My Story
Chapter 4
Comics Galore
By Mirage
One day while on restrictions Duke had lent me a book to read. I was lounging around the rec. room on the couch reading 'A Man Betrayed' by J.V. Jones, as Wildwing and Mallory discussed something I had no interest in. I sighed heavily and rolled over in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. Mallory glared at me but didn't say anything. (Like it would have made a difference.) Nosedive came bounding into the room and announced, "I'm going to go see Mookie and Thrash. Be back later!"
"Wait a minute, baby bro."
"What?"
"Forgetting something?"
Nosedive looked around the room and shook his head, "nope."
Wildwing tilted his head in my direction.
"What about her?"
Wildwing rolled his eyes, "Mirage, would you like to go with Dive to the mall?"
I sat up stunned. "What?"
"Do you want to go to the mall?" he enunciated each word.
"Uh... sure."
"But Wing..."
"Oh come on, Dive, you can show Mirage around, besides I'm sure Thrash and Mookie are dying to meet her."
"Well... if your coming you'd better hurry up."
"I'm there!" I jumped up from the couch and beat Dive to the door. As we raced each other to the hanger we ran into Grin and asked him to come along. I'm glad he did because after we visited Captain Comics we went to buy meditation crystals. I got this cool purple and teal one and... oops I'm getting side tracked. My meeting with Dive's friends was much more interesting then my crystal.
The pair was... different. What else can I say with hair and clothes like that! But once we got to talking I understood why Dive liked them.
"So this is the famous Mirage," Thrash said as he eyed me from head to toe.
"Don't look at her like that," Mookie scolded as she playfully slapped his arm.
"Eh, he can look, just as long as he doesn't undress me with his eyes," I laughed.
"Is that why you slapped Wing?" Dive asked.
"In a way, yes."
"So, Mirage...," Thrash interrupted. "Who is your favorite comic book hero?"
"Um... I don't know. I'm not to familiar with Earth literature."
"Literature?!" scoffed Mookie. "Comics are an artistic form of expression!"
"Sorry, I didn't know."
"Don't worry, Mirage, we all know that Spiderman is the coolest," Nosedive said.
"No way, Dive. Superman is supreme cool."
"Nope, your both wrong," Mookie blurted. "The number one, most outstanding hero of all time is Batman."
"Batman! Come on Mook, get real. The guy needs a side kick."
"Yeah," Thrash agreed. "Now, Dive, Superman is way cooler. Everyone knows that."
"No way daddy-o-man. He doesn't count because he's an alien."
"What do you consider Spiderman then?"
The three continued to argue about which one was right, as Grin and I browsed the racks. I didn't have much time to really learn about the characters, but there was this one I really liked.
"Mirage?" Nosedive asked, as he frantically looked for me. (I think he was afraid I had walked off while he 'discussed' comic book philosophy.)
"Yes?"
"There you are. You have to help us out. Who is cooler, Superman, (he made a thumbs down sign) Batman, (he stuck out his tongue) or Spiderman?" (He gave two thumbs up)
"Actually, I think Aquaman is pretty cool."
"What does she know," Thrash said. "She already said she doesn't know anything about comics."
"Hello! She has a point, Aquaman is cool," Mookie defended me.
"Grin knows more about comics then she does. What do you say, Grin?"
"Your personal preferences are clouding true wisdom. Green Lantern is the best comic book hero."
"Yeah sure, Grin," Dive said before he went back to his debate with the two humans.
We spent the rest of the day at the mall. It felt good to get out of the Pond and get some action. I was having such a good day nothing could have ruined it. Since I didn't have any money or any way of obtaining it, besides picking pockets and I was trying to kick that habit, Dive bought me several comics to 'educate' me on Spiderman's coolness. Of the ten I received, four were Spiderman, two Superman, two Batman, one Green Lantern, and one Aquaman.
"Hey guys?"
"Yeah, Mirage," Dive said as we walked back to the Pond.
"Um, I don't know how to put this, but I kinda, you know, would like to be able to support myself."
"I don't understand?"
"She wishes to obtain the means to make a lively hood," Grin stated.
"What?"
"I want to make my own money!"
"Uh, we'll have to ask Wing. I don't think he'd let you."
"Why not?"
