I’m close enough now, I hope. I throw the magazine at the older man, and as quick as thought, fly over the remaining distance and pull the shotgun from the older man’s grasp. The shotgun goes off over my left shoulder.
It’s so close to my ears, the blast is deafening. I grab the gunman and throw him across the gun store towards the hunting jackets.
I then fly towards the younger gunman, and smack him in the head, gently, just above his left ear. He drops like a ragdoll.
I turn to the storeowner. I notice a young woman crouching down behind the counter near him. I hadn’t seen her from my previous vantage point.
“Are you okay?” I ask and fly over to him.
He looks at me in shock, and then looks at the unconscious men and smiles.
“I’m fine.” He says, and then helps the woman up from the floor.
They then backup towards the corner, away from me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask and look over my shoulder.
My ears are ringing, I can hardly hear myself. The younger guy is moaning, but still lying on his side. Are they scared of me?
“Stay here.” I say, and go and collect the men’s weapons.
I hold them up as I fly out through the entrance.
“It’s okay.” I call out to the police officers over by the car, as I land and walk slowly towards them.
One of them stands and looks at me with his gun raised. It’s dark now, and the police car’s headlights and the old red and blue are dazzling me. My ears are still ringing, but I can vaguely make out some words flung my way.
“Put the guns down!” The police officer shouts at me.
“Okay. Look, they’re not mine. The men you want are inside.” I say and lay the guns down on the sidewalk, and step away.
The officer speaks to his partner, and then he walks quickly towards me with his gun pointed at my chest. Well that’s nice!
“You’ve got it from here, right?” I ask as he nears me.
I take off from the sidewalk, and hover while he begins to understand what’s just happened. He looks up at me with a very puzzled expression.
“Who are you?” The officer asks as he gazes up at me.
“A friend. Bye.” I say and wave, and then I climb higher and accelerate back north.
I’d better get back home before Dad checks up on me. Well, at least I feel a bit better now about myself. As I fly north away from the crime scene, I think about the boy who got shot, and an idea pops into my head. I look down as I fly, scanning the streets, looking for the right coffee shop close to Mitchell’s dad’s junkyard. I find it after a few minutes, and descend to the street. I land lightly on the sidewalk where the boy lay in his mother’s arms.
There are bunches of flowers and notes, and some teddy bears resting on the sidewalk, away from the road. I hear cars screech to a stop behind me, and people on the sidewalk stop and stare at me.
I don’t mind. I want them to see. I step into the street near the sidewalk, and kneel down on one knee.
I rest my left purple gloved-hand on the asphalt, and bring up my right arm. There’s a deep boom as my fist strikes the street, and a car nearby bounces on its suspension. I bring up my fist, and there’s now a nice indentation of my fist. Using my right index finger, I press it into the asphalt, and begin to engrave my message to the people of Chicago.
NEVER AGAIN! C G.
Once I’m done, I stand and look around at the spectators. I don’t smile at them, or wave. I just take a deep breath, and kick off from the ground and climb to the clouds. I hope people will get the message. I gain the clouds, and fly on through to the other side. I know my way around Chicago pretty well by now, so without even thinking, I bank left and fly northeast. I accelerate, and count to three in my head, then I descend through the clouds and look down at my high school, Hackberry High. All of the lights are off, and the building is almost hidden in inky blackness as I fly over it. The streetlights are all on when I get back to my street, and I can see the living room light is on in my house. I fly over the house, and descend slowly towards the rear. I stop above my bedroom window, and flip upside down. I grab the window frame, and take a deep breath. I peek down and in. The room is dark. My door is still closed. I fly down and in, and close the window quietly behind me. I strip off, and put my damp costume in my Chinese lucky cat backpack. Then I heave a huge sigh of relief, and then go and take a shower and get ready for bed.
My appetite has returned now, so I go downstairs and make myself a sandwich from some leftover chicken salad. I hear the quiet padding of socked feet as I tuck into my sandwich.
“Where did you go?” Jessica whispers behind me.
“Ssshhh.” I hiss and take another mouthful.
“Come on. Spill the beans.” Jessica urges, as she rocks back on her heels and waits.
I finish my sandwich, then fill a tall glass with some milk, and grab a tub of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream from the freezer. I sit at the kitchen table and spoon some ice cream into my mouth, and let the ice cream dissolve on my tongue slowly.
“Mmmm.” I murmur. I love this ice cream. I could bathe in it.
The ice cream feels very cold inside my mouth. It’s fantastic. I didn’t realize how much I miss feeling the cold.
“So, did, you know who, make an appearance?” Jessica asks, as I drink some milk.
“Maybe.” I chuckle, and dig another spoonful of ice cream out.
“News worthy?” Jessica asks.
“Probably.” I reply and pop the spoon back in my mouth.
“Ah, there you are.” Dad’s voice calls out.
