“Right, I should probably show you around,” I said.

“Yes, that would be most helpful,” Jason replied and nodded.

The word robot, which had been shining from his chest, was now gone because we weren't in public anymore. He could definitely pass for a human now.

I went around my house, showing him the different rooms. “If you need help finding anything, I'm happy to help,” I said.

Sometimes, when I went to someone's home for the first time, I ended up forgetting where things were. It might be the same for Jason.

“Thank you, but I'll be fine. The different rooms in the house have been stored, I won't forget where everything is.”

“Oh, that's good,” I replied with a smile.

We went back into the living room; the floors were wooden and light brown, there was a TV opposite the red sofa, with a few red chairs around the room.

“Your house is beautiful, I really like all the paintings that you have.”

“Thank you.”

I went and sat on the sofa, and Jason sat beside me. Jason looked very human, but did he feel like a human, or was his skin plasticky?

“Sorry, this is going to sound really weird. But, can I see what you feel like?”

“Go ahead.”

I reached my hand out tentatively and put it over Jason's hand. It was warm, which surprised me, and felt just like a normal hand.

“Wow, your hand is actually warm,” I said.

“Yes, I have temperature control. It's to make me fit in with regular people. Some people didn't like how cold robots were, so temperature control was designed into my model.”

“What's your skin made out of?”

“It's human skin,” Jason replied, making my eyes widen. “Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. It's put on every AR55X model, and cloned from humans, then put over our metal.”

“Oh, that's not so bad. You made it sound like some serial killer shit, where they peel off people's skin.”

“No, that is not the case.” He shook his head. “My body simulates breathing and a heartbeat, as well as temperature regulation.”

“Oh, can I listen to it?”

“Of course, but you don't have to ask. I'm here to please and serve,” Jason replied.

“Eh, I'd feel weird if I didn't ask. It's always better to have someone's permission to do stuff, especially when it's something out of the ordinary.”

It would feel awkward to just put my head against Jason's chest without permission, even if he was a robot, who'd be fine with it. I leaned over and placed my head against his chest, and heat radiated from it. I could feel Jason's chest rising then falling, and there was the faint sound of heartbeat — just like a human.

“Holy shit! That's incredible!” I exclaimed and sat up straight again.

“Thank you.” He chuckled.

“So, you can make yourself cold?”

“I can, but I had assumed you'd want me to remain at my current temperature.”

“Yeah, I do. But, it's funny. It reminds me of Twilight, cause Edward is a vampire who's like freezing cold, while Jacob is a werewolf who's always really warm. I used to joke that Edward would be good in the summer because it's roasting, and Jacob would be good in the winter when it's freezing.” I smiled.

“Ah, I see. I will adjust my temperature accordingly for you.”

“Thanks.”

“Is there anything I can do for you at this moment?”

“Uh, not that I can think of.” I shrugged.

Jason was great so far — thinking of my every need, complimenting my house, and answering my questions. I could definitely see him being a good friend. I had three friends, they were good, but they didn't always put me first and annoyed me at times. Whereas, Jason would never be like that. I'd never even argue with him, it was probably impossible for robots to do so — the ideal friend, or partner. I shouldn't have even been thinking of that, no one dated robots, and they didn't have real feelings.

“We could watch a movie now,” I said.

“Oh, I can't wait. This will be my first time watching one,” Jason replied, with that perfect, gorgeous smile of his.

“Aww, now you've put some pressure on me. I have to pick a great movie.” I sighed.

“I did not mean to. Don't worry, pick anything. I'll be happy with whatever we watch.”

It was hard to pick the best movie because there were so many. There were the ancient movies from a hundred years ago and old ones from the early 2000s. Then there were newer movies from the past few years; some of them were great, but couldn't beat the classics.

The only bad thing about old movies was that they weren't as immersive as newer ones — movies released within the last twenty years changed the appearance of my living room as if I was actually in the movie. Old movies could be made immersive, but the picture quality wasn't as good.

“I really don't mind what we watch,” Jason said.

“Yeah, I'm just trying to think of the perfect movie.”

There were too many brilliant movies, like The Lion King, Die Hard, Lord of the Rings, Borat, Goodfellas, Home Alone, The Grinch, Harry Potter, Avengers, along with loads of new movies. It was hard to pick which one to watch.

