MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2)

by Pohring, Linda; Dewberry, Anne

  The first room Oddily came upon was Nexa’s bedroom. There was no need for her to enter because she already knew what was inside. The next room was a different story. Oddily saw a flash of light coming from the doorway. When she peered inside, she spotted a device on the floor like the ones Nexa and Maxim had used to create holograms on their bedroom walls. That meant that someone had activated this room. Oddily stepped inside and stared at her surroundings. A scene of an android in the process of being built inside of a laboratory filled the walls. Was that Nero wearing a lab coat working on the robot? It had to be! What other teenager was bald with bluish skin. He was giving lessons on the construction of a robot, but who was his student?

  Suddenly, Oddily heard a clanking noise. It came from the shower room and when she tiptoed over and looked inside, she nearly fainted. A shiny metal robot, at least six feet tall, was leaning against one wall as if hiding from her. The male shaped machine appeared to be out of commission, so Oddily inched closer for a better view. Her newfound braveness surprised her as she reached up to touch the smoothness of the human-like face.

  “You’re a big boy!” Oddily whispered. She couldn’t help but wonder what this android would look like when activated. Would she become frightened like she was when the spiders had come to artificial life?

  Oddily turned to leave, but caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Did the robot just move its head? No…it was the eyes! They had been looking straight ahead, but now they were angled to one side. Was this robot playing possum with her? There was only one way to find out.

  Oddily ran over to the control panel to turn on the water; but right before she did, the robot sprang into motion and moved out of the way. Did she mention this android was six feet tall? Try seven or eight feet by the time the android came to its full height.

  Oddily gasped and jumped under the water, remaining there for her protection while she screamed.

  Willa showed up, sidestepping the tall android, and stopped just inches from the water. “What happened?”

  “That’s what’s happened!” Oddily pointed to the robot.

  “Oh, this is Tinley. Haven’t you two meet before?”

  Tinley spoke up for Oddily’s sake. “Not yet. Maxim wanted to be the one to introduce us; so when I overheard movement in the hallway, I removed myself from view.”

  Willa tried to reason with Oddily. “Please turn off the water and dry yourself.”

  “No…just leave me alone!”

  “I apologize for the fright I caused you.” Tinley spoke directly to Oddily.

  “Go away!” she shouted with an unkind voice.

  Oddily’s unexpected outburst was surprising because she had never yelled at someone before. But then again, this was no ordinary situation! It was as if someone had thrown her into a fanciful world of daydreams and she couldn’t seem to wake up.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound cruel.”

  “We will give you your space.” Willa backed away. “Come Tinley.”

  After the androids left, Oddily went ahead and turned off the shower. Thankfully, her cell phone didn’t get too wet because she wanted to try, one more time, to contact Maxim or Nexa. When they still didn’t answer, Oddily called the third number that was added to her phone list. “Paul? This is Oddily. Is it still okay if I join you guys for dinner? Okay, I’ll meet you there.”

  Oddily succeeded in driving herself to The Woodland Cuisine. She was having trouble parking her vehicle when Paul jogged up. He opened the car door and asked Oddily to climb out so he could park it for her.

  “You only need one parking space,” he laughed at her.

  “I was trying!” She grinned. “Are Pepper and Carrie here yet?”

  “Yeah, they’re waiting for us in the lobby.”

  After Paul parked Oddily’s car, Oddily glanced around as they headed for the restaurant. “How did you get here?”

  “I drove my car,” he said while nodding to some guests.

  “I didn’t know that you own a car.”

  Paul smirked. “No one does, and I usually prefer it that way.

  “Then why are you telling me?”

  “I trust that you won’t say anything.”

  Oddily lowered her lashes not knowing how to respond.

  “I mean it Oddily.”

  “So which vehicle is yours?”

  “It’s that bright yellow Hummer over there.”

  Oddily looked to where Paul pointed. “Wow!” If the kids at school knew you owned a car like that, you would be more popular than you are now.”

  “That’s my point Oddily! I would be liked for the wrong reasons.”

