Chapter four- Conversations
The two women stood there, eyes locked, waiting for the other to speak, and after about a minute of silence, Mrs. Incredible finally spoke…
" Mirage...I...I cant believe I'm seeing you here, What is someone like you doing in a city like Metroville? What happened after we left Nomanisan?
" It's a very long story, but I don't want everyone and their uncle to find out, so how about we go to that little coffee shop down the street, we can talk there." Mirage said with a slight smile.
" It sounds good to me, just let me put my bags in my car and I'll drive us there." Helen said, those last words had and Incredulous tone to them. She thought to herself " Is this really the same Mirage? The one who was working for Syndrome, the one who was caught in the arms of my husband? What should I say? Oh Helen, what have you gotten yourself into now?"
" Ok" Helen answered back. Mirage was thinking to herself. " Wow, I never dreamed that this would happen. I have actually met up with Helen again, but why do I have to meet up with the one that hates me the most?" At that thought, Mirage, like clockwork, touched the spot on her cheek where Helen had slapped her, but noticing that Helen may be watching, snatched it away and continued walking.
" We're here, hop in while I chuck these bags in the trunk."
Mirage did as she was told, and soon enough they were driving toward the little coffee shop. The coffee shop was Mirage's escape, the people were friendly there, much like the little art gallery, but these people minded their own business. Not unlike Paul, she loved how Paul could crack a joke at anything, but these people could always tell whether you wanted to be bothered or not, and that was a courtesy she valued like life itself. The shop did have a name, but Mirage could never read the sign. The letters were written in a sort of modern art/graffiti style. The closest she got to solve it was "Java hut" but she could never be sure, and she dare not ask for fear of humiliation. The two women then got out of the car and walked into the shop. A young red headed waitress greeted them.
" Welcome ladies, our special today is "iced vanilla chai". For only two dollars band cover charge, our lounge is open to you all day, we have live jazz today, how about it?
"Actually," Mirage said, " A little music sounds good right about now, here you go." She handed the girl five dollars " Keep that, you never know, that may just save someone's guitar string one day." Mirage said, smiling. She girl stamped their hands and allowed them to pass directing them to the lounge, but before Mirage could pass, the girl grabbed her arm.
" Thank you for donating, we have only gotten a total of five people today, it may be only an extra dollar, but the donations are the only thing keeping the music alive."
" How many does the lounge seat?" Mirage asked.
" Thirty…"
" Oh dear, well, I will give them my regards."
" I wish the world had more people like you, oh look, I've kept you much too long, go ahead in and enjoy yourself." The waitress said with a smile.
" Thank you, I'm sure I will."
Helen looked back at Mirage, A skeptical look on her face. " Did she just pay for my cover charge? She didn't even ask me, this can't be the same Mirage, it just can't be, she's so open to everyone…and she's not in a business suit!"
Mirage walked up to Helen, and then they went to the little bar in the middle of the shop. Mirage ordered a French vanilla cappuccino, like she always did, and Helen ordered a mug of Vanilla Chai, the cost came to 7.50$, but before Helen could even think to touch her wallet, Mirage handed the man a 10$ bill. After collecting her change and handing Helen her chai, Helen spoke up.
" Ok, what's the occasion?"
" Occasion? None that I know of, why?"
" Well, first you pay my cover charge, then you buy my tea, how come?"
" It's, very simple. We sit in a lounge drinking tea and coffee while I tell you my very long story of what I have been doing for the past seven months. It's only fair that I buy your way in."
" Man she's got good logic…Well, I will pay you back when we get out of here."
" You will do nothing of the sort, this is an all expenses paid trip, all you can do for me is relax and listen to what I have to say…because that's what I need most of all."
Helen gasped at the tone of Mirage's voice; she hadn't expected Mirage to sound so downhearted…. "Now I feel horrible for saying some of the things I said about her, but how can I be sure if she can be trusted"
The two women entered the lounge. It was a very calming place. The walls were a dull red, with a gold border around the middle. There were about four tables with five chairs each, and candles at every one. There were also two couches closer to the stage, where a group of about seven young men on the stage, a percussionist, tenor and alto saxophonists, a trumpet player, a jazz clarinet, a bass guitarist, and a baritone tuba, and a man on conga drums. The two decided to sit down on one of the couches, away from the mass of people…what few there were. There was one couple, a middle aged one, they were dancing, and the three teens were talking and laughing amongst themselves. Mirage and Helen put their mugs down on the coffee table in front of the couch and like last time, Helen spoke first.
" Mirage, answer me one question, Syndrome…in all that time you were working for him…did you ever have any…feelings for him?
" Damnit, why does everyone think that!" the aggravated tone in her voice rose with every word. " So what is it in this world today, you work with someone for a few years and you instantly love them? There is no one word in Webster's entire dictionary that could describe how much I hated him. I laughed when I figured out he was dead."
