Robo-Dad

20

Logline: During her last Christmas with her entire family, eight-year old Aliciabelle is given a slew of presents from all four of her sisters. However, the one she gets from her eldest sister is a bit different from all the others, a six-foot tall robotic father figure.

Robo-Dad

"Come on, guys!" Ria called, racing towards the Christmas tree.

I chased after her, giggles streaming from my lips while I dragged Noa down the hall.

"Walk, Aliciabelle! Don't slip and fall!" Mother paced after us, sipping her cappuccino and letting out a yawn.

Picking me up, Noa held me against her hip, sliding down the shiny marble floors.

Red, silver and gold ribbons laced the walls while wreaths and bells decked the pillars, glistening under the chandeliers as we sped towards the living room.

My eyes widened as I spotted the main tree, watching its yellow and white lights flicker while massive ornaments laced its branches. A golden star sat perched on top of it, glittering while long strings of tinsel draped beneath it.

"So, what's the big announcement you have, Ri?" Asia asked.

Ria picked up a glass of apple cider, tucking her bang behind her ear. "Well, I've been keeping this under wraps for a while and I didn't want to say it while Dad and Lina were here, so..."

She cleared her throat and hesitated. "I'm happy to say that after months of hard work and applications, the Grand Joyland Robotics Academy finally accepted me into their lineup."

Asia and Noa gasped.

"Oh my gosh," Noa said, putting me down. "That's amazing!"

"Congratulations!" Asia said.

Mother cheered as the three hugged each other, smiles growing as I tilted my head.

"So, does that mean you're leaving?" I asked.

Ria paused and let out a sigh, her smile melting. "I'm afraid so, Allie."

I looked up at her, tears welling up in my eyes. "But what about the rest of us?"

"Don't worry, dear," Mother said. "Ria and I worked out all the details."

"Yep," Ria said. "And I promise I'll come and visit when Father's gone."

"But, if I'm being honest, Ria, I'm still not sure if you should do this," Mother said. "The consequences of your father finding out I lied to him aren't exactly small. Even if I did tell him the truth, what would he say about all this-"

"How about we all do her a favor and not tell him?" Noa suggested.

"But then how will we explain her being gone?" Mother asked.

"I doubt he'll care. I mean he only needs us when there's someone to kill," Asia said.

"And even then, he usually only needs one of us," Noa said.

"Please, Mother. This is my only chance to do this," Ria pleaded.

Mother sighed and nodded her head. "We'll find a way."

Ria smiled, eyes lighting up.

"But what about us?" Stella asked.

"You two will know the plan when you're older," Mother fixed her gaze on me and Stella. "But as for the rest of you, we'll talk about it later."

"How about tonight? After I get these two settled in?" Ria asked.

"Sounds good to me," Asia said.

"Deal," Noa replied.

"But we wanna be a part of it," Stella said.

"You will be when you're older," Ria said.

I looked up at her, watching her smile at me.

"Now, come on. I got you guys a few gifts before I leave," Ria said.

I peeked underneath the tree, slanting an eyebrow as I noticed the presents were missing. "Where are they?"

"Oh, right," Ria handed Noa and Asia a pair of Christmas cards. "There were too many presents to fit under one tree. Asia, yours are in the South Ballroom and Noa's, the West."

"Got it," Asia said, walking down a hallway.

Noa nodded and strolled the other way. "See you in a minute."

"Could someone take Stella to the East Ballroom?" Ria asked.

"Sure. Come along, Darling," Mother led Stella down a hallway."

"Ria, where are they going?" I asked, feeling her grab my hand.

"They're just going to meet some new friends. Now, come on, let's go see your presents!" Ria walked down the hallway.

"Am I getting a new friend?" I asked.

"Yep! And he's been waiting to meet you for a very long time," she replied.

I tilted my head. He's a guy?

"Is he scary?" I asked.

"Nope, not at all. In fact, I think you'll just love him," Ria smiled.

My eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yep, I built him just for you! And he'll always be there no matter what happens," Ria waved at one of the servants, beaming as we walked past a line of portraits.

I locked eyes with her. "Even when Father's mad?"

