I stopped and got some lunch at a food truck, folding my pizza while eating it like I hadn't eaten anything in days. The woman in the van said it was on the house but I passed her my money anyway. A live band was playing across the street and I dropped some cash in there too. I knew it was coming but enough people recognized me to start asking for some autographs. I gave them away. Spotting a woman in the back struggling to get to me with a baby in her arms.
"Hey! Give her some room."
I spoke letting the older woman make her way towards me. She clasped my hands muttering a million thank you's.
"Thank you. Thank you. My child's life is saved thanks to you."
Abruptly she started to hand her child to me and that's not the first time it's happened but usually, I can deny the advance.
"I don't think that's-"
"I insist."
Mothers are the real heroes but equally scare the shit out of me. With that I cradled the infant in my arms, slightly rocking it and chuckling softly from how adorable they were. Remembering that I'm not emotionally available to be a mom let alone nurse a super kid. Repeating that to myself over and over while I held the most adorable baby in my arms. It was hard for them to breathe. That hurt. Although I knew at some point they'd become hungry so I passed them back to her Mom. The biggest issue with all of this? Something was tugging at the back of my skull. I thought it was a fluke and I was just upset about my retrograde amnesia. But it was something else. I knew it was.
****
As weeks passed the knot of what happened on that week, the mystery of it only continued to haunt me. In the quiet moments especially. Paul figured it was time to get me out of the house and not going hero work.
"Paul I have paperwork-"
"Paperwork doesn't have legs and needs mental health breaks."
He was hiding it well enough, but Paul was pretty pissed that I was still on the retrograde amnesia thing. I could smell irritation, regret, and a hint of..fear. Hmm. I haven't smelled that in a long time-
"It's been a while since I've taken you out on a proper date. Come on, please? I have a few stupid ideas we could get into."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, my gorgeous girl. Come on. Don't leave me hanging. Come on."
Paul kept begging until I eventually mumbled.
"Ugh, fine big boy. I concede."
"Ha!"
Rolling my eyes, Paul pecked my lips a few times before pulling me up out of my office so we could get dressed. I took a shower and lathered my skin up resisting Paul's advances.
"No way. After the date."
"Boo."
I wore a burgundy dress with a double slit and flat ironed my hair before tying it up in a high ponytail. With dangling gold earrings and black heels with red on the heel, I took in Paul's tux as he adjusted his tie and combed his hair back.
"...After the date right?"
He teased while I rolled on some lipgloss, taking the car that's nice but not too nice. Paul drove us up to a steakhouse restaurant. It's fancy but the kind that's hidden. We got inside and took the booth per our reservation. Our appetizers consisted of oysters and chicken wings if you can believe it. I ate the oysters watching Paul's face contort in disgust.
"Admit it. You're enjoying this-"
"You'd like that wouldn't you-"
"I can read it all over your face. I'm scrumptious."
Paul mused and I giggled finishing off my oysters, slurping up any access. Before wiping my chin with the napkin. I asked for a particular wine and Paul would share the bottle with me. A few glasses in, he was drunk but this was normal wine so I could chug about six before I felt anything. Our entrees were delicious including baked potatoes and well-done beef.
"I'm glad you're here with me, Leto."
"I'm glad I'm here with you Paul."
"I'd like to show you how much I appreciate it."
"Do you, now?"
His rosy cheeks were adorable, but I also caught a particular sound from his stomach.
"One moment."
He rose to go to the bathroom, and although it wasn't entirely straight he made his way back to the doors.
Whoosh
I paused. Wildfire was now sitting where Paul used to be, swallowing harshly. I lowered the wine glass briefly looking anywhere but at Wildfire's face.
"You wound me, Leto. Or should I call you something else?"
My eyes perked up. It wasn't born from anxiety-
"Exhale, love. I'm not here to hurt you or your partner. I'm here to give you some news."
"Okay. What news is that?"
"Paul isn't the only one lying to you."
Finally exhaling, I tipped some of the wine down my throat. Watching Wildfire flick some curly hair behind his ear sucking his teeth.
"Don't do that, Leto. You're not afraid of me."
"I am afraid of you-"
"No no, you're not afraid of me. You're afraid of what I can do. That's nothing compared to what you can do."
"Wha-"
Whoosh
Just like that Wildfire was gone, leaving a flash drive behind. Despite my better judgment, I picked it up and slipped it into my pocketbook. Paul shimmied back over and sat down. Immediately reading my facial expression to grin my hand lightly.
"I want to go. Right now."
"Of course."
Paul paid the bill and I drove back to our apartment. I made sure Paul was steadied inside and placed him on the couch. Placing my purse to the side I undid my ponytail letting my hair fall to my shoulders. Leaning on the kitchen counter, I tapped the pattern within my finger exhaling sharply.
"We need to talk."
