You don’t want to be free of that curse? Besides, I’m just going to electrically pulverize it. No surgery, no harm, and no microchip – and this device is tested.”

“No,” Kiara smiled. “Sit down,” she patted the space next to her and I obeyed. “We have something great going; perfect even. And you’re obviously worried about this, about us. I don’t want to lose us, either, so no. I have a handle on the chip. I love you.” she leaned into me and kissed my lips in a soft sensual way.

I couldn’t help but kiss her back with everything I felt for her. Every thought and feeling, with all my heart and soul; I gave unto Kiara all the passion and love I felt for her as I wrapped my arms around her neck.

Kiara became alarmed as she felt the coolness of the device against her skin. Her eyes went wide as I forcefully held our kiss.

‘If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.’

I pressed the button.

I immediately released her and backed away. I shied my head slightly down and began twiddling my thumbs as my anxiety was barreling down upon me.

Kiara began cackling beside me. I saw her hold up her hands, looking at them as she wiggled her fingers. “It’s gone,” she spoke it softly before she reiterated it much more vehemently, “It’s gone! I… I…” She seemed to just notice my existence, and stared at me as if confused.

“Kiara?” I tilted my head toward her slightly, hoping.

Smack!

Kiara’s hand came across my cheek and the reverberations echoed throughout the basement. I’m certain her palm left an imprint across my face as if she had covered it in red paint.

“I’m sorry, Kiara.” I couldn’t help my tears.

Kiara stood. She raised her hand to slap me again, when her face softened and her hand fell down to her side. “I… I need to think.”

“Goodbye, Kiara.”

She didn’t answer as she went up the stairs.

*

Work. I concentrated on work. At home, I focused on trying to get my latest invention – a stun gun designed for woman against attackers – to work. If I can’t be by Kiara’s side to defend her, then this will. If only I could control the output of the stun? As is, it would more likely disintegrate the part of the body it touches, but then again, that person shouldn’t be attacking a woman.

Because I was out of school, at work Mr. Anderson pushed my weekly schedule from eighteen to thirty-seven hours. And I was grateful. As not only could my Mom use the extra money, but his constant harping about the most minor of details, at least was somewhat distracting. Doing menial tasks was almost therapeutic.

“Jeremiah, table six just left and I need you to clean it for another customer.”

“Yes, Sir.”

I arrived at table six and – was this used as a pigs trough? How many kids were eating here? Were there any adults?

“Hey Jeremiah, can you get table seventeen after that, please?” The waitress, Sharon, smiled. Somehow it always sounded better coming from someone who was polite.

“Sure.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, and Sharon?”

“Yeah?”

I moved in closer so only she could hear me, “The customer at table three has been eyeballing your tip at table one.”

“Thanks for looking out,” Sharon smiled.

I just raised my hand in acknowledgement.

“Dar… Jeremiah?”

My body seized at the voice. The voice of an angel.

I turned slowly, unsure of what to expect. Perhaps Kiara’s back to slap me again? I’m certain I deserve it. I had assumed I was never going to see her again and was poorly attempting to cope with that realization – And now, here she was standing before me displaying nearly the same meekness I was feeling.

“Hello, Kiara.” It was all I could say.

“Hey,” Kiara partially smiled. “How’ve ya been?”

Small talk. Yes, this conversation has already turned awkward. Should I respond with something like ‘Nice weather we’ve been having, lately?’ Instead, I went with, “I’m all right. Working and… working.” And you?”

Kiara shrugged, “Listen, I was wondering what time you got off, because I was hoping we could talk. I could give ya a ride home, if ya want.”

“I close tonight, so about eleven-thirty. If that’s too late, I understand,” it came out as depressed hopefulness. Depressed that she would say no because of the late hour, but hopeful she may just say yes.

“No, no… That’s fine.” Kiara half smiled again. “I’ll be here.”

*

Normally, I can immense myself in my job. Whether at work or at home, time seems to accelerate while I’m working. Keep busy, get the job done. But tonight, ever since around six-thirty, otherwise known as when Kiara showed up, time has been curious. Between moment to moment, time seemed to speed up, or was at a stand still. I washed three racks of dishes, and fifteen minutes flew by. But at one point, I bussed four tables, including a party of twelve, washed five racks of dishes and I would swear only two minutes transpired. I was all out of sorts.

“Okay, Mr. Anderson, I’m done,” I waved into his office and received my typical response from him – nothing. If you don’t answer him, he becomes ruthless, but its not an issue for him to ignore his employees.

I walked out the door to see Kiara waiting in her car, playing the only game system her Mom allowed her to play – her phone. That may have changed now, but who am I to know anymore?

