Chapter Eighty Nine

...

"Explain. Right damn now," Terrence said as the door closed behind him and Robin.

"Can we sit down first, or do we need to explain right here in the foyer?" Layla asked in amusement.

"Terrence is just nervous. He spent the whole ride here screwing with people's cars," Robin added, grinning.

"I just turned on their indicators. It's not like they were doing it," Terrence muttered with a scowl.

Warren laughed. "All right. Come on through; the others are already in the lounge room," he said, taking Layla's hand as they led Robin and Terrence through the house.

"Why'd you use my toy robot?" Terrence asked as soon as they were seated.

"Just getting right to it, are you?" Craig asked, snorting.

Layla rolled her eyes, then turned her attention to Terrence. "Your robot was unique and didn't look like the mass-produced robots on the shelves, so it was easier to make it look like a new villain's robot."

"It was either that, or use Robotic Man's figurine, which would've looked suspicious since Jetstream and the Commander had already fought and defeated him," Warren added.

"It could have passed off as a copycat villain's robot," Ethan pointed out.

"Why are you even trying to fight Jetstream and the Commander? They're the most successful superheroes since Captain Stronghold," Robin said.

"They're not the most successful, actually; they're just the most televised and promoted. Papillion works with the FBI; he's helped save more than five-hundred abducted children and teenagers in the past eight years. In that same time, Jetstream and the Commander have won against ninety villains and caused more than a million dollars worth of damages," Zach said, Ethan looking proud beside him.

"That doesn't include the damage done to people or other supers," Adam added.

"So you're all in on this? What, did Jetstream and the Commander defeat all of your parents and you're all out for revenge?" Terrence asked.

"They didn't defeat mine, but they monopolised the super market to the point where my parents were forced to take early retirement," Wendy said, shrugging.

"Jetstream and the Commander defeated my father and at his trial, they outed my mother's alter-ego and destroyed her credibility as a super. She can't work as a super anymore, and she only got a job once she'd divorced my father and changed her name," Warren said, Layla taking his hand and stopping the flames that had appeared.

"They haven't done anything to my dad, but they've given the whole of Westville's territory to their son. It's clearly a case of nepotism and furthering their own name, despite their speeches about doing what's right," Ry said, rolling his eyes.

"We're not doing this with the intent to hurt or kill anyone; we just want to even the playing field so it's fairer for all supers than it currently is. Jetstream and the Commander take over wherever they go and they've ruined other superheroes internationally as well as nationally. They defeated King Kamehamayhem while on holiday in Hawaii, despite Queen Kamehamayhem beating him several times in prior years."

"Then why'd she give Jetstream pearl earrings? Everyone's talking about it after the movie premiere," Terrence added.

"We only have Jetstream's word that Queen Kamehamayhem gave those to her as a reward. It could have another meaning," Warren said, shrugging.

"How exactly do you plan to succeed without hurting or killing anyone? Villains aren't exactly known for their leniency or mercy," Robin said.

"We're still working on that, honestly. It's not something we're planning to do, but that doesn't mean people won't be hurt or killed as a result of our actions," Layla said. "But at least we know and admit to that, unlike Jetstream and the Commander, who never seem to realise the damage they do to others."

"Or if they do realise, then they've justified the hurt and deaths to themselves. Probably as the ends justifying the means for the greater good," Warren said, rolling his eyes.

The doorbell rang loudly, Donny standing to go get the pizza, Craig hurrying after him to help.

"Do you have any other questions?" Layla asked Robin and Terrence.

"Or do you hate us and want to leave already?" Warren asked.

"You guys really need to work on your recruitment speech," Adam said, shaking his head.

"Well, the pizza's already here, and I really want to see Babs' interview, so I'll stay," Robin said, shrugging. "I'm not going to make a decision right now, it's kinda a lot to take in."

"Yeah, you're telling me," Terrence said with a heavy sigh.

"That's fine. But understand that if you decide not to join us, then Donny will erase your memory of this whole conversation. We can't have people knowing about this," Layla said.

"Now, eat your pizza. It's easier to modify memories if there's something to attach it to," Donny said, waving them towards the pizza boxes.

Heidi rolled her eyes at their hesitation, grabbed a slice of pizza for herself and nudged one of the open boxes closer to Robin. "Quiet. The interview's on," she said, looking to the TV screen and taking a large bite of her pizza.

"Good evening, viewers. Tonight's a special interview with a panel of supers, including Babel herself. We will, of course, be revealing the poll results later in the interview and contact Maxville Super Penitentiary to talk to the top-voted villain ourselves.