"Ouch…I never realized how strongly you felt about him, but then, why did you even say yes when he offered you a job?"
" I needed work, I will leave it at that, and he needed laborers, so I signed a six year contract, legally binding me to his labor system. I couldn't get out of it if I wanted to, so I am more than thankful that you came when you did. You gave me the conditions I needed to get off of that asylum island."
" But, why did you help him kill all of those supers? All of those horrible things you did in his name?"
Mirage thought about the question for a minute, and the look of anger on her face slowly changed to a look of depression, she looked as if she could burst into tears at any minute. So from that point on, Helen was very careful about what she said…
" I don't know why…I just don't…. It's horrible, but the contract bound me to him, I had no choice…. All of those inventions, he could've killed me with a snap of his fingers. I always felt bad about it, I never should have done it, but…I don't know….
Mirage turned her head away form Helen, refusing to make eye contact.
" But what he forgot…. Was that I am a super too… I was just afraid…so afraid, because as much as I wanted to rid the world of him…he more than likely would've beaten me to it."
Helen gasped…"You are a super?" Mirage nodded, still refusing to make eye contact. Her head turned around again though, when a low, guttural sound came from Helen.
" Oh, that Syndrome, all of the lives he took… Fathers, brothers, mothers, gone…. He's lucky the jet turbine killed him because had I gotten my hands on him!"
Helen raised her fist, and Mirages mind began to race. " Oh god, she's going to hit me again. Why? Have I said something wrong?" Mirage gasped, and her hands instantly went up to her face. Helen realized what had just happened…and she spoke…
" Oh my god, you thought I was going to hit you… you're still thinking about that?" Helen relaxed into the couch again, a rueful look progressing over her face. She spoke again when Mirage's hands came down from her face
" Look Mirage, I…I don't know what to say, what else can I say except for I'm sorry?" its just, when I walked into that room, and I saw you two hugging like that, I didn't know what happened. I just saw red, you must know what I'm talking about."
" As a matter of fact I do, and if I may say so, you have every right to be protective, I can see exactly why you would be mad. However, I don't think there's anything to worry about, he cares for you too much to be unfaithful, that's exactly why he was hugging me, because I had just told him that you were alive and safe."
"So he was just thanking you, you did help him escape."
" Yes."
" See, I didn't believe him when he said that…If only I had, you could've been spared a big red handprint on your cheek."
" It doesn't matter, it's in the past now…my atonement has begun, I swear on my life that I will make up for every wrong deed that I have done in Syndrome's name. I cannot replace a life, but I can make up for what I've done by helping other people with lives worse than death."
" Which is why you donated extra to the band?"
" You would be correct…oh they're playing "In the Mood"
This is one of my favorite songs in the jazz genre"
The two women sat, listening to the jazz band, but while the band was playing, Mirage was tapping her foot in rhythm, Helen was wracking her brain…
" I never thought I would see this light of Mirage She's so different, I hardly recognize her. I feel like…like she can be trusted…maybe I should…but wait, what If she's just trying to fool me, what if this is all a big joke like last time? I just hope I'm not wrong… Well, only one way to find out…"
The last notes faded out, and the band received a hearty round of applause, once the people had quieted Mirage and Helen faced each other again, but Helen, throwing all caution to the wind, turned around with a question this time.
" Hey Mirage?"
" Yes?"
" It's been really great getting to know you. You've changed from a husband-stealing enemy, to someone who I might even call my friend, in one day even…. I'd like it a lot if you'd come join our family for dinner tonight."
Mirage's eyes widened. Did she hear Helen correctly? Mirage was now happier than she had been in almost seven years.
" It's been great getting to know you as well. I had always thought of you as friends, but I was uncertain of whether you felt the same or not, but all that aside…I accept your invitation." Mirage smiled the first genuine smile she had shown in a very long time.
" Great, let me just give Bob a call, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you too."
" Wow…this is almost too good to be true, but this could be my only chance to finally prove to them that I want them as my friends…ok Mirage, relax, you can do this…"
" Kids! Can one of you get the phone?" Bob called to his children, but when no one replied, he scrambled to the phone himself, sauce covered hands and all…
" Hello?" said Bob, losing the tone of formality when he realized that it was his wife.
" Hey honey, it's me, listen, I'm gonna need you to set another place at the dinner table, were having a guest."
" Ok, who is it? Do I know them?"
" Of course you know them, but I won't tell you who it is until tonight."
" Why?"
" I just wont, It's a surprise." Helen chuckled. " But I've gotta go now, I still have to pick up wine from the liquor store, and I'm driving our guest home to get ready."
" You have them there with you? Tell me who it is!"
" Nope, it's a surprise, I will see you tonight at…uhhh, what time are we eating?"
" Around seven thirty, why can't you tell me!"
" Because I can't. Now I've gotta go, I love you."