“Okay, we'll watch The Lord of the Rings. But, there are three of them, so we'll have to watch them every day until they're finished.”

“Sounds good.”

“Uh, unless there's a different movie that you wanted to watch,” I said.

“No, I'm happy for you to pick.”

“Lord of the Rings it is, then.”

It was such an old movie, just one year shy of sixty, but it was a classic, and I'd watched it all the time when I was younger. I went and put the first movie on, then went back and sat with Jason. Hopefully, he'd enjoy the movie.

Even though it was a long movie, it felt like it was over very quickly, probably because I loved it so much.

“So, what did you think?” I asked.

“It was excellent, I enjoyed it. It's very similar to what I imagine it would be like to observe people. Except, this movie was set in Middle Earth, not real life.”

“Yeah, there aren't a lot of movies that are fully real, unless they're based on a true story.”

“I think fictional and true story movies will be great. We must watch the rest of The Lord of the Rings movies,” Jason said.

“Oh, we definitely will. They're one of the best movie series ever,” I replied with a smile.

My eyes widened, remembering that I was supposed to invite my friends and family over when I got my robot. My friends, Arabella and George had the previous model, but my parents and Margot didn't. They had all been dying to see this groundbreaking new model.

“Is everything alright? Your heart rate is slightly elevated.”

“I just remembered that I was supposed to invite my friends and parents over to see you. They're all very interested because you're the newest robot,” I replied.

“Is it too late to invite them over?”

“No, probably not. They've been expecting my call.”

“I would be happy to meet them,” Jason replied with a smile.

“Great, I'll call them now.”

I called each of my friends, then my parents, and they were all coming over. They lived nearby, so it wouldn't take them long to get here. They were all super excited to meet Jason.

A random thought popped into my head, “Are you waterproof?” I asked.

It would be unfortunate if Jason wasn't because then he couldn't go into the water at the beach, or the swimming pool.

“I am. I'm able to stay in water indefinitely.”

“Good to know… you noticed my heartbeat a few minutes ago, how is that?” I frowned.

“I'm able to monitor your health, and check for illnesses. I sensed your heart beating faster than it had been previously.”

“Oh my, that's so cool. So if I have something minor like a cold, you'll be able to tell?”

“Yes, I'll know when you're sick, and should be able to diagnose you. But, you should always go to the doctor in case I'm wrong,” Jason replied.

“Well, this is great. I sometimes worry unnecessarily about my health, so having reassurance will help put my mind at ease.”

“I'm glad, your happiness is my main priority.” He patted my back lightly.
Having spent time with Jason, I could see that he talked slightly differently to most people, and it was clear that he only cared about my wants and needs. He was different, but I didn't care, he was still spectacular. I was happy to be in his company.

****

My friends and parents arrived, and we went straight to the living room, where Jason was sitting. “This is my robot, Jason, and these are my parents and my friends, Margot, George and Arabella,” I said.

“It's nice to meet all of you,” Jason said with a smile.

“You too, we've all been excited to see the newest model,” Arabella replied. She had long dark blonde hair and she was very tall and slim. She had tanned skin, which made me slightly jealous because when I got sunburnt, my skin just went back to its extremely pale white colour.

I went and sat on the sofa with Jason; everyone else sat on the cushioned chairs nearby.

“I've heard so many things about the AR55X series. Like temperature control, breathing, a heartbeat and much better communication than the older robots,” George said and smiled. His skin was white and he had spiked up black hair; he was tall and thin, like Arabella.

George was even more interested than most in robots because he created the parts for the robots, like their arms and head.

“That is true.” Jason nodded.

“I didn't even realise all the cool stuff. Like, I wanted to see what Jason felt like, and I was surprised that his hand was warm. It's real human skin too, cloned, though.”

“We're delighted that you finally have a robot. I know you've wanted one for ages,” Mum said. Her hair was dark brown and was just above her shoulders. She was short and slender like me, but her skin was tanned.

“I know, it's great!” I grinned.

“I thought you were supposed to be getting a female robot.” Margot frowned. She was from Japan, but had lived in Northern Ireland for most of her life. Margot's skin was pale and she had shiny long black hair.

