The Ones You Call When Everyone Else is Busy (14)

Next Ian met Bounce who, along with Missy demonstrated his talent for becoming a human trampoline. Bounce, it seemed, desperately wanted to be famous. He tried to achieve his fame by becoming the man who could stretch the farthest on earth. He wanted to enter himself into the Guinness Book of World Records. It turned out that there was already a record for the stretchiest man, and it had nothing to do with stretching out his body but his skin. It was kind of gross and there was already a most flexible man; he could fit himself into a small box. Bounce was nowhere near that flexible. He looked for another avenue for his seemingly useless talent. Someone told him the secret location of the Superhero Recruitment Center. Bounce went and showed them his amazing ability and when it seemed that his particular talent would never come in handy, they told him they had the perfect place for “heroes” like him and placed him with The Ones You Call When Every One Else is Busy. Ian and Nick were upset with the whomever made decisions about super talents in the superhero world. Not only had they insulted Bounce but they also insulted CP and every one of their new friends.

Bob told Ian the story of how he always had a dream to be a superhero. He had created a line of stuffed toys called “The Human Beans.” They were stuffed beans in every shape: kidney, lima, and garbanzo just to name a few. He even had scented ones like coffee and chocolate. Their faces all showed human emotions. They had made them into movies, websites, toys, books and comic strips. Bob had more money than he knew what to do with and could buy anything he wanted, except the one thing he could never get, a superpower. He set out to make his own power and began bleaching his teeth so that they would be blindingly white. While this wasn’t technically a superhero power, the guy at the superhero recruitment agency took pity on him and directed him towards The Ones You Call When Everyone Else is Busy. The group immediately accepted Bob and it wasn’t until he had become close friends with all of them that he admitted he was a wealthy man and began to buy all the gadgets that they would need to complete any task. They were the most well-outfitted group of superheroes who never had a job.

Jumping Jack jumped forward to shake Ian’s hand. He started at the other side of the room. It was an amazingly long jump but of course not very high. “I was a superhero once,” Jack said, “I mean I am still super – but not necessarily a hero lately because I haven’t saved anyone – I used to leap over all kinds of things buildings, trains, factories, even airplanes while they were still in flight. I helped save people who were falling or people who were trapped. One day, I missed. I was trying to rescue a man with a parachute that wasn’t opening but I misjudged my jump and I hit my head on the plane. Another superhero, one that can fly and jump, rescued the man whose parachute would not open and rescued me too. It was too late though. The damage was done. I was afraid of heights. I can’t jump high, I can only jump far. They sent me here – but I’m okay with that. I love all these guys; I just hope we can help save Nick’s dog so that I feel like we helped someone.” Nick stared at Jack. He wondered why he hadn’t asked. All these people had amazing stories. “We are going to rescue Chewy and capture the guys that stole him, Jack. You’ll see. You guys are superheroes and the best ones this town has ever seen!” Jack smiled at Nick’s praise.

Torch clapped so that he could glow brightly for Ian in the darkness. “I had an accident at a glow stick factory. Captain Pancake and I were friends from way back when we were kids, back when we went by Ryan, that’s CP, and Enrique, that’s me. I knew all about CP’s secret so when I discovered I had a power, I came to see him and I’ve been here ever since.” “What happened at the glow stick factory?” “I…..hrrrm…num…brumble.” Torch mumbled. “What did you say?” “I accidentally fell into a vat of chemo luminescence, the stuff that makes glow sticks glow. It didn’t kill me but it burned a lot. When my skin finally healed, I found out that I glowed in the dark. I kind of like it now, I really know how to light up a room and I never need decorations for a party or at Halloween, but it really isn’t a big hit with the ladies.” CP laughed.

The Principal stood up and sternly introduced himself. “Young man, it is a pleasure to meet you. If you are ever in danger, I can call your parents at 555-4664.” Ian rubbed his neck uncomfortably. “Don’t worry,” said Nick, “he has that effect on everybody.”

Sixty Second Flight Girl watched from the corner. She wasn’t really the mushy type but hearing the stories of all her friends made her feel that way for just a second. She brushed a tear from her eye. She hated it when her eyes leaked. “Hey kid, want to fly for sixty seconds?” Nick smiled, flying was fun, and Sixty Second Flight Girl had already taken him on a small flight. Ian nodded his head. She picked him up and flew him around the high-ceilinged room. When they landed Ian looked at her expectantly. “Birthday wish, magic birthday candle, should have been more specific.” That was all she said and Ian understood; that was the entire story she was willing to tell. It was enough.