Chapter 3

We sit outside for a couple of hours, enjoying each family’s company, which lets us all relax. Around 8 pm, I catch myself repeatedly pushing the hair behind both my ears at the same time for some reason over the last 10 or so minutes. I am deep in my own mind, trying to figure out what is bothering me to make me subconsciously do it. After a little while, Jane asks where the restroom is, and I take her back into the house. I laugh internally, thinking this is the same floor plan as theirs, so she should know where it is, but as the host, I walk her around to make sure she can find it. As I start to head in, I hear John say, “Oops, I forgot to print some advertisements for our business, and we need those first thing. I am going to run home and will be right back. Save my seat, and drink, please!”

I get Jane to the bathroom, and she turns around and says, “Thank you, Sarah. You know, with that necklace, you get to volunteer two people to get our service for free. With so many of your neighbors here tonight, is there one of them that could use a little happiness in their life?”

I stand there dumbstruck. What is she talking about? “I am afraid I don’t follow. What do you mean?”

Jane: “Well, we do run a spa that specializes in helping women celebrate life and motherhood. It goes without saying that we can help those who may be down, or those who need something to keep them entertained. Who would you volunteer as our next guinea pigs?” She says with a sweet smile.

“Well, uh, I don’t know. I guess if I were to pick two, it would be Elena, as she has been facing difficulties with having children and could use a moral boost. As for the other, while she smiles and hangs out with her sister, Anaya seems to be quieter as of late and likely could use a good spa treatment.”

Jane: “Ah, a good selection. Young Anaya did not show she was down, but since you have been taking on the job of neighborhood mom for a while, I am sure you know best. Later, I am sure John will give you two new necklaces to give to them. Please make sure they accept them. One last thing: John stepped outside to grab some advertisements. Can you go back with him to bring them here?”

I am surprised and start arguing about entering their home while they are still unboxing, with her husband, whom we just met. They seemed like a great couple, but somehow, I just didn’t feel comfortable. I look at the floor, and then at the front door before turning back to Jane. When I turn back, I am shocked to see my own reflection there. I try to speak but seem unable to do so.

Jane starts to speak, but her voice sounds like my own: “Ah, sweet Sarah. I need you to help John with his special project now. He has a quota he needs to meet, and we cannot dally.”

I try to respond, but I find my body no longer under my control. I start to slowly walk toward the front door, hoping that someone else will see me and stop me from going out the door. As I open the front door, there is John standing there waiting for my arrival. As I step out the door, I hear myself speak to everyone out back, “Jane decided to go home, John, so they can get back sooner. They will be back soon.”

John: “Hello, Sarah, thank you for helping us start our business early. For now, I am just going to have you follow me. Don’t worry, you will be able to speak before the night is out, but that necklace we gave you is a special necklace. It allows nanites to access your skin and spread through your bloodstream. That gives us control over your body in more ways than one, but don’t worry; you will get to have control back later once your session is over.”