☫ Chapter 30 ☫

With a trembling hand, I pulled down my beanie and slid on grandma's sunglasses.

     I wasn't sure before if grandma's sunglasses would come in handy but I noticed that the lenses were large enough to cover most of my face. They ended up unexpectedly becoming crucial as part of my unsuper disguise. If that's even a thing. Hopefully, grandma doesn't notice her missing accessory. 

      I sucked in a breath and mustered enough strength to not turn around. To not allow the impending curiosity win over my already scattered mind. I had to think clearly. Yes. Questions can wait. Answers aren't necessary right now. I have to just--I have to run as fast as I can and as far as I can. I don't think I can manage myself properly with Jeff and the information I inadvertently discovered.

     Too many unorganized thoughts were filling my mind.

     "Who sent you?!" Jeff blared, running down the stairs at an alarming rate. 

     Sighing, I picked up my speed. Nothing is ever simple it seems.

     One could make the safe assumption that at this point in my life I am able to predict that things will forever be unpredictable. And I say that's a safe assumption because it's been excruciatingly clear throughout the entirety of my story that if somethings going well it's not actually going well--as established previously--and that nothing is too crazy to occur in my life --briefly established only moments ago.

     However, as safe as it may be to assume, here I am, in unjustifiable shock of the predicament I am now in. 

     Because of course, of course, Jeff is dealing with the super drugs. 

     If this was me only a month ago I'd be going through an inner monologue and wallowing in abject sorrow in an attempt to understand the situation. However, priorities are different now. That thought process requires too much time. And at the moment, time is of the essence. I'm not saying I won't agonize about it later. I'm only saying there is a time and place for everything, so I've come to realize. And like I said, too many unorganized thoughts. 

     It's getting in the way of coming up with a legit strategy. 

     I ran with full speed, which isn't saying much as I am not an athletic person. Sure, I have super strength and can manipulate the air, and I have started getting better in fighting in combat due to boxing, nevertheless, I wasn't suddenly granted the ability to run faster than the ordinary person. Yet, I can imagine that I've somehow foreshadowed an event with super speed. I've come this far to learn that I appear to have the power of irony in my hands.

     I'll have to ask Dark Wonder if that's a part of being a superhero or if it's a me problem.

     I know I'm ranting. I tend to do that when I'm caught by surprise. I'm coping right now. I might not be having a pitiful episode as I mentioned before, but I am still experiencing quite a turbulence as I run. None of this makes sense to me, to be perfectly honest. Jeff informed me the other day that he thought these superheroes were doing good. Or something along those lines. So how can he go about acting as, I'm not going to say villain because that's a stretch, but not the greatest guy is a good enough synonym for what I'm thinking. How come he's a part of something as dangerous and detrimental to others as this?

     I'll resign myself and I'll fully confess that he's not the nicest person to me and all but I never thought he'd hurt others. Maybe he doesn't see it the way I do. Regardless, he's an accessory of some sort. Kind of an accomplice, really. Which is making me increasingly on edge. 

     My breathing became rapid. I took a sharp turn, attempting to gain the upper hand and have Jeff lose his track of me. I'll figure out the moral and ethical aspects of this situation later. Time and place for everything. Right. Now I have to get away from him. 

     "Not so fast," Jeff said, appearing in front of me.

     No. I agreed mentally.No, I am not fast. 

     I should have taken into consideration the factor that he knows this part of town much better than I do. 

    I clenched my fists, breathing coming out in short restless puffs. Goodness, I'm practically wheezing. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and stared at Jeff, noticing that he was slightly out of breath as well. That made me feel a bit better. 

     We were a good few feet apart from each other. 

     I pulled my beanie down even more, terrified of my blonde curls coming into view and making sure that some aspect of my face was covered. The sunglasses could only do so much other than have me looking ridiculous in the process. He hadn't gotten a real glance at my face.  

     As much as I hope he couldn't recognize me, I would also be slightly disappointed if he wasn't at least suspicious or struggling to discover why I appeared familiar. I watched with a gulp as he growled and opened his mouth to speak.

     "Who sent you?!" He repeated the earlier question.