"Well because..." Nosedive said as he scratched his head.
"I'm a thief?" I offered.
"Yes," he said sheepishly.
"For crying out loud! Will I ever live that down!"
"If you stopped stealing you would," Grin said.
"I'm trying. It's the best I can do!"
"Trying and doing are two different things."
I stopped and looked at his huge form. "Grin I can't change who I am. I've been trying my entire life. Nothing I've done has helped."
"Maybe you need a reason to."
"Like what?"
"You will know when you are ready."
"That's a lot of help!"
"We'll ask Wing, Mirage."
"This should be fun."
***
Back at the Pond, Wildwing had everyone gathered in the rec. room when we returned.
"NO!"
"But, Wildwing..."
"I said no."
"Why not?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
I turned away from him and pouted. "This isn't fair!"
"Life isn't fair."
"Wildwing..." I whined.
"I said no, Mirage."
"How am I suppose to eat?"
"We have food."
"But what if I want to buy something at the mall?"
"Borrow some money from Dive."
"How am I suppose to pay him back? I can't rob people just to return money I borrow."
Wildwing sighed. "Mirage, just give us a little time."
"Wildwing," Duke interjected.
"Yes, Duke."
"I think letting Mirage have a job is a good idea. It'll teach her responsibility and to appreciate hard work."
"You think being a pick pocket is easy? Well let me tell you..."
"Duke, if you think this is such a great idea, what would you suggest as an appropriate career?"
"Well, we could ask Phil to make up a contract for her."
"I don't play hockey! Remember?"
He cast me a hard look. "A contract as entertainment during intermissions."
"WHAT!? I don't do shows!"
Mallory and Tanya giggled at my protest.
"Shut up!"
"Now, Mirage, there's no need in getting angry," Duke said calmly.
"Sure, DAD, after all, DAD, you know everything, DAD."
Duke sighed and walked away. I guess he couldn't handle my sarcasm.
"That sounds like a good idea, Duke," Wildwing said after much thought. "Mirage can do a few short programs before the zamboni's come out to cut the ice."
"What?!"
"Think of it this way, Mirage, it's like a competition except there are no judges. You get to skate AND make money at the same time."
"Well... maybe... I'll think about it."
"Good, I'll go discuss it with Phil."
The next day I signed a contract to perform during intermissions. I believe that Phil begrudgingly did this because he didn't seem too happy with me when I actually signed the paper. Anyway, I would acquire a large sum of money (I think that's what hurt Phil) for each performance and plenty of ice time to practice. That meant I got to practice whenever I wanted to and without Wildwing complaining. Of course I couldn't practice when they were, but I didn't care. I got to skate! Nosedive and Grin would help me pick out music and work out routines for the different music styles. I was finally starting to fit in!
Since Chapter four and five were both short I decided to put them together, so here's...
Chapter 5
'Light's, Camera's, Music!'
Now I loved performing for the enormous crowds that packed themselves into the Pond on game day. As a matter of fact, the fans loved me soooooo much that Phil scheduled a special performance where some great skaters on Earth also performed routines alongside me. Some of the names to perform were Scott Hammel, Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lapinski, and a few others. I hope I spelled their names right.
So in preparation for this spectacular event I needed music. I had performed all the great songs I had on CD several times and by now they were old and dull. I needed new fresh music that would dazzle the audience as I performed new stunts never seen before here on Earth or Puckworld. I enlisted Dive's expertise in human pop culture to help me fetch the needed musical scores from the mall. As we were leaving we ran into Wildwing and Duke. Oh this was going to be a fun day I could tell. Why wouldn't I be thrilled to hang out with Dive's older brother, who wanted me in a cage, and my dad, who wished that I had never been hatched? As a matter of fact I was just looking forward to that little experience. Can't you sense the air is dripping with sarcasm? Anyway the pair decided that we needed company so they tagged along. Oh the pain! Oh to humanity! Why must I be cursed so!?
So the four of us went to the mall, albeit two of us were not all that thrilled with the number issue. I was hoping to ditch the two unwelcome, unwanted companions, but Dive had no concept of move faster and loose the buzzard brother. I figured that as soon as we went into a shop they had no interest in we would be able to get rid of the pair. I saw the first music store in the mall and I quickly grabbed Dive and led him towards the store. I would have gone by myself, but Wing still had it on royal decree that I was not to be by myself.
