Stolen From Superman-The Sequel To Waiting for Superman

Chapter 26- The Red Sunset

"4 people were killed when a gunman opened fire outside of the North Town Mall today." A newscaster repots solemnly, voice drawling out in a hum from the TV. I sit on the living room couch, head in my hands. In a way, it's my fault they're dead. He was there for me. He probably would've killed me, too, if I'd stayed. Maybe even Jordan too. But we escaped. And, if he's as crazy as I think he is, he got mad. And killed those people. My heart feels like its being dragged downwards by an anchor. "The gunman was unfortunately able to flee from the scene before officers arrived. He is described as having dark hair, tall, and wearing a black jacket." They're talking about Joey, of course. The longer I listen, the more the idea solidifies in my mind. I should have died today. Not those innocent people. My thoughts drift back to when the hospital burned, and a few dots connect. How could a fire have started on the 35th floor? A place with no kitchens, no dryers, no mental patients. Someone started it, obviously. It's the only way. And if I'm right, that person was Steven. That fire was meant to kill Percy. And maybe even Jordan and I. So we're responsible for those deaths too. All of the patients. I can feel the weight in my chest grow heavier, threatening to crush me. All of those people are dead because of me. I'm too shocked to cry. It seems impossible; that I could have done this much. The pressure of mass murder is almost too much for one person to handle. Especially when you know it's your fault. Every lost life is like a piece of your soul has been taken. And it's extremely painful. I hear soft footsteps enter the room, and the couch cushions compress as he sits down next to me. I see him out of the corner of my eye. He picks up the remote and turns off the newscast quietly, setting the remote back on the table. I swallow, trying to compose myself. But it's difficult. "Ali, if you hadn't left, you'd be dead." He murmurs, seeming to read my mind. I force myself to look up, eyes red. "But all of those people might not be." He looks at me sadly for a moment. "He probably would've shot them anyways. He was out for blood, and he was going to get it either way." I close my eyes for a moment, leaning on his shoulder and wrapping my arms around him, wanting to feel his closeness. Just for support. He returns the embrace, squeezing me slightly. I pull my feet up onto the couch beside me, curling up beside him. He sighs, leaning back slightly. We are silent for a moment, appreciating the comfort of each other. "I did find a little bit out about them." He says softly, most likely to avoid waking Percy, who we sent to bed early. I try my best to shield him from things like this. I nod, glancing up at him. He blinks, and starts, realizing I'm not going to respond. "From what I could find, they're loosely working with a terrorist organization called the Red Sunset." He says. I scoff, suddenly coming out of my depressive state. Sometimes it's just like that. I snap out of it within seconds. "Nice name." I mumble sarcastically. He grins slightly, but an air of sadness surrounds it. "Stupid name or not, they're dangerous." I nod, blinking away sudden tears that come flowing for no apparent reason. I think my limbic system is probably broken by now. It has no idea when I should be crying and when I shouldn't be. But I suppose I could cry now. The only person who matters to me is in grave danger. Not to mention myself. He wraps a hand around mine, resting it on his chest. "You have to be careful." He whispers, rubbing meaningless patterns on my palm. "Well so do you." I say, and he chuckles a bit. It quickly dies, replaced with the oppressing sadness that pushes in from all sides. It's like a landslide, being held back by a fragile bubble surrounding us. Waiting to shatter, and to let us be crushed by the silence. "It's not me they want. It's you." He says softly, looking down.

I reach up with my other hand, and tilt his chin towards me, blinking. He stares into my eyes for a moment, and I speak "Jordan, if something does happen to me-" He wrinkles his forehead "Don't talk like that." I shake my head firmly. "No. It needs to be said." He goes quiet, accepting what I have to say. "If something does happen to me, I'd like Percy to live with a distant aunt of mine. He needs to grow up with family. So they can tell him about Mom and Dad. I'll write the number down for you tomorrow." He nods, face somber. "And, Jordan, promise me..." I swallow back tears, which arise again, threatening to flow over. "Promise me you'll keep going. Your fans need you. And you can have a life without me." I say, voice shaking. He blinks a few times, and a tear runs down his cheek. It's one of the first times I've seen him cry. "I don't want to keep going without you." He whispers, voice surprisingly strong. I press my lips together, tears starting to well up in my eyes, clouding my vision. "Promise me." I say, almost unable to speak. He looks down, and nods, swallowing. I finally let the tears spill over, feeling a weight lift off my chest. Now I can be sure things will keep going, even if I go.

I just stare into his eyes again, tears running down my cheeks silently. "I love you." I whisper. I have no reservations about saying it. I've known for the longest time. It was just a matter of telling him. And this is the perfect time. My heart flutters slightly as he smiles, shining through the tears. He laughs a bit, happy and sad at the same time. The sunset shines a dim light on his face, glowing slightly red. He rests his forehead against mine, smiling and crying. I breathe in deeply, unable to resist the smile that comes to my face as well. "I love you too." He whispers, like it's the only thing he has left. I laugh also, the joy finding a place to coexist with the weight on my heart. We smile together, and I'm not sure if a stranger combination of emotions has ever existed. He really is perfect. It's a shame that it all might end.

A/N: MY GOD ITS SO SAD AND FEEEEELLLLLLSSSSSS GGAAAAAHHHHH. Ok im sorry. Feels rant over. Lol did you guys catch the irony in that last paragraph? Red sunset? Eh? My English teacher would be proud. Lol, thanks for reading, slap dat vote button, and drop a comment with your feelzy rants!

-Argo