A Helping Hand

Sarah gains a job title

Sarah quickly settled into her work, cooking meals, cleaning, making sure Howard did his homework, and driving him to and from the small private school he attended. She enjoyed time spent with the boy- he was bright, kind, charming, and witty. It was a challenge to keep up with his rapid train of thought, but instead of feeling incredibly stupid when she had to ask him to explain something, she felt like she was happily learning, shedding the shame that had been grilled into her throughout her childhood. He talked about the elegance of mathematics and the intricate bodies of the bugs they were dissecting in science class. She went home and dug through the boxes of books in her apartment untouched since high school, bringing Howard her favourite book on Chaos Theory and the illustrated "A Brief History of Time". When she found him sketching spaceships instead of doing homework, she introduced him to the original Star Trek series and brought him her copy of "Mr Scott's Guide to the Enterprise".

Tony was glad to see the pair having fun and occasionally joined them when they watched old science fiction shows or the old Godzilla movies. He would later find Howard's sketches scattered across the large library tables, from schematics of the vessels and buildings in the films they had watched to storyboards for new episodes and movies. Howard's creative writing assignments, once his most despised homework tasks, turned into favourites littered with science and speculation, aliens and genetic monsters that he illustrated and read to Sarah and Tony.

While Howard blossomed, Tony continued to retreat both at home and in the public eye. Rumours abounded as to just what was happening in the family and why the once-popular Mr Stark no longer accepted invitations to gala events, Hollywood parties, or even company board meetings. The few times that he did appear, he usually stayed briefly and never took off his dark sunglasses, which sparked rumours that he was perpetually hung over or high. Of course, the rumours were not entirely false, as he was hung over or actively drunk a good amount of the time. When he could not hide his problem, he did not leave the house.

Sarah was washing dishes and Tony was waking up when her phone buzzed.

In trouble at school. Dad will get a call. Please come too?

She heard Tony's phone ring as the shower turned off. A few minutes later, Tony appeared, his clothing wrinkled and hair disheveled. "Howie's school called. I need you to go figure out what's going on."

"You're not going?"

"No. I feel like my head is going to explode. And the light hurts. I'll call ahead and tell them you're coming."

"You're not giving me very much to go on. What did they say happened? Is he hurt? Sick?"

"Strangely enough, they say he got into a fight."

She nearly dropped the dish she was scrubbing, "Howard? In a fight?"

"Yeah. I can't believe it, either."

Sarah set out a bowl and spoon for Tony, "Well, I guess it's Cheerios for breakfast for you, then. I'll make us some lunch when I get back." She finished the last plate in the sink and dried her hands, "The day Howard picks a fight will be the day pigs fly."

Tony sighed, "Yeah. And thanks for covering my ass."

She picked up her keys and bag, "No problem, boss- just make sure you make that call. I don't want the school telling me I can't talk to anyone." She texted Howard that she was on her way as she walked out to the car.

Half an hour later, she pulled into the school parking lot and tucked her rusted Volvo station wagon between a brand new Mercedes and a fully restored vintage Jaguar. Her car could not have stood out more unless it had been a Vanagon.