The Robot Girl

Chapter Twenty-One

I had some rage towards that boy. But I wasn't going to explode. There wasn't any point, honestly. He's just a douche bag, buttface derp. That's all I would have to say.

The first thing I did thought was walk right up to him and slap him across the face. Yes, I regret it, but then I didn't. He deserved it.

He looked down for a few seconds. A red handprint gradually appeared on his cheek. Then he looked up into my eyes. His turquoise eyes were watery and his nose became swollen like he was holding back tears. "I'm sorry, I really am. Please," he rose his hand, "I need to say something to you. And please, don't explode on me halfway through it."

I sat down on the floor. "Okay," I said clamly. "Spill."

"I didn't actually leave to go home like a chicken. I went to find the killer on my own. And yes, the whole time Coop knew. He's good at secrets. You know it, too." He paused. "I found him, but I didn't know where to find you. And then I heard you were at the hospital and I saw you one night. No one was there, and you were sleeping. I didn't know what to do, but I stuck around for awhile. I finally came to Spence last night and she let me stay with her since she and Ani are fighting."

So that explains why she looked like she was crying and wouldn't look at Anakin.

"Anyway, I'm very, very sorry. And the part where I don't want to be with you," he sighed, "I don't. I'm sorry."

That part stung. Everything else seemed reasonable. Until the end.'

I held my breath. Then I asked, "Why? Tell me the truth."

He sighed. "I trust you, so I'll say. But you must not tell anyone. Okay?"

I nodded, looking away slightly.

"I like Spence."

I clenched my jaw.

"I've liked her for awhile. That's also one of the reasons why I came in here last night. Yes, I slept on the couch. No need to ask."

I didn't want to ask.

"And seeing her hurt made me wanna just...I don't know the word...comfort her. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

I stood up. "It's okay. But next time, don't lie to me. Alright? I'm sick and tired of your lies after lies. If Ani and Spence break up and she ends up falling for you, you better make her happy. You better not lie to her as much as you have to me. Got it? Otherwise - and yes, this is a promised threat - I'll have to deal with you."

He nodded. "Yes, ma'am." He was scared. Good.

"Now, if you will excuse me, I have better things to do than discuss with you. Let me know who the killer is when everyone else is completely awake and we can converse together." I walked out.

Tears were fighting their way out. Anakin was forlorn in the corridor. I asked, "Where's Spence?"

He jerked his head at Sophia's door. "In there. Jett's in the shower and Sophie went somewhere...but I don't remember where..."

I nodded.

"You okay?"

I looked down and shook my head. "Eli was..."

"Spence told me," he put his hand in front of me.

"He..." my voice cracked. "I can't..."

"What?"

I swallowed my tears away and inhaled deeply. "I can't tell you. But..." I threw my arms around him. "What he said hurt."

"Why can't you tell me?"