Shadow Stalker - Advent of a Hero
Part 7 – the Date, Part 1
The phone rang. Danny muted the TV, got up from the sofa and went into the kitchen.
"Hebert residence, Danny speaking."
"Hi, Mr Hebert. This is Sophia."
"Hello, Sophia," he replied. "It's nice to hear from you again. Are you looking for Taylor?"
"Yes, please," Sophia answered. "Can you put her on, please?"
Damn, thought Danny. Saying 'please' twice in a row. She really wants to talk to Taylor.
"Sorry," he told her, "she's out on her run at the moment. She should be back any moment, though. Would you like me to ask her to call back?"
"Uh, sure," blurted Sophia. "That would be great, thanks."
Danny grinned. "I'll do that, then," he told her. "Talk to you later."
Hanging up, he went back to the sofa.
I always knew I'd be doing this someday for Taylor, he mused. But somehow I thought it would be a boy calling up to talk to her. He grinned again. It's still very funny. I suspect I'm enjoying this more than I should.
Still grinning, he sat back on the sofa and turned up the sound again.
Taylor stumbled on the home stretch. Her body was hurting all over, partly from the aftermath of the fight, and partly from the exertion of the run. Every ache, pain, abrasion and cut that had been soothed by the shower was now making itself known again.
Grimly, she rallied. Only a block to go. If I'm going to use my powers properly, I need to be in shape.
It was so tempting to cut in some amp, to draw strength from whatever well her powers came from, to make this easier on herself. But she didn't; she carried on regardless. Sweating, panting, stumbling, she made her way in through the chain-link gate at the side of the house and up the back steps.
Danny heard her come in, and got up off the sofa.
"Christ, kiddo," he said, as she paused at the fridge to pour some cold water into a cup and gulp it down, "you look like hell. I've seen buddies on the morning after a hard night of drinking in better shape than you."
She put the water back and grinned at him. "Yeah," she said, "I feel like crap, too. But I made it. And if I can make it after what happened last night, I can make it any time. Now, I think, it's time for my second shower of the day. If I'm not out in half an hour, call the paramedics."
She stumbled up the stairs; in a few moments, he heard the shower running.
Should I have told her that Sophia rang? he wondered. Nah, let her freshen up first.
She wandered downstairs in T-shirt and jeans about twenty minutes later, looking much refreshed. He had spent the intervening time wisely; there was a pitcher of fruit juice with ice cubes in it, perched on the ottoman in front of the sofa.
"Ooh, thanks, Dad," she said happily, and retrieved a glass from the kitchen. Sitting down beside him, she poured herself some juice, and drank it down. "Oh, that's nice."
He nodded. "That was the idea." A pause. "Just by the by, you got a phone call while you were out. Sophia wants to talk to you, apparently."
She stared at him. "And you didn't tell me till now?"
He shrugged slightly. "Would you have taken the time to relax and recover from your run if you'd known? Now you're all refreshed and …" But he was talking to her back; she was already heading into the kitchen.
Sophia's mobile rang. She grabbed for it, saw the name Hebert on the display.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Soph," she heard Taylor's voice. "Sorry it took me so long to call you back. Dad only told me after I got out of the shower."
"It's okay," said Sophia. "I don't mind, really." In her mind, she conjured an image of Taylor in the shower. Then she conjured an image of her and Taylor in the shower. It was so compelling that she missed what Taylor said next.
"Sorry, what did you say?" she asked, embarrassed.
Taylor chuckled. "I was just asking you why you were calling me. You want to talk, to hang out, to go do something? I won't be able to go out as Breaker until Dad can get me new costume bits, and new lenses for my goggles."
"I, uh," said Sophia, "wanted to ask you if you wanted to do that date."
"Date?" asked Taylor. "Oh yeah, the date. Cool. We can do that. When did you want to do it?" She paused. "Probably not tonight. School tomorrow."
"How about today?" asked Sophia. "Uh, the movies or something?" People go to the movies on dates, right? She had some idea that they did.
"Sure, we could do the movies," agreed Taylor. Sophia heard her put her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone, and her voice could be faintly heard calling to her father.
"Dad," said Taylor, hand over the mouthpiece and leaning out of the kitchen, "is it okay if I go to the movies with Sophia?"
Danny considered this. "Not going to be out too late?" he asked.
"No, I think she means a midday or afternoon show," said Taylor. "Wait a minute, I'll ask."
"When were you thinking of going?" asked Taylor abruptly in her ear.
"Um, whenever you wanted," said Sophia.
"So a midday or afternoon show would be good with you?" Taylor clarified.
