Six
Kali was surprised to see Wally emerge from his bedroom looking so neat and clean. He was actually quite handsome, she thought. She particularly liked his strong jaw line and wide friendly smile. It surprised her to see that his true hair color was actually red, and not the mousy brown it had appeared earlier with the broken bits of plaster and grimy dirt. And it was a rather nice shade at that, she observed. She hadn't noticed it before, but he was actually rather brawny and muscular.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," Wally apologized.
"Oh, not at all," Kali answered, "I take much longer in the shower, myself."
"Anything special on the news?" he asked.
"Oh no… it must be a dreadfully, slow night," Kali responded, looking back at the TV. "They got this poor reporter wandering the streets interviewing anyone he can find."
"Really? Is that Ron Bevins?" Wally asked, recognizing the reporter. "This guy usually interviews interesting people."
"Oh no, not tonight. They had him talking to some fool in a red rubber suit about hamburgers. If it wasn't so pitiful it would have been comical!" Kali stood up and switched off the TV. "How about some food? I don't know about you, but I'm famished! I could eat a horse!"
"Why do you think the guy was a fool?" Wally asked, looking concerned.
"Oh don't worry about it, Wally," Kali said, dismissing the question. "Are you in the mood for Italian food?" she asked. "I could really go for a nice dish of pasta."
"Why do you think the guy was a fool?" Wally repeated.
"Huh? Oh, I don't know. All the guy could do is talk about silly things. I think he was a clown or something. You know… one of those clowns that entertains at little kids' birthday parties? Maybe the guy is really a frustrated accountant who gets his kicks getting dressed up in rubber and leaping through the streets."
"Did they mention the man's name?" Wally asked.
"His name? Oh, I don't know. I think it was Splash, or Clash. Who cares! It really doesn't matter; it's not like he does anything important or anything. You don't want to hire him for a party or anything do you?" she joked.
"Uh… no. I don't think so," Wally answered, sheepishly, "Let's get some pizza."
Seven
Wally paced the floor in the living room while Kali 'freshened up' in the bathroom. He could not shake that disappointed feeling he got from Kali's remarks about his alter ego, Flash. Wally felt badly that Kali did not seem to like Flash. If she did not care for Flash, he reasoned, she certainly would never care for HIM.
Why did this bother him so? he wondered. After all, Flash certainly wasn't at the top of everyone's favorite superhero list. I guess it is true what Wonder Woman said about my not taking rejection well, Wally shrugged sadly.
Wait a minute! Wally realized. Kali just moved here. Kali doesn't even know Flash! She could not possibly dislike someone she doesn't even know! Wally let out a big sigh of relief. It wasn't so hopeless after all! All she had to do was get to know Flash. Wally was beginning to look forward to this!
Just then, Kali emerged from the bathroom. She smiled as she looked up. "Ready to go?" she asked, cheerfully.
"After you," Wally said, opening the door for Kali.
"Oh good, I'm glad I caught you," Mr. Jensen said as he stepped out of the elevator across the way from Wally's apartment.
"C.J., we were just…" Wally began.
"Don't worry, I won't keep you," Mr. Jensen interjected. "I just wanted to get a look at the damage to your kitchen," he explained, walking past Wally into his apartment.
They both turned around and followed Mr. Jensen back into the apartment.
Wally's jaw dropped at the sight of the clean kitchen. One look at the sweet smile on Kali's face answered all his unasked questions. "Thank you for cleaning up, Kali. You didn't have to do that," he said appreciatively.
"I didn't mind. Really. After all, it's my fault it happened in the first place," Kali explained.
Mr. Jensen turned to face Wally and Kali. "This is about what I expected. The damage doesn't look too bad here, Wally. I can have someone come by in a day or so to repair and repaint the damaged ceiling.
As for your apartment, Miss O'Malley," Mr. Jensen continued. "I need to install all new piping in your kitchen and replace the living room carpet. It looks like it will take about a week or so to get it done. I'll let you know when you can return to your apartment."
