Lottie loved hanging out at the
Pizza shop with Marc. Its cozy informal atmosphere combined with
his intellectual conversation put her at ease. Marc set the
covered pizza pie on the table and slid into the chair opposite
her. Lottie tipped up the top, snatched a slice and dropped it
on her plate before she burned her fingers.
“We haven’t done this in awhile. I’m glad you suggested it,”
said Marc.
“I thought it was time for us to do lunch,” she said.
He poured the soda and placed one cup in front of Lottie. Lottie
took a bite of pizza and fanned her mouth as the piping hot
cheese burned the inside.
“We’ve been busy these days; especially with your side job. It
doesn’t give you regular hours.”
“True.” Lottie knew her secret I-hero identity kept her busy,
but she knew she’d also been keeping her distance more than
usual. “But I think we should try to get together more often
than we have.”
“Now that you’ve said it, I’m going to hold you to that,” said
Marc.
Lottie smiled. A nearby couple laughed at another table. She and
Marc took the break in conversation to eat in silence.
“So, why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?” Marc asked.
“What makes you think there’s anything on my mind?”
“I’ve known you too long not to realize when something’s
bothering you.”
Did he know her that well? She leaned forward and lowered her
voice. No use in not telling him.
“You’ve seen all the newscasts on that plastiplasm, right?”
“Of course. It’s great you were able to communicate with it and
convince it not to destroy the island.”
Lottie winced. “I didn’t want to communicate with it.”
“What do you mean?” He asked.
At first, I wanted to stop it, capture it, and get rid of it.
Then we were all ready to try the plan when the new guy said it
was sentient. Somehow I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around that
thought. I’m a scientist. I should have jumped at the prospect
of discovering a new life in the world.”
Marc shrugged. “You’re not a biologist. There’s nothing wrong
with that."
“I should’ve understood. Then, when it started fighting again, I
felt justified at the need to get rid of it. When it lunged at
me, it was so strong. It almost hurt me. The only thing I could
think of was the need to get free and destroy it. The only thing
that kept me from acting completely irrational was the knowledge
that Major Havoc was with me.”
Lottie fell silent. She hadn’t been sure if she should tell
Marc. She definitely didn’t want to tell the others. Marc took
his time to answer.
“Your dragon form takes a lot out of you. All of our tests
suggested you had less control over that form. This event has
only affirmed what we’ve proven before.”
“But it can’t tell me what’s going to happen next. What if I
lose complete control? What if something like this happens again
and someone gets hurt? What if this happens when I’m my other
forms? We already know I’m not completely aware of who I am in
any form…”
“Woah, slow down.” Marc interrupted. “One instance is not going
to tip the scales. You are stronger than that and I know you’ll
find a way to control your forms.”
Marc clasped her free hand, cradling it in his. His reassuring
manner took away nearly all her apprehension. How could she
doubt someone who had such faith in her? She looked at him and
smiled. He smiled back and she wondered what it would be like to
kiss him. Not one of those formal kisses on the cheek but lips
touching lips. Lottie turned her head away and slipped her hand
out of his. Those were forbidden thoughts.
“We can do more tests if you like?” Marc prompted.
“No, you’re right.” Lottie quickly picked up her slice of pizza;
anything to keep her hands busy. “I’m overreacting. It’s not a
big deal.”