by Rey, Solomon
“I’m listening,” he said without contempt.
“Well, how about taking Chromosome ‘S’ and all your research and putting it somewhere safe. When you’re done with Olivia’s test and ready to announce the existence of the serum to the world, then retrieve it.”
He thought about her suggestion, which definitely had merit. During the years at UC Santa Cruz, he’d seen many times corporate spies or even the government steal research from unsuspecting individuals. Why would he be any different? Secrets remain secrets only when lips remain sealed. He’d already told four people; three of them, he trusted with his life. The other he trusted, but there was always that chance. Then there was Olivia. He knew she’d never tell a soul, but she’ already exposed her talents. What if Sheila hadn’t been unconscious? Would she still save her life, even if it meant revealing her secret? Of course she would and he would expect her to. He would be disappointed in her if she didn’t. She had never let him down before and he didn’t think she’d start now.
Donna’s idea was good, but not complete. What would happen if corporate thugs showed up and they couldn’t locate the serum? They would most likely torture them until they handed it over. He knew what needed to be done, sharing his plan with No one.
“I understand your concern, but as I said before, I trust everyone that I’ve told, but there may come a time when I take your suggestion,” he tried to be as polite as possible. She was not offended.
* * *
“Now let’s see how fast you are,” Derek said.
“Okay, how should we do that?”
“Let’s pace a quarter mile, I think we have enough space.”
“Well, 440 yards is a quarter of a mile,” she said.
“How did you know that?” He asked surprised.
“My Dad ran track in high school and college. He’s bored me many times with his stories,” she laughed.
“You stay here and I’ll walk it off,” he said, turning, taking long strides. She waited patiently. She picked up a good sized rock and tossed it into the air, watching it climb and climb till it sailed out of sight. A half grin emerged.
“Okay!” He yelled through his hands.
“You don’t have to yell, remember,” she shouted.
“Oh yeah! Sorry,” he said, lowering his voice.
He set his electronic timex watch to stop-watch mode. He looked up at her, “I’ll count to three, when I say three−run as fast as you can, got it?”
“Yeah, I got it!” She shouted, “It’s really not that difficult!” She dropped to a sprinter’s stance, which she’d learned from watching the Olympics.
He ignored her comment, he glanced at her, making sure she was ready. He checked his fingers, as ensuring they were in their proper position. “One…two…three.” He pushed the button. All he saw was a blur. For Olivia—everything whizzed by her lightning fast. Derek hit the button as she passed him.
He was nearly in shock. Seeing someone travelling that fast on their own two legs can be an awakening−a realization as to how weak and fragile the human race really is.
She was smiling from ear-to-ear, looking as though she had slept with a Frisbee in her mouth. She knew she had run fast, but she had no concept of how fast. Her hair was a
mess. The wind had tossed it, twisted it, and twirled it. “So, how’d I do?” She asked excitedly. She wasn’t breathing hard.
“You’re kidding, right?” He said sarcastically. “Oh, and a little tip: When you run, you might want to keep your mouth shut.”
“What are you talking about?” She asked confused.
“You have a couple of flies in your teeth,” he laughed uncontrollably.
“What?” She felt her teeth with her tongue, “Ewwww!” She shouted as she picked the bugs out. “Are they gone?”
He looked carefully, “Yeah, you got em,” still laughing.
“Okay, so how’d I do?”
“Was that really the best you could do?” He asked with a serious look on his face. A smile materialized.
“Stop messing with me! What was my time?” She asked eagerly.
“Ten seconds!” He yelled, “You friggin ran a quarter of a mile in ten seconds. I can’t believe it,” he was more excited than she.
“How fast is that in miles-an-hour,” she asked. They scribbled the math in the dirt. “Holy cow!” she exclaimed. “Oh my God!” They stared at each other in disbelief.
“You ran 90 miles an hour. Wow!” He exclaimed, “I mean…you’re no Flash, but it will do.”
“Shut up with the comic book stuff, already. This is real.”
“Okay, okay.” “Let’s go tell them,” he suggested.
“Yeah, they aren’t going to believe this,” she said.
“One more test…carry me on your back as you run your fastest.”
“What if you get hurt?”
“I won’t,” he assured her.
“I don’t know,” she said, “Are you sure your ribs can handle it?”
“Yeah…I’m good.”
“Okay, hop on.”
He put his arms around her neck, as he held on to his legs on her sides. “Are you ready?” she asked.
“I feel like Yoda on Luke Skywalker’s back,” he chuckled.
“Are you ready?” She asked again, curtly as she rolled her eyes.
“Yeah…go.” The ride was almost over before it started, to Derek’s disappointment.
“How was that?” She asked releasing his legs.
“Pretty cool!”
* * *.
The rest of the afternoon hurtled by. Olivia and Derek filled their parents in on the details of their informal experiments. They enjoyed the animated expressions Richard and Donna made hearing the particulars. Richard was very impressed, logging the information.
They announced their plans to go on their first date, receiving a positive reaction from the kids, being that they directly were responsible for their ‘Love Connection.’