Kali looked at Wally and then back at Mr. Jensen, "Mr. Jensen, why can't I stay in my apartment? I'll keep out of the way and I don't mind a little noise and dust. All I need is a place to sleep, shower, and change. I'll even eat all my meals out so that I won't need to use the kitchen," she suggested.
"No, I'm afraid that won't be possible. The Central City Safety Ordinances do not allow tenants to have access to any area undergoing major renovation. It's for your own protection. You can get whatever you need out of the apartment tonight, if you like."
"Tonight?" Kali asked dumbfounded.
"Yes, the workers will be arriving first thing in the morning. It's best to get these things taken care of as quickly as possible. Don't you agree?" Mr. Jensen asked.
"I suppose so," Kali replied doubtfully.
"Because the damage was caused by a rotted pipe, and not your fault," Mr. Jensen explained, "the owner has decided to refund this entire month's rent to you." Mr. Jensen handed Kali a check.
Wally smiled excitedly, "Wow!" he said, "A full month's rent to spend however I want! This is great!"
"Don't get too excited there, Wally," Mr. Jensen warned. "This deal doesn't apply to you, only Kali."
"What? You're kidding, right?" Wally groaned, looking disappointed.
"Sorry, but your apartment is technically only being 'repaired', not 'renovated' AND you won't have to vacate your apartment," Mr. Jensen explained.
Wally nodded, "Okay, but don't I at least get something for my trouble?" he complained, not really expecting anything.
Mr. Jensen smiled, "I'll talk to the owner, and maybe I can get him to refund a week's worth of rent to you for your trouble."
Wally's smile returned. I could buy a barrel of Biggie Fries at Hamburger Haven with this windfall, he thought.
Eight
"I'm sure you'll really like this place," Wally said, opening the entrance door to Pizza By the Pound Italian Restaurant."
"Pizza by the Pound?" Kali asked with a puzzled look on her face.
"Yes, it's a new restaurant that just opened last week," Wally replied, smiling. "A friend told me it was "THE" place to go."
Wally, dressed as his alter-ego Flash, had been supping regularly at 'Pizza By the Pound' since its Grand Opening celebration last week. Because of his frequent appearances there, the restaurant had already been nicknamed 'Flash's Diner'. Not only did the friendly restaurant workers adore Flash; many of the patrons often greeted their favorite super-hero with handshakes, kisses, questions, and requests for his autograph. This was the perfect place to initiate his plan, Wally thought.
A waitress, dressed in grey shorts and a pale blue t-shirt greeted Wally and Kali at their table. She wore her long blonde hair tied back off her face, in a ponytail. "Good Evening," she said, handing Kali and Wally each a menu.
Wally recognizing the waitress from his previous visits, responded naturally, "Hi Sarah! How are you doing tonight?"
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Sarah asked, hesitantly.
"Uh… no. Of course not. I mean, I've never been here before in my life. How could I know you?" Wally stammered nervously. "Do I look familiar to you?" he asked, wondering if she, in fact, knew he was Flash.
"No, it's just that you know my name," Sarah explained.
"Huh?" Wally's gaze fell to the nametag pinned to her shirt. It read "Sarah M.'"
"Ohhh, this thing!" she said, looking embarrassed. Assuming Wally had read her name from the tag she was wearing, she pointed to her nametag. I forgot I even had this thing on. They just gave it to me this afternoon; I'm not used to wearing it yet."
Wally smiled, "Well, if it makes you feel any better, my name is Wally!" He said enthusiastically.
"Uh, nice to meet you, Wally," Sarah said nervously. "Can I get you both something to drink?" she asked.
"I'd like a root beer, please," Kali answered, accepting a menu from Sarah. From the expression on her face, it was clear that Kali thought this whole exchange was amusing.
"Make that two," Wally added.
"Okay then, I'll be right back with your root beers," Sarah said, slipping her order pad and pen into her pocket as she walked away.
"So Kali, the obvious question, 'Do you go to Central City University?'" Wally asked, pointing to the 'Central City University' writing on her t-shirt.
Kali nodded, "Yes, this will be my first year at CCU. I'm very excited, but also a bit nervous. How about you?"