Continuing on... we browsed the racks, thankful to finally be free of our 'body guards', and looked at the merchandise. I was like a kid in a candy store.
"Hey, Mirage."
"Yeah, Dive."
"What's up with this place?"
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't this suppose to be a music store?"
"It is, Dive," Wildwing (Why did he have to follow us?) said as he rounded a display.
"Uh, Wing, in case you hadn't noticed there are no CD's in here."
"Of course not," I laughed. "This is a real music store."
"Yeah, right."
"See, here's a book of music."
Nosedive took the book and looked through the pages.
"What's all these black dots for?"
"Their notes, Nosedive."
"Notes?"
"Yeah, depending on where they are on the staff it tells the musician what note to play on the instrument."
"But how can anyone read this?"
"They learn how."
"Not me."
Wildwing and Duke laughed at him and I left the three to browse the store. One section of the store was dedicated to sheet music and books. Another section had drum set displays. The front of the store was dedicated to guitars of many shapes, sizes and kinds. I really liked this one acoustic guitar. It had a broad tan face and the arm was black with pearlescent doves flying up and away. The sound was to die for! Duke made me put it down though.
As we looked around some more, I stumbled upon a flute, in its case, on the counter. I immediately fell in love with the instrument. The silver shine caught my eye and stole my heart. I reached for the enticing instrument, but the clerk slapped the case shut and put it away in the locked display case. I stopped and looked at him with a befuddled look. Why did he do that?
"Excuse me, but can I look at that flute?"
"No."
"How about that one?" I pointed to a less expensive flute in the case.
"We don't serve people like you here."
"What do you mean?"
"We don't serve your kind."
"Ducks?"
"Get out!"
"Fine, we'll leave."
"You leave, they can stay."
"What's up with this? You don't like me?"
"Get out!"
I really didn't have a choice after that. The clerk reached for the phone and started to dial the police. Nosedive grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the store. I was really hurt by that. Why was I being discriminated against?
***
"Wait a minute," Duke addressed the clerk after Mirage was outside. "Why are you discriminating against her?"
"We don't like little thieves in here."
"Little thief? How dare you accuse my friend of stealing?!"
"Every shop has been warned about her. I find it easier to stop shop lifting by not allowing their kind in here."
"She doesn't steal! So just pass that little tidbit along to your shopkeeper friends, because if they so much as glance twice at her I'll publicly denounce their shop. And since I'm a professional hockey player..." Duke left the threat dangling in hopes that the clerk would make up some horrible visions of his own design.
After Duke made a complete ass of himself he and Wildwing left the store to join Nosedive and I outside. They were talking to one another as they approached.
"Duke, she is a thief."
"Yeah, so."
"You can't say she's not, when she is."
"He doesn't know that, besides she's trying to stop."
"I can't believe you."
"The only thing one needs when trying to kick a bad habit is support. I know she can do it, that's why I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt."
"Giving who the benefit of the doubt?" I asked.
"Oh no one real special, just this one little thief who's trying to stop stealing."
"You mean me," I said sourly. (Did he and Wildwing think that I had been caught shop lifting? I swear upon my life that I hadn't done it outside of the Pond. I really was trying to quit.)
"Mirage, you can do anything you put your mind to. Heck it was hard for me at first too, but the ducks helped me. That's why I'm going to help you."
"Great," I mumbled unenthusiastically.
***
To make my day even better I stubbed my toe getting off the elevator. I couldn't believe it when Tanya said that I had broken it. I swear I'm a walking accident waiting to happen. Stupid Saurians. It must be their fault. I never had this bad of luck until they showed up to take over my home world.
I spent the next few days in front of the television. It hurt to walk. You don't think so, well I know so, so don't say anything! One day Dive was trying to educate me on the grand significance of 'Bernie the Bear' cartoons. I had lost him several hours ago and I was currently agreeing with everything he said. Grin on the other hand would defect and challenge his assumptions. I just live for these moments...not.
Anyway, while I sat there, foot propped up on a pillow; Duke came walking in holding something behind his back. Tanya stood behind him with a smile that spanned her face from ear to ear.
