Chapter Text
Confrontations-Collection One of Stories
It didn’t take long before she was home. In the blink of an eye, she had powered down and woken up on Christmas morning to four new faces staring at her from beyond her blue box. Though the one she was most familiar with, was sitting shyly on the couch behind her older sister. Little Jacqueline. Little did she know.
“Good Morning Addams family. I am Dolly, your Sterling Nandroid, handpicked for your family.” She introduced. “It is an honor to serve you all.” She said earnestly as she stepped out of her box. Gracefully, taking the hand of Mr. Addams as he helped her step over stray wrapping paper, as well as toys and clothes that were strewn about.
The first person she got a reaction from was the mother of the family, Scarlett Addams who seemed mesmerized by her. “Good morning Dolly, I’m..sure you’re aware of who we all are?” She said as she clasped a coffee mug in her hand. Dolly mentally noted the image of a sewing machine on it and she could only imagine a joke in text hiding under the missus’ fingers.
“Oh, yes ma’am! I was purchased by Mr. Michael Addams who is an esteemed lawyer for his daughters, Miss Jersey and Miss Jacqueline. As well as helping you, Ms. Addams.” To which Scarlett nodded and gave an impressed sigh, Dolly swearing she heard her mutter something about how amazing technology was. It flattered her
Dolly would then see Mr. Addams, who after helping her, gave a simple wave as she watched. But she knew he was watching her demeanor, he couldn’t help it as a robotic welfare lawyer. So she would turn to the girls. Jersey, who was going to college in a few months had a sour face. It gave her a slightly odd feeling, one mean mug out of the other loving faces in the room, though it was soon explained.
“Seriously-dad? You got one of those nandroids?”
“It’s so your mother will have help with your sister with us both being gone, Jersey. Please don’t start now.”
“But look at it! That thing can’t take care of a little girl! It’s a robot!”
Dolly hadn’t expected to be confronted so soon, though she gave an assuring smile. “Miss Jersey, I assure you I am more than capable and delighted to help care for everyone. Even you. I have all of my certifications and even special training on teenagers and young adults and their phases of life.”
“Look, it doesn’t even talk like a human! It sounds like it’s trying to sell me something-! Ugh, honestly forget it!” Jersey said, standing up and storming off as she slammed whatever she was holding in her hands onto the floor. Which made the small child behind her jump in surprise, though she watched her walk off, fear filling her eyes.
Dolly would stare, frowning. Glancing at Mr. Addams who waved Jersey off. “Don’t mind her Dolly, she’s just stressed about college coming up is all. Really, it’s nothing personal…She’s just very feisty.”
To attempt to break the tension, Scarlett would glance up. “Jacky…why don’t you go introduce yourself to Dolly?” She said, nodding at the child. “It’s quite fine, she’s built to last, you won’t break anything, darling.”
This seemed to clear any doubt the child had, who curiously got off the couch. Shyly walking over, watching as Dolly bent down to her height. “Hello there. You must be Jacqueline..” to which Dolly gave a smile as the child nodded. “Don’t worry one bit, I’m here to help take care of you. My name is Dolly, I’m a nandroid made by a company called Sterling.”
“Like from TV?”
“Like from TV! You must be so smart to remember that quickly.”
“Are you going to make me do my chores?” She said softly, to which Dolly heard faint chuckles of the parents over her own.
“Surely. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ll help you.” She said, “We’ll be the best of friends in no time, you just wait.” She said, gently holding her hands out and letting Jacqueline take them. The child soon gave a bright smile and hugged Dolly.
…
The years passed in a flash, Jacqueline was no longer a small child but a young girl with a bright future. Dolly had tried to help her with her timid nature as she grew but Jacqueline proved to be a challenge in that aspect. Currently, the two were walking home from the afterschool trolley. Huddled under an umbrella together as rain poured down.
“Dolly? Do the weather people know when this rain is going to stop?”
“Afraid not.” Dolly would answer, closing the umbrella as they made it safely onto the porch and safe from the rain. “Possibly next week is what I heard this morning, why?”
“We don’t get to play outside during the rain, just do boring stuff in the gym.”
“Ah, I see...Well, I’m sure it will clear up sooner than later.” She said, “Shoes off before we go in. The mud is awful.” She laughed, to which the child gave a scoff but giggled and kicked her rain boots off, setting them by the door. Dolly unlocked the door and walked inside as she did so, waiting and holding the door open for her
“Where’s mum at?”
"Working in her studio, she seemed busy with a call earlier so let’s not disturb her. If you get started on your homework I’ll get you a snack ready.”
“Ooh, do we still have some of that pink and white cake from Saturday?”
