E.A.A. (Enhanced Abilities Anonymous) - Chapter 7

Previously on E.A.A.

There was an ice cream shop next to a park a few blocks away. Violet ordered a double scoop of mint chocolate chip and Kent ordered caramel swirl. Without a word, and knowing Kent would follow, Violet walked out of the ice cream shop and to the park. She walked along the paths until she got to a bench near a fountain. He expected her to sit on the bench, as most people in the park do, but she sat on the wide cement wall of the fountain.

Kent sat down next to her and watched the families playing in the grass. It suddenly occurred to him just how many plants there were. Did each blade of grass count as one? Because he read once that grass all links together with the same root system, but he wasn’t sure if that was scientific or poetic. Then there were all the trees, and the rose bushes and the other bushes that he didn’t know the name of. The dandilions, did the grass hate them as much as lawn owners did?

He glanced over at Violet, sure he wanted to ask her questions, but if he were in her place he won’t want any questions.

“This is weird.” Violet stated.

“Your ice cream?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, you not asking me endless questions about plants.”

“I’m sure people talk to you about other things.”

“Not people who just found out and I just met.” She looked at him, again giving him the impression that she was sizing him up. “Would you mind if I told you? Not in any expectation that you have to explain yourself, but that in telling you, I can feel like you want to talk about other things.”

“I guess.” He had never met anyone who wanted questions, though he was never really in a situation with people who had useless abilities like himself.

Violet took a breath. “The grass generally speaks in unison, which is good, because if each one had something different to say, I’d probably go insane. This grass is fairly quiet, the park is nice, it’s not manicured like the rich peoples’ lawns, so it doesn’t feel privileged or too good to be stepped on.” She ventured a look up at Kent to judge his reaction, most people looked terrified at this point.

“What’s it saying, now?”

“Mostly just what’s happening, grass isn’t very clever. Some of it is upset because of a picnic blanket, some was pooped on by a dog. The usual.” She paused. “I guess it’s not really like speaking, like we’re doing, it’s more of an impression of what they would say.”

“And you can always hear it?”

She nodded. “That’s why I’m usually listening to music.”

“What’s your favorite to listen to?”

“The plants at the retirement center my grandmother lives in.” She nodded as though agreeing with herself. “They give the impression of gossipy old women, like The Golden Girls.”

Kent’s eyebrows drew together in slight confusion. “I meant music.”

Violet’s laugh was amazing, soft and genuine and free. “I’ve been listening to a lot of fiddle, banjo folk…with some speed metal thrown in when I need to get up early in the morning.” She looked at Kent. “Sorry.”

He smiled along with her. “The plant version is good to know, too.” He looked out over the park. “I guess it’s my turn.”

“Not if you don’t want to.”

“Honesty goes both ways.” He shrugged. “My butt glows, more like a flashlight beam rather than a glow stick.” He looked down at his lap. “Usually I can turn it on when I want, but most often I just goes on by itself.”

Violet nodded then reached out and took his hand. “Thanks for telling me.”

He nodded.

“I have to visit my grandmother tomorrow, and her plants.” She got a small smile out of Kent. “But I’d like to see you again the next day. Maybe we can go bowling or something.”

He looked up and turned to her. “You want to see me again?”

“Unless you’re not into me.”

“No! I mean, bowling sounds great.” He blushed. “I’m not used to drawing attention to myself, especially after I explain my inner glow.”

“I figure anyone who follows up my plant explanation by asking about music, is definitely someone special.” She smirked. “Besides, I think you’re fairly handsome.” She hopped down off the fountain. “See you later, Kent.”

He was speechless. He watched her put her headphones on and walk away. By the time he couldn’t see her any longer, he had moved from disbelief of what just happened to panic over the upcoming bowling. He needed help. He was in way over his head.

Kent did the only logical thing, he took out his phone and dialed. “Imogene? I think I’m going on a date.”

He went back to his apartment and waited anxiously for Imogene to finish work and come over. Imogene knocked on the door. When Kent opened it she jumped into his arms in uncontained glee.

“Kent! I’m so proud of you! A date, a real date?” She beamed and squeezed him tight.

“Can’t. Breathe.” He struggled out of her grasp. “As for the realness of the date, I don’t know. We’re going bowling.”

She couldn’t stop smiling as she pulled him to the couch. “You found her all on your own? Is she nice? Is she pretty? Did you tell her she’s pretty?”