Derek was Derek, which meant he had a joke or wisecrack at the ready.
* * *
Richard sat nervously on the couch as he waited for Donna. He quickly tapped his feet as he blankly watched the t.v., thinking of his date with Donna. He wasn’t nervous about being alone with her, he’d grown out of that in his teens. His concerns were making the night perfect for Donna. The right restaurant with the precise ambience was essential for making the night as romantic as possible. A small, mom and pop Italian restaurant was the perfect place to take a date, whether it was the first date or fiftieth wedding anniversary. He planned a romantic dinner, then a picturesque walk through Mingus Park, hand in hand, via the beautiful Japanese garden, where Koi of many colors swim silently.
Donna wore a simple sundress with off-white mid-heeled shoes and an elegant string of pearls around her neck with earrings to match. Her raven hair cascaded down her back with the sides pinned up with a small banana clip exposing her ears. She was not overly dressed, proving the old cliché−‘less is more’.
Olivia watched Donna apply her make-up, and admiring the way she handled the brush, like an artist. She hoped Donna would teach her someday, but right now would not be the best time−tonight was Donna’s night.
Derek came in from throwing out the trash, rinsing his hands off as he watched Richard twitch and squirm. He noted Richard was clean shaven, looking sharp with a long sleeved, white buttoned down shirt and black dress pants. The Grey Flannel he wore reached Derek’s nose, pleasing his olfactory sense.
It was evident to Derek that Richard was nervous; he decided to have some fun.
“Hi,” Derek said, sitting across from him, “You excited about the big date?” Derek suppressed a smile.
“I am really looking forward to it,” he said, “I hope she enjoys tonight.”
“Well Richard, you’ve known my Mom for a long time, so I feel I need to ask you a question.”
This intrigued Richard. He anticipated something funny or silly from Derek, so he decided to play alon
g. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “Really. What is it, Derek?”
* * *
“Do you know where my Dad is taking you?” She asked as she snacked on Cornnuts.
“No, he wouldn’t tell me,” Donna said, straightening her dress and adjusting her breasts so they lay comfortably in her bra.
“I’m sure it will be someplace nice,” Olivia assured her, tossing a few Cornnuts in her mouth.
“Well, there aren’t too many nice places in Coos Bay.”
“Well, maybe he’s taking you to Bandon…or maybe Eugene or Roseburg.”
“I don’t know,” she said combing her lashes with the mascara brush, “I really don’t care where he takes me; I just want to enjoy the time with your Dad.”
“Well, I’m−“Olivia froze and listened intently.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Derek,” Olivia reported.
“Uh-oh, what’s he up to?”
“He’s messing with my Dad,” she said defensively.
“Really?” Donna said with a half grin, “You can hear that…clearly?”
“Yeah, it’s really cool,” she said, “I’d better stop him.”
* * *
“Well, since I am the man of the house, I wanted to find out what are your intentions with my Mom?”
Richard chuckled as his eyebrows arched. Derek amused him; he appreciated his sense of humor, which often was intelligent and witty.
He began to answer.
* * *
Olivia placed a single Cornnut in her hand, “I’ll be right back,” she said with a smirk.
Her father could handle himself, which she knew, but this afforded her the opportunity to mess with Derek.
She zoomed out of the room and down the hall, coming into Richard’s view. Once again, everything slowed for Olivia—she eyed Derek, took aim and chucked the Cornnut at his head. Not too hard, but hard enough to cause him to rub his forehead and yell, “Owww! What the hell!?”
“Stop messing with my Dad!” She shouted and dashed back to Donna’s side.
“Was that Derek I heard yell?” Donna querrried.
“Yeah, I pegged him in the forehead with a Cornnut.”
“Did you enjoy yourself?” She smiled as she sprayed perfume on. Derek and Olivia’s relationship was based on checks and balances. Whenever Derek needed to be checked, Olivia would do something to balance him out.
“More than you know!” She laughed.
* * *
Derek continued to massage his head. Damn, he thought friggin’ girl is everywhere.
Richard suppressed a laugh, “So what was the question again?”
“Never mind,” Derek said, “I seem to have forgotten. Apparently, it was knocked out of my head.”
“What are you guys going to do while we are gone?”
“I think we’ll watch some movies or some episodes of “Teenwolf.”
“Sounds fun,” Richard said, “Just behave yourselves, okay!”
“We will.”
“Take care of your ribs, don’t play around and aggravate them.”
“I won’t, but you better be careful with that cast. I can see it now, you mean to brush her hair from her face, but instead you knock her out.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, I don’t think she’d appreciate that,” Richard smirked.
“How late will you guys be out?” Derek asked.
“I’d guess between 10:30 and 11:00.”
Donna and Olivia entered the room. Richard’s eyes widened with delight, taking in every ounce of her beauty. He knew she was beautiful, admired her for it and the way she dressed, but this was totally different. This time she was looking sexy and gorgeous for him, like a gift-wrapped present, sitting under the Christmas tree.
Olivia and Derek’s heads pivoted between the two adults.