"Sure, that'd be great," Sophia replied, grinning all over her face. "That would be awesome."
"Did you want to get your dad to pick me up, or should I get my dad to pick you up?" asked Taylor practically.
Sophia considered the options. It was Sunday; her father was probably already at the bar, drinking. So he would have taken the car. She leaned up to her bedroom window, looked out at the driveway. Yup, car's gone.
"Um, if your dad could bring you to pick me up, that would be awesome," she said hesitantly. "I really hate to ask you to do this for me …"
Taylor chuckled. "I don't think it'll be a problem. I think he likes you. Wait a second."
"Uh, Dad?" she asked, leaning around the doorway again.
He knew what she was going to ask, but decided to let her sweat. "Yes, Taylor?"
"Is it okay if you take me and Soph to the movies? That is, drop us off? She wants to do a daytime show."
He rubbed his chin, pretended to think. "I suppose," he allowed. "Heck, I might come along too. It's been a while since I've been to the movies."
She giggled. "That's mean, Dad. Sophia probably wants to hold hands or something, and if you're there, she'll be too embarrassed."
"And you?" he asked.
"And me what?" she responded.
"Do you want to hold hands with Sophia?"
She grinned at him. "Maybe."
He chuckled. "Sure, okay. I can be your taxi. Just give me a ring when you want a lift back, okay?"
She nodded vigorously. "Sure, thanks, Dad."
This side conversation was going on so long, Sophia began to wonder if Taylor was arguing with her father. But then she came back on the line.
"Still there, Soph?" she asked.
"Still here," Sophia agreed. "What's the verdict?"
"Dad says okay to the date, and he'll bring me around to pick you up," Taylor told her. "When do you want us there by?"
"Um, midday?" asked Sophia. She desperately wanted to name an earlier time, but she didn't want to push matters.
"We can do midday," agreed Taylor. "See you then."
"Sure," agreed Sophia. "See you then."
She carefully ended the call, then leaped off of her bed and did a little victory dance of pure joy.
I'm going on a date. With Taylor.
My life is complete.
"Uh … Mom?" she said, about twenty minutes later.
Her mother looked up from where she was reading the paper on the sofa. Terry was on the other end of the sofa with their baby sister on his lap, tickling her so that she giggled.
"Yes, Sophia?" asked her mother.
"I've, uh, made a date to go out with a friend of mine, Taylor. Her dad will be driving us to the movies around midday. Uh … that's okay, isn't it?"
Terry's head swivelled around. Sophia could see the look of pure glee spreading across his face. Oh boy, she thought. Here it comes.
"Taylor?" asked her mother, putting the paper down. "Do I know her?"
Sophia shook her head. "I met her awhile ago," she said, for Terry's sake. "I was telling you about her last night, remember?"
Her mother looked blank for a moment, then memory sparked. "Ah," she said. "That Taylor."
Sophia nodded. "That's okay, isn't it?" she reiterated.
"So long as you're home by six," she was told. "School starts tomorrow, so no staying out late." Even for your cape stuff, her mother didn't add.
"Sure, Mom," she agreed readily.
"So, Soph," said Terry cheerfully. "That Taylor, huh? Someone special, huh? New girlfriend?"
"Shut up," she retorted, her cheeks flushing dark. "None of your business, dipweed."
He grinned at her. "Does she know how fast you've gone through your previous ones?"
"Shut up," she reiterated, flushing even more. "Mom, make him leave me alone."
"Leave Sophia alone, Terry," her mother said mildly, picking up the paper again.
"Does she even know how many girlfriends you've had?" he asked. He wasn't a bad guy, really, but he did like to needle her about her girlfriends.
"Shut up!" she said, a little more sharply than she intended. Her baby sister stopped chortling and began to whimper. "Oh, sorry," she said hurriedly. "I didn't mean to shout."
"You're a bad, bad person, Sophia Hess," Terry teased her, even as he soothed the infant again. "You go through girlfriends like wildfire, and you frighten babies."
"I do not," she replied, finding that it was hard to say something with emphasis while still keeping it quiet. "I've only had three girlfriends."
"And all in your last semester of middle school, for shame," Terry grinned.
"More than you've had in the last three years," she shot back, then darted upstairs to start getting ready. She wanted to look just right for Taylor.
"Do I look all right?" asked Taylor nervously.
Danny turned to watch her descend the stairs. "You're wearing a dress," he observed bemusedly.
"What if I am?" she said defensively. "I want to look nice."
"Just saying, you can look nice in jeans," he pointed out. "It's just that … I've rarely seen you willingly put on a dress. Kind of a first."
