Chapter 12: Secret Life with Alex Mack

The more I mute about my powers and what seems to be a continuous mutation, I'm always reminded of Alex Mack, a name I've been dead curious about since I learnt that name. It brought me to Annie Mack and my friendship with J.R. became more close and mutual. Who was Alex Mack and how does she live her daily life as a not so average person?

- Alyssa

„How do you take your coffee J.R.?" I asked J.R. who was sitting on my bed. He was considerate to take off his shoes and change his socks, but I would have preferred he sat on a chair. The only problem was, we didn't have any chairs to spare.

„Just a little milk and a bit of honey in mine please," requested J.R..

Honey, who takes their coffee with honey? Luckily we did have honey. I don't like the sticky stuff personally, Clarissa likes it in her sandwiches. Ah well, each to their own. Just as I was about to bring J.R. and my drink over, he stopped me.

„Alyssa, why are you just carrying them over? You got another pair of hands don't you?"

„What do you mean?"

„Invisible hands, TK. Don't you want to use them."

J.R. was smiling at me intriguingly.

„I'm trying to cut down, don't want to make it a habit."

„Oh please, it's not like smoking. You don't want to make it a habit that's fine. But come on, you have powers, have fun. Come on Alyssa, deep down you want to use your TK."

I took a deep breath, held it in my lungs and pondered hard, before yielding to temptation and deciding to use my TK. I released J.R.'s drink by the handle and allowed it to float towards him so he could retrieve it.

"That's my girl, got to use your TK muscles, you've missed a lot of training."

"Well I've been keeping a low profile, so I hope you can understand why I'm a bit out of practice."

"Of course, you've become a wanted girl. Luckily they don't have your name, but they do have your face."

Sitting on the bed and holding my drink with my TK in the air, I felt my gut rumble and my stomach getting queasy. I knew this wasn't going to be easy and I had every reason to be paranoid.

"So what do you suggest we do?"

"We need to give you another identity."

The thought of that sent a long blade piercing in my chest, I found it difficult to swallow. Did this mean I have to change my name, leave my family, friends and lover behind and start a new life?

"You mean change my name?"

J.R smiled at me and shook his head.

"No we're not putting you under the witness protection program. I was thinking more giving you a double identity."

"You mean a superhero name?"

"Well basically yeah. We're going to give you an alter ego, something to throw your pursuers off the trail."

I smiled at the idea, poking fun at J.R.'s proposal.

"Do I get to wear a costume?"

J.R. paused and looked at me awkwardly.

"Of course, can't expect to be seen dressed casually and your face for all to see."

"So what do you have in mind, wear underpants on the outside, tights, a mask or even a cape?"

"No capes," snapped J.R. unexpectedly, as if he was either disapproving or he was referencing the movie I thought he was referencing.

"You've been watching the Incredibles have you?"

"Well yeah I've seen the movie and I have to agree. I never understood the strategic purpose of a cape, unless we look at Batman."

"Why does Batman wear a cape?"

I wasn't very knowledgable of Batman, he was more of a boy's superhero and not for girls.

"He uses his cape for gliding, stunning his enemies, shielding and camouflage, which I'm sure is something you don't need."

Reminiscing about my first combat engagement, I realised J.R. was correct. Batman has nothing on me.

"You're right, I can zap things, stop bullets, turn into water and fly."

My spine begun to tingle with self-conceit, what was happening to me? Was I starting to get an ego?

"You sure can do those things, I've seen it. Well not you in action when you handled that private militia in the Ukraine, but I'm sure you kicked ass."

I felt really chipper and started to recollect how the whole event played out and how I was able to bring down a gang armed to the teeth, let alone take out a tank.

"So we're going to start with the costume design? Do you know a fashion designer who can take my measure?"

J.R. chuckled and shook his head.

"No Alyssa, I don't think that takes priority. The costume can wait. I think we need to find you an alter-ego."

"An alter what?"

"An alter-ego, a name you can call yourself should you ever need to."

"Well I guess Supergirl is already taken."

"Unfortunately yeah, so we're going to have to think of another name."

I did my best to come up with names that might have a ring to it and one I would be happy bearing.

"Power girl?"

"Nah, Power girl is already taken."

"Oh no, this is not going to be easy."

"Oh it's not too hard, got to think of your powers and what they relate to."

