by Harry Roldan
“You know how to keep a guy waiting,” Mr. Wonderful said from a corner.
“I’m a respectable girl, that loves to keep guys wanting more. How is Wigs? I hope that was you that saved his ass. That’s what Pearly said to me.”
“Yes, it was. I’m glad you created that diversion so I could swoop in and save his ass. You are ballsy, I have to admit that,” Mr. Wonderful complimented.
“Well, I can’t say the same about you since you are always running around in the shadows. I’ll lend you mine if you want.”
“Luna, keep them. Yours are big enough for the both of us.”
“What’s going on? I need answers now. I feel like we do this every other night. If you are trying to date me this is not the proper way to pursue me, just letting you know.” I responded.
“Well, first things first. Wigs is safe and his tracker has been removed. If it wasn’t for you he would have been dead.”
“Well, yeah, of course, I gave you a way in without being detected, at least not by many…”
“No, not because of that. I would have got him out of there without a problem regardless. Letting him live causes complications. Your dedication to not letting him die is what I meant. He is another part of this war, another statistic. But you want to try and save everyone…”
“This world has seen meaningless death! Maybe if someone stood up for what is right we as a society will not make the same mistake as we have done in the past!”
“And you are the one to protect everyone?” Mr. Wonderful prodded.
“No, but I’m bad ass enough to attempt it. But I think I’m rubbing off on you. You saved Wigs. You could have made an excuse and just let him die or let the British Bitch do what ever she was going to do to him,” I retaliated.
“She was there to kill him. And clean up the mess that was made by him being in the hospital. His blood flows with serum. The blood results would have been different from any other human being. The doctors would have probably kept him for testing if nothing was done to try and kill him.”
“You see these are the answers that I’m looking for. I’m glad you learned how to give more direct answers. It is about time, I say.”
“We are running out of time. If they catch you I’m afraid it is over.”
“I spoke too soon. Here we go with the riddles again. What does that mean?”
“You haven’t figured it out? You are the key! They want to create a super human solider!”
“Who are they?!? These goons that I have given nick names to and are following me? I don’t know who they are!” I was exhausted. I really needed sleep.
“These are the same people that helped start the war. They want to control the world. They do not want a free world. They want power and control. In order to obtain that they need to create a perfect solider; a super solider.”
“Ok, so what does that have to do with me?”
“Sometimes I would love to knock some sense into you.”
“And I would love to see you try,” I said. He probably could, but I didn’t feel like letting my guard down.
“You have that power. The power they are trying figure out. They are testing all these people and they are dying. But you…you have had it all along. It hasn’t attacked your immune system. They will run tests on you until they can find out where they went wrong. And if they kill you in the process then so be it.”
“Wow, Debbie downer, aren’t you. They aren’t going to catch me. Plus, what is this power you speak of? I haven’t really done anything extronidary.” I lied.
“Oh really? Yazmin told me everything. How you took down Nikko without a problem.”
“His name matches his gossiping ways. He couldn’t wait to tell you that, huh? And by the way, he sucks at his job. I’m the one protecting his ass.” I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest.
“Trust me he is good at what he does.”
“Yeah, I know, being a blabber mouth.”
“Well, everyone I choose for my team is good at what they do,” he said cryptically.
“What do you mean? You have more than just Pearly working for you?” This was interesting news to hear.
“Of course. Trying to save the world is hard by ones self.”
“You are doing a horrible job trying to save the world. Just an observation. Letting me get into so much trouble, and almost letting Wigs die twice. You may want to have someone else take over.”
“Sooner or later it will be you!”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.”
“They will catch you. It is just a matter of time. They know who your friends are, and they know you are loyal to them. They know that you would do anything to keep them safe. It is just a matter of time, Luna.” Mr. Wonderful sounded concerned, and he was right. They now knew who Shy was, and they would probably try to kidnap her like they kidnapped Wigs! This couldn’t be happening right now. I didn’t even think about it that way until now!
“What do we do then? And don’t say let her die. Because that is getting old. How about we think good thoughts?”
“When I first met you I didn’t think your bad ass would have a heart, yet it seems to me that you have a big old heart in you. Since that is the case we must train you in how to use your powers and quickly. Especially since they will come every which way now to get at you, and you need to learn how to defend yourself.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about me and training. I call the whooping on that guy Nikko pay back. Nothing else. I don’t have any power!”
“You do, Luna, and you will learn how to use it. I will let you know when your first session will be. Well, Yazmin will. In the mean time keep a low profile. Wigs is in good care with me at my place. They will not track him at all, and here. Take this.” Mr. Wonderful extended his gloved hand. He held a piece a paper.
“What is this? A note to get me out of school?” I asked playfully.
“Well, you are close. Maybe you are a lot brighter than I give you credit for.”
“I got looks and I got the brains,” Even thought I wasn’t too confident in my looks, and my brains for that matter.
“That is a doctors note from Dr. Taylor. She wrote it up before I took Wigs,” Mr. Wonderful replied. I sensed him smirking in the shadows knowing full well I was going to ask this question.
