Free Activate by Crystal Perkins

chocolate inside of them,” I say, taking a sip of my own hot drink.
    “But I love this drink, and there really is such a thing as too much chocolate.”
    “If you say so.”
    We both smile because she’s lucky enough to remember her past, so she knows if she’s binged on something, or gotten sick. I should be jealous, but I’m not.
    She has memories, but I have love. A love I wasn’t expecting, and that I don’t know what to do with, but that’s what it is. Love at first sight, a love for the ages…all of the above, and more.
    “You’re getting that dreamy look on your face again. Thinking about Levi, huh?”
    “Yeah,” I say, not trying to hide it. I do have a question, though. “You guys have been figuring things out, and I was wondering if you’d found out anything about how we love. I mean, is this fast connection between Levi and I something that might be normal for us? The alien us, or the hybrids…whatever we are.”
    “I wish I had an answer for you, but I just don’t know. We both know they didn’t plan for us to live long enough to procreate, and I don’t even know if we can, but insta-love? I have no clue about that.”
    I sigh. “I don’t want it to be part of why they made us. I want it to be real.”
    “Does it feel real?”
    “Yes, but everything felt real until I met the five of you.”
    “I don’t want to lie to you and tell you I’m sure it’s real, but I hope it is.”
    “Thanks. I don’t ever want you to lie to me. Please. Even if you think I don’t want to hear it, or it will hurt me, please tell me.”
    “I will as long as you promise the same.”
    “Yes.”
    “Great. Now, let’s get down to business.”
    “We’re going to walk to the museums today?”
    “The Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay, yes. The Seine is close to there, and I feel like water is key. Maybe I’m wrong, but since the island was well, an island , and there were set-up materials beneath it in the ocean as well, I think we’ll find it near the water.”
    “It makes sense.” About as much sense as any of this. “Let’s go for a walk.”

Abigail
    N o one seems to want to leave me alone, which is making me a little crazy. The pull I felt down at the water yesterday is getting stronger and stronger as I stay away from whatever it is I’m supposed to find. I need to get down there, but that’s not going to happen while I’m being watched so closely.
    “We’re going to a party tonight. Make sure you’re ready by six,” the Creator says, coming into the room.
    “Why?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Why am I going to a party. I’m no one.”
    “I would slap you again, but I can’t have you looking anything less than perfect tonight. You are going so that I can show my best creation off. London, Moscow, and China did their jobs. Australia failed, but you are left. You are the one who will bring me glory, because you will destroy all eight that are left.”
    “Nine. There are nine of us. I’m well aware that I must die as well.”
    “I’m glad you’ve come to terms with that. Of course, you’ll stay alive until the Muses are gone, but yes, you will need to kill yourself after that task is complete.”
    Do I have a choice about my destiny? No. I do not. When there’s no choice, what else can I do but accept it? I suppose I could fight, and not do their bidding for them, but I honestly don’t want to. I’m more than happy to finish this, even though I didn’t start it.
    “I have. I’m fully committed to what needs to be done.”
    “Good. Now put on one of those pretty dresses you’ve bought for yourself, and make me look good. No. Make me look great .”
    “I will.”
    She turns on her heel without another word, and I’m left standing there with my heart beating. I place my hand over it, wondering why I even have one; we’re somewhat human, but I instinctively know that if it stops, I’ll still live. Or maybe it’s not instinctive; maybe it was part of my conditioning. The Creator