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jesterladyficThis part's title is by John Keats.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three: One Who Leans Upon a Closed Book
i
2131
“Off,” Claire said firmly.
Her phone earpiece gave a reassuring click as it followed her voice command. She continued along her way to the school. As she went, she marveled at the world. To have lived so long was to have to change way more than a human was made to. A lot of personal change had happened to her, but the world had been doing its own share during her almost one hundred and fifty years in it.
Claire sighed as she entered the doors to find two of the teens about to start a fight.
“Bobby, Dylan!” She went over and pulled them apart. “You know the rules. No fighting, no abilities, inside school.”
“Sorry,” Bobby muttered, melting his fingers back into flesh from the shining metal they’d been seconds before.
Dylan didn’t say anything, but the storm clouds that had been flickering around his head dissipated.
Claire shook her head as she made her way to her classroom. Humanity had taken the knowledge of its own evolution rather well in her opinion. But it had opened up a whole load of problems. Especially for those who dealt with youth just starting to manifest. Abilities were an admired thing as they started to become the norm, but Claire still chose not to tell people about hers.
Karl was probably the last person without powers who knew about her. Claire blinked away sudden tears. That wasn’t who she wanted to think about, especially after the disastrous blind date she’d been on last night. It hurt too much to even contemplate being with another man at the moment.
Claire called her class to order and started another school day. About halfway through, the door opened and a smaller looking girl with brown hair and big eyes peeked timidly through it.
“Can I help you?” Claire asked gently.
The girl instantly brought out maternal instincts in Claire.
“I’m a transfer student,” she said quietly.
“Come on in, what’s your name?”
“Alika Soveros.”
“Alika, you can sit here and during the break I’ll catch you up on what we’re doing.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly and sat down.
Claire restarted the class but continued to watch Alika. The girl wore a helix necklace meaning that she probably had an ability. It was required for those whose blood had the genetic marker, but it didn’t always manifest and a lot of people had started to circulate them around as a mere fashion trend.
“So, where did you transfer from?” Claire asked half an hour later.
“Clearmont High.”
“Any reason why you’re here now?”
Alika blushed and bowed her head.
“Well, uh, it’s my brother, um-“
“You don’t have to tell me,” Claire reassured her. “Anything they think is necessary for me to know they’ll tell me.”
“Sure,” Alika said, still not meeting Claire’s eyes.
“Do you really have an ability?” Claire asked kindly, trying to draw out the shy girl.
“Hmmhmm. I-I can fly.”
Instantly warm brown eyes, strong arms, sarcastic remarks, tender concern, a diamond ring, two small girls, and familiarity rushed into Claire’s mind. It was with difficulty that she pulled her thoughts back from her former life to the present. It was her first great loss.
“That’s pretty cool,” she told Alika. “My husband could fly.”
“What happened to him?” Alika asked, obviously picking up on the past tense.
“He died.”
“You guys must not have been married very long.”
Claire glanced at her twenty year old body.
“Something like that.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry.”
Alika instantly looked away.
“It’s all right. Let’s talk about the class, shall we? You’re going to have a little bit of catching up to do.”
Claire quickly brought Alika up to speed. The girl was obviously smart and shy about admitting it. Claire thought she would be fine. There was something very vulnerable about the teen that Claire found endearing. Something that either reminded her of herself at that age (not that she'd ever been shy) or rubbed against the open wounds Claire carried around with her.
“Well, Alika, you’re all set and more than capable, I think,” Claire said with a smile as she stood up.
“You can call me Ali,” was the soft reply.
“Ali,” Claire said, “it’s pretty.”
“I’m named for my mother,” she said. “She wanted to call me something more modern, but after she died my grandmother got her way.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, I like my name.”
“Alika! Little Lika!” boomed a new voice.
Both girls jumped in surprise.
“What on earth?” Claire questioned.
“Um, that would be my brother,” Alika said apologetically. “He wanted to come and check on me. He takes care of me.”
“I guess he does,” Claire said.
A man burst through the door of her classroom. He was extremely tall with dark hair and shocking green eyes, the same color as Alika’s. His presence demanded attention even though he wasn’t a big man. He looked like someone who was used to getting his way.
“Who’s your teach?” he asked Alika, coming up and putting an arm casually around her shoulders.
Alika didn’t seem to mind though she appeared to feel the need for more formal behavior with her teacher.
“This is-"
“Miss Claire,” Claire interrupted. “That’s what I tell all my students to call me. I’m pleased to meet you…”
“Elijah,” he said, sticking out his hand. “You’re probably the prettiest teacher Ali’s ever had.”
“Thank you,” Claire said primly and bent to straighten some papers on her desk to hide her flushed face.
She wasn’t in the mood to deal with someone as obviously flirtatious as he appeared to be.
“Let’s go, Eli,” Alika said urgently. “I want to go find my other classes.”
“You go ahead,” Elijah said, lounging against Claire’s desk, “I need to talk to Miss Claire about your schooling.” Alika didn’t seem to like the idea, but she gathered her books and waved goodbye. “So, Miss Claire...” Elijah began.
“You can call me Claire,” she said. “It’s only the students who have to call me Miss.”
“But it suits you so well, Miss Claire,” he said teasingly. “Quite the proper schoolmarm name.”
“I’m not a schoolmarm yet,” Claire said firmly. “Is there something I can do for you about Alika’s schooling?”
He nodded, jocularity gone, and a hint of guilt and defiance in his eyes.
“She’s had a rough time of it lately. I’ve been traveling a lot and since it’s my job to look out for her, she gets caught in the crossfire between home and work. I just want you to know that if anything happens you should come to me because it will probably be my fault rather than hers.”
“What exactly do you travel for?”
“I speak out on important issues,” he replied, lazily running his hand through his hair. “I’m currently interested in the 'Hero vs non-Hero' debate.”
“And whose side do you fall down on?” Claire asked, wondering if a man who had a sister who could fly would be against it.
“I’m all about the 'Heroes' as a matter of fact. People can’t help how they’re born. It’s pure discrimination to think otherwise. We’re all human.”
“Well, I’m sure I shall always take Alika into consideration here,” Claire said with finality, intending for him to leave.
But he just leaned against her desk, smiling at her.
“How about you and me go out to dinner and we can talk about your side of it?” he asked suddenly.