"Hey there, Mirage!"
"Hi, Duke," I said while rolling my eyes. (He did not see that though.)
"Got something for you."
"Let me guess, a restraining order?"
"No."
"Handcuffs?"
"No."
"Get out of jail free card?"
"Close."
"You didn't get me a police officer, did you?"
"Wow, you're good. No. I got you this."
He handed me an oblong box with a medium size metallic bow on it. I heaved a sigh and tired to remain cordial. Duke had asked me to be nice when Tanya was around. Not an easy task I assure you, but I did owe her one for always being nice to me. Man how much abuse will she take before she lashes out? I mean I really try to get her mad, but she just shrugs it off as nothing.
Back to Duke's gift. Wildwing, who was on the other couch laughing at Dive trying to convince the world that he was right, leaned forward to get a better view of the gift.
"Come on, V... Mirage, open it."
"What is with you guys and giving me gifts? Are you trying to make up for the other day? If so don't worry I have no problem with getting kicked out of stores. Happens all the time."
"Just open the darn thing," Duke said loosing his patience.
"Fine." I opened the box to find another box within. "Oh fun, one of these. I always wanted a box, Duke."
"Open the box smart mouth."
I opened the box and inside, you will never guess what it was. He had gotten me a better flute then the one I saw at the music store. I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. What could I have?
"Like?" Duke smiled.
I nodded.
"Now, I'm afraid the gifts don't stop here."
"Here you go, Mirage," Tanya handed me a thinner package that flopped around.
I opened it quickly to find several music books for the flute. I was even more at a loss for words at this.
"Well, play something," Duke offered.
"Uh, Duke, what are you doing?" Wildwing asked.
"I think he just one-upped you bro," Dive snickered.
I was so shaken by the gift that I had trouble putting the instrument together. I finally got there and I lifted it to my mouth. I looked at everyone and put it back down. I was too embarrassed to play for an audience.
"Come on, Mirage, play us a little ditty," Duke encouraged.
I swallowed hard and prepared to play. I closed my eyes, lifted the horn to my beak and played a song my fingers had memorized. When I finished I opened my eyes. The room was silent. I looked at everyone; afraid that they had ran out of the room when I had squeaked. To my surprise, Mallory had joined everyone when she heard the melody. They all starred at me, entranced by my meager abilities. Duke was the one exception. He stood behind the couch beaming proudly.
"How did you know she could play?" Grin broke the silence.
"Oh, um... I figured that she might. She looked at that other flute at the store like it was a brick of gold embellished with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome, oh come on don't cry."
I guess in my current state of bewilderment I lost control of my emotions, I teared up and let them fall. Duke laughed as he handed me a handkerchief. Maybe he does care about me after all.
To Be Continued in Chapter 6...
Bwhahahahahahahaha Ha! I'm evil to make you wait, especially since the entire story is typed up.
Ah isn't it wonderful. Now one side note from chapter 4, who is the coolest super hero? Elwenildo and Silver Elf Child keep on arguing about who is cooler and I can't take it any more! Will someone stop them!
Superman!
Spiderman!
Super!
Spider!
Super!
Spider!
See what I mean. Shut them up!
Oh come on Mirage, we only do this to annoy you.
Yeah, Elfy's right. You're so easy to torture. Just wait till Elfy starts taking musical theater next semester. Then we'll have some more fun.
Yup can't wait. Musical theater, piano lessons, molecular cell biology, immunology, radiation safety and lab TA. This will be a semester to remember. Too bad I can't take hockey =(.
That's it, Elfy, I'm not letting you write anymore portions of my story!
Why not?
Because your being mean again.
I'm always mean to you. Don't you have some of Becks laundry to do?
*Walks away grumbling about smart mouthed humans*
Ducks, they make the best slaves. Hey maybe Draggy had the right idea!
Mirage, you forgot to put in a disclaimer.
Shut up human! I already told them I don't own the Mighty Ducks and that I'm a free agent!
What about Chris' guitar. You can't describe it without saying it's his.
Fine. The guitar mentioned in the text belongs to the lead guitarist in Elfy's rock band. Happy.
Your hopeless. The guitar is custom made and is the most amazing instrument I have ever seen. Chris you rock!