“Imogene. I just need to know what to do.” He sunk into the couch.

“Tell me about her and I’ll help you.” She smiled evilly.

“I met her at the meeting you told me about, her name is Violet, she’s pretty.” He answered it all in a monotone. “Help me.”

“Just be yourself.”

He looked at Imogene, trying to figure out if he was missing something.

She grabbed Kent’s hand. “She obviously likes you for things you’ve done so far, so you probably don’t have to do anything to win her over. Just be you.”

“Be me?”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Do you want to go bowling and practice with me as Violet?”

He feigned horror. “No! It’d be like dating my sister.”

“You don’t have a sister.”

He smiled. “Oh yeah.”

Imogene punched his shoulder. “Just be like this, like you are with me. Don’t doubt yourself so much.” She grabbed the remote. “There’s a crappy horror movie on, want to join me?”

“I’ll get the beer.” He got up and went to the kitchen.

MOAR WEEKEND!!!!

I think we can all agree that it would be nice to have more weekend, especially when it was as nice and fun and fantastic as the past weekend was.

I got a hotel and took The Boyfriend to Avalon, Catalina Island for his birthday on Sunday. We arrived Friday night to a beautiful moonrise.

Got some dinner, a drink, and then pretty much just fell asleep because we were exhausted. Earlier that day I took Felix to the vet to get a check up so that she could go to a cat house (yes, I do know what that implies) and hang out with new friends for the weekend. She was less than thrilled with the entire prospect.

Anyway, Saturday was filled with relaxing and awesome stuff. Mini golf (I totally won), Skee Ball in the arcade, ice cream, bowling, and general walking around seeing the beautiful wonderful relaxingness.

Sunday we packed up and headed home. We got Felix from her kitty camp, she was grateful to leave, and went out for an actual dinner birthday for The Boyfriend. It was nice just to get away and have a day where the only things on the schedule were to eat ice cream and play mini golf.

Monday I got glasses and did laundry, yay! Technically I've had glasses since I was 2.5 years old, but I then got contacts when I was 11 and swore to never wear glasses again. Until the eye doctor told me my eyes were angry because of the extended contact use and I should take a break. Also, I think they're kind of fun, like playing dress up. So I've been getting used to them this week. I think I'm starting to like them on me, after 16 years of vowing vengeance upon wearing glasses.

Maybe one of us should have a birthday every weekend... Definitely something to look into.

I hope your Memorial Day weekends were relaxing and rejuvenating as well.

Sidenote: Felix does seem to like us more now, she is also slightly more naughty, but she purrs a lot and follows us EVERYWHERE. Maybe she missed us... The Boyfriend suggested that maybe she had Stockholm syndrome in that if we are not threatening to break her legs or give her to passing gypsies, she does not know if we love her.

E.A.A. (Enhanced Abilities Anonymous) - Chapter 6

Previously on E.A.A.

Work seemed to drag by. Just after lunch, he wondered in horror if Violet would hate him for his job. What were the plants saying as he removed their leaves, thorns, and quite literally cut them off at the knees only to be bound and taken from the only dirt they knew? He could be a murderer to her. He then had to remind himself that she had probably dealt with all of those issues and didn’t particularly seem to be of the mindset to save and protect all plants. But still he had to wonder if they said anything after they were cut and sent away.

As slow as the morning hours passed, all the sudden it was the end of Kent’s shift and he was a mere hour from when he was going to meet up with Violet. By the time clock, there was a dusty vase of silk flowers, he always guessed it was some sort of joke being in a greenhouse. As he passed it, he plucked out a red daisy and left before he could change his mind. He walked home, distracted with the thoughts of how to dress, was it a date, was it a meeting? A coffee shop is a pretty neutral location, but they could have talked after the last meeting. The flower was clenched in his hand, he was still unsure if he was going to give it to her or not.

He didn’t have time to stop at his apartment to change before he had to be at the coffee shop, which was probably a good thing, because otherwise he would have spent all evening trying to find the perfect shirt. He tried to straighten his hair in the reflections of windows he passed and all too sudden, found himself in front of the coffee shop.

He took a breath, sort of hid the silk flower behind his back and walked in. A bell jingled overhead and his eyes adjusted to the dim light. It was one of those anti-corporate chain coffee shops, the kind that writers and musicians hang out in under mismatched lamps and ugly couches. He glanced at the few small tables, but didn’t see Violet. He looked at his watch, he was right on time.

