Chromosome 'S': The Angel

by Rey, Solomon

Richard bent down in front of her, gently lifting her chin, so he could look into her yes, “Olivia, none of this is your fault. You need to remember that. You didn’t ask for Chromosome ‘S’, and I understand why you would wish it never existed.” At this her facial expression changed.

  “Dad, you couldn’t be more wrong! I am so thankful to have these gifts…I mean…sure, I was wishing I had never been injected, but now…it’s the best thing that could have happened,” she said swiping the tears away.

  Derek, Donna and Richard were taken back by her sudden declaration.

  “Honey, why the change of heart? What happened out there?” Donna asked.

  Olivia took a breath, then began, “After I left here I wasn’t really headed in any certain direction. I was just running as fast as I could. Next thing I know I’m almost in Bandon.”

  “That’s almost twenty miles away!” Donna said, “You weren’t gone that long.” She glanced at Richard, who was already trying to do the calculations in his head.

  Olivia continued, “Anyway, I heard a car crash. I got there within seconds. The car was upside down and on fire…” Their eyes widened.

  “How many people were in the car?” Derek asked.

  “Was there more than one car?” Donna asked.

  “There was only one car…it was Sheila and Mark in the car!” Olivia said.

  “Lisa’s sister?” Derek said.

  “Yeah…let me finish,” she said sharply.

  “Anyway…the car was on fire when I got there. I removed the car doors and got them out.”

  “You removed the car doors?” Richard asked.

  “Well, more like…I tore the doors off…they were so light. The flames were burning my skin, but all I felt was tingling. Afterwards, I checked my arms and legs for burns, but they must have healed instantaneously.”

  “Did Sheila see your face?”

  “No, she was out cold,” she said without doubt, “But Mark did. For some reason he didn’t recognize me.”

  “For some reason? Hmmm…let me think,” Derek said playfully, “You think it could have been because you turned into the She-Hulk—minus the green skin tone.”

  She ignored his sarcasm, “Can I finish? Anyway…second after I pulled them out of the car, it exploded. I covered them to make sure they didn’t get hurt. A big piece of metal went into my back,” she turned around, to show them the exact location. “I pulled it out, and I could actually feel the cut sealing itself. Is there a scar or anything?”

  Richard inspected the area, “There’s nothing!”

  “Olivia, are you sure Mark didn’t recognize you?” Donna said.

  “I’m sure. I told him my name was Angel, but he misunderstood…he thinks I am an Angel…like from Heaven.”

  “That’s funny, “Derek said snickering.

  “What’s so funny?” Olivia asked.

  “He thought you were an Angel!”

  “Shut up!”

  “Did anyone else see you? Was there anyone else on the road? “Richard asked eagerly. He was clearly worried her secret would get out. That could be disastrous.

  “No, I’m positive,” she thought the news of the rescue would have brought on all together different response. “You know, I actually thought you guys would be happy that I saved Sheila and Mark.” She said, obviously disappointed.

  “We are! You did something extraordinary and good, but my concern is you…” Richard said.

  “I’m fine, Dad,” she assured him.

  “That’s not what I mean…if word of your special abilities ever surfaced, the government would most assuredly step in, take control and possession of Chromosome ‘S’ and you. You would be taken away from us.”

  “They can’t do that!” She naively exclaimed.

  “Honey, the government can claim eminent domain over anything they deem is in the best interest of this country and justify their unlawful actions by implying you were a threat to National Security. I wouldn’t handle that very well; I can’t lose you!”

  “I didn’t think about that…I’m sorry,” she said sincerely.

  “There’s no reason to be. You did an amazing thing and we’re all proud of you,” Donna said.

  “I know I’m proud,” Derek agreed, “Olivia Osborn is secretly: The Angel! Da, da, da, dah,” he said dramatically,

  “Shut up!” She laughed, “How can he still make jokes? Shouldn’t he be in pain or something?”

  “That’s the beauty of pain killers!” Derek quipped.