“Hey.” It was all I could think to say as I got in the passenger seat.

“Hey,” Kiara responded mundanely.

We drove in silence for a couple miles before Kiara huffed, “This is fucking stupid.”

“What is?”

Instead of answering me, Kiara turned hard into a strip mall, causing her tires to squeal. The parking lot was completely devoid of life, with all the stores already having closed. The tires screeched to a stop.

Kiara unbuckled her seatbelt, turned towards me, and grabbed my hand. She couldn’t seem to look at me, however, instead choosing to stare at our hands. “There are things that need to be said, so here it goes. That gaming device, by the way, felt really real. That could be something. Anyway, before I had the microchip, I was on edge. Lonely. I heard every word everyone said about me at school, and it wasn’t good. It affected me, ya know. While I had the chip in me, I felt like a totally different person. I had purpose. I mean, that purpose was you, but it was a purpose. It brought out a confidence in me that never existed. Now without the chip, I’m just lost. I have all these memories that I look back on fondly… and I miss that.”

“Kiara,” My face softened and liquid was beginning to form in my eyes as I watched her tears sliding down her cheeks.

“No, just wait,” Kiara sniffled. “I never would have had sex like that. Not after just meeting you, not so soon. I didn’t believe I was ready. The program made me want it and only want it with you. That’s why I slapped you. I didn’t feel like I gave away my virginity, but it was taken. But the same could probably be said for you to that first time, though. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that slap. I’m the one who used your gaming system without asking and took it off hysterically. It was my fault.”

I tightened my grip of her hand. I wanted to let her know I’m here to listen to all she needs to say, no matter what, and if this leads us to being apart after this, so be it. I’m here now. “No, it’s my fault. I never should have developed that infernal…”

“Will you fucking stop interrupting me,” Kiara laughed as she wiped away her tears.

“Sorry,” I smiled back, the tenseness of the mood now broken.

“Anyways,” Kiara smiled as she emphasized the word before she stared at me like we used to, without a hint of the meekness she was portraying before. “In this time apart, I realized that you could have just used me as a super sex slut object, and it would have been fulfilling to the chip, and me, at that time. I would have been perfectly happy with that. But you didn’t. You were determined to eliminate the effects of the chip. You spent money on me. You stood up to that Asshole for me. You happily engrossed yourself into my hobbies. You cared for me.” She then paused, as if saying the next words were the most important of all. “You loved me.”

I smiled, my heart on my sleeve. “I still love you. Always.”

“And I love you.”

Kiara slid over the center console and straddled me. She pressed her lips to mine, and it felt like home. There was no urgency. We had been apart for far too long; we both were savoring this moment. Simultaneously, our lips parted. We were already back on our rhythm, and I must say, though the chip was deactivated, her skills remained. It didn’t matter to me in the slightest because I had Kiara back. We were both in each others arms, right where we belonged.

“I missed you terribly, Baby.” I couldn’t help the small smile as I called her by the pet name I chose for her. Something I was not going to call her while she was under the influence of the microchip.

Kiara leaned back, her smile larger than the strip mall that laid before us. “I love it – Dar-ling.” She mocked the way she said her pet name for me, but we both knew I will always and forever be her Darling. “Why don’t we both get back our first times, shall we?” Her hands went down to my jeans.

“Are you sure?” I raised my eyebrows, waiting for clarity.

Kiara looked at me as if I actually did grow a hump on my back. “Do I regret how my first time was? Yes. But do I regret the all the other times you had me writhing in pleasure? Hell, no. Now take off your seatbelt so we can do this the right way.”

“Having sex in a car is the right way?” I unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Probably not, but it’s the best we’ve got,” Kiara giggled.

Glad to see we were on the same page. It took quite a bit of maneuvering, but we had somewhat successfully relieved ourselves of our pants. Or, at least, enough of them as mine were just below my knees while Kiara had one pant leg off and the other around her ankle.

Kiara positioned herself above me, and I already felt the wetness on the tip. “That didn’t take long.”

“Ya do that to me.”

Not sure if that reaction was normal from her body or one that had become normal over the course of the constant stimulus the microchip had provided. Regardless, when Kiara lowered herself down upon me, I did what I always did with her. What was I thinking about?

“As much as I missed ya, I did miss this, too.” Kiara kissed me, before leaning into my ear. “Now make me your woman for real.”

I obliged by giving a thrust.

“Ooh. That felt good,” Kiara smiled.

Kiara began a slow rocking of her hips while I continued my slight penetrations. It was pretty much all we could do in the confines we were experiencing – But it was also like something we didn’t experience before. It wasn’t aggressive. It was slow. And it was so much more.