“Steve, I’m taking a break.” Violet’s voice came from behind the counter.

She was wearing a black apron over a gray shirt and jeans. As soon as Kent saw her, he didn’t know how he could have missed her. She met his eyes and tilted her head towards a back door. Kent made his way through the maze of tables and chairs. The door opened to a back parking lot.

Violet sat down in an Adirondack chair and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “You want to sit down?”

He pulled a chair closer and sat down. The flower stuck him in the side, but he ignored it. For now.

“Relax, it’s a candy cigarette.” She bit off a piece. “I figure all the other coworkers get cigarette breaks, so I might as well join. Except I didn’t want to fill my lungs with tar and cancer.” She shook the box towards him. “Want one?”

“Sure, thanks.” He smiled and set it between his lips. “So…”

She watched him for a minute, sizing him up. “So. I can practically see the questions in your eyes, might as well get this over with.”

He was caught completely off guard. “What?”

“Ask me anything, I don’t care.” She sighed. “I’ve heard it all before.”

He took a breath. “Okay. Why did you ask me to come here?”

She sat back in the chair and looked at him. “Because you couldn’t keep your eyes off me at the last meeting. I figured you had a novel of questions to ask. Most people do. I figured this would be the easiest place for you to talk.”

“Oh.” He paused. “What questions do you want me to ask?” It never occurred to Kent to ask her about her plant conversations.

Sure, he was curious, but he figured she didn’t really want to talk about it like some scientific specimen, that’s how he felt anyway. He hated people’s endless questions and would rather just let the whole topic go. Unconsciously he shifted the flower to his lap.

She took another bite of her cigarette. “Well, most people ask about the whole plant thing.” She turned to him and saw the silk daisy across his knees. “Do you always carry flowers around?”

He looked down like he was surprised to see it, made a move like he was going to hide it, and glanced up at Violet. “I thought you might like it.”

She smiled. “I would.”

“Okay.” Kent handed her the flower.

“It’s fake.” Her smile grew.

“Well, I didn’t know, with your talents, if real flowers…said things.” He almost smiled. “I mean, I wouldn’t want to give you a flower in it’s Shakespearian death soliloquy , or screaming…”

“Talents?”

This wasn’t turning out how Kent expected at all, though he didn’t really know what he had expected. It wasn’t a date, it was a meeting. She didn’t like him, she just wanted to get the interrogation out of the way so he would stop staring at her during the meetings.

“I should go.” He stood. “Thanks.”

She looked up at him and something in her eyes softened a little. “You called it talents.” There wasn’t the usual edge of sarcasm in her voice.

“Aren’t they?” He thought it was wonderful, thinking of what flowers and trees would say, though he was picturing happy cartoons with rainbows.

“Do you think yours is?”

He didn’t need to answer, she already knew.

“Listen.” She stood up and finished her ‘cigarette’, her breath smelled faintly sweet and minty when she stood close to him. “I get off work in an hour. If you want to hang out at one of the tables, maybe we could go for a walk and get ice cream or something.”

“Why?”

She glanced away, Kent’s usual trait. “Maybe you’re the first person in a long time who’s been more interested in me than having me talk to their house plant because it looks a little wilted and they don’t know why.” She held onto the flower Kent had given her with both hands.

He found himself smiling. “Okay.” He followed her back inside.

She tucked the daisy into the top of her apron without so much as a backwards glance to Kent, but he did notice her shoulders straighten and the hint of a smirk.

Kent went up to the counter and ordered an iced tea just to give himself a reason to be there without drawing attention. Sometimes he’d look up at Violet and see her smiling at him. He wasn’t sure what was happening, but he did know that he didn’t mind it too much.

When Violet’s shift ended she hung up her apron on a hook by the back door and grabbed a black backpack from under the counter. She kept the flower that Kent gave her in her hands. They both headed towards the door and out of the coffee shop.

Birthdays and Boats!

So, it's The Boyfriend's birthday on Sunday. He already knows what all his presents are because I'm horrible at keeping secrets when I'm really excited about something. Whatever.

On Tuesday, I made him his birthday "cake". I say cake with quotation marks because it was really more of a birthday cookie and brownie combination. I made him piranha flower cookies. They looked like this.

