Program: Superhuman *ON HOLD*

Chapter 14: The Days Keep Getting Stranger and Stranger

    Uncle Forge listened intently to Arden retelling the story of what we had discussed that morning. I barely paid attention, too wrapped up in my own thoughts. I hugged my stomach, feeling every bounce and bump in the road as we drove through the city in Uncle Forge’s old truck. It was exactly as I remembered, if only a little older: fast food trash littered the floor and dashboard, the smell of old leather lingered in the air, and the ride was anything but smooth. Leaning against the window, I just wished the journey would be over soon.

    Truth was, though, that drive in the truck gave me some time to think. We left pretty much the moment after Uncle Forge’s and my talk was over. A disappointed Macy said goodbye, then asked us to come over the next day so she could analyze my powers again. I didn’t give any promises. Gale and Caspar just gave waves and went back to work. And so that brought us to the point in which we entered the truck.

    Uncle Forge insisted on hearing the full story of our deranged theories, considering we had only gave him a brief once-over earlier. I let Arden take charge. He didn’t seem to mind. I think that ever since my powers were revealed, Uncle Forge had been paying more attention to me than him. I didn’t want to take away the privilege of being with our uncle away from him. So I let him take the spotlight. It gave me time to collect my thoughts.

    For example, something that had been bothering me was what did Uncle Forge and Gale want me to do with my powers? They already said that they just wanted me to be able to control them first, to make sure all those surrounding were safe. From me. And to make sure I was safe. But was that the end? What would happen after that? Would I become like Caspar? A… superhero?

    The idea made a shiver of excitement and nervousness run up my spine. I mean, come on. Every kid dreams of being something when they grow old: whether it be a princess, a secret agent, or an astronaut, a superhero is most likely gonna be high on that list. But did I even want to be one?

    I envisioned Batman defeating his enemies. But I was nowhere near his level of expertise. He could practically do anything – and he was just an ordinary human. And, yet, there was something about his adventures that kept me from leaping at the chance of becoming a hero. Well, more than just one thing. The constant need for secrets. The whole secret identity thing. The grittiness and darkness.

    I could never live a life like that. But, then again, not every hero was like that. Look at Superman, for instance. Okay, sure, he was always covering his tracks with secrets and though his secret identity was a whole lot less cool than the Batman’s, he still had a bright aura around him. He smiled. Like, all the time. If I ever became a hero, I would want to be like that. Not someone who stroke fear in the hearts of her enemies… but gave hope to the normal citizens around.

    “So what was your morning with Junior like, Willow?”

    “Huh?” I asked, straightening. I rubbed my eyes to wake myself up a bit, then turned my attention back to my uncle. He repeated his question. I slumped. “Oh. It was okay.”

    “Did he remember anything?”

    At first, I was confused at why Uncle Forge would ask such a random question, but then remembered my ordeal with Junior the day before. “He didn’t seem to. But I don’t know. It could have all just been an act.”

    “What did you do?”

    I wasn’t too keen on telling my uncle and brother about how much fun I had with running around with the rich brat and his gorgeous horse, but I still had to tell the story. So I did. Except for a few details. I left out the part of where Junior tumbled in the grass and pretended to be unconscious, mainly because I didn’t want them to know how concerned I had felt at the time. I also left out how Junior was flashing his abs at the start with that unbuttoned shirt. Ugh, having them know I was hanging out with him was enough, but to have them know that I also noticed his abs? Embarrassing, much?