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Nicolas stood in the dorm hallway with a plastic bag holding drinks and a can of Pringles chips. He knocked on Herve’s door with his free hand and waited for the familiar “It’s open” from inside. Nicolas entered the room and saw Herve sitting on the floor beside a low square table, working on his robot for the upcoming tournament.
Nicolas walked over and sat on the floor, opening the plastic bag and taking out the contents. He placed a bottle of water on the floor close to Herve and opened a bottle of soda for himself. Herve offered a quick “thanks” as he opened the water and continued working on the robot. Nicolas opened the can of chips and set it between them. Sour cream and onion. Herve’s favorite. Nicolas liked any kind of chips, but always chose this one.
Herve leaned back and took a chip while studying his project. He had a serious look on his face that Nicolas was very accustomed to. Nicolas looked at the robot. It seemed to be almost finished. He remembered when it was nothing but wheels and spare parts. He had watched as Herve assembled the base for the wheels, gone through a few design changes, built the mechanics. It really was impressive to see how the robot was taking shape. Herve would try to explain while he worked, but Nicolas only pretended to understand. The way Herve seemed to light up when talking about it was enough reason for Nicolas to listen. Nicolas wondered if he was the only person that Herve talked to.
After a few minutes, Herve finally spoke. “It’s almost done. The frame and electronics are finished. I just need to paint it and test it some more.”
The robot did look mostly finished. It had an almost humanoid shape and four wheels.
Nicolas asked quietly, “Are you still going to make it look like Sissi?”
Herve answered quickly, “Yes, of course. This is a tribute to her. This time I’m sure she’ll be impressed and finally acknowledge me.”
Nicolas frowned. I doubt that. She hasn’t even come over to see the robot. She probably doesn’t even care.
Herve ate a few more chips and looked over at Nicolas. “Hey, you’re being quiet.”
Nicolas shrugged, “I’m always quiet.”
Herve leaned toward him, “More quiet than usual. Do you… like the robot?” His voice trailed off like he wasn’t really sure of himself.
Nicolas quickly responded, “Yes! It’s really impressive. You’ve worked so hard on it.” Herve was still looking at him, so Nicolas added, “It’s been amazing watching you build this from the beginning.”
Herve smiled at him. “Thanks for always coming over to watch me work on it. I thought it would be boring for you… but I appreciate the company.”
They sat there for another hour as Herve added the robot’s black stringy hair and bandana. He painted the body to look like Sissi’s outfit and used the remote to drive it around the room.
Nicolas exclaimed, “Wow! It’s great! It moves around great and looks just like Sissi!”
Herve was proud and had a wide grin on his face. “It’s finally done!”
Nicolas was also proud that Herve created a functioning robot out of all those parts. After a moment he suggested, “We should go celebrate! Wanna go for coffee?”
Herve agreed and powered off the robot. They left for a coffee shop that was close to the campus.
They sat across from each other at a booth, sipping their lattes. Nicolas leaned back, admiring how confident and energized Herve seemed. It was rare to see him in such good spirits. “I’m proud of you, man. That robot is impressive.”
Herve beamed. “It was a lot of work, but it’s worth it. I can’t wait to finally beat Jeremie!” He took another sip of his drink.
Nicolas watched him with a grin. “Hey, tell me your plan for the competition. How are you going to win?”
Herve excitedly explained his ideas for how to beat Jeremie. Nicolas nodded, sipping his coffee. He enjoyed seeing Herve so full of life. After a few moments, Nicolas lost track of what Herve was saying, but was still listening to the hum of his voice. He really is so smart.
Herve paused and leaned toward Nicolas, “You’re spacing out again.”
Nicolas chuckled as he came back to reality. “Sorry, man. I’m listening, promise.”
Herve looked at him thoughtfully but before he could ask anything, Nicolas spoke up again.
“What were you saying about the buttons? I can’t remember which one makes the robot jump.”
It was the perfect distraction to get Herve talking about the robot again. They sat at the coffee shop for a while longer, enjoying the moment together.
The next morning in Science class, Herve invited Sissi to see the robot after school. The competition was later that day, so he wanted her to see the robot beforehand.
Herve had covered the robot with a sheet so he could do a dramatic reveal. When he pulled away the sheet, Sissi was obviously not impressed. She exclaimed, “What is that… horror?!”
Herve and Nicolas both flinched. This wasn’t what they expected.