It was actually pretty easy. Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix made for cut out cookies (already on the package), a circle cookie cutter, a heart cookie cutter (I used the point of the heart to cut out the mouth), a leaf cookie cutter (I made one out of a folded strip of tinfoil), brownie mix. A neat little trick? The triangle that is cut out of the circle, use that to sandwich the cookie pop stick between the cookie and that little cut out piece. (stolen from the internet totally my idea)

Then frost, make brownies and stick everything in the brownies.

They are way to delicious for their own good...and my own good.

The Boyfriend and I are going to Avalon on Catalina Island for the weekend. We're taking the ferry over tomorrow night and staying until Sunday. It's going to be amazing and wonderful and relaxing.

Felix will be spending her weekend at a cat house (for actual cats, not a euphemism for prostitutes). I'm hoping that she'll have so much fun playing with the toys and being loved on by the staff due to her adorableness that she won't be too traumatized by the whole event.

It will be so nice just to get away for a little bit.

P.S. She does this just about every morning as I'm getting ready - lays across the toilet tank and rests her head on the toilet paper roll like a pillow.

E.A.A. (Enhanced Abilities Anonymous) - Chapter 5

Previously on E.A.A.

Kent arrived earlier than usual at work the next morning. He didn’t mean to, it just sort of happened because he didn’t want any empty time to dwell on the failed date. Even though he focused on trimming the plants and filling the orders for the flower shop, he couldn’t help but play out how the rest of the evening would have happened.

She would have influenced him, he would have brought her back to his place or hers. They would have made out, clothing would have been removed, and then the shock of his “inner glow” would have snapped her out of her concentration and he would suddenly find himself mostly naked in front of a girl he actually thought he had a chance with.

It was better just to leave, he made the right decision. He aggressively gathered the red tulips he needed and wrapped them in twine to be sent to the store. After checking his list, he moved to the roses. He focused more intently on work than he usually did, just so that he could get the pretend image of Bliss’s horror of discovery out of his head.

“Kent, those flowers ready yet?” Dave called from across the greenhouse.

He turned. “Nearly.”

“I need them in 10 minutes.”

He nodded then refocused on the flowers.

By the time Kent arrived home, he was exhausted from trying to keep busy enough to not think about how he’ll probably die alone in his apartment, surrounded by his seventeen cats. If he was going to be alone, he might as well be a crazy cat guy as well. He grabbed his last bottle of beer from the refrigerator and sunk into the couch. He had just leaned his head back and closed his eyes when his phone rang from his pocket.

He answered it without looking who was calling. “Hello.”

“So, you are talking to me.” Imogene sounded apologetic. “I told her not to, Kent. I swear, I did.”

“I know.” That made it worse somehow, that Bliss could see that she would get nowhere with him unless she influenced him. “Just promise you’ll lay off the matchmaking for a while?”

“I swear.” She paused. “If I came with beer and a bad movie, would you let me in?”

“You’re outside my building, aren’t you.” He couldn’t help but smile. “Come on up.”

“See you in a few.”

He walked to the door and opened it as Imogene came down the hall. She held up the beer and movie as a peace offering and he ushered her into the apartment.

She popped open a beer and leaned on the kitchen counter. “Do we need to talk about this further?”

“No.”

She smiled, a hit of mischief under it. “If it’s any consolation, I might have encouraged her to forget there was a lamp post as we were walking back to the car.”

“Imogene.” He sighed and tried not to smile.

“She wasn’t hurt.” She went over and put in the movie then joined Kent on the couch.

Everything was the way it had been before, and if he tried hard enough, he could almost forget what it felt like to be so happy that he forgot how unusual he was. The one thing he was looking forward to was the next meeting of the E.A.A.

Even if he still didn’t really know the other group members and wasn’t sure that he fit in with them, it was still a group of people who had lives closer to his than most other people he knew of. He approached the community center Tuesday night with much less trepidation than the previous week. He even smiled and said hello to some of the Weight Watchers as they passed.

He helped DJ set up the chairs and cookies as the other members came in. They all sat in the same seats as before, Kent was directly across from Violet who still had the giant headphones around her neck like a scarf.

“DJ? Can I move the plant?” She gestured to a sad looking potted plant in the corner of the room. “He won’t shut up about missing the sun and the window being soooo close.”

“Of course.” He shrugged like it was a common occurrence.