"Yep, especially during those times," Ria stood in front of two wooden doors. "Now, when you see him, don't be scared. He won't hurt you."

"But you said he wasn't scary," I retorted.

"He's not. Don't worry. All you gotta do is be yourself and not be afraid," Ria opened the door, revealing a pitch black room. "Now, close your eyes...and no peeking."

I covered my eyes with my hands, body stiffening as I heard someone close the door.

"It's okay, Allie, I got you," Ria said. "Ready?"

I nodded.

"Alright. On a count of three, I want you to open your eyes, okay? One, two and...three!"

I opened my eyes, jaw dropping as purple and yellow light blossomed in the darkness.

Ornaments and fairy lights laced a tall tree in the center of the room, presents piled around its base while a plate of double chocolate cherry cookies sat next to it. Garlands and ribbons lined the edges of the tree while a fireplace crackled next to it, flames flickering while rain pelted a window behind it.

"Merry Christmas, Allie!" Ria cheered.

I raced towards the presents, braids flinging in the air while I picked up a small box with red and white candy striped wrapping paper.

"Wait! Who's that one from?" Ria asked.

I glanced at its tag, smiling. "It's from Stella!"

"Ooh! I wonder what she got you!" She smiled, watching me tear through the wrapping paper.

I let out a gasp, spotting a small orange and purple water gun zip tied to a piece of cardboard. "Oh my gosh!"

"What is it?" Ria grinned.

"It's a water gun!"

"Oh, looks like you're gonna need to have a water fight at some point!" Ria glanced at the other presents, picking up one with a large silver bow on top. "Here, why don't you open this one?"

I read the label. "This one's from you, though."

"I know, I have to hurry up and introduce everyone to their new friends."

"Come on, can't you stay for just ten more minutes, please?" I begged, eyes widening as I faked a pout.

"How about this? I'll open two more presents with you and then I'll go, okay?" Ria asked.

"Okay," I said.

"Alright, then let's do this one."

I took the present from her and tore its wrapping paper to shreds.

A large grin crawled on my face as I gazed at a large wooden box, spotting the letters "A.E.T." painted on its lid. Is this mine?

I turned to face Ria.

"Go on! See what's inside!" Ria smiled.

Opening the box, I gasped, my squeal echoing around the room while I gazed at a collection of vintage bottles, beakers and test tubes.

At the bottom of it, was a white lab coat with the same initials on it.

"You like it?" Ria asked.

"Uh huh!" I bolted towards her, squeezing the life out of her waist. "Thank you so much, Ria! You're the best!"

She chuckled. "Of course! I made sure Aunt Jean ordered them before they sold out. Just make sure you don't blow up the house too often, alright?"

"Okay." I watched her grab a box covered in golden wrapping paper.

I fixed my glasses, eyes lighting up while I tore through the gift wrap, a smile plastering my face.

A small, brown leather box decked with a red wax seal emerged from the wrapping paper, its top dressed in purple and clear gemstones. Inside it, were a collection of old books, spines worn and pages tattered.

Wait, I can't take this. I paused and looked at Ria.

"Aren't you going to want this while you're gone?" I asked.

Ria snickered. "My time with Evelina is over. I'm onto bigger and better adventures now. But that doesn't mean you can't get inspired by her."

I looked at the book covers. "Are you sure?"

"Yep, one hundred percent," Ria smiled.

My eyebrows furrowed.

"Pinky promise?"

Ria chuckled, wrapping her pinkie finger around mine. "Promise."

I nodded. "But wait, who's going to read these with me?"

Ria looked towards the other side of the room. "I'll get to that in a minute. Now, open it up. There's something inside the book."

I pulled back its cover, spotting a long silver wrap around bracelet marked with different colored gemstones.

"I had one of my friends make one for each of us so we'll never forget each other," Ria picked up the bracelet. "The amethyst represents you."

I giggled. Well, purple is my favorite color.

"The peridot is for Stella," Ria pointed towards a bright green gem next to mine, her smile growing. "The ruby is for Asia. That yellow gem next to it is for Noa and mine is the diamond right here."

