Page 58 of The Not So Super Hero
At the hospital, Bailey followed the signs pointing to the waiting room that Chris stated he was.A pair of double doors led into the waiting room.Bailey hesitated to answer, peering through a window in the door.Chris stood inside in the room's corner with a man in a crisp blue uniform.Bailey couldn’t make out the words on the name tag.
“You lied,” the stranger said, heaving a long breath, then waving a handful of paper around.“On a federal form, on an investigation, do you even realize you could get fired for this?”
Chris snorted.“And if I had told the truth, what would have happened?What the hell do you think would have happened to Zane?”
Bailey’s interest was piqued even more at the mention of Zane.He had no idea what they were talking about, yet even more secrets and questions were brought up.Bailey wondered when they would end, if ever.
“He was only sixteen.He deserved the chance of a normal life,” Chris argued, holding out his arms, then throwing them against his side and seeming confused why he was being scolded.“So of course I fucking lied.Do you think Zane would have gotten the chance of a normal life if I didn’t?”
“I understand, Chris, truly, I do.You got attached to the kid, but you put his and anyone involved with his life in danger.Rebirth is after him and for damn good reason, from what I can see.”The stranger waved the paperwork in his hand through the air, catching Chris’ gaze that narrowed on it before looking away with a huff.“I have to report this.You know that, don’t you?Try to show some regret.It may save your career.”
Bailey furrowed his brow, wondering what the hell Chris lied about that had to do with Zane and why it would get him fired.
“I don’t regret what I did,” Chris said sternly.“You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting it.”
The stranger scowled, his mouth opening to argue, but it was put on hold by Bailey falling through the doors from a push behind him.A nurse stared behind him, hands clutching the cart that had hit him.
“I’m so sorry!”The nurse apologized, rushing into the waiting room to help Bailey up.
Smiling sheepishly, Bailey passed the officers a nervous glance.Their narrowed gazes stated they suspected he overheard something.
“Are you ok?”the nurse asked.Bailey assured her he was fine.After another embarrassed apology, the nurse scurried off, leaving Bailey in the tense waiting room.
“We’ll discuss this further at another time,” the man said, then stormed out.
Frowning, Bailey faced Chris.He had his silent attention fixated on Bailey.Clearing his throat, he attempted to speak, but he squeaked instead.He wanted to ask about Zane, how he was doing, what his injuries were, and how severe the situation was.At the same time, he wanted to know what the hell Chris was talking about because it would likely help unravel the puzzle that was Zane’s past.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with Zane just yet,” Chris finally spoke, his attention shifting to the doors leading to the surgery rooms.“He will be fine, though.Give him a few days of bed rest and he’ll be annoying the hell out of both of us like usual.”
Bailey wanted to argue against that.Even if Zane was a mutant, he had been attacked, was in surgery and needed more than “a few days” especially when neither of them knew what was wrong.What if it was more serious?Chris had to be wondering the same thing.The tension in his shoulders and solemn look in his eyes said as much.Chris was scared too and just trying to be calm.Bailey had to do the same, or he was going to lose himself.
“You should sit down.Seems there are a couple of things to discuss.”Chris gestured to the empty chairs lining the walls.He took one of the seats, patting the open one next to him for Bailey to join him.
Looking to the Emergency Room doors, Bailey’s heart ached.Wondering how Zane was doing behind those doors, hoping he would be ok, it was bringing on a headache that he was sure would only get worse.Sighing, he sat next to Chris.
“You’re already aware that I adopted Zane,” Chris said.“It was six years ago, though I knew him for some time before that,” Chris explained.“Our story is a long one that I cannot tell you on my own.Zane has the right to his privacy, and he may choose whether or not to reveal the truth to you, but the least I can do is explain my side, if that’s alright with you?”
Bailey nodded.Of course it was all right, he was dying to know!Though he wished to know every aspect of the story, Chris was right.Bailey didn’t want to invade Zane’s privacy, especially when the guy was in fucking surgery.
“Do you think Zane would ever tell me his side of the story?”Bailey mumbled.
Chris smiled.“Oh, I think Zane is inevitably going to share a lot with you.”
Bailey’s face reddened, causing Chris to laugh.
“Zane cares for you much more than you think.Don’t let his cold demeanor fool you.He’s actually a huge softy,” Chris said.Bailey couldn’t respond to that, not verbally, at least.Instead, he smiled bashfully, rubbing at the back of his neck while trying not to appear proud to hear it.It didn’t work.
“Do you know what else happened six years ago?”Chris asked, watching Bailey for the realization that set in the moment Chris spoke.
“Rebirth, they were brought down.”
“Mhm, can you recall anything else?”
A lot happened in six years.He swam through his memories for anything to pinpoint, though got nowhere.
“I’ll give you a hint,” Chris said, not at all surprised that Bailey couldn’t figure it out.“Raiffel.”
That name certainly sparked Bailey’s memory.He snapped his fingers, immediately remembering something that he wouldn’t have guessed had happened six years ago.It was talked about on TV but quickly covered up after the news of Rebirth came out not long afterwards.
