Chapter 6.
I woke up on Monday morning with absolutely no desire to go into work. It was a struggle to get out of bed and get ready to work as a janitor as Sky High. My pride wasn't nearly as invincible now that I knew Lydia worked there as well. It felt strange to have her see me as a trash-boy, even though I was more than happy to add to the list of reasons why she should never try to see me again. But still, it hurt.
Layla, with her usual empathy, detected my mood immediately and did her best to cheer me up that morning. I suffered through her efforts for half an hour and by that time was glad to get out of the house. It was a relief to think I wouldn't have to live with them much longer. My independence was something I needed. Besides that, I felt that staying with them much longer would hurt them somehow as well.
I stuck my hands in my pockets and waited at the corner bus stop along with a couple of gawky teenagers. One was a stick-like girl with blue hair and paper-white skin, the other was a short, chubby boy with tan skin and the beginnings of a mustache. I smirked slightly, thinking that I really didn't miss adolescence at all. It was still strange though to stand there and wait. A sense of déjà vu swept over me.
"You a n-new st-student?" the girl asked, her soft voice rattling over every word.
"He's too old to be a student," the boy said, looking at me with a wary glance, "You a teacher?"
"Janitor," I answered and watched out of the corner of my eyes as they both examined my clothing. Ripped jeans and a leather jacket wasn't exactly a janitorial uniform. I held up the bag I had without looking their way, "My uniform's in here."
"You could be a villain trying to sneak onto campus," the boy said simply, eyes narrowing.
I turned to him and shook my head, "I'm not a villain."
The thin girl glanced at the boy and he nodded. "He's telling the truth." He smiled at me and held out his hand, "Alejandro, I'm a truth-teller."
I grimaced and forced myself to take his hand, pressing harder than need be before letting go. It was just my kind of luck that I'd meet some kid with Knight's ability.
"This is Victoria, she teleports," Alejandro continued, apparently unconcerned that he was talking about supernatural abilities in the middle of Maxville suburbia.
I nodded with an expression that clearly stated my disinterest.
"Wh-where'd y-you get that sc-scar?" Victoria asked, blue eyes fixed on the ground.
"Prison."
"You kill someone?" Alejandro volunteered. I imagined that teachers must love this kid. He wasn't nearly as kind with his abilities as Knight had been.
"Yes."
"You're lying."
"You think you should be interrogating an ex-convict?"
The bus pulled up and I stepped in without another glance at the two students. I showed my id to the driver and sat in the seat behind him. Alejandro jostled to sit behind me but didn't ask anymore questions for the duration of the ride. For that, I was extremely grateful. When the bus landed at Sky High, I sat staring until Alejandro put a hand on mine and spoke.
"What's your name? What's your power?" he asked, dark eyes boring into mine.
I couldn't lie. Somehow- something was forcing me to blurt out the answer without a further thought.
"Warren Peace. Pyrokinesis."
"You related to Lydia Peace- I mean, Mrs. Peace? Cousin or something?"
"I'm her husband."
"No you're not."
"Yeah, I am. You lying about your power?" I tore my hand away and the sudden urge to tell him the truth was gone.
Alejandro looked angry as he got up and shoved past to get off the bus. I watched him go as my mind processed what had happened. Apparently the kid's powers went far past Knight's. It seemed that he'd forced me to tell the truth somehow. The thought made me angry. What right did some chubby kid have to know my business?
I tried to stop thinking about it as I disembarked and walked across the lawn towards the school. Whenever I got angry it gave me an uncomfortable, empty feeling. I could feel the loss of my powers, usually so prevalent whenever I was in such a mood. My thoughts were redirected as I changed into my uniform and found Principal Powers for my list of duties. Luckily, I didn't even get a glimpse of Lydia or Mr. Leopard. The last thing I wanted was another uncomfortable meeting.
Principal Powers soon had me busy mopping some floors, emptying trash bins and dealing with an explosion that some mad science experiment had caused. By mid-morning I found myself near the gym, emptying the overfull trash cans there. A few students glanced at me with curiosity as they entered for their class time. I turned to leave, eager to be gone before the gym teacher appeared.
A hand on my shoulder and a loud voice in my ear assured me I hadn't moved quickly enough. Mr. Hercule- I mean Mr. Leopard, grinned at me.
"Warren!" he bellowed and some students turned to see what was happening. "So your first day of work huh? How's it feel? If you have any problems just let me know, I'd love to help you out however I can."
"Thanks," I managed, remembering our last meeting and the immature attitude I'd had. My fists clenched around the garbage bags I was holding.
