Chapter #1Happy Birthday. by: AridWD   Derick parked his car in front of a large retail store with the name Fem Automation. It was raining hard and the sky was looking gloomy, but he couldn't find anything to complain about today.
It was his son's birthday. With only a few more months of classes left, he'd graduate from high school and his only regret was that his mother would not be there to see him. Yet, he wanted to make some amends and he finally felt it was time to buy an Android.
Specifically, he wanted an Android that would be a mother figure to his son. He wasn't sure how he'd respond to such a gift and maybe even think it's an offense to the memory of his real mother, but it's been too long with rarely anyone in the house. There are days that he doesn't even see his son because he had to deal with international calls with far-off partners.
In return for being able to support his son financially, he also sacrificed personal time with him. He deeply regrets that, but there isn't much he can do right now except buy an android that could at least serve as someone to talk to when his son is home alone.
Taking a deep breath, he exits his car and rushes into the store with a newspaper to help cover him. He finds an employee waiting for him who happens to be another android.
"Welcome! Are you here for repairs, upgrades, or are you planning on buying an Android?" the android male asked, his teeth and smile all too perfect.
Derick smiles. "Let me see what you got to buy."
The employee bows, "Of course, let me give you a tour of our popular models.
-x-x-x-x-
"Andrew, I'm home!"
You hear your father from upstairs as he enters the house. Pausing a video you were watching for an assignment, you exit your room and step downstairs leading directly to the house entrance. Your father smiles quite brightly today and you know it probably has to do with the fact that it is your birthday.
It's also obvious since he's carrying a bag filled with a plastic container for a pre-bought cake. Honestly, you told your father it didn't need to be much of anything. You got used to simpler birthdays over the years.
"Is that cake?" you ask, pointing at the bag as you finish stepping down the stairs.
Your father doesn't try to hide it. "Yep, happy birthday my big boy! Why don't we skip dinner and cut straight to the cake, eh?"
You smile at your father's cheerfulness. Usually, he ends up tired and goes straight to bed. You worry about him sometimes.
"Dad, can I say something? You're awesome. Thank you."
Derick laughs and ruffles his son's head. "Trust me, I'm not that awesome. Sorry that I'm a troublesome and late father."
You furrow your eyebrows as you and he heads to the kitchen. "Dad, don't say that. You've done the best you can do. Just wait until I'm able to get a job and I promise you can retire while I take over."
Your father chuckles and as he places the cake in the center of the table, he stares at it with the words "Happy Birthday Andrew" written in poor cursive by the baker he bought it from. He held a smile, but his eyes were very sad.
"Thank you, son. I...I'm sure that if your mother were here, she'd be so proud to see how much you've grown up."
You remain silent and curl your lips as your father tries to stop tears from flowing from his eyes. You move to give him a napkin.
"Here dad, please don't get emotional on me, okay? You've always told the past is the past and to look forward."
Derick chuckles as he sniffles, wiping his eyes. "Yeah, I did say that...but that doesn't mean we can't look past and forward. I have something for you today."
You raise an eyebrow as he turns his head towards a darkened hallway. "You can come out now. Please introduce yourself to my son."
Your eyes widen and turning your head, you see a female step out into the kitchen...
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