I counted theminutes at my aunt's house, smiled and tried not to be bored to death.Eventually, I was back in Spanush class with Tim. We had taken up p...assingnotes to each other (texting was also very far in the future, naturally).They were mostly obscene cartoons and jokes, but not anything toodamning, in case the teacher intercepted one. On this day, I wassurprised to see Tim's first message: "Movie night again?" followed by asmiley face! I blushed! I looked over at him, but he was staring. He had sworn at her, slapped her, and told her if she ever came into his room again she would be taught a lesson her father was incapable of teaching. She didnt understand it, but Maxine knew better than to tell her father anything. Ever since Maxines mother, Francis, had walked out on them, they had been the kind of dysfunctional family who pretended nothing had changed, and that Robbies behavioural problems were simply down to stress at school [Every teenager goes through it, dont worry!] and. This wasthe absolute, complete opposite.He stood and for the first time became acutely aware of the hang, swingand tender rub of his breasts. That was going to get real annoying realfast."I need a?"Her cheery, chipmunk voice was too distracting, too depressing.?I need a plan,' he thought.Get back to the ship or keep going forward?It could take days for someone to send a craft. He wasn't sure howresilient this girl's?this android's body was to weather. He realized hewasn't thirsty. He didn't. Sirinna gave the chain a light snap when they reached the center of the room, even though Amanda had already stopped walking. She removed the chain and the cuffs. "She is yours," said Sirinna as she backed up towards the door. "Treat her well."Neither of them looked in Sirinna's direction as she silently slipped out of the room.Jollis moved to speak, but at the last moment held his tongue. Instead, he placed a hand lightly against Amanda's cheek and simply gazed at her.And now she makes me.