Touch

Part 6

It took some convincing--actually, a lot of convincing--to get Michael onboard with his plan. Jeremy knew, faintly, that the possibility of success was pretty low, but he felt compelled to try anyway. For the first time since Christine had announced that she was going to California Jeremy actually felt good about something, but Michael was understandably cautious about the whole thing. He couldn't blame the guy, either. So in a show of good faith, to prove to Michael that he was taking the risks seriously, they'd both agreed to carry Mountain Dew Red on them at all times.

"Are you going to keep it on while at Jake's party?" Michael was in the process of getting ready to pick up Kevin on their way to the party. Jeremy had considered it because he was already starting to feel like a third wheel, but he pushed the thoughts aside. There was no reason for the Squip to be active, especially since he was planning on drinking.

"Nah, I don't think a wild college party is a great learning environment." He hadn't spoken to the Squip much since their little conversation in Michael's basement but he felt the need to say something to it. "You're picking me up later, right?"

"Yeah, of course. I'm not going to leave you stranded just because Kevin will be there." Michael shot him a glance that Jeremy could only assume meant I'm not leaving my best friend alone with an insanely powerful top-secret crazy super computer, and for that he was grateful. He was still his favorite person, after all. Even on a potentially catastrophic adventure, they still had each other's backs.

The Squip on the other hand...

Michael wouldn't be at his place for another 10 or so minutes, which gave him plenty of time to give the Squip some kind of, well, pep talk, maybe? Jeremy still felt nervous when he reactivated the Squip, and though its expression was as calm and detached as normal, the way its eyes seemed to lock onto his caused him to momentarily panic.

So, we're doing this.

It said it like Jeremy had asked the Squip to clean sewage out of the gutters.

-Yeah. I guess we are. Michael's on board with it, so...-

Why are you so anxious? That doesn't exactly instill a sense of confidence in your teachings abilities, Jeremy.

Jeremy swallowed thickly. Where to even start?

-I've never, you know... done this? Before.-

The Squip sighed and took a seat on the nearby desk, arms crossed lazily across its chest.

Are you going to begin? Or should I?

-You, uh. So you feel emotions. Some kind of emotions, anyway. I know you don't believe me, but... Uh...-

Wow. This was even harder than he thought it'd be. Jeremy glanced down at the floor, rubbing the back of his neck. The Squip said nothing, just stared at him cooly.

-I don't have a lot of time to tell you why now, because I'm going to a party soon, and I know you don't work right when I drink. But I just wanted to let you know.-

I'm assuming you won't need my assistance at your first college party?

Was the Squip making a joke? Jeremy looked back up and the corner of the Squip's mouth had curved into a slight smile.

-I can handle myself, thanks.-

He paused.

-Is there... Is there anything you want to ask me. Like, at all?-

The Squip uncrossed its arms and looked contemplative for a moment, looking off into the distance that was the other side of Jeremy's room.

What exactly does it mean to be human, Jeremy?