"Let's see, I can shoot lightening bolts, move things with my mind, turn into water and fly. Oh bloody hell, how can I put those together. Electric girl, water woman, fly girl. No, maybe if I left out "woman" or "girl" in the title it would be much easier."

"I agree, we need something dramatic and in your face kind of."

"But how? All the good names are taken."

How was I suppose to think of any good names? I'm not nerd so I can't come up with any fancy name people are going to remember, not that I want them to remember of course. I just need a secret identity, any identity. J.R. just spent time gazing at the ceiling and pushing his lips together to whistle. I recognized the tune, can't remember the name, but I've heard it in many films. Mainly it's played when something bad and intimidating was on its way, think they played it in a helicopter in a war movie I forgot about it. J.R. stopped whistling and his face lit up as if he was struck by a bolt of lightening.

"How about valkyrie?"

"Valkyrie, what's a valkyrie?"

I didn't know what a valkyrie was, but I liked the sound of it already.

"I'm glad you asked, a valkyrie was a female warrior who possessed supernatural abilities. During a viking battle the valkyries would aide the vikings and determine their fate in the battle. They can fly of course and they have certain powers, depending which valkyrie we are referring to, there's more than one you see. Anyway I think it would be the perfect name for you."

"Okay I'm keen on that name. As long as I don't have to wear a horned helmet."

"No, you won't be wearing a horned helmet. Besides, vikings didn't wear horned helmets. You're costume I think should be skin tight and resemble viking body armor."

"You mean like pajamas?"

"Would you rather wear a skirt while flying in the sky?"

The thought of that made me cringe, can you imagine the humiliation?

"No, absolutely not. Guess we'll have to go with the pjs then."

"Great choice, I'll make an appointment with our fashion designer tomorrow. In the meantime, why don't we try new things with your TK?"

"Like what?"

I don't know what was new I could do with my TK. I can move objects and levitate myself off the ground, what else is new?

"Come on Alyssa, use your imagination. You only survived the fight against hostiles who tried to kill you. Got to use your own initiative and instincts if you want to survive in another life or death situation."

J.R. was right, I guess I have been a little coy and skeptical about using my powers. At the moment my cup was still levitating in the air like a helium balloon tied to the bed with an invisible string. I haven't touched my drink, so maybe I could try and get a little artsy here. I drew my attention to my cup, tipped it upside down and thought about the liquid inside being solid like a rock. Success, the liquid remained in the cup. I lifted up the cup to expose the brown liquid that looked like jelly. I even made it wobble like jelly. J.R. smiled, looking impressed that I could pull off such a trick with my TK.

"Impressive Alyssa, anything else you can do or have you run out of ideas already?"

"Oh no there's more."

Now it was time to get more creative and bold. I used the power of my mind and pictured all the fond memories I had of my childhood. One of them happened to be when I went to see the Nutcracker on ice for the first time, it was one of the most exhilarating and breathtaking events of my life, not to mention it was a birthday treat from my mother. I played Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the flowers on my phone and I started to form a small lake with the liquid and then have little flowers blossom. I made the flowers waltz around in accordance to the music and tried to reenact the dance number as best as I could remember it. This was like being in art class, the only difference was I wasn't what I would call a spectacular artist, but now I have TK I excel in that subject. The look on J.R.'s face was priceless, he looked astonished by how I could put on such a compelling show. I should be charging him for pay-per-view. My little performance ended with me summoning the liquid back in the cup.

"Bravo Alyssa," applauded J.R.

"You didn't think I could do it, could you?" I gave J.R. that derisive look just to rub it in his face.

"Well... I."

"Cat got your tongue?"

"Okay, I stand corrected."

After laughing in J.R.'s face, I haven't forgotten about our deal.

"So what's your story then, great shrinking man? Got something to tell me about your reckless party games regarding your powers?"

"Oh that, I don't think you'd be interested."

"Come on J.R., we had a deal remember?"

J.R. gave me that look on his face as if he had something to hide. What did he have to hide? Other than getting to know him, I know little about his past. What was he like as a child? How did he get his powers? And most importantly what did he do so reckless with his powers he put his life on the line?

"Right I see, okay then, what do you want to know?"

"What's the worst thing you've done with your powers it nearly got you killed or you just did something you regretted."

J.R. took a deep breath and breathed out, trying to muster the courage to tell me what he had to tell me. I can definitely tell J.R. was guilty of something, something probably so heinous or just traumatic.