Chapter 4
Comics Galore
By Mirage
One day while on restrictions Duke had lent me a book to read. I was lounging around the rec. room on the couch reading 'A Man Betrayed' by J.V. Jones, as Wildwing and Mallory discussed something I had no interest in. I sighed heavily and rolled over in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. Mallory glared at me but didn't say anything. (Like it would have made a difference.) Nosedive came bounding into the room and announced, "I'm going to go see Mookie and Thrash. Be back later!"
"Wait a minute, baby bro."
"What?"
"Forgetting something?"
Nosedive looked around the room and shook his head, "nope."
Wildwing tilted his head in my direction.
"What about her?"
Wildwing rolled his eyes, "Mirage, would you like to go with Dive to the mall?"
I sat up stunned. "What?"
"Do you want to go to the mall?" he enunciated each word.
"Uh... sure."
"But Wing..."
"Oh come on, Dive, you can show Mirage around, besides I'm sure Thrash and Mookie are dying to meet her."
"Well... if your coming you'd better hurry up."
"I'm there!" I jumped up from the couch and beat Dive to the door. As we raced each other to the hanger we ran into Grin and asked him to come along. I'm glad he did because after we visited Captain Comics we went to buy meditation crystals. I got this cool purple and teal one and... oops I'm getting side tracked. My meeting with Dive's friends was much more interesting then my crystal.
The pair was... different. What else can I say with hair and clothes like that! But once we got to talking I understood why Dive liked them.
"So this is the famous Mirage," Thrash said as he eyed me from head to toe.
"Don't look at her like that," Mookie scolded as she playfully slapped his arm.
"Eh, he can look, just as long as he doesn't undress me with his eyes," I laughed.
"Is that why you slapped Wing?" Dive asked.
"In a way, yes."
"So, Mirage...," Thrash interrupted. "Who is your favorite comic book hero?"
"Um... I don't know. I'm not to familiar with Earth literature."
"Literature?!" scoffed Mookie. "Comics are an artistic form of expression!"
"Sorry, I didn't know."
"Don't worry, Mirage, we all know that Spiderman is the coolest," Nosedive said.
"No way, Dive. Superman is supreme cool."
"Nope, your both wrong," Mookie blurted. "The number one, most outstanding hero of all time is Batman."
"Batman! Come on Mook, get real. The guy needs a side kick."
"Yeah," Thrash agreed. "Now, Dive, Superman is way cooler. Everyone knows that."
"No way daddy-o-man. He doesn't count because he's an alien."
"What do you consider Spiderman then?"
The three continued to argue about which one was right, as Grin and I browsed the racks. I didn't have much time to really learn about the characters, but there was this one I really liked.
"Mirage?" Nosedive asked, as he frantically looked for me. (I think he was afraid I had walked off while he 'discussed' comic book philosophy.)
"Yes?"
"There you are. You have to help us out. Who is cooler, Superman, (he made a thumbs down sign) Batman, (he stuck out his tongue) or Spiderman?" (He gave two thumbs up)
"Actually, I think Aquaman is pretty cool."
"What does she know," Thrash said. "She already said she doesn't know anything about comics."
"Hello! She has a point, Aquaman is cool," Mookie defended me.
"Grin knows more about comics then she does. What do you say, Grin?"
"Your personal preferences are clouding true wisdom. Green Lantern is the best comic book hero."
"Yeah sure, Grin," Dive said before he went back to his debate with the two humans.
We spent the rest of the day at the mall. It felt good to get out of the Pond and get some action. I was having such a good day nothing could have ruined it. Since I didn't have any money or any way of obtaining it, besides picking pockets and I was trying to kick that habit, Dive bought me several comics to 'educate' me on Spiderman's coolness. Of the ten I received, four were Spiderman, two Superman, two Batman, one Green Lantern, and one Aquaman.
"Hey guys?"
"Yeah, Mirage," Dive said as we walked back to the Pond.
"Um, I don't know how to put this, but I kinda, you know, would like to be able to support myself."
"I don't understand?"
"She wishes to obtain the means to make a lively hood," Grin stated.
"What?"
"I want to make my own money!"
"Uh, we'll have to ask Wing. I don't think he'd let you."
"Why not?"