She got up and pulled the plant over in front of a window. She looked at the plant for a moment, like a silent warning, and then returned to her seat.

It took Kent a moment to process what happened before he remembered Violet’s talent of communicating with plants. She flashed him a smirk when she caught him staring. It was one of those moments when a person gets caught staring at another person, and then can’t help but continue to glance at them only to be more awkward each time their eyes meet. His thoughts were everywhere but the meeting, and mostly about Violet. Did all plants talk? What did they say? Did they know she could hear them? Do seeds talk? Does she have a boyfriend? She’s beautiful. Her eyes are amazing. When did she know she could hear plants? Could she always do it? She seems so comfortable with herself.

Violet cornered Kent by the coffee maker at the end of the meeting. “You were staring at me.” “I didn’t mean to, I just…I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

She looked up into his eyes as though she could see what his thoughts were. “You know the coffee shop on 7th? Meet me there tomorrow at 4.” She smirked and left him.

He watched her slip her giant headphones on her ears and turn on her music. Her head bobbed in time with the music and then she was gone.

Kent looked at the plant she had moved and wondered if it did actually look a little healthier, or if he was just imagining things. He shook his head and left the room. He tried to ignore the hope that tomorrow would go well, if things went well then she would eventually find out exactly what he meant when he said his but glows. In theory it seems sort of interesting, and then someone actually sees it and the interest is replaced by awkward staring and sudden excuses to leave.

He walked home and realized he smiled the entire way, like one of those poor , love-struck guys in the romantic comedies that Imogene made him watch for blackmail purposes. If he couldn’t guarantee that Violet wanted to like him as much as he liked her, then he could guarantee that Imogene would know nothing about the situation until all the cards were on the table. Besides, once Imogene knew, he was certain to be pulled into a double date with her and Dex.

Kent woke the next day with the unfamiliar pang of nervousness in his stomach. Not the usual ‘please don’t let anyone see my butt’ paranoia, but definitely more of the ‘please let Violet think I’m funny/charming/somewhat attractive/nice/not a total freak’ paranoia. He took a slow breath. What had he gotten himself into?

To The Brim

This past weekend, in trend with the previous couple months of weekends, was...(wait for it). Busy. Shocking, I know. Thing is, for this little introvert a lot of busy goes a long way. I'm ready for a bit of a break before things pick up again.

What, you may ask, has kept me so busy this last weekend? Disney. Well, Disneyland to be exact. One of my good friends from college was down visiting family and friends in L.A., she was also visiting Disneyland frequently. So, Friday I went to Disney with her and we stayed from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Yeah, we shut it down.

Saturday was spent running errands. I had my therapy session, had to pick up some things from temptation Target, and then had a 5k scavenger hunt in Downtown L.A. at 8 p.m.

You heard me, 5k. The running part wasn't the part that had me freaking out with worry. I've been going to the gym and liking it, it was the scavenger hunt part. My anxiety/O.C.D. had me convinced that I would be a terrible teammate. I would let my fellow seekers down, I would slow the team up, I wouldn't be able to contribute anything useful, I would be dead weight or worse, a hindrance. I wasn't any of those terrible things. By the end though, I was done. There is only so much looking for things that I can't find before I get fed up, apathetic, and overwhelmed. It was fun though, and we got to dress up in awesome neon clothes and bedeck ourselves in glow sticks.

Sunday, The Boyfriend and I returned to Disneyland with my friend, her baby, her sister-in-law, and the sister-in-law's boyfriend. It was a good group, Disneyland was less busy than expected, and we had an amazing time. It was 98 degrees and sunny, for this little Lupus girl, sunburn=death, so I was covered in sunscreen. Even then, the heat got to me about mid-day and I simply couldn't think. Thankfully I was revived with ice cream, air conditioning and water.

I never knew I liked Disney so much, it must be a reflection of the people I went with.

So, that was the whirlwind weekend. This weekend is just appointments and watching movies. Then next weekend is The Boyfriend's birthday. We're going to Catalina Island for the weekend, and it will be amazing.

Felix and I had the same sentiment on Monday, when it was time to go to work...

E.A.A. (Enhanced Abilities Anonymous) - Chapter 4

Previously on E.A.A.