"Good evening, how are you all?" Brian Anderson asked the four supers, smiling broadly.

He had real live supers in his studio!

"Well, thank you, Brian," Papillion said.

Lady Peregrine smiled sharply. "Fine, thank you, Mr. Anderson."

Robot Warrior smiled giddily. "Good, so good. Oh my god, I can't believe I'm here in Brian Anderson's studio!"

Brian Anderson smiled brightly at the fawning. "It's great to have you here, Robot Warrior."

"Oh, wow. Thanks. Call me Robot. Or Warrior, or Robot Warrior. Y'know, whatever you want to call me."

Brian Anderson's smile faded slightly at the excessive fawning. "And how are you, Babel?"

Babel received a text and smiled distractedly. "I'd be better if Garcia would stop texting me every five minutes. You know I'm on live TV, you - " she swore in Spanish, one of the interns giggling at the words they understood. "Delattre, if you message to me as well, I'll - " Babel said, changing to French abruptly.

"Um. Well. That's... suitable for a live audience, I'm sure?" Brian Anderson said, hoping he didn't wince like he thought he did.

A few snickers of laughter from said audience made him think otherwise, but Babel just smiled.

"I apologise for the interruption, Mr. Anderson. How are you this evening?" Babel asked, signing her words as well.

"Oh, did you see that, Heids? Babs totally said hi to you on live TV," Zach said, squeezing his sister's shoulder.

Heidi grinned up at him and returned her attention to the TV to watch Babs translate the conversation for her.

"Why don't you tell us about your work, Babel? I'm sure there are plenty of viewers out there who are unsure as to what the Super Ambassador does for the UN."

"He totally means he doesn't know," Craig said, rolling his eyes where he was curled up between Jewel and Grant.

"It doesn't seem like he's done any research, despite Nina's dressing down," Ethan said, shaking his head.

"Look, Grant, there's Lady Peregrine," Jewel snickered, kissing her boyfriend's red cheek.

"Nope. I don't want to know," Adam muttered, taking his plate of pizza and garlic bread and moving to the other side of the lounge room.

Warren pressed a kiss to Layla's neck as she curled up beside him, their plate of pizza sitting on his lap.

"Are you holding the pizza to keep it warm?" Robin asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.

Layla laughed and shook her head. "Not intentionally, but it's a good idea."

"My lap isn't a damn food warmer, hippie."

Donny choked and glared over at Layla, who only looked slightly abashed.

"Aw, what'd you think? Was it dirty?" Craig asked, grinning and wiggling his eyebrows.

"I hate you all," Donny groaned, taking Wendy's hand and concentrating on her thoughts instead.

Wendy smirked and thought of something dirty herself, Donny's eyes going wide.

"Super Jesus, concentrate on the show or something, would you?" Adam muttered.

Ry laughed and grabbed another slice of pizza, batting Craig's hand away from his plate. "Try it again and I'll kick your ass."

"Jewel would defend me," Craig said, grinning.

"Not if you steal another man's pizza. There are some things that are sacred," Jewel said seriously.

Heidi huffed in annoyance and clapped her hands loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Quiet!"

"Sorry, lil sis," Craig said.

"Eat and be quiet, like Heids said, babe," Grant said, taking a slice of pizza and holding it to Craig's mouth.

Craig grinned and took a bite, his cheeks reddening as Grant fed him and Jewel held his hand, stroking his skin with her thumb.

The room finally went quiet and Heidi concentrated on Babel's sign language as well as her spoken words.

"Now, that's just on a normal day. If there's a situation with a country, or a new report has come out, or someone is seen to breaking the UN rules, it's a whole different kettle of fish," Babel said with a laugh. "But either way, I always strive to remember that each country's UN representative is still just one person and doesn't reflect the entire country."

Brian Anderson was stunned at the amount of work Babel had to do on a daily basis. "How do you find time for it all?" he asked, hoping his tone sounded light rather than incredulous.

"Oh, there are some days when I don't. Each day is another twenty hours I have to catch up or prepare, and I listen to the world news reports while I'm writing my own reports or replying to emails and letters. There's only so much the news can report to everyday citizens, as I'm sure you're aware, but it helps provide more understanding. For example, when one country refuses to open a strait for another country's use, I know what sort of politics are involved and I can try my best to diffuse the situation."

"You only sleep for four hours?" Lady Peregine asked, her yellow eyes widening at the thought.