"Well because..." Nosedive said as he scratched his head.
"I'm a thief?" I offered.
"Yes," he said sheepishly.
"For crying out loud! Will I ever live that down!"
"If you stopped stealing you would," Grin said.
"I'm trying. It's the best I can do!"
"Trying and doing are two different things."
I stopped and looked at his huge form. "Grin I can't change who I am. I've been trying my entire life. Nothing I've done has helped."
"Maybe you need a reason to."
"Like what?"
"You will know when you are ready."
"That's a lot of help!"
"We'll ask Wing, Mirage."
"This should be fun."
***
Back at the Pond, Wildwing had everyone gathered in the rec. room when we returned.
"NO!"
"But, Wildwing..."
"I said no."
"Why not?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
I turned away from him and pouted. "This isn't fair!"
"Life isn't fair."
"Wildwing..." I whined.
"I said no, Mirage."
"How am I suppose to eat?"
"We have food."
"But what if I want to buy something at the mall?"
"Borrow some money from Dive."
"How am I suppose to pay him back? I can't rob people just to return money I borrow."
Wildwing sighed. "Mirage, just give us a little time."
"Wildwing," Duke interjected.
"Yes, Duke."
"I think letting Mirage have a job is a good idea. It'll teach her responsibility and to appreciate hard work."
"You think being a pick pocket is easy? Well let me tell you..."
"Duke, if you think this is such a great idea, what would you suggest as an appropriate career?"
"Well, we could ask Phil to make up a contract for her."
"I don't play hockey! Remember?"
He cast me a hard look. "A contract as entertainment during intermissions."
"WHAT!? I don't do shows!"
Mallory and Tanya giggled at my protest.
"Shut up!"
"Now, Mirage, there's no need in getting angry," Duke said calmly.
"Sure, DAD, after all, DAD, you know everything, DAD."
Duke sighed and walked away. I guess he couldn't handle my sarcasm.
"That sounds like a good idea, Duke," Wildwing said after much thought. "Mirage can do a few short programs before the zamboni's come out to cut the ice."
"What?!"
"Think of it this way, Mirage, it's like a competition except there are no judges. You get to skate AND make money at the same time."
"Well... maybe... I'll think about it."
"Good, I'll go discuss it with Phil."
The next day I signed a contract to perform during intermissions. I believe that Phil begrudgingly did this because he didn't seem too happy with me when I actually signed the paper. Anyway, I would acquire a large sum of money (I think that's what hurt Phil) for each performance and plenty of ice time to practice. That meant I got to practice whenever I wanted to and without Wildwing complaining. Of course I couldn't practice when they were, but I didn't care. I got to skate! Nosedive and Grin would help me pick out music and work out routines for the different music styles. I was finally starting to fit in!
Since Chapter four and five were both short I decided to put them together, so here's...
Chapter 5
'Light's, Camera's, Music!'
Now I loved performing for the enormous crowds that packed themselves into the Pond on game day. As a matter of fact, the fans loved me soooooo much that Phil scheduled a special performance where some great skaters on Earth also performed routines alongside me. Some of the names to perform were Scott Hammel, Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lapinski, and a few others. I hope I spelled their names right.
So in preparation for this spectacular event I needed music. I had performed all the great songs I had on CD several times and by now they were old and dull. I needed new fresh music that would dazzle the audience as I performed new stunts never seen before here on Earth or Puckworld. I enlisted Dive's expertise in human pop culture to help me fetch the needed musical scores from the mall. As we were leaving we ran into Wildwing and Duke. Oh this was going to be a fun day I could tell. Why wouldn't I be thrilled to hang out with Dive's older brother, who wanted me in a cage, and my dad, who wished that I had never been hatched? As a matter of fact I was just looking forward to that little experience. Can't you sense the air is dripping with sarcasm? Anyway the pair decided that we needed company so they tagged along. Oh the pain! Oh to humanity! Why must I be cursed so!?
So the four of us went to the mall, albeit two of us were not all that thrilled with the number issue. I was hoping to ditch the two unwelcome, unwanted companions, but Dive had no concept of move faster and loose the buzzard brother. I figured that as soon as we went into a shop they had no interest in we would be able to get rid of the pair. I saw the first music store in the mall and I quickly grabbed Dive and led him towards the store. I would have gone by myself, but Wing still had it on royal decree that I was not to be by myself.
