The Hothead and The Ice Queen

Ten

(No heels! Flats!)

After school the next day, my friends and I were over Will's house doing homework. They all worked together on their Hero Support assignment while I read up on freeze rays for Mad Science.

On the way here, I told the group about having Warren and his mom over last night for dinner. Of course, everyone– except Will– wanted all the details. They laughed at the fact that our parents embarrassed us. And they were happily surprised when I told them Warren asked me out. Again, they wanted details, swarmed me for them, but I honestly didn't have any. Though, Magenta gasped and Layla squealed when I revealed that he kissed me. The fact that it was only on my cheek didn't matter.

They were really supportive and accepting, which made me happy. It was a huge step in the right direction. Which only added to the sting I felt because Will was still avoiding me, and I still had no idea why. But I was done blaming myself.

As I laid on Will's couch, my legs resting over Layla's lap, I read my Mad Science textbook, and they answered their homework questions together. Layla had a pillow over my legs, using it as a flimsy desk for her notebook. Will was next to her. Magenta was sitting on the floor, using the coffee table, and Zach and Ethan were sitting on the couch opposite us.

"Okay, number one," Magenta read aloud. "A radioactive zombie is charging at your hero. Do you hand him: A) his silver-tipped crossbow; B) a wooden spike; C)..."

"Yo, that's so weak, man," Zach groaned. "I'm holding his crossbow. Why can't I shoot him myself?"

Ethan was the one to argue. "Because we're Hero Support. And if your hero asks for a crossbow, you hand it to him."

"Or her," Layla interjected pointedly.

"By the way, Zach," Ethan said, ignoring Layla's comment. "You can't kill a zombie. You can only re-kill him."

"Or her," Layla repeated. I chuckled at her persistence, my eyes never leaving the words in my book. But a flash of red, white, and blue suddenly entered my peripheral vision, and it wasn't Will.

Laying my book open on my lap, I turned my head and watched The Commander come into the den after entering his home. He was every bit as bold and dramatic as his suit. "If you kids are all in here, who's out there saving the world?"

"Dad. What– Why are you home so early?"

"Well, after I stopped the Superdome from collapsing, I was watching the game and got to thinking that it's been a while since Will and I tossed the old pigskin around. I thought I'd hustle back home, but I see you and Layla have already made new friends," Mr. Stronghold explained. I gave a small wave while my friends observed him with awe.

Ethan was the most excited. He jumped up from his seat and walked over to his idol, offering his hand. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."

They shook hands as Mr. Stronghold asked, "What's your name? What's your power?"

"I'm Ethan, and I melt," he declared proudly.

Mr. Stronghold nodded and muttered, "Okay." It occurred to me that Will still hadn't broken the news to his father. The Commander assumed his son's friends were on the Hero Track. Not that I needed confirmation. Seeing Layla's uncomfortable gaze, my suspicions were confirmed.

Ethan sat back down and Zach took the opportunity to introduce himself with a handshake. "Zach. I glow."

"I see." Confusion etched across The Commander's face with each power. Maybe this was the incentive Will needed to finally tell his dad the truth.

"Magenta. I shape-shift."

They shook hands, and The Commander's face lit up with excitement. "Shape-shift!"