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condition.” I was grateful to him again. He had been the one to take me to the hospital to see Gamma, and now this, taking home a guy he didn’t even know on my account. Austin was really one of the “nice guys.”
    Austin went inside the storage room and dragged Ryan out. Ryan still looked like he was in pain, which served him right. He gave me an apologetic look and mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
    It was difficult to look him in the eye, but I did anyway. I wanted him to see the pain and disgust in my eyes. I didn’t know what had come over him to do what he’d tried to do; regardless, this was something I couldn’t just forget.
    “ Shut up, scum bag. You’ve said enough.” Austin sounded appalled. He took Ryan to his car and shoved him inside his black Infiniti.
    I don’t know what came over me. Feeling grateful that Austin was there, I gave him a genuine, warm hug, and I found myself comforted by his embrace. “Thank you,” I said. “I’m glad you stopped by.”
    He sighed lightly. “You’re welcome. Want me to take you home?”
    “ That’s alright. I’ve already locked up. I’m gonna leave right now.”
    He grabbed my hand, leading me to my car. I couldn’t decide if I should let him hold my hand or pull away, but by the time I decided what to do, we were already at my car. With a click of my remote, I unlocked the door. He opened the door like a gentleman, and I got in.
    “ Give me your cell phone,” he said.
    I did as requested. I didn’t ask why as I dug inside my purse to take it out.
    A few seconds later, he gave it back. “I just punched in my cell number. If you need me, just ring. Or if you want to talk, that’s okay too. You go first.” He closed the door. “I’m right behind you.”
    “ Thanks,” I said again, and smiled. Then I thought how lucky I was tonight that he came to visit. I wouldn’t have known what to do, and I was glad that he was someone I could call a friend.
    He headed toward his car, and when he got there, he stood outside as he watched me pull out of the parking lot. My last thought was that I was never going to stay here alone, ever again.

 
    Chapter Four
     
    When I got home, I went straight to my room. Mom had to work the late shift, so I was home alone. It was a little after ten, but feeling exhausted, I decided to get ready for bed. After I tucked myself in, I lay there, unable to fall asleep. The wind hollered, making the night a bit creepier, and the familiar shadows that portrayed from the oak tree outside the window looked spookier than before. Wearily, I forced myself up, closed the blinds and slid back under the covers, telling myself that everything was fine as I glanced at the crystal beaded butterfly necklace Michael made me for my birthday. Recalling the first time it vibrated and turned solid black when fallen were nearby, it being crystal clear confirmed I had nothing to fear so I took a deep breath and relaxed.
    I was just about to fall asleep as thoughts of Gamma and the good times we shared helped me ease my mind when I was suddenly startled by a soft, repetitive noise. It sounded like someone was tapping on the window, but that would be impossible since it was a second story room…unless. I reached over, turned on my lamp light and squinted from the brightness. Hesitantly, I walked toward the window. My pulse became rapid as I carefully peered through the small opening of the blind. To my surprise, Michael was floating in mid-air. His fists were resting on his hips and his wings were visible, but not fully extended, and my heart burst with elation.
    “ Michael,” I exclaimed excitedly, placing the palm of my hand on the window as if I could touch him. “Why are you out there?”
    “ Look, Claudia. I’m Superman.”
    My hero , I thought. He was too adorable and I couldn’t help but smile giddily. The last time I’d made a comment about Superman, he hadn’t known who he was. “Superman, can’t you come in?”
    “ I wanted to ask for