As the afternoon crawled by James got anxious for going home. He hadn’t paid much attention at school yet, it was seeming that he was easily distracted. When Miss Delilah looked at him, at least he was facing the board this time. Class continued and James made the effort to participate. He was extremely glad when everyone got paired up for a partner art project. He got partnered with Alex, and he sat beside him at the art table. “I like art a lot.” James smiled and looked at the paper. It was empty now, but it had the potential for dragons, monsters, ghosts and anything he wanted. As he looked at Alex, James realized he was looking away. “Alex are you ok?” James sat staring at him for a few minutes and asked again. Alex turned to him and shrugged. “I’m fine.”

As their paper became a war zone for stick men, Alex finally cracked a smile. James looked around and noticed other students were looking at him too. He turned to Alex for the answer. “Why is everyone treating me different now? Did the hero thing wear off that fast?” Alex took a deep breath. “People don’t know what to think. You seem a little crazy. They like they you stood up to a bully, but you’ve been staying outside after the bell. I guess they’re worried that you’re going to be the next bully.” James shrugged. “Why would I be a bully?” Alex looked around and realized other students were watching them. “Because no one can hurt you, so now they’re scared of you.” James shrugged. I can’t win, no wonder why Willow doesn’t like the other kids. As he looked around, other kids looked away. Finally the buzzer sounded and he was ready to go home.

As he got on the bus he made sure he got to the back so he could see if Willow was following him home. The bus pulled away and he watched closely. He kept watching. He watched for the entire ride to his stop. As he got off he noticed his Mom was waiting for him again today. “How was your day James?” She watched as James looked up and down the street and then back to her. “Yeah, it was ok.” She smiled and fixed his makeshift cape. “How did you manage to stop a kid from being bullied?” James snapped out of his daze. “Oh yeah, I just got between them, and I got punched. But it’s okay.” She shook her head as she watched James trot on ahead of her. What a crazy kid she had, but she had never been more proud of him.

James ran in and tossed his cape and backpack aside. His father stirred from his nap on the couch but James was gone again before he could get a word in. He shrugged and nodded back off. Bursting back through the front door, James ran straight down the driveway and looked around. Much to his dismay, there was nothing there. Nothing but dirt and road. As the breeze blew his hair around, James felt compelled to call out to her. He resisted the urge. Where could she be? Maybe the Mothership took her home. Or maybe her parents wouldn’t let her come. His shoulders dropped in disappointment, She’s not coming either way. He turned to go back home and ran smack into something. “Ow, what’s wrong with you?” As he looked across the ground from where he had landed, he spotted Willow rubbing her forehead. “Your head is really hard you know. Probably why bullies don’t bug you.” James jumped up and helped Willow to her feet. “I’m glad you came, I didn’t think you had.” Willow looked around. “Maybe if you’d have paid more attention you’d have seen me. But I don’t think you’re very good at that.”

“James, supper!” His mother’s call normally was a treat, she was an excellent cook. However today it just seemed to be another distraction. “I’ll wait here.” Willow said with a certain finality in her voice. James shook his head. “Don’t be silly, my Mom would love to meet you!” Willow shook her head. “No thanks, I’m not a fan of parents much either.” James looked confused, but shrugged it off and accepted it. “Wow, you don’t like anyone do you?” Willow’s scowl was the angriest look James had seen ever. “Well, I did just follow you home. But I guess that means nothing.” James stepped back, and back pedalled. “No, I meant you don’t like many people, aside from me anyway. I mean not that you like me. Do you?” Willow looked down at her shoes just as another call for supper sounded through the air. “Go James, but I am going home now. I’ll see you tomorrow after school.” As James watched her drive away, he couldn’t help but wonder if she really was a friend. He stood and watched as she rode her bike forward into the ever looming dusk and out of sight.