I Guess I'm a Hero

Discoveries

I couldn't help it. From that point on, any time that Peg sent me away, I almost didn't go. Almost. She was right about me. If I could save people, I would. But I was really worried the whole time I was gone. I think Timmy was too when he had to leave, but he would never admit to it. I could tell though – he was more than happy to let me be the one showing it all the time.

There were more reports, of course. Not all the news was about death and destruction. But when there was something – something odd, we knew enough to read between the lines. And between those lines it showed that the women with abilities were being targeted. There was no longer any doubt in any of our minds, but none of us knew what to do about it. It was as if the problem was way too big for one of us –even four of us – to solve. So, we just kept on with our lives as usual.

"I don't know how you two are doing it," Peg commented one afternoon. We had the day off of work and were enjoying it alone. Well, if you count a Leonardo DiCaprio movie marathon as "alone."

"You and Tim are so casual about it. I don't think anyone from around here knows what is going on. Aside from having to explain quick, and sometimes frequent, absences at work, I think your secret identities are safe."

"That's good," I replied. "We don't need any attention here. I didn't waste all that time not asking you out to lose you now that I finally did." Then I got a little more serious. "Just tell me that you're careful when I'm gone. I mean, as careful as you can be."

"I'm fine. You just stop worrying so much. No one knows anything." She kisses me on the cheek and adds, "Besides, who would dare mess with me when I have a big, strong super-hero here to protect me."

"Yeah,you laugh now. But I'm not always here. Just be careful. And I can worry if I want. It's what we heroes do you know. Well, that and lift trains and stuff." I was putting my arm around her and settling in for the rest of the movie when there is a knock at the door.

It has to be Timmy, I thought.

Sure enough, when I open the door there he is. "Timmy!" I exclaim with mock surprise. "Oh, and I see you've brought your impeccable timing with you."

"Yeah,hey, what's up?" It was as if he didn't hear me.

"We're watching a movie, Tim," said Peg. "Aren't you supposed to beat work?"

"That's right Timmy. Just the two of us. Day off and all that," I explain.

"Yeah,right. OK. The boat sinks. Now come with me."

"Timmy,what's wrong?" I asked as Peg stood up, concern etched on her face.

"Just come to the restaurant," he said. "And hurry," he hollered back as he sped away.

Peg and I rushed to my car. If Timmy was that distracted, something was seriously up. In about 10 minutes we got to the restaurant. I had to stop the car to stare in shock. There was a TV van parked outside. I felt a nervous jump in my stomach as I put the car back in gear and drove into the parking lot and parked the car. Peg and I walked hand-in-hand into the restaurant. I couldn't believe what I was seeing – or hearing.

"...yes,I have one right here in my restaurant," our general manager,Chris, was telling a reporter. "Maybe two." He caught my eye and started to say something. I rushed by him and the camera crew and went to the back, dragging Peg along with me.

I find Tim sitting in the break room, with his head in his hands. "Dude, I'm sorry!" He exclaims as he stands when I enter the room. "I just wasn't thinking."