"Woah," I gazed at the bracelet, pausing as I noticed a slew of other gems attached to the second layer of the bracelet. "But then, who gets all the other gems?"

"Well that's where all your new friends come in," Ria waved towards the other side of the room, smiling as the sound of mechanical footsteps bounced off the walls.

Two green eyes stared at me from afar, glowing behind a pair of plastic frames.

I hid behind Ria's legs, lip quivering as I watched the figure tower over us.

"It's okay, Allie," Ria said. "Widget's not gonna hurt you."

I gripped the edge of her robe while I looked up at the robot, chest tightening while a soft warm smile crossed its face.

A neat mess of ginger hair stood on top of his head, shining under the light.

Looking away, I clung onto Ria, trying not to make eye contact with the figure.

"Allie," Ria turned to face me.

"Hey, it's alright," the robot said. "I know I'm not the spitting image of Rosalind Franklin, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun together."

I looked up at Ria.

"Well, what do you say?" Ria asked.

I shook my head, burying myself further in Ria's shadow.

"No?" Widget's eyes grew bigger as he frowned.

I drifted further behind her,

Curling his lips into a grin, he walked towards the plate of cookies. "Well then, I guess I'll have to eat these cookies and open these gifts all by myself."

My eyes shot open. No! I burst out of my hiding place, rushing towards the plate of cookies and sending a glare his way.

No one touches my cookies! Ever!

Widget chuckled, watching me stuff a cookie in my mouth. "I see someone likes their cookies.

I wolfed down a fistful of cookies. Tastes like the ones the servants make.

"Make sure you thank Widget for baking them," Ria smirked. "It took him a while to learn that recipe."

He scratched the back of his head and smiled. "It might've taken a few trials, but it was definitely worth it to know what they taste like."

I turned to face the two of them, eyes widening as he smirked at me.

"Thought I wasn't gonna be able to bake?" he asked.

I looked back at the cookie. Since when did Ria share the family recipes with her robots?

"And that's not even the beginning of it," Ria unclasped my arms from her leg. "But I'll let you figure out what else he can do. For now, you can get to know Widget while I-"

I dashed underneath a table, holding my knees close to my chest while I tried to stay as quiet as possible.

Ria rolled her eyes and faced Widget. "Well, you know the drill by now. I'll see you later, Allie!"

Walking out the door, Ria smiled, shutting it behind her.

"Allie," Widget called. "Allie."

I hid myself further. Only my sisters can call me Allie.

"Allie," he called again.

The glow behind his eyes faded as he turned to face my hiding space, smiling and pulling up a chair in front of me

"It's okay," Widget said. "You don't need to be afraid of me. I didn't mean to scare you."

I watched him sit in his chair, facing the fireplace.

He sighed. "I know you don't want Ria to go, but she knew she couldn't stay with you guys forever."

My gaze latched onto his backside, noticing the fiery glow of his hair as he adjusted his seat.

"That's why she made us. She knew there'd be a big hole to fill as soon as she walked out that door," Widget said.

Backing away, I scowled. Nothing can replace her. Nothing, not ever.

"But here's the thing, we can't take her spot. We know that...and in turn, she knows that. In fact, she kind of regrets having to leave you."

My ears perked while I slanted an eyebrow. Huh?

"She wishes it doesn't have to be this way, but with the scenario with your father, she didn't really have a choice," Widget sighed, eyes locked on the tree. "The moment she received her acceptance letter, she realized how tough it would be to leave. So instead of making us all the same, she turned us into things she knew you guys needed."

I peered up at him, eyes widening.

"For Stella, Ria made Echo an older sister since she knew Asia and Noa would be too busy with their own lives to fill that role." Widget walked towards a fireplace, grabbing a cookie.

Loosening my grip on my knees, I placed a hand on the floor. How does he know all my sisters?

"She built Noa the perfect best friend after reading about her loneliness in her diary. Then she made herself an assistant, Vixalite, to make the process easier."

I tilted my head, ears clinging onto his every word.

"Asia got the mentor Ria wished she'd grown up with in Sylvester. And all the while, Ria would always talk about you and your sisters, gushing about how smart you were and how you'd always sneak into her lab while she was gone."