Continuing on... we browsed the racks, thankful to finally be free of our 'body guards', and looked at the merchandise. I was like a kid in a candy store.
"Hey, Mirage."
"Yeah, Dive."
"What's up with this place?"
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't this suppose to be a music store?"
"It is, Dive," Wildwing (Why did he have to follow us?) said as he rounded a display.
"Uh, Wing, in case you hadn't noticed there are no CD's in here."
"Of course not," I laughed. "This is a real music store."
"Yeah, right."
"See, here's a book of music."
Nosedive took the book and looked through the pages.
"What's all these black dots for?"
"Their notes, Nosedive."
"Notes?"
"Yeah, depending on where they are on the staff it tells the musician what note to play on the instrument."
"But how can anyone read this?"
"They learn how."
"Not me."
Wildwing and Duke laughed at him and I left the three to browse the store. One section of the store was dedicated to sheet music and books. Another section had drum set displays. The front of the store was dedicated to guitars of many shapes, sizes and kinds. I really liked this one acoustic guitar. It had a broad tan face and the arm was black with pearlescent doves flying up and away. The sound was to die for! Duke made me put it down though.
As we looked around some more, I stumbled upon a flute, in its case, on the counter. I immediately fell in love with the instrument. The silver shine caught my eye and stole my heart. I reached for the enticing instrument, but the clerk slapped the case shut and put it away in the locked display case. I stopped and looked at him with a befuddled look. Why did he do that?
"Excuse me, but can I look at that flute?"
"No."
"How about that one?" I pointed to a less expensive flute in the case.
"We don't serve people like you here."
"What do you mean?"
"We don't serve your kind."
"Ducks?"
"Get out!"
"Fine, we'll leave."
"You leave, they can stay."
"What's up with this? You don't like me?"
"Get out!"
I really didn't have a choice after that. The clerk reached for the phone and started to dial the police. Nosedive grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the store. I was really hurt by that. Why was I being discriminated against?
***
"Wait a minute," Duke addressed the clerk after Mirage was outside. "Why are you discriminating against her?"
"We don't like little thieves in here."
"Little thief? How dare you accuse my friend of stealing?!"
"Every shop has been warned about her. I find it easier to stop shop lifting by not allowing their kind in here."
"She doesn't steal! So just pass that little tidbit along to your shopkeeper friends, because if they so much as glance twice at her I'll publicly denounce their shop. And since I'm a professional hockey player..." Duke left the threat dangling in hopes that the clerk would make up some horrible visions of his own design.
After Duke made a complete ass of himself he and Wildwing left the store to join Nosedive and I outside. They were talking to one another as they approached.
"Duke, she is a thief."
"Yeah, so."
"You can't say she's not, when she is."
"He doesn't know that, besides she's trying to stop."
"I can't believe you."
"The only thing one needs when trying to kick a bad habit is support. I know she can do it, that's why I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt."
"Giving who the benefit of the doubt?" I asked.
"Oh no one real special, just this one little thief who's trying to stop stealing."
"You mean me," I said sourly. (Did he and Wildwing think that I had been caught shop lifting? I swear upon my life that I hadn't done it outside of the Pond. I really was trying to quit.)
"Mirage, you can do anything you put your mind to. Heck it was hard for me at first too, but the ducks helped me. That's why I'm going to help you."
"Great," I mumbled unenthusiastically.
***
To make my day even better I stubbed my toe getting off the elevator. I couldn't believe it when Tanya said that I had broken it. I swear I'm a walking accident waiting to happen. Stupid Saurians. It must be their fault. I never had this bad of luck until they showed up to take over my home world.
I spent the next few days in front of the television. It hurt to walk. You don't think so, well I know so, so don't say anything! One day Dive was trying to educate me on the grand significance of 'Bernie the Bear' cartoons. I had lost him several hours ago and I was currently agreeing with everything he said. Grin on the other hand would defect and challenge his assumptions. I just live for these moments...not.
Anyway, while I sat there, foot propped up on a pillow; Duke came walking in holding something behind his back. Tanya stood behind him with a smile that spanned her face from ear to ear.