     I wanted to say something witty, something clever--maybe something totally absurd that he'd be puzzled and stand there frozen in confusion. Instead, I didn't grace him with an answer and began running in the opposite direction. I might not be exactly street smart. Or at least smart in the eyes of these streets but I knew that staying here and entertaining a conversation with my brother was not a good plan. 

     Unfortunately, he caught up to me and managed to throw us both to the ground. I struggled between our rolling over fight. It was a bit comical. The way we were at each other, grabbing the bag from one another and continuously rolling around the pavement of the footpath. Jeff gained momentum and took a hold of the bag while getting up. I was breathless, still on the ground and staring up at Jeff's victorious grin.

     My eyebrows knitted together and I could feel the way my eyes twitched in frustration.

     Wait a second! I have superpowers.

     I flicked my wrist and brought the bag back in my hands with some air manipulation. I bit down on my lips to stop my reaction from witnessing Jeffs's gaping expression at his palms and me. With my sunglasses still intact and my identity kept a secret, I turned my heel and ran off, each step reaching me into the sky until I was full-on flying.

    I offered him a wave as I was up in the air. He kicked the stop sign next to him, letting out an angry snarl.

     As much as this endeavor didn't turn out how I thought it would, I gained a lot of important information. 

     I have to get in touch with Dark Wonder as soon as humanly possible. Or maybe as soon as superhumanly possible. Heh. It looks like the super jokes are back. I laughed and flew towards the direction I knew was imperative to the next step in this investigation.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     I know I was a tad theatrical before about ditching school for today. As it turns out, I wasn't going to pull through with that bold declaration. For multiple reasons actually. Concreate and substantial reasons. Trust me, I'm thinking perfectly clear. This is a solid plan.

     You might not believe me. Of course, I can't be sure of that.  So allow me some time to elaborate.

     See, in case Jeff has even an inkling that the theft of the drugs was done by me, I need to be in school. That would be the first place if he were to check on that hypothesis. I'll act as if I've been in school all day and everything is fine. Like, I didn't just ruin his shipment plans. I can't have Jeff putting the pieces together. Especially after he saw me using my powers. That's going to open a whole can of worms that I don't want to deal with. 

     My next reason is just as simple. The fastest way to get to Dark Wonder is to get to Lucas Trevor. While I'm not completely confident that he's on school grounds, as it is lunchtime and he tends to wander at 7-11 during lunchtime, I should be able to catch him before class. I'll have to speak with him through the intercom because of secret identity stuff. The closer we are, the more we'll be able to communicate without static and other technological disadvantages. Regardless, the short time before class he'll be able to answer and I'll talk to him from the bathroom or something. I'm sure that part we'll work itself out.

     So as you can see, I won't be ditching the second half of the school day. 

     Before I went to school, I stopped at my grandparent's place and changed. The plan would backfire if Jeff would see me in the same outfit I wore this morning. On top of my costume, I threw on jeans I found on the floor and a hopefully clean sweatshirt. I'm pretty sure this is what I was wearing on our way to school. I pulled on my sweatshirt and sniffed it to make sure I smelled alright. I shrugged my shoulders. I smelled like a mixture of sweat, blood, and tears. It wasn't exactly the best but it would have to suffice. Besides, I don't think anyone would be able to distinguish the different odors. 

     I frowned, searching for my backpack in the mess that was my room. When did it get so messy? I scratched the base of my neck and scrunched my face up in deep thought. Huh. I guess I've so busy that I've allowed the mess to accumulate instead of tidying up right away. There were papers scattered everywhere. Some regarding 'The Plan' for the internship and others regarding 'The Superdrug Investigation'. I quickly picked up the papers, ripped them, and shoved it in the mini trash can. Just to be safe, I rather not have evidence laying around my room so innocently.

      I scanned the rest of the room. I'll finish cleaning another time, I decided. After finding my backpack, I looked for a good hiding spot for the duffle bag that was filled with the super drugs and held the notebook. Jeff knows me well enough and my hiding spots. If he ever finds out that it was me, he'd look under my bed and in the closet. Hmm. I softly smirked. Maybe he'd look under the bed but he wouldn't tear open the mattress. I could be slightly paranoid even though I had a good idea that Jeff would not make the connection, still, I wanted to remain cautious. 