"Me? Go to CCU? Uh… no," Wally stammered. He never felt comfortable answering questions about himself as 'Wally'. After all, 'Wally' was little more than a disguise he put on to accomplish the kinds of things Flash couldn't be seen doing; such as having root canal at the dentist or purchasing a roll of toilet paper at the local market. However, would 'Wally' attend classes at CCU? Wally wouldn't even consider the possibility. No way! Wally or Flash, it didn't matter. It was simply inconceivable that he could sit still long enough to earn a degree that would probably lead to a career requiring more years ofsitting still.
"I'm afraid I've never been much for books. I'm much better with my hands than my head," Wally replied. What am I saying? Wally, you're blowing it! he silently scolded himself. I have to get out of these clothes before I completely blow any chance I have with this girl.
Just as Sarah returned with the root beers, Wally took this opportunity to excuse himself from the table.
"I'll be right back, Kali," Wally said quietly before leaving the table and heading for the Men's room.
Kali nodded and took a sip of root beer from her glass.
Nine
Kali looked around the restaurant as she sipped on her root beer. It was a cheery restaurant decorated with lovely Italian landscape paintings and flowering plants. There weren't many other customers present, so Kali turned her attention out the window beside their table. She was pleased that Wally selected the corner table with a view over looking the lake. Although it was dark out, the lights from the restaurant cast their reflections upon the gentle ripples in the lake. Kali thought she saw a family of ducks floating in the distance.
"It's FLASH!" she heard someone shout.
Kali turned to see what was causing all the excitement. To her surprise, there stood the same man she had seen earlier on the news station. He was much taller in person and his suit was a much deeper red than it appeared on TV.
Whoever this 'Flash' was, he certainly was welcomed here, Kali observed.
She watched as Flash strolled over to a couple at the table nearest the door. The elderly couple appeared to be in their late 70's. They positively radiated with joy at the sight of this masked man. Flash politely accepted their invitation to sit with them and chatted with the couple as if he had known them for years.
Her waitress, Sarah, ran over to Flash and welcomed him with a big hug. Flash's eyes sparkled as he flirtatiously winked at her.
Just then, a large man in a white chef's uniform entered the room from the kitchen. Clearly, this is the chef of the restaurant, Kali surmised. Perhaps he will send this distraction on his way.
Kali watched with interest, as the chef approached the elderly couple's table.
"Gino! Buona Sera! Good Evening!" Flash said, jumping to his feet and hugging the round man.
Kali was amazed at the reception this costumed man was receiving. She glanced at the men's room door. Where is Wally? she thought, surely HE wouldn't react this way to this clown.
There was no sign of Wally.
I wonder what is keeping him, she thought.
She turned her attention back to the chef and the man in the red costume.
"Flash! My boy! I was beginning to wonder if you were fasting! Look, you've got no meat on you! Let me fix you a nice big dish of pasta with special sauce!" he said, laughing.
"No, no, Gino," Flash chuckled. "I'm fast but never fasting!" he said, patting Gino on the back. "Only ONE dish of pasta you offer me? You surprise me! I thought I was your best customer!"
Gino laughed again, "Perhaps 'dish' is not appropriate… come back to the kitchen and I'll serve you a nice POT of pasta!"
"Now you're talking, Gino!" Flash politely excused himself from the table and followed Gino into the kitchen.
Flash eats a POT of pasta? Kali thought to herself? That's CAN'T be true.
Just then, Sarah approached Kali's table. "Would you care for a refill on the root beer?" she asked.
"Sure, that would be great," Kali answered, staring at the couple Flash had left behind. They were chatting away enthusiastically, obviously energized by their costumed friend's brief visit at their table.
When Sarah returned to the table, Kali leaned forward, "Excuse me, can you tell me who this 'Flash' character is? Is he some kind of clown or children's entertainer?" she asked.
Sarah laughed, "You must be new around here. Flash is the local superhero. He is the fastest man alive and uses his speed to protect the city and its citizens. We had a kitchen fire on our Grand Opening day, and Flash came to the rescue. He appeared out of nowhere and raced around the fire to extinguish it. Thank God he was in the neighborhood when it happened. Ever since then, he has an open invitation to dine here – anytime, at no charge. The word is spreading that he is often seen here and now we are attracting people who come here just to meet him. We all love him dearly."