I blushed. How did she figure that out?

Widget glanced at the Christmas tree, watching its lights change into different shades of purple. "She really loves you a lot, you know."

I stared at the floor. That's what she always says, but she never has time to play with us.

"Even though she stayed in the lab most of the time, she loved to talk about you and everyone else while she worked on us." He rose from his seat and paced around the room, eyes fixed on the wreaths while I leaned against the wall.

"She'd always brag about Asia's latest observations to Sylvester and rave about Stella and Noa's milestones to Echo and Newton," Widget smiled. "And with me, she'd always talk about how proud she was of you and how you kept growing up so fast, despite being shy sometimes."

I hesitated, breath caught between my throat and my lips. "But then, what exactly did she want you to be?"

Widget froze. "What?"

I stammered over my words. "You said Ria made you guys into what we needed, right? So, what did she make you?"

He turned to face the tree and cleared his throat. "Well, let's just say Ria thought long and hard about what she wanted me to be."

I sat cross-legged under the table.

"She kept saying there were a lot of things you needed, like a guardian, a teacher and even a playmate. But instead, she tried to make the thing she thought you needed most. Of course, she knew it was going to be hard given she never had a real father figure before."

My eyes lit up as I snuck towards him, hovering on my tiptoes. "So, does that mean you're going to replace our father?"

He let out a chuckle and shook his head. "No, it just means that I'm going to be like a second dad."

A frown crawled on my face, shoulders drooping.

Turning around, Widget crouched to my level. "But, think of it this way. When your father's gone, I'll be there to substitute him."

"But he doesn't act like a father," I said. "Fathers are supposed to be loving and kind. Ours doesn't even spend time with us unless it's for assassin practice."

"Then I'll make you a promise," he took a knee and smiled, eyes locking with mine. "I will never ever act like your father."

I gasped. "But what if you get mad at me?"

"If I ever get upset with you, I won't ever hurt or lay a hand on you."

My lip quivered. "Promise?"

His smile grew. "Promise."

"You'll never be like him?" I asked.

He shook his head and grinned. "Never."

I angled my head. "Never ever?"

He let out a laugh and sat in front of me. "Never ever."

"Pinky promise?" I held out my pinky.

Widget latched his pinky finger with mine, chuckling to himself. "Pinky promise."

A giggle escaped my lips as I let go.

"Good, though I gotta say, you have a really strong pinky grip for a bot of your size," I commented.

"Thank you," Widget replied.

I sighed. "But how are you supposed to not act like him, if he's never even here?"

"You could always tell me about him. And if that's the case, I guess that means we'll be spending a lot of time together."

I twirled a stand of hair around my fingers. "But where will you go when he's here?"

"Nowhere. I'll just be standing on the sidelines until he's gone."

My head tilted upwards, jaw dropping as he stood up in front of me. "So, you're my new Dad, huh?"

Widget scratched his head. "You could say that."

I looked him up and down, my grin growing as a single thought raced through my mind. Holy Bohr, I'm gonna have my own robot dad. "This is so...cool!"

Widget chuckled, watching my eyes light up.

"Oh my gosh! What else can you do? Can you shoot lasers, climb walls, or better yet, fly-"

"Slow down! Slow down! One question at a time," he peered at the tree. "Tell you what, why don't we answer each other's questions while you open the rest of your gifts."

"Okay!" I raced towards the tree, spotting a glittery red box laced in braided ribbons.

He stood behind me, smiling while I read a cream colored tag taped to the wrapping paper.

I gasped. "You got me a gift?"

"Well, of course! What, you'd think Ria would try to introduce me without a gift?" Widget joked.

I snickered and ripped off the wrapping paper. Guess that's true.

A container filled with glowing orange slime and a golden pair of bands sat beneath it. "Whoa! These are awesome!"

"You like them?" he asked.

"I always wanted a slimo-kinesis kit! How'd you know?"

"Well, I did ask for a little help, mostly from Ria," Widget peeked inside the box.

"So then, wait, you never answered my question," I placed my hands on my hips. "What else can you do apart from bake, cook and fight?"