     When I first moved to this room, I was immediately uncomfortable with the bed. Maybe because it wasn't my bed. And maybe there were some other emotional explanations. But there was also the reason of it being in shambles. The metal springs inside stuck out and the sides of the mattress were torn, leaving wide openings all around. I made that my stash for snacks. In hindsight, that was a disgusting idea. But I was twelve and--I don't have an excuse really. Besides, I stopped doing that a while ago.  

     I grinned. It was a perfect spot for the duffle bag. I bent down and stuffed the bag in. I stuck out my lower lip when I realized it wouldn't fit. I'll have to take some of the super drugs out. I guess I'll keep some on me for now. I filled the front pocket of my backpack with some of the super drugs, tucking it under my pencil case and next to my Blue Gravity mask. Eventually, with enough pushing, the duffle bag fit nicely inside my mattress. 

     Nice. I thought with a nod and my hands on my hips. 

     I did a quick mental inspection and physical pat-down, checking if there was anything I was missing or anything that looked out of the ordinary. I glanced at the mirror in front of me. My eyes were bloodshot red and my eyelids were droopy. I had my glasses back on but that didn't hide the visible exhaustion my face wore. Somehow in the few short hours of the morning and now the afternoon, I looked different. 

      Wow. I blew out a light whistle. I look absolutely terrible and I have never not cared this much.

     It's whatever at this point. I'll clean my room and take a shower later. I'll get myself together. I inwardly promised. I shuddered over the thought of cleaning my bullet wound. I groaned with a hand on my forehead in shame. I've become such an unhygienic person.

     I read the clock. I was going to miss my chance to talk to Dark Wonder. I needed to go now.

☫ * ☫ * ☫ * ☫

     My grip on my backpack straps tightened when I entered Skyline High School. I enjoyed my time away from school. It wasn't quite a breath of fresh air considering the events that took place, but it was a break. 

     I walked down the hallway, using my birds-eye view to try and find Lucas in the midst of students. The bell was going to ring any minute, signaling the end of lunch and the five-minute grace period to get to class. I blew my cheeks up. This was not the greatest situation to be in if I'm being perfectly honest. A thought then occurred to me. Lucas already stood me up on the investigation, who's to say he even showed up to school today. I let out a long-dreaded sigh. So maybe my plan wasn't the best idea in the world. It had its merits, I'll admit. However, it was flawed.

     "Ey," a voice spoke from behind me. "You smell like blood, sweat, and tears."

     I furrowed my eyebrows together and turned to see Jude. A very upset looking Jude. Now that I think about it, Jude is always upset with me these days. A faint frown made it's way to my lips. 

     "You also look horrible," he added. 

    "Well," I responded lightly, taken aback with his sudden appearance and his bluntness. Of course, he'd be able to decipher why I smelled so terrible. I almost chuckled out loud. I ran a hand through my hair and continued, "You know how it is..."

     Jude offered me a pointed look and curtly said, "No, not really."

     My frown deepened. Was I missing something? Jude usually isn't so irritable. I decided to cut to the chase. Experienced has taught me that upfront communication is the best way to get answers. 

     "Um...what's up, Jude? Are you upset with me?" 

     He gave me a sweet smile. It was close to sinister. I had no idea what to do with myself. I began fiddling with the straps on my backpack and awkwardly shifting from side to side in place. I thought, if anything, we were closer now. We almost died and then we had a mini heart to heart conversation. What could he possibly be mad about? Certainly not that I ate most of his brownies. Jude wasn't that petty.

     It then hit me.

     "I couldn't stay," I explained in a rushed manner. I looked down at the ground, finding a strange comfort at the sight of my worn-out converse. "You wouldn't understand. It's just...I...my grandparents." I didn't know how to articulate my thoughts.

     Everyone had gone to class by now. We were the only ones left in the hallway. 

     "You know," he stated nonchalantly. "You could have at least left a note or something. Bloody email is fine too."

     He had a point. If the positions were reversed I'd be freaking out and wondering if Jude was okay. Jude didn't even know I had powers. He had no idea that I was quick to full recovery already. All he knew is that his friend, who just got shot, was no longer in his room and he had no way to communicate. I italicized those words to make it more clear to myself.