“Why would you want to hear my side?”
“Pretty girls always have an opinion.”
“They also prefer not to be classified as just pretty,” Claire said frostily.
“You’ve obviously got brains,” he said, unrepentant. “I’m not knocking anything about you; just want a chance to know you more.”
“I’m not really in the position to be getting to know anyone, let alone you,” Claire replied as politely as she could. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to try someone else.”
“Too bad.” Elijah straightened up. “Well, see ya, Miss Claire. Just remember about Alika and maybe we’ll still have that dinner sometime.”
He walked out the door. Claire stood behind, a little flabbergasted. The man’s confidence was a bit overwhelming.
ii
Claire slowly walked home thinking over her day. It had been surprisingly eventful.
“Can I walk you home?” came a voice from beside her.
She looked over in surprise to see Elijah walking next to her.
“Where did you come from?” she asked.
“I get around,” he replied.
He looked different than he had that morning, like he was concentrating on two things at once.
“Can you please get around somewhere else? I’m quite capable of getting myself home.”
“Didn’t say you couldn’t. Maybe you’d like company though.”
“I can assure you I don’t.”
“Listen,” he said persistently, “I just want to apologize for this morning. I can be really forward and I’m sorry.”
“That’s quite all right,” Claire said. “I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
“That’s the thing,” he said musingly, “I’m pretty sure it will.”
“You do have the power to control yourself, I trust?” she said, walking faster.
“I hope so.” He chuckled a little bitterly. “All I’m saying is I really would like to get to know you more and sometimes it’s hard not be aggressive.”
“Well, for my sake and your sister’s,” Claire said as she turned in her own walk, “I hope you won't be. Goodnight, Mr. Soveros.”
She went inside and shut the door politely, but firmly, and watched through the peephole as Elijah stood there for a moment before walking away.
Claire leaned against the door, glad that she was going away for a week to visit Peter in New York. She went upstairs and started packing. He was supposed to be there later tonight and she wanted to be ready and have some dinner for him.
At nine o’clock there was the familiar whirring sound and Peter appeared in her kitchen, sitting at the counter as if he’d been there forever.
“What’s new?” he asked, already sticking his fingers in the pudding she was stirring.
She smacked his hand with the spoon.
“One of the girls from work tried to set me up last night and it was disastrous. Then today, a new girl’s older brother accosted me at school and on the way home.”
“Pretty popular,” Peter said absently.
“Sometimes you just rock the freak vote,” Claire said out of her memory from so long ago.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing, just something a friend told me once.” Claire shook her head and went back to stirring. “So, have we got time to eat?”
“Always got time,” Peter said.
“Do you ever go back?” Claire asked hesitantly.
Peter straightened up immediately.
“I try not to,” he said, “but I have.”
“What’s it like?”
“Sometimes more painful than not being able to get there.”
“Maybe you could take me there sometime,” Claire whispered, leaning against the table.
“If Hiro were alive he’d say I was going to fracture time,” Peter answered, putting his hand over hers.
“I don’t care,” Claire said. “I just can’t do this anymore. This guy today, Peter, he was a bit of a jerk, but he was earnest and I wanted to see where it would take me…but I can’t. Doing it once was so hard, but then I did it twice. How could I give my heart away again?”
“Don’t you think if anyone understands I do?” he said. “I lost my family and I don’t even have grandkids like you. You can still see Britq and Timothy, but I never did that. I was too busy saving the world.”
“Simon and Monty’s kids and grandkids-" Claire began.
“Are not mine,” Peter finished.
“Trust me, they’re wonderful,” Claire told him. “I wouldn’t trade any of them, but I want someone who was all mine. I want to see my husband and my children when they were little.”
“We have to get back to New York,” Peter told her. “I need your help with something and there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“All right,” Claire said, resigned. “Thanks for listening anyway. I just don’t feel like I can open up anymore.”
“But first,” Peter continued, “where do you want to go?”
“All of it,” Claire said, tears filling her eyes. Some tears were sad and some were grateful and all overflowed down her cheeks. “Can I see my dad? High school in Odessa with Zach? Let me see my wedding day and West flying and the births of my children and Karl’s stupid, scruffy beard one more time.”
“I can do that,” Peter said, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Claire closed her eyes as the whirring transported her.
When she opened them she felt she had lived her life all over again. It was strange what visiting the past would do to you. She hastily wiped the tears from her cheeks and took in her surroundings. She was in a strange apartment with Peter beside her. It was probably a good thing they hadn't eaten first. Idly, she hoped she'd remembered to turn off the stove. It was so inconvenient when the electric companies did it for you after a ten hour period. They liked to send nasty reminders about safety and them taking care of you.
All she felt was an invasion of privacy.
“That you, babe?”
A young woman walked into the room wearing a business suit. She was tall and striking, her dark hair richly highlighted with blond streaks. Peter crossed over to her and kissed her on the cheek.
“It’s me. I thought before we went adventuring it was time you two met.” He took her hand and led her over to Claire. “Erica, this is Claire. Claire, Erica is my girlfriend.”
“Wow.” Claire mustered up some more emotion even though she felt completely drained. “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Oh, you’re like family.” Erica leaned over and gave her a hug. “Well, I guess, technically, you are his family. Anyway, I’m so glad to finally meet you, you sexy thing. Come on over and sit down and we’ll talk before Peter drags you away to fight against the forces of injustice or something like that.”
Claire glanced at Peter who gave a small nod.
“I guess we’ve got time.”
“Always got time,” he murmured under his breath.
iii
Claire breathed a sigh of relief to be home. She appreciated being with Peter and she was glad he had someone, but she liked the comfort of her own home which luckily had not burned down in her absence due to her own remembrance of turning off the stove. Take that, electric company. It wouldn't have been the first time it had burned down though, but those were whole other stories. She’d actually missed her students which was nice to realize. But it gave her a shock to have the doorbell ring about five minutes after she’d finished unpacking.
“Alika? What’s going on?”
“You’re still here,” Alika said as she came into the house. “I was afraid you weren’t coming back.”
“Didn’t my sub explain I was away for a week?”
“Well, yeah, but I thought after what my brother might have said that you wouldn’t ever come back. I guess it was stupid.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Alika still looked worried. Claire smiled at the timid, anxious face in front of her. “Come on in, Ali. I’ll make us some tea and you can tell me everything that’s happened this last week.”
