little lights around its speakers glowing dimly. “He’s now Stevie the stereo bot.”
I giggle slightly as we enter the spa area. “Wow.” Is all I say. It’s all I’m sure I need to say, because Kirsten can detect my amazement at the place.
“Incredible, innit?”
“Pah!” I snort. “I see you’ve picked up a bit of local lingo.”
Kirsten laughs. “Yeah, innit bruv!”
I wink at her then gaze around. The spa and pool area is exquisite. No wonder kids aren’t allowed here. I don’t mind the squealing children who frequent the Splash gym, but here, I can see how I’d be able to achieve an inner calm for myself.
“I think you’ve been listening to too much London rap music on your Stevie bot.” I point at the robo-stereo and I swear it chirps electronically at me in reply. “Weird,” I mumble under my breath.
“Say what?”
“Oh it’s nothing, I just…” I pause and lean toward little Stevie for a better look. “Don’t you think these robots are kind of creepy? They’re so technologically advanced.” I can see my reflection in Stevie’s shiny surface. It’s kind of like peering at the outer side of a spoon. My reflection is distorted and my nose looks huge. “These bots seem way ahead of their time.”
“I think Stevie is way cool.”
When she says this there’s a scowl on Kirsten’s face, not a smile. Standing straight, I look away from Stevie. “I’ve got a bot at my cafe now.”
Kirsten’s scowl deepens, but her words betray her features when she replies. “Oh, right… yeah that’s awesome, Emily.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve been trying to get hold of Oliver all day to return the damn thing.” Suddenly, without warning, Stevie bot moves toward me and then next thing that occurs seems to happen in the blink of an eye.
I’m shoved over the edge of the pool.
Splash!
I go down into the water fully dressed in workout wear. When my head bubbles to the surface I’m frantic and spluttering. I can see through the hazy film of water over my eyes and the next instantaneous occurrences seems to happen at the rate of a nano-second.
In other words, Kirsten isn’t quick enough to stop the Stevie bot from splashing into the same pool I’m standing in.
Zap!
I no longer have to wonder if that little menace of a robot runs on electricity because I know it in my heart when it stops beating. The surface of the swimming pool lights up in a glowing blue flash, my life flashes before my eyes and I sink into the water realising I’ve just become the thing in swimming pools I abhor…
… I’m a floater.
***
Sound rushes in. I feel as though I’m waking from a dream, except I don’t remember any nightmares. Especially no dreams about walking on my boobs. Thankfully.
Who? What? Where? Why?
I’m so confused. When did I go to bed?
Oh. I’m not in bed. I’m lying on a very hard floor. “Oooohhh,” I moan and my hand flies up to my forehead. “Where am I?”
“Emily!” The sound of Kirsten’s voice penetrates my hearing at a rate of knots. “You’re safe on the floor. You’re not in the water. Damn that stupid robot!”
“Calm down, miss.” A different voice says. It’s a male voice and when I open my eyes my suspicions are confirmed. There’s a boy of Kirsten’s age leaning over me. His hair is blonde and dripping wet. “Everyone please disperse!”
Glancing around I notice who he’s talking too, even though he’s keeping his eyes on me. A crowd of people in swimsuits, some wearing white robes and towels. They all surround me and none of them seem to be dispersing at all. They just keep staring down at me.
“What happened?” I mumble again.
“Stevie pushed you into the pool, Emily!” I blink and turn my head to the side just as she kicks the boombox robot. “Stupid thing could have killed you with its electric shock!”
“Miss, please.” The blonde boy says. I presume he’s talking to Kirsten, but he’s still keeping his eyes locked onto me. It’s getting kind of creepy, to be honest. “You’re not helping keep her calm.”
“Calm?” Kirsten screeches. “How can anyone stay calm at a time like this? My friend almost died!”
Oh dear. I’m having trouble processing my thoughts and I’m inclined to agree with the staring blonde. Kirsten’s shouting is doing my head in much worse.
“Miss Blythe.” Someone knew has approached. It’s a man in a dark business suit. “You will calm down or you’ll have to leave the spa.”
The spa?
Of course