I glared at her, not wanting Jason to know that he wasn't my first choice. He was a robot, so he wouldn't care at all, but it still made me feel guilty.

“Uh, I was. But, Jason was the only robot of the new series left. The others were all sold out. I'm really happy though, so it doesn't matter,” I replied.

“Wow, they sold out quickly,” Dad replied. He was tall and thin, with light blonde hair like mine.

“Yeah they did. Who knows when more will be in.” I shrugged.

“I can alert you when more are in,” Jason said.

“Oh no, that's alright,” I replied.

I was definitely keeping Jason and not replacing him when more robots came in — I'd feel awful if I gave him back because they'd shut him down, which would pretty much be killing him.

“Soon, I hope. I want to upgrade, to be honest,” George said.

“What will you do with Ralph when you upgrade?” I asked.

Ralph was his robot, who was the second-latest model. I hated the thought of Ralph being thrown away because I liked him; robots were sort of like pets, which no one with a heart would throw away.

“I'm not sure. I won't be keeping him, though.” George shook his head.

“Don't throw him away, I'll take him,” I replied.

“You want two robots around your house?” He frowned.

“Well, I don't want Ralph getting deactivated or going to horrible people. Anyway, I'm planning to keep all the robots I purchase. I'd feel too bad if they got killed or went to some anti-robot lunatics.”

Unfortunately, there were some people who abused robots who'd been abandoned, even ones who were owned. They were probably scared of the robots, or taking out their anger on them, since they didn't see the robots as people. It was very sad and horrible.

Thankfully, the people in Ballycastle never abused robots. However, some people were wary of them — they'd never hurt them, just avoid the robots or give them dirty looks. In other parts of the country, lone robots were attacked and people were outright rude to them.

“Okay, you can take Ralph. It'll be nice knowing he's going to a good home,” George said.

“Actually, could we take him?” Mum asked.

“Sure, I'm happy with that,” I replied.

It would be good for my parents to have help around the house. They definitely needed Ralph more than I did.

“Oh, this will be a joy,” Dad said with a smile.

“"So, you all like robots?” Jason asked and everyone had shocked looks.

“Wow, he's much more advanced than Ralph, he never asked questions like that.” George shook his head. “And to answer your question, yes, I like robots.”

“Yeah, I love my wee Carly,” Arabella replied with a smile.

My parents and Margot said that they liked robots as well. I couldn't be friends with someone who didn't like them because I was pretty much obsessed with them.

“I'm glad, I would not like my presence to disturb any of you,” Jason said.

“Oh no, I find you fascinating,” George replied.

“Thank you.”

“If only I had enough money for a robot.” Margot sighed.

“It's unfortunate that they're so expensive, even the oldest models are about five hundred pounds. I just had to save up, it took me ten years,” I replied.

The less advanced robots had come out ten years ago, but at the time, they'd cost thousands of pounds. Back then, I was only fourteen, so I couldn't have bought one — I'd been saving ever since then, though.

“In a few years the prices may go down,” Jason said.

“I hope so.” Margot sighed.

“Look, I'm already giving Ralph to Hannah's parents, but I'm sure new models will be out next year. I'll probably buy one almost immediately, and you can have this year's model,” George said.

“Aww, thanks.” She smiled.

“So, why does Jason have an American accent?” Arabella asked.

“I went through a few of the different ones, but the American one suited him the most. And it was the first one I heard,” I replied.

“Nah, I couldn't be having Ralph with an American accent. The Northern Irish one makes the most sense, given that's where we live.”

“Oh no, they have the really chavy accent. I can't be doing with it,” I said and shook my head.

“Aye, it's not the best,” Arabella replied.

“I really want a chess match against Jason,” Dad said.

“Uh, alright, but I don't have a board or the pieces.”

I didn't understand chess, so didn't have the game. But, I had draughts, which was like the simpler version of chess.

“Don't worry, I brought it with me.” Dad smiled.

He went out to the car, then came back a minute later with the game. Dad set it up, then brought his chair over so that he was sitting opposite Jason.

“Now, I want you to play this normally. Don't go easy on me or anything,” Dad said.

“Whatever you want,” Jason replied.

They started the game — I watched, but didn't fully understand it. I could only see who was winning by checking who had more pieces on the board.