“Um, okay.”
Alika seemed to like that idea.
Claire led her into the living room.
“I’ll just be in the kitchen and be right back.”
Claire went and put the kettle on and sorted through her tea bags. She almost dropped them when Peter popped out of thin air in front of her.
“You’ve got to stop doing that!” she snapped, putting her hand to her chest. “I have a student over. She could see you.”
“The world does know about us, Claire.”
“Well, you aren’t exactly one of its favorite citizens under your other name, are you? Besides, no one knows about me and I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Didn’t mean to cause a ruckus, I just forgot to ask you about the Lincoln plan? Are you in?”
“Yes, I’m in,” Claire said absently, picking up the red hot kettle and feeling the pain in the back of her mind. “Now you’ve got to go. I’ll see ya Tuesday, here, at nine, Peter. Try using a telephone next time or does your telepathy work that far of a distance?”
“Not quite.”
Peter flashed a smile and was gone.
Claire shook her head and gathered the tea things to take in to the living room.
But Alika wasn’t there anymore.
***
Elijah almost punched himself again as he tried to push Claire's image from his mind. His concentration had been horrible all week and it was one thing he really needed in his line of work. Why did he always have to act like an overbearing jerk when he saw someone he was instantly attracted to?
Taking several deep breaths he calmed down and tried to concentrate. He'd been doing it all week.
Elijah was hard at work when Alika burst into his room. It wasn’t an altogether unusual occurrence in his day, but she looked really excited.
“I think I found Isaac!”
“Slow down, girl.” Elijah put his pen down and turned to give her his full attention. “Isaac, your secret boyfriend?”
Alika rolled her eyes.
“Your Isaac. The one you’ve been trying to find for years.”
“The biggest vigilante the world has ever known including Batman?”
“Eli, that's like ancient history. Read some newer comics for heavens' sake.”
“What can I say? I love the classics.”
“I think Miss Claire knows him.”
“Batman?”
“Isaac Mendez!”
“That frost-bitten, altogether intriguing, gorgeous new teacher of yours knows Isaac Mendez?”
“Yes! Thanks for hitting on her within the first five minutes of my first day, by the way.”
“Where’s your proof, Ali?”
“Do you have the really fuzzy surveillance photo?”
Elijah took his most prized possession out of its plastic casing in his locked desk. It had taken a lot of work to get a hold of it. She studied it carefully.
“I’m positive that’s him. He just appeared in her kitchen and I only saw because I had to cross the hall to go to the bathroom and I saw him and she knew him. And she has a power too! She can heal, I saw it!”
“Even more intriguing,” Elijah said, musing over the possibilities.
“She called him Peter and said he had telepathy.”
“The telepathy part fits in with my research. Well, maybe Miss Claire has the answer to my questions.”
“Don’t bother her. She’s sweet and she doesn’t want people to know about her. I just want to help you find Isaac.”
“Tell me something, Lika,” Elijah said and pulled his sister onto his lap, “why do you help me when my fanaticism always ends with us running and being hated?”
“You’re my brother and I know you do it because of what happened to Dad.”
“I’m sorry for all I’ve put you through,” he said softly. “Maybe I’ll find rest someday.”
“Maybe hell will freeze over,” she returned. Elijah couldn't muster up even a little reproof, he was too happy with his little sister. “Now do you want to know where you can meet up with your illusive Mr. Isaac?”
Elijah smiled.
***
Peter decided to fly home. It had been a successful night and he needed to unwind before going back. He bid Claire goodnight and prepared to leave.
“I need your help,” said a voice from the shadows.
Peter stiffened and turned, hearing two heartbeats and two minds racing. A man and a girl walked out of the shadows of the trees.
“Why do you think I can help you?” he finally asked. “You look all right to me.”
The tall man in front of him shrugged.
“Well, you see, I’ve been looking for someone for a long time and I wonder if you can help me find him?”
“Who are you looking for?”
“Isaac Mendez.”
“The vigilante?”
“That’s the one.”
“Tell me why you want to find him and what you would do if you did.”
“Let’s just say I’m an admirer and I want to help.”
Peter pondered the question for a bit. The man’s thoughts bore witness to his words and so did the girl’s beside him. He recognized her heartbeat as the one in Claire’s house the other day.
“What’s your name?” he asked quietly.
“Elijah. This is my sister Alika.”
“Why would you want to help Isaac out? That’s a dangerous job from what I hear.”
“Everybody’s got their secrets.” Elijah smiled, showing very white teeth. “I wouldn’t tell anybody but Isaac that.”
Peter made a fast decision.
“Then speak up. I’m Isaac.”
“How do I know you’re telling me the truth?”
“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t think it already. As it is,” Peter began to say into their minds and ended after popping up behind them, “there are numerous ways I could prove it to you.”
“I can’t believe I found you.”
“Well, what do you want with me?”
“I want to help you save the world.”
Peter shook his head.
“I don’t take 'civilians,' probably the best word to use.”
“Like I said,” Elijah reminded him, “everybody’s got their secrets.”
Peter quirked an eyebrow, interested in spite of himself.
“Show me.”
Elijah gave a quick nod, his entire body saying this was the moment he’d been waiting years for.
iv
Claire was relieved to see Alika on her front doorstep when she arrived home. Even though she’d seen the girl at school the last couple of weeks, Alika had been avoiding her. She hoped she could get some kind of explanation.
“What’s up?” she asked without any trace of inquiry. “Sorry, I was out getting groceries.”
“I wanted to apologize,” Alika said nervously. “I shouldn’t have run away like that. I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s alright, Ali. Come on in and we’ll see if we can’t have that tea this time.”
“Actually, do you think after the groceries are put away we could go for a walk?”
Claire glanced at the late afternoon sky.
“It’s going to be dark soon.”
“Just a short one.”
Claire nodded and gave in.
“A short one. I have papers to grade.”
“So long as they’re not mine,” Alika said softly.
Claire grinned.
They made good time with the groceries and were soon underway. Claire could sense Alika was leading her to someplace in particular. Why or to what, she couldn’t imagine. But she was perfectly willing to find out when Alika chose to tell her.
“I heard a noise,” Alika said suddenly.
Claire had as well. It was the sound of a struggle. A flash of light suddenly lit the next street over.