Our eyes never left each other. I gazed into the abyss and into the depths of Kiara’s soul and she was doing the same. I had never seen nor am I able to explain what was occurring except that we were connecting on a deeper plane of existence. It was surreal. It was glorious.

“I love you, Darling.”

“I love you, Baby.”

I needed more. I needed Kiara closer. I needed Kiara to feel what I was feeling. I wrapped my arms around the love of my life and sealed our reclamation with a soul searing kiss.

We rocked passionately in the seat. It was magical. It was uniting. It was about to end… but it was only the beginning.

“Kiara,” I moaned as I broke our kiss only to see her face, lost in the same ecstasy, her mouth taking on a permanent ‘O’ form.

The walls of her canal tightened and gripped my erection like never before with a wave of bliss falling down upon it like Niagara Falls. I was no better as I released a flood of my essence into her.

“Wow,” Kiara leaned in to sweetly kiss me. With a sweaty face and matted hair, Kiara was still beautiful. “That was…”

“Perfect.” I finished for her.

“Yes it was.”

Or not. Well, the act was. The climax, definitely. The conclusion could have been scripted better.

There was a hard rapping that was coming from the foggy window. We couldn’t really see, but the flashes of red and blue lights we saw, well, we felt those were some kind of an indicator.

“I need you to roll down the window please.”

Kiara hit the button down to crack the window a little. The officer was an older man. He had grey hair that was hinting at balding before going under his cap. He was holding his nightstick, which he apparently was using to knock on our window.

“Yes officer?” I asked, still holding Kiara.

The officer chuckled, “So, what are you two doing?”

“Um…” Kiara and I both replied at the same time.

“You two may not be aware, but there is a law against this sort of behavior in public.”

“Uh, sorry.” We both said it at the same time again, which caused us both to snicker together.

“All right, out of the car.”

Apparently, with us chortling and giggling in front of the officer, we were exhibiting drunk behavior.

Apparently, Officer Fetters really doesn’t like being laughed at.

Apparently, if you upset Officer Fetters, he sends you to jail.

Without passing Go or collecting your two-hundred dollars.

I never thought I would have to call my Mother to tell her I was arrested.

*

“Let’s go young lady,” Charlene and Robert had arrived shortly.

“I love you.,” Kiara kissed me briefly, “See you when I can.”

Kiara left the holding cell, her head downtrodden as she walked passed her parents.

“I trusted you with my daughter, and this is what I get? She has a criminal record now!” Robert turned on his heels and began walking away with Charlene right next to her.

“I still love her!” I shouted back at them. “I’m sorry about this!”

My eyes fell upon my Mom. Her demeanor was unlike I had ever seen before. She was always happy, despite our finances, just finding the best in life. Tonight… err this morning, since it is one in the morning, I assumed it was going to change to one of fire and brimstone, at least that is what I anticipated. But no, her look was of sadness. Like for the first time, she was ashamed of herself. It scared me.

“Hi, Mom.” I left it at that, wanting to judge what she was going to say.

“I’m glad to see the two of you are back together again.”

“I’m happy about it as well, wait,” I eyed my Mom carefully. “How did you know we were apart?”

“A mother knows.” Mom weakly smiled. “I knew she was trying to impress you that day and I knew you’d be to blind to see it. You always did concentrate to much on whatever work you were enveloped in. I know I went too far with how I dolled her up that day, but she had eyes for you and in the end I was happy you two got together. I’m not surprised that it ended like this, I mean I was young once as well, but I knew you’d be smart about it. Never did I think you’d be arrested. Not a call a Mother wants to get. But I can’t be too mad about the charge because I know you’ll learn your lesson.”

I was stunned at the leniency, but grateful. “I indeed have. I promise, you will never get a call from me being in jail again.”

“Yes. I know.” Mom stated sorrowfully. “Jeremiah, I won’t have the money to get you out of here until Friday. This Officer Fetters person knows some people and is delaying your appearance to the court to teach you “young’uns” a lesson. I probably would have been mad at you, but…”

Friday. Friday was three days from now. “Oh,” I gulped. Not that I could be mad as I didn’t have the money either. In my house, money doesn’t grow on trees. Or at any house for that matter. We live paycheck to paycheck and that last paycheck was spent on groceries a week and a half ago.

“I’m sorry, Dear.”

Mom was about to cry. “Mom, this isn’t your fault. It is mine. I did the crime, I have to do the time. I know what our financials are, and until those increased hours appear on my paycheck, I know things are tight. Just do me a favor, call Ted, his number is in my phone. Tell him I need to cash in on that favor he owes me and have him cover for me Thursday. I’m off tomorrow, so as long as I can get out by three-thirty on Friday, I’ll still have my job.”