I look up and see him standing in the kitchen doorway. He yawns and folds his arms.
“How are we going to do this?” He asks.
I look up at him, puzzled. “Umm…what do you mean?” I ask.
“This soup kitchen you need to attend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
“Oh, that.” Damn, I had almost forgotten about that. “I thought that you were taking me. You know, me being grounded and all.”
“I need to leave for work at six over the next few days, as I’m covering for Phil. So I can’t do it.” He replies.
“So, I could get the bus.” I say.
“No way. Not to that part of town.”
I think of Mitchell’s dad’s junkyard, and an idea pops in my head.
“Mitchell can take me.” I say.
“I didn’t know he had a car.” Dad asks, suspicion etched into his features.
“Oh, yeah. He’s been fixing up an old one from his dad’s junk yard.” I lie.
God, I feel bad. How many times must I lie to him?
“Really?” Dad asks, and looks at Jessica for confirmation.
“What are you looking at me for? He’s her boyfriend, not mine.” Jessica says.
“Where’s he going to pick you up?” Dad asks.
“Outside here, of course.” I say, and roll my eyes.
I suck on another spoonful of ice cream before he can ask any more questions.
“Make sure he returns you in one piece. Or there will be hell to pay.” He says gruffly.
“Well, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” Dad says, then turns and leaves.
“Goodnight, Dad.” We both call out after him, and sigh in relief.
“Does Mitchell have a car?” Jessica whispers.
I shake my head.
“Nope. Not yet.” I say and grin mischievously.
Twenty Three
“You want me to do what?” Mitchell asks, as he almost chokes on his lemonade at lunch.
“You don’t need to build a car from scratch.” I say quickly. “Just make one presentable.” I say.
“Presentable?” Mitchell asks as he wipes his mouth.
“Yeah. You know, presentable, as in not falling to pieces. Four wheels, windows, seats...”
“Okay, I get the picture.” Mitchell says. “By tomorrow?” He asks.
Paul smirks from across the table.
�
�Hey, don’t laugh. You’re helping too.” Mitchell says to Paul.
“Piece of cake.” Paul says confidently. “Ten minute job, tops.”
“You wanna bet?” Mitchell says and chuckles.
“Ten bucks?” Paul offers.
“You’re on.” Mitchell agrees, and they both bump fists over the table.
“Boys.” Beth grunts and rolls her eyes. “It sucks that you’re grounded.” Beth complains.
I shrug and take another bite from my tuna-fish sandwich.
“While I’m grounded, I want updates.” I say, and chuckle when they look at me with confused expressions. “The island.” I add after a few seconds.
“We’re going after school.” Stuart says quietly.
“How? You need me to carry you all.” I ask.
Paul grins. “Not anymore. Turns out, we can run over the water.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Yep, did it yesterday on the lake.” Paul says and grins at Stuart.
“If we run fast enough, we stay on the surface.” Stuart adds.
“Wow. That’s actually really cool!” I say.
“That’s me.” Paul says with satisfaction.
“Anyway…” Mitchell says. “We were going to do some more building. But if you need me..”
“Don’t sweat it big guy.” Paul says. “We can handle things.”
Mitchell raises an eyebrow as he looks at Paul over the table. “You’re sure?”
“Yeah, no sweat. I’ve got Stu here to help me.” Paul replies.
“Ahem!” Beth clears her throat loudly.
“Oh, yeah. Beth, too.” Paul adds, and winks at Beth.
Mitchell opens up his black Chicago Bulls backpack, and reaches inside. He pulls out a jotter pad, and hands it to Paul over the table.
“You’ll need tools. I’m going to be using mine tonight.” Mitchell says.
“We can borrow my father’s tools. He’s rarely home to use them.” Stuart offers.
“It’s done then.” Paul says, and slaps Stuart gently on the back.
“Any problems, you call me. Okay?” Mitchell says as he closes his backpack.
“Relax, mate.” Paul replies.
“Do you have something in mind?” I ask Mitchell, and then drain my Coke.
“I noticed a couple of usable cars, the last time we were there.” Mitchell replies, and then gets up.
“Well, good luck.” I say. “And thanks.” I say and lean up and kiss him.
I keep my nose clean in school. I try and focus in my classes, and keep quiet, hoping that I can just blend into the background. But the other kids are looking at me as if for the first time now.
Some kids look scared when they pass me in the hall, while others look at me as if they smell something nasty. I walk home alone, and Dad is waiting at the door.
I’ve made up my mind to obey his curfew now, so I just go to my room and do my homework, then come down for dinner.
