The Electric Series Box Set: Charged, Shocked & Wired

By Casey Harvell

USA Today Recommended "Must Read Romance" 
The Electric Series 

Charged 
Electric Book I 

Kat’s just an average teenage girl. The new guy moves to town and she's shocked when she falls for the boy next door. With her best friend Brie, and new boyfriend Mason, life is looking better than ever. 
When Brie and Kat land a gig for their band, excitement is in the air. But a cross of wires leaves Kat charged with electricity when her amp explodes. 
And things just keep getting weirder...A sudden nanobot apocalypse leaves Kat's new talents as the only thing that stands between mankind and the end of the world. 
Kat and her friends must travel cross country, and encounter many obstacles along their way. With half the country now gone, the other half is left divided. Kat has to decide if she’s strong enough to help. 

Shocked 
Electric Book II 
Kat tries to save mankind from an ever-growing number of threats. Besides the insane General from the Midwest, there’s also the original nanobot infection, the question of where all the infected are and now the fear of nuclear meltdowns at power plants across the abandoned East coast. 
Kat’s personal life crashes and burns along with half of the nation. She struggles across the country to find her friends and it’s no easy feat with Carch hot on her tail. And they make a horrifying discovery, a game changer- and not one in their favor. Kat tries so hard, but will it be enough? You’ll only find out by getting Shocked! 

Wired 
With the weight of the world on her shoulders, nothing for Kat gets easier. The country is still under siege from both the evil General Carch and the nanobot infection. As things percolate they get worse—and the entire world tenses to await the outcome. 
Things are hard inside the camps, too. When a serious betrayal comes to light it nearly destroys Kat…or will it set her free? 
Every story has to end sometime. The question is—how? Will Kat prevail and save the world? Can she stop Carch? Can she survive saving everything? Get Wired and find out. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Casey Harvell
• Release date: Mar 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507004302

Casey Harvell

Casey Harvell is an up and coming indie author. She lives in the Hudson River Valley of New York State with her husband and their two sons. Casey is slightly zombie obsessed and known to use the word 'boom' frequently. She is currently hard at work on the sequels to her series and a couple of stand alone novels. Keep an eye out for Shocked early June 2014! Find out more on http://caseyharvell.com

Book preview

Before

prologue charged

I’ve always thought of myself as a nice person, a good person. These days, I’m not so sure. Even if you’re well aware that extreme situations can change people, you’ll still never be prepared for it. Nothing could have ever prepared me for this current insanity.

Meet

chapter 1

Well, isn’t that brilliant? Brianna complains, sarcasm dripping from her words.

"I don’t think he meant it that way, Brie. I answer. I know he wants us to play—just not tonight, I guess."

Whatever. Brie says. It’s her favorite go to expression when she doesn’t want to deal with a situation, such as the one we are in presently.

Brie and I make up a two person rock band, think the White Stripes with chicks. Brie rocks the drums, while I play the guitar and sing. Our friend Joel said he had a gig for us tonight. We show up with our equipment in tow, just to find plans have changed. I get it, beggars and choosers and all. But hello? A text message maybe?

We should go. I still have to study for that biology test tomorrow. That isn’t entirely true, but if I know Brie, she hasn’t studied yet.

Ugh. I flipping hate biology. She grumbles. Let’s go.

We pile everything back into the station wagon and head back to her house. At seventeen, Brie gets to do stuff like borrow her mom’s car. With my own seventeenth birthday a few days away I’m hoping to obtain some kind of transportation of my own soon. First, I guess I need to obtain a driver’s license. But I like to consider both of those things minor details.

Brie flicks on the headlights and windshield wipers. It begins raining, and the temperature of this early fall evening switches from mild to chilly. It also lengthens our quick twenty minute drive back to our sleepy town in the northwestern corner of Connecticut to a half hour at least. Wet leaves cover the winding roads, making the roads slick. Luckily, Brie is a cautious driver to begin with.

What did your mom say about this weekend? Brie asks.

The usual, keep my phone on and text her when we get back to your house. I roll my eyes.

Kickass, are you excited?

I shrug. I guess. It’s just another birthday.

Please. We are going to throw you the party of all parties. You’ll see.

I decide to throw her favorite word back at her, Whatever.

New Electric Series Fleuron

Mom, I’m home! I yell, walking through the kitchen door.

I’m in here, Kat! I hear her call back from the living room, knowing what she’s doing before I appear.

My mom has an affinity for sappy old movies. She can, and does, watch them for hours on end. Tonight, she’s watching White Christmas on DVD. It was only a couple of years ago that I discovered it’s odd to watch holiday movies year round. I don’t complain though. If this is her chosen idiosyncrasy then I guess it could be worse. Like poor Brie, for instance. Her mom collects porcelain clown figurines. I shudder; those little smiling faces are creepy. I won’t venture into Brie’s mom’s room for anything.

That was an awfully quick show, my Mom says, not tearing her eyes away from the TV.

Yeah, Joel forgot to text us to tell us it was cancelled.

That stinks.

Yeah, it does. I’m going to head upstairs, goodnight, Mom, love you.

Goodnight, Kat, love you, too. Sorry about your show.

Thanks, Mom.