  “Hmmm, I like the way you think.”

  “Hey, I’m so glad you came!” Carrie and Pepper stood up when they saw Oddily enter the restaurant.

  Paul went to the front desk to confirm their reservation while Oddily joined the girls. Both of them were dressed to impress and they seemed to notice something different about Oddily.

  Pepper was the first to make a comment. “Hey girl, don’t you bite your fingernails?”

  Carrie glanced at Oddily’s hands. “Come on, she had fake nails put on! Where did you have them done?”

  “No, they’re mine, I swear! I noticed them this morning when I was brushing my teeth.”

  “That’s so weird!” Both girls spoke as one.

  “What are you guys talking about?” Paul had snuck up behind Oddily.

  When Pepper saw how nervous Oddily became, she gave her redheaded friend a reassuring wink. “We were talking about the school prom. Do you know who you’re going to ask?”

  After watching Pepper nudge Carrie with her elbow, he realized that the girls hadn’t been talking about the upcoming prom at all. Nevertheless, Paul played along with their game. “I have someone in mind. What about you guys?”

  Carrie was the first to answer. “I haven’t been asked yet, but I’m going to go even if my cousin has to take me.”

  “We still have time to be invited.” Pepper added. “Oddily, do you and Maxim plan on going?”

  Oddily glanced at the ground and mumbled, “I’m not sure.”

  The awkward silence that followed was broken when they heard, “Paulsen Bentley, your table is ready.”

  “Hey, do you have any connections to BentleyCastle?” Carrie asked Paul as they followed the host to a private room.

  Paul didn’t have to answer because Carrie kept on rambling. “Wait a minute…this is the VIP room! Is this where we’re going to eat?”

  Paul nodded as the four sat down at their table, Paul claiming the seat next to Oddily.

  “Are your parents loaded, or what?”

  Carrie was beginning to get on Paul’s nerves. “They do all right for themselves.”

  “You think?” Pepper laughed.

  Oddily wasn’t paying attention to the conversation. She was too busy examining her nails. Yesterday she had bitten them to the quick. Today the whites of her nails were peeking out over the ends of her fingers.

  “Hey, earth to Oddily!”

  Oddily looked up at Carrie and smiled. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “No kidding. I asked you where Maxim was tonight.”

  Before Oddily could answer, the waiter showed up to the table and handed them their menus. Pepper didn’t open hers. Instead, she laid it on the table.

  “Paul, would you mind if I talk to Oddily alone for a few minutes? It’s really important.”

  “No…That’s fine with me.” Obviously, Pepper had issues concerning Oddily, so Paul stood up to leave. “I noticed a friend of mine in the main dining area. Go ahead and order for me. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “Wait!” Pepper called out. “What do you want me to order?”

  “The waiter will know. Tell him I want the usual.”

  “He must eat here a lot!” Carrie turned to Pepper after Paul left the room.

  “Yeah…go figure. He doesn’t own a car and yet, he can afford t
o treat us to an expensive dinner.”

  “By the way, what’s up?” Carrie lowered her voice. “Why is there all this secrecy?”

  “I’m worried about Oddily.”

  “Me?” Oddily perked her head up and stared at the girls.

  “Yeah, what’s up with you? You’ve been daydreaming since you arrived.”

  Oddily blinked hard. “Umm, I didn’t realize I was.”

  “Well you are, and it’s starting to bug me.”

  “”Please forgive me. I have had a crazy day—especially after school. I guess I was affected by what happened more than I realized.”

  Pepper spoke before Carrie could open her mouth. “So what happened?”

  “Yeah, you can tell us anything?”

  How could Oddily tell her two friends that her new home was full of robots—some who tried to act human? How they hovered over her…watching her every move; and, to top it off, she was alone in the house to fend for herself while Maxim and Nexa were away. Where were they? Why didn’t they answer their phone’s to at least let her know what was happening.

  “Oddily, you’re doing it again!” Carrie grabbed Oddily by the arm just when Paul had returned to the VIP room.

