by Dee J. Stone
“Oh.”
She smiles, stroking my hand with her thumb. “But it’s different now, isn’t it?”
“Am I your boyfriend? We didn’t make it official or anything.”
She brings her mouth to mine and kisses me softly. “It’s official to me.”
“Then it’s official to me, too.”
We kiss for what seems like hours, and I don’t want it to end. But it’s got to because we have to go to school.
I hold her in my arms, making sure not to drop her. I never want to let her go. I can’t believe I held Nicole in my arms and thought these thoughts only a few days ago. With Nicole, it was infatuation, a huge mistake. I thought it felt right, but it never did. It was an illusion. Now, with Maddie, I know what true love is. Everything feels like it should be.
Maddie tugs my arm. “Why aren’t we leaving?”
“Sorry. Was just thinking how happy I am that we’re talking and together and everything.”
“Me, too. But enough of this mushy stuff. Your mom will kill me if you’re late because of me.”
I laugh. “Okay. I’m going invisible now and I won’t be able to see you. But I can feel you. If you ever feel scared or like you’re slipping, tell me.”
She locks her fingers through mine. “Don’t worry about that. I know you won’t drop me.”
I kiss her before flying out of the window. “I wish we could do this right,” I say. “And not have to hide. There are so many things I want to show you.”
“That’s okay. Just as long as I’m with you.”
I press my mouth to her cheek, but get her neck instead. This whole invisibility thing can really ruin a moment.
As we approach school, I notice a few reporters hanging around outside. They must have been here yesterday and the day before, waiting for me to show up.
When I point them out to Maddie, she groans. “I’ll be with you. You don’t have to go through this alone. And if people start talking about us, then so be it.”
I lower us to the ground and pull her behind a bush, making us visible. “No, I don’t want that. Don’t want your life to be in the spotlight like mine. You and your family don’t deserve that.” I swallow. “I’ll go to the building myself.”
“But I want to do this with you.”
She doesn’t mind being in the spotlight, like Nicole didn’t mind. But Nicole only did it for attention. Maddie’s willing to do it because she cares. My stomach gets all knotted up.
“I appreciate that,” I tell her. “But I don’t want your life to get mixed up in all of this. I don’t want the people and reporters to harass you.”
She opens her mouth to respond, but I continue, “Please, Maddie. Don’t risk your privacy for me.”
“But they’ll eventually find out. Besides, everyone knows I’m your best friend. I’m going to be in the spotlight anyway.”
“Maybe, but it’s different because you’re my girlfriend now. I want you to stay out of it, okay?”
She sighs. “Okay.”
I give her a quick kiss before slipping out from behind the bush. Looking to my right and left, I take a deep breath. The school’s pretty big, so there will be a lot of kids to deal with. Many are hanging outside the building and in the parking lot. I’m going to have to pass all of them on my way to the entrance.
I breathe in, then out, and make my way to the school doors. It’s like time slows down. At once, everyone turns to me, like I’m some big shot Hollywood star walking the red carpet. Whispers surround me, as well as some laughter. A few poke one another with their elbows, some point.
“That’s him,” a girl says to a guy.
I pretend they’re not there as I head for the doors. Just a few more feet and I’ll be inside, then I’ll rush to my locker, grab my books, then get to class. Easy peasy.
Uh…not so easy peasy. The halls are filled with kids and it’s hard to weave through. I think they’re blocking me on purpose.
“He’s a liar,” one guy hisses to his friend. “There’s no way that loser is the Blue Masked Hero.”
“Robert said Nicole Watts exposed him. You calling her a liar?”
I don’t bother listening to the rest. My locker is all the way down the hall. Am I going to make it there in one piece?
“I’ll prove it to you,” another voice says. “Hey, loser.”
I ignore him. A second or two later, a hand grabs my shoulder and I’m whirled around. A few guys stand before me with their arms crossed over their chests. Some kids flank them on both sides, and many more are gathered behind them.
“My friends and I don’t think you’re the hero,” the guy says. He’s big, some football jock. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him hanging around Bro. Bro is in the crowd, his eyes on me. Of course he doesn’t come to my defense. Not that I need him.
Maddie must be around somewhere, but I don’t see her. I hope she’s okay.
“I don’t care what you think,” I say and turn to continue on toward my locker.
The hand spins me around again. “Prove it,” the guy says. The others around him nod in agreement.
“I don’t have to prove anything to you.”
He gets in my face. “Yes, you do, or this will meet your face.” He fists his hand.
A few of the surrounding kids chuckle. Many look curious. Some others look to their right and left for teachers.
I shrug and tilt my head to the left, sending the guy flying to the other end of the hall. I could hurt him, could hurt all those who teased me all my life. But I won’t do that. Won’t stoop to their level.
The guy’s face fills with anger and he stomps toward me, his fists raised. “Think you’re such a big shot? Fight me!”
“Don’t even think about it, Rogers,” a voice says. We all turn to Vice Principal Grady, who’s got her gaze on Rogers.
His face pales.
VP Grady looks from Rogers to me. “Is there a problem?”
“No,” Rogers quickly says while I shake my head.