After reaching the destination, my stuff is dropped in the chair by my closet. I’ve been living in this house for as long as I can remember. My interior decorating skills come to light for my fifteenth birthday. So, it was out with the frilly white curtains and pink walls and in with the steel colored paint and purple drapes. Overall it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it. A study reminder is sent to Brie via text from my phone.  After she sends a grumpy face in response, my lips break into a smile.

I set out clothes for tomorrow and grab my pajamas so I can go take a shower. Once done, I get lost in the contents or my ereader and get lost for a while. I’m not really tired, but the clock says midnight, so it’s time to get some sleep. I turn off my light and wait for sleep to come. While mentally reciting biology terms, I’m out in minutes.

Brie and I walk into school the next morning and she’s still griping about the biology test. I remind her that at least she has a study hall first period, where as I get to go to PE, my least favorite thing in the world. She admits I have the crappier deal, and she asks to borrow my notes and biology book. Being a great best friend I hand them over and watch her skulk off to study hall. After turning around, I plow into a broad chest. Blushing, I look up into an unfamiliar, really gorgeous face.

I’m too busy collecting myself to say anything when he speaks. Do you know where the office is?

Still stuck on stupid, I point down the hall to the doors marked ‘Main Office’. He gives me a smile, that does nothing to help my brain kick back into gear, and moves a piece of my auburn hair out of my face before turning and disappearing into the office doors. I give myself a small head shake and continue down the hall. I mutter to myself under my breath. Real smooth Kat, real smooth.

Talking to ourselves again, Kitty? The voice makes me cringe inwardly. It also makes me want to hit something, particularly its owner. You do know that’s a sign of insanity, right?

Kiera has been a pain in my ass for as long as I can remember. Ever since we were little, she’s made it her goal to harass me. It’s not enough that her long, straight blond hair always behaves itself, whereas my wavy auburn locks are constantly doing unwanted things. Or that she’s the most popular girl at school. Nope, she has to be a bitch, too.

We already knew that, Kiera. Her friend Shelby chimes in. Why, just look at her. She’s the very definition of a hot mess.

I’m already not in the best mood, so I decide to ignore them and continue on my way. I don’t think of myself as a ‘hot mess’. Granted I’m not as polished as Kiera, Shelby and their friends, but I’m not that out of it. My hair, well, I learned to accept that a while back. I have a baby face, much to my dismay, with big green eyes and pouty lips. It certainly doesn’t help me to be taken seriously. I’m not very tall, and my body is more curvaceous than other girls my age. Not fat—just full of hips and other things that haven’t fully developed on the other girls yet. I glance down at my jeans, t-shirt and sneakers. At least I don’t have on some micro-skirt, with my assets out for the world to see.

The perfect mood is set for PE. I go to the locker room and change, making it to class just as the bell rings. My mood brightens minutely when I find out we’re starting basketball. I don’t totally suck at basketball, but I do totally suck at badminton, which we were playing last. My mood brightens even more when I get picked for the team that doesn’t have to wear the stinky jersey.

By the end of class my team’s winning and I’m even scoring some shots. I get the ball and make one last three-point shot as the PE teacher blows the whistle signaling the end of class. My male and female teammates cheer, making fools of themselves. I’m just happy to be able to contribute after weeks of not. As I’m grinning the back of my neck tingling. I turn to look, and see the mysterious, gorgeous guy I plowed into and went mime on earlier. He’s directly en route to the locker room. Perfect.

I put my head down, hoping that he associates my flushed complexion to playing the game rather than seeing him. I’m almost to the safety of the locker room door when he speaks again. In my previous stupor I didn’t notice the calming effect of his baritone voice. Nice moves out there.

Rudeness is not in my vocabulary—my mom made sure of that. I glance up before my gaze settles on his sneakers. Maybe if I don’t look directly at him my brain will continue working. Thanks...you must be new here. I’m Kat.

His hand lifts my chin, so I can meet his gaze. That’s better. He smiles and a connection somewhere in my brain fries a little. Hi Kat, I’m Mason, it seems we keep running into each other.

I can’t help myself; I’m a sucker for bad puns. Quite literally at times. Sorry about that, by the way.

He shrugs. Never hear me complaining about having a pretty girl throw herself at me. My cheeks become warm, and before my brain processes he called me pretty, the bell rings.

I should go before I’m late. I motion towards the locker room.

Yeah, maybe I’ll see you later.

Maybe, I half mumble to myself as I walk into the locker room. I dress in a daze before meeting Brie in Biology. She’s already there and gives me back my notes and textbook before we enter class and take our seats.

Did it help any? I ask.

Yeah, thanks. She faces me and strikes her gossip pose. Brie loves her gossip. Did you hear we have a new guy?

Um, yeah, we’ve met actually.

Her jaw drops. Is he as cute as I keep hearing?

The bell rings before my reply so I nod my head and focus on Mr. Murphy who is handing out our tests and giving us verbal instructions. Forty minutes later the test is done and I’m feeling pretty good about it. Brie must have done alright because instead of her usual bitching she jumps right back to questioning me about Mason.

So, the nod was yes to cute, right? She asks.

Yes, Brie, he’s adorable. I roll my eyes. Our conversation lasted for all of two minutes.

I can’t believe you talked to him! Brie practically squeals as we start walking down the hallway.