"Well this one time I shrunk someone's car and... donated it to the closest charity shop. I know I know it sounds funny, but the worst part is... I didn't know if the owner of that car was the same one who... offended me. Plus I don't know if a little kid might have put that shrunk car in his mouth, he could have got a mouthful of petrol or other hazardous materials no kid should ever put in his mouth."

J.R.'s story sounded believable and comical, even a little iffy and somewhat unsettling if i may say so, but that wasn't what I found unsettling about the story. The way J.R. divulged his story sounded improvised as if he just made it up. He hesitated mid-sentence and he looked above my head. Could this be a sign that J.R. is not to be trusted because there's more to learn about his mysterious and possible ominous past?

"Oh and I pulled some pranks that backfired and ruined their lives. Got a long list of stories, which I'm sure you don't want to hear them all."

Hesitating about grilling J.R. for more information and catch him out with a lie. I decided that maybe it was best to change the subject and get to know more about his personal life, maybe then will he slip up and reveal something.

"No, no need. I've heard enough. However I've been meaning to ask you. Do you have a girlfriend?"

J.R. looked at me with bulging eyes and a mischievous smile on his face. That look you get when you flirt with someone and they react positively. I hope I'm not giving J.R. any ideas or false hopes.

"Erm no, why do you ask?"

"Because you are in your mid thirties and I thought you would have settled down by now."

"Yeah I know, but I've got no time for a girlfriend. I'm just trying to focus on myself is all."

"So you never ever had a girlfriend?"

J.R. breathed in and out through his nostrils. The light in his eyes flicked out and a gloomy expression strewed over his face. Seems I hit a raw nerve.

"I did one time. Long time ago. It's over now. Just got to get on with your life I suppose."

"What was her name?"

J.R. turned to look at me again. He looked teary-eyed, I was expecting a tear to role down his face.

"Alex."

That name, where have I heard that name before? I think it was when I looked up Annie Mack and discovered she had a sister who goes by the name Alexandra Mack. Could this be the same Alex J.R. was referring to. Come to think of it, I don't think he ever told me about his history with Annie Mack and her family.

"Alex Mack?'

J.R. looked at me with that abhorrent expression, it looked like that name haunted him and it shocked him to know that I knew that name.

"Yeah... I mean... how do you know her?"

"I don't really know her. All I know is she's the sister of Annie Mack."

"Oh, yeah you're right."

J.R. looked disappointed, thinking I would know something about Alex Mack.

"What do you know about Alex Mack? What was she like as a person and how did you two get together?"

J.R. looked reluctant to tell me, but he sucked it in and begun to tell me his love life.

"I don't think Annie would approve, but anyway here goes. Alex Mack was this young, vigorous and mischievous lass, who was unlike any other girl I ever met. That mischievous smile, cute button nose and little twinkle in her pretty blue eyes. She was always up to something, you didn't know what she was going to do next. Full of surprises, even a little naughty too..."

I giggled at J.R. having mentioned the adjective "naughty" which could imply he meant she was naughty in a sexual manner. He turned his head towards me and I could see he looked embarrassed, knowing I caught him out on his little secret life with Alex Mack.

"Okay moving on," J.R. cleared his throat and begun to tell me more about Alex Mack, "Alex Mack wasn't some ordinary girl, she had special abilities."

"What special abilities?"

"Well you might be interested to know, she had the same abilities as yours."

This came as a real shocker to me, I came to the assumption that Alex had been exposed to the same chemical as me. Maybe not the same strain, but it did have the same affect. Come to think of it, how am I different than Alex? Are we both undergoing the same mutation and who's more powerful?

"Interesting, so how did you and Alex end up together?"

"It's a long story."

"I got time, Ray and Clarissa aren't going to be back for a while."

"Well you asked for it. It involves how I got my powers, which I'm sure you'd like to hear."

"I'm all ears," smiling eagerly, dead curious to know how J.R. got his powers.

"My story begins with an ugly duckling like story, you know how the story goes?"

"A little duckling and his tale through hardship and ostracism, eventually grows into a beautiful swan and finds his place where he feels accepted."

"Exactly. Without having to go into great detail about my unhappy childhood, I'll just say I made like Peter Pan and ran away from home and found a new one."

I could sense J.R.'s story was sounding grimmer by every little detail he was going to give.

"A new home, you left your family?"