She looks around. “There’s nothing to see here. Everyone head to class. McGuire, follow me please.”
Everyone walks off to where they need to go, and I follow the vice principal into her office. Before he leaves, Rogers gives me a hard look, like this isn’t over. Whatever. I’m not scared of him.
Inside her office, Vice Principal Grady motions for me to take a seat. “Nick, what you are and who you are is not my concern. What is my concern is how you behave in this school.”
I don’t know what to say, so I just nod.
“I don’t want any trouble from you. Is that understood?”
“I’m not going to hurt anyone,” I say.
“No, I know you won’t, not intentionally. But I was a teenager once and I was in high school. If I, or anyone, sees you using your…uh…”
“Powers?”
“Yes. If you’re seen using your powers on school property you will be expelled.”
I swallow. “Expelled?”
“You won’t have a second chance. This is your first and final warning. Screw up and you’re out. Clear?”
I nod. “He started with me, though. I was just getting to my locker.”
“I know he started. You’re not the sort of person to start fights. I was going to have this conversation with you, anyway. I’ll be honest with you, Nick, it was discussed whether we should allow you to continue attending school here.”
I gape at her.
“You’re a hazard to other students. I fought for you, and that’s the reason you’re here. Please don’t make me regret my decision.”
My head spins like I’m on some ride at the amusement park. Expelled? Even if I accidentally use my powers? “Thanks,” is all I manage to say.
Her smile is small. “We’ve also banned any reporters from coming within thirty feet of this school. They shouldn’t bother you. Now get to class.”
I thank her again, then leave her office. Maddie is waiting for me outside. “Aren’t you gonna be late f
or class?” I ask.
“I waited for you.”
I want to take her hand, give her an appreciative squeeze, but I keep my hands to my sides. Even if we were able to be with each other publicly, PDA is not allowed here. Not that it stops anyone from making out in the halls, but Maddie doesn’t like to get in trouble.
“I don’t know if I ever told you this, but you’re such a special person.”
She blushes as we make our way to history. “No, I’m not.”
“You are. Ever since I got these powers, you’ve supported me. You tried to warn me about Nicole—where is she, by the way?”
Maddie shrugs. “I didn’t see her.”
“Anyway, you tried to warn me, you’ve forgiven me. You’re willing to be in the spotlight just to help me out. Really, you’re the greatest person ever.”
She playfully punches my shoulder. “Shut up.”
As we walk, I tell her what the vice principal told me, about my not being able to use my powers in school and how I was almost not allowed to return. She shakes her head in disbelief.
“I get why they’d be concerned,” I say. “You know I could tear someone apart using my telekinesis, right?”
“But you never would.”
I shrug. “They don’t know that. But don’t worry, I won’t give them a reason to expel me, even if someone like Rogers gives me a hard time.”
We reach the class and enter. When Mrs. Landon sees us, she doesn’t frown like usual. Her entire face changes. She looks…I don’t know the word. Like she sees me differently, like I’m not the same person I was a few weeks ago. Like she doesn’t want to slap detention on me. She’s just staring at me, not asking why Maddie and I are late.
The whole class turns to us. I spot Nicole near the window, her eyes focused on her textbook. Good thing she’s not looking at me because I don’t want to look at her. I don’t even want to be in the same room as her.
“I, uh, was with Vice Principal Grady,” I tell Mrs. Landon. She merely nods, her eyes wide in awe. Is it that big of a deal that a guy like me has powers?
She doesn’t demand an excuse from Maddie and we sit down. A few kids are still gazing at me, some with smiles on their faces. Not the teasing kind of smile, but real genuine smiles. I return small ones. Several kids who aren’t that popular, give me thumbs up. One guy hisses that I’ve been doing a good job. Landon must hear the whispers, but she doesn’t say anything and just continues the lesson.
Once class is over, Mrs. Landon calls me to her desk. I tell Maddie to go on ahead without me.
Mrs. Landon gives me a smile. I’ve never seen her smile before. If not for now, I wouldn’t have thought it possible. Is this a joke and she’s going to give me detention or something?
“Nick, I just want to thank you.”
I raise an eyebrow. “For?”
“For saving my niece. She was one of the victims you saved from the collapsed building.” She wipes her eyes. “She lost her leg, but thank God she’s alive, and that’s all because of you.” She reaches forward and hugs me. I stand there stiff, too shocked to do anything. Then I hug her back, telling her I’m glad her niece is alive.
That’s why she was acting weird in class. Not because she thought I was too much of a loser to have powers, but because I saved her niece. Seeing how happy she is, it makes everything I’ve been through worth it. I mean, I knew people were grateful for what I did, but I never actually saw the gratitude on their faces. I’d do it again and again if I was able to.
Maybe I can. Just because the whole world knows who I am, that doesn’t meant I have to stop being the Blue Masked Hero. Sure my parents don’t allow it, but I’m sure they will at some point.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“That’s the plan for today,” I tell Maddie as we fly toward her house. “Video games and junk food.” School ended an hour ago and we’ve been flying all this time. Maddie is snuggled against my chest with her head resting on my shoulder. She loves heights and wants me to go higher and higher. I’m worried I’ll drop her, so I keep us low enough.