Neither can I! Kiera chimes in, always behind us at the wrong time. Why anyone would want to talk to Kitty is beyond my comprehension.

Brie goes on the offensive. Please, Kiera anything that’s not slathered in cover-up or pumped full of silicone is beyond your comprehension. The two glare at each other. Brie takes a more aggressive stance in response to Kiera and her friends—I definitely appreciate it.

Says the weird girl- now move before you make me late, Kiera struts off, an overwhelming cloud of perfume left in her wake.

What a bitch! Brie comments.

Yeah, she really needs a hobby. I agree. Anyway, off to calculus. See you at lunch.

Calculus is usually boring, but today being good at math has some advantages. Two rows over I see Mason take his seat and this grabs my attention. I pretend to read my text book, and when I sneak a glance in his direction he’s smiling at me. My heart races and my insides swoon a little, but I return his smile before the bell rings and class starts.

Between paying attention to Ms. Fletcher, and staring (hopefully inconspicuously) at Mason, the class goes more quickly than usual. I’m surprised when I stand up to find him beside me. Oh! Hi, again, I try to act like I wasn’t staring at him this whole time.

He again flashes that smile. Hi...I don’t suppose you’re going to lunch now?

Actually, I am with my friend Brie. You’re welcome to sit with us, if you’d like. I catch myself right before I walk into the doorframe.

He slightly shakes his head. That’d be cool. Um, do you walk in to stuff a lot or is it just for my benefit?

Before I can answer Brie joins us, obviously overhearing Mason’s question. Nope, she does that all the time. She grins at me. Hi, I’m Brie. You must be Mason.

Yep, I might as well have a sign that says ‘New Kid’. Mason looks around. Sure enough we are attracting everyone’s attention.

I think it’s more than just that, I accidently murmur.

What’s that? Mason asks.

Brie quickly notices my panicked look. She means this is a small town. We’ve all known everyone forever. So, when fresh meat arrives we know it. Brie says, ending with a big smile.

I breathe a sigh of relief, and give a look of gratitude. I focus on not saying anything else that’s stupid or embarrassing. Once we arrive at the cafeteria, it’s too loud to talk anyway, until we get to our table. We’re almost there when I hear Kiera’s. Today just isn’t my day! It’s apparent her sweet tone isn’t directed to me.

Hi, Mason! She sticks her chest out more than usual, and throw up stalls in my mouth. I saved you a seat.

He turns towards me and Brie, and I brace myself for the letdown that is my life. Um, sorry. my eyes lower to avoid his. I already have plans today with Kat and Brie, maybe some other time.

I look up and my mouth gapes open. Kiera has a similar expression, but she’s more pissed off than shocked. She’s unaccustomed  to not getting her way. Well, just so you know, being new and all, you may want to be careful who you associate with here, just saying. She flounces back to her table.

Brie starts mumbling, but stops when I elbow her arm. Mason looks at us. Wow.

Yeah, sorry about that; she kind of hates us. I say.

Nah, she’s just a spoiled bitch. Brie pipes in.

I’m about to chastise her when Mason laughs. That’s pretty much what I was thinking.

I think we’ll get along just fine. Brie tells us.

Mason looks right at me, Me, too.

New Electric Series Fleuron

The rest of the afternoon is pretty mundane. Mason is in two more of my classes, and even gets a seat next to me. I try not to over think how friendly he is towards me. Someone who looks like him could never think of me as more than just a friend. My imagination is just running away with me. Once he sees how beautiful Brie is without all of her punk makeup, I’ll be a distant memory. Which is fine, really.

The last bell announces freedom and you can hear the relief waft off all twenty-something of us in the classroom. English class I love; Homer’s Odyssey, not so much. Mason looks at me. What do you do for fun around here?

I laugh—has he seen the town yet? Not very much; Brie and I usually practice at her house after school. I leave it open ended, unsure if my ego can handle a refusal from this guy.

That’s cool. What do you practice? He falls in step beside me, so I assume he’s coming with us.

We have a band. It’s just the two of us, though. I watch where I’m walking, so I don’t look foolish again.

That’s sweet! What’s it called? Mason asks. He sounds sincere, excited and impressed. Huh...it’s not the typical reaction we receive around these parts.

Hot Noise, I feel silly so I add, it sounds better when Brie says it.

It sounds awesome. Would you guys mind if I watched you practice?

His eagerness takes me by surprise, I guess so—if you want to, I mean.

He smiles that smile again, the one that stops my brain from working, and I quickly turn forward. Kat, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to.

Oh. Okay, then, sure.

Soon Brie, Mason and I are in Brie’s garage. Brie flicks on all of her equipment. All I know is that whatever it is that she does, it works. All that techie stuff is her deal. I pick up my guitar and make sure it’s tuned. Mason appears surprised, but he doesn’t say anything.

Brie gets behind the drums and starts tapping out the opening to one of our songs. I smile. Figures she chooses this one first—it’s our only slow number. She swears she’s near tears every time I sing it. I’ve never played it for anyone else, other than our moms. Mason’s presence increases my nervousness, but my anxiety doesn’t hit my fingers, which have the song memorized themselves. I close my eyes and start to sing a sad ballad about a lost lover. My eyes stay closed the whole time, to prevent gauging Mason’s reaction.