“Ali, fly away, now!” Claire said sharply. “Fly away and go get help.”
“What about you?” Alika asked, sounding strangely unconcerned.
“I’ll be okay, just get out of here.”
Alika took to the skies without further protest. Claire crept quietly along the houses, slipping through the backyards with years of practiced ease. Another bright flash lit the sky. It looked rather familiar. Claire wondered if Peter could possibly be fighting something up ahead without her.
“I’m so going to get him for that,” she murmured under her breath as she edged closer.
There was a terrible buzzing in her ears as she reached the last house. Peering around the side of the house, she did indeed see Peter. He was back to back with…Elijah? Claire’s eyes opened wider than she thought possible. There were two other men, both exhibiting far from normal activity. Peter and Elijah seemed to have it under control when, to her astonishment, another pair of them materialized almost in front of her. Peter2 and Elijah2 rushed to their originals and started to help. Within moments, the unidentified assailants were on the ground and Elijah was calling the police.
Alika alighted beside Claire.
“I just wanted you to know who he was. I know he was rude to you, but he’s actually a great guy and he just wants to help.”
Claire looked at the girl who was looking resolutely at the ground.
“Did you bring me out here to match make?”
“N-not quite,” Alika stammered, “I just wanted you to know the t-truth.”
“It’s okay.” Claire sighed and put an arm around the girl’s shoulders. “So, your brother has powers. Now Peter has them and he’ll be even more cocky.”
“You’re not mad?”
“Mad at one more Hero in this world? No.”
“I’m glad. We-we know about your secret. I saw you with him.”
“I should think about renewing my stealth license.”
Alika gave a small smile.
“We won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you. Now go get your brother because we should all be scarce when the police get here.”
Alika ran over to Elijah. Claire noticed that the other one had disappeared. So had Peter’s. She slowly walked towards him.
“Hey there,” she said casually. “Got a new friend?”
“This guy’s pretty amazing, Claire. He’s really dedicated, pretty funny.”
“Yes, I know all about his sense of humor. Your’s too. How come you didn’t invite me out tonight?”
“Eli and I were just checking out our synchronicity and stuff. Next time.”
“I’ll take your word on that,” Claire said as brother and sister joined them.
“I’ll just move us somewhere more comfortable,” Peter said and before they could blink they were in Claire’s living room.
“So, you’ve got powers, huh?” Claire asked Elijah dryly.
“I might add that you’ve got them too, Miss Claire.”
“Enough with the Miss Claire stuff!”
“Sorry. So, you can heal?”
“Pretty much.”
“That’s amazing.”
“Thanks. I guess so is being in two places at once.”
“Takes concentration, but definitely worth it. Be really great if I ever wanted to murder anyone.”
“I’ll bear that in mind.”
Alika looked knowingly at the two of them and their playful banter. Peter seemingly picked up on everyone's thoughts and moved himself and Alika into the kitchen to prepare cocoa.
Claire and Elijah were left alone to snipe at each other. Claire didn’t want to admit it, but she was having the time of her life. She and Peter had known each other so long it was hard to come up with something he hadn’t already heard. Elijah pressed her buttons and she came out fighting. She liked it.
When Peter and Alika came back in, Claire and Elijah were having a spirited argument on the couch about Heroes rights. Claire resisted the urge to roll her eyes at their shared smiles before they joined her and Elijah.
v
Claire couldn’t believe she was actually in a restaurant on a date with Elijah. It had taken four months from the time she’d found out about him, but he’d finally worn her down enough to at least go out with him once. And she was having a good time. Who would’ve thought?
“You’re not gonna give me the 'just be friends' line after tonight, are you?”
“Some reason I shouldn’t?” she asked.
“The fact that I know you like this.” Claire sighed. She did like it. But that wasn’t the point. Having her heart broken again wasn’t her favorite plan. “People get their hearts broken all the time, you know,” he said casually.
“How did you know…?”
“I’m pretty perceptive. I know you don’t want to risk yourself. But we all have to risk it. You can’t go through life being alone, Miss Claire.”
She allowed herself a small smile.
“But I haven’t. You know how old I am. You know I was married. I have great-great grandchildren. I wouldn’t call that being alone.”
“But you’re alone now and you should take whatever opportunity comes along. The pain’s worth the risk and the years together worth the ones apart.”
“You haven't ever experienced the years apart, so don't pretend you have!”
“I'm sorry. I simply meant that finding someone new can help with that pain.”
“So every time someone I love dies, I should just fall in love as quickly as possible to avoid the pain?”
Her tone could have thrown daggers it was so sharp.
“I’m not saying that.”
Elijah sighed.
Claire felt a little bad even though she was still mad. He wasn’t very good at explaining his thoughts. He was better at saying the first thing that came to mind. She hoped his passion would make up for his lack of elocution.
“I’m not trying to say avoid the pain. I just think that, no matter the situation, you should never be afraid to fall in love again. I’m not planning on it, but this thing between us might only last a few months. Then you’d be just like everyone else, with a heartbreak that wasn’t borne out of eternal love. Maybe the pain doesn’t compare, I don’t know. But it’s still pain.”
“I’m tired of pain. I can heal without thinking, but why doesn’t it work on the inside?”
Her voice was so old. She could tell that's what he was thinking. She couldn't blame him. Even she marveled that someone could have lived so long and experienced so much.
“Even if you were to avoid the pain of heartbreak, you still have the pain of being alone. That pain gnaws at you, never letting you be free. Don’t let it devour you.” He spoke softly, seemingly trying to emphasize his sincerity. “I tried to be alone after my dad was killed by some scared people who were afraid he was going to vaporize them with his powers. I pushed everyone away, not only from me, but from Lika. I was obsessed and alone. It wasn’t a good feeling and I’m glad now that I don’t feel bound to it anymore. It's taken a long time. And…I think meeting you helped with the last bits of it.”
“I’m great that way,” she said faintly. What he said made so much sense it frightened her. Maybe even people who live forever always have something new to learn. “I won’t be afraid to love,” she said finally. “So, I say, tomorrow we do this again.”
Elijah grinned. He reached across the table and took her hand, squeezing it gently.
“You won’t regret it. I think I’ll age gracefully. If not, I promise I’ll fight to give you the world, so long as you help me save it.”
