HB is a novel about a woman named Annelle Carter, inventor and creator the HB android in response to diminishing populations of men in the world. With the help of a man who owns a company that could manufacture the HB android, her idea became a success and in great demand. However, the idea is not without issues and it presents conflicts and strong opinions among many people. Chapter 5 - The Getaway focuses on a spa retreat vacation that was set up by Annelle’s best friend, Janice. Annelle, Janice and four other women meet up at the resort where they learn some things about each other and their attitudes toward HBs. Feelings are expressed and explored in regard to the pros and cons of owning, marrying, procreating with HBs, but they manage to work through their issues. Main Characters Annelle Carter - Annelle is the protagonist of the story who is a very intelligent microbiophysicist, born and raised in Orange, New Jersey. She studied at The Ohio State University, graduating with a PhD by the age of 24. She subsequently went to work for a company called Nibiodymics in Toledo, Ohio. After the catastrophic, nuclear event, she moved into the ‘safe zone’ in Hammond, Indiana and continued to work for Nibiodymics as the creator of the HB android. Janice - Janice grew up in Orange, NJ and is Annelle’s best friend. She has known Annelle and her family most of her life. Janice moved to Hammond, IN, following Annelle and eventually purchased an HB, Ronald. Stacey - Stacey is longtime friend of Annelle and Janice who grew up in Orange, NJ. She moved to Atlanta but eventually moved in with Annelle in Hammond. Stacey is totally against the creation of the HB android. Sheila - Sheila met Annelle at the retreat at a spa resort that the ladies visited. She was invited by Annelle’s cousin Patlyn. Sheila lives in Detroit and won an HB in a contest. Patlyn - Patlyn is Annelle’s cousin who moved from Detroit to Toronto, Ontario after the nuclear event. She brought Sheila with her to the ‘get-away’ retreat. Candace - Candace is Stacey’s friend from Atlanta. She joined the ladies for the ‘get-away’ retreat.