The rest of the evening is spent in the living room, watching television with Dad and Jessica. I actually enjoy it. It‘s nice to just relax, and I do love them. Jessica tells me about her work colleague, Bavik. He’s Ukrainian, and works in the kitchen where Jess works. Anyway, she tells me how Bavik was flirting with her today, and forgot what he was leaning over to get her attention. It was a hot grill, where they do the burgers and eggs, and he almost burnt his nether regions, as he leaned over to say something to Jess. Jessica laughs at the memory of him hopping up and down, but I can tell from her expression, and the way she speaks about Bavik, that she has a soft spot for him. I can’t remember the last time she had a boyfriend, actually.
It’s Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday, and my community service starts. Well, at least I don’t have to worry about my personal safety. Poor Dad. He’s worried sick about me. But how do I tell him about my powers?
I have a restless night.
The next day in school passes without incident. Kids are still giving me a wide berth, and treat me like I have the plague. I see Mr Sanders’ son, Roman, on the way to lunch. The way he looks at me. The expression, if looks could kill, comes to mind. At lunch, the others are discussing the island.
“You should see it now, Brit. We’ve got some hallways, and building interiors and tables, and all sorts of stuff to practice with.” Paul says as he waves his fork around.
“Sounds great.” I say and sigh. If only I could go with them next time.
“How long are you grounded for?” Stuart asks.
“A week.” I reply sullenly. “Have you got a car for tonight?” I ask Mitchell.
“Kind of.” He answers cryptically.
“Is it road worthy?” I ask, getting worried now.
“It’ll work. Don’t worry.” He says and turns back to his turkey sub.
“So, tonight, you’ve got to do what, exactly?” Stuart asks as he checks something on his cell phone.
“I don’t know. I guess I’ll find out when I get there.” I reply. “What are you looking at?” I ask him.
“There was a report last night, that a flying girl stopped an armed robbery.” Stuart says and smiles. “I thought you were grounded?”
“I had to get some air.” I reply hastily.
Beth leans over to Stuart and checks his cell phone.
“Looks like you did a lot more than just getting some air.” Beth says.
I smile and look down at my tray, and pick up an apple.
“Just trying to be useful.” I say and bite into the shiny green apple. It’s a little tart, but still tastes good.
“You better hope your dad doesn’t find out.” Paul says and smirks.
I roll my eyes as I chew. Oh, god, don’t remind me. How am I going to explain all this to him?
Hi, Dad. I have powers, don’t you know. I can fly and bench press a freight train. Cool, huh? Yeah, right!
“Have you guys told anyone else yet?” I ask.
“What, about being a freak?” Paul asks and snorts.
“Everyone knows you’re a freak already. So no surprise there.” Beth says, and chuckles at Paul’s dark expression.
“I’d rather not have to explain all of this, personally.” Stuart says quietly.
“We can’t afford to tell people.” Mitchell says and looks at me. “That’s why we wear the costumes, right?”
“Yeah, I know.” I say quietly.
“Besides, you can’t trust anyone these days. Everyone’s a blabber-mouth.” Beth says.
I nod in agreement, and finish my apple. Beth’s eyes narrow as she looks at me.
“You haven’t told anyone, have you?” Beth asks.
The others look at me when I don’t answer immediately.
I shrug. “Not exactly.” I say.
There’s a sharp in-take of breath from Beth. “You told Jessica.”
“No, I didn’t.” I reply, slightly peeved by the accusation. “She found out on her own.”
“What?” Mitchell blurts out. “How?”
“Look, I was feeling low. So I went to visit my mom’s grave. I didn’t see anyone there, so I just talked to Mom. Told her how I was feeling, and stuff.” I say quickly.
“Jessica overheard me. She’d been sitting on the grass on the other side of the gravestone, so I didn’t see her. It wasn’t my fault.” I grumble.
“Has she told anyone else?” Paul asks.
“No. Definitely not. Guys, she’s my sister. She’s got my back, and she’s totally cool with all of this.”
“You haven’t told her about us, have you?” Beth asks.
Uh, oh. “I might have mentioned something.” I mumble.
“Britney!” Beth moans and rolls her eyes.
“So, was your sister impressed?” Paul asks and grins.
“I’m not sure if I mentioned you, actually.” I say.
Stuart chuckles and nudges Paul playfully.
“Look, don’t worry. Like I said, she’s totally cool. And I trust her with my life.” I say and get up. “I’ll see you guys
on Monday.” I say, and turn to leave.
“I’ll see you tonight.” Mitchell corrects me.
“Right.” I say and smile back at him.
Please let the car be okay, I pray as I head to my next class.
After school, I walk home alone, quickly. Again, Dad is waiting.
“Okay, homework first. Then dinner.” Dad says as I step inside the house.
“Sure, Dad.” I say and hang up my coat.
I take my Chinese lucky cat backpack upstairs to my room, and get my books out. Oh, great. Some of them are damp. I take out my damp Cosmic Girl costume, and check the inside of the backpack. There’s a little puddle of water at the bottom. Damn.
Cosmic Girl Rising Up Page 25