Richard’s positive reaction made her feel desirable, sexy and unique. Most women want to fell as though they are one of a kind, at least in the eyes of the man they love; to believe that no other could shine as brightly as she. No man had ever made her feel like that until now.
The kids smiled at each other.
“How do I look?” Donna asked
“Very pretty, Mom!”
“Richard?”
He wanted to say the perfect words; to express how he was truly feeling. He knew pages and pages of quotes, passages from century old poems, but his memory failed him. The words that pierced his mind and forced their way on to his tongue: “Your beauty ignites a fire deep within my heart.”
Donna and Olivia’s mouths nearly fell open. Derek was too stunned to make a wisecrack.
Donna knew his words were sincere and they had succeeded in melting her heart. She hadn’t been expecting him to say anything similar to that. She was assuming he’d recite one of the normal retorts like: ‘you look great’ or ‘you look so beautiful’.
Donna and Richard’s eyes were locked on each other neither wanting to break the silence.
“I hate to ruin this ‘Kodak moment,’ but don’t you guys have dinner plans?” Derek said.
This snapped them out of their trance-like state.
“Uh…,” Richard cleared his throat, “Yeah, we should be going.”
“You guys behave now!” Donna said.
Derek and Olivia gave hugs and kisses as their parents headed out the door. The kids closed the door, then plopped down on the couch.
CHAPTER XXIV
“Finally! Some peace and quiet, Derek said jokingly. Some peace and quiet, Derek said jokingly.
“Wow!” Olivia sighed.
“What?”
“Wasn’t that sooo romantic?” She said dreamily.
“There’s this really old saying I heard once. I think it’s perfect,” he said seriously.
“What’s that?”
“Gag me with a spoon,” he said chuckling, “It makes me want to upchuck.”
“You’re an emotionally retarded dork,” Olivia said, “So what do you want to do?”
“I wanted to ask you a couple of questions that have been on my mind,” he said seriously.
“What about?” She asked curiously.
“Your new abilities.”
“Sure,” she said turning toward him, putting one knee on the couch, “Go ahead.”
“What does it feel like?”
“It feels awesome,” she said, matter-of-factly.
“Well, duh!” He said sarcastically, “I mean, do you feel energy pass through your body or what?”
“Oh…I feel more alive! Almost…it’s like I’m aware of every cell in my body, everything around me, and yeah, when I use my abilities I feel this incredible, almost overwhelming surge of energy pass through me. I would assume it’s adrenaline.”
“Cool,” he replied, “Okay, one more question.” He became very grave, more serious than she’d seen him, making it evident to Olivia that the question was difficult for him to ask.
“Okay,” she said softly, apprehensively. He was beginning to worry her.
“I don’t know if I should,” he said nervously.
“Derek, we’re best friends. You can talk to me about anything.”
“Anything?”
“Of course,” Olivia’s face held a worried look, “Please, just say it.”
“You sure?”
“Yes,” she stressed the word.
“Okay,” he paused, “Well, everything you do now exceeds what a normal person can do, right?” He asked.
“Yeah,” She didn’t know where he was going with this.
“I mean…basically…anything you do is super, right?”
“Yeah…what’s the question?” She asked with a hint of annoyance.
“Well, when you fart does it blow a hole in your panties?” He still wore a serious look.
Olivia grabbed a pillow next to her and slammed it into his face, aware at all times of her strength. “You’re messed up!” She laughed.
“It’s a legitimate question…so do
you, like, need industrial-strength reinforced panties or what?” He laughed hysterically, “Owwww!” He said holding his ribs. The pain was worth it.
“That’s what you get!” He continued laughing.
“Hey, these are questions no one ever asks Superman.”
“Oh my God…Stop it!” She repressed laughter.
“I’m sure he rips some loud ones. I bet when people hear thunder in Metropolis, it’s not always thunder.”
She couldn’t hold it back any longer. They laughed till they cried. It was a great feeling for both. Each realizing that regardless of what changes they may face, they would remain best friends forever.
“What do you want to do, now?” She asked still giggling.
He thought for a moment, “How much money do you have?”
“I don’t know…maybe twenty dollars.”
He smiled a devilish grin at Olivia.
“What” She asked apprehensively.
“You want to go to DQ?” He asked.
“What…that’s four miles away!”
He stared at her, “That’s only three minutes for you.”
“What if someone sees us?”
“Didn’t you buy some black sweats?”
“No, more like tights to wear for the tests.”
“Did you buy a black top?”
“I bought a hoodie.”
“Perfect!” He said, “I have black jeans and black tee. No one will see us because it’s dark. We could be there in about three minutes; I’ll get the food while you hide out. We’ll eat, then be back here within twenty…thirty-five minutes,” She listened to his logic and she knew she should say no, but it sounded fun, plus she could really go for some DQ.
“Let’s do it!” She said excitedly.
They shuffled to their rooms, he changed in minutes. He knocked on her door, “You almost ready?” Derek asked.
“What are you knocking for? Come in!” She said, desperately looking for her clothes. He entered her room, only to be shocked by what he saw. She was in her bra and panties. He quickly turned away. “What are you doing? Get over here and help me find my clothes.”