" I love you too…bye." Bob hung up the phone, pouting like a five year old child.
Helen hung up the phone, still laughing at her husband's state of confusion. Mirage had a clueless look on her face as well.
" I wouldn't tell him that it was you, that's why you heard all that shouting on the phone."
" Ohhhhh." Said mirage.
" So where do you live? I'll drive you there."
" You really don't gave to go through all the trouble you know, I can walk."
" Don't worry about it, this saves time, where do you live"
"I'm staying in a hotel, it's no too far from here, its called "Metroville Suites."
" Oh yeah, I know what your talking about, twenty stories right?"
" I think so, why?"
" Because there are two of the same hotel in this city, but one only has ten stories, and it's a lot farther away from here."
" Makes sense, but in that case, the liquor store is a little out of our way, I will walk and meet you there."
" Don't worry about it. We've got time to kill, now let's get out of here, we have to be home by seven-thirty."
" Alright… Let's go."
So, the two women, after giving additional tips to the band, exited the coffee shop and drove away in Helen's car… Back at the house, Bob was trying to figure out who this mysterious "guest" was that his wife had been telling him about, and Violet was trying to aid him in guessing.
" I'm telling you dad, it's Lucius, and the guest is Honey, we never see her dad, trust me on this one."
" Somehow I don't think so Vi, I would have heard him in the background."
" True, but who else do we know? How about Edna?"
" No, Edna hardly ever comes out this far from her house, and you know how she always calls before coming." Bob rolled his eyes at the thought…Edna wasn't one to have short phone calls
" Yeah…"
" Then who could it be?" the two said in unison, until Dash came in to give his opinion.
" Maybe its Syndrome, brought back from the dead by his blood-sucking minions. Muahahahahahahahahah!"
" No dash, you know that Syndrome was killed in the explosion, I don't think there would be enough left of him to revive." Said Bob.
" Just a thought." Dash added, still caught up in his fantasies of vampires and monsters…
" So Mirage, what kind of wine do you like?"
" Well, I like Chardonnay, but I'm not picky, whatever you decide."
" You're the guest, you can pick."
" No, I insist, I said I'm not picky, you decide."
" Well, alright, are you sure?"
" Positive."
" Fine, are you alright with Merlot then?"
" That sounds good."
" Ok, let's pay for it and I will take you home."
Helen paid for the wine and they were in the car once again. After about five minutes they reached the hotel Mirage was staying at.
" Alright, now, don't be too long, we only have about forty-five minutes or so."
" You can come in you know, this hotel does allow guests, as most, if not all of them do."
" I don't want to be annoying, you probably want to change, redo make-up, and fix your hair, I'd just be underfoot."
" I don't mind, I'm not particularly affected by people underfoot when I'm putting makeup on. I don't even wear much make-up come to think of it."
" Alright then."
They walked into the lobby of the hotel and called the elevator, when it came, they stepped inside and Mirage pressed the button for the eleventh floor. As they were going up, Mirage had begun to rummage through her purse for her room key, and Helen had subconsciously began to stare at her. She had begun to think… " It's almost as if she can't find it. It's like now that she's off of that island, she's a whole new person. A more relaxed, open person She's not an uptight businesswoman anymore... I think I like the new Mirage a whole lot better." She was ripped from her thoughts by Mirage announcing that they had reached the eleventh floor. The rooms were each given a letter, and Mirage's room was room 11-C. She swiped her room key and the two entered the room. Helen was surprised, It was a fairly big room, and it was immaculate, absolutely nothing was out of place. One thing Helen noticed was that there were hardly any personal belongings.
" Hey, Mirage, this place is really clean, abnormally so, how much of this stuff is yours?"
Mirage walked out of the bathroom, a toothbrush in her hand
" Not much, as you an tell, I didn't have many belongings on Nomanisan, everything I needed was there already, but I manage."
" How'd you get the money to stay here? You didn't steal it did you?"
" Of course not! I wouldn't do anything of the sort. How I got the money is the one reason that I tolerated Syndrome. Upon my arrival at the island, he explained to me how rich his company was. He said to me that if something should ever happen to him, a portion, although a very small portion would be given to me as a sort of last will and testament. After Syndrome's death, I was able to collect the money from agent Rick Dicker.
" Wow, you know Rick?"
" Yes, he was the one who froze all of Syndrome's assets, he was the one who contacted me after Syndrome's death, he knew I needed the money and could put it to good use."
" That's good, it seems as though you live pretty comfortably here, this size a nice sized room."
" Yes, it is, although it does get rather lonely up here, I'm afraid I don't know anyone in this whole hotel."
" Are you serious? I figured you'd have a lot of friends."
"No, If you can believe this, I've never had any friends, only when I was very young, I don't remember them."
" That's so horrible, everyone needs friends."