“Oh, sonny,” Claire said, squeezing his hand back, “I’ve been saving the world since before you were born.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three: One Who Leans Upon a Closed Book
i
2131
“Off,” Claire said firmly.
Her phone earpiece gave a reassuring click as it followed her voice command. She continued along her way to the school. As she went, she marveled at the world. To have lived so long was to have to change way more than a human was made to. A lot of personal change had happened to her, but the world had been doing its own share during her almost one hundred and fifty years in it.
Claire sighed as she entered the doors to find two of the teens about to start a fight.
“Bobby, Dylan!” She went over and pulled them apart. “You know the rules. No fighting, no abilities, inside school.”
“Sorry,” Bobby muttered, melting his fingers back into flesh from the shining metal they’d been seconds before.
Dylan didn’t say anything, but the storm clouds that had been flickering around his head dissipated.
Claire shook her head as she made her way to her classroom. Humanity had taken the knowledge of its own evolution rather well in her opinion. But it had opened up a whole load of problems. Especially for those who dealt with youth just starting to manifest. Abilities were an admired thing as they started to become the norm, but Claire still chose not to tell people about hers.
Karl was probably the last person without powers who knew about her. Claire blinked away sudden tears. That wasn’t who she wanted to think about, especially after the disastrous blind date she’d been on last night. It hurt too much to even contemplate being with another man at the moment.
Claire called her class to order and started another school day. About halfway through, the door opened and a smaller looking girl with brown hair and big eyes peeked timidly through it.
“Can I help you?” Claire asked gently.
The girl instantly brought out maternal instincts in Claire.
“I’m a transfer student,” she said quietly.
“Come on in, what’s your name?”
“Alika Soveros.”
“Alika, you can sit here and during the break I’ll catch you up on what we’re doing.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly and sat down.
Claire restarted the class but continued to watch Alika. The girl wore a helix necklace meaning that she probably had an ability. It was required for those whose blood had the genetic marker, but it didn’t always manifest and a lot of people had started to circulate them around as a mere fashion trend.
“So, where did you transfer from?” Claire asked half an hour later.
“Clearmont High.”
“Any reason why you’re here now?”
Alika blushed and bowed her head.
“Well, uh, it’s my brother, um-“
“You don’t have to tell me,” Claire reassured her. “Anything they think is necessary for me to know they’ll tell me.”
“Sure,” Alika said, still not meeting Claire’s eyes.
“Do you really have an ability?” Claire asked kindly, trying to draw out the shy girl.
“Hmmhmm. I-I can fly.”
Instantly warm brown eyes, strong arms, sarcastic remarks, tender concern, a diamond ring, two small girls, and familiarity rushed into Claire’s mind. It was with difficulty that she pulled her thoughts back from her former life to the present. It was her first great loss.
“That’s pretty cool,” she told Alika. “My husband could fly.”
“What happened to him?” Alika asked, obviously picking up on the past tense.
“He died.”
“You guys must not have been married very long.”
Claire glanced at her twenty year old body.
“Something like that.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry.”
Alika instantly looked away.
“It’s all right. Let’s talk about the class, shall we? You’re going to have a little bit of catching up to do.”
Claire quickly brought Alika up to speed. The girl was obviously smart and shy about admitting it. Claire thought she would be fine. There was something very vulnerable about the teen that Claire found endearing. Something that either reminded her of herself at that age (not that she'd ever been shy) or rubbed against the open wounds Claire carried around with her.
“Well, Alika, you’re all set and more than capable, I think,” Claire said with a smile as she stood up.
“You can call me Ali,” was the soft reply.
“Ali,” Claire said, “it’s pretty.”
“I’m named for my mother,” she said. “She wanted to call me something more modern, but after she died my grandmother got her way.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, I like my name.”
“Alika! Little Lika!” boomed a new voice.
Both girls jumped in surprise.
“What on earth?” Claire questioned.
“Um, that would be my brother,” Alika said apologetically. “He wanted to come and check on me. He takes care of me.”
“I guess he does,” Claire said.
A man burst through the door of her classroom. He was extremely tall with dark hair and shocking green eyes, the same color as Alika’s. His presence demanded attention even though he wasn’t a big man. He looked like someone who was used to getting his way.
“Who’s your teach?” he asked Alika, coming up and putting an arm casually around her shoulders.
Alika didn’t seem to mind though she appeared to feel the need for more formal behavior with her teacher.
“This is-"
“Miss Claire,” Claire interrupted. “That’s what I tell all my students to call me. I’m pleased to meet you…”
“Elijah,” he said, sticking out his hand. “You’re probably the prettiest teacher Ali’s ever had.”
“Thank you,” Claire said primly and bent to straighten some papers on her desk to hide her flushed face.
She wasn’t in the mood to deal with someone as obviously flirtatious as he appeared to be.
“Let’s go, Eli,” Alika said urgently. “I want to go find my other classes.”
“You go ahead,” Elijah said, lounging against Claire’s desk, “I need to talk to Miss Claire about your schooling.” Alika didn’t seem to like the idea, but she gathered her books and waved goodbye. “So, Miss Claire...” Elijah began.
“You can call me Claire,” she said. “It’s only the students who have to call me Miss.”
“But it suits you so well, Miss Claire,” he said teasingly. “Quite the proper schoolmarm name.”
“I’m not a schoolmarm yet,” Claire said firmly. “Is there something I can do for you about Alika’s schooling?”
He nodded, jocularity gone, and a hint of guilt and defiance in his eyes.
“She’s had a rough time of it lately. I’ve been traveling a lot and since it’s my job to look out for her, she gets caught in the crossfire between home and work. I just want you to know that if anything happens you should come to me because it will probably be my fault rather than hers.”
“What exactly do you travel for?”
“I speak out on important issues,” he replied, lazily running his hand through his hair. “I’m currently interested in the 'Hero vs non-Hero' debate.”
“And whose side do you fall down on?” Claire asked, wondering if a man who had a sister who could fly would be against it.
“I’m all about the 'Heroes' as a matter of fact. People can’t help how they’re born. It’s pure discrimination to think otherwise. We’re all human.”
“Well, I’m sure I shall always take Alika into consideration here,” Claire said with finality, intending for him to leave.
But he just leaned against her desk, smiling at her.
“How about you and me go out to dinner and we can talk about your side of it?” he asked suddenly.
“Why would you want to hear my side?”