  “Honey, I’m so proud of you and you look absolutely beautiful,” Richard said, kissing her on her cheek, “You remind me so much of your mother.”

  “He’s right…I’ve seen pictures of your mother and you look so much like her,” Donna said, “She was so pretty, but I think you’re even prettier.”

  Olivia turned to Derek, “No Jokes?” She stared at him expectantly.

  “Unfortunately, there’s nothing funny about the way you look. I think you look great! But now, I’m the homely one,” he said.

  “Derek?” Olivia said.

  “Yeah?”

  “You were always the homely one.” She grinned.

  “Well, should we try to get some sleep?” Richard said pointing outside. The sun was peeking throught the trees, soon to light the cloudless sky.

  “There’s no way I could sleep now,” Olivia said. She was too geeked, “I want to start the tests as soon as we can!”

  “You understand that because we need to keep you a secret, besides the fact, I was not prepared to start human trials for quite a while, the tests will be somewhat crude and rudimentary. We will have to see what we have,” Richard said.

  “Can we all watch?” Derek asked.

  “Of course,” he said.

  “I’ll be here making breakfast,” Donna said.

  “Ooooo, breakfast!” Olivia said hungrily.

  “You just ate six HOT POCKETS!” Derek said.

  “I’m sorry,” she glanced at everyone, “I’m starving,” she paused a second, “Dad, can I ask you something?”

  “Sure, what is it sweetie?”

  “This is probably a stupid thing to bring up, but I haven’t …gone to the restroom, since before we went to the beach,” Derek laughed hysterically.

  “Owww!” he said as he snickered though the pain.

  “Like anything in nature, our bodies need sustenance to grow. No food—no growth. Being that your body is growing at an accelerated rate, it’s holding on and using every ounce of food you consume. It will probably continue for the next few days until your body reaches optimum density, then it will taper off.”

  “What it really means is: Your full of SH--“

  “Derek!” Donna cut him off. Olivia and Derek suppressed a laugh.

  “How does this sound? We eat breakfast, then we get ready and go into town. The Wal-Mart is open twenty-four hours a day, so we can pick up a few things we’ll need for the testing. By the time we’re done, Fred Meyer should be open. Olivia can pick out some clothes and anything else she might need, while Derek and I go to Safeway across the street…how does that sound? Richard asked.

  “Yeah!” Olivia and Derek said.

  “Sounds good…what would you guys like for breakfast?” Donna moved toward the kitchen.

  “Bacon and eggs,” Richard said.

  “Waffles and scrambled eggs,” Derek said eagerly.

  “Yes!” Olivia said.

  “Which one, Honey?” Donna asked.

  “All of’em,” she said, as her stomach growled.

  Breakfast was filling and satisfying. Donna was the queen of the kitchen, taking all their requests into consideration. She wanted to please everyone, but her main objective was to quench Olivia’s hunger. Olivia was smiling by the time she left the table. Donna succeeded!

  It only took: seven homemade Belgian waffles, smothered in syrup and butter; six eggs with toast; twelve pieces of bacon; and eight tall glasses of milk—they stared in amazement. Within an hour, all were o
n their way to Wal-Mart.

  CHAPTER XXI

  “I thank God you’re okay, other than a few bumps and bruises,” Rhonda Ryan said to her daughter Sheila, brushing back a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and smoothing the white sheet that lay across her lap.

  “Mom, how’s Mark doing?” Sheila asked. She was sore all over but not too bad, considering.

  “He’s doing fine. I tell you, it’s a miracle there’s not a scratch on him.” Rhonda replied, “He’s a tough little monkey!” She said proudly.

  “Where is he?”

  “He is downstairs with your sister waiting for me,” Rhonda replied. She sat on the edge of the bed next to Sheila. “Can you remember anything at all?”

  “No…not much,” she paused trying to recollect, “All I can remember is, I was driving…I was crying because Jed and I had an argument—“

  “I wish you’d stay away from that man, he’s bad news!”