Babs shrugged. "Time is the most important part of time management. Besides, it's a full hour more than I used to get," she said with a slight grin.

The others on the panel still looked stunned and there was silence throughout the studio for a long moment.

Brian Anderson was the first to recover. He'd interviewed all manner of people before and he refused to let himself be stunned by one person. "How do you feel the UN treats supers? Are they treated fairly?"

Babs looked like she wanted to laugh, but refrained and simply smiled. "The UN treats supers with lenience, for the most part, because they're useful. Admittedly, they are trying to get more use out of the supers again. The Global Warming Treaty that was proposed last year initially included the use of supers' abilities, such as requiring all weather supers to generate electricity, using earth supers to find oil, and water supers to reduce drought. Of course, the people that proposed these things are unaware of how difficult some powers are to control; if the treaty had gone ahead without those things being altered or removed entirely, it would have resulted in storms and earthquakes and floods that affected the entire globe. I had to read all one-hundred and ninety-three documents proposed by each country to ensure that no one would try to enslave supers for their own use.

"There is, of course, the new register that is being proposed, which is just as worrying. It will require all supers to register their names and powers on a national list per country. Previous generations will also be required to register to ensure their future offspring and family can be monitored for any super activity."

Silence filled the studio once more, but unlike before where they had been stunned into silence, this silence was filled with pure anger. The air practically crackled with the force of it, and not even Brian Anderson could bring himself to speak.

Babel's phone started chiming with text messages and her screen flashed with incoming calls.

"If you'll excuse me, I think several UN representatives are upset about my revelation."

Papillion, Lady Peregrine, and Robot Warrior all looked worried about Babel's revelation as well. Brian Anderson coughed slightly as they all talked to each other in low whispers, hands covering their microphones. Brian Anderson regretted choosing the single armchair opposite the four-seater lounge. He coughed again to no avail, then turned his attention to the camera once more. "It seems we'll be going to our ad break a little early, folks. We'll be talking to the top-polled villain at Maxville Super Penitentiary after the break."

"What fucking register?" Warren asked, his arm tight around Layla's waist.

"I'm looking, give me a minute. It's not Pentagon security, but the UN ain't Burger King either, y'know," Adam muttered, already typing on his phone.

"Damn it," Craig muttered.

"What?" Ry asked, frowning at him and wondering if he was worried about the consequences of the super register for himself or Elijah and Elliot.

"Now I want a burger."

"You've got pizza right there, dude," Ry said, rolling his eyes.

"That's not the point."

"Everyone, shut up," Adam snapped.

Robin and Terrence glanced to each other. Terrence shrugged and Robin raised an eyebrow then took a big bite of their pizza.

"Found it in Babs' email account. Front and centre, like she wanted - " Adam trailed off abruptly as he read the document. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he muttered.

"What?" Warren asked, sitting up straighter and trying to see what Adam was reading.

"It's a register all right, but Babs' version of the register includes the additional requirements from each country. I guess they're trying again since it didn't work with the Global Warming Treaty," Adam added, sending a version through the group chat. "Russia, of course, wants the strongest supers, with a preference on those who served in the Russian Armed Forces. France has indicated mind readers and emotion-manipulator types of supers. The good ol' US of A, is of course, adding their own columns for religion, ancestry, skin-colour, and sexual orientation."

"What?" Robin snapped, the house shaking dangerously.

Terrence looked just as pissed off as his friend, and Heidi's eyes widened when she saw the TV changing shape. She scooted back as far against the lounge as possible, knocking into Zach and Ethan's legs. Zach yelped at the sight of the TV and Ethan grabbed his hand, clenching tightly.

Layla grabbed Warren's forearm around her waist, her fingers digging in painfully, but not enough to drown out the sharp feeling of thorns under their skin.

"Adam, add Terrence and Robin to the group chat," Warren said, his voice rough with pain.

"Sure thing. Just take a couple of deep breaths first, Robin. Edith'll be pissed if there's an earthquake and her Swarovski collection breaks," Adam said, flicking through the chat to add Robin and Terrence.

Robin opened the app and attached document, the house shaking ferociously once more before stopping entirely, the house settling back on the foundations with a creaking groan. The TV stopped changing as well, and Heidi looked over to see both Robin and Terrence's eyes glowing green. She looked to Layla, not entirely surprised to see that her eyes were green as well.

"You need better control than this," Layla said to Robin and Terrence. "If you decide to join us, come with us to the Hive tomorrow and you can train with us, okay?"