“Pretty girls always have an opinion.”
“They also prefer not to be classified as just pretty,” Claire said frostily.
“You’ve obviously got brains,” he said, unrepentant. “I’m not knocking anything about you; just want a chance to know you more.”
“I’m not really in the position to be getting to know anyone, let alone you,” Claire replied as politely as she could. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to try someone else.”
“Too bad.” Elijah straightened up. “Well, see ya, Miss Claire. Just remember about Alika and maybe we’ll still have that dinner sometime.”
He walked out the door. Claire stood behind, a little flabbergasted. The man’s confidence was a bit overwhelming.
ii
Claire slowly walked home thinking over her day. It had been surprisingly eventful.
“Can I walk you home?” came a voice from beside her.
She looked over in surprise to see Elijah walking next to her.
“Where did you come from?” she asked.
“I get around,” he replied.
He looked different than he had that morning, like he was concentrating on two things at once.
“Can you please get around somewhere else? I’m quite capable of getting myself home.”
“Didn’t say you couldn’t. Maybe you’d like company though.”
“I can assure you I don’t.”
“Listen,” he said persistently, “I just want to apologize for this morning. I can be really forward and I’m sorry.”
“That’s quite all right,” Claire said. “I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
“That’s the thing,” he said musingly, “I’m pretty sure it will.”
“You do have the power to control yourself, I trust?” she said, walking faster.
“I hope so.” He chuckled a little bitterly. “All I’m saying is I really would like to get to know you more and sometimes it’s hard not be aggressive.”
“Well, for my sake and your sister’s,” Claire said as she turned in her own walk, “I hope you won't be. Goodnight, Mr. Soveros.”
She went inside and shut the door politely, but firmly, and watched through the peephole as Elijah stood there for a moment before walking away.
Claire leaned against the door, glad that she was going away for a week to visit Peter in New York. She went upstairs and started packing. He was supposed to be there later tonight and she wanted to be ready and have some dinner for him.
At nine o’clock there was the familiar whirring sound and Peter appeared in her kitchen, sitting at the counter as if he’d been there forever.
“What’s new?” he asked, already sticking his fingers in the pudding she was stirring.
She smacked his hand with the spoon.
“One of the girls from work tried to set me up last night and it was disastrous. Then today, a new girl’s older brother accosted me at school and on the way home.”
“Pretty popular,” Peter said absently.
“Sometimes you just rock the freak vote,” Claire said out of her memory from so long ago.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing, just something a friend told me once.” Claire shook her head and went back to stirring. “So, have we got time to eat?”
“Always got time,” Peter said.
“Do you ever go back?” Claire asked hesitantly.
Peter straightened up immediately.
“I try not to,” he said, “but I have.”
“What’s it like?”
“Sometimes more painful than not being able to get there.”
“Maybe you could take me there sometime,” Claire whispered, leaning against the table.
“If Hiro were alive he’d say I was going to fracture time,” Peter answered, putting his hand over hers.
“I don’t care,” Claire said. “I just can’t do this anymore. This guy today, Peter, he was a bit of a jerk, but he was earnest and I wanted to see where it would take me…but I can’t. Doing it once was so hard, but then I did it twice. How could I give my heart away again?”
“Don’t you think if anyone understands I do?” he said. “I lost my family and I don’t even have grandkids like you. You can still see Britq and Timothy, but I never did that. I was too busy saving the world.”
“Simon and Monty’s kids and grandkids-" Claire began.
“Are not mine,” Peter finished.
“Trust me, they’re wonderful,” Claire told him. “I wouldn’t trade any of them, but I want someone who was all mine. I want to see my husband and my children when they were little.”
“We have to get back to New York,” Peter told her. “I need your help with something and there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“All right,” Claire said, resigned. “Thanks for listening anyway. I just don’t feel like I can open up anymore.”
“But first,” Peter continued, “where do you want to go?”
“All of it,” Claire said, tears filling her eyes. Some tears were sad and some were grateful and all overflowed down her cheeks. “Can I see my dad? High school in Odessa with Zach? Let me see my wedding day and West flying and the births of my children and Karl’s stupid, scruffy beard one more time.”
“I can do that,” Peter said, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Claire closed her eyes as the whirring transported her.
When she opened them she felt she had lived her life all over again. It was strange what visiting the past would do to you. She hastily wiped the tears from her cheeks and took in her surroundings. She was in a strange apartment with Peter beside her. It was probably a good thing they hadn't eaten first. Idly, she hoped she'd remembered to turn off the stove. It was so inconvenient when the electric companies did it for you after a ten hour period. They liked to send nasty reminders about safety and them taking care of you.
All she felt was an invasion of privacy.
“That you, babe?”
A young woman walked into the room wearing a business suit. She was tall and striking, her dark hair richly highlighted with blond streaks. Peter crossed over to her and kissed her on the cheek.
“It’s me. I thought before we went adventuring it was time you two met.” He took her hand and led her over to Claire. “Erica, this is Claire. Claire, Erica is my girlfriend.”
“Wow.” Claire mustered up some more emotion even though she felt completely drained. “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Oh, you’re like family.” Erica leaned over and gave her a hug. “Well, I guess, technically, you are his family. Anyway, I’m so glad to finally meet you, you sexy thing. Come on over and sit down and we’ll talk before Peter drags you away to fight against the forces of injustice or something like that.”
Claire glanced at Peter who gave a small nod.
“I guess we’ve got time.”
“Always got time,” he murmured under his breath.
iii
Claire breathed a sigh of relief to be home. She appreciated being with Peter and she was glad he had someone, but she liked the comfort of her own home which luckily had not burned down in her absence due to her own remembrance of turning off the stove. Take that, electric company. It wouldn't have been the first time it had burned down though, but those were whole other stories. She’d actually missed her students which was nice to realize. But it gave her a shock to have the doorbell ring about five minutes after she’d finished unpacking.
“Alika? What’s going on?”
“You’re still here,” Alika said as she came into the house. “I was afraid you weren’t coming back.”
“Didn’t my sub explain I was away for a week?”
“Well, yeah, but I thought after what my brother might have said that you wouldn’t ever come back. I guess it was stupid.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Alika still looked worried. Claire smiled at the timid, anxious face in front of her. “Come on in, Ali. I’ll make us some tea and you can tell me everything that’s happened this last week.”