     I'm an awful friend.

    "You're right," I conceded with embarrassment. "I should have told you."

     "And then, you don't show up for the first half of the day," he pressed on, his tone sharp. "Which makes sense except I had no idea where you were."

     I turned red. I really am awful. "I'm sorry," I genuinely apologized, this time looking at him.

     "I called your shi--I called your brother," he revealed and stuffed his hands in his pocket. His eyebrows were pointed. "Wanted to at least know if you made it to your grandparents okay."

     I stood there astonished. I blinked stupidly at first, unsure of what to make with the knowledge. Where did he even get Jeff's number from? I suppose it's not too difficult to get someone's number when you're 'well acclimated' as Jude said so vaguely and eloquently. I also wanted to ask precisely when did he call Jeff. The time in which the call was made would make plenty of significant changes to whether Jeff will catch on. 

    "Oh?" I rubbed my upper arm without thinking. "What did he say?"

     Jude's eyes went thin. "It was a few minutes ago," he said. "I was hoping I wouldn't have to call."

    Saying sorry again somehow felt wrong. 

     "Well, I'm here now!" I commented enthusiastically yet bashfully, attempting to brighten the conversation and hide my stained cheeks. I offered a sheepish grin.

     "Strange that. He said that you were going to stay at home because you were sick." Jude gazed at me as if calculating something.

     Why is Jeff telling everyone that? I mean, it helps but that's not what happened. He kicked me out of the car! I mentally scoffed. I don't understand Jeff.

     "I couldn't sit still." Not completely a lie.

     I really hate lying to Jude, though.

     "I take it that he doesn't know you got shot?" 

     "No!" I exclaimed and then went timid at the loudness of my voice. I looked away and nibbled on my lower lip. "I mean, I didn't tell him. He doesn't need to know."

     His eyebrows relaxed, no longer pulled together in anger. "You look better than I thought you would."

     He did too, I noticed. It was a relief to the worry I didn't know I was bearing.

     I playfully smiled, feeling at ease with the way things were going. "I could have sworn you said that I looked horrible."

     "Don't do that again," he warned. 

     He didn't need to add any more words for me to gather what he was talking about.

     "I won't," I vowed sincerely. "I'm sorry for putting you in that position."

     Ever since Jude and I met, I've been dragging him into all these peculiar and dangerous encounters. I haven't been frank with him either. To be perfectly honest, I haven't been fair with him at all. Maybe I should distance myself from Jude. Save him the stress and worry that seems to come with being my friend. It'd be better for him. Safer too.

     "Here." Jude placed something into my hand.

     A smartphone? I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "Where did you get this?"

    He chuckled at my implied accusations, appearing to have gotten the hint that I didn't trust his methods of obtaining things. "Calm down, Jeremiah," he said and shook his head like he was the one in disbelief. "One of the kids sell old phones at the orphanage."

     I raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "Really?"

    "Yes, really." He stressed the 'really' in a mocking tone. "Now you have no excuses when you decide to do something stupid again." 

     I tried to take what he said seriously but the way he said 'stupid' made me laugh. 

     "Okay fine," I replied. "How much did it cost? I can pay you back. And what's the phone bill?"

     He waved his hands dismissively. "It was a steal anyway. It's an old phone."

     A steal in what sense? That phrase could be used in many ways.

     I grumbled in response, uncomfortable with the gift. "I rather pay for it."

     "Happy birthday." He clapped. "Cheers!"

     "My birthday isn't until the 29th," I said flatly. 

     "Your birthday is on the 29th of February?" He asked in amusement. "That's pretty cool. How do you celebrate it when it's not a leap year?"

     The last time I celebrated my birthday was 2012. Mom was alive then. Although we had the party at the hospital, it was lively. Dad put in a lot of effort into making the cake. Jeff prepared the decorations. Mom wore a party hat. Everyone did there best to make my birthday special. I remember blowing out the candles. I remember hoping that my wish would come true. It didn't. Mom passed away the next week. 

     Since then, I haven't done anything on my birthday. Both because there hasn't been a February 29th and because there was no one to spend it with. 