Chapter 4

As the night wore on, Kent grew more relaxed and more attracted to Bliss. No one else had ever made him feel this at ease. His usual anxiety about someone finding out about his ability had been pushed into a far corner of his mind. Maybe it was the dancing, or the couple drinks he had, or maybe it was just that he had spent so long avoiding everything that he had forgotten how much fun life could be. Either way, he didn’t want the night to end. He felt like he always imagined it felt like to have one of the useful enhanced abilities. He felt like a superhero for the first time in his entire life.

“Want to get some air?” He said close to her ear.

She nodded.

He took her hand and led her through the crowd. Outside the night air was much cooler than inside, though still had the warmth of a summer night. It was quieter, calmer outside.

“I’d like to kiss you, if you don’t mind.” Kent smiled.

“Please do.”

When he kissed her, her hair smelled like lilacs and roses, her skin was soft against his hands. She slid one of her hands down to the waistband of his jeans. Subconsciously he tensed.

“What’s wrong?” She whispered.

He tried to figure out why he felt suddenly tense. “We’re in the middle of the street, anyone can see.” That wasn’t the reason why, but it was the best reason he could come up with.

“Everyone’s inside, the street’s quiet.” She kissed just below his ear and he closed his eyes.

Suddenly everything lost the soft, glowing, happiness that had been there and Kent’s eyes snapped open. Imogene was standing with her hand on Bliss’s arm.

“Goddamn it, Bliss. You swore to me you wouldn’t.”

She smiled like she had a secret. “He just needed a little confidence.”

It slowly dawned on Kent that he never did find out just what Bliss was capable of and he realized that maybe he had found out after all. He looked to Imogene.

“Kent, I’m sorry.” Imogene started, her hand still on Bliss’s arm. “I made her swear she wouldn’t do anything.”

He felt betrayed, angry, foolish. “What exactly do you do?” He looked at Bliss.

She shrugged and at least had enough compassion to look like she was sorry. “I can manipulate dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. They’re the chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy.” She paused. “I never meant to hurt you, I just wanted you to have fun.”

“Does anyone like you without you making them?” It was cruel, but he was angry.

“I didn’t do anything until after we had been here a few hours.” She paused. “Did you like me then?” She looked like she might cry.

He did, but how could he believe her. “Imogene, I’m going home.” He turned and started walking.

“I’ll give you a ride.” She reached for his arm.

He spun to face her. “I think you’ve done enough. Just let me be. You’re always trying to make me happier, friendlier, more social. Maybe I’m none of those things, maybe I didn’t get that either in my genetic code.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “Stop trying to make me into something I’m not. I can’t be like you, nobody is going to call for my help, nobody needs me when something happens. Goodnight, Imogene.”

He walked away from her. Anger and shame burned hot in his stomach. He should have known, he should have pressed Imogene for what Bliss could do, he should have figured there’d be some trick to it. It wasn’t the first time Imogene tried to “help” him. Sometimes she forgot what they went through in middle school when there were far more average kids than enhanced ability kids. She forgot what it was like to not fit in. Unfortunately, Kent felt like he never left middle school.

His phone rang a few blocks from his apartment building. The two mile walk had cooled him down enough. He looked at the screen and saw Imogene’s name, he let it go to voicemail. He was still mad at her, even though now he could see that she did honestly try, she did tell Bliss not to do anything. He wondered why everyone was so concerned with his dating life.

Imogene called two more times, or at least he assumed it was her. She was really the only person who called him and she had a habit of being very persistent. Maybe he’d talk to her tomorrow, he’d let her explain and he’d forgive her. She was one of the few friends he had, so he really didn’t need to go getting rid of her. She invite herself over with a six pack of his favorite beer and they’d watch crappy movies and everything would be fine between them again. That was the founding principal of their friendship; the person who messes up makes up with it by bringing beer and bad movies.

He finally arrived at the safety of his apartment. He turned his phone to vibrate so that it was easier to ignore if Imogene kept calling. He threw his clothes in the hamper and fell onto his bed. He could see his shadow on the ceiling from the light beaming from his butt. It wasn’t a glow, like those plastic stars that kids stuck to their ceilings, it was more like a lantern. He amused himself by thinking of what his superhero name would be, if he were a superhero.

They all had them, even if nobody really called them that. Dex was The Encyclopedia, Imogene was Imagination, The Shield was bulletproof, Crypto could break any code, Nitro could withstand sub-zero temperatures.