“And we’ll have to stick homework in there, too,” Maddie says.
Good thing she can’t see my frown. “Right.”
“Don’t worry, I’m going to help you catch up. Now that you’re grounded, we’ll have all the time in the world.” When she says grounded, she means it literally, that I can’t fly anymore, except to and from school. I kinda broke the rules a little because Mom expects me to come home straight after school, but spending time with Maddie is indescribable. It’s a little different from when we hung out as friends, but it’s pretty much the same.
“I’ve gotta make an appearance at my house so my mom doesn’t freak out,” I say. “Then I’ll sneak over to yours and we can play.”
She pokes me in the chest. “Homework first.”
“I know.”
I drop her off at her house, then turn toward mine. And my eyes widen. Because not only are reporters and people around, the cops are there, too. Not to keep them away. No, something else is going on here.
After making myself visible, I walk in through the front doors. No reporters chase me. Everyone’s got solemn expressions on their faces.
Mom and Dad are in the kitchen, with two more cops. Mom has tears in her eyes, while Dad sits there with his arm wrapped over her shoulder and a worried expression on his face. No, it’s not worry but fear. I’ve never seen that look on his face before and it makes my blood turn cold.
Matt’s also in the kitchen, with his face buried in his hands. I look around. Where’s Kaylee?
When Mom sees me, she holds out her hand, more tears going down her face. “Nick.”
I move toward her and Dad. “What’s going on? Where’s Kaylee?”
Mom breaks down again and Dad pats her back. One of the cops turns to me. “Where have you been? Your parents told us you were to come right home after school let out.” His eyes narrow. “Where did you go?”
“He didn’t do it.” Mom pulls me into her arms. “My son had nothing to do with this.” Her whole body quakes.
“Mom,” I say, my chest heaving as I try to get some air in. “Where’s Kaylee?”
She shakes her head like she can’t talk. Dad clears his throat. “She didn’t get onto the school bus after school. No one has seen her.”
The room spins and I grab the edge of the table to steady myself. “You mean she’s missing?”
Dad nods while Mom dabs her eyes with a tissue. Now the walls are caving in and my heart pounds a million beats a minute. Kaylee’s missing? My little sister could possibly be in trouble.
“What about that teacher who was supposed to be watching her?”
Dad says, “She turned away for a second, then Kylee was gone.”
I’m on my feet. “I’m going to look for her.”
Mom clutches my hand. “No one is going anywhere.”
One of the cops stands straight. “We’d like to ask you a few questions, son.”
I look from one cop to the other. “That’ll only waste time. I need to look for my little sister.”
“We can handle it,” the other cop, a taller one, says.
I know they can, but I could be quicker. “With all due respect, I’d rather search for her myself.”
“No,” Mom says. “No one is leaving this house. I don’t want any more of my kids going missing.”
I turn to her. “Mom, I can be quicker. Can fly around.”
She shakes her head.
“Your mother’s right, Nick,” Dad says. “It’ll only make us more worried that you’re out there.”
“And you’re not going anywhere before answering our questions,” the shorter cop says.
I internally groan. Don’t they understand that the more time we waste, the more of a chance there is for Kaylee to get hurt?
The short cop motions for me to step into the living room. “Where were you all this time?” he asks.
“With my, uh, girlfriend.”
He raises an eyebrow. I didn’t mean to sound not so sure of myself. “You see, she only became my girlfriend two days ago.”
“Her name?”
“Maddie Randall. She lives right next door.”
“Where did the two of you go?” This guy doesn’t take a breath.
“Flying. Look, I know you’re just doing your job and everything, but I need to get out there and look for my sister.”
He pretends not to have heard that. “Did anyone see you?”
“No.”
He raises an eyebrow.
I clear my throat, shifting from one foot to the other. “We were invisible.”
“Invisible?” He nearly laughs.
“Yeah, because I wanted some alone time with my girlfriend without having the whole world spying on me.”
He doesn’t say anything, only keeps his eyes on me.
“Why would I do something to my sister?” I ask him. “That makes no sense!”
“Until we find her, everyone is a suspect.”
He asks me more questions, then lets me return to the kitchen. Mom and Dad still sit there with their arms wrapped around one another. Matt stands near the fridge, staring at the wall in front of him. I’ve never seen him this worried.
I head over to my parents. “I know you don’t want me leaving the house, but staying here and wishing and hoping won’t do us any good. Please let me look for her. I swear nothing will happen to me. I’ll be invisible the whole time. Please.”
They exchange a glance. “All right,” Dad says. “But I want you to check in every half hour.”
“Got it.”
I fly out of the house and stop at Maddie’s window. She opens it with a shy smile, but she must see the look on my face because her smile fades. “What’s wrong?”
“Kaylee’s missing. I’m going to look for her.”
“What do you mean missing?”
“She never got on the bus and no one knows where she is. Look, I can’t talk. I’ve gotta go look for her.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No, don’t. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
She nods unsurely.
“My house is filled with cops and they might come to your house to question you because we hung out all afternoon.” I quickly kiss her cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
