I unlocked the chains to get to the lab. I re-locked the door on the inside. I smelled like smoke, and unfortunately, my clothes weren’t as resistant to the fire as I was.

“Man… this was one of my favorite shirts!”

When I got into the coatroom, I grabbed one of the lab jackets, shook it off, and put it on to cover myself.

Immediately, I headed to the supercomputer. I wasn’t about to waste my time on the paper files. They were just too confusing to look at, and right now, I wanted simple.

I let the computer boot up, and then went directly for the first journal entry.

I growled, flustered.

That barely gave me any information, and there has to be hundreds of these journal entries. Fourteen years is plenty of time to turn a journal log into a full-length novel—with a sequel.

It’s going to take me forever to read all these! I don’t have that kind of time. Nothing like not understanding what’s going on with yourself to make you feel like there’s a time crunch. I sighed, squeezing my eyes shut and placing my chin against my chest. When I opened them, my peripherals caught sight of letters on the lab coat I was borrowing.

I pulled the jacket straight and read the words, “Kate Lee?” I paused, gazing up at the screen. “No way…”

I ran over to the coat room and pulled the other jacket off of the hanger.

“Elton Blake.” I read. “Elton Blake? Why does that sound familiar?” For some reason, this coat was heavier than the one I was wearing. Quickly, I noticed a covert inner pocket. I reached in and pulled out a floppy disk. “Well, well, what have we here? Haven’t seen one of these in a long time.”

I went over to the computer and inserted it into the hard drive. Excited, I waited for the disk to load. Maybe I’ll finally get some answers.

After a few minutes, it asked for a passcode…

“You have got to be kidding me!?” I wanted to smash in the computer screen, but instead I walked away, taking deep breaths as I paced around the lab tables.

After a minute, I noticed the gelatin substance that I had accidentally touched yesterday. It had some of my fingerprints imprinted on the top. And yeah, it did kind of look like Flubber. Luckily for me, it didn’t seem to come to life and cause me trouble. Not that I need anymore.

What was that used for anyway? Snack time at Dexter’s Laboratory?

I looked at my phone. I had put it on silent once I left my apartment and came to the conclusion that it was the best decision I could have made. Des had blown up my phone with calls and text messages. She’s going to be so pissed when I get home.

“I don’t know how to explain this to you.” I whispered to my cell.

I’m just going to have to wing it.

*****

When I locked up the lab, night had fallen.

I had no choice but to start heading home. I wasn’t getting anywhere with the floppy disk, and I was afraid if I attempted the password one more time, the information would erase, or worse, the lab would blow up. Just because I look different doesn't mean I don't value my life.

A lot of the little stores were closed for the night, leaving the windows dark and shiny. After a few blocks, I stopped to stare at myself.

“So… this is me now, huh?” I still couldn’t believe that I was staring at myself. The difference was just astonishing. “What if I can’t go back? Then what?”

I have a life as Penn Benson. What reflected back at me wasn’t the Penn I’ve known. It was someone else entirely. Someone new with a story in development. The other me has a brother, friends, possibly a love life if I played my cards right. The girl in front of me now had no one and only an uncertain future at best.

I jumped suddenly when I heard a large window shatter. I turned my head, searching for the cause of the noise. I focused across the street, watching two people set off the alarm in Jess’s Jeweler—JJ’s for short.

“Hurry up!” I heard one of the robbers yell at the other. “I told you not to break the window. The cops are gonna be here any second.”

“I almost got it all.”

I turned back towards the window, uncertainty latching on. When I caught my reflection one more time, a determination I’ve never known before took hold of me. Well new Penn, the old me always wanted to make a difference—always wanted to be the hero. I couldn’t before, but… I think I can now. If I’m going to look like this forever, then I guess it’s time to face the music. If this is who I’m going to be, then I’m going to make the most of it.

I turned back around, watching as the thieves started to run off. I chased after them, stopping them before they got too far.

“Hey!” I called. “Stop!”

“Shit!” The paranoid one yelled.

They turned down an alley. I followed. Suddenly, I was clotheslined as I fell to the ground. I made this disgusting choking sound before managing to stand again.

“You know,” I began. “It’s not nice to hit people. Didn’t your mama teach you that?” When I took a good look at them, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh my God! Seriously? Black ski masks? You guys couldn’t have thought of anything less suspicious? You might as well have worn a trench coat while you were at it.”

“We don’t have time for this.” The one who attacked me commented. “What are you anyway, a pharmacist?”

Swiftly, he swung at me, and before I knew it, I had dodged and twisted his arm back.

Holy smokes, Batman! I’m a natural!

“If you watched Phineas and Ferb you’d know pharmacists aren’t the only ones who wear lab coats. And didn’t I mention something about it not being nice to hit people?” I looked at his partner in crime. “I guess he doesn’t listen.”

The man tried to turn around, but I kneed him before punching him in the face. He was knocked out quicker than I expected. I thought for sure that he would have had more stamina. I dropped him to the ground and turned to his accomplice.

“Are you going to put up a fight too?” I turned my head, hearing the police sirens making their way to JJ’s.

My head snapped forward when I heard the other guy make a run for it.

I frowned. “Why do they always run?”

I chased after him, tackling him with one leap of faith.

“Why are you doing this?” The man asked, half-hysterical. “It’s none of your business. You could have left and pretended you saw nothing.”

“You’re right,” I told him, dragging him towards his unconscious friend. He fought back, but I was surprisingly strong. Much stronger than either of the thieves. “Let’s chalk it up to the same reason you stole from JJ’s—because I can.”

I punched him hard along his jaw. He slumped against my arms—no longer conscious. The sirens were getting closer, and I had a feeling the police would not appreciate my help. I threw the paranoid one over my shoulder—testing my strength—as I dragged the stubborn man over to the front of the building. I leaned them against the wall, making sure the jewelry was in sight.

I looked up, seeing the red and blue lights turn the corner. “Time to go.” I mumbled, looking towards the alleyway. I spotted the fire escape—as if I hadn’t had enough of those today.

I ran over and jumped up, grabbing onto the ladder. I scrambled to the top. When I reached the roof, I cautiously leaned over the ledge, watching the robbers plead for their freedom as the police booked them.

Grinning, I finally made my way home.

*****

I can’t believe I did that! I thought, totally proud at having stopped the bad guys. I actually made a difference in Cardinal City. So what if it was a small one? That was… incredible!

I stopped in front of my door, my adrenaline waning as I thought about what Des was going to say when she saw a stranger walk into our apartment.

Here goes nothing…

I opened the door and instantly winced as Des leered at me.

“Hey, Des…” I closed my eyes, preparing for the worst.

“Penn, where the hell have you been!? I’ve been worried sick about you all day, and when I finally get home, you disappear!?” She yelled, getting up to face me. “You have some explaining to do! And what happened to your clothes? Why are they all singed? And where is this jacket from?” She flipped the bottom of it up, frustrated.

“Yes, Ricky.” I replied, squinting at her.

“And where are your glasses?”

“In my room.” I informed her. Suddenly, it dawned on me that it was getting harder to see. Quickly, I ran to my room, trying not to run into any corners as I did.

“Where are you going now!?” Des yelled.

I grabbed my glasses from my desk and closed the door to look into my mirror. “I’m back…” I whispered, touching my face. “I’m back!”

“Yes, Penn, I see that. If you were sick, why were you out to begin with?” Des’s anger was as apparent as my unexpected joy.

Just as I accepted being the new Penn, the old one popped back up. Go figure.

I hugged Des tightly. “I felt better.” I spun around, making myself a little dizzy before sitting on the bed.