"So you don't think it looks all right?" she asked, biting her lip.
He chuckled. "Kiddo, I think you look gorgeous. But aren't you overthinking this a bit? I thought you weren't as interested in Sophia as she is in you."
She nodded. "Yeah, but … I don't want her thinking I'm not interested in her, you know?"
He raised an eyebrow. "So you do like her, then?"
She nodded, flushing pink. "Yeah. I like her. I like being with her. Sometimes she drops that hard exterior and I get to see the nice girl underneath, and I really, really like that girl."
It was his turn to nod judiciously. "And you think that girl is coming out more often?"
Her answer was prompt and earnest. "Oh yeah," she agreed. "Sophia's just got to learn to … well, let go."
"Sounds about right," agreed Danny. "What time do you want to be going?"
"About half past eleven?" hazarded Taylor. "But is my dress really okay?"
"Taylor, honey," said Danny. "Take it from me, you look as pretty as a picture."
She smiled; it was like the sun coming out. He hadn't seen that smile for the last year, ever since Anne-Rose had died, but it was starting to come out more and more, ever since they had met Sophia on that muggy afternoon.
He would not have picked them for potential friends, much less girlfriends, but then, he mused, it took all kinds to make a world. And if it took Sophia courting her to bring light back into her life, then he was all for it.
"Thanks, Dad," she said, then paused. "Should I put on makeup?"
He chuckled. "Kiddo, neither one of us has the faintest idea of how to do makeup properly, and Sophia's seen your face a thousand times without makeup anyway. I think she'll be surprised enough to see you in a dress."
She nodded. "Thanks. That makes sense." She ran up the stairs again, leaving him bemused on the sofa once more.
My little girl's first date, he realised. Who knew. Somehow I always thought she'd be bringing boys home. Not girls. And especially not girls who go out and beat people up.
He shrugged. Ah well. It takes all kinds to make a world. And Sophia is starting to show promise. I can't fault her on her choices.
Sophia was dressed and ready at half past eleven. At eleven forty-five, she ventured downstairs.
Her mother had gone out for groceries, but Terry was still there, watching TV. He frankly stared at her.
"Holy crap, sis," he said. "You going to the prom or something?"
She flushed dark again. "I'm allowed to look nice," she retorted.
"Yeah," he said, "but there's looking nice, and then there's getting done up to the nines." He leaned forward on the sofa, peering at her. "You've got makeup on."
"Oh, shut up," she said. "Leave me alone."
"Wow," he said, leaning back again. "I was right. This Taylor's someone special, isn't she? I don't recall you getting this dressed up for any of your other girlfriends."
"Maybe she is," she muttered. "None of your business."
"Damn," he said, running his hands through his hair. "Now I want to meet her. See who this paragon is who can make my sister actually get dressed up for a date."
"Don't you dare say a thing to her," she snapped. "Taylor's a nice girl. None of your stupid jokes. I like her a lot. I don't want you ruining it for me."
"Would I do a thing like that?" asked Terry, acting wounded.
"Yes, you would," she snapped. "In a hot New York minute."
He grinned. "Maybe." Then he paused. "So have you pounced on her in the bathroom yet? I seem to recall that was your signature move. I certainly heard about it from your exes."
"Terry!" she protested, cheeks flushing darker than ever.
"Well, have you?" he pressed.
" ... tried to," she admitted.
"And?" he urged. "C'mon, juicy details."
"She wouldn't let me," she admitted in a small voice.
"And you didn't just monster her anyway?" he asked.
She wrinkled her nose at him, then looked away. "She's stronger than she looks."
He raised an eyebrow. "So are you."
She shook her head. "I'm not getting into this with you, Terry. She's not my girlfriend, not yet. But we're getting there. And I don't want you spoiling it for me."
"Wow," he said. "The infamous Sophia Hess, tamed at last. I have got to meet this girl."
He chuckled as she gave him the finger.
"Screw you," she said without heat. "Say one thing – one thing – to spoil things for me, and I swear, I will make your life a living hell. Every date you go out with is going to find out about your visits to the VD clinic and your liking for small furry animals and duct tape."
"But I don't –" he began.
"Nope," she agreed. "But I can plant evidence. We can go there, if you like. Just screw me over with Taylor just once."
"Okay, okay," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I give. But I do want to meet her. Make sure her intentions toward my little sister are totally honourable."
"Trust me," she sighed, "they are." Even if I don't want them to be.
Sophia jumped up at the knock on the door. But Terry was there first. Even as she made for the door, he opened it.
"Hi," he said to the girl who stood on the doorstep. "Would you be Taylor?"