"Hey there, Mirage!"
"Hi, Duke," I said while rolling my eyes. (He did not see that though.)
"Got something for you."
"Let me guess, a restraining order?"
"No."
"Handcuffs?"
"No."
"Get out of jail free card?"
"Close."
"You didn't get me a police officer, did you?"
"Wow, you're good. No. I got you this."
He handed me an oblong box with a medium size metallic bow on it. I heaved a sigh and tired to remain cordial. Duke had asked me to be nice when Tanya was around. Not an easy task I assure you, but I did owe her one for always being nice to me. Man how much abuse will she take before she lashes out? I mean I really try to get her mad, but she just shrugs it off as nothing.
Back to Duke's gift. Wildwing, who was on the other couch laughing at Dive trying to convince the world that he was right, leaned forward to get a better view of the gift.
"Come on, V... Mirage, open it."
"What is with you guys and giving me gifts? Are you trying to make up for the other day? If so don't worry I have no problem with getting kicked out of stores. Happens all the time."
"Just open the darn thing," Duke said loosing his patience.
"Fine." I opened the box to find another box within. "Oh fun, one of these. I always wanted a box, Duke."
"Open the box smart mouth."
I opened the box and inside, you will never guess what it was. He had gotten me a better flute then the one I saw at the music store. I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. What could I have?
"Like?" Duke smiled.
I nodded.
"Now, I'm afraid the gifts don't stop here."
"Here you go, Mirage," Tanya handed me a thinner package that flopped around.
I opened it quickly to find several music books for the flute. I was even more at a loss for words at this.
"Well, play something," Duke offered.
"Uh, Duke, what are you doing?" Wildwing asked.
"I think he just one-upped you bro," Dive snickered.
I was so shaken by the gift that I had trouble putting the instrument together. I finally got there and I lifted it to my mouth. I looked at everyone and put it back down. I was too embarrassed to play for an audience.
"Come on, Mirage, play us a little ditty," Duke encouraged.
I swallowed hard and prepared to play. I closed my eyes, lifted the horn to my beak and played a song my fingers had memorized. When I finished I opened my eyes. The room was silent. I looked at everyone; afraid that they had ran out of the room when I had squeaked. To my surprise, Mallory had joined everyone when she heard the melody. They all starred at me, entranced by my meager abilities. Duke was the one exception. He stood behind the couch beaming proudly.
"How did you know she could play?" Grin broke the silence.
"Oh, um... I figured that she might. She looked at that other flute at the store like it was a brick of gold embellished with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome, oh come on don't cry."
I guess in my current state of bewilderment I lost control of my emotions, I teared up and let them fall. Duke laughed as he handed me a handkerchief. Maybe he does care about me after all.
To Be Continued in Chapter 6...
Bwhahahahahahahaha Ha! I'm evil to make you wait, especially since the entire story is typed up.
Ah isn't it wonderful. Now one side note from chapter 4, who is the coolest super hero? Elwenildo and Silver Elf Child keep on arguing about who is cooler and I can't take it any more! Will someone stop them!
Superman!
Spiderman!
Super!
Spider!
Super!
Spider!
See what I mean. Shut them up!
Oh come on Mirage, we only do this to annoy you.
Yeah, Elfy's right. You're so easy to torture. Just wait till Elfy starts taking musical theater next semester. Then we'll have some more fun.
Yup can't wait. Musical theater, piano lessons, molecular cell biology, immunology, radiation safety and lab TA. This will be a semester to remember. Too bad I can't take hockey =(.
That's it, Elfy, I'm not letting you write anymore portions of my story!
Why not?
Because your being mean again.
I'm always mean to you. Don't you have some of Becks laundry to do?
*Walks away grumbling about smart mouthed humans*
Ducks, they make the best slaves. Hey maybe Draggy had the right idea!
Mirage, you forgot to put in a disclaimer.
Shut up human! I already told them I don't own the Mighty Ducks and that I'm a free agent!
What about Chris' guitar. You can't describe it without saying it's his.
Fine. The guitar mentioned in the text belongs to the lead guitarist in Elfy's rock band. Happy.
Your hopeless. The guitar is custom made and is the most amazing instrument I have ever seen. Chris you rock!