Herve cleared his throat nervously and answered, “It’s our team’s robot! Iron Sissi.”
Sissi shrieked, “What?! How dare you name that hideous monster after me?!”
Herve was visibly shaken, and Nicolas didn’t know how to help.
Herve spoke quietly, “But it’s a tribute to you. It might be ugly… but watch how it works.”
He used the controls to move the robot around, but he was so nervous that he ran the robot backwards into the desk then towards Sissi. She leaned down to look at it skeptically, and Herve hit the wrong button causing the robot to hit Sissi in the face. She yelled for Herve to do something, but he only managed to get the robot trapped in a loop of running into the desk. He blocked the robot from moving and assured Sissi that he would make some adjustments before the competition. Sissi stormed out of the room and slammed the door.
Herve sighed and powered off the robot. This wasn’t how he thought today would go. Sissi really hated his robot. He sat in his desk chair and leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
Nicolas watched him with concern. Why does he try so hard to impress Sissi? She’s awful.
Nicolas walked over to Herve and leaned against the desk. “Don’t listen to her. The robot is great.” It wasn’t the best pep-talk, but he didn’t know what else to say.
Herve looked at him with a tired expression. “No matter what I do, she doesn’t notice me. I made this for her and she hated it.” His eyes fell on the robot. “I know it’s a great robot, but she made me so nervous. I really can’t believe she thinks it’s ‘a monster.’ I just…” his voice trailed off.
Nicolas slowly placed a hand on Herve’s shoulder, causing him to look up. Their eyes met. Nicolas chose his words carefully. “I know you’re upset. But you can’t let Sissi get to you like this. She always tears you down, but… I think you’re really smart, and this robot is so impressive.”
Herve studied him for a moment. Nicolas was always so laid back, but also seemed so solid. Like nothing Sissi said ever affected him. He always had an almost goofy look on his face, but he wasn’t as dumb as everyone thought. He was just quiet and a little awkward, but this was Herve’s best friend. As the silence started getting a little uncomfortable, Herve finally responded with a simple “thanks, I appreciate that.” Nicolas nervously removed his hand from Herve’s shoulder.
Nicolas left to give Herve some space before the competition. He returned to his room and plopped down on his bed. Man, Sissi was really too mean. Why does Herve even like her…?
Later that day, Herve and Jeremie were tied in the competition. Iron Sissi and Kiwi 2 were both running across the court while their creators worked furiously on the controls. Nicolas and Sissi watched nervously from the sidelines as Kiwi 2 ran down the court with the ball. This was the last goal needed to win the game.
Herve had installed a fail-safe in case he needed it - a projectile that could destroy the other robot. It was cheating, but he couldn’t let Sissi down. Or Nicolas, not after all his support over the last few weeks. Herve looked down at his controller. He had to win. He pressed the button, but to his shock, Kiwi 2 dodged the projectile and made the goal. The game was over. Herve and Iron Sissi lost.
Jim announced Jeremie as the winner, and everything was a blur. Jim called for Jeremie and Herve to shake hands. Herve looked at Jeremie’s hand, still in a daze. Even cheating isn’t enough to beat him. It’s just not fair!
“No way!” Herve yelled and ran out of the gymnasium.
He could hear Sissi call behind him, “You’re a loser and so is your robot! It’s as ugly as you are!”
Herve kept running until he was back at his dorm room. He fell to his knees on the floor, his fists clenched. Sissi’s right. I’m a loser.
Nicolas ignored Sissi and ran out of the gymnasium. He was fuming. Why does she SAY things like that?! He saw Herve in the distance, running toward the dorms. Nicolas ran after him.
After a few minutes, Herve heard a knock at his door. “Go away!” he shouted back.
“It’s me, Nicolas! Come on, man!”
Herve looked at the door. Nic is here? He slowly stood and opened the door. Nicolas motioned toward the room, and Herve let him in. They sat on the floor beside the low table. The same table that Herve built the robot on. The same table where they had shared snacks and jokes while watching Iron Sissi form. The same table where Nicolas watched his friend work tirelessly and listened as he passionately explained robotics.
The table was empty now, but this space still felt important. Nicolas broke the silence. “Hey, I wanted to say that I’m proud of you. Your robot was impressive.”
Herve scoffed. “But I lost. I’m still not as good as Jeremie.”
Nicolas watched him carefully. “You don’t have to be. Your robot was just as good as his.” He couldn’t bring himself to say “Iron Sissi” quite yet. He was still too disgusted with real Sissi.
