Ch.2
A powerful decision
The day went by in a blur, all of us eager to get home and decompress before the Power Performances the next day. Behind the wheel of the Bronco, the possibilities for my day felt endless, I loved the feeling of the sun, it felt warm and comforting. I always took the long way home so I could pass the Kai River, I imagined it welcoming me with glittering waves, encouraging me to come in and fall into its embrace. This was my favorite place to be, and I soaked it up. Aware that starting tomorrow I would have to stuff down my resentment and be mature. First, I envisioned flinging last night’s leftovers at the kids on stage… no no.
Second, I envisioned putting on pajamas and ordering an Alfredo pizza while simultaneously watching a John Hughes film. Yeah, that helped. My imaginary self mature and well-fed I pulled into the driveway the Bronco rocking a little from the exertion. Leaning forward I planted a loving peck on the Bronco’s dash before hopping out. I walked towards the front door and started when I heard a blood-curdling scream… I sprinted through the door not bothering to see if I had trampled Simon the cat. “Grandma?!” she was in the kitchen and her silver hair was in curlers, there was a pot of something on the stove.. goulash. Everything seemed in order, except the spoon she had been using to stir was dripping on the floor as she pointed at the T.V. She was watching The Bachelor, and she was -apparently- very unhappy with the situation.
“Grams?!” my backpack plopped against the linoleum floor, the kitchen smelled of meat and egg noodles. “Ha?” she turned towards me and only acknowledged the fact that my bag was on the floor, not even registering my annoyance. “Carley.. we’ve talked about this, no bags or shoes on the floor.” Rolling my eyes I picked up my backpack and made my way towards the kitchen table. “Grams .. you do realize that I almost had a heart attack because of your scream right?” “Oh that” she sounded exasperated as if put out by having to respond at all, “the young man was choosing to listen to his parents instead of marrying the nice lady who was fourteen years his senior, and I saw a spider, it’s a bit of both.”
Heaving myself into the tiny kitchen chair I scanned the scene before me, I saw a half-snacked-on log of cookie dough, strewn across a microwave-melted plastic lid with meat sauce on it. The T.V. was practically shouting, Simon was ignoring everything and sleeping on the other kitchen chair and Grams was “Grams… you do know you’re still wearing your bathrobe right?” Grams took a minute to respond “Carley… Darling… I can’t very well have my nice clothes smelling like meat sauce now can I?”
Well, you can’t fault that logic.
Grams was unique. She was born in 1940, she had my dad during the late 60’s. She’s Irish-English with gray hair and those signature green eyes that spoke of shamrocks and sunshine. Even in old age, she was beautiful. Her skin is light pink and her nose has a patch of freckles that showed up before the sun ever touched her skin. I loved her, so very much. Especially on nights when she cooked me my favorite Irish Stew with Piccalilli.
“Grams you know you’re supposed to be taking it easy right? You know the doctor said to relax.” Grams ignored me and bustled around the kitchen, food scraps landing on every spare surface.
“Carley there’s a time in every woman’s life where she has to ignore the outrageous demands of a nincompoop. This is one of those times.”
Carley rolled her eyes and decided to take this opportunity to grab some cookie dough. As she approached the cookie dough vanished as if it were a hologram only to reappear in Grams’ hand. “Grammmmssss” UH. “Not before dinner Carley.” With a dramatic flare, I only possessed when I hadn’t been properly fed yet I cried “But you had some!”
“My house, my rules” she sing-songed.
“Can you maybe snatch it away without your powers?!” I exclaimed. Grams turned with a knowing look in her eyes. I glanced away and tried not to tear up. I had waterproof mascara on but it wasn’t worth the risk.
“Did something happen Carebear?” with an internal sigh I slumped slightly and said “It’s just been a long day” Grams gave me a knowing look and pulled out the chair across from me. “Tell your favorite Grams about it” she crooned.
“Why didn’t I get powers?” Grams looked quizzical, she patted my hand and assured “One day you will get powers Carley. Sometimes the most powerful powers take a while to surface.”
I thought about that, about Okonkwo and his fears.
“The power performances are tomorrow,” I said deflating as I did. “It’ll be another year of sitting on the benches at school, watching how amazing everyone is, and knowing I’m nothing.”
“Nothing?!” Grams scoffed “You may not have powers yet dear but in no world are you nothing. You still have power.”
I thought about that as we ate dinner, and told Grams about Mom and Dad and how much I missed them. She and I quietly contemplated that as we did dishes and cleaned up the disaster area that was the kitchen.