  As soon as Paul sat down, he began to share his good news. “Guess what ladies? A friend of a friend is throwing a party tonight. We’re all invited!”

  “That’s fantastic!” Paul took Pepper and Carrie’s attention away from Oddily.

  Paul glanced over at Oddily. “Will you come with us?”

  “Umm, okay.” Anywhere sounded better than returning home.

  18

  As soon as Nexa returned home with Nero, Willa filled them in on Oddily’s untimely run-in with Tinley, and how she reacted towards him.

  Where is my son? Nero’s voice had invaded Nexa’s mind.

  Calm down father. The last time I heard from Maxim, he was dealing with Zaylyn again.

  Nero clenched his teeth at the remembrance of what Nexa had told him about the graveyard incident. Zaylyn needs to be warned about her childish antics.

  After closing his eyes for a moment, Nero inquired about Oddily. “Where is she Willa? I don’t sense her presence.”

  “She left, and I’m guessing it was because of Tinley and me.”

  “All right, enough of this nonsense. Stand back!” Nero took a stance in the middle of the floor and inhaled, drawing in an impressive amount of air into his lungs. His head tilted back as his muscles expanded making him look mightier than he already appeared.

  A wormhole began to materialize, the funnel of energy opening wider and wider, until a body came tumbling through the opening. It was Maxim sprawled out on the floor with an expression of shock as he stared up at his father.

  What have you done? Maxim came to a standing position. I was following Zaylyn’s molecular trail and I was so close to catching up with her!

  There are more important issues to contend with here.

  Why, what happened? Where’s Oddily?! Maxim grabbed the phone off the kitchen counter, but Nero snatched it from him.

  You can’t call Oddily—not until we talk. It’s about Zaylyn. I want you to know that when I choose her as your mate, I was led to believe that my colleague would take a break from his scientific work and raise her, the same as I had chosen to do with you. Instead, he left taking Zaylyn with him. I had no idea that he would volunteer Zaylyn as part of an experiment arranged by the High Council.

  The High Council?

  Yes. They are a group of highly evolved humans who have outgrown their need for a physical body. Because of the experiment, Zaylyn has become a new breed, far advanced from your half-breed status. You must leave her to me. Do you understand?

  How did Zaylyn’s mother feel about this? She had to have been devastated when her daughter was taken from her.

  She doesn’t know about Zaylyn. She believes that she gave birth to only one child…a boy.

  Maxim shook his head. I’m assuming that your colleague left his newborn son behind as well.

  Sad but true.

  I’m sorry father. Despite what you have told me, I can’t back off. I don’t know what hold Zaylyn has over me yet, but I’m sure I’ll find out soon. She seemed assured that I will hunt her down once I know what she has done.

  This is not a good sign. Nero narrowed his eyes in contemplation. I will remain here for a while until this Zaylyn matter is resolved.

  “Nero,” Willa spoke up. “It’s about Oddily. I did a scan on her body yesterday and she is showing signs of fluctuation.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Maxim raised his voice at her.

  “Be silent!” Nero stepped between them. “Here’s the phone. Find Oddily and bring her home. I need to examine her at once.”

  Oddily roamed around the party wishing that Maxim was there with her. This was her first party invitation ever and she was going to remember every moment for safekeeping. Most of the kids she didn’t know, which was refreshing for a change. If she didn’t know them, that meant that they didn’t know her, or her lack of popularity. She could be herself and no one would judge her.

  Oddily straightened her posture and resumed her walk around the party, with her focus on looking as confident as possible. It felt unnatural but fun. When someone smiled at her, she made sure to smile back.

  “What are you drinking?” Paul unexpectedly appeared and took her cup from her.

  “It’s punch.” Oddily made a silly face after he tasted it.

  “Yeah, well…I saw you stumble into a friend of mine so I wanted to make sure your drink wasn’t spiked.

  “I’m so sorry,” Oddily glanced over her shoulder. “Who is your friend? I’ll go and apologize.”

