To all the reviewers:
You all rock! Thank you for everything you have said and suggested. It is nice to know that there are some truly good people out there that don't see in black and white. Thanks for the support!
With much love,
Fiery Peace
Part 4I sat with my family and friends and waited to hear what was happening down in Warren's room. My mom and dad were trying to comfort a very distraught Ms. Peace while the rest of us sat in silence and watched the entrance of the waiting room. This could not be happening. We were all Supers. Supers are not supposed to get hurt. We were supposed to keep others from hurting innocents. This was wrong.
I jumped when a hand reached out to hold my own and gave it a squeeze. I squeezed back and gave her a half-hearted smile. Layla knew me too well. I sat and reminisced about some of my memories of Warren. I remember the first time I went to join the others at the "tough guy" table after that fateful homecoming. Warren looked up in surprise when I placed a wrapped sandwich on his book.
"You need to eat," I remember saying to him, "You always skip lunch. It's a part of a healthy diet."
I remember the way Warren laughed at me, but he ate the sandwich anyway. I've never forgot the sound of that laugh or the look of gratitude in his eyes. I wander why I ever thought his eyes were cold looking because they were more like shining, chocolate drops that oozed warmth. I know that sounds so girly, but that is honestly the thought that struck me that day.
I remember the look of shock in Warren's eyes and then mirth when in jest I lifted him over my head and began to bench press him one day. I dodged his well-aimed fireballs for days after that. I remember the first time he read aloud a passage from one of his books and how his voice seemed to transport me to a time and place that I didn't realize books could take me. I remember Warren's delight at allowing me to borrow the book and how he continued to flame, no pun intended, my growing interest in reading and discovering new subjects in literature, philosophy, history, etc.
I remember how he helped Ethan gain some confidence. I remember when Warren stepped in to help Magenta when a senior who could shape shift into a lion cornered her guinea pig form in gym. Leon wouldn't change into his lion form for weeks after since Warren burned all the fur off of his butt. From that day forward, Zach who had always been friendly towards Warren became a staunch supporter of him and would defend his honor to anyone who would listen. Warren didn't know whether to be honored or to barbecue the "Glow" boy.
I remember Warren's rare smiles that lit up his whole face and the warmth that I felt inside when it was me that placed that smile on his face. I remember the warm feel of his hands on my shoulder or back when he would congratulate me on another victory in "Save the Citizen." I remember the feeling of strength I felt when he was by my side. The next thing I knew I had to hastily wipe my eyes on the back of my hand.
A doctor entered the room and motioned for Ms. Peace to follow him outside. A few terse minutes later, Ms. Peace entered the room solemnly.
"The doctors have stabilized Warren for now," she told us as tears ran down her face, "He flat-lined for a moment and fought his way back. They have administered the antidote. All we can do is wait and see now."
She left us then to sit with her son and my parents left to get everyone something to eat. I knew that I would be unable to eat since fear's icy grip was squeezing my heart so very painfully. Warren had flat-lined? And now all we could do is wait and see if the antidote has enough time to work before his weakened body gives out? I don't know how much more any of us could take anymore.
"So what's up with you and Layla?" Magenta's voice said snapping me back into reality.
"What?" I questioned her confused as Zach and Ethan tuned into the conversation.
"You two have been strange for awhile now," Magenta said, "So spill."
"I don't think this is the time or place and I don't think it is any of your business," I snapped angrily.
"Dude! Maj was only stating the obvious," Zach said as he raised his hands up as if in defense, "We are only worried about you."
"You know that you can tell us anything," Ethan said as he pushed his glasses back up his nose.
"Guys leave him alone," Layla said in my defense, "Will has been through a lot and has made some recent discoveries."
"What? Like he loves Warren or something?" Magenta asked with a cheeky grin.
"What!" Layla, Zach, Ethan, and I all gasped out at the same time.
"How…when…um…how do you figure that?" I asked trying to get the shreds of my dignity back together.
"Will. Like it wasn't obvious that you have a thing for Warren," Magenta said smiling.
"Will's gay?" Zach and Ethan asked in shocked voices.
"What if he is?" Layla said in a dangerous voice.
"Hey! Hey! Hey! I'm fine with that," Zach said with complete sincerity in his voice, "I just thought you two were an item."
"We were an item," I said to my friends, "But I have just recently discovered that I am gay and that I love Warren. Layla is still my best friend and understands. Can you?"
"We're cool," Magenta and Zach said together and then turned and smiled at one another.
"Makes no difference to me," Ethan chirped, "Does your parents or Warren know?"
"Not yet," I said nervously, "Do you think they'll kill me?"
"I don't think so Will," Layla said with a smile on her face, "They are right behind you."
With a gulp I turned to face my parents. There they stood, The Commander and Jetstream, with a look of complete understanding and love on their faces. I have always tried to remain strong in everybody's eyes, but at the acceptance of my friends and family all I could do was burst into tears and throw myself into my parents' arms. I sobbed out all the pent up emotions that have been swirling around in me since Warren's attack and then fell asleep for the first time in days to a dreamless sleep. What can I say? Even a hero can reach the end of his rope.
To be continued…
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