Chapter 06

Steven

I sat there in the restaurant, alone. I finished my meal and paid for both of the plates. The night was over, and Fran was off to more important things. Was this how a date should have gone? It was kind of awkward. What would we have talked about? We never seemed to get bored around each other normally, but now it was like my brain was just blank. I wanted to seem interesting to her. How do you entertain a superhero? She's off fighting a monster right now! That's crazy—I can't compete with that! I stumbled home and lay in my unmade bed, still wearing my white shirt and slacks. I rested my arm over my eyes to cover the light so I could think. Then I dozed off.

********* Francine
The next morning, I got ready for school and waited outside for Steven. Normally, we walk to school together if I'm not fighting a monster. This morning seemed peaceful. I looked at the time, and we were running late, even by my standards. Where was he? I knocked on the Mallards' door. Mrs. Mallard came.

"I'm so sorry, Francine. Steven is sick, it seems."

But I had just seen him last night... I'd never seen Steven sick in my entire life.

"What's wrong with him?"

Mrs. Mallard shrugged. She was just as confused as I was.

"I made him some oatmeal and lemon ginger tea. Could you take it to him?"

I grabbed the platter and walked upstairs to his room. The lights were still on. There was a large lump under Steven’s blanket—hopefully, that was Steven. Otherwise, this would be awkward. I walked to his bedside and sat down on the chair. He was still asleep and still dressed in his white button-up shirt. His hair was scattered across his forehead. I gently combed a few strands to the side. His temperature seemed fine. He still smelled good—somehow, almost better than normal—and for some reason, I wanted to close my eyes and fall asleep too. He was so peaceful. Nothing could ruin a day like this.

He didn't seem to be in pain, but maybe he just needed some extra sleep today. Either way, I wouldn’t blame him. Last night was disappointing. How could I make up for yesterday? I'm just not sure what we should do together. I looked at his resting face as he snored slightly. I guess I should go... I got up, and as I was about to leave Steven’s room, I heard a familiar voice.

"....ice..t....eet...ou"

The room got darker. A misty presence was floating in the window, but it seemed hesitant.

"What are you doing back here?! I thought I taught you a lesson a long time ago!"

The spirit backed away slightly, as if in knowing fear. This was the only creature I had seen that looked human so far. I wasn’t sure if I should destroy it or not.

"No......urt....ost..."

"I can't understand you, but either way, you better not come back here. This is my final warning..."

"...h....lp....."

I took a step toward the window, and the humanoid creature shrieked and disappeared. It was too hard to understand what the thing was saying. It sounded like it wanted help, but what if it was saying something else? Usually, these creatures aren’t too friendly with me. I wasn’t going to risk Steven getting attacked while I was away.

So I stayed. In his room. By his side.