“Um, okay.”
Alika seemed to like that idea.
Claire led her into the living room.
“I’ll just be in the kitchen and be right back.”
Claire went and put the kettle on and sorted through her tea bags. She almost dropped them when Peter popped out of thin air in front of her.
“You’ve got to stop doing that!” she snapped, putting her hand to her chest. “I have a student over. She could see you.”
“The world does know about us, Claire.”
“Well, you aren’t exactly one of its favorite citizens under your other name, are you? Besides, no one knows about me and I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Didn’t mean to cause a ruckus, I just forgot to ask you about the Lincoln plan? Are you in?”
“Yes, I’m in,” Claire said absently, picking up the red hot kettle and feeling the pain in the back of her mind. “Now you’ve got to go. I’ll see ya Tuesday, here, at nine, Peter. Try using a telephone next time or does your telepathy work that far of a distance?”
“Not quite.”
Peter flashed a smile and was gone.
Claire shook her head and gathered the tea things to take in to the living room.
But Alika wasn’t there anymore.
***
Elijah almost punched himself again as he tried to push Claire's image from his mind. His concentration had been horrible all week and it was one thing he really needed in his line of work. Why did he always have to act like an overbearing jerk when he saw someone he was instantly attracted to?
Taking several deep breaths he calmed down and tried to concentrate. He'd been doing it all week.
Elijah was hard at work when Alika burst into his room. It wasn’t an altogether unusual occurrence in his day, but she looked really excited.
“I think I found Isaac!”
“Slow down, girl.” Elijah put his pen down and turned to give her his full attention. “Isaac, your secret boyfriend?”
Alika rolled her eyes.
“Your Isaac. The one you’ve been trying to find for years.”
“The biggest vigilante the world has ever known including Batman?”
“Eli, that's like ancient history. Read some newer comics for heavens' sake.”
“What can I say? I love the classics.”
“I think Miss Claire knows him.”
“Batman?”
“Isaac Mendez!”
“That frost-bitten, altogether intriguing, gorgeous new teacher of yours knows Isaac Mendez?”
“Yes! Thanks for hitting on her within the first five minutes of my first day, by the way.”
“Where’s your proof, Ali?”
“Do you have the really fuzzy surveillance photo?”
Elijah took his most prized possession out of its plastic casing in his locked desk. It had taken a lot of work to get a hold of it. She studied it carefully.
“I’m positive that’s him. He just appeared in her kitchen and I only saw because I had to cross the hall to go to the bathroom and I saw him and she knew him. And she has a power too! She can heal, I saw it!”
“Even more intriguing,” Elijah said, musing over the possibilities.
“She called him Peter and said he had telepathy.”
“The telepathy part fits in with my research. Well, maybe Miss Claire has the answer to my questions.”
“Don’t bother her. She’s sweet and she doesn’t want people to know about her. I just want to help you find Isaac.”
“Tell me something, Lika,” Elijah said and pulled his sister onto his lap, “why do you help me when my fanaticism always ends with us running and being hated?”
“You’re my brother and I know you do it because of what happened to Dad.”
“I’m sorry for all I’ve put you through,” he said softly. “Maybe I’ll find rest someday.”
“Maybe hell will freeze over,” she returned. Elijah couldn't muster up even a little reproof, he was too happy with his little sister. “Now do you want to know where you can meet up with your illusive Mr. Isaac?”
Elijah smiled.
***
Peter decided to fly home. It had been a successful night and he needed to unwind before going back. He bid Claire goodnight and prepared to leave.
“I need your help,” said a voice from the shadows.
Peter stiffened and turned, hearing two heartbeats and two minds racing. A man and a girl walked out of the shadows of the trees.
“Why do you think I can help you?” he finally asked. “You look all right to me.”
The tall man in front of him shrugged.
“Well, you see, I’ve been looking for someone for a long time and I wonder if you can help me find him?”
“Who are you looking for?”
“Isaac Mendez.”
“The vigilante?”
“That’s the one.”
“Tell me why you want to find him and what you would do if you did.”
“Let’s just say I’m an admirer and I want to help.”
Peter pondered the question for a bit. The man’s thoughts bore witness to his words and so did the girl’s beside him. He recognized her heartbeat as the one in Claire’s house the other day.
“What’s your name?” he asked quietly.
“Elijah. This is my sister Alika.”
“Why would you want to help Isaac out? That’s a dangerous job from what I hear.”
“Everybody’s got their secrets.” Elijah smiled, showing very white teeth. “I wouldn’t tell anybody but Isaac that.”
Peter made a fast decision.
“Then speak up. I’m Isaac.”
“How do I know you’re telling me the truth?”
“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t think it already. As it is,” Peter began to say into their minds and ended after popping up behind them, “there are numerous ways I could prove it to you.”
“I can’t believe I found you.”
“Well, what do you want with me?”
“I want to help you save the world.”
Peter shook his head.
“I don’t take 'civilians,' probably the best word to use.”
“Like I said,” Elijah reminded him, “everybody’s got their secrets.”
Peter quirked an eyebrow, interested in spite of himself.
“Show me.”
Elijah gave a quick nod, his entire body saying this was the moment he’d been waiting years for.
iv
Claire was relieved to see Alika on her front doorstep when she arrived home. Even though she’d seen the girl at school the last couple of weeks, Alika had been avoiding her. She hoped she could get some kind of explanation.
“What’s up?” she asked without any trace of inquiry. “Sorry, I was out getting groceries.”
“I wanted to apologize,” Alika said nervously. “I shouldn’t have run away like that. I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s alright, Ali. Come on in and we’ll see if we can’t have that tea this time.”
“Actually, do you think after the groceries are put away we could go for a walk?”
Claire glanced at the late afternoon sky.
“It’s going to be dark soon.”
“Just a short one.”
Claire nodded and gave in.
“A short one. I have papers to grade.”
“So long as they’re not mine,” Alika said softly.
Claire grinned.
They made good time with the groceries and were soon underway. Claire could sense Alika was leading her to someplace in particular. Why or to what, she couldn’t imagine. But she was perfectly willing to find out when Alika chose to tell her.
“I heard a noise,” Alika said suddenly.
Claire had as well. It was the sound of a struggle. A flash of light suddenly lit the next street over.
“Ali, fly away, now!” Claire said sharply. “Fly away and go get help.”