The green colour faded from Robin and Terrence's eyes slowly, and they both nodded in agreement. Now that the TV was back to normal, everyone returned their attention to Brian Anderson's interview.

"It seems that the top-polled villain is... the Incredible Genius," Brian Anderson said, his smile slipping as he looked over to the intern in confusion. "I don't remember him being an option in the poll?"

"Uh. Well, the poll said he won at eighty-three percent?" the intern whispered back frantically.

"Right. Well. The Incredible Genius it is, then," he said, trying not to be too annoyed that the intern had changed the poll on him. "We're on the line live with Maxville Super Penitentiary. Good evening, this is Brian Anderson. With whom am I talking?"

"The Incredible Genius. You called me, remember?" the Incredible Genius pointed out, the eye roll practically visible in his sarcastic tone.

"Ah. Right. Of course. I thought the guards... Never mind. How are you this evening?" Brian Anderson asked, hoping to get the interview back on track.

"Incarcerated with another three years, twenty-nine days, and seventeen hours without parole. How are you, Brian Anderson?"

Looking somewhat embarrassed, Brian Anderson gave a slight cough. "I'm well, thank you. Why don't you tell us about your views on the UN's super policy?"

"I would if I knew which policy you were referring to. We don't exactly get CNN in here," the Incredible Genius pointed out. "Now, if you're referring to the policies they were trying to implement when I was younger and free, there were several. The General Assembly at the time was run by corrupt UN representatives, and while the UN's motto was 'we believe in a better future', they could never seem to agree on whose future: citizens or supers.

"If I work on the assumption that this is still the case, and the mere fact that you're calling an incarcerated super villain to talk about this, they're probably doing something with high public outcry or backlash. We certainly wouldn't want that, would we, Delattre?" the Incredible Genius asked.

"How did you know Delattre is one of the UN representatives?" Brian Anderson asked.

The Incredible Genius laughed, not in a villainous or evil way, but a simple laugh that could have belonged to anyone. "Delattre has been in the UN longer than I've been alive, Brian Anderson. If I thought he could die, then my guess would be that he'd die right there in the General Assembly, just to really stick it to the other countries.

"Now, when I was younger, the most talked-about agenda item that was submitted to the general Assembly was the Super Registry. Of course, it wasn't called that back then, the official title was: Non-Citizen Registry Under Safety Threats. NO CRUST, for those lobbying against it. If Babel hadn't been appointed the Super Ambassador, we'd all be living in a totalitarian society where every super would be registered, marked, and probably tagged by this point."

Silence met his statement and Brian Anderson frantically whispered for the intern to look up that crust thing.

"They're doing it again, aren't they?" the Incredible Genius asked incredulously. When more silence met his question - Babel's phone started ringing loudly again - he laughed again. This time it was an evil laugh that made more than one person shiver in response. "I don't know if it's better or worse that I'm locked up in here while that's happening out there. Incarcerated individuals don't have the same rights as everyday people, you know. They'll probably test it on prisoners first, say it's only for the citizens' good and safety, and then a few more minorities will be included on the registry, and a few more, and then more and more until even the Commander, the most basic white-bread superhero, will be registered and tagged as dangerous.

"Of course, talk to anyone in here and they'll tell you how dangerous the Commander is. After I spent years lobbying for affordable education against the Maxville Council, the University of Maxville, anyone and everyone whom I thought would make a difference, none of it worked. Kidnapping the Dean of the University seemed like the next logical step, and he was listening to me, really listening. I mean, you'd expect a bit of compassion from a guy who received his education for free, right?

"Then, just when he was about to sign the document, the Commander burst in. He not only destroyed a very expensive stained-glass window that the Historical Society had just finished repairing, but he also punched me so hard that I was unconscious for three weeks. My brain had swollen to the point where I needed to be put in a medically-induced coma until the swelling reduced and my brain could recover. That part wasn't reported, of course. No, I was dubbed the Incredible Idiot because the Dean said he'd called for help. I'm not an idiot and certainly not stupid enough to leave a damn phone plugged in. Look at the evidence photos; the cords are all broken!"

"Uh. I think... that's all we have time for. Thank you so much for calling," Brian Anderson said quickly, doing a cutthroat motion to one of the interns.

The intern's eyes widened and they ran off quickly.

"You called me!" the Incredible Genius snapped.

"I'd like to talk to you, if you still have time, Incredible Genius?" Babel asked, Brian Anderson staring at her in surprise.

"I've got another three years. How long do you have?" he sneered.