" Not really, I've learned to defy that statement. I was too busy on Nomanisan to even have time to think about friends."
" It's such a shame, you really are a nice person…oh jeez, its almost seven thirty, we'll talk more at my house, hurry up and get ready."
" Ok." Mirage went back into the bathroom and began to brush her teeth, after finishing that, she brushed her hair and put it into a ponytail. "I never thought I would ever hear her call me a nice person, or invite me over to her house. I can't wait to see Bob and the kids again, it seems like it's been forever." Taking one last glance in the mirror, she changed her clothes and walked out of the bathroom. She came out wearing a pair of blue jeans and a navy blue top.
" That looks nice. Now lets go before Bob keels over with hunger."
" Sounds like a good plan to me, lets go"
They boarded the elevator and were soon back on the ground. Getting into Helen's car they took off down the road for the Parr family's home. Back at the house, Bob was going crazy trying to get dinner ready and figure out the mystery guest at the same time.
" Maybe it's my mother, or Mr. Huph…grrr, who is it!"
" Dad, calm down! The lasagna is going to burn!" Said Violet
" Oh!" exclaimed Bob, running over to the oven to remove the lasagna. He was sick of trying to figure this out, why would his wife keep something so simple a secret from him? He had just put the lasagna down on the table when he heard the door open. " Finally, I can figure out who this "guest" is…I just hope it's not my mother. He opened the door, seeing only his wife.
" Nice joke honey, you made me spend almost tree hours guessing for nothing, so, how was your day off?"
" What are you talking about Bob? What do you mean for nothing? I said I had a guest, and I do, she's right out here."
" Oh no, it's a she? It's my mother isn't it?"
" Your mother? Why on earth would it be your mother?"
" I don't know, but can you please just show me who it is? I've been dying to know all day!" Bob was beginning to get fed up with his wife's tricks. Meanwhile outside, Mirage was holding her breath trying not to laugh.
" Alright, do you really want to know? I guess I can only keep you guessing for so long, you can come in now."
Bob quieted down long enough to notice a girl walk through the door, she was tall, very thin, and had beautiful blonde hair. Bob's eyes widened, because he knew instantly who it was.
" MIRAGE!" Exclaimed Bob. Mirage barely had enough time to wave her hand before she was caught up in the arms of the overjoyed man, although this time is was different. She was not elevated off the ground, and her arms were not pinned to her sides. It was also under the eyes of his wife, so there would not be any false ideas. She was enjoying the bear hug, although it was potentially enough to crush her. He was the first one who had shown her any signs of friendship, he was the one who had brought Syndrome to his death, and she was very grateful for that.
Returning the hug, and almost reluctant to let go, she was greeted by Dash and Violet.
"Hey! Mirage, what brings you here?" Said violet, surprised but strangely happy to see Mirage at the door.
" I met your mom in town and she invited me to come for dinner, it's nice to see you again Violet."
" You too." Violet was soon interrupted by Dash, who was very surprised to see a stranger at his door.
" Uh, mom, who is that?" pointing to Mirage.
" Don't point Dash, don't you remember Mirage? She was the one who helped us get into Syndrome's computer, the one who helped us launch the rocket." Dash smiled, his memory refreshed.
" Oh yeah, now I remember, hi Mirage!"
" Hello Dash, It's nice to see you again."
" Ok, now that the formalities are over, let's go sit in the living room until the raviolis are done."
The family led Mirage into their living room, where she joined them on the couch. Dash began to tell Mirage his version of how he "beat" Syndrome, which of course made her laugh. Violet began to make fun of Dash, with Mirage listening intently and making remarks every so often. Bob and Mirage began to have an intelligent conversation about the withdrawal of the super-relocation act, which began to bore the kids, so they turned on the T.V and began to watch cartoons. The conversation was interrupted by Helen informing them that dinner was ready. Bob, Mirage, Violet, and Dash all walked into the dining room to see Helen setting the table and pouring drinks for everyone. Violet and Dash chose their favorite soda, Jack-Jack had baby formula as always, and Mirage, Bob, and Helen had wine. They all sat down at the table while Helen was passing out food.
" Bob, how big of a lasagna piece do you want?"
" Pretty big honey, I'm starving!"
" How bout you Mirage?"
" Just a small one please."
" Ok, here you go, Dash?"
" I'll take a piece near the edge of the pan, I love the burnt pieces"
" Got it, how many ravioli do you want Vi?"
" Uh, five or six should be good."
With that, Helen went into the kitchen and got the plate of raviolis, giving Violet six, she passed out garlic bread, and put out a tossed salad along with about four different dressings. They began to eat dinner in silence, until a shriek from Violet made everyone jump
" AHH! DASH!" Violet screamed, until the rest if the family turned their heads to see a blob of sauce running down Violet's left cheek
" Dashiell Robert Parr, did you do that to your sister?"