“How did you get this from her?”
“Luna, I told you! I have picked my team wisely. Even though some of them do not know each other.” Mr. Wonderful said. That explained why Pearly didn’t know the doctor. “She also was the decoy to help you escape. So if you ever run into her be nice. Ok?”
“That is all I know how to do,” I replied playfully.
“Anyways, that is a note to get your buddy off the hook with Billy. He isn’t going to be in for a few days until he recovers. I’m hoping that the serum that was injected into him will help him heal a lot faster than a normal person, but I haven’t seen anything like that yet.”
“Trust me if he can milk this injury then he will. And when he gets back he will not be able to shut up how he got shot and survived. He is probably going to try and make a rap video. Speaking about my buddy, have you found anything remotely close to a cure yet?” No response. He didn’t do this to me again. “Mr. Wonderful? You better be there or I’m gonna kick your ass.”
“No not yet.” He responded. “I love doing that to you.”
“Your gonna love a fist in the mouth if you keep it up.”
“As much as I would love that, I must leave now. Things to do and people to try and save because of you.”
“I’m glad that I could make you a better person.” I smirked. “So when will you let me know about the training crap?” I questioned and there was no answer. I kind of knew that he wasn’t going to stick around. I turned around and made my way out of the alleyway, and this was the first time I would leave this alleyway without any drama. The lack of sleep was really getting to me. I looked at my watch. It read 3 a.m. If I got home
in the next half hour I could actually try to sleep up to three hours, and then head to work.
I was walking for around ten minutes when I heard the foot steps behind me. There was no one that I saw when I left the alleyway, so this person must have been in the dark. Sneaky bastard. I did the tie the sneaker move again. The person kept walking. There was no knot in my stomach so there couldn’t be any danger. I sensed the person creeping closer and closer. Even thought there wasn’t a knot in my stomach, my pulse was racing. I just wanted a peaceful night. Oh well. I spun around, with my fist ready to hit someone only to see Shy right in front of me.
“You could get killed doing something like that!” I yelped.
“Oh but you can’t get killed running into dark alleyways, and talking to crazy guys in the dark?” She retorted angrily. She did have a point.
“You know I love to live dangerously, and you have known me to pick up some bad boys from time to time.” How much of the conversation had she heard? Hopefully not much.
“I heard everything!” Well at least she didn’t leave me guessing.
“Well that guy is just crazy. I just met him the other day, and he is trying to impress me. That’s all.” I shrugged.
“Luna, what is going on! I want to know. That guy said that I may be in danger because I know you.” She wasn’t going to back down from this. Damn it, but I was going to try my hardest to avoid this conversation.
“Like I said that guy is just crazy. That is why I just visit him at night and in that smelly alleyway.” All of a sudden I sensed Mr. Wonderful watching us, and I knew he was enjoying this. What a jerk.
“I would believe that, if we weren’t attacked by people with guns, and have that British Bitch try to shoot you…”
“You call her that too! We have something else in common.”
“Luna! You also pulled some ninja moves that I didn’t think I could see coming from you. What is going on, Luna! I want to know, and I want to know now!”
“Did I tell you that you look great today?” She wasn’t going to drop it. She was as stubborn as I was, maybe even more. She gave me that Shy scowl. “I liked you more when we first met. There was that new friendship smell. You are just as stubborn as I am.”
“I’m glad that you realize there is no way out of this conversation.”
“Drinks on me this Friday at Jnco” I said with one final attempt to try to tempt her not to ask questions, because I had a feeling that she didn’t want to now the answers.
“Yea, literally. That is if you don’t start flapping your lips.”
“Fine, you know wet and sticky isn’t my style, but lets get to my place. I don’t want to be out in the open.” Tonight had went well. No one trying to shoot me, kidnap me or kill me. I wanted to keep it that way.
We arrived at my place a little past three thirty. Shy was about to sit on the couch, but I wasn’t ready. The hurt still lingered after my couch was violated a few nights back by Dee and her “The One” tool. We sat on the stools in the kitchen.
“You look tired. And we probably have a tons of work to do at work since Wigs won’t be there due to his accident with the law. We should go to bed.” Why couldn’t I just tell her? I trusted Shy with my life.
“Girl, I seen you whoop some guys ass, but don’t think that I won’t take you out.”
“Feisty this morning. You running on all bitchy cylinders today, huh? But I guess I can get you started. Where to start?” I sighed. I really didn’t want to talk about this. Living it was bad enough.
“From the beginning.”
“Well it was dark and stormy night…” I started. Shy reached over and pinched my arm.
“Well, it was a dark night. I think it was a little stormy so I am not being overly dramatic , but anyways…” And I started. Shy hung on every word I said. Even though if someone were to be saying these things to me I would have said two magic words: Bull and Shit. As I was telling her the events within the past two weeks I couldn’t believe it myself. When I started to tell her about Wigs I could see tears trying to escape her eyes, but she jailed them back in. Wigs was a douche a lot of the times, but he had our backs when we needed him. He would like to have us on our backs occasionally, but we denied him of that.