Sitting in my Papasan chair I stared at my memory board with pictures of me and my family. The photos tapered off after year 6, there was empty space framed by a corkboard where their faces should be. I pondered what they might have said if I had told them I thought I was nothing. I knew my parents would be disappointed if they heard that. Summoning all the determination I could muster, I decided right there in that creaky wonderful chair to be something they could be proud of.
Reaching for my backpack I sifted through my books and snatched the bright yellow flier Tess had given me. Pressing out all of the wrinkles I read it again.
Want to be a hero? Start with the Marvelous Competition, sign up today!
🌟 The Marvelous Competitions 🌟
Calling All Heroes! 🦸♂️🦸♀️
Think you have what it takes to save the day and be crowned the ultimate champion? It’s time to put your powers to the test and showcase your heroics at the Marvelous Competitions!
📅 Date: October 14, 2024
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM - N/A
📍 Location: Makastin, Hero Arena
Event Highlights:
🔥 Ultimate Powers Exhibition: Display your unique abilities and skills in a series of thrilling challenges. Will your super strength or psychic prowess lead you to victory?
🛡️ Heroic Combat Trials: Face off against fellow heroes in simulated combat scenarios. Prove your valor, strategy, and combat finesse!
🎯 Precision Challenges: Show off your agility and accuracy with precision tasks designed to test your control and timing.
💡 Innovative Inventions Corner: Got a gadget or invention? Demonstrate how your tech can assist in saving the world!
🎤 Heroic Speeches: Inspire the crowd with your personal story and mission. Share what drives you to be a hero!
Special Guest Judges:
Captain Grave: Renowned for his unmatched ability to bring back the dead.
The Mystic Temptress: A master of magic and arcane knowledge.
Techno-Gize: The leading techno-path and Kingpin in futuristic technology and innovation.
Registration:
Sign up now to secure your spot! Visit www.MarvelousCompetitions.com to register.
Early registration is encouraged as spots are limited!
Heroic Prizes:
🏆 The Grand Champion:
Will be granted the opportunity to re-write their story
Gain fame and fortune
Will be granted one impossible wish!
Dress Code: Superhero attire is required! Masks are a must. Whether you’re in full costume or rocking a hero-themed outfit, come ready to shine.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic event and make your mark on superhero history!
Are you ready to be a hero? 🌟
Follow us on Social Media: @HeroShowdown2024 #MarvelousCompetitions2024
Be courageous. Be legendary. Be a hero.
Gnawing on my bottom lip I started to contemplate all that this decision would mean. I had no powers and had never really been much of a fighter. Well besides that one time, she had sat on Jody Spencer and hit her on the head repeatedly with a Dr. Seuss book. Did that count?
The Marvelous Competitions were being held tomorrow at the same time as the power performances. I would need to skip school and fool the judges into believing I have powers, as long as I can beat the other competitors I would have a chance.
A chance to get my parents back, a chance to be the person I had always wanted to be. Feeling powerful for the first time in forever I pulled over my laptop and began to register only hesitating slightly while reading the fine print.
Marvelous Competitions 2024 Waiver of Liability
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
By participating in the Marvelous Competitions 2024 (“Event”), you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:
Acknowledgment of Risk: I understand and acknowledge that participating in the Event involves inherent risks, including but not limited to physical injury, psychological harm, or damage to personal property. I voluntarily assume all such risks associated with my participation.
Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Event organizers, sponsors, venues, their affiliates, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents (collectively referred to as “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to my participation in the Event, including those arising from the negligence or misconduct of the Released Parties.
Medical Condition: I certify that I am in good physical and mental health and have no medical conditions that would impair my ability to participate safely in the Event. I consent to emergency medical treatment if required during the Event.
Personal Property: I acknowledge that the Event organizers are not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to my personal property during the Event.
Publicity Release: I grant permission to the Event organizers to use, reproduce, and/or distribute photographs, videos, or other media recordings of me, my likeness, and my voice, in any promotional materials, social media, or publications related to the Event without compensation.
Compliance with Rules: I agree to comply with all Event rules, guidelines, and instructions provided by the Event organizers. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the Event without refund.
Governing Law: This waiver shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction where the Event takes place. Any disputes arising out of or related to this waiver shall be resolved in the courts of that jurisdiction.
Severability: If any provision of this waiver is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this waiver of liability.
Participant’s Name: _______________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name: _________________________
Emergency Contact Phone Number: __________________
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the Marvelous Competitions 2024!
Jittery fingers poised at the ready I signed away my rights and registered. Carley was an 18 year old technically, Grams could not be mad.
Stomach both swimming with nerves and floating with butterflies I finally crawled into bed to sleep. I tried not to focus on the skipping school, possibly dying aspect of tomorrow’s events.