" Aww come on mom, her face was turned to the side, she set herself up."
" FOR ONCE I DIDN'T SAY A WORD TO YOU! AND YOU FLING SAUCE AT ME? I SWEAR DASH, YOU ARE SO DEAD WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"
Violet was about to fling herself at her brother when a noise stopped her…What was that noise? It was coming from a human whatever it was…Mr. and Mrs. Parr heard it too, and they turned their heads all around trying to find the source of the noise. They finally found it, but no one could believe what it was.
" Hey! See mom? Mirage is on my side, she's laughing!"
Helen and Bob looked skeptically at Mirage who was, just like Dash said, laughing. Bob gasped, this was the first time he or anyone else at the table had ever heard Mirage laugh, It was a beautiful sound, and it wasn't at all annoying like most people when they laugh too hard. As Mirage was still almost hysterically laughing over at her seat, another laugh joined hers. It wasn't Dash, he had been snickering the whole time, no, this voice was clearly feminine…It was Violet, Mirage's laughter had also triggered Violet's and before they knew it, the whole dinner table was teeming with laughter. After about five minutes of bubbling laughter, mirage, still wiping tears from her eyes, spoke in between chuckles.
" That…was the hardest I've laughed in a very long time, and it was all because of a little bit of sauce. It was a nice joke on Dash's part, even though it was at Violet's expense, but do my ears deceive me? You were laughing too weren't you Violet?"
" Yeah, well, I should have known Dash would try to pull something like that, he did the last time spaghetti sauce was available."
" Same spot?"
" No, last time it got in my ear, you do NOT want a sauce filled ear Mirage believe me!"
Mirage was once again rolling with laughter. The combination of the wine and the laughter made he cheeks turn a rosy pink, and she looked like her old self again for the first time in many years, her old self before Syndrome, and before he turned her into the stereotype "perfect business women" that she was now. Her and the kids were still in fits of laughter, so they didn't notice Bob and Helen get up and leave for the kitchen…
" Do you see that Helen?"
" What am I supposed to see?
" Mirage, look at her."
" I see her, she's laughing hysterically."
" Exactly, look how much fun she's having, look how happy she is, and she only just got here."
" Yeah, I know, but why drag me away from the table to tell me about it?"
" Because I think she needs this, I think we should ask her to stay."
" Stay! Here! With us? Do you trust her that much?"
" Come on Helen, don't pull the whole trust thing on me, she needs this more than any of us, she needs a home. How would you like it if you had no family to go to and had to stay in a hotel all the time?"
" How do you know she doesn't have a family?"
" Helen, does she look like the kind of person that would avoid her family?"
" No…. But we don't know that for sure… Look, all I'm saying is that what if this is just another joke; you remember last time...
"She was doing Syndrome's bidding! Why are you so reluctant to give her a second chance?"
" I don't know... I just don't want her to hurt anyone…especially our kids, Syndrome tried to abduct Jack-Jack once and what if Mirage is back to try the same thing?"
" Come on Helen, maternal instincts would prevent anything like that, and you know that better than I do…Helen the girl needs a home, and we've got that extra room. You would do it for any homeless stranger, why not do it for Mirage"
" I know…but…. Ok honey, she can stay, I trust you, we can ask her after desert. I just hope you know what you are doing... and if anything goes wrong…you're gonna be the one to deal with it. This is your decision. "
" Yeah, I know…desert huh? What did you make?"
" Cannolis and ice cream, something simple."
Bob got an evil glint in his eyes
" Surrender the Cannolis, or face the consequences."
"Oh yeah? Well bring it on Mr. Incredible."
Bob chuckled, wrapped his arms around his wife, and slowly brought her in for a passionate kiss. Back out in the dining room, Dash had challenged Mirage to staring contest, Jack-Jack had begun to laugh, and Violet was trying to distract Dash, but he wasn't about to lose.
" Are your eyes getting tired Dash?"
" Nope, how 'bout you Mirage?"
" No way, I'm not about to lose to a child."
" Well, I'm not about to lose to a girl1"
" Fire." Mirage had begun to chant
" Wuh?"
" Desert."
" Stop it!"
" Steam."
" Argh!"
" Sand." That was all Mirage had time for before Dash's eyelids made contact and she was victorious.
" Ha! You blinked, I win!" She smiled triumphantly. Dash was about to retaliate when Helen and Bob walked in with ice cream and a tray of Canollis.
" Aw mom! You missed it, Mirage beat Dash in a staring contest!" Said Violet.
" Yeah, well, she cheated, no chanting the names of hot things allowed!" Said Dash, his ego crushed.
" Dash just has trouble living with the fact that I beat him." said Mirage as she was handed a Canolli.