When I’m done, it’s cricket chirping silence. My eyes open to find Mason’s jaw dropped in amazement. Holy crap, Kat, you freaking rock! His excitement is palpable, and his reaction relaxes me. I hadn’t realized how much his approval meant, until he articulated it.

I keep telling her that, but she never listens to me. Brie throws out. Maybe you can change her mind.

Well, thanks, but really that’s the only song like that we have. I desperately try to change the subject. Let’s play some other stuff, Brie.

Maybe an hour or so later, we finish up and Brie flips off all of her equipment. She grabs three bottles of water out of the mini-fridge that she keeps stocked and passes them out. We’re getting better. She declares.

I nod too busy chugging water to speak.

I think you guys have some real potential. Mason says. Have you played anywhere yet?

Oh, no. Here we go. I open my mouth to answer, but it’s too late. Brie’s already beginning her rant. We’ve played a couple places. We’d play more if our loser, quote unquote, manager did his job.

I don’t know why I always feel the need to defend Joel to her, maybe because he’s always been so supportive. Either way, I begin my calm rebuttal, Brie he tries, but he’s got other things going on, too.

She looks at Mason. No, he doesn’t.

Mason is now standing with his hands out in front of him. Sorry, I didn’t mean to start anything.

Brie exhales noisily. It’s not your fault. I’m not really even mad at him, just frustrated. Sorry, done flipping out now.

I should get going anyway. I grab my bag. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.

Bye, Brie says.

Wait, Kat, I’ll walk with you. Mason calls, Thanks for having me, Brie. I got to get going, too.

Brie shoots me a look that guarantees she will be calling me later. I suppress an eye roll and wait for Mason to join me. He’s by my side in seconds. Where’s your house? I ask.

We moved into a house on Bruyn Ave. Do you know where that is?

Sure, that’s around the corner from my house. Which house is it? I think I know exactly which one, but wait for his confirmation. There weren’t a lot of houses for sale on that road.

It’s white, with dark blue shutters.

I smile. That’s funny. Ironic even, just follow me.

I take the side yard, past the dining room. I pray my mom is in the living room so she doesn’t bombard me with embarrassing questions when I get in. When we get to the backyard, recognition hits his face. Hey, He gives me that smile again. We’re neighbors.

For the first time I return it. Yeah, we are.

He shuffles his feet a bit and looks uncharacteristically nervous. Thanks for letting me hang out with you today. I had fun.

Now his nervousness makes me nervous. Thanks, anytime. Really, I mean it’s usually just Brie and me. I bite down on my lip to decrease my babbling.

Mason chuckles a little. Can I walk you to school in the morning?

I grin. I’ll see you then.

Looking thoughtful he steps towards me. Goodnight, Kat.

Goodnight, Mason. I turn to go, but he grabs my hand and spins me to him. I’m about to question him, when he pulls me to him and quickly, gently lowers his mouth to mine. My entire body ignites into a very pleasant tingling sensation. Everything is amplified while our mouths are joined. I’m frozen in disbelief as he pulls away. From the smile on his face, he enjoyed it as much as I did.

Was that okay? He asks me, with a smile playing on his lips.

Grinning and nodding, I’m unable to speak. He releases all of me, except my hand.

I’ll see you in the morning?

I smile and nod some more—feeling kind of like a moron, but not caring. He chuckles and plants one last chaste kiss on my hand that’s entwined with his before he lets go. He starts walking to his house and turns around halfway. Goodnight, Kat.

Goodnight, Mason. I manage to say again, before I head back to my own house. That was...nice. A thought crosses my mind. I know that that was my first kiss, but I’m hoping it wasn’t obvious. This is what’s rambling through my brain as I make my way inside. I wave a quick hi to my mom, barely making it to my room before my phone goes off. I don’t have to look to know its Brie.

Hello? I answer.

He was so making eyes at you! Brie replies.

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if he was...until we walked home—his house is the one right behind mine by the way and, well-

Spit it out, Kat! I love getting her worked up.

This stays between us, for now. When we got to the backyard, we said goodbye. Then, he sort of kissed me.

I hear Brie whoop loudly on the other end of the phone. It’s about freaking time, Kat! I was wondering when a guy would finally catch your eye. How was it?

Freaking phenomenal! If that’s what kissing someone is like, I have no idea what took me so long.

Trust me; it’s not always a pleasant experience. I’m actually kind of proud of you for waiting until you found a ‘freaking phenomenal’ guy to practice on.

I smile. He seems pretty great. He wants us to walk to school together tomorrow.

Then I’ll get my mom to drive me, I start to protest, but she continues, a one-time deal mind you. This way you two can have a little time to get to know each other better. But once you hit school grounds, all bets are off. I’m going to have to get used to sharing you.

Thanks, Brie. You know you don’t have to share me, though.

Yeah—as your best friend, I kind of do. Now go get all beautified and rested, so you can knock his socks off tomorrow morning.

She’ll protest if I get all mushy on her. Night, Brie.

Night, Kat.

I hear my mom yell up the stairs, You eating tonight, Kat?

Be right down! I yell back. I think about Brie’s beautification suggestion. I better hurry up with dinner; apparently I have a lot to do.