"Oh," Kali said, digesting this new information. She hadn't considered that a man would really dress in tights running around town saving people, but, then again, there were rumors about a Batman in Gotham City and a Superman in Metropolis. I suppose if that is true, then a Flash in Central City is just as likely, she thought.
As Sarah walked away, Flash emerged from the kitchen wiping his mouth with a napkin. He spotted Kali and walked over to her table.
'Excuse me, miss," he said kindly. "I'm sure we haven't met. Allow me to introduce myself." He slipped into Wally's seat across the table. "My name is Flash. I am the local …"
"Yes, I've heard," Kali said, interrupting his obvious attempt to flirt with her. "I am dining with someone and don't want to be rude, but you are sitting in his seat."
"Oh?" Flash covered his face in embarrassment.
Kali laughed and immediately felt sorry for him. Had she misunderstood his intentions? She wondered.
"Perhaps I should go," Flash said uncomfortably.
"No… no!" Kali objected. She didn't want to insult the local hero. After all, everyone else seemed to think this guy was so great; maybe she should give him a chance. After all, who knows… what if she needed to be rescued someday?
She knew she was kidding herself. It was just that there was something compelling about him. His charming and light-hearted demeanor was appealing and piqued her interest. Anyway, he certainly was entertaining and it wouldn't be long until Wally returned.
"So, you're the fastest man in the world?" Kali asked.
Flash looked directly at her. Without saying a word, he placed his elbows on the table before him and rested his head in his hands. A huge, self-assured grin spread across his face.
"If you're so fast, why don't you run down to the market and fetch me a newspaper. We'll see just how fast you…? huh?" Kali stared at the newspaper Flash held out to her in his hand.
"That's a joke, right? You already had that in your hand," Kali said accusingly.
Flash laughed and stood up. "Exactly where do you think I could put a newspaper like that?"
Kali had to admit, the suit was skintight, and there were no apparent pockets. Not entirely convinced this wasn't some sort of an illusionist's trick, she reached out and pulled on his sleeve. Maybe it could stretch and he could hide the paper up there, she thought.
Flash giggled and stepped back.
"You're ticklish?" she said, laughing.
"Please don't tell anyone," he whispered, leaning closer. "It's not the kind of thing I'd like my arch enemies to know."
Kali nodded, suppressing her own giggles.
"Well, I'd better go, Kali," Flash said, grinning proudly from ear to ear. "It's been nice meeting you, hope to see you again sometime," he said, bowing and gently kissing the back of her hand.
There was something familiar about that, she thought, watching him stroll out the restaurant door.
Ten
Kali was still watching the front door, when Wally returned to his seat.
"Have you decided what you'd like to have?" Wally asked, drawing her attention away from the door.
"Oh!" Kali said, obviously startled to see Wally seated across the table from her again.
"Wally, you won't believe who was just here! You JUST missed him," Kali whispered, leaning in toward Wally.
"Why are you whispering?" Wally asked, pretending he hadn't a clue as to whom she was referring.
"Oh. Yes. I suppose I don't need to whisper," Kali said, clearing her throat. "Remember that guy I told you about on the news? I thought he was some kind of clown or something. Well, it turns out that he is a Super Hero and he was JUST HERE!"
"Here? Who?" Wally said dying to hear what she thought of him.
"Flash!" she answered. "I mean, do you know who Flash is?"
Wally said nothing, folding his arms across his chest and leaned back. He was enjoying this.
"Flash is the fastest man in the world. I mean he is unbelievably fast! It's incredible! I've never seen anything like it. I wonder why Uncle Marty never told me anything about him?"
"Uncle Marty?" Wally asked, leaning forward.
"Yes, I'm using his apartment while I attend school," Kali explained.
"Wait a minute… 'Apartment 4D Marty'… Marty O'Malley is your UNCLE?" Wally asked, in disbelief.
"Yes, he got married this past June and is sub-letting his apartment to me while I attend school. It works out very well actually," Kali explained.
"Wow!" Wally couldn't believe that Kali was Marty's niece. Marty was only a few years older than Kali. How could he have a niece? he wondered.