The rest of the meal went on in silence pretty much. Dash was still in a slump over being beaten by a girl. Violet was always quiet during desert, something about enjoying the short-lived bliss of junk food. Bob and Helen kept exchanging glances, they were looking for the right moment to ask Mirage their big question; and Mirage was trying to cure her sore throat with the ice cream, when she said that she hadn't laughed like that in years, she meant it. After everyone was done eating, Bob and Helen gave a mutual nod and began to speak.
" Hey mirage?" Bob said
" Yes?" Mirage's voice was still slightly hoarse
" Helen and I have a question to ask you."
Mirage put down her spoon. " I'm all ears."
" Helen and I had a talk, and we were discussing the past few days. Being off that island has shown your true self to us, but we still can't escape the fact that a hotel room isn't exactly a home, so…after a decision that Helen and I made together…we'd like you to stay with us." Bob said as he wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders.
Mirage couldn't believe what she was hearing. She was sure that she was delirious. Pinching her arm she realized that it wasn't a dream. She felt as if she had died. What was she going to say? She was almost sure she was going to stutter.
" I...I couldn't do that, your family is already big enough, I would just be a nuisance. Pinching herself to make sure that she wasn't dreaming she figured out that this was real and spoke in an unsteady tone. T...There's no way I would do that to you." Inside, her mind was screaming " No! What are you talking about? You need a home, what better place to find one than with these people, your first friends in almost seven years!"
" Don't be silly Mirage, we have a guest room that you can stay in, and if you are willing, we could always use the extra help around the house."
Mirage was staring down at her lap, twisting the tablecloth around in her hands. Would she say yes? Or would she turn down the only chance she might ever have to have a home? "This is too much pressure!" she thought to herself." Throwing all doubt behind her, She stood up and walked over to Bob, who was now also standing. Making her decision, she stretched out her hand to Bob, smiling from ear to ear as she did so. Bob, now overjoyed by her decision, took her hand, and once again pulled her into a hug. Smiling and once again returning the hug, she was torn from her trance by Bob.
" We'll all go with you tonight to get your stuff from the hotel."
" Are you sure? Maybe I should come tomorrow."
" Positive, an occasion like this requires immediate action, why should you have to spend one more night in a hotel room?"
They all pitched in to help clean up the dinner table. Even little Jack-Jack tried to wash dishes by spitting all over them. When they finished, they got into the car and drove down the road, bound for Mirage's hotel. When they got up in front of it. Mirage and the rest of the family got out and entered the doors.
" Now, when were all done here, we can put all of the luggage in my car." Mirage said.
" Oh, that's right, I forgot you had a car, well, if you need any more room, you can put some of the stuff in our car."
" Sounds good, let me just go pay the final fee and we can go up, hold the elevator for me."
" Ok." Said Bob. Mirage went over to the receptionist desk to pay any remaining fees; she would hand in her room key when they were done unloading. When she was done, she got into the elevator and headed for the eleventh floor once again. Once they were up there, Mirage swiped her room key and they entered room 11-C. Mirage could be any happier about the fact that she was seeing it for the last time.
" This is a nice room Mirage, now, where is all of your stuff?" Bob said, noticing how empty the room was.
" If you'll look next to the bathroom, there is a little closet, my suitcases are all in there, there are three of them, I still have to pack up my things. Violet and Dash, you may watch TV if you like, I do get that cartoon channel you were watching." Dash and Violet instantly smiled.
" ALL RIGHT!" they shouted in unison as they scrambled over to the TV and turned it on it on. Their giggles and unintelligible muttering could be heard from the closet as Mirage and Helen were carrying two suitcases into the main room. Mirage and Helen busied themselves with putting all of Mirage's clothes and shoes into the biggest suitcase. Mirage had to constantly tell Helen that she wasn't fat because when Helen saw the size of Mirage's outfits, it made her feel fat. So, while the two were bickering about that, Bob was trying to break up the fight between his two kids and keep Jack-Jack under control at the same time. Violet kept insisting that she keep the remote, while Dash had his own opinion about that, and he made it very clear. When Mirage and Helen finished the clothes project, the moved to the bathroom to put toiletries in the next biggest suitcase. Mirage didn't carry many toiletries, just the essentials, but even then it was enough to fill a whole suitcase. The last suitcase was used for anything that didn't fit the toiletry or clothing category. They added numerous books and her laptop to the suitcase, but that was about it. When they were done, Mirage fell backwards onto the bed one last time.
" It's certainly going to be nice to have a home again." She closed her eyes, giving a sigh. Bob looked at his wife with an " I told you so" look, and Jack-Jack was starting to fall asleep in Helen's arms. Mirage sat upright all of a sudden, making the rest of the family jump. How could she forget that? " Sorry to scare you all, I just forgot something." She reached under her bed and pulled out a trunk, it was painted blue, or at least it was blue at one time, and it was about the size and depth of a large toolbox. After adding that to her pile of suitcases, they decided it was time to leave. Bob and Mirage took the suitcases into the elevator while Helen held Jack-Jack. When they reached the lobby again, Mirage went to hand in her room key while Violet took over the suitcase. When she was done, they went out of the hotel and into the parking lot looking for Mirage's car. When they found it, Violet fell in love with it instantly. It was a sports car, although a very simple one. It wasn't all "tricked out" like what most people define as a sports car. It was, however, a convertible and had a satellite radio installed.
