I woke up the next morning at 5:30 am. It was Sunday August the 13th and I would be going to church this morning as usual I assumed. I stretched and got dressed into my jogging clothes and put my Ophelia play list on and went for a jog. It was a jog. Not a run because if I ran it would take me thirty seconds. I was back by 6 am and I could hear people stirring upstairs. I started breakfast. I decided to make French toast and breakfast sausage. I put my phone in down and pressed the surprise me button on my music subscription. I hadn't heard the singer before, but he was awesome. It was obviously old. He was singing about a boat sinking in Lake Superior. I hummed along to the music and went about mixing the eggs and spices just like Heather had taught me. By the time I had food in pan Edna, Heather and Sarah, and her grandmother were coming down the stairs.

"That smells good."

Edna was dressed for farm work and the other two agreed with her. I had already set the table. A few minutes later I was pouring coffee and platting the food. I decided on a can of pop. I wasn't much for coffee. No one was saying much, probably meant a did a passable job on breakfast. I wasn't feeling like talking either. When I finally took a bite, I confirmed that I had done a damn good job. I was still eating after the adults finished and Heather started cleaning off the table, I swallowed what I was chewing on quickly.

"I can do that."

"Nonsense you cooked breakfast; I'll take care of the dishes."

I sighed and went back to eating. Edna pulled on her baseball cap and went outside. I went upstairs and changed into work clothes and followed her out. She was feeding leading the horses out to the pasture. I started doing the same for the cows. She tipped her hat to me. Once we finished with the cows, she walked up to me.

"Get the tractor and pull out the combine, time to harvest the wheat. We're a few days late."

"Aren't the fields to wet?"

"Nah, the heat after the tornado yesterday dried them out. We're good."

I shrugged and did as she asked. I had practiced doing this before and I managed to get the tractor hooked up to the combine and ready for her by the field. I left the engine running. She had her ear protection on, and she waved me towards the chicken coops. I nodded and started cleaning them out. I hated this job. All my senses were heightened, so you can imagine how bad it smelled for me. But it had to be done. I then cleaned out the horse pens, the cattle barn. Fed the chickens, and the pigs. I didn't know how Edna kept up with it all without me there. It was the kind of work I appreciated. Making something useful, food so people can eat. Sarah came out and asked to help feed the chickens, so I let her. We were in the middle of it when I saw the Sheriff's SUV driving up the lane. I waved to him.

He pulled in and parked besides the trucks. I sent Sarah inside, I dreaded what nonsense she could get into on the farm without someone supervising her. The sheriff got out of his SUV and but unlike his usual self he left his hat off. Probably because the bump on the side of his head.

"Grandma's out in the field, Sheriff, its harvest time."

He shook his head

"I'm here to see you Amber. I just wanted to let you know the FBI has cleared your house you can return when you feel up to it."

"Thank you, Sheriff."

"How are your parents doing?"

"Well Mom is doing good, took dad off life support and he's stable last I heard. Woke up for a bit."

"That's great, I heard he wasn't expected to live."

I shrugged.

"I guess someone's listening to all the prayers."

He smiled and nodded. My eyes went wide. I glanced down at my new Fitnow.

"I have to get changed for church!"

"Well you go do that, say hi to everyone for me would you? I got a heck of a mess to clean up from that tornado."

I nodded and waved as turned around and drove up the driveway towards the road. I rushed inside and ran upstairs for a quick shower before getting into my Sunday dress and heading downstairs where I found Heather and the two Sarah's waiting for me.

"Sorry! Lost track of time."

"We'll make it in time."

We piled into Heather's blue pick-up truck. We went to St Francis United Church. Sarah was watching a video on her tablet and I was doing my best not to look at my phone. Edna had been right it seemed like I was constantly looking at it lately. I wasn't quite sure if I felt okay going to a protestant church. I was baptized, had gone through first communion and confirmation in the Catholic church. I couldn't exactly ask to go to a different church at the moment. I knew April and Jacob were both Catholic so it's not like I wouldn't know anyone, but it felt like I'd be betraying Heather and Edna. The catholic church wasn't exactly a fan of same-sex relationships. So, I just kept going to the church they went too. Compared to my usual moral quandaries this one was a minor one. I did know one thing for sure I could not get baptized again.

The sermon today was about God not giving us more then we can handle and strength in community. There were prayers for the dead and injured caused by the tornado. A special prayer for Henry and Emma. He was droning on so I zoning out. I know it's wrong, but in my defense and as a complete excuse I have been diagnosed with ADHD and I can't take medication for it. I'm immune. I jumped when I felt an elbow in my ribs and I looked around. The Pastor was motioning for me to go up to the front. I stood up and walked to the front.

"Amber here is a prime example of today's sermon. She's a god warrior. Walking into that storm through the wires and rescuing the Sheriff and that poor girl. Complete faith in god to get her through it."

Yep, totally faith in god and not my own super-powered self. I did my best to smile. It probably looked forced. I was praying, praying for God to get me out of here.

"Amber we are also proud of you."