My dad was super smart, but Jason still beat him.

“Well, I'm impressed. You did well,” Dad said.

“Thank you, it was a good match.” Jason smiled.

Dad played a few games with Jason, but he got beat every time. It just showed how smart Jason was because my father was the smartest person I knew.

“It looks like I can't beat you.” Dad sighed.

“Don't feel bad, you were a tough opponent to beat,” Jason said, but he must've been lying to be kind.

“Thanks,” Dad replied.

My parents and friends stayed for a few hours, then got up to go home; all of them were impressed by Jason. He was much more advanced than George's robot — I was glad that I'd waited for a year to buy the AR55X series. I could've bought the same series as Ralph, but I'd decided to wait, and it was definitely the right decision.

Arabella pulled me to the side before leaving.

“What's the craic?” I asked.

“I actually can't believe how good-looking your robot is. He looks so human. I'm a bit jealous.” She giggled.

“Oh, thank God, I'm not the only one who thinks he's hot.”

“You're definitely not. Alas, he doesn't have romantic feelings programmed,” Arabella said.

“Yeah, but it would be a bit weird to date a robot, anyway.” I cracked my fingers.

“That's true, I don't know anyone who's dated a robot. They only use them for sex. We don't even have those over here, though. The fucking backwards government banned them.” She rolled her eyes.

“Eh, I don't really want them over here, to be honest. I just find sex bots kinda gross and degrading.”

“Well, I certainly wouldn't mind one.” Arabella replied and smirked.

“You can visit America for that,” I replied.

“Yeah, I'll go and try one out some time.”

“Alright, you do that.”

We talked for a minute or two longer, then she left, leaving me alone with Jason.

It was time for dinner, and Jason had offered to cook, so I let him. I was curious as to whether the food would taste good or not because Jason couldn't actually taste it.

The food was ready, he'd made chicken with honey and mustard sauce along with mash. He set the plate of food in front of me, then sat opposite me. I tried the chicken first and there was a burst of delicious flavours in my mouth. After, I had a bit of the mash — it was great, no lumps and very buttery.

“You're an excellent cook,” I said.

“Thank you, I know how to cook a range of different meals from around the world.”

“Oh, I'll have to try foods from other countries. I love Indian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese food.”

“I will cook whatever food you desire.”

“Oh great.” I smiled.

This was wonderful, I'd never have to cook for myself again. This food was even restaurant standard, I'd never need to eat out again.

Jason was eating as well, which I wasn't used to because all the old models never ate anything.

“Where does all the food go that you eat?” I asked with a frown.

“As I'm swallowing, the food gets cut into tiny pieces, then falls into a large clear bucket. When it's full, I will remove it and empty the contents into a bin.”

“Oh, that's a bit gross.”

“I'm sorry, I did not mean to disgust you,” he replied.

“It's alright. It won't start to smell, will it?”

“No, you do not need to worry. I will not empty the contents in front of you, either.”

“Uh, thanks.”

After dinner, I watched a few things with Jason, which was fun. I ended up feeling tired, so decided to go to bed, even though I'd love to spend more time with Jason. He was just so intriguing and I enjoyed his company. He did whatever I wanted, he was extremely polite and the most friendly person ever. Jason was well worth all the money I'd spent.

“Well, I'm going to bed now,” I said and stood.

“I will see you tomorrow, sleep well.”

“Thanks, you too,” I replied, then hit my forehead, realising that Jason wouldn't be sleeping at all. “Right, you don't sleep. What will you do when I'm sleeping?”

“I will sit here and stay silent.”

“All night?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Yes, I would not want to disturb you,” Jason replied.

“Uh, don't do nothing. I don't want you watching stuff, though, cause we'll watch shows and movies together. You could read a book,” I said.

“I would like that.”

I went to my library room, which was filled with many books. The bookcases were pretty big, but not so big that a ladder was needed to reach the top. I was quite old-fashioned because I liked having paper copies of books, instead of the holographic ones. I picked out a book, then brought it back to Jason.

“Thank you, I will have this read by the morning.”

“Alright. You can find more in the library if you feel like reading more.”

“Yes, I may read a few tonight.”

“Anyway, good night.”

“Good night, Hannah.”