“Hmph, sugar in the afternoon? How naughty.” Though Dolly cracked a grin after a moment. “Just a small slice, our secret.” She teased, to which Jacqueline giggled. Though would hang her coat up and walk off to the dining room table to start on her homework as Dolly strolled into the kitchen with a hum.
She would open the cabinets and grab two plates, a plastic child’s plate as well as a regular porcelain one. In the same motion, her right hand switched on the electric kettle on the counter. It was almost rhythmic. Fridge. Cake. Slice. Plates. Mugs. Tea….and then the whistle of the kettle. Water in the mugs. She always loved the silly designs on the mugs. Jacqueline’s current favorite was shaped like a bear, and Ms. Addams with a silly pun about being a workaholic. Dolly would set up a tray with the cake, steeping tea in the mug, and sugar.
Grabbing it in her hands she poked her head into the dining room. “Just a second Jacky, gonna pop this upstairs to your mother.”
“‘Kaaaay.” The child would say, distracted by her work. To which Dolly gave a slight proud smile and headed upstairs. Another rhythm she had grown to love. Step step step…second floor. Step step step…third floor. She would quietly walk to the studio’s door, opening it silently. Noticing Ms. Addams in another call, silently mouthing the word ‘tea’ and setting the tray nearby. Getting a gracious smile from Ms. Addams, “Thanks, Dolly.” She whispered before going back to work.
Dolly would head back down the two flights of stairs with a happy hum, heading back into the kitchen to fix Jacqueline’s tea, once doing so. She carried a second tray over to the kitchen table. “Here you are, need any help?”
Jacqueline looked up, giving a smile at her snack, though shook her head. “I’m okay..”
“Alright, if you need help I’ll be in the kitchen okay? Just yell for me.” Though before she could leave, there was a soft-
“Dolly..?”
She turned back around, she knew that tone. “What’s wrong Jacky? Did something happen at school?” She asked, walking back over and sitting with the child. Jacqueline was what the Addams described as a sensitive child, it didn't take much to upset her. Very soft-natured and soft-hearted. Dolly frowned and gently rubbed her shoulder as Jacqueline nodded. “My poor girl, what on earth?”
“Someone said that they’re gonna get rid of nandroids like you and Lenny and Abby..”
“What..? Oh Jacky…don’t be silly, that would never happen dear.” She comforted, gently lifting her hand to brush a strand of Jacqueline’s hair out of her face. “Why did they think such a thing?”
“They said that…that robots aren’t meant to take care of people…that it’s not natural…they sounded like Jersey does..”
Dolly listened, “It’s okay to be upset…but think about this logically with me okay? What do doctors use for very intricate surgeries?”
“…those big robotic machines.”
“Mhm…and remember when we visited Granny in the care home? Do you remember what was taking care of her?”
“…a robot nurse..”
“Right. And what is my job?”
“To take care of me..”
“Exactly. So, what do you think? Can robots take care of humans?”
Jacqueline nodded, though would hug her tightly. To which Dolly hugged her back, gently brushing her hair with her robotic fingers. “Don’t you worry a bit Jacky, I won’t be going anywhere. Remember? We’re what?”
“Best friends.”
…
Jacqueline’s fear rested on Dolly’s mind for a few days. Even discussing it with Abby and Lenny during a playdate at the Holland’s farm. “I mean, who would even convince their child to say something like that?” She said with exasperation in her tone.
“There’s no telling, Dolly. Some humans are always resistant to change. Remember in human history class?” Abby would comfort, “It’s human nature to be scared of things they don’t understand.”
Lenny nodded, “Besides, it was just a child who said it. I’m sure they didn’t mean it. Probably heard it on television.” To which Dolly gave a defeated sigh. “Don’t let it worry you too much, really.”
Dolly nodded, “You girls are right, it’s just…I’m so used to hearing it from Jersey, y’know?”
“Do not worry about that girl.” Abby chuckled, “We all know deep down she really loves you, Dolly.”
“Do we know that-“ Dolly interjected.
“We do.” Lenny answered quickly, “She’ll come around eventually. Just like the Mr. Holland’s brother. Every time he sees me now he gives me a big hug and begs me for my Shepards' pie recipe.” Lenny chuckled, getting a faint smile out of Dolly.
“Any luck with the new allergy panel for Tristan?” Dolly said, hoping to clear her mind. To which Lenny sighed with a shrug.
“Same as always, I’ve noted some physical improvements since being on the new medicine but no improvement in the blood work.”
Abby shook her head, “It’s so odd, I’ve heard stories about children with allergies like his but they never can find the true cause of it. It’s just..”
“Just the body being ‘silly’ as I tell him.” Lenny chuckled, to which Abby and Dolly laughed.
“Speaking of allergies, Lenny, you have to make time to write down some of the recipes for Tristan’s favorite foods!” Abby scolded.