"Did you know Marty?" Kali asked curiously.
"Yes, we were buddies! We hung out together; that is until he met Margo Tanner. I was Best Man at his wedding," Wally replied. "So, you're his niece! Hah! Say, I thought he was going to give the apartment up. I mean he didn't need it anymore since they moved into their new place; a large old antique house I believe."
Kali nodded, "Yes, that's right, on the East side of town, but he couldn't break the year's lease on the apartment. Since they didn't want the furniture nor need the apartment he decided to let me use it while I attend CCU. It's great because the rent is much cheaper than anything else in town and it is only 10 minutes to the campus."
"Yeah. That's true." Wally rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Say, how come I didn't see you at the wedding?" Wally asked,
"What? Oh, I was there. Did you say you were the Best Man?" Kali asked doubtfully. "I remember the Best Man and he didn't look like you, I mean his hair was much longer and… wait a minute! You better not be joshing me!" she warned, looking him square in the eyes. "I have a framed picture of the entire wedding party back at the apartment and don't you think that I won't check!"
"What? Me lie?" Wally gave her the most innocent look he could muster. "Would Sir Lancelot josh his fair maiden?" he winked at her and bowed his head.
A look of surprise spread across her face.
"What?" Wally suddenly felt uncomfortable.
"Are you two ready to order yet?" Sarah had appeared out of nowhere.
Wally glanced at Kali.
"Are there any specials today?" Kali asked.
"The Chef's Special today is Pasta Picante; it is Penne pasta, grilled chicken, black beans, fresh tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and olive oil, topped with fresh mozzarella. I might add that it is a personal favorite of Flash's," Sarah announced, proudly.
"Sounds delicious. That's what I'll have, please," Kali looked at Wally.
"I'm kind of 'pasta-ed out'," Wally said, without thinking. "How about a veal parm dish?"
"Would you like rice, mashed or baked potato with that?" Sarah asked, scribbling on the order pad.
"Baked please, I think I'll just mash it myself," he joked.
Sarah laughed, "It will be just a few moments. Would either of you care for a salad, soup or appetizer?"
Kali shook her head no. "I'd rather save my appetite for the main course, but feel free to go ahead, Wally," Kali urged.
Wally shook his head, "No, thank you." He didn't want to stuff his face in front of her. Besides, the pasta meal he had in the kitchen was enough to hold him for now. She would never understand how much food he needed to consume to maintain his quick-acting metabolism.
Suddenly Wally felt a tickle in his nose. He had that funny feeling you get when you know you're about to sneeze. He frantically searched his pockets for a tissue, knowing he didn't have one, but hoping he'd find a decent substitute. Finding nothing of use, he grabbed the paper napkin on the table just in time. He sneezed three more times.
"Excuse me," he said, as he quickly slipped away from the table and back into the Men's Room. What's wrong with me? he wondered. Am I allergic to something or just coming down with a cold?
Heading back to the table, he saw that the food had arrived while he was gone.
"Are you okay?" Kali asked, looking concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tickle in the nose," he explained.
"Oh, okay. I was beginning to worry," Kali said. "Glad it was nothing."
He stabbed the veal on his plate with his fork and cut a small piece off. The food was absolutely cold. He made a face and scooped up a forkful of his potato. That was cold as well.
"Is your food cold too?" he asked annoyed.
"Well... a bit, but that's okay. I don't mind," Kali replied.
"This is the first time I've had such cold food delivered to the table," Wally said, thinking aloud. "Maybe I can get Sarah to warm these plates up. She must not have realized." Wally began to look around the restaurant in search of their waitress.
"No, no, that's okay, Wally. Really. It's not a problem. Don't get her in trouble; the food was warm when she brought it."
"What? I was only gone a few minutes… That's not possible," Wally scratched his head.
"Actually, Wally you were gone for over 30 minutes. Are you sure you're okay? You're acting kind of funny," Kali asked, with a puzzled look on her face.
"No, no. I'm fine. Perfectly fine," Wally said, curtly. He was sure something strange was going on, but he was not about to let Kali know.