"Mom! Can I ride home with Mirage? Please?"
" No honey."
" Why not Helen? I don't mind."
" She'd just be a pest, you've got a lot to do tonight."
" I would not!"
" Really Helen, if she wants to ride with me then she may, I wouldn't mind the company."
" Are you sure? All you have to say is no."
" I'm positive, come on Violet."
" Yes!"
Sticking her tongue out at her mother before they left the parking lot, they got into Mirage's car, put the top down, and left the hotel. Driving home, Violet and Mirage were having great time.
" Oh my god Mirage, you have the best taste in music, I swear if you didn't look older than me, You would fit right in at my school."
" Oh really? I didn't think that kids your age liked this kind of music."
" You have no idea…let's see what else is on your playlist… Oh! I love this song!"
" What is it? I can't see it right now."
" One" by Metallica."
" Ok, that's one of my favorites too, put it on."
Violet switched to the song and pretty soon both girls were listening intently to the music. As the last notes faded out, " Behind these Hazel Eyes" by Kelly Clarkson came on, but Mirage quickly switched it to the next song.
" Why'd you do that? I love this song." Violet asked
" Let's just say it relates too much to what I was going through for seven months straight and I do not wish to be reminded of it."
" Oh…. But I thought you didn't love Syndrome…this song is about losing someone you love."
" If you interpret that way…but even if I didn't love him, he hurt me just the same."
" He didn't rape you did he?"
" You are so much like your mother, she said the same thing. No he never did anything sexual to me…except trying to kiss me multiple times, but he quickly became acquainted to the back of my hand and that was the end of it. However, he still kept me under a contract for almost five years against my will, and he… I've said way too much now…" Mirage's voice trailed off…. Violet broke the silence.
" He what? You started to say something."
" Never mind, forget I said anything. Maybe you will learn the whole story later."
" Grown-ups never tell me anything…don't you trust me?"
" Of course I do, but I just don't think you, or even your mom or dad are ready to learn my story…but soon maybe. Trust me, when the time comes, I will tell you all"
" Fine, I understand… one more question, you brought out that little trunk when we left, what's in it?"
" Personal items, I think you would do well to stay out of it, your family too." She received a questioning look from Violet. "What? Don't you have a box of private stuff too?"
" Nope…. How could you even think that with a kid like Dash around."
Mirage and Violet began to laugh. They were stopped at a red light when some guys began to shout at Mirage.
" Hey Babe, how's about you ditch the brat and come for a ride with us?"
" Get lost jerk" She wanted to avoid all bad language around violet " Go get a job and a real life, then talk to me. Looking at you right now, you're not even worth the pavement on the road."
" Ooh, a wise one are you? Well, we'll see how wise you are after this. We race, and if we win, you come with us pretty lady!" shouted the older teen in the backseat
" Fair enough."
" Mirage! What are you doing? You could get hurt! Or arrested!"
" Trust me violet, I know what I'm doing."
" Alright Babe? You ready? On your mark, get set, Go!"
Mirage revved the engine of her car, and the guys in the car took off, but Mirage didn't. The guys were already way in front of them when the light turned green and Mirage continued on her way, looking in the rearview mirror to make sure that the idiots weren't following her because at the speed they were going, they might already have been behind her. When she realized that they weren't, she turned to Violet, who's jaw was wide open.
" That was so cool, I didn't know that you knew how to fool thugs like that!"
" Well, you learn a lot arounda bunch of stupid guards." Mirage chuckled, but her face instantly changed to a look of utter seriousness. "Just don't tell your mother about this, it could get both you and me in trouble."
" Got it. Ok, new topic, we're almost home. Mom can tell what your thinking just by your expression."
" So, are you looking forward to school tomorrow?" Mirage was desperately looking for an innocent topic.
" Oh yes, I'm exploding with excitement" Violet said sarcastically, laughing to herself at Mirage's desperation for a topic.
They pulled into the driveway and were greeted by the rest of the family.
" Hey guys what took you so long?" said Bob, carrying one of mirage's suitcases up to the porch.
" We took the long way, there was a traffic jam on the other route." Lied Mirage, although she was horrible at doing so. She carried her other suitcases and the trunk up to the porch, where bob let them all into the house.
" Yeah, we were stuck in it, it's a good thing you guys took the long way."
Mirage had a shocked look on her face… " I thought that was a lie!" she said to herself.
"I'm going to put Jack-Jack to bed, Mirage, come with me and I'll show you your room."