Lenny faked an offended gasp though snorted as Dolly added on, “Oh laugh all you want! You just think he’ll like our cooking better than yours.”
“Oh, you two are awful! I swear I will, I will. I’ve just been so busy with the twin’s birthday planning!” She laughed. To which Dolly and Abby leaned in, waiting for the details. “We’re gonna have it as a cute matching theme since this will be the last year they’ll want a matching party since they’re getting older. I think we’re just gonna do a classic pink and blue since we’re gonna have it outside anyways.”
“Aww..it’s almost like a throwback to their baby shower. I still remember the shock on Ms. Holland’s face in the video when two balloons came out of the box.” Dolly said, smiling.
“Oh yeah! I can't imagine the excitement she felt!” Abby chuckled, “And fear, those two are a handful.”
Lenny laughed loudly, “Handful is an understatement, but they’re honestly the best family I could ask for-AINSLEY AND ANDY! DO NOT FEED THE CHICKENS ROCKS PLEASE!”
…
It was three days after the tearful discussion Dolly had with Jacqueline. The nanny currently cooking in the kitchen as she chatted with Ms. Addams, the two discussing some ideas for a new project for the missus. “So, you think the cheetah pattern is a no-go?”
Dolly would laugh, “Cheetah pattern has been a no-go for a looong time unless you’re a rich old lady.” To which Ms. Addams laughed, writing down some notes.
“That does give me some ideas for a private customer, but you’re right. I should call Jersey to see what she thinks.”
“That is a fair point, if anyone knows about what's trending for young women right now, it's Miss Jersey,” Dolly commented, currently keeping track of everything going on on the stove. Front left burner, the cream sauce for the pasta was simmering. Back left burner, nothing. Front right burner, waiting for water to boil. Back right burner, some lobster was simmering and slowly cooking in some garlic butter.
“Jacqueline told me you and she talked the other day-” Ms. Addams commented, “Something about some kid telling her robots being taken away from their families?” Dolly nodded with a heavy sigh as she switched the boiling water to the front burner and the lobster to the back burner to cook more slowly. Front left, sauce. Back left, nothing. Front right, lobster. Back right, boiling water.
“I had to explain to her that it was extremely unrealistic…and that the child likely didn’t understand what he was saying,” Dolly commented as she salted the water and added some pasta she had made earlier. Then cracking some pepper over the lobster as she shook her head, “I don’t understand where a child would get such an impression..” Front left, sauce. Back left, nothing. Front right, lobster. Back right, pasta.
“I would say to not even worry about it but-” Ms. Addams said, though Dolly nodded in understanding as she turned to face Ms. Addams so they could talk more genuinely. Face-to-face and eye contact was something humans often found genuine. Front left, sauce. Back left, nothing. Front right, lobster. Back right, pasta. Six minutes until she would need to drain the pasta.
“Jacqueline is such a sensitive child…I worry about her in that aspect..” Ms. Addams continued, “I’m sure you worry more than even I do…You’re with her every day.” To which Dollt chuckled softly.
“Oh, Ms. Addams be kind to yourself. You’re her mother, you’ll always know her better than anyone.” Dolly comforted, “Which means you’ll worry about her more than anyone…maybe Jersey might have you beat.” She teased, the two sharing a loud laugh when Ms. Addam scoffed but agreed. Front left, sauce. Back left, nothing. Front right, boiling water. Back right, lobster. Five minutes.
“I’ve been thinking about signing her up for some after-school programs meant for social development. That might help her, don’t you think?” Ms. Addams asked, to which Dolly nodded. Grabbing some garlic powder, and then turning back to face Ms. Addams as she sprinkled some on the lobster on the back right burner. Distracted, she swore she felt something very warm for a second there but shook it off. She slowly added the powder by tapping her finger on the bottle that she held over the pan…that was getting oddly heavy but did not want to break the conversation with the missus. Front left, sauce. Back left, nothing. Front right, boiling water... Back right, boiling water. Three…Minutes.
“Is…Is something burning outside?” Dolly would ask, glancing up and looking at the windows behind Ms. Addams, though once she looked back at Ms. Addams she was met with a horrified face.
“DOLLY!”
This almost made her jump out of her casing. “What is it, ma’am?! Is everything okay?” Though she would watch in surprise as Ms. Addams lept from her chair and rushed over, grabbing Dolly by the arm. Dolly watched her in surprise she didn’t even realize what was going on.
“Oh Dolly, does it hurt?!” Ms. Addams said, gently holding her upper arm.
Dolly would look at her arm. Her eyes widened as she noticed her hand. Casings and plastics melted away exposing wires that were slowly wanting to warp and melt. “Oh…”
“Guess I was distracted…”
…