The Unconventional Hero

7) Supers are Stalkers

Chapter Seven:

My joints are sore and the crick in my neck is intensified when I finally get up in the morning.

"Urgh," I mumbled.

The living room? Oh, right. Carmen and I fell asleep and she stayed over last night.

Groaning, I rolled over and threw the cover off of me. Surprisingly, it's still pretty much dark outside. Only hints of sunlight peeked through as the sun slowly rises. Well that's a first. Usually I'm always asleep until I have to get up. Emphasize the 'have to'.

Quietly padding over, I reach for my phone as I cross over to the kitchen. After settling in I check the time.

6:38 am.

Huh.

After grabbing a quick breakfast, I remember Carmen's still here. I was going to wake her up, but it was so early and I didn't have the heart to wake her up. However, I was curious if my dad was awake, or here at all.

Slowly, I made my way up the stairs, making sure not to make any loud sounds.

Creaking the bedroom door open a little and...

...he's not here. Tell me why I'm not surprised? Sighing a little, I make my way back downstairs and write a little note on some loose paper to my dad.

Hey dad I'm gonna go out for a little while. Carmen's probably still asleep in my room — don't worry, I slept on the couch. Anyways, I'm gonna go out for a walk so if I'm not here you'll know why.

— Elias

After the quick note, I decide to text Carmen, letting her know I was outside and she could leave anytime she wanted to. Of course, she wouldnt open it now, but when she woke up she'd definitely check her phone.

Swiping at the dry sleep in my eyes, I sneak back into my room for a change of clothes and change in the bathroom down the hallway. I smile at the sight of Carmen lying across the bed, snoring loudly. Half of her body is falling off the bed and the other half is sprawled out like a starfish. I smother a laugh and help her get back into the middle of the bed, thanks to my powers.

After attempting to style my hair and grabbing my wallet, phone and keys, I make my way outside, locking the door.

The sun's risen a little more, but for the most part, it's still pretty dark. It's so silent and peaceful outside, so I take my time walking down the street. Normally I'd take my car with me, but seeing as I had no fixed destination, I quietly stroll down the pavement.

After maybe twelve minutes of mindless walking, I come across a park. Actually, calling it a park would be a little too generous.

It was mostly an open field of tall grass and flowers, with a dirt pathway for bikers and joggers. Stray benches were placed where the grass was significantly mowed, and a worn down swingset was set infront of a few benches that were gathered together. There were a few trees placed around, but none taller than the lamp posts placed near each bench.

I smiled. I've come to this park enough times to know no one came until late into the afternoon, other than the few stray dog owners and parents that tugged their children out for some sunlight.

After settling down on one of the worn swing sets, I kicked off and built up the momentum until I was swinging moderately fast enough.

With the sun rising and the quiet, peacefulness of the morning, I closed my eyes and smile as I swing back and forth. I stopped kicking and let the swing move by itself.