I gave another forced smile and a wave to everyone. I could feel myself blushing intensely. And when the pastor let me go, I was relieved I slid back into my pew and sunk down. I was so embarrassed. A few people around me patted me on the shoulders and back. They were clapping. Ugg. Even now I don't deal with praise for my heroic deeds. Seriously it's like people do not understand that I just do what needs to be done. It's not like its anything special. Maybe it's just the way my brain works. I don't handle praise well. I spent about fifteen minutes shaking hands and saying little to nothing in small talk as people were thanking me for being an inspiration. I really just wanted to find a fox hole to hide in.

I was relieved when we got back in the truck and were on the way home and to head off any other talk of heroic deeds I spoke.

"Sheriff came by just before church and said we could go back to the house when we want."

"Oh, that's great."

"I think we'll need to fix the bullet holes and windows first though. And…clean up the blood."

"Don't you worry about that."

As we passed my house, we saw people working on it. Heather did a U-turn and the pulled into our driveway. There were several men and women fixing the siding and replacing the windows. One walked over to the car. He was a tall man. Heather obviously recognized him.

"Hey, Heather, we're almost done here. Cleaners were in, should be all good to get back in there by tomorrow."

"What's going on Tim?"

"Mr. Luthor told us to get out here first thing and fix up the windows and fill the holes, had cleaners here too. TV, Fridge and some of the furniture got hit so he told us to replace them too."

"I guess he didn't wait for me to ask. Thanks Tim."

"No problem Heather. We'll stop by with the new keys when we finish."

Heather waved and he gave her a half salute and went back to the work crew. Heather pulled out of the driveway. She looked confused.

"Everything alright Grandma?"

"Ya, its fine, I was going to call Alexander and see if he had any work crews available since I figured it would be hard to find someone with all the damage from the tornado."

I nodded and sat back. Sarah was sleeping soundly beside me she had stirred when we stopped but as soon as the car started moving, she fell right back asleep. She woke up again when we pulled into the parking spot by the barn at the Kent farm. Edna had come in from the field and we had a good lunch. I spent the afternoon texting back and forth with Jacob and April. Heather had a phone call and I heard her agree to something. I was still in my church dress when she came over and tapped me on my shoulder.

"Hey Amber, do you mind go to the hospital with me?"

"I guess. Why?"

"Well I figure we could at least go see Caitlin seeing as her father fixed your house up for you."

"Sure."

I shrugged. I wasn't looking forward to it, but she was right I kind of did owe them at least that. She pulled her apron off and we got back into her pickup truck. Edna waved to us from the field and we drove to Smallville hospital. It was a short drive. Heather and I walked to Caitlin's room. She saw Alexander and Lana in the hallway and walked over to them. I wasn't sure how to speak to the two adults and figured a teenager would be easier for me to deal with, so I just walked in the room. I was a bit surprised to see a boy my age there. He was looking at phone and hadn't noticed me. Caitlin saw me right away and motioned me over.

"It's you."

"Yes, its me."

I tugged at my dress as it felt a bit misaligned. She smiled at me.

"I bet you're embarrassed by all this aren't you?"

"Was it that obvious?"

She laughed and held her side.

"Ow ow."

I hadn't noticed but the boy had started looking at me. No, a better description was staring at me. Caitlin had. She snapped her fingers.

"Hey Glen, stop drooling."

He blushed and went back to looking at his phone.

"Sorry, we don't let him out of his cage often."

He glared at her over his phone.

"This is my brother Glen. And I'm Caitlin. And you are Amber Morris, coma survivor and local hero."

I nodded I didn't notice myself adjusting my hair. Glen was cute, nerdy cute. I had to snap my mind back to reality to stop myself from staring at him myself. It was kind of embarrassing.

"Yes, that's me."

She had a half smile when she noticed my gaze lingering on her brother. She didn't say anything, I'm glad I'm not sure how my brain would have processed that.

"How are you doing? Are you going to be able to get out of the hospital soon?"

She smiled at me.

"No, they said I need to stay for at least a week to make sure the internal bleed doesn't start again. You know you saved my life, twice don't you? I would have burned to death in that Lamborghini and then I almost died from internal bleeding. I owe you more then I can ever repay. I'm sure dad is going try."

"I think he already did. He fixed our house up."

"Oh, I forgot you were in the middle of a gunfight. Interesting week. Now I see why 'may you live in interesting times' is a curse."

I shrugged.

"Seriously. You s-a-v-e-d my life!"

"It's no big deal, I just did what needed to be done."

"Are you serious?"

"You needed to walk through power lines right up to a car that was on fire to pull me out?"

"It's just what everyone would do."

I caught Glen glancing over his phone at me again but as soon as I noticed he went back to his phone.

"You're shitting me. You think I would do that? There is no way, I'd be too scared."

I shrugged.

"You won't know until you face the same situation."

"Are you sure you're twelve?"

"Nope."

She laughed and held her side.

"You're killing me here."

"Keep at it please."

They were the first words Glen had spoken. Caitlin glared at him. I smiled at them both.