Mom smiled, “You make me proud at the man you are becoming.”

“It’s all because of the great parenting I was given.”

Mom was taken aback before she smiled. “I’ll check in with you everyday before work. Stay safe.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too.”

*

The night was long. It was eerily quiet until some random noise echoed in the cell from some random criminal. From a sneeze, to a cough, to a… wow, that was the loudest fart. Ever. And the smelliest too. Is it too much to ask for an oxygen mask?

The night, however, was nothing compared to the brutality of the day. The food- What food? – I keep trying to reassure myself that if there was food, it would be reminiscent of Archie’s Diner. The worst part, was that time ticked by at the pace of a broken clock. All you could do is nap. My only reprieve was when my Mom was allowed a whopping five minutes of visitation.

And then came the night again.

I cannot fathom why anyone would turn to a life of crime. Though I was in a room of people, the solitary was maddening.

*

“Willingham, you have a visitor!”

Eight in the morning… Exactly. I had just been able to fall asleep an hour ago because some junkie kept screaming as his body was suffering from detox. I would have been upset except that I wasn’t at home, but in a police holding cell. I could use the change of scenery, even if it will only be for five minutes.

I should have suspected something when I was called for visitation at eight in the morning. Working the evening shift as she did, my Mom was not a morning person. Even in the event she just missed me and needed to see as soon as possible, I should have been alerted something wasn’t right when we passed the place where the little phones we got to talk through yesterday were located. No, I wasn’t clued in until I arrived at the desk of Sergeant Hopkins.

There were three men huddled around the desk. The man in uniform, which I assumed was Sergeant Hopkins, but the tall robust man, who somehow looked vaguely familiar, and the thin short man, who just knelt down to write something on a sheet of paper was anybody’s guess. My Mom stood behind both of them, more because of lack of space, with an expression of shock and amazement.

The officer who had led me to this destination, turned and left, leaving me the option to attempt a prison break, and if I had an ounce of athletic ability, I would have considered it. “Mom?” I spoke, and when I wasn’t stopped, I moved by her side. “What’s going on?”

“Ha, ha! There he is. Jeremiah Willingham, I presume!” The robust man had a booming voice and if I were in the market for a washer and dryer, I would have bought them from the man.

“Yes,” I eyed him suspiciously.

“You, my friend, are a very hard kid to track down.” The man extended his hand, “My name is Pierce Hamlin and I…”

“Pierce Hamlin?” I interrupted. “The president and chief executive officer of Electronic Digital Gaming and Entertainment or E.D.G.E. for short?” I knew he looked familiar. I’ve seen him before on television, magazines, and, well, every media outlet in existence.

“Bright young Kid,” Pierce Hamlin laughed.

I now knew why my Mom appeared the way she did. It’s not everyday you meet a man who runs a multi-billion dollar company and is worth more than can be dreamed.

“I knew we made the right choice in bringing in the Kid.”

Who was also interested in… me?

Pierce Hamlin was sporting a playful grin, watching me digest what he said.

“You want me?”

“Of course!” He chuckled again. “Kid, I want you and Poindexter here to head up our virtual reality gaming division.”

“Um, you don’t have a virtual reality gaming division.” This, I was certain of as I did my research as to who was trying to develop the market for virtual reality when I invented my device. E.D.G.E was not on that list.

Pierce Hamlin put his arm around my shoulders. “Not without you, we don’t.”

“Are you serious?”

“You’ll get a six figure salary, full benefits, a car, a ten thousand dollar signing bonus,” after each bribe, I saw Poindexter add to a lengthy sheet of paper, “a house, a house for your Mother, uh, come on Kid, Congressmen don’t even need this much buttering up.”

It was all so sudden, and overwhelming, I’m afraid I wasn’t very eloquent in my response, “Uh, yeah.”

Pierce Hamlin shook my hand before looking at his watch. “Since that is now done, I have a plane to catch.” He was quick to exit the police station.

“Hi, my name’s David Sewell, actually.” David’s voice was kind of squeaky with a deep nasal quality. He reached over the place vacated by his boss. “Mr. Hamlin gives everyone nicknames; don’t let it bother you. Now if you’d sign here and initial next to the hand written additions as well.”

I quickly read the document – my contract – for the life of the profitability of my virtual reality device and any additional installments or other inventions that prove profitable to Electronic Digital Gaming and Entertainment. There was also a clause that stated that Mr. Pierce Hamlin has the right to call you by the nickname of his designation as long as it does not come across a belittling, harassing, or racist.