“So, where does that leave you?” She asked after taking a moment to digest my wonderful adventure.
“I don’t know. Scared out of my damn mind, I guess.”
“And you really think you have some special abilities? I mean, that is far fetched, but the way I saw you move, I don’t what to believe. I mean, I still don’t believe it. You may just be that damn good. But some of the things you said do add up. I mean Wigs getting shot. And I did see Wigs lift that man up without a problem, and he is a weak ass.” Shy was trying to focus on the believable parts of what I’d said, so that she could allow herself to believe everything I said. I wouldn’t blame her if she’d wanted to run out the door screaming like a raging lunatic, but there she sat.
“I appreciate it.”
“What?” She looked startled and confused as she replied.
“Not calling the crazy hospital and trying to admit me.” I smiled. She smiled in return. I’m scared. Really scared. I don’t know if you believe me or not. But, I can’t run forever, you know?” This was the first time I’d admitted my fears. I mean Wigs knew I was scared the night he saved me, but this is different. I wasn’t only scared for me. I was scared for everybody. People could die because of me.
“You will figure something out. You say this Mr. Wonderful is a good guy. He has to come through, right?” Shy tried to sound hopeful, but she wasn’t too confident. I wasn’t either. I didn’t know anything about that man, and he was fine with having some casualties.
“I’m just going to try and sleep for an half hour or so, then off to work. You can borrow some of my clothes. I mean you are taller but you should be able to fit into some thing I’ve got. I would offer you Dee’s but I don’t think you want to go slutty today.” I replied. Shy smiled at me.
“Don’t worry, girl, try to get some rest and we will deal with the clothing when you wake up.” Shy hugged me, and I held her hard. I felt I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. I really didn’t know what to do, but I guessed time would tell that. I let her go, and I went into my room. When I put my head on my pillow I cried. Yeah, it seems that I have been crying a lot, but I’m a girl so I am entitled to it once and a while. I closed my eyes, hoping that when I woke up this would all be a bad dream and everything would be back to the way I wanted it to be.
-4-
Public Affair
I awoke about an hour after I fell asleep. Shy was in my room with a towel draped over her.
“Hey girl, sorry to barge in here butt naked almost.” She said almost blushing.
“Don’t worry it is like having Dee here, but you are wearing a towel.” I said. Shy smiled. I helped her pick out an outfit and we were off to work a little early since Shy didn’t have a bike. We both walked with me walking my bike of course. The big question of this day was: what was in store for me, I guess I should say us, since Shy is involved in this since they know what she looks like and that she is my friend. On the way to work I was always looking behind me to make sure we were not being followed. I looked so paranoid, and Shy noticed. She didn’t say anything probably because she had witnessed what these people were capable of so maybe my paranoia was well placed.
I walked into work early for the second straight day. People that noticed were probably thinking that I was kissing Billy’s ass. My problems just kept stacking up. At least this problem could solve itself with a swift kick to Billy’s ass, but I didn’t want to dirty my nice sneakers.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Miss humanitarian herself. How convenient that you save an old lady on your first day of probation! You know the whole old lady excuse is getting old.” Billy said pestering me before I was even on the clock.
“Well, if you keep it up, it is gonna be an old man as my next e
xcuse,” I replied.
“Keep it up, missy, and this old man is going to fire your behind,” he replied. Bill wasn’t that old. He had to be in his fifties, but that was old to me. “And tell your felon friend to pack up his things once he is out of the hospital. He is fired!” Well I guess the doctor’s note was not going to come in handy, but I’d keep it. Just in case.
“What? No speech?” Come on, Billy, you know how long you have wanted to give that speech to him.” Wigs was fired, since British Bitch and her gang of misfits had produced id’s that looked like they were law enforcement. I was lucky I wasn’t getting fired to.
“You are well on your way to joining him on the red carpet,” Billy added.
“I will make sure that I’ll dress for the occasion.”
“Billy, cut her some slack. She isn’t even on the clock yet and you are firing her.” Shy attempted to break the bickering up.
“Yeah if you have any thing else to say contact my lawyer.” I said as I pointed to Shy and walked past the locker area, where there was a mini fridge. I deposited fifty cents and the door of the fridge opened. I took out a bottled water and sat in the lobby area of my wonderful place of work.
“Girl, everything will be ok. You know that, right?” Shy asked as she got her own water bottle.
“I don’t know that. I don’t know what I’m up against,” I responded exasperated.
“Well, girl, from the looks of it, maybe they don’t know what they are up against either. You did whoop a full grown man ass, last night. With a gun I might add.”
“I get bonus points cause he had the gun.” I smiled.
“Well, I could have handled it, but you beat me to him.” Shy shoved me playfully. Maybe she did have a point. Even though they think I possess some type of power they didn’t know what type of power. Well, I didn’t know either.
“Hey! Look it’s Wigs!” I heard someone say. Then I heard it. The television. Yeah, another thing that gets regular broadcasts is the news, and for some reason they never share good news, only bad.