"Hey you mind doing me a favor?" he asked suddenly, blue eyes smiling along with his mouth.
I shrugged, "Guess it depends what it is."
"We've been covering different fighting tactics in gym class and we're doing powerless hand-to-hand today. I was hoping to get someone to help me demonstrate. There aren't many teachers around here in the best of shape though if you know what I mean," he laughed and it annoyed me.
"You want to fight me?"
"Well, you know, a friendly sparring match. I'd ask Lydia, she's helped me out before, but she's not around today and I do have a bit of an advantage when it comes to powerless matches," he grinned and pointed to his arm muscles jokingly.
The idea of Lydia and Mr. Leopard sparring set me on edge. I forced myself to smile, mimicking his favorite facial expression.
"I'd love to help." The bags of garbage dropped to the floor.
I followed after Mr. Leopard, through several groups of talking students to the middle of the gym floor. Several blue mats were set out for the matches. Mr. Leopard stood in the middle of those and raised his whistle to his mouth to get the students attention. As they quieted and gathered around I watched my opponent. It was strange to see someone other than Boomer in charge of the class, but there were welcome changes as well. It was nice to see that Mr. Leopard at least had a better idea of what to teach the students. He also had a much better wardrobe. Warm-up pants had replaced Boomer's tube socks and shorts. Of course, there were plenty of girl students who watched Leopard in lovestruck fashion.
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms, hoping this would end as quickly as possible. I had confidence in my own abilities but had no idea what Mr. Leopard's skills might be. He looked built enough and since my powers were gone I couldn't rely on my measure of natural invulnerability.
"Listen up everyone! Gather around, today you get the special privilege of watching a sparring match. Everyone keep your eyes open and you just might learn something."
I could feel kids eyeing my janitor's uniform and giggling. Once again, I was glad that my powers were repressed. This mat might have melted otherwise. Mr. Leopard and I faced each other and bowed before quickly circling. I crouched automatically, moving on the balls of my feet. Mr. Leopard did the same after a lazy moment- obviously not expecting much from me. I was eager to surprise him.
After a few jabs the circle grew tighter. In a moment I was thrown back and then he took to the air with a spinning high-kick that had the girls oohing and ahhing. I dodged- just in time and saw my opening. He landed and had his feet knocked out from under him with a spinning ground-kick. I was on him in a moment and we were rolling on the ground a minute before actually tearing apart. I was satisfied to see he had a bloody nose though I had a split lip myself to show for it. The period bell rang and we both relaxed. Mr. Leopard shouted some thing to the students as they escaped.
"Sorry, forgot to tell you we have an extra short class time for them today," James said, panting slightly. He touched his nose, "You definitely have a nice hit."
"You ever stop smiling?" I muttered before I could stop myself.
"No," he laughed and offered me a hand up. "So, you going to the cemetery today?"
I must have looked confused, "Cemetery?"
"I thought- since that's where Lydia is today…thought you might be going too."
"Why is she going there?"
James ran a hand through his blonde hair, looking curious now, "Well you know- it's the anniversary."
"Of?"
"Her dad's death. He passed away four years ago. I thought you would've known."
I nodded slowly. "I knew he'd die…"
"Pardon me?"
"Nothing," I responded quickly and shook my head, "I should finish up with the garbage."
"Thanks for your help!" he called after.
I took the bags out of the gymnasium, shouldering through the crowd of students who were switching classes. I hadn't thought about Mr. Stevens for a while now. It'd been a given that he'd be dead when I got out of prison, but the actuality of his death was a lot harder to accept. I dumped the trash bags and made my way outside. My head was pounding.
"I can't do this to you Warren. I can't do this to Lydia," Harold said, grabbing hold of my arm. "Don't do this."
"What about Emma?" I had responded, thinking of my red-eyed niece, "She needs her dad- and Shyla?"
"I can't be selfish like that."
"You're dying," I added seriously, trying my best to stare him down. I wrested from his grip, "You want to die in prison? That's what'll happen."
"You'll be a villain in everyone's eyes. What if Lydi-"
"Lydia needs you too- as long as you'll be around." I put my hand on my father-in-law's shoulder, "Let me do this."
"You done with the trash already?" Principal Powers asked, her voice breaking my reverie. She paused in front of the doors waiting for my reply.
"Yeah," I passed a hand over my forehead and looked over at her.
"You need to leave early?"
"That ok?" I asked in a surprised tone of voice.
"Sure- there's an early bus going out in about ten minutes. I'm sure you have other things to do today."
I managed a small smile and nodded, "Thanks," I offered before she disappeared through the doors.
"Cemetery huh?" I said to myself and pushed off the wall.