"I'm glad you're doing better. I should get going so I don't make you laugh anymore."

Caitlin smiled at me.

"Thank you again, Amber."

I nodded, waved and breathed a sigh of relief to be back outside. I wasn't sure if the fact Caitlin was so thankful or Glen was so cute. Either way I was starting to get a bit of a panic attack going on. Heather was still chatting with Alexander and Lana like they were old friends. I guess they were. Heather motioned me over. I walked over. Lana hugged me and Alexander shook my hand.

"Thank you so much for saving our daughter. We owe you more then we can ever repay."

"You don't owe me anything, ma'am. It's no big deal."

Heather smiled.

"She's not so great with taking compliments."

That was an understatement. I moved closer to Heather. I just felt safer in her orbit.

"Who is?"

Alexander smiled. Heather looked at her watch.

"Well it was nice catching up with you two but I'm afraid we still need to go to Metropolis to check on Emma and Henry."

"Of course."

Heather started to leave, and I turned back to the Luthors.

"I don't know how to thank you for getting our house fixed so quickly."

Alexander just nodded to me and smiled. I was eager to get to Metropolis General and visit Emma and Henry. I was torn because I also wanted to see April. It had seemed like forever and it had been because of my depression. Heather drove straight to Metropolis General. It was quiet ride. I glanced at my Fitnow, it would only be a few hours and we'd have to leave. I pulled out my phone and began playing a game I had downloaded to help me improve my math skills. While I was doing okay, it was way behind my English. We pulled into the hospital and she parked her truck. I got out and followed Heather while playing my game. We arrived at Henry's room first. He was awake and I heard him talking to someone. We went inside. He was talking to my sister, Sarah. She was telling him all about how I rescued the Sheriff and a pretty girl. I grimaced I wanted that whole conversation to just end. I kept staring at my phone playing my game. I heard my name, and it was Henry. I looked up from my phone and he was smiling at me.

"Amber, how are you doing?"

I was slightly confused he'd said maybe ten words to me in three months and now he's asking me a question directly. I looked around in case there was some mistake then I put locked my phone and slipped it into my hoodie pocket.

"I'm okay, I was really worried about you."

"I remember you holding my hand all night, thank you."

I was utterly confused now, more words in thirty seconds then three months. I was wondering if he was okay.

"Are you feeling okay dad?"

"I'm feeling better than I have in a while."

He hugged Sarah who wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed I saw him wince. He did have a few bullet holes in him.

"Besides the new holes, sweety can you go see Amber please."

Sarah kissed him on the forehead and ran over and I scooped her up. She wrapped her arms and legs around me.

"It's just, you haven't said much to me since I got here."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't sure what to say."

"I know that feeling."

"I know."

He looked at me, he knew exactly what I was talking about. We had a lot in common at least when it comes to dealing with other humans. Not that I'm really human, but you know what I mean. I bounced Sarah a few times and she giggled.

"I am going to take Sarah to check on Mom and see if we can bring the baby down for you dad."

"Baby?"

I looked at his mother and Heather. No one had told him he had another daughter.

"I'll be back soon. I'm going to let them explain it."

I walked to the elevator and Sarah kicked for me to let her down, so I did she grabbed my hand in an iron grip. She skipped along beside me I lifted her up so she could press the up button. She cheered when the elevator arrived. We got on, I selected the 4th floor and we waited patiently. She jumped out when the doors opened, and I apologized the older couple she almost knocked over.

"Sorry sir, ma'am."

They smiled and nodded at us and got on the elevator.

"Sarah that was rude hon. You should always wait to make sure no one is right outside the elevator before getting off."

She nodded.

"Sorry Amber."

I ruffled her hair.

"Live and learn."

I took her hand and we walked to Emma's room. She was tickling Martha's belly and watching the news. She gave me 'we're going to talk soon' look. I assumed she'd seen me on the news by now.

"Hi mom."

"I see you were busy yesterday."

Sarah skipped towards the bed and stood on her tip toes to look at the baby.

"Mommy, Amber rescued the Sheriff and a pretty girl yesterday!"

"Yes dear, I saw her on the news."

"Didn't she look pretty doing it?"

"Yes, she always looks pretty. Sarah honey could you take your tablet and watch some Videos I need to talk to your sister."

I pulled her tablet out of my purse and handed it to her. She skipped to the bench and sat cross legged propping it up on the wall.

"Amber, I'm not going to give you a lecture because I know my moms already did. There is no way you'd get away with that without a lecture. Trust me I know. I'm just worried about you. You've been so depressed, and you didn't look the least bit scared there. And you jumped between me and the bullets. Don't hurt yourself please."

"It's okay mom. I wasn't worried because I knew I could do it without getting hurt. That's why I used the wooden beam."

"If you think you might want to hurt yourself, please talk to me. I know it seems like I have my own things to worry about but I'm here for you."

She took my hand and squeezed it. Martha was looking up at me and smiling. Emma noticed. Martha started reaching for me. Emma nodded to me and I picked Martha up and cradled her in my arm.