"Three minutes," Babel replied calmly. "This is Babel. What Brian Anderson didn't tell you is that he's interviewing a panel of supers, myself included. I just wanted to say thank you."

There was a moment of stunned silence from everyone in the studio and the Incredible Genius.

"What?" the Incredible Genius asked, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

"Thank you. As you said, you don't get CNN in prison, so you probably don't know that after your arrest, the Dean of the University of Maxville decided to retire. The Dean that followed not only removed application fees, they also implemented a super-specific program that helps young supers develop their powers as well as work on their alter-ego's qualifications. It's still going strong today, and while the program's not as cheap as it could be, it's certainly not the most expensive tuition prices I've seen," Babel added.

"It worked?!" he asked, a hint of laughter and incredulity in his voice.

"For a time, yes," Babel said with a smile. "According to my sources, the current Dean is hoping to reinstate application fees and increase the university's course prices as a way of increasing their overall profit for the year. The library's budget has already been reduced so UM looks like it has a profit of six-million."

The Incredible Genius started swearing heatedly, and for two full minutes, there was just a very long beeeeeeeeeeeeeep to censor his words. Babel continued translating into sign language, Heidi laughing at the things he was saying.

"Wait, I'm not getting half of these. Was that something about a goat? Or a monkey?" Craig asked, sitting up and concentrating on Babel's hand movements.

Grant started laughing at the creative combinations of swearwords.

Zach's eyes widened and he moved to cover Heidi's eyes quickly, Heidi laughing again and pushing his hand away. "Your innocence has been ruined, Heids!"

"Never mind Heidi's innocence, I think mine was just ruined," Ethan said, shuddering.

"What did she say? There was definitely something about a toad, right?" Craig asked.

"Technically, it was the Incredible Genius who said it," Jewel pointed out, taking Grant's hand and squeezing.

He smiled at her briefly. "I'm all right, babe. I don't consider him a father in any way, shape, or form. Sperm donor is probably more apt, and we're both fine with that."

"Wait, what?" Robin asked, looking between the TV screen and Grant. "The Incredible Genius is your father?"

"Biologically, yes. Emotionally, or in any other way, no."

"Um. That was... an interesting reaction, Incredible Genius," Brian Anderson said, looking pale and somewhat traumatised. "Well, let's hope the Dean of the University of Maxville reconsiders the decision."

"Hope has nothing to do with it. Actions work, doing something works. Sitting on your ass and hoping and praying for an alternative has never done a damn thing! Thoughts and prayers don't cure illnesses, science and medicine does. Super fucking Jesus, you honestly think hoping someone will do something will actually make them do it?! Citizens aren't mind-readers, they've got no idea what you hope unless you tell them! Get off your ass and do something about it!" the Incredible Genius snapped.

"Just like your lobbying and protests worked the first time around?" Brian Anderson asked snidely.

"Babel just said they worked, you braying ass! True, they might not work on the current administration, but peer pressure can sometimes be enough if enough people are involved. The future is influenced by the present, just as the past shaped the present. There needs to be someone willing to make the changes, though. I can't do anything stuck in here for another three years, but people outside of her have all the power they need, citizen or super. They have the ability to create change, they just need to do something - "

The Incredible Genius' passionate rant was cut off abruptly, the intern sighing in relief as they finally convinced the show runner to end the phone call, as per Brian Anderson's request.

There was a long moment of silence in the studio, broken only seconds later by Babel's phone ringing again. She fought the urge to sigh at the sound - it wouldn't do well to show weakness to any of the UN representatives, allies or not, and especially not on live TV.

"Please, excuse me. Thank you for your invitation, Brian Anderson, it was lovely to meet you, and the rest of these fine supers," Babs said with a warm smile.

Robot Warrior looked ecstatic to be referred to as 'fine' by Babel and stammered something gushing in response.

Papillion simply nodded, and Lady Peregrine smiled, unable to get a word in edgewise.

Brian Anderson looked to the others in the studio, wondering just which idiot had chosen Robot Warrior for the interview. A few people looked amused at Robot Warrior's ongoing fawning, and he narrowed his eyes at them. It was almost a relief three seconds later to get the light showing they were going to an ad break. The interview itself was almost over, and if someone could shut Robot Warrior up during the commercial break, the rest of his interview with the supers might actually be interesting.

"Stay tuned for more of the interview after a message from our sponsors," Brian Anderson said with a broad smile.

Zach muted the television, frowning slightly as he looked to Ethan. "I thought Anita had been looking worried lately; the Dean changing the course prices is going to affect enrolments, won't it?"

