Highstrung Robot

Chapter Four: Dangling by a String

Once they parked the port, Jake climbed out first and walked over to the drivers side, opening the door for Adelaide. "Come on. Let's get this shit over with."

She giggled at his comment, walking out of the door and linking her arm with his. "So we fit in."

"I don't care about fitting in." He said but kept their arms linked anyways. "Aren't they going to ask you about me though, when they see us like this?"

"They're gonna ask me about you even if we were barking down each others throats the entire night." She rolled her eyes at the coming events. "Besides, this doesn't mean anything, it's just customary."

They walked past a couple of people talking next to the entrance of the building, going through the doors and into a brightly lit room, decorated nicely and full of people. "I'm already wanting to leave. I can feel the snobby prestigiousness radiating from the people." Jake said, removing his arm from hers and shoving both of his hands in his pockets.

"Just think about how many lives we could save if we win over the right people!" She looked over at him while they were still walking. "So what if they're snobby, just be snobby back! Besides, all of these people only speak French and Chinese anyways. We can make fun of them all we want in English and they won't understand a word."

"Good thing I understand both of those. I'll be able to tell what they are saying whether they like it or not." He sniggered, looking at her through the corner of his eyes as they approached the large group of people.

Suddenly, an extremely slender blonde woman approached Addie, welcoming her with a big hug and a kiss on both cheeks. "Adélaïde, chérie! Depuis combien de temps, dix ans? Oh, regardez comment vous avez grandi. Vous semblez un peu plus dodu, mais je serai heureux de vous prêter mes pilules de reflux gag!"

Addie just stood there with a fake smile, exchanging graces with the woman. "Ravi de vous voir Mme Fournier."

Jake narrowed his eyes at the woman, trying not to scowl at her. "Je ne pense pas que ce sera nécessaire, je vous remercie." He then pulled Adelaide away from her, going in the opposite direction angrily muttering to himself "Fucking blonde bimbo, that's not how you talk to someone you skinny bitch."

"Jake!" She whisper screamed at him, nudging him a bit. "You can't do that! Her husband is one of the richest men at this party!" Addie looked back and gave her an apologetic wave, the woman waving back and just mouthing 'we'll talk later' in French.

"What? It's not like I said that to her, I just said she doesn't need to offer you stupid pills to make you throw up. What the hell type of greeting is that?" He said still angry at the woman, stopping once they reached the opposite side of the room.

"It's what these people do, and we just have to deal with it for tonight. All you can do is grin and bear it." She sighed, touching his arm. "Thanks for the concern, but I can handle it. I've practically done it all my life."

"I swear to God, if someone offers that stupid shit to me-" He stopped his sentence as a couple of men walked past them, smiling and saying quick greetings. He just stared at them with an expressionless face and said nothing in return.

Addie nudged him again and waved at the men, smiling as they walked past. "Jake this shit doesn't go well here! You have to act somewhat nice!" She turned and glared at him.

"I am! I haven't said anything directly rude to anyone or made some type of face. At least not that I know of." He said looking down at her, struggling to keep the slowly forming annoyed look off of his face. "I'm making an effort."

"Just try a bit harder. I know you can do it." She looked at him and gave him a bright smile. "Now, c'mon, let's own this party like it's our bitch!"