  “Nah, it’s cool. Let’s go find Pepper and Carrie.”

  “Wait, my phone is vibrating!” Oddily reached into her pocket and began to fumble around for her phone without much luck.

  “Here…let me try.” Paul pulled out the phone with ease and handed it to Oddily.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi babe, where are you?”

  “I’m at a party. Where have you been? I’ve been worried.”

  “Something came up.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

  “You should have told me, Maxim. You hurt my feelings.”

  “You’re upset with me. I can hear it in your voice.”

  “Wouldn’t you be if you woke up and found me missing?”

  “I’m sorry. I thought Willa would have explained my absence.”

  Oddily groaned at the mention of the android. “I think we need to talk about your…hobby.”

  Oddily’s comment worried Maxim. “Where is this party?”

  Oddily handed her phone to Paul. “We’re on West Mountain Road. You won’t be able to miss all the cars.”

  Paul hung up and gave back Oddily’s phone. “Maxim says he’s on his way. I’ll help you keep a lookout for him.”

  Within fifteen minutes, Maxim had found the party and pushed his way through the crowd of kids searching for Oddily.

  “Maxim!” Oddily called out his name when she saw him.

  Maxim’s brows furrowed together when he spotted Oddily rushing over to him. Paul was following close behind, but slowed his pace when he noticed the look on Maxim’s face. If looks could kill, he would have been one dead dude!

  Still scowling at Paul, Maxim took several long strides and reached for Oddily, wrapping his arms around her. His heart filled with aching worry for her as he secretly felt a pang of jealousy towards Paul.

  Paul watched the tips of Maxim’s fingers stray across Oddily’s face and move lightly upon her mouth before he asked, “Why do you have color on your lips?”

  “Carrie let me use her lipstick,” Oddily said while she waved to get Pepper’s attention.

  “Hey, there you are!” Pepper walked up to Maxim and gave him a friendly pat on the back. “Doesn’t Oddily look good in pink?”

  “She is beautiful as always.”

  “Ahhh
, you’re such a good boyfriend.”

  “Look at my nails,” Oddily held up her hand. They practically grew overnight. Isn’t that weird?”

  Maxim maintained a serious face as he examined the nails. Oddily had at least a two-month nail growth according to the amount of white showing on the tips. It was enough for Maxim to demand that Oddily leave with him immediately.

  “Why? I’m having fun with my friends.”

  “Come on Maxim. Quit acting like Mr. Mysterious. How are we supposed to be friends with you when you keep disappearing on us?”

  “Pepper is right!” Oddily agreed with her friend.

  “You win, but only for a few minutes.”

  There was a lot of back and forth teasing within Oddily’s small group of friends, while Maxim used the distraction to contact his father. Nero, I’m here with Oddily. We’ll be home soon.

  I want to examine her now. Nero’s booming voice made his head ache.

  Oddily is showing resistance to leaving the party and her friends are backing her up. I need to appease them for a short while so my behavior won’t raise eyebrows.

  Where is this damn party?!

  No father, don’t come here.

  It’s too late son. I tracked your location and am already outside the house.

  Maxim turned around and stared at the front door until sure enough, a few minutes later, Nero entered the house. His tall stature couldn’t be camouflaged, but with the dim lights and a hat pulled down over his bald head, he fit in fairly well with the rest of the kids. Nexa however, with her angelic beauty, had entered after him and all eyes turned to her.

  “Nexa, you’re here!” Oddily’s face lit up as she broke free from Maxim and hurried over to greet her. “Where were you? I missed you today.”

  “Thanks, I was busy.” Nexa was touched by Oddily’s sentiment.

  Oddily glanced at Nexa’s companion and recognized him from the rope bridge ordeal. “You’re…”

  “…Nero!” He reintroduced himself while he took note of Oddily’s appearance. The delicate paleness of Oddily’s skin was typical for a redhead. However, her hair appeared to be a few centimeters longer then when he had last seen her, and then there was the unnatural growth of her fingernails.