  “Mom…really?” She was annoyed, “I don’t want to get into that right now.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry…continue.”

  “I remember a deer in the road…next thing I know, I’m laying next to Mark fifty yards from my car, which was burning like a marshmallow.”

  “You don’t know how you got there? You didn’t see anyone?”

  “No…no one. Mark kept rambling on about a pretty Angel who’d taken us out of the car,” she said shifting her body searching for a more comfortable position.

  “What the police are saying is unbelievable!”

  “I haven’t spoken with anyone from the police department yet. Someone’s suppose to stop by this morning to ask me questions,” Sheila said, “What’d they say?”

  “Well…they said the doors were ripped clean off! They were found forty yards away lying in a thicket. The cops are baffled, as to how or what removed the doors. If you ask me…someone saved yours and Marks life!” Rhonda said adamantly.

  “I’m just thankful Mark wasn’t hurt…and we’re alive. Who or what saved us—it doesn’t matter. As far as I’m concerned, Marks right. God sent us an Angel and she saved us last night. Maybe…someday, I’ll be able to thank her face-to-face,” she held her mother’s hand and squeezed gently. They did this in silence; each thankful for the rescue.

  “So what are you going to do now?” Sheila asked.

  “Well, I wasn’t prepared for a four year old—I need to go shopping and pick up the necessities. Do you need anything?”

  “No, I’m good. I’m going to take a nap…I’m kinda tired,” Sheila said, “Can you bring Mark by later this afternoon?”

  “Sure! Are you sure you don’t need anything…book…crossword puzzle…anything?”

  “Crossword sounds good.”

  “Has the doctor told you when you’ll be released?”

  “Yeah…he said they wanted to keep me overnight for observation. He said it’s standard procedure when there’s head trauma. I should be released tomorrow morning.”

  Rhonda examined her daughter’s forehead, “Yup, you definitely got a nice sized lump there. Looks like you’re sprouting a second head.” she said chuckling.

  “Thanks Mom,” she said sarcastically.

  “I’m just trying to lighten the mood. You know what they say, ‘laughter is the best medicine’,” she continued, “Well, I’d better get going. I’m sure Mark is getting antsy by now, you know how he gets,” Rhonda gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek. She paused, staring at her, “I’m so glad you’re okay, baby. I can’t imagine losing you,” she cleared her throat, “Well, see you later, dear.”

  “I love you Mom,” she said, struggling to maintain her composure.

  “I love you too, get some rest,” Rhonda said heading out the door.

  * * *

  The sky was brighter and air fresher than Olivia could remember. She was able to see details everywhere she looked. Thousands of minute characteristics that were unavailable to her before to her accident, had now been revealed. She felt like a blind woman, who is suddenly given the power of sight.

  She glanced around taking in the new world with wide eyes and a smile as they drove down the street, with Wal-Mart fast approaching.

  Not only had Olivia’s physical abilities and appearance drastically changed, there were subtle psychological shifts that, if anyone had taken the time to look, manifested instantly. She walked taller, straighter, more confidently.

  The parking lot was spattered with cars, a majority belonging to the employees. They came to a halt directly in front of the store’s entrance. They entered Wal-Mart, making a beeline for the sporting goods department.

  * * *

  “Lisa, as soon as we get to Wal-Mart, can you take Mark to the restroom?” Rhonda Ryan asked. Lisa was her youngest and most promising, receiving excellent grades.

  Lisa glanced over at Mark, sleeping with his head leaning against his car seat. His eyes were fluttering with a slight grin on his face. Clearly he was dreaming.

  “Really? Do I have to?” She complained, pushing back a lock of her auburn hair behind her ear.

  “Yes…you have to.” Rhonda said curtly, “Lisa, we all have to make sacrifices, but that’s what family does, they open their hearts. Sheila and Mark will be staying with us for a bit, so just accept that, okay!” Rhonda was firm, “Always know that when you’re older and have moved out, my door will always be open to you if you need to come home, just as it is for your sister. You are all my babies and I would never turn my back on you and I would hope you’ll feel the same about me.”

