Page 3 of Alistair

“I know,” she said with a smile, walking away from him. She didn’t let them see the tears when they made fun of her. That wouldn’t do. She walked all the way home with tears in her eyes. When she opened the front door, she took off up the stairs to her bedroom.

“Clark? Clark, honey, how was your day?” called her mother. She heard the door slam to her daughter’s bedroom and looked at her husband, frowning.

“I’ll go talk to her,” he said. He took the steps two at a time and gently knocked on her bedroom door.

“Go away!”

“Clark, I’m coming in,” he said calmly.

Twelve was an awful age for a girl. He knew that she’d already started her period, her breasts were developing, and to top it off, she was a great student and athlete. All of those things made her feel stressed and constantly hormonal. He knew that she should have been one of the most popular kids at school, but for some reason, their daughter had only a handful of friends.

“Dad!”

“Clark, what’s wrong?” he asked, taking a seat at her desk.

“The same stuff, Dad. Kids making fun of my name! Why? Why did you and Mom give me this stupid name?” He smiled at his daughter and took the seat beside her on the bed.

“What’s my name, Clark?” She stared at her father as if he’d lost his mind. “Humor me, kiddo.”

“Jovan.”

“Is that a normal name?”

“No,” she scoffed.

“No, it’s not. It’s unusual. Odd. Strange. Kids made fun of me, too. What’s your mother’s name?”

“Mabel.”

“That’s right. Mabel. Is that common?”

“No. She’s the only Mabel I know,” said Clark.

“Yep. Me, too,” laughed her father. “Those names, Jovan and Mabel, made us both targets in school. I don’t think our parents intended that, but that’s what we were. We met in middle school and bonded over strange names. We realized it was making us stronger. We could take anything from anyone. It’s just a name. It doesn’t define you as a person.”

“So, you cursed me too,” she sniffed. Jovan laughed.

“No, not cursed. We gave you a gift, Clark. A gift that would last a lifetime. Your name is unique, just like you. One of the most important things you can protect and defend is yourself. That includes your name. I’ve watched you. You don’t lose your temper or fight. That’s good.”

“I’m smaller than everyone, Dad. That’s why I don’t fight. I don’t want to get my butt kicked.” Jovan chuckled at his daughter.

“Well, that’s smart on your part for sure. I don’t want to see that pretty face all messed up.”

“Da-ad,” she whined, her lip trembling. He pulled her close, kissing the top of her head.

“I’m sorry, honey. I’m not laughing at you. I’m trying to laugh with you. Having this unusual name will help to build character and strength for you. As an adult, fewer people will care or say anything, and you’ll be all the stronger for it.”

“Promise?” she sniffed.

“I promise,” he said, smiling at his only child. “Now, what do you say to a movie tonight, pizza, popcorn, the works?”

“Perfect. Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome.” He started to leave, and Clark called out to him.

“Dad? I think I want to fly planes when I grow up.”

“Really?” he asked, attempting a smile as the pit in his stomach seemed to swallow him whole. She nodded.

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