"A lot, if I'm being honest. Too many other things to list right now," he scratched the back of his head. "But some of the other things I can do include taking myself apart."

I gasped, watching him collapse into a barrage of body parts.

He grinned as he put himself back together. "And seeing in x-ray vision."

The bases of his eyes darkened as he looked around the room.

"Cool!" I squealed.

"Then to answer your first question, yes, I can shoot lasers from my eyes, but it's a fighting mechanism, not a toy."

"Dangit," I muttered to myself.

"And no, I can't climb walls or fly. Ria built me to be a dad, not a war machine."

I rolled my eyes. "So then, what questions did you have for me?"

"Well, first off, how old are you?" Widget asked.

"Eight, but I'm gonna turn nine in June," I scanned the rest of the presents under the tree, picking up a small box in red wrapping paper. "I'm the second youngest of all my sisters."

Tearing off the wrapping paper, I opened a box, pulling out a small plush cat covered with black fur.

I let out a gasp. "He's so cute! I always wanted a cat!"

My lips curled into a beam as I squeezed it into a hug, nuzzling its head.

"What are you going to name him?" Widget asked.

A hum flew out of my lips.

"I was thinking...Phantom," I said.

"Phantom, huh? That's a pretty name," Widget smiled.

"Thanks! I've been working on it for a while," I smiled at the cat and placed it on the floor, checking the box for anything else.

I peeked inside the box, spotting nothing but the bottom of it. "Thank you so much, Widget!"

My cheeks burned as I pulled myself back, gaze drifting towards the floor.

Widget paused, his smile fading. "Something wrong?"

I twiddled my fingers, stomach churning as memories of mother and father ignoring me flashed through my head. Would he even know how to do it?

I bit my lip. "Is it okay if I...hug you?"

He snickered and walked towards me. "Get over here!"

Sweeping me off my feet, he spun around, wrapping his arms around me while my legs swung in the air.

Giggles escaped my lips as I clung to Widget's arms, a smile plastering my face as he drew me in close.

He beamed as I hugged his chest, grip tightening as he held me in place.

A soft warmth swallowed my body as I leaned my head against his shoulder, letting out a breath.

"You know you don't have to ask me for stuff like that, right?" Widget asked.

I looked up at him, tucking my bangs behind my ear. "Sorry, it's just that Father doesn't like us to do anything without asking."

"Well then, don't treat me like your Dad," Widget placed me against his hip and walked towards the tree. "Just treat me more like a best friend."

"Okay then!" I looked down, letting go of him while my feet touched the floor.

He chuckled and ruffled my hair. "Good."

I picked up another box, watching its red bow light up along its edges.

"Who's that one from?" Widget asked.

Reading the label, I ripped off the wrapping paper. "Asia got me this one!"

A small wooden box carved with rows of chevrons, waves and flowers. Taped to the box, was a folded note perched on its lid.

I unfolded it and read it aloud,

"Hey Allie,

I hoped this would get to you while I was on my research trip to Titania's Bay last summer, but things didn't work out according to plan. My friend's grandmother was a wiz at making shark tooth necklaces and promised to make us some if we brought back enough shark teeth from the bay. Well, thankfully, there were plenty at the deep end with some being the size of my hand! I actually got one of them for you in that box. We were able to trace it back to a Spinodon that lived here almost ten-thousand years ago(isn't that amazing?!). Those things were the size of yachts and could take down entire whales by themselves. I'm actually surprised we found one of its baby teeth. So, anyways, I also had my friend's grandma make a necklace for you using a (much) smaller tooth. Sorry it took so long to get here, but I hope you like them.

Merry Christmas, Baby Sis!

Love you,

Asia"

I opened the box and gasped, spotting a massive black tooth sitting beneath a smaller white one attached to a string.

"Wow, this is amazing!" I put on the necklace, holding the tooth next to the corner of my mouth while I smiled.

"Never thought you'd be a big fan of sharks," Widget commented.

"Asia's more the animal girl than me." I grabbed the bigger tooth and watched it gleam under the tree's lights. "I just like to collect things from my sisters' adventures. It's kind of a thing we do."

Widget slanted an eyebrow and folded his arms.