Kent could be The Firefly, lighting up the darkest of nights by removing his pants, not even remotely as sexy as it sounded. Lost your keys in the dark? Call The Firefly! Flashlight ran out of batteries? The Firefly will light your way! Want to cut your electricity bill in half? Why, The Firefly can light up any room. His last thought before he fell asleep was wondering if anyone else in the E.A.A. group had thought about what their name would be if they were important enough to have one.

That Green Light...

So, it's the opening weekend of Baz Luhrman's version of The Great Gatsby

I'm so excited. I mean, this is the man behind Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge, the staples of romance and handsome men during high school and college.

I don't necessarily expect this film to capture the depth and subtle longings that F. Scott Fitzgerald created, but I do expect it to be the visual and audio embodiment of what the roaring 20's felt like.

I've been listening to the soundtrack for the last two days straight, and I absolutely love it. There's a beautiful blending of 20's jazz and swing with contemporary hip hop and rap. It captures the feeling of the music, the feeling of being at Gatsby's parties, with the music and the cocktails and the dresses and the feeling of living like a roman candle. If you haven't heard it, NPR is/was streaming it.

All this Gatsby had me thinking about the first time I read the novel. It was for high school, and before anybody thinks that reading great literature in high school ruins great literature because teenagers simply don't have the scope of life to appreciate it, I wasn't the average teenager. I devoured books and though I maybe wasn't able to relate to the lives and trials of the characters, I loved their stories.

So, the first time I read Gatsby, I was a senior in high school. I was in an advanced literature class (naturally). F. Scott Fitzgerald was a big deal in Minnesota schools, because he's from St. Paul Minnesota, and reached literary greatness and genius.

I remember finishing the book and having the feeling that there was some great message, some great meaning, that I had missed. I felt just on the edge of understanding something big and important, but I just couldn't figure out what it was.

Ten years later and here we are. I'm still thinking about the meaning, the themes, the lives. And I'm thinking maybe my 17 year old self wasn't so far off the mark, maybe I didn't miss anything.

(*literary discussion alert*)

John Green has several videos in a book discussion style of The Great Gatsby. Definitely worth watching and thinking over.

Jay Gatsby, the exact definition of a self-made man. He spent his entire life searching for things he thought would make him happy, creating this man that was adored and revered by the top tiers of society. A man that would live on in legend, but never really finding what he was honestly searching for. He wanted the gold and the glitter and the shine of other people's lives, but failed to realize the tragic price they came with. He was trying to grasp something be and important and wonderful, and couldn't quite get there.

I know there's more about the "American dream" and "all that glitters is not gold", morals to be seen in Daisy's life and Gatsby's Icarian flight and fall from the sun. Cautionary tales in Tom's infidelity and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg seeing everything and not being able to do a thing.

I think in all of us, there is a desire to understand something big, something grand, to have a life that will be remembered. The desire that just that one thing, that one distant thing, will bring us everything we think we want. We want the glitter and gold without the cost. It's easy to see the surface of someone's life and never know it's the painted shell of an egg.

Gatsby is all of these things and more. The characters are each of us and all of us. The desires and dreams and failings and struggles. So, yeah, maybe at 17 I didn't have the perspective to appreciate all of that, I hadn't set myself out into the world yet, but it stayed with me.

Truths in books will do that.

I can't wait to see how this version of The Great Gatsby stands up and stands apart from the words of Fitzgerald.

E.A.A. (Enhanced Abilities Anonymous) - Chapter 3

Previously on E.A.A.

Chapter 3.

Kent was barely home five minutes when his phone rang. Imogene’s name was on the screen.

“How was it?!?!!”

He sunk into the couch. “Fine.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

“I’m glad you made me go.” He admitted without any emotion at all, like a child forced to apologize.

“I knew it. Want to go out for drinks and dancing to celebrate?”

He weighed the benefits of going out and appearing to have a social life verses staying in and not having to worry about being noticed.

Before he could answer, Imogene chimed in. “I’ll be at your door in a half hour.” She hung up before he could protest.

Other than gelling his hair, he didn’t change anything about what he was wearing. Imogene showed up at his door exactly thirty minutes after she called. When he opened the door, she grabbed his hand and pulled him into the hall. Dex was standing near the elevators. Kent honestly didn’t mind Dex, and he wasn’t annoying about his ability to know everything up to the minute, like his brain was connected to every news source in the world. It was just that he tried so hard not to be annoying, but you could see it in his eyes. It was the fact that Kent knew that Dex knew.