"No not exactly, I went to boarding school, which I hated and ran away. Not so long after I was discovered and picked up by a seemingly kind and charitable lady. Her name was Danielle Atron."

The name hit me right in the stomach, like a huge cannonball shot point black and ripped a hole in my stomach. It can't be, was this the same Danielle Atron who founded Atron Chemicals? Rather than inquire about Danielle Atron and make it sound like I'm familiar with that name, I let J.R. continue his story.

"She took me away from the UK and took me with her to the land of freedom and opportunity."

"The US?"

"No Iraq, of course the US," said J.R. sarcastically. "She took me under her wing and gave me a new home, but of course there was one catch."

"What was it?"

"I had to agree to be her test subject. She promised me she could grant me powers, powers that people only dream of. Being a little kid I couldn't say no to that so I expeditiously agreed and so I underwent through the long painful process of being her human guinea pig. I was as you expected injected and exposed to various chemicals. Imagine being a kid and being subjected to some of the worst pain imaginable, it makes like going to the dentist a trip to the candy shop in comparison."

The more I thought about what experiments were conducted on him and how painful they were, the more chilling it sounded. This was where I started to feel sorry for J.R. and started to resent Danielle Atron for what cruelty she inflicted on him. I wanted to sound genuinely sympathetic towards J.R. as I could.

"That's awful, I'm sorry to that. I'm so happy you survived and you're here now."

"Yeah well death would have been a god send with what I've been through or just giving in and begging Danielle to stop, but all she did was convince me it will work this time."

"And did it work?"

"Well kind of, but it didn't have the desired results she was hoping for. Instead of being able to shoot electricity from my fingertips or morph into liquid like Alex and you can, I did develop TK, but it didn't enable me move objects with my mind."

"Then what can you do with your TK?"

"Well I can objects vibrate, but I can't levitate them like you can."

"Vibrate?"

Suddenly I heard my phone vibrate on my bedside table. At first I thought I left my phone on silent, but seeing the screen was blank, I knew I wasn't receiving a call. J.R. was showing me his ability to vibrate objects with his TK.

"Like that. Sucks I know, which is why my TK is only affective when I'm shrunk."

"Must be why you can fly because your TK is limited to only limited to levitating yourself when you're in shrunk mode."

"Exactly, don't have to be a geek to figure that out."

"So what exactly causes you to shrink and shrink other things?"

"That is not so easy to explain, but here goes. It kind of works as in the same principle as your ability to morph into liquid. I can break down my cells and molecules and retain the weight with my TK. You must be familiar with cellular and molecular structure."

"Yeah I learnt it in class, but science wasn't my preferred subject, only got a B, how lame is that?"

"Could be worse, I only got a C."

"So basically what you can shrink your own cells including the cells or molecules in your clothes. As well as other objects you touch?"

"Exactly, only our dear friend Annie Mack can give us a more in depth scientific explanation."

"Not that it's important anyway," I mused, "Anyway what did Danielle do once she found out you can shrink yourself?"

"She allocated me the task of find the mystery kid who was doused with the chemical known as GC-161."

That cryptic code for a chemical, which sounds familiar to the one I was exposed to. I could already sense the irony, I became the hunted just like Alex Mack as it's quite clear that not only is Danielle Atron after me, but also the whole world. It's just lucky they don't know my name.

"I see, they wanted you to find the kid with superpowers, which happened to be Alex."

"10 points, I was to enroll in the Atron Junior High School as a spy. Despite being two years too young to attend high school, I was given a fake age and forged background, probably to fool immigration authorities being an illegal alien."

"Is that where you came across Alex Mack?"

"No, I first met her after winning a martial arts tournament. I was basically representing the high school against other high schools in the Arizona state who competed. Alex, Annie and Ray were impressed by my performance they approached me and tried to befriend me, that was of course how I skillfully put the school bully in his place. They even invited me to have lunch with them, which I graciously accepted and that's how I got acquainted with them. Of course before then I laid eyes on Alex Mack in the audience, I instantly fell for her. Guess you could call it a Romeo meets Juliet moment."

"So how did you discover she had powers?"

"Now that I'm afraid you'll judge me because what I did wasn't honest. I used my shrinking powers to stalk her, even sneak into her bedroom at night and watch her sleep. As I watched her get ready for bed, I saw her telekinetically brush her hair, which was something I did not expect to see. Then I saw her turn out her light by zapping her lamp. This augmented my curiosity and crush I had for Alex and I was determined to learn more about her so I could sweep her off her feet."