Herve sighed. “Nic, I… I have to tell you something.”
Nicolas waited.
Herve continued, “I… cheated. After you and Sissi left, I added… a kind of gun to shoot the other robot. I know that’s not allowed, but… I really wanted to win.” He looked at Nicolas, who was shocked, but was still listening. “Even though I cheated, Jeremie still dodged it and won!”
Nicolas was disappointed that Herve decided to cheat, but he could understand the pressure that Herve was under. “You didn’t need to cheat. If you had won that way, it wouldn’t have meant anything.”
Herve’s eyes flashed with anger. “What do you mean?! I could have won!”
Nicolas stayed calm. “Not by cheating. You think that’s what Sissi would have wanted?” He could see Herve tense at Sissi’s name. “I know I wouldn’t have wanted that. Not after seeing how hard you worked over the last few weeks.”
Herve leaned his elbows on the table and rested his forehead in his hands. “I would have let you both down either way.” Before Nicolas could argue, Herve added, “I really am a loser.”
Nicolas stood abruptly in anger and Herve looked up in surprise. Nic is always so calm, what’s going on?
Through gritted teeth, Nicolas hissed, “Don’t say that.”
Herve was still looking at him in shock. Nicolas was fighting to regain his composure. He continued in a low voice, “I can’t take it anymore. The way Sissi talks to you.”
Herve responded blankly, “She talks to you like that too.”
“Yeah, but it bothers me more when she says that stuff to you.”
Herve’s eyes widened, and he wondered if Nicolas realized what he was saying. “You’re worried about me?” he asked quietly.
“Of course I am! You believe everything she says. I don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with someone who treats you that way!”
Herve looked down at his hands, and Nicolas got his anger under control. He sat back down on the floor and sighed. “Sorry, man. I didn’t mean to yell.”
Herve shook his head. “No, it’s fine. You’re right. I’ve always admired Sissi. She’s so pretty and confident.”
Nicolas felt uneasy hearing Herve compliment Sissi. Was it… jealousy?
Herve looked at Nicolas like he had a revelation. “Wait, you don’t like her too? Aren’t we in her fan club together?”
Nicolas actually laughed. “I stopped liking her when I realized she’s a bitch. But you’re my best friend so I tolerate her for you.”
The last part slipped out before he realized what he was saying. Herve repeated, “You tolerate her… for me?”
Nicolas blushed but played it off, “I mean, you need an actual friend. I’m here to remind you not to listen to Sissi. You’re definitely not a loser.”
Herve was still processing that Nicolas didn’t even like Sissi. That he was choosing to be around Herve. It was obvious, if he only paid attention. Nicolas was there to keep him company over the last few weeks while working on the robot. Nicolas was the one who cheered him up and supported him. Herve asked a question that was burning in his mind: “Will you still come over to talk with me even though the robot’s done?”
Nicolas answered immediately: “Of course!” He then stood up and motioned toward the door. “Speaking of the robot, let’s go pick it up from the gym.” Herve was conflicted, but agreed and followed Nicolas.
Everyone had left the gym already, and Iron Sissi was sitting on a table waiting for them. Herve mused, “I guess Jim left it here for me…”
Nicolas joked, “I like Iron Sissi way more than the actual Sissi.”
This earned a small laugh from Herve as he picked up the robot and its remote. On the walk back to the dorms, Herve looked over at Nicolas. He’s always there for me. I couldn’t have built this without his support. He looked back down at the robot in his arms. Well, I could have. But it would have been really lonely.
They spent the evening in Herve’s room. Herve taught Nicolas the controls so he could also drive the robot around the room. Iron Sissi wasn’t just a tribute to Sissi anymore. It was a symbol of the time they spent together.
Nicolas and Herve spent more time together over the following weeks. Herve asked Nicolas to explain sports to him, to which Nicolas happily agreed. Herve wasn’t really interested in sports, but he wanted to share something that Nicolas cared about. He realized that Nicolas was fun to be around, even when he wasn’t working on anything and they weren’t being bossed around by Sissi. They had always been friends, but they seemed more inseparable now.
Every Saturday, they went back to the coffee shop to get away from the campus. This was their new tradition. Sipping coffee and talking about their plans for the week.
Nicolas resolved in his mind that he would always be there to support Herve, just like he always has. I hope he’s realized that he doesn’t need Sissi. He can always rely on me.