     Before, when there wasn't a February 29th Jeff and I would wait by the clock for the minute between February 28th and March 1st. We'd make a big deal and eat blueberry muffins. I loved blueberry muffins.

     I felt my eyes grow wet.

     I repeatedly blinked. I schooled my expression into a blank one. "You're trying to change the subject."

     Jude pursed his lips and his eyes were troubled. He opened his mouth but before he could get a word out a teacher approached us.

     "What are you guy's doing out in the hallway?" They asked. "You're supposed to be in the assembly room for the bag checking."

     "Bag checking?" We asked simultaneously, tension rising.

     "Yes, bag checking," they replied and began shooing us towards the assembly room. "The Mayor asked the sheriff department to do a surprise bag checking because of the super drugs and lots of teenagers are using it. Did you guys not go to class to hear the announcement?"

     My eyes went wide. A bag checking? Now?! My backpack grew heavy with the new information. 

     We didn't answer the teacher's question and began to make our way towards the assembly room. This is bad. This is really, really, bad.

     I'm going to go to jail. 

     Unless I make a run for it...

     The thought was nice while it lasted, but with the teacher literally right behind us, the suggested plan wouldn't work. This situation is incredibly inconvenient and very much stressful. This is just the kind of luck I have. Out of all the times that the Mayor initiates a check, it has to be today. When I, in fact, am carrying a bountiful amount of super drugs. 

     There are about three ways I can see this going.

    One: I get caught. A course of events consequently spiral. I'm branded as a teenage drug dealer. College's will take one look at my record and I won't be accepted anywhere. I can only imagine that I'll be expelled from high school too. Eventually, I'll simply be homeless. Since the sheriff department is checking I'm sure Mr. Dominic will be in charge. He'll see what I've become and look at me with heavy disappointment. It'll be an all-around horrific experience.  

     Two: I get caught. But this time I'll put my acting skills to the test! I'll act like some distraught teenager that is really going through it and genuinely thought there was no other choice. I'll even cry. Then they'll take pity on me and Mr. Dominic will help me out. They'll probably make me do therapy and do some community service hours. It'll be an all-around okay experience.

     Three: I don't get caught. Instead, while I wait behind the other students. I come up with a logical and thorough plan. Most likely something along the lines of using my superpowers. It'll be an all-around good experience.

     Jude and I were in the back of the line. Most of our classmates were in front of us with bored expressions. I turned my head to examine the scene. There were many tables occupied by police officers. They wore gloves and rummaged through everyone's bag, one by one. It was a slow process but definitely efficient. They would probably be checking lockers afterward. 

     Think, Jeremiah!

     "Hey!" A student at the front of the line yelled. 

     He was a senior. I recognized him from the basketball team. I noticed that his bag was getting checked. The police officer held a mini zip lock bag and everyone could see the two black pills. Super drugs. He looked at the student with raised questioning eyebrows, allowing time for an explanation.

     "Give it back!" The senior quickly snatched the ziplock bag, catching the officer by surprise. 

     He continued to surprise everyone by swallowing the pills right then and there. 

     And before we knew it, the super drug began to activate. 

________________________________________

A/N

Heyyyy friends! 

What's good? How ya'll doing? I hope this chapter finds you well. I am strezzzzzzed and I put 'zzz' to express the fact that I'm tired too. My classes are killing me but it's whatever. I'm the mf who is doing a STEM major so that's on me. It's fun, sometimes, you know...

Anyway! Tell me your thoughts on this chapter. Did you like it? What do you think is going to happen next? I feel like some of y'all will catch on.

I got teary-eyed when I wrote the birthday dialogue at like 3 am. good shiz. AND LOLOL jeff makes me laugh and Jude is such a Kingggggg. Jer is a babbbbe and his room is a mess and i have lots of feelings for what's going to come soon. And Lucas is MIA. Sigh.

Any fav parts? 

if one of you say this chapter is short >.>

Please vote, comment, share, smile, live life!

P.S: if you have any tips, ideas, suggestions please pm me, that would be awesome. Any idea is good because I could just base a chapter off of it and update quicker ;-). So if there's a certain thing that you want to happen just comment it!

Love ya'll <3

Yours truly,

A N O N Y M O U S