"Of course. Who'd pay sixty-grand for a degree when they can go to the University of Westville, and pay thirty-grand instead?" Craig asked, rolling his eyes as he grabbed for the garlic bread.

Grant snorted. "You couldn't pay me to go to the University of Westville."

"Really? Even for, like, ten million dollars?" Ry asked.

"Do you have ten million dollars?" Ethan asked curiously

"So not the point," Ry replied, rolling his eyes.

"Not even for ten million. Though, anyone who has that sort of money really shouldn't waste it like that," Grant mused, grinning when Ry threw a cushion at him.

"Don't throw things in other people's houses," Wendy said, shaking her head as she grabbed another slice of pizza.

"But it's a throw pillow," Ry said, laughing when several people groaned.

"I should leave now just for that pun. Honestly, Ry," Robin said, rolling their eyes.

Ry was too busy laughing to respond.

...

Will tried not to scowl when his mother could see him, though he knew that she knew that he wasn't happy. He hadn't exactly tried to hide that, after all.

"I found you one of the best tutors the family name could buy, Will. Please don't throw this back in my face like it's nothing," Josie said, finally frustrated with her son's huffing and glaring to say something.

"The family name or the family name?" Will asked, closer to a sneer if he was being honest with himself.

Josie crossed her arms over her chest and she raised an eyebrow at his tone.

Will stood his ground for a few more seconds, then sighed heavily. "I just don't know why I need a tutor; I was in the top ten of my class!"

"Only because Lisa and Ben were expelled, Will. You were twelfth out of fifteen students, and that's unacceptable. You need to be smarter than the villains, Will."

"What villains?! I've fought a few thugs in Westville and that's it! There aren't any villains to be smarter than!"

Josie pursed her lips. "Where there are heroes, there are villains. Just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean they're not there. You won't always be able to punch or fly your way out of a situation, Will."

"You and Dad do," he muttered.

The doorbell rang before Josie could respond and she fixed her glasses firmly in place before going to answer the door with a bright smile.

Will went after her to determine just who this crotchety old tutor would be; maybe if the guy was partially blind, he could get one of his cardboard cutouts to stand in for the tutoring while he went out and did his real-life important job.

"Will, this is your tutor, Amanda. Amanda, this is my son, Will."

"Hi, Will. It's nice to finally meet you. Your mother's told me a lot about you. Call me Mandy," Amanda said, smiling as she extended her hand to him.

Will stopped short at the sight of the young blonde woman at the door. She was certainly not blind and definitely not crotchety or old. In fact, his tutor was hot.

"Uh. Hi, Mandy. I'm Will," he said, a goofy smile on his face as he shook her gloved hand, remembering at the last second not to squeeze too tightly.

Josie tried not to laugh at her son's expression and obvious desire. He'd been just as obvious with Gwen. This time, there was no danger of Amanda being anyone other than who she said she was. Josie had done the background check herself, after all.

Mandy seemed bemused by Will's response, but stepped inside as Josie headed to the kitchen, close enough to listen but far enough to provide an illusion of privacy. Mandy closed the door behind her and looked at Will. "I've read over your essays, quizzes, and other assignments from Sky High. You've got a lot of the content, but your structure needs work. Why don't we start with English today? We can do Communications next week, then Mad Science the week after."

"Sure, of course. That's what I was going to suggest," Will said, smiling broadly.

"Of course. Would you like to study in the kitchen or lounge room?" Mandy asked.

"We could study in my room," Will offered.

"I don't tutor in my client's bedrooms. There's too many distractions. Though, I wouldn't mind having a look later to see your study space, if that okay?"

Eager to please, Will nodded. "That sounds great. How about the lounge room, then?"

"Great. Which way?" Mandy asked, smiling.

Will grinned and gave a little flourish. Peeking from the kitchen doorway, Josie tried hard not to laugh outright at her son's behaviour.

"Why don't you go get your things, and I'll - "

Will's phone ringing loudly interrupted Mandy and he flushed bright red, digging the device out of his pocket. Seeing Magenta's name on the screen, he pressed the red button and put his phone away again. "Sorry about that. I'll leave it upstairs so it's not a distraction."

"You don't need to take the phone call?" Mandy asked.

Will shook his head. "It was a private number," he lied. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," he said with a grin, flying off before Mandy could respond.

By the time Mandy had unpacked her bag, Will had returned with his school things and sans phone. "Great; let's get started."

...

End of the eighty-ninth chapter.