“We have a surprise for you downstairs.” Imogene jumped up and down.

“Oh, god.” Kent knew about her surprises. “Please not a bind date. Please tell me that there isn’t a girl waiting in the lobby.”

She rolled her eyes. “Then I won’t tell you.”

Kent turned and rested his forehead against the wall. “Imogene, how many times do I have to tell you?”

She smiled wickedly. The elevator doors opened and they rode down to the lobby. A woman stood in a bright green dress, her dark blond hair perfectly curled, her brown eyes warm and kind. She smiled as soon as she saw Kent.

“Kent, this is my friend Bliss. We met at work and practically hang out all the time.” Imogene gushed. “Bliss, this is my good friend Kent.”

Kent took her hand and immediately felt a little better about the situation. “Nice to meet you.”

She had a soft, southern accent. “Pleasure’s all mine. Imogene never said you’d be so handsome.”

Dex smiled with that all knowing smile Kent hated. “We should walk, it’s so nice out.” He took Imogene’s hand and led the way.

Kent didn’t take Bliss’s hand as they walked, he didn’t rush into things, he didn’t want to lead her on at all. He didn’t have a great track record for relationships. Once the women noticed that essentially the sun shone from his butt, it sort of killed any sort of mood that was there. There were a few times where he was lucky enough to find someone who would only have sex if she was blindfolded. One said it was to increase the sensory experience, she also believed in the power of crystals and aligning one’s chi with the pull of the moon. That was a one time thing and for the first time in his life, he didn’t feel like the strange one.

“You look deep in thought.” Bliss smiled at him.

“Not so deep.”

She took his hand. “Imogene said you two have known each other for years.”

“Since seventh grade. She’s something else.” He felt giddy and had no idea why. “So are you.”

She blushed. “You are every bit as sweet as she said you were.”

He cleared his throat. “She said you work together?”

“I’m just a few desks down.”

They slipped back into silence and arrived at the bar shortly after. The four found a table towards the back. A live band was setting up on the small stage and most of the tables were full. The way Imogene kept smiling at Kent made him nervous, he knew she was up to something.

“Imogene, let’s get drinks for everyone.” He smiled. “Bliss, what would you like?”

“I would just love a Cosmo.”

Kent turned to Dex. “For you?”

“Seven and Seven.” He looked to Imogene.

She winked at him. “Got it. Come on, Kent.”

Once Kent and Imogene were far enough away from the table to not be overheard, he turned to her. “Okay. What can she do and which “work” did you meet her at?”

She rolled her eyes. “I met her at the job I can’t talk about, but she does work in the same office as me on normal days.” She smiled at the bartender. “A Seven and Seven, and a Madras please.”

“Gin and Tonic, and a Cosmo.” He turned back to Imogene. “What can she do?”

“I’ll tell you later. Just get to know her first, give her a chance.” She smiled. “You don’t want people writing you off because of what you can do, so don’t put other people in that box.”

He forced a smile and paid for the drinks. Dex and Bliss were in some conversation about books they’ve read lately when Kent and Imogene returned with the drinks. Kent hated it when Imogene was right, he was doing to Bliss what he hated other people doing to him.

“So, Bliss.” Kent smiled, she was pretty. “Would you like to dance?”

“I’d love to.” She took a drink and smiled.

The band started playing some underground, indy rock and people headed to the dance floor. It wasn’t half bad and it didn’t take Kent long to forget his usual trepidation and just enjoy the moment. He’d have to make sure not to let Imogene’s ego get too inflated from the apparent success of her matchmaking skills.

“I’ll get the second round of drinks?” Bliss said between songs.

Kent shook his head. “It’s on me.”

“If you insist.’ She smiled.

“I insist.” He headed to the bar and ordered another Cosmo for her and a second Gin and Tonic for himself.

Bliss was at the table when he returned. She fanned herself with a cocktail napkin. “I forgot how much fun this is.”

“Me, too.”

“Imogene talks about you all the time, says you’re one of the sweetest guys she knows.” She paused. “Did you ever date?”

“We thought about it in high school, but we didn’t want to ruin what we had. Besides, we’re better as friends. After a few days of each other, we start to fight like cats and dogs.”

“I’m glad she introduced us.” She rested her hand on Kent’s.

He smiled. “I am, too.”