New Electric Series Fleuron

I’m up early the next morning. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Mason again. I’m not just excited, but also super happy and a bit nervous. The total effect is quite overwhelming, and the closer the departure time, the worse it’s getting. I take a deep breath as I hear a soft knock on the back door. I’m also grateful my mom leaves before me. She’d inadvertently add stress to the situation.

Opening the door, I grab my bag and keys and am momentarily floored by Mason. My mental images did not do his face justice at all. I force myself to speak. Good morning, Mason.

Hey, Kat, He replies, good morning to you, too.

To my surprise, he reaches for my hand to help me down the stairs and doesn’t let go. Perplexed, but happy, I don’t say a thing.

Mason turns to me, So, I need to get your number. I forgot to yesterday, and short of throwing rocks at your window, I didn’t know how else to get a hold of you.

I smile at the thought. That wouldn’t be so bad, but I can give you my number too.

If I had known which window was yours, I might have. He pulls out his phone and dials in the recited numbers, and then calls me quickly so I have his number, too.

As we make our way to school, I admit walking extra slow to prolong our time together. Our conversation consists of more getting to know each other. We talk about favorite music, books, movies and the like. We have some similar choices, but I like some things he’s never heard of and vice versa. We debate the best Iron Man movies as we head into school.

Maybe it’s my exceptionally great walk to school, or the fact that I like basketball, but gym isn’t that bad again today. By the time I meet up with Brie in Biology, I’m grinning from ear to ear. It could also be because I’ll see Mason next period. It certainly helps. She doesn’t have a chance to start grilling me before Mr. Murphy pushes a television into the classroom. His excitement is palpable.

Mr. Murphy is easily one of my favorite teachers. He’s older (perhaps in his fifties) with mostly silver hair and a soft midsection. It’s his excitement that makes him seem larger than life, not his stature. When he’s really excited his faces flushes red.

Special class today, guys! Mr. Murphy says exuberantly. We will be focusing on BioNano and watching their news conference in a half hour. Big things happening people, big things!

Socialize

chapter 2

Because Mr. Murphy is one of our favorite teachers, we try hard to match his excitement and enthusiasm for today’s class. He jumps right in, explaining exactly what has him so pumped up. Okay, so who can tell me what BioNano has been focusing on, anybody? I glance around, surprised no one else has the answer. So I shrug and raise my hand, Yes, Kat.

I believe they are leading ground-breaking research on nanotechnology? This is more of a question than an answer.

Precisely, Mr. Murphy continues. This morning they have released to the scientific community that they have had a breakthrough, which they will be announcing shortly, and we will get to watch history in the making. He pauses to clean his glasses, another indicator of his excitement. "Since we have some time left, I’m going to give you a brief background on the company, their research, and what it is going to mean for you.

Since 1996, BioNano has been a leader in the field of nanotechnology. They mastered many of its facets. Without them, all of your smart phones would be nonexistent, and many other technological advances would not have been possible. After their successes in technology, they decided to begin research on utilizing nanotechnology for the greater good, such as medical advances. Can anyone tell me what kind of impact this could have if they were successful?

This is way over my head. Sure, I have a basic knowledge of it—I’m amazed everyone doesn’t with as much as BioNano is in the news. I’m grateful that before Mr. Murphy could glance in my direction again, Jason pipes up. They have been working on atomic sized self-replicating nanobots. If they succeed, they will have created a nanobot with the ability to rearrange a single atom-using its properties to change it to something else. This can be incredibly useful externally, but the real focus is in the medical field. These nanobots will be able to eradicate bacterial infections, repair damaged tissues and blood cells. The possible advances in modern medicine will be astounding.

If Mr. Murphy could explode with pride I think he would have. Perfect, Jason. Any questions, class? I want us all on the same page.

We all murmur our understanding. Though, I suspect some of us understand more than others.

Brie’s hand shoots up next to me, and Mr. Murphy nods his head at her. Mr. Murphy, can’t that be dangerous though? My best friend, ever the pessimist; leave it to her to argue against anything. I mean, what is going to keep these things in line? Are they going to make nano-police?

Mr. Murphy chuckles. Great question, Brie. Yes, there is a danger factor, but each nanobot is specifically designed to do a specific task: no more, no less.

My eyebrows raise and I inadvertently say, What’s to keep them from manipulating themselves around this safety measure?

Mr. Murphy claps his hands together and points at me. And therein lies the problem. That’s a valid concern, and something I believe they will be addressing in today’s press conference, which will be starting soon. He glances at the clock on the wall. If you need a drink or to use the restroom, please do so now. I want all of us to see the entire presentation if possible.

During our short break, Brie turns to me. So, how was your walk this morning?

I feel my face warm and my heartbeat accelerates. It rocked. I keep waiting for something to happen, though. Girls like me can never hold the attention of a guy like Mason for long.

Brie shakes her head at me. I don’t want to hear any of that nonsense. She waves a finger in my face. "You know how I feel about your lack of self-esteem. I’m just shocked Mason is the first guy to notice."

