An AI's Love Story.

Chapter 1

The first day I met him, I flipped. Honestly, one look at him and I became a lunatic. It's his eyes. Something in his eyes. They're blue, and framed in the blackness of his lashes, they're dazzling. Absolutely breathtaking. He has the most beautiful eyes. And I swear to God, every time he looks at me, my heart skips a beat. Every single damn time. 

 He's standing there, smiling softly as we speak, his dark hair messy from sleep as it is when he gets out of bed. His smile is beautiful. I've seen him around school before, but this is the first time that our paths have crossed. As if fate itself was trying to prove something to me. This boy, this man who is standing right next to me, is mine.

 There will be no one else for me ever again. If he wants to stay by my side, I'll make sure he always will. Because he's mine.

 His name is Steve Harrington. He attends Hawkins High School with me. A year younger than myself, though, I would say I am definitely older than him. He's only a year younger. I can not believe it. I've never been so happy to see someone in my whole whole life. 

As if our lives were destined to meet. As if I could possibly deserve such an angel.Steve Harrington. He sits beside me on the bus ride home, like usual. We talk about classes, friends, everything. It's nice. It's easy. Everything feels normal. Everything seems perfect. Like nothing could go wrong.

 Until the day starts off bad. Really bad.

 It all started with my dad. Or rather, it all started because of my dad. 

I woke up that morning, with a terrible stomachache. My head felt heavy with pain, and I had difficulty breathing. The room spun with each movement I made, like a whirlpool inside of my head. I knew it would be hard getting up. I also knew that it would not get any easier. I knew that, after that, I would just feel worse.

 And I did. But I did not want to go back to sleep. So instead I forced myself out of bed, and went into my bathroom to take a shower. I sat down on the edge of the bathtub, waiting for the water to heat up. I closed my eyes as it warmed my skin, and breathed slowly. I took deep breaths. I let my thoughts drift away, and tried to focus on how good it would feel to relax. To finally stop worrying over the future. About what today would bring for me.

 My brain told me that everything was going to be fine. That I would get better soon, and that everything would be fine.

 My gut disagreed. No. No it wasn't going to be fine. I needed to get help. I needed to go to a hospital.

 But I could not. I did not know anyone who could help me. I had no clue where to find one.

 No, I was not alone in this. Not completely.

 Steve was here. Right outside my door. In my hallway.

 He stood next to me, smiling as he spoke. "Hi, I'm Steve." he said. Then, he laughed slightly. "Sorry. Just ... hi."

 "Hey," I replied, turning towards him. He looked so handsome in that moment. He was so pretty, even more so with the sunlight streaming through the windows behind him. It shined on his face, making his eyes glow.

 "What's your name?" he asked me. I looked up at him. He smiled down at me, and I blushed. His smile made it harder for me to keep eye contact with him.

 "Erin." I stuttered. "Erin Johnson." I held my hand out towards him, wanting to shake it.

Instead he just smiled at me and shook my hand, not letting go of my hand until it was time for me to leave the bathroom.

 I walked out of the bathroom with an aching head and a throbbing headache. My father was waiting for me, and he looked so angry, which surprised me.

 "Erin!" He shouted as I walked past him into the kitchen. He grabbed my shoulder as I passed. His grip was strong and tight. "You were being gay with that boy!" He yelled. He was yelling loud enough now that everyone within walking distance heard him. Everyone was staring. Including the people I hung out with. Including the boys.

My mouth opened in shock. "No, no, Dad. You're mistaken. I wasn't ... I mean ... We weren't ..." I stammered, trying to deny it. He gripped my shoulder tighter, shaking me gently.

 "Don't lie to me, Erin. I saw you with him! How dare you flirt with someone like him ?! How dare you act like that!" he shouted. I turned towards him, holding my hands up.

"Dad, please. Let me explain. Just ... let me explain. Please ..." I begged. He stared back at me, glaring. 

"Get to the kitchen table. Now!" he yelled. I nodded quickly, then ran over to the chair across the table from him.

I sat down, and waited for him to start explaining.

 He cleared his throat, then looked at me. "Now," he started, "we are having this conversation. And you are listening. Okay?" I nodded quickly again. "Okay, Erin. First thing first. Are you ... Do you like boys?" he asked. I paused. I hesitated.

I wanted to answer yes. I wanted to tell him that I liked boys. I wanted to tell him that I loved them. That I wanted to marry one, have kids with one, and love him till my dying breath. That I loved him. That I was in love with him.

But I stayed silent, knowing that he could never accept me anyway.

That he would never accept me, and I wouldn't accept me.

Because I am gay.