  “Of course I will, you’re my mom!” Lisa said credulously, her brown eyes wide.

  “Opinions change.”

  “Mine won’t,” Lisa said adamantly.

  “It seems children can make all the mistakes in the world, expecting to always be

  forgiven, but if a parent makes a mistake or does one thing out of character, immediately their child, that they accept (the good and bad), decides they want nothing further to do with their father or mother. I’ve seen it too many times.”

  “Well, we’re not like others.”

  “I love all my babies unconditionally. You may make stupid choices, like Sheila with that loser Jed, but they’re your decisions to make, but I’ll always be there to help pick up the pieces.”

  “I tell you what…I’ll be the perfect daughter, so there won’t be any pieces for you to pick up,” she said smiling.

  “Deal!” They shook hands, making a pact, “On our way out, I’ll buy you and Mark a chocolate shake from McDonald’s.”

  This brought a smile to her face, “Okay!”

  “I’ll wait for you in the toy department. You know where it is, right?”

  “Mom! We practically live at Wal-Mart, how could I not know where it is?”

  “True. Come straight to Toys, okay. I don’t want you dilly dallying.”

  “I won’t,” Lisa said grinning, “Hey mom, did you know that no one ever says ‘dilly dally’ anymore?” She giggled.

  “Haha! How funny will it be when we don’t stop off at McDonald’s?” Rhonda said jokingly. Lisa’s smile vanished.

  “I really think it’s a great saying! I hear it’s making a comeback!”

  “That’s what I thought,” Rhonda said chuckling.

  * * *

  As they walked through Wal-Mart, Donna pulled a pair of sunglasses out of her purse, handing them to Olivia. “I don’t need them, thanks,” she said graciously.

  Donna whispered under her breath, relying on Olivia’s exceptional hearing, “You need to put them on, now. We can’t have anyone recognizing you, especially when there’s no way to explain your incredible growth spurt.” The guys didn’t hear Donna’s whispers.

  “Oh! You’re right,” she said whisking the glasses from Donna’s hand, placing them on her face, “I can’t believe I didn’t think of that?”

  Donna continued to whisper, “If we run into anyone we know, we’ll say you’re Richard’s niece from California, which cou
ld explain your similarities to…well...you!” Olivia nodded.

  Donna glanced through the store, acknowledging a few people she knew. Coos Bay is a close−knit town, either you know the person you met or you know someone who knows that person and it is difficult to go a day without running into at least ten people who know you, especially if you work at the Mill Casino.

  Derek and Olivia spotted a few kids they knew from school. Derek waved to them. No one recognized Olivia, then why would they.

  * * *

  “I’ll see you in Toys,” Rhonda called to Lisa.

  “Okay,” she said. She turned to Mark, “You ready to go potty?”

  He nodded his head as a big blonde girl passed.

  “Angel!” He said, excitedly pointing at her, “That’s Angel!”

  Lisa looked to see a 20ish lady with light hair. “That’s not an angel, Mark,” she said laughing as she pushed the stroller to the restroom.

  * * *

  “So what do we need?” Olivia asked.

  “We need an electronic stopwatch,” Richard said, “And—“

  “Hi Donna!” Rhonda Ryan called out, “It’s so good to see you!”

  “Hi Rhonda,” Donna shot a glance at Richard. Donna liked her a lot; they’d been friends for a while. In fact, Rhonda was good friends with the Human Resource Director at The Mill, which is how Donna ended up working there.

  “Hi Rhonda,” Richard smiled at her.

  “How are you Richard? I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

  “I’m doing well, just working at the house.”

  “I envy you,” Rhonda said turning her attention on Derek,

  “How’s your summer vacation going, Derek?”

  “Kinda boring so far,” Derek said casually. Olivia leered at him, behind the glasses.

  “This is my niece from Los Angeles,” Richard said waving a hand toward Olivia.

  “It’s nice to meet you…uh,” Rhonda waited for her name.