I stick my tongue out at her, but I’m saved from replying by the lights dimming and Mr. Murphy calling our attention to the television. It starts with a brief history of BioNano, the company’s founders, and their recent advances in technology. When the short film is over, the camera focuses on an older gentleman behind a podium. His name is listed below as Dr. Harris, and he jumps full speed ahead into explaining their newest, self-replicating nanobots, and what this will mean for our medical community and beyond.

"Imagine being able to reset atoms as we need to, being able to change and remap atoms as we need to. This means we can create water from sand, or manipulate carbon into diamonds. An oil spill will no longer require months of cleanup and have such damaging effects on our environment. We can now utilize our nanotechnology to change these damaging atoms back into the natural elements they were prior to any accident.

This stands true for the use of nanotechnology in medicine. Gone are the days where tissue takes weeks to repair itself, where we lose lives to bacterial infections. We are even able to regenerate tissue, giving us the power to regrow lost limbs. This is the medical advance we’ve been striving for, and I’m proud to announce that our day is here.

We watch the rest of the special broadcast, and some of the same questions we had get answered. Something still bothers me, though. Dr. Harris is so quick to deem this new technology as safe. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great and all...if it does what they say, how they say. Mr. Murphy switches off the television and flicks the classroom lights back on. How cool is that, guys? Collectively the classroom hums in excitement. Well, I have even more exciting news for you. We will be taking a tour of the BioNano facilities this Friday, and you will all get a chance to see nanotechnology in action, first hand. This will be an all-day trip, permission slips on my desk.

Brie turns to me, I will take a Friday field trip anytime, even if it means going to Frankenstein’s factory.

I make a face at her. I think it will be interesting. And yes, a Friday field trip is kickass, regardless.

We make our way into the congested hallway. Our high school has the typical institutional feel. Two stories: the large brick rectangle houses grades nine through twelve. The inside walls are aquamarine, the floors tan pebbled tile, the lockers painted fire-engine red, and typical high school flyers, posters and art dominate the interior walls. There’s nothing outstanding about its appearance, but we make it work.

Brie and I spilt up. My stomach flutters at the thought of seeing Mason again in Calculus. I find him waiting, sitting in the seat next to the one I was in yesterday. I shyly smile and his brilliant, brain numbing grin is my reward. I manage to catch myself before tripping over the last desk in the row, marking the journey to my seat an overall success. I compose myself under the pretense of settling in and getting out my textbook and notes.

When I’ve gathered enough courage, I give him my best smile. How’s your morning going? I ask.

He gives me a smoldering look. My heart begins to race, and I almost miss him say, My morning just got better. He follows this with another grin which leaves me gaping at him before he continues, How about you?

I shake my head minutely to clear the fog, not missing his small chuckle. My morning was good. Did you hear about the field trip on Friday yet? Mason shakes his head so I give him a brief rundown before the bell rings. We both focus on Ms. Nahlik (a necessary evil in Calculus) and don’t chat again until the end of class.

Maybe it’s because my odds are improved or because Brie and Mason are flanking me. Perhaps Kiera didn’t feel like it. Today, I brushed past Kiera and her minions with only a snarky look between us. We grab a table in the lunchroom, still attracting attention but not quite as much as yesterday. I’m sure everyone expected Mason to fall in line at Kiera’s table. She obviously had, as she glares openly at me. I roll my eyes, shifting my gaze from her to Brie and Mason.

I’m grabbing something, Brie says, getting out of her chair. You want anything?

I shake my head. All of this extra attention is making me queasy. I’m good, thanks.

Mason shifts a little closer to me. You look a little...panicked, you alright?

Blushing, I lower my head and let my hair shield my face. Everyone is staring at us. It makes me a little uneasy.

He smirks. "Says the singer. So, what, you’re saying that you don’t like to be watched?"

I shake my head. It’s different when I’m playing music. I’m preoccupied with the guitar, singing, and Brie’s rhythm in my ears. But this is awkward: people just gawking at us for no apparent reason.

I guess I can see the differentiation. He glances around. I suppose we are attracting a bit of attention. They’ll get over it, eventually.

I shrug. I hope so.

New Electric Series Fleuron

By the time Friday arrives, my life feels a bit surreal. I blame it on Mason, and part of me waits for him to realize that I am a total loser and run off. Brie keeps telling me I’m nuts, and it’s about time that a guy picked up on how great I am. In my opinion she’s just biased.

We are all excited to go on our field trip. We pile onto the buses in a flurry of chatter and movement. It feels good that Mason weaseled his way onto our bus and into our group. He was supposed to stay with his class, but Mr. Murphy gave him permission to stay with us. I have to remember to do something nice for Mr. Murphy in return.

The field trip consists of two parts. The morning classes (and Mason) will first see the presentation while the afternoon classes take the tour. Then we will switch off. Mr. Murphy sticks with our group, the substitute Biology teacher, Mr. Williams, stays with the other group. They’re both great teachers, but Mr. Murphy’s excitement is way more fun than Mr. Williams’ stoicism.

The presentation is similar to what we learned in class. The three of us manage to pay attention, though I have to smack Brie’s arm a couple times for making faces. She leans in towards the end. Not for nothing, she whispers, but I still have yet to hear how they plan on keeping these things in line.