"And did you?"

"Well before I tried to get closer to Alex, I knew that I would have to reveal my powers to Annie Mack, so she could let me in about Alex and her powers. I showed Annie, Alex and Ray my powers, which seemed to impress them and had the desired result, I became part of the Alex Mack secret club if that's what I must call it."

"So what about your loyalty to Danielle Atron?"

"Oh her? Well I kept my affiliation with Danielle Atron a secret, because I knew it would affect my trust with Alex, Annie and Ray should I have sold them out."

"So you never told Danielle Atron that Alex Mack was the mystery kid?"

"I didn't, I couldn't. With each day that went by my love for Alex grew stronger and stronger. I didn't want anything bad to happen to her, which was why I kept Alex's powers a secret. I was even more inclined to turn against Danielle, but part of me still respected her for taking me in and giving me powers that I enjoyed despite all the torture and physical pain I endured. I just hoped there would be a third option where I could resolve the whole issue and convince Danielle to let Alex go, but Annie convinced me that Danielle is not be trusted."

Learning more about J.R.'s past I became intrigued to learn more about his love life with Alex Mack.

"So how did you get together with Alex?"

J.R.'s face lit up, it was the brightest I've ever seen his face. "It's a long story, but we'll just say it started off as friends. Alex was two years older than me, she was fourteen and I was twelve. Annie noticed how I look at Alex and knew I was in love with her. After admitting my love for Alex to Annie, did she suggest how I could impress Alex, telling me she has a thing for hats."

"Hats?"

"Yeah what you put on your head, that kind of hat. I didn't know what kind of hats she liked and I didn't deem them as a first romantic gesture, so I decided to get her flowers. I got her to speak with me in private and I surprised her by making flowers magically appearing in my hand. Yes I did use my shrinking abilities, I just enlarged the flowers. Anyway, Alex was surprised and really flattered by my gift. I will never forget her bright radiant smile and the sparkle in her eyes. I could feel my throat melt and my knees turn to jelly, I felt powerless in Alex's presence. Now I knew what it was like to morph and melt into a puddle like she could."

"Did you tell Alex how you felt?"

"That was the most difficult part. My mouth was as dry as wool and I couldn't get a word out between my lips. When I was able to get air into my lungs and moisten my mouth I slowly turned my head to look Alex in the eyes and tell her how much I feel. I couldn't control my stuttering and trembling as I could see how patient Alex looked while adhering half a smile on her face and waiting for me to finish my sentence. I thought that I should just say it despite I was mumbling as I told her that I loved her. It was like a burden was lifted from my shoulders and I just altered the course of the future, my future with Alex and how she would respond after knowing that I loved her. Alex looked shocked and dropped the smile from her face, but then she smiled again and giggled and then she laughed. Feeling really stupid and embarrassed to say it I break down in front of her and apologise. Alex comforts me and tells me there is nothing to be sorry about and that she's really flattered by my gift. She kisses me on the cheek, which lifted up my spirits and gave me the courage to look at Alex in the eyes again. Smiling at me, which causes me to smile back, she takes me in her arms and hugs me tight. She whispers into my ear and tells me she's not ready for a relationship and she's still sore from her last crush who turned out to be a fake after having lied to her."

"So what happened, how did you get together?"

"Well we still carried on being friends, Alex and I would have private hangouts, which I liked to call dates. Of course Alex didn't see it that way and we didn't kiss before we parted ways. It was only after she started seeing another bloke. His name was Hunter, he came to Paradise Valley to find traces of his missing father who was last seen working with Danielle Atron. At first I was jealous of Hunter and refused to make friendly relations with him, but for the sake of Alex I at least tried to help him find his father. When I helped Hunter uncover the truth about his father by doing an unselfish deed, Alex would reveal to me that Hunter and her were not seeing each other anymore. She told me it was just a crush and they both agreed to go their own separate ways now his business was complete. I offered her an invitation for a date and she ardently accepted."

"So I guess you are going to go into every intricate detail how you two had fun, danced a little and then shared your first kiss under the moonlight."