"You know, I think she recognizes you."

I nodded and smiled down at Martha. She started tugging at my dress.

"I think she just remembers my boobs."

Emma smiled. I held out my finger and Martha grabbed it and started sucking on it.

"I'm sorry little Martha but you're not going to find any milk here. Mom can I take Martha to see her daddy?"

"He's awake?"

"Doesn't anyone tell anybody anything around here?"

"What do you mean?"

"No one told dad Martha has been born, no one told you dad is awake and talking."

"I'm sure they just haven't had a chance."

"Is it okay?"

"Yes, go ahead I'll keep an eye on Sarah. Sarah come here hon."

Sarah picked up her tablet and wandered over to the bed and with some effort climbed up and snuggled in with Emma and started showing her a video talking all about it. I picked up a blanket and wrapped Martha and carried her into the hallway. I ran into Karan. She avoided looking at me I got on the elevator and went down to see Henry. Martha kept grabbing at my chest. I have come to understand that is common in babies. I walked into Henry's room and he gasped. He had a wide grin.

"Martha, here's your daddy."

I sat on the bed beside Henry who reached out his good arm and tickled her nose. She grabbed his finger and made a cooing sound. I don't think I'll be able to have my own children, but I've grown to love babies and children of all shapes and sizes. Henry's eyes were getting a bit moist.

"What's wrong dad?"

"I missed her being born."

"She was delivered by c-section, so I'm not sure you could have been in there. It was emergency surgery."

He nodded still playing with Martha's hand.

"But babies need skin on skin contact when they are born."

"I held her for about two hours until mom woke up and could feed her, skin to skin."

"Oh, you did?"

"I was the only family member available."

"I'm glad you were there."

"I am too. It was an amazing experience being the first person to hold her."

Martha started to fuss, and I smelled something.

"I think we have a dirty diaper. I'm going to get her changed."

Henry nodded and poked her hand again gently. I took Martha back upstairs and Emma walked me through changing a diaper. Check that off on one of the jobs I dislike around the house. But Emma was still bed bound. I pulled her phone out of my purse Edna had passed it to me downstairs.

"I think the reporters have been trying to get a hold of you so they can talk to me."

"Do you want to talk to them?"

I rocked Martha in my arms as we talked.

"No. But maybe once I'm no longer a mystery they'll stop talking about me."

"You're probably right."

Sarah had hoped up and was laying on the bench chin on her hands watching a video. Emma unlocked her phone and listened to several voicemails. She looked up at me.

"Anyone in particular you want to talk to?"

"There was a woman who talked to Nurse Kat at Precious Angels. I'd like to talk to her. I think it was CNN."

"Okay."

She dialed a number. She seemed surprised when it started ringing.

"Hi, this is Emma Morris, Amber Morris's mother. I understand you'd like to talk to her?"

She listened for a few minutes.

"Yes, she'd like to talk to you. She will be available tomorrow morning at my mother's farm. I can get you the address."

She paused.

"Oh, okay, she'll be dressed and ready by 8 am."

"Bye."

She hung up.

"She'll be at Mom's house with a camera crew at 8 am tomorrow. Don't answer any questions you don't feel comfortable answering."

Martha was grabbing at my chest again and was making some squeaking noises.

"I think she's hungry mom."

I passed her to Emma who pulled up her top and Martha immediately latched.

"I'll get Grandma to take Sarah and I home. It's getting near supper time."

"You should do that. I'll watch for your interview tomorrow."

I turned to leave then I looked back at Emma.

"Mom, Luthorcorp fixed our house already. But the nursery isn't ready. Do you mind if I ask April and Jacob to help getting painted and build all the furniture?"

"That would be great."

"Okay thanks mom!"

"Wait you're doing a bunch of work and you're thanking me?"

"I get to hang out with my friends all day."

Emma shook her head.

"My debit card is in my purse grab it before you leave. You can order lunch. Don't go crazy."

"I won't mom. Sarah give mom a hug before we leave."

Sarah climbed up on the opposite side of the bed that Martha was on and gave Emma hug.

"I love you mom!"

She really loved hard that kid. She gave me her tablet and I put it in my purse/bag. And she tugged at my dress until I picked her up. It was a quiet night of leftovers and I went to bed early. I woke up at 5:30 am again. It just seemed that's when my internal alarm clock went off. I got dressed for my jog and did my typical circuit and cooked breakfast again. I showered and put a pair of jeans and my old superman t-shirt. I might not be able to tell everyone I was his granddaughter but damn it I could keep him on their minds. He was a real hero, not like me. I pondered putting make-up on but then realized I had no idea how. I pulled my hair back in a ponytail and picked a pink ribbon to tie it up. I went down the stairs to the main floor and Heather took one look at me and I could tell she didn't approve of my clothing choices.

"You should go right back upstairs and put on a dress young lady."

I shook my head.

"If they want to interview me, they can interview the real me. The girl in the sack cloth shirt and jeans."

Edna was back in the house from her morning harvest run. She had her arms crossed and she was smiling at my choice.