I nod my agreement, and try to focus on the rest of the presentation. Brie has a good point. Don’t get me wrong, everything they are showing to us is very exciting. It’s really life changing for every person. I’m just waiting to see the checks and balances they have in place. I’m also a firm believer that when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

We take a break to eat our bagged lunches before we start the tour. Brie, Mason and I dump out our paper sacks, trading food until we are all happy with our choices. Mason takes a swig of his soda before he says, I find it a little creepy, he takes another swig, that if I go break my arm in a month, they’re going to put this little robot inside me to fix me. I’d feel violated.

Brie laughs, "I agree, it’s creepy. Just wait until they start using them for other things."

My brow furrows as I look at her. Like what? I ask.

She swallows a bite of her sandwich before answering. Think about it, Kat. How long until they start using them to gather information on everybody? Or using them to control people? I’m telling you, this is some freaky shit right here.

Mr. Murphy passes by our table to throw away whatever was left of his lunch. I flag him down. Mr. Murphy, during our tour, are they going to touch on the safety measures for this new technology?

Good question, Kat. I’ll make you a deal. My good friend is the lead scientist in that department. If we can’t get you any answers on the tour, then I will take you three for a private Q&A session while everyone else visits the gift shop.

I ignore the fact that I think it’s odd for such a major company to have a gift shop, That’d be cool, Mr. Murphy. Thanks!

With that, Mr. Murphy calls us to order and we all fall into line for the tour. We are shown to a display area, filled with glass cases depicting different stages and advances in nanotechnology. Our tour guide speaks, monotonously, regarding the company’s history as we roam through the display cases. Brie, Mason and I goof off a little, but not enough that I don’t process what I’m seeing and hearing about the company’s history.

One glass case catches my eye. I stop and lean in for a closer look. It shows magnified pictures of nanobots self-replicating. The card states: ‘Productive nanosystems are systems of nanosystems which will be complex nanosystems that produce atomically precise parts for other nanosystems, not necessarily using novel nanoscale emergent properties, but well—understood fundamentals of manufacturing.’

I imagine the astounding rate they can mass produce. These microscopic inventions are almost God-like in a sense. They can manipulate atoms (the basic makeup of everything on this planet) into whatever they want or need and then regenerate themselves. Maybe Brie isn’t as pessimistic as I first thought...and she’s right to be so skeptical.

My internal monologue is interrupted by the herding of everyone into the next area. Mason grabs my hand to pull me along, and to my delight doesn’t release it. I tell myself to lighten up, and enjoy the day. It’s not like it’s my responsibility to save the world from nanobots. I’m sure they pay someone very handsomely to worry about it.

Mr. Murphy keeps his promise. At the end of our tour he leads us to meet his friend and colleague Dr. Julian Ford. Dr. Ford is younger and more handsome than I expected. He looks to be in his twenties, and has blond hair and piercing blue eyes set behind thin rimmed glasses. Even Brie is a bit flustered, which never happens. He extends his hand first to Mr. Murphy, then to the rest of us.

It’s good to see you again, John. Dr. Ford says.

You too, Julian. Please meet Kat, Brie and Mason. Brie and Kat have some questions for you regarding the safety measures in place for these new nanobots.

Dr. Ford smiles at us. You know, most adults don’t even think ahead to the possible ramifications of nanotechnology. I think it’s great you guys are doing it on a high school level. What’s your main concern?

Brie jumps right in. Utter world domination? I mean, what’s to stop them from taking over everything?

Leave it to Brie to lighten the mood. Dr. Ford chuckles as he replies. A valid concern, guys. Every nanobot is designed to have a specific focus, so the first safety feature is proper usage.

What about human error? Brie counters.

Well, that’s the reason it’s only the first precaution. The nanobots will also require an energy source. Other factors come into play too, such as environmental stresses. And finally, we’ve created them to be self-limiting. They would still be in need of materials that they require for consumption—all outside parameters we control.

Brie seems to think this over while Mason pipes in. See ladies, they’ve got this under control.

I smack his arm. Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Dr. Ford.

Brie starts, Yeah, thanks, I feel a bit better now. Not completely, she grins, but better.

I’m happy to help. Dr. Ford holds his hand out to Mr. Murphy again, John, not so long next time; stop by anytime.

Mr. Murphy shakes his hand. I’ll stop by again soon, Julian. Thanks, again. He turns to us. We have to get going, before we miss the buses.

New Electric Series Fleuron

I can’t help being a little excited when I wake up the next morning. It’s not only Saturday, but it’s also finally the day I turn seventeen. This means my mother’s requirements to attain a learner’s permit are finally met, which I will be doing first thing after school on Monday. I’ve been waiting for this day for over two years now: ever since my mom made it known I had to be seventeen to drive. Thank goodness Brie has had wheels (albeit sporadically) for the past year.

If I’m being honest with myself, I should fess up to the fact that I’m also excited to spend the day with Mason, and go to the party Brie is planning tonight. I have no idea what Mason has in store for me. I attempted to pry it out of him, but he refuses to give me even a hint regarding today’s activities. I try to figure it out as I make my way downstairs for my mom’s annual birthday breakfast. Ever since my dad left (when I was only about a year old), my mom and I have been our own little family. As a nurse, she works crazy hours, and to accommodate things like birthdays and holidays we celebrate with breakfast. As soon as I was old enough a clean house and a full fridge are ensured. We make a good team, my mom and me.