"Yeah I'm going to skip all those details and just say we chose to go to the 4th of July carnival together. Of course Ray came along with his date so it was a double date. I'll never forget how I made Alex burst out laughing when I crashed into the trash can after riding the gravitron. I had her on the floor after I threw up on the mayor's shoes, must have humiliated him big time. Alex and Ray dragged me off where I recovered and no longer felt disorientated. I was worried in case Alex was no going to want to kiss me because I threw up, but... that doesn't matter. Ray gave me some gum to rid the taste of vomit in my mouth after I rinsed with water. The fireworks display was about to commence and I suggested watching the fireworks with Alex and I in private. Ray agreed and gave me the thumbs up wishing me luck. I took Alex's hand and we walked together holding hands for the first time like we were a couple. We found our own quite spot on top of a hill where the fireworks weren't so loud and we could just see them blaze in the night sky. Alex audaciously shot one of her electric projectiles into the sky, emulating it as a firework. It amazed me and augmented my love for Alex seeing her do what I can't do. I will never forget how she zapped one of the rockets in the sky and it enhanced the explosion and dispersed sparks. It illuminated the whole area bright yellow, sort of like the sun. Alex and I turned to look at each other, she smiled as I did to. The moment was romantic, intimate and right for what would be my first ever kiss with Alex. I nervously moved my face towards Alex as she retained her exquisite smile. My lips found hers and we kissed while we heard the sound of fireworks, carnival music and boisterous cheers. After Alex and I kiss, she zapped me on the nose and smirked devilishly and laughed. This I will remember as a reminder on how our relationship begun, with a spark."

"Did it hurt?"

"Of course it did, not much, just a pinch. Next I remember is grabbing Alex as we rolled down the hill making out."

"So what did you two do together as a couple?"

"Like all couples do, kiss, go out on dates and other things you probably do with your boyfriend, not that I know what you do with your boyfriend. Oh and we used to prank each other. Alex would sometimes zap me from behind or use her TK, or morph into liquid so I wasn't kissing her real lips, I was kissing some liquid I didn't know if it was safe to drink."

"Sounds like you two both had fun, having superpowers and being in a relationship. Too bad my boyfriend doesn't have powers and he's unaware I have powers. I don't know whether I should tell him or not?"

"Do what you have to do, Alyssa, but keep in mind not everyone is good with secrets. If you fall out and are no longer together, then he might betray you."

"He wont, we never got into heated arguments or raised our voices at one another. Okay some disagreements, but nothing ugly if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, but just be careful. The last thing I want is to have to convince you to come in with us and be held in confinement, because I'm certain that will affect your relationship with him and your friends, because you will be forbidden to make any form of contact in the outside world."

"Even text messages and emails?"

"Okay that I'm not sure of, but I'm sure they would have to fabricate a message that would pass as an alibi."

The more I heard about being in the yellow phase made my stomach turn. Rather than think about the danger I'm putting myself into, I turn back to a happier topic about J.R. and his relationship with Alex.

"So what happened to you and Alex, why did you break up? Please don't feel pressured to tell me, it's just that I'm curious and hope to learn how I can be more cautious living with powers."

"She came to the conclusion that her future and studies were more important to her. Because she was moving away to go to college in Austin,Texas, she made the hard decision to take the antidote her father made, which annulled her of her powers. We kissed, hugged and said goodbye to each other and we never saw each other again."

"Couldn't you two just stay friends?"

"Alyssa, you have no idea how difficult that can be. Once you love someone dearly and more than you can ever know, staying close together is never a good thing. I could try to be her friend and see her as a friend, but unfortunately deep down I know that I love her and would want more from her. It was best to let her go and let her get on with her life."

I could tell by the way J.R. delivered his poignant sob-story about breaking up with Alex that he wasn't completely over her and did sound like he was on the verge of crying. He had eyes like a puppy-dog, he was staring into space and he was quivering. Does J.R. really have psychological problems and coping with loss he chooses to live in the past? I don't know, but one thing is for certain, he's a lonely tortured soul.

"Were there any other girls besides Alex who you dated or were interested in?"

"Nah, just Alex. After that I kind of lost interest in the idea of dating. Decided to focus on my education and start college, so I moved back to the UK so I could take my mind off Alex."

"Yeah, I guess it was the right thing to do. Alex would have wanted you to do that. It's just lucky that my boyfriend and I are still together after spending so much time away from each other."

"You are right, you are lucky indeed. Maybe it's what he wanted for you and himself. Once you get further in your careers you can then think about getting your own place together or even get married."

