Mechanical Read Online Free PDF

striding into his
study. The room was brightly lit with bookshelves lining the walls.
Everything was in its place, from the alphabetized books to the
papers neatly arranged on his desk.
    Glen was one of the creators who headed the
Institution. He was responsible for taking care of the androids and
answering questions when they needed help.
    He looked up from what he was reading. “Hi
Drew.” His expression was friendly, but he looked slightly
preoccupied. His face was closed off and I couldn’t tell if his
smile was real or forced. Glen was hard to read.
    I stopped in front of his desk, moving to sit
down. “I have an interesting proposition,” I told him while he
looked at me expectantly. “Jessica, a girl from the school, asked
me to spend the night at her house. At first I didn’t really
understand, but then I learned that it’s normal for friends to
sleep over at each others’ homes.” As I explained, I was hoping to
enlighten him and see some sign of approval.
    Glen nodded, watching me.
    “She brought it up because we have an
assignment due in a few days that we have to work on together. I
told her I would get back to her. Don’t you think this is an
interesting opportunity?” I watched his expression closely as I
gripped the sides of my chair and leaned slightly forward. “It’s a
better way to observe how they act in their own homes where they’re
most comfortable,” I explained. I unclenched and clenched my hands
slightly against the armrest, hoping he would agree and like my
idea.
    Glen looked thoughtful for a moment. “You
know, Drew, that’s a very good idea,” he said, flashing me a
smile.
    “I’ve been thinking a lot about it,” I
answered, feeling a little proud of myself for earning Glen’s
approval.
    He sat there, thinking, a forgotten smile on
his lips. “All right.” He looked at me. “Why don’t you call her
right now and tell her your parents agreed?”
    “Yes.” I got up and turned to go, but Glen
called me back.
    “Don’t forget to act like a human,” he
pressed. “You need to eat dinner, talk, smile, and actually sleep
during the night. Okay?”
    I nodded, a little offended he would think I
could actually forget. After all, I was his creation, perfect in
every way. How could he doubt me? “Of course.”
    After calling Jessica, I headed for my room
to get my bag, pleased for my chance to observe as well as imitate
human behavior. Anticipation and a surge of gratitude washed over
me as I remembered Glen’s smile of approval.
    As I walked into my room, I saw Yvonne
lounging on her bed, reading. Her legs were propped up precariously
on the window ledge about a foot above her bed. I reached for my
bag on the dresser, noticing Yvonne’s gaze darting toward me.
    “Where you going?” she asked, sitting up. The
androids rarely left the Institution. I could see the curiosity in
her eyes and possibly...jealousy?
    “Jessica’s,” I replied, as her look in her
eyes instantly vanished and I pushed it from my mind.
    “Huh.” She raised her book again and
continued reading. Her reply was nonchalant, but I could tell she
was still interested.
    “See you later,” I called, leaving the
room.
    “Bye,” came Yvonne’s reply.
    I hurried out, got into the van and soon I
was at Jessica’s, finding the outside of her home quite normal and
not as intimidating as I had previously imagined. I hesitated
before leaving the vehicle, going over what I was expected to do
and how I was expected to act. What if I messed up? What if they
found out? Confusion flickered through me like a bolt of
electricity as I realized what I was doing—worrying. I paused. I
couldn’t be worrying. I was an android. It was impossible. I shook
my head, telling myself that it had to be some short circuit or
something. I pushed aside those thoughts and left the van. Jessica
greeted me at the door and ushered me inside.
    “Mom, this is Drew,” Jessica said, pulling me
with her into the living