“What about you?” Alika asked, sounding strangely unconcerned.
“I’ll be okay, just get out of here.”
Alika took to the skies without further protest. Claire crept quietly along the houses, slipping through the backyards with years of practiced ease. Another bright flash lit the sky. It looked rather familiar. Claire wondered if Peter could possibly be fighting something up ahead without her.
“I’m so going to get him for that,” she murmured under her breath as she edged closer.
There was a terrible buzzing in her ears as she reached the last house. Peering around the side of the house, she did indeed see Peter. He was back to back with…Elijah? Claire’s eyes opened wider than she thought possible. There were two other men, both exhibiting far from normal activity. Peter and Elijah seemed to have it under control when, to her astonishment, another pair of them materialized almost in front of her. Peter2 and Elijah2 rushed to their originals and started to help. Within moments, the unidentified assailants were on the ground and Elijah was calling the police.
Alika alighted beside Claire.
“I just wanted you to know who he was. I know he was rude to you, but he’s actually a great guy and he just wants to help.”
Claire looked at the girl who was looking resolutely at the ground.
“Did you bring me out here to match make?”
“N-not quite,” Alika stammered, “I just wanted you to know the t-truth.”
“It’s okay.” Claire sighed and put an arm around the girl’s shoulders. “So, your brother has powers. Now Peter has them and he’ll be even more cocky.”
“You’re not mad?”
“Mad at one more Hero in this world? No.”
“I’m glad. We-we know about your secret. I saw you with him.”
“I should think about renewing my stealth license.”
Alika gave a small smile.
“We won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you. Now go get your brother because we should all be scarce when the police get here.”
Alika ran over to Elijah. Claire noticed that the other one had disappeared. So had Peter’s. She slowly walked towards him.
“Hey there,” she said casually. “Got a new friend?”
“This guy’s pretty amazing, Claire. He’s really dedicated, pretty funny.”
“Yes, I know all about his sense of humor. Your’s too. How come you didn’t invite me out tonight?”
“Eli and I were just checking out our synchronicity and stuff. Next time.”
“I’ll take your word on that,” Claire said as brother and sister joined them.
“I’ll just move us somewhere more comfortable,” Peter said and before they could blink they were in Claire’s living room.
“So, you’ve got powers, huh?” Claire asked Elijah dryly.
“I might add that you’ve got them too, Miss Claire.”
“Enough with the Miss Claire stuff!”
“Sorry. So, you can heal?”
“Pretty much.”
“That’s amazing.”
“Thanks. I guess so is being in two places at once.”
“Takes concentration, but definitely worth it. Be really great if I ever wanted to murder anyone.”
“I’ll bear that in mind.”
Alika looked knowingly at the two of them and their playful banter. Peter seemingly picked up on everyone's thoughts and moved himself and Alika into the kitchen to prepare cocoa.
Claire and Elijah were left alone to snipe at each other. Claire didn’t want to admit it, but she was having the time of her life. She and Peter had known each other so long it was hard to come up with something he hadn’t already heard. Elijah pressed her buttons and she came out fighting. She liked it.
When Peter and Alika came back in, Claire and Elijah were having a spirited argument on the couch about Heroes rights. Claire resisted the urge to roll her eyes at their shared smiles before they joined her and Elijah.
v
Claire couldn’t believe she was actually in a restaurant on a date with Elijah. It had taken four months from the time she’d found out about him, but he’d finally worn her down enough to at least go out with him once. And she was having a good time. Who would’ve thought?
“You’re not gonna give me the 'just be friends' line after tonight, are you?”
“Some reason I shouldn’t?” she asked.
“The fact that I know you like this.” Claire sighed. She did like it. But that wasn’t the point. Having her heart broken again wasn’t her favorite plan. “People get their hearts broken all the time, you know,” he said casually.
“How did you know…?”
“I’m pretty perceptive. I know you don’t want to risk yourself. But we all have to risk it. You can’t go through life being alone, Miss Claire.”
She allowed herself a small smile.
“But I haven’t. You know how old I am. You know I was married. I have great-great grandchildren. I wouldn’t call that being alone.”
“But you’re alone now and you should take whatever opportunity comes along. The pain’s worth the risk and the years together worth the ones apart.”
“You haven't ever experienced the years apart, so don't pretend you have!”
“I'm sorry. I simply meant that finding someone new can help with that pain.”
“So every time someone I love dies, I should just fall in love as quickly as possible to avoid the pain?”
Her tone could have thrown daggers it was so sharp.
“I’m not saying that.”
Elijah sighed.
Claire felt a little bad even though she was still mad. He wasn’t very good at explaining his thoughts. He was better at saying the first thing that came to mind. She hoped his passion would make up for his lack of elocution.
“I’m not trying to say avoid the pain. I just think that, no matter the situation, you should never be afraid to fall in love again. I’m not planning on it, but this thing between us might only last a few months. Then you’d be just like everyone else, with a heartbreak that wasn’t borne out of eternal love. Maybe the pain doesn’t compare, I don’t know. But it’s still pain.”
“I’m tired of pain. I can heal without thinking, but why doesn’t it work on the inside?”
Her voice was so old. She could tell that's what he was thinking. She couldn't blame him. Even she marveled that someone could have lived so long and experienced so much.
“Even if you were to avoid the pain of heartbreak, you still have the pain of being alone. That pain gnaws at you, never letting you be free. Don’t let it devour you.” He spoke softly, seemingly trying to emphasize his sincerity. “I tried to be alone after my dad was killed by some scared people who were afraid he was going to vaporize them with his powers. I pushed everyone away, not only from me, but from Lika. I was obsessed and alone. It wasn’t a good feeling and I’m glad now that I don’t feel bound to it anymore. It's taken a long time. And…I think meeting you helped with the last bits of it.”
“I’m great that way,” she said faintly. What he said made so much sense it frightened her. Maybe even people who live forever always have something new to learn. “I won’t be afraid to love,” she said finally. “So, I say, tomorrow we do this again.”
Elijah grinned. He reached across the table and took her hand, squeezing it gently.
“You won’t regret it. I think I’ll age gracefully. If not, I promise I’ll fight to give you the world, so long as you help me save it.”
“Oh, sonny,” Claire said, squeezing his hand back, “I’ve been saving the world since before you were born.