" Ok."
Mirage followed Helen down the hall to the bedrooms. Helen put Jack-Jack in his room and then helped Mirage carry her stuff into the room across the hall. Mirage was amazed. It was a big room, although not as big as her other room. It had a queen-sized bed and a Chest of drawers in the right corner next to the bed. It also had a television, a nightstand with a small lamp on it, and a door on the left side of the room that connected to the bathroom. The walls were painted a pale lavender, with hardwood floors and a dark purple border around the top of the wall.
" What a beautiful room this is." Said Mirage
" I'm glad you like it, I always thought it was kinda plain well, it's only 9:30, so when the kid's go to bed around ten, you, Bob, and I can do something, because I'm sure you don't like to go to bed early."
" You would be correct, but as true as that is I am quite tired tonight, so midnight will be my curfew."
" Alright, oh…jeez how stupid of me, you've been in the house nearly a half-hour now and I haven't offered you a tour." Helen stated, feeling like a terrible host. Her statement was followed by a chuckle from Mirage. " Come on, Bob can deal with the kids for a few minutes."
Helen led mirage around the house room by room. Showing her both bathrooms, the bedrooms, the whole downstairs and the backyard. When their other house was destroyed by Syndrome, agent Rick Dicker was able to relocate them to a different house in the same town. The good thing about their new house was that it was in the same town, and it had a pool.
" That's a nice pool, how warm is it?" Asked Mirage
" It stays pretty warm, it's about 78 degrees right now."
" Wow, does it stay that warm all season?"
" Yep, sometimes it even rises above 80."
" Wow."
" Tomorrow we can go for a swim if you like, do you own a bathing suit?"
" Yes, but I'm afraid the top is getting a bit too small, it's been washed too many times." Said Mirage
" It'll be fine for tomorrow, we can go shopping on Tuesday."
" That sounds good…" Said Mirage tiredly.
" Yeah, he went to put Dash and Violet to bed…it is almost 10:30 after all. Dash is never going to get up in the morning."
" I'm sure with the right persuasion he will."
" And that would be?" Asked Helen, confused.
" Well, all it takes is a few well placed drops of water and the right force applied to the covers." Mirage chuckled after the statement.
" Ahhh, ripping the covers off and squirting him with water…. Why didn't I think of that before?" Helen was thinking about the matter when she caught Mirage stifling a yawn. " You're tired aren't you? Well, lets go inside and get ready for bed."
" Ok." Mirage followed Helen into the house, her eyelids becoming heavy. Bob greeted them at the door.
" Shhhh!" he said. " I just put the kids to bed. Dash is never going to get up in the morning."
" I know, I said the same thing to Mirage." Helen said, looking back at Mirage.
" Well, as our guest, Mirage, you get first bathroom privilege."
Mirage walked slowly down the hall into her room and gathered her pajamas, her toothbrush, and her hairbrush. Walking into the bathroom she quickly got changed into her pajamas, blue pants and a white cami, and began to brush her teeth. When she had finished that, she picked up her hairbrush and began to brush her hair. Giving one last glance into the mirror, she opened the door and went out of the bathroom. Bob and Helen took turns saying their good-nights, earning another bone-crushing hug from Bob, but Mirage was shocked to find herself in the embrace of Helen as well. " Gosh…. To think she once hated me." Mirage thought to herself.
Walking into her room, she flipped the light switch off and climbed into bed. It was comfortable to say the least. The sheets weren't silky like the hotel ones, but they were very soft flannel sheets. The comforter was thick, but not unbearably so. Mirage closed her eyes, and for the first time in she couldn't remember how long, Mirage slept all the way through the night. Her dreams were free of nightmares, but still rather blank… Or more like those dreams where one can't recall ever dreaming at all. Mirage subconsciously decided that not remembering a dream is better than one that you can't seem to forget. She slept soundly, knowing that she would wake up felling better than she had in almost seven years…
A/n- Well, what did you think? I need to know! This is currently the longest chapter in my entire story…. I wasn't rushing was I? I had a lot of fun writing this chapter so I hope it's what you all expected. Before I go, Let me just give a shout out to Metallica and Kelly Clarkson. These, among many other songs (I will say names later on) have been my muses for many of these ideas. " Behind these hazel eyes" especially. I had just heard the song a few weeks before writing the part where I mentioned the song, and Mirage instantly came into my head. Put aside the fact that it may be about love, it fits her almost perfectly. I think I also figured out how to e-mail the songs, so if you want to hear them, but don't feel like spending the money, tell me in your review and I will send them to you. And yes, I paid for them, so don't get the wrong ideas. On another note, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and chapter five is on the way. Hopefully sometime this or next month…I have been way to busy lately. Ok, now I'm just chewing you ear off, so if you have read this far, thank you for taking the time. Cya next chapter!