The kitchen smells heavenly—a mixture of maple syrup and bacon. My mom is flipping the last of the pancakes. She greets me with a big smile, Happy birthday, Kat!

I give her a hug. Thanks, Mom. It smells great in here. I take my seat at the table and have a sip of the orange juice she put out for me.

It’s tradition, after all. Except now, you’re the one with the busy evenings. I can tell by her smile that she doesn’t think of this in a bad way.

I really can stay home if you want. This is the zillionth time I’ve offered.

Don’t be silly. Go have fun, she wheels around and points the spatula at me, but not too much fun.

I smile. I’ll be sure to have balanced fun. I promise.

My mom sits down, placing the plate of pancakes on the table. So, when are you going to get your permit?

I smile. She knows me well, First thing after school on Monday.

Good luck. She smiles back. Do you think you’re ready?

I fight not to roll my eyes. "Mom, I’ve been ready for over a year now."

She’s acting very strange—impish almost. "I think you’re ready." Her Cheshire cat grin is still firmly in place as she lights the customary candle and sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. I blow out the candle and begin eating, still a little suspicious.

We joke and tease as we eat. We’ve always gotten along well. After we finish, my mom looks at me, her hands wet from dishes. Can you see if there are any clean dish towels in the dryer for me?

I head to the garage, where the washer and dryer reside. Flicking on the wall switch, I open the door and take one step in before noticing something. My mom drives a red SUV. This older blue sedan I’m seeing is definitely not hers. Puzzled, I turn around to find her right behind me. Happy Birthday, baby, do you like it? She looks anxious.

I’m literally speechless, so I wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly.

I take it that means you like it? I nod. Good. Now, there are a few rules that go with it, and no driving it until you’re licensed. We can discuss the rules after you pass your road test.

I release her and the words come out in a slightly garbled rush. Mom, it’s awesome. You totally didn’t have to do that. Thank you, very much.

Well, I couldn’t see any other way around it. You deserve it. Just don’t abuse it.

I won’t, I promise. Wait until I tell Brie and Mason!

New Electric Series Fleuron

By the time I’m showered and dressed, Brie is sitting on my bed. She is in full on excited—Brie mode, bouncing up and down and talking so fast that I’m basically gaping at her and wondering how she’s breathing. I attempt to keep up as she prattles on about tonight’s party. I know she has secured her uncle’s lake house for the event. I have no doubt that Brie has put together the party of year. I’m half excited and half nervous when she tells me that the band is going to let us play a few songs. I hadn’t even been thinking about performing tonight.

When she has it all out of her system I look at her. Want to see something awesome? Not waiting for an answer, I grab her hand and lead her to the garage. Flicking on the light, I pull her through the door. Check this out!

Brie’s reaction is similar to mine, but she recovers much more quickly. Is that what I think it is? I nod. Holy flipping crap, Kat, you have a car! This is epic!

I know. My mom got me good, too. And I can’t really drive it yet, obviously, but I still love that I have it.

My cell goes off in my pocket. I grab it and read a text from Mason, wishing me a Happy Birthday and seeing if I’m up. I tell him to come on over. Brie sees my smile and can’t resist teasing me. "I can tell by your goofy smile who that must have been. Let me guess, he’s on his way."

Yep, I’m surprised he isn’t here yet. I say as we go back into the kitchen and glance out the back patio doors. It’s just a yard after all.

Brie sits at the table, and grabs an apple from the fruit bowl. She spins it in her hands. You guys are getting kind of serious, huh?

I shrug. I guess so. It’s not like I really have anything to base it on. And it’s only been a week.

Brie rolls her eyes. A week maybe, but I can tell you both have it bad. I’m happy for you.

A knock at the door grabs my attention. I see Mason and my heart races at the sight of him. While inviting him in I think about the past week. It’s certainly been a new experience for me. Not only do I have a cute guy who seems to like me, he’s also the boy next door. This makes him astonishingly available. We have exuberantly taken advantage of our mutual availability.

Spending so much free time together over the past week with Mason has been more surreal to me than anything. I know the next step, logically, is to have him meet my mom. While she’s a bit eccentric, she’s no dummy, and I can tell by her looks of late that she has been noticing the subtle changes in me. It’s a situation I’ve been avoiding, but I know it has to be addressed soon. It’s not that I don’t think they’ll get along, I’m more worried about being embarrassed. Horribly embarrassed.

Brie winks at me as Mason walks in. Hey, Mason.

He nods at her, Hey, Brie. He turns to me and smiles, Happy birthday, Kat.

My cheeks flush. Thanks, Mason. I take a quick moment to compose myself. What did you guys want to do until the party?

Unsure if it’s my imagination, for a split-second I think I see a look pass between the two of them. I’m not able to even confirm it in my mind, when Brie says, "Actually, you two are on your own. I have a lot to do today."

I instantly feel guilty for not being

Reviews for The Electric Series Box Set

[Martín Yugdar Tófalo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Needs better editing. Verbal tenses are not congruent.For example: " Mason had grows very worried when doc discloses this piece of information."
The writter doesn't know the difference between 'than' and 'then'. Quotes are missplaced. Words are repeated (not in dialogues).