"Now we're going a little too far here, but maybe someday we will get married," I chuckled at the impertinent thought. Then after a long silence and looking at the man who has always been a mystery to me and I didn't take interest in his personal life until now, what his real name is. "So what is your name, your real name? What does J.R. stand for?"

J.R.'s expression froze, like he was not expecting to be asked such a personal question. His lips dropped open, it almost looked like he was reluctant to answer the question.

"What J.R. stands for, well it's kind of..."

The sound of the locks rattled and the door flew open with Clarissa and Ray bursting in and chatting mutually and harmoniously. I can tell they had a lot of fun together.

"Oh hi Alyssa, how was your date with...?" asked Clarissa.

"J.R., just J.R," J.R. assisted.

"J.R., how was your date with J.R.?" joked Clarissa.

"It's not a date, we were just socialising," answered Alyssa.

"Sure you were," teased Clarissa, "Anyway it's getting late, I'm sure Ray and J.R. have places to stay."

"As a matter of fact, J.R. and I are staying at a five star resort," quipped Ray.

"Sounds nice, I got to brush my teeth," I said, knowing it wasn't something needed to be said, looking at J.R.'s gleaming face and not expecting what was to come.

"You brush good, Alyssa," grinned J.R.

"Come along J.R. your chariot awaits and a nice chilled beer when you get back home," giggled Ray, slapping J.R. on the back and walk him to the door. After Ray lightly pushed J.R. out of the door, Ray turned to look at us with a wide smile. "Good night ladies, sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite."

I said "Good night" to Ray and I could see the look on Clarissa's face as she said "Good night" to Ray acting like she was developing a crush on Ray. I hope she doesn't get her hopes up, knowing that she just came out of a relationship. The door shut tight and Clarissa skipped jovially and threw herself on my bed.

"Isn't he just a dream?" raved Clarissa

"Who you mean Ray?"

"Yes of course Ray, you couldn't possibly mean J.R.. Fuck that man could pass to be my grandpa."

"He's only in his 30's," without trying to defend J.R. and make it sound like I'm rebuking Clarissa for criticising him.

"Really, he doesn't look like it to me and sure doesn't act like it. I'd be careful around him if I were you."

"No J.R. is fine, he's completely harmless," I really meant what I said about J.R.. Although I'm starting to suspect he's lying to me or just keeping things from me, I trust him enough to want him as my mentor. Oh and I kind of feel sorry for him too.

"Whatever. So do you think I have a chance with Ray?" fantasised Clarissa, laying her head on my bed and playing with her hair.

"How should I know, you were the one with him."

"Well you know him better than I do."

"I think you shouldn't get too carried away with Ray. You've only known him for a day. Maybe it was just a one time event and he just wanted to cheer you up."

"Yeah but that doesn't mean I can't try to win him over. I think maybe if I asked him out on a second date he might say yes."

"It doesn't hurt to ask, just don't get over excited."

"Oh Alyssa you kidder, you just don't know how to have fun." Clarissa playfully slapped my knee.

"What do you mean I don't like to have fun? I have plenty of fun."

"That's not what your other friends say about you. I just met the ones you were suppose to meet up with today and you told them you couldn't make it."

This really shocked me and reminded me that for the first time I lied to my friends and they are probably going to accuse me of lying and wanting to bail out. It made my skin crawl knowing my little white lie could hurt the friendship. Got to make it up to them somehow.

"I just didn't feel like hanging out today, I needed to be alone."

"But you preferred hanging out with J.R."

"That's different, he was the only person I could talk to him about my issue?"

"What issue?"

"Just some issue."

"Alyssa you can't keep things from us. We are your friends and friends tell each other everything, they never lie."

How ironic was it that Clarissa is suspecting me of lying as I'm also suspecting J.R. of lying. I really am in a difficult situation. J.R. and Ray are the only ones I can confide in about my powers and it seemed that I might have to go as far as telling Clarissa that I have powers. If I tell her, then I have to tell everyone else. Whose to say they can all be trusted and how many of them can keep a secret? I am in a real sticky situation here, with my personal life and secret life both at risk. Maybe it would be best if I trust J.R. and Ray and leave it to them to advise me, it's not only for my safety but for my friends and family too.
As for J.R. in particular, I still wanted to trust him and still consider him a friend, it still pains me to doubt whether he is all he seems and if there's more about him I don't know about. Something devious, something sinister, maybe even dangerous?

To be continued...