"They'll think we aren't taking care of you."

"No, they won't, trust me Grandma."

There was a knock on the door and Heather shook her head, but she opened it, it was Carly Moon, the reporter from CNN that had interviewed Kat. Heather motioned the camera crew inside and they set up some lighting and the camera at one end of the table, so it captured the spotless old country kitchen. While they were setting up Carly shook my hand.

"I'm so glad you agreed to this interview people have a lot of questions."

"Thank you for coming all the way out here to talk to me."

"I love the shirt. I haven't seen a Superman shirt in years."

"It was the first thing I was given when I woke up at Precious Angels with no memories. It's been my inspiration."

"Amazing do you mind if I ask about it on camera?"

"Feel free."

I glanced at Heather who still looked frustrated with my choice of clothing.

"My Grandmother thinks I should wear a dress, what do you think?"

"I think you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in."

"I'm a farm girl I figured I'd dress like who I am."

"Excellent choice. Okay, let's get started."

"Yes, please I have a nursery to paint today."

I sat down and she sat down, and she made a spinning motion with her hand.

"Hi, this is Carly Moon. I'm sitting in this wonderful farmhouse with Amber Morris, the girl who has no fear."

I wanted to make gagging motions, but whatever. I was full of fear. If only she knew. I behaved. She looked at me.

"Amber, tell us about yourself."

"I don't know how to answer that ma'am. I'm just a farm girl."

Carly laughed.

"Tell us about your time at Precious Angels, what was it like waking up there all alone?"

"It was scary at first, but the people there were wonderful, especially Kat, you interviewed her. She saw me waking up and sat by my bed all night. She was the one who told me I had been in a coma for six months."

"Six months?"

"Yes, apparently I was declared brain dead and they pulled me of life support at Metropolis General. But I lived, they weren't sure I'd ever wake up, so they put in a feeding tube and sent me to Precious Angels. The kids thought for sure I'd wake up. There was this one girl named Samantha, Sam, she likes, liked Sam. Who thought I was sleeping beauty and that a prince had kissed me."

I wiped my forming tears away; I was glad I wasn't wearing makeup.

"Why are you crying Amber?"

"Well, Precious Angels is a hospice. The children there, they are very sick. Sam was adopted by God. I wasn't ready for it."

"Adopted by God?"

"I know its silly and religious, but it helps the kids cope. It is easier for them to think they are going to get adopted into a new family in Heaven then to realize they are going to die."

I wiped away a few more tears.

"I'm sorry."

"It is alright Amber. So, you woke there with no memories and you couldn't walk, and you were more concerned about the other sick children?"

"Of course. Walking or not, I was going to leave Precious Angels, they never would. They were all orphans of one kind or another. Who is going to remember them? That they lived and they had dreams?"

I was still crying. I could see tears forming in Carly's eyes, along with Heather's and Edna's. Carly fanned herself with her hand.

"You are an amazing girl. You have such empathy."

I sniffled a bit and Heather offered us tissues. I dabbed my eyes. Carly took a deep breath and fanned herself again.

"You're obviously walking now. How long did it take you?"

I thought for a few seconds.

"I started rehab just after thanksgiving last year and I was walking without assistance by the beginning of April, and I was running by May."

"Amazing, so five months from completely wheelchair bound to running?"

I nodded.

"I understand that when you first woke up you couldn't read?"

I nodded.

"Yes, that is true."

"How are you doing now?"

"Standardized test says I'm reading at a first-year university level."

"You really are amazing."

"I'm driven. I don't want to be behind my peers."

"So, let's just go over this again, you woke up in November, You were walking by April, and by August you're carrying two hundred pound men out of a road full of downed power lines?"

"I guess so."

"Just so amazing what you've accomplished in such a short time."

"It really isn't, I probably already knew how to walk and read, I just needed to make my brain remember. And I work on the farm every day, it's easy to build muscle. And fireman carry is what you use for someone much heavier than you. That's what they said in health class anyway. My friend April she's the real hero. She was shot in the back and told she'd never walk again and she's running with me now."

"I spoke to her, she told me that if it wasn't for you, she'd be dead, and if she wasn't she'd still be in her wheelchair. It seems wherever you go you bring hope. It seems appropriate you're wearing a shirt with a symbol of hope once known the whole world over. Tell us, why did you choose to wear that shirt today?"

I blushed.

"It was the first donated piece of clothing I was given when I woke up. It has been an inspiration to me, and it reminds me of where I came from, and it also reminds me of what I should strive to be. I hope it will guide me to the right choices in my new life."

Carly fanned herself again.

"I was not prepared to be so emotional today. Your story is so inspirational. Amber, when you saw the tornado, then saw the Sheriff get knocked down, then the tree flies out of nowhere, what were you thinking?"

"It is not something I should repeat in front of my five-year-old sister, or my grandmothers. But basically, that I was in serious trouble."

Carly chuckled.

"Yet instead of running away you walked towards the tornado. Why did you choose to do that?"

"I didn't really have a choice. The Sheriff and Caitlin needed help, I helped. I didn't really think about it I just did what had to be done."

