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counters.
    “Well, that’s the reason it’s only the first precaution. The nanobots will also require an energy source. Other factors come into play too, such as environmental stresses. And finally, we’ve created them to be self-limiting. They would still be in need of materials that they require for consumption, all outside parameters we control.”
    Brie seems to think this over while Mason pipes in. “See ladies, they’ve got this under control.”
    I smack his arm. “Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Dr. Ford.”
    Brie starts, “Yeah, thanks, I feel a bit better now. Not completely,” she grins, “but better.”
    “I’m happy to help.” Dr. Ford holds his hand out to Mr. Murphy again, “John, not so long next time, stop by anytime.”
    Mr. Murphy shakes his hand. “I’ll stop by again soon, Julian. Thanks, again.” He turns to us. “We have to get going, before we miss the buses.”
     

     
    I can’t help being a little excited when I wake up the next morning. It’s not only Saturday, but it’s also finally the day I turn seventeen. This means I finally meet my mother’s requirements to attain a learner’s permit, which I will be doing first thing after school on Monday. I’ve been waiting for this day for over two years now, ever since my mom made it known I had to be seventeen to drive. Thank goodness Brie has had wheels (albeit sporadically) for the past year.
    If I’m being honest with myself, then I suppose I should fess up to the fact that I’m also excited to spend the day with Mason, and go to the party Brie is planning tonight. I have no idea what Mason has in store for me. I attempted to get it out of him, but he refuses to give me even a hint regarding today’s activities. I try to figure it out as I make my way downstairs for my mom’s annual birthday breakfast. Ever since my dad left (when I was only about a year old), my mom and I have been our own little family. As a nurse, she works crazy hours, and to accommodate things like birthday’s and holidays, we celebrate breakfast, because she is usually working the rest of the time. As soon as I was old enough, I started making sure the house was cleaned, and that there’s food in the fridge. We make a good team, my mom and me.
    The kitchen smells heavenly-maple syrup and bacon. My mom is at the stove flipping the last of the pancakes. She turns with a big smile, “Happy birthday, Kat!”
    I go to her and give her a hug. “Thanks, Mom. It smells great in here.” I take my seat at the table and have a sip of the orange juice she put out for me.
    “It’s tradition, after all. Except now, you’re the one with the busy evenings.” I can tell by her smile that she doesn’t think of this in a bad way.
    “I really can stay home if you want.” This is the zillionth time I’ve offered.
    “Don’t be silly. Go have fun,” she wheels around and points the spatula at me, “but not too much fun.”
    I smile. “I’ll be sure to have balanced fun. I promise.”
    My mom sits down with the plate of pancakes. “So, when are you going to get your permit?”
    I smile. She knows me well, “First thing after school on Monday.”
    “Good luck.” She smiles back. “Do you think you’re ready?”
    I have to fight not to roll my eyes. “Mom, I’ve been ready for over a year now.”
    She’s acting very strange, impish almost. “ I think you’re ready.” Her Cheshire cat grin is still firmly in place as she lights the customary candle and sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. I blow out the candle and begin eating, still a little suspicious.
    We joke and tease as we eat. We’ve always gotten along well. After we finish, my mom looks at me, her hands wet from dishes. “Can you see if there are any clean dish towels in the dryer for me?”
    I head to the garage, where the washer and dryer reside. Flicking the switch on the wall, I open the door and take one step in before I notice something. My mom drives a red SUV.