Page 10 of Fanning the Flames

“Yeah, but do they care?”

“No, but it’s further proof we don’t suck.”

A heavy sigh brushed past Joan’s lips. “We turned on our friends, Mark. Turnedinour friends. We’re persona non grata to everyone we used to associate with.”

“We’re building a new life.”

“I know, but…”

He nudged her knee again. “I know, sis.”

They sat in understanding silence. They’d stayed ultra busy over the past few months to mask the pain of giving up the life they once knew.

“Why dwell on what’s done?” Mark said. “We have the food truck we always wanted. You have the girl you always wanted. Per likes being a not-so-silent investor in Hot and Cold.”

“Wethinkhe likes it,” Joan corrected. “He doesn’t tell us one way or the other.”

“I think one of his superpowers is masking his true emotions. So I assume he’s happy to keep my conscience clear.”

She shook her head at how easily her brother could rationalize something. “How are youreallydoing? I know you’re avoiding being at home.”

“’Cause it’s boring.”

“Your hooking up more is only partially from the excess energy.”

“It’s also my abandonment issues, Joanie.” He said it flippantly, gazing at the gray clouds, but real pain pinched his eyes. Mark always left someone before they could leave him. But lately, it’d been more like running away before he even learned the guy’s name. Running away from potential hurt.

Thanks a bunch for kicking us out, Mom and Dad.

Joking was the only way to get him to open up. “How can you have abandonment issues when your wombmate hasn’t left your side in thirty-five years?”

Mark cracked a grin. “Present company excluded.”

“And Perry and my very patient girlfriend let you crash at our respective homes whenever you feel like it.”

“Which I do appreciate.”

“Greta still talks to you.”

“Greta’s your friend.”

“But she talks to you.”

Not that she saw Greta much lately. Their usualLet’s break into the mayor’s office for funsieshangouts had been replaced by her old friend stopping by the food truck once in a while. Leaving the criminal element had put a strain on their relationship, mostly because the Supers knew where to find Joan. She couldn’t lurk in the shadows anymore.

“Maybe we need therapy,” she said, not entirely in jest.

“Oh, we definitely need therapy,” Mark laughed.

“Good luck trying to find a shrink who specializes in superpowered issues.” She tried a new approach. “You can hang out with me and Sadie’s friends if you want.”

“You said you have a hard time relating to them.”

True, their normal lives and problems sometimes made Joan feel out of place. “It’s getting easier now that I have regular people issues to talk about. The price of gas, taxes… And they’re nice. They seem to be happy.”

“Iamhappy, Joanie,” Mark said. “I don’t regret what we did. I love finally being able to cook every day. And we’re making new acquaintances with the other food truck owners and vendors. Things are great.”

Joan smiled. “I’m happy, too.”

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