"So, you weren't scared at all?

"Oh, no, I was scared. But what was I supposed to do? The Sheriff has a daughter and his wife passed away; She'd be left alone. And I had no idea who was in the car, but I couldn't let their family lose them."

"Did you think of your own safety at all?"

"No, not really, I just did it."

"So, you weren't trying to be the next Superman."

"God no, this whole thing is embarrassing. I wish it hadn't been on camera at all then no one would really know or have proof and I would be safely anonymous. I wasn't even thinking about what it all meant. I just knew lives were at risk and I could do something about, so I did. I can't imagine having people look up to me like they do to his statue. He deserves it, I don't. I'm no superhero, I'm not even a hero."

Carly chuckled again.

"Amber I'm afraid you are a hero. From what I hear these aren't the only lives you saved this week."

I literally face palmed at that moment I was blushing so hard.

"I understand you shielded your adoptive mother, her unborn child and your five-year-old sister from a hail of bullets. And were only stopped from being injured by a cell phone in your back pocket. Then you after the bullets stopped you called 911 without missing a beat?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

"Then you saved your mother when you noticed she was unconscious at the hospital."

"Yes, to that too."

Carly shook her head.

"You saved five lives in three days, at twelve years old. I would like to see someone beat that record."

"It's about the ones I couldn't save ma'am, my father almost died."

"But he didn't, and I'm told he said you saved him because he remembered you holding his hand the whole night when he was struggling to live, you reminded him he had something to live for."

"But if I had been faster, he wouldn't have been shot at all."

"You would have much more likely to have been shot."

"Then I would have been shot."

She shook her head.

"You would sacrifice yourself for a family you've only known for three months?"

"I'd sacrifice myself for a stranger if I could save their life, ma'am."

Carly smiled at me sadly.

"You are an inspiration Amber, thank you so much for talking to us today."

"You're welcome ma'am."

The camera was turned off and she reached out to take my hand. I let her.

"I don't know why you care so little for your own life, but you should know, you are worth saving too."

I nodded. She fanned herself again.

"Thank you again. I appreciate you being so candid."

With that they gathered their equipment and left. They were barely out the door and I called April. She picked up the phone immediately.

"Amber?"

"Yes, it is me. I'm heading over to the house to start on the nursery are you and Jacob still coming?"

"Yes, do you mind if we bring a friend?"

"The more the merrier."

"Great! He's excited to see you again."

"Who is?"

"Not telling! See you in a bit."

She hung up. I frowned at the phone and put it in my pocket. I waved to Heather and headed across the way to my house and waited for Jacob and April to arrive. I was sitting on the porch playing a game on my phone when they showed up and got out of their car. I noticed Glen step out and without realizing it started trying to fix my hair. April hugged me tightly. Jacob smiled.

"Hope you don't mind, Glen overheard us planning on coming to help and asked to come."

I was blushing. I had this flutter in my chest everything Glen looked in my direction. I had never had this feeling before. I smiled and said probably a little too loudly:

"More the merrier right?"

Jacob smiled and I opened the door and let them inside. I had been in the house last night with Edna to put a coat of pink paint on the nursery. I opened all the windows and doors to let air through. We all filed up the stairs into the room. There were stacks of prefab furniture to build. Henry and Emma had donated all their baby stuff because they weren't planning on a second child. I looked at the room and had my usual ADHD paralysis about where to start.

Jacob grabbed the first box, a shelving unit and started pulling it apart and getting to work building it. April started pulling out some artist brushes and various paints from her bag. She started painting designs on the walls. Bows, rabbits, sheep, teddy bears. She spent the whole day painting different things. I had forgotten what a talented artist she was. I helped Glen and Jacob put together furniture. We had a few hiccups where we put boards the wrong way around. Usually my fault. Eventually I took a step back and just ordered pizza for lunch. The whole time Glen and I were exchanging shy glances. He was just so cute.

April and I were left alone when Jacob and Glen took the cardboard outside to cut up and bundle for recycling.

"I think Glen likes you."

"I'm sure he barely notices me April."

She blinked at me a few times.

"Are you nuts?"

"Probably."

She laughed.

"Amber you're like the best-looking girl in Smallville. Like when you're old enough you could be a supermodel."

"As if."

"I heard some of Jacob's guy friends talking. They are all scared to talk to you because you're so beautiful."

"No, they're scared to talk to me because I'm crazy I walk towards tornados."

"That is definitely not it."

I heard Jacob calling from downstairs. April and I went down, the pizzas were there. Jacob the little gym rat had paid for it. I shook my head at him he laughed and shrugged. We piled onto the living room furniture and put on the tv. It was on CNN and I saw myself, it was the beginning the interview. I reached for the remote and April snatched it away from me. I glared at her.

"Please don't make me watch this."

"Oh no we're watching it."

I started blushing and started eating pizza. Food tended to make me feel better. And I had a feeling I was going to need that soon. They actually didn't do much editing. Somehow, they had video of me jogging in the morning and working on the farm. Interwoven with a follow up interview with Kat about Precious Angels. It ended with Carly speaking about my Help! request. I buried my face in my palms blushing.