The girl blinked behind her large round-lensed glasses. She wore a brightly-coloured sundress which set off her figure, such as it was. Her dark curly hair was fixed back with a sky-blue headband. She was a bit taller than Sophia, but then, the runt had some growing to do.
"Uh, yes, that's me," she ventured. "You would be Terry?"
"The one and only," he greeted her. "Pleased to meet you." He offered his hand.
Taylor accepted his hand, and shook. She felt him applying a little pressure, just testing, so she applied pressure right back. He applied more. She added a level of amp, and squeezed. He winced, and didn't push it any more.
"Wow," he said. "Sophia said you were stronger than you looked. She wasn't kidding."
"I work out," she said blandly.
And then Terry was gone, shoved to one side, and Sophia was standing there, looking just a little flustered.
"Wow," said Taylor. "You're wearing a dress. I've never seen you in a dress."
"Is it bad?" asked Sophia. "Should I change?"
"No, no," Taylor assured her. "You look ..."
Sexy. Awesome. Cute. Like someone I really want to go out with. Like the Sophia under the hard exterior, who I want to know better.
"... really nice," she concluded.
"So do you," responded Sophia. "I mean, really, really nice." She paused. "Not that you don't look really nice all the time, but ..." She trailed off, blushing dark.
Taylor smiled. "Thanks," she said. "Shall we go?"
"Mom's down at the shops," interjected Terry. "She wanted to meet you," he added over Sophia's shoulder, to Taylor.
"She can meet her when Taylor and her dad drop me off from the date," said Sophia. "Yes, we can go. Please."
Taylor reached out and took her hand, and they walked down the path to the front gate. Danny was waiting alongside the truck, and as they stepped on to the pavement, he opened the door with a flourish that almost ended in a bow.
"Miladies," he said with a grin. "Your pumpkin carriage awaits. More pumpkin than carriage, I'm afraid."
Sophia giggled. She noted that the trash had been cleaned out of the footwell, and the seat appeared to have been wiped down. "Thank you," she said, and allowed Danny to hand her into the vehicle.
Taylor turned and waved at the door. "By, Terry," she called. "I'll bring her back safe and sound."
He waved back. "You better," he replied with a grin.
Taylor chuckled and climbed in after Sophia, and Danny helped her shut the door without catching her dress in it.
"Skirts are way too much trouble," observed Sophia.
"I know, right?" agreed Taylor. "Why did you wear one?"
"Because I wanted to look nice for the date," said Sophia, shyly.
Taylor leaned in and kissed her very lightly on the lips. "You do," she said softly. "You really do."
Sophia sighed and leaned against Taylor. "So do you," she murmured.
Danny climbed in to the driver's seat. "Now, now, no making out in the car," he said mildly. "Wait till you get to the theatre."
Taylor choked with laughter. "What did you say?" she asked.
"You heard," he replied with a grin, and started the truck.
He dropped them off outside the cinema. "Now, you've got money for tickets and snacks?" he asked.
"Yes, Dad," said Taylor. "Sophia?"
Sophia nodded. "Mom gave me an advance on my allowance."
"And Sophia, you've got your mobile so you can call when you need me to pick you up?" he asked next.
Sophia nodded. "I do," she confirmed.
"And what's your curfew?" he asked.
"Six," she told him.
"So call no later than five fifteen, so I got time to get to you, and get you home, okay?" he said seriously. "I don't want you getting in trouble because I'm late getting you home."
She nodded. "I can do that. Thanks, Mr Hebert."
He nodded. "You two have fun."
"Thanks, Dad," said Taylor cheerfully. "We will." She shut the door and watched as the truck pulled into traffic and drove away.
Turning to face Sophia, she was surprised when the shorter girl grabbed her in a hug.
She returned the hug, holding Sophia closely. It felt nice.
"Not that I don't like this," she ventured, "but what's this about?"
"Thank you for coming on this date," whispered Sophia. "Even if the movie's terrible, even if everything goes wrong from here on, I'm just glad we're here."
Taylor smiled down at Sophia. "Hey," she said softly. "I'm glad to be here with you too. And it's gonna be a great date. Because it's you and me. And nothing ever goes wrong when we go out."
Sophia snorted with amusement, then Taylor tilted her chin up and kissed her, just once, lightly, on the lips. Sophia shivered and closed her eyes, melting into Taylor's arms.
Taylor held her for a few moments, uncaring of the people who were walking past, some giving them amused looks. Then she disengaged from the hug and took Sophia by the hand.
"Come on," she said, "let's go to the movies."
Hand in hand, they entered the cinema.
End of Part Seven