"Every time one of us goes on a trip, we send back trinkets or souvenirs for everyone else to enjoy."

A sigh escaped my lips as I hung my head. "I just can't wait until the day I go on my first research trip."

"Well, why can't you?" he asked.

"Mother says I'm too young," I said. "But Ria said when I'm old enough, I could go on one with everyone and we can learn about all the world's secrets together."

Widget tilted his head. "How old did she say you have to be?"

"Thirteen at least." I reached for a present covered in pink and white candy-striped wrapping paper. "But I'm not so sure I can last that long."

"Why not?"

"Living here drives me crazy. I can't do experiments, can't go on research trips, can't even read my sisters' lab notes!" I pouted and placed the present next to me. "It gets so boring in a place like this. All I can do is hang out in the playroom, study and go dress shopping with Everly."

He grinned. "Well, there has to be some way we can make things more interesting."

I tore open the next gift, noticing a small leather notebook with my initials on it. Attached to it was a small card.

I opened it,

"Merry Christmas, Sis!

Sorry, it's not much, but hopefully, it'll help you keep track of your greatest inventions over the next few years.

Love ya,

Noa

P.S. - Don't listen to what Mother and the staff say. Nothing should keep you from what you love ;)"

I looked back at the notebook. "Oh my gosh! I love it!

Pulling it open, I flipped through its empty pages, spotting a small purple pencil case next to it.

"What's that for?" Widget asked.

"All my chem secrets," I smirked, placing it on a coffee table and reaching for another present. "Soon enough, I'll have everything I need to start working on my own experiments."

His grin doubled in size. "So then, I guess you'll need an assistant to help you carry them out."

I paused, eyes glittering. "You mean you can do that?!"

Widget nodded. "Ria knew how much you loved chemistry so she built me to withstand any sort of chemical."

"Even the corrosive ones?" I asked.

"Yep, even those," Widget smiled.

I gasped. "That is so cool!"

My glance shifted towards the floor, peering at the untamed mess of wrapping paper and bows scattered across the floor.

"So what now?" I questioned.

The door opened, hinges creaking.

"I'm back," Ria said. "How's everything going on in here-"

I crashed into her, landing on the floor while I wrapped her in a massive bear hug. "Thank you."

Ria sat up, placing her hands by her sides. "Thanks? For what?"

Glancing at Widget she paused, watching him smile and give her a thumbs up. She froze, a small beam crossing her face while she looked down at me.

"Oh," Ria's voice shook and tears welled in her eyes. "Well then, you're welcome."

Widget fixed his glasses.

"But, you know I'm gonna miss you, right, Allie?" she asked.

I looked at her and nodded, squeezing her tighter as a tear slid down my cheek. "Nothing's ever going to replace you, Riri. Nothing, ever."

Ria wiped her eyes. "I know. Just promise me you'll keep studying chemistry. Don't let Mother, the staff or even Father make you stop."

I looked up at her, watching her rise from the floor and hold me close.

She took a breath and eased her shoulders.

Widget walked up behind me, smile fading as Ria locked eyes with me

"And if you have to, don't be afraid to find a way out of here," Ria said. "Widget will always be there and if you ever need me, you can just call, okay?"

My lip quivered as tears soaked my nightgown. "Okay."

Ria hugged me again, gripping me in her arms, voice barely above a whisper. "I love you."

I leaned against her shoulder, breath hitching. "I love you too."

Ria let go of me and gave a small nod to Widget. "Widget, take good care of her for me."

My eyes shot open. "Wait, where are you going?"

"I have to start making plans," Ria said. "If Mother is going to book a flight for me, then I need to let her know as soon as possible."

My fists clenched. "But when will I be able to see you again?"

"In time. I'll keep her updated," Ria bent down and kissed my forehead. "But as for now, keep learning and never be afraid to take risks."

She walked towards the door, holding her head low.

I trotted after her, knees buckling. "No, wait!"

She shut it behind her, leaving me alone in the dark.

"Hey," Widget said. "It's okay."

Picking me up, he held me close. "She'll be back someday."

I glanced back at the door, tears fogging my eyes. Stay safe, Ria. Don't be gone for too long.