"Amber has put up a request for help with the medical bills for her parents. I want to be clear at no point today did she bring this up with me during the interview or our meeting. I tried to get a follow up comment on it from her, but I could not reach her. I understand she was spending the day getting the nursery ready for her new baby sister. When I spoke to her grandmother, she did give me a statement. She said that Amber felt it would detract from the other tragedies surrounding the F-5 tornado that ripped through Smallville and that her family's troubles should not get anymore press then others in the same situation. So instead of asking you to help Amber, I'm going to ask you to do your best assist everyone impacted by this tragedy. We are stronger together. Thank you Amber for the interview and for showing us that we can strive to be better. That there is hope."

Glen looked at me after the interview, really looked at me, not glancing at me shyly like he had been all day. Jacob did too. April was just being April. She already knows who I am. I blushed and hurried off to get more pizza. Can't say something stupid if my mouth is full right? That's usually my solution if I have an excuse to eat. Glen wandered outside for a few minutes before coming back in and taking another slice of pizza. Jacob was looking at me still.

"What? Do I have a pimple or something?"

"No, I just thought all the heroes were gone."

"Not you too."

I threw a crumpled paper towel at him. He dodged it.

"At least you didn't throw pizza at me."

"You're not worth wasting good food."

He held his hands to his chest and fell back over the couch.

"Drama queen!"

April was giggling uncontrollably now. Glen had come back in at this time and was looking at everyone in confusion.

"What did I miss?"

"Jacob being a jerk."

Jacob sat up with his legs dangling over the edge of the couch.

"I'm a jerk because I called you a hero?"

"Ugg. I just want this to go away I thought giving an interview would shut people up."

Glen nodded.

"It will be replaced but something else by tomorrow. Don't worry."

"I hope so."

I put the left-over pizza in ziploc bags and shoved the left over pineapple covered abomination bag at April.

"Take this abomination with you."

"You need to try it before you can call it that."

"I did at Jacob's house. Sweet and pizza do not go together."

Glen seemed to approve but then he stopped looking at me as soon as I noticed him looking at me.

"Thanks, the room looks great. My mom will love it."

"It's no problem Amber. It's the least we can do."

I gave April a tight hug. I heard a car pulling up outside and for a moment I was back in the living room just before the shooting started. April shook my shoulder.

"Amber?"

"Sorry, I'm just tired."

"Its okay. Can we hang out tomorrow?"

"I'll see? Grandma's harvesting and she might need help."

April nodded and waved as she left the house. I started closing the windows up and locking the doors. I walked slowly across the road and the field. Dragging my hands across the top of the unharvested wheat. Humming a sad song, I had heard when I was a child. I wasn't in the greatest of moods. I rarely was. Instead of going inside I had a need for solitude. Even with my friends I found it emotionally draining to keep up with them. I laid down on the couch and stared at the sky as it got red, and then watched the moonrise and the stars start to sparkle in the sky. I loved the darkness the farm provided away from the light pollution. I heard someone coming up the stairs. It was Edna with a flashlight.

"Everything okay?"

"I'm fine Grandma, just needed some quiet for my brain."

"You remind me of Clark more and more the longer I know you."

"I'm sorry for not coming in from supper. I was full from the pizza and I just didn't have it in me to be social tonight."

"Okay, I'll leave you be. Just wanted to make sure you were alright."

"I'll be in soon I just want to look at the stars a bit more."

She nodded and retreated. I kept my promise and went in and curled up in bed and fell asleep. I was quite busy the next few days just following my routine. Jogging, cooking breakfast, helping with the harvest, tending the gardens and cutting the lawn at my house. There always seemed to be something to do. I did hang out with April several times. Emma would be home soon. Henry was still going to be in the hospital for another week afterwards. I hadn't checked my Help! the entire time. I totally forgot I'd made it. I was surprised at the number of zeros on it when I looked next. I reset the app and looked again, and it still showed. There was over a million dollars in the account. Two anonymous doners each donated five hundred thousand each and there were several other donations from strangers. The post still had three weeks on it. I knew Precious Angels was going to have good use for what was going to be given to them.

I had the house ready for Emma when she got home from the hospital. She went straight up the stairs to look at the nursery. She put her hands to her mouth and gasped.

"You did all this?"

"Jacob, Glen and I built he furniture and April painted the designs."

"This is beautiful."

She hugged me and I hugged her back. I put Marth in her bassinette in my parent's room and Emma laid on the bed.

"I'll be downstairs text or yell and I'll get you whatever you need mom."

Emma smiled at me.

"I saw your interview on the news. I was impressed with how well you handled yourself."

"I just told the truth."

"And you looked good doing it."

I blushed while tickling Martha's back she was slowly closing her eyes and starting to sleep.

"She's asleep."

Emma nodded and snuggled into her pillow. I whispered more to Martha then Emma:

"Sleep well, both of you."

I walked down the stairs. Sarah was playing with her stuffed toys with her tablet leaned against the edge of the couch. I smiled at her when she looked at me. She waved, I waved. I started pulling food out for supper. I was going to make a lazy chilly, it was quick, I was feeling lazy and Sarah absolutely loved it. Probably because it involved potato chips. But it also had veggies and beans. Full of protein. I put my phone down and played some music singing along to it while I cooked. I started looking through the mail that had been received and tossing the junk mail while the chili was cooking down. I put the letters for Henry in a stack, the letters for both of them in another stack, and finally Emma's mail in a third stack. I came across a letter that was addressed to me it was from the Excelsior Academy. I recognized the name only because I'd seen uniforms around Smallville. It had arrived today because I had already organized the rest of the mail. I turned down the gas on the chili and went back to the letter and tore the envelope open.

Dear Amber,

We are pleased to offer you a full five-year scholarship to the Excelsior Academy based on Academic performance. We find you to be exceptional young woman and would be pleased to take part in forming you into an exceptional adult.

Signed,

Constance Harris, Head of Admissions, Excelsior Academy.

I blinked at the letter staring at it then I remembered the chili. I dropped the letter in the pile sorted mail and went back to stirring supper. It was almost done. I set the table for two and started dishing it out for Sarah and I. Sarah was bouncing by her chair I winked at her and filled her child-sized bowl and filled mine as well. There was a knock at the door, and I went and opened it. It was Heather, she had a tinfoil covered take out container.

"Hi Grandma."

"I thought you might need some food, so I picked you up something. I smell something delicious."

"Come in and have some chili."

Heather came inside I took the lasagna and put it on the counter. I pulled out another bowl and dished out a serving for her. Emma was now coming down the stairs Martha in her arms and she put her down on the baby chair. I pulled out a bowl her and dished out more chili. Then I sat down to eat. Heather was already digging in.

"This is so good. You came up with this yourself?"

"No, sort of. I looked it up online. Its called Lazy chili."

"What is in it?"

"Ground beef, tomato soup, salsa, a can of beans in tomato sauce, spices."

"That's it, just a bunch of canned food?"

I nodded.

"It tastes like you made it fresh."

"I've made it before, and everyone loved it."

Emma nodded and finished her mouthful.

"As soon as I smelled it, I knew exactly what it was and had to come and get some."

"Well I thought you might have some, after a week of hospital food."

Emma already had another mouthful and was nodding. Sarah was holding up her bowl.

"Could I have some more?"

I stood up and put my hands on my hips.

"What is missing from that sentence?"

"Please!"

I nodded then took her bowl and gave her a bit more. She smiled with her 'I murdered a tomato' face.

"Thank you!"

Emma stood up and slowly walked to the kitchen and started putting more in her bowl and glanced at the open letter I'd left on the counter. She picked it up and read it more intently.

"When did this get here?"

I glanced back to see what she was talking about.

"Oh today. I'm not sure what it's about is it a scam?"

"Well it has the school seal on it and a signed confirmation of the scholarship in the envelope. I think it's real, when did you apply?"

"I didn't mom, I thought you did."

Emma looked at Heather.

"Did you know about this?"

"I didn't know about it, but I had been considering trying to get her into it. I went, you and Dean went, they would have accepted her just based on that. I wouldn't even have to bring up my family name."

"I know it's a good school mom, but it's like fifty grand a year. How the heck would they even know Amber existed?"

Heather tapped her fingers on the table.

"Either they realized she was my granddaughter and just extended the invitation, or it was Alexander."

"Why would Alexander Luthor get her into the Academy school?"

"She saved his daughter. He hates being indebted to anyone. He's on the board."

I looked between them.

"Well I can't accept it then. I can't take someone else's spot just because someone pulled strings. It's not fair."

Emma shook her head.

"You are going to this school. Do you know what kind of opportunity this is? Half of the elected officials in the federal government went to this school, the benefits in networking alone. Its why I'm a federal prosecutor and got accepted to Yale."

"Mom, I'm going to be the token broke orphan, they won't accept me."

Heather looked at me.

"You are hardly an orphan and you aren't broke. You're my granddaughter. My family has been attending that school since it was founded in 1798 we were founding members. I was on the board until I retired. I had wanted to sign you up, but I had some resistance. She looked at Emma who blushed."

"I'm sorry mom, we can't afford that school and I wasn't about to ask you."

"I offered, all you had to do was say yes."

Emma nodded.

"I'll fill in this paperwork tonight. Mom can you drop it off for me tomorrow?"

"Of course, Emma."

Emma looked a lot more excited for me then I felt. I was not looking forward to a school full of rich entitled brats. I had nothing in common with them. Also, no matter what Heather said I would always be the daughter of two very poor parents, and I didn't think all the money and polishing in the world would change that. I didn't really want to. I believed that hard work was a virtue. By the time I had snapped myself out of my spiral into despair over this turn of events I realized I was left alone, and the supper dishes were already in the dishwasher. I hated when I spiraled like that and lost track of what was going on around me.