A week passes, till it’s the day of homecoming.

“Man, I’m totally late to school, I overslept again! I can’t keep staying up reading the new arachnid guy comics every night.” I said getting up, yawning.

I showered and brushed my teeth.

“Man I’ve really put on some muscle since school has started, soon I’ll be just as strong as Bryce!”

I was sitting on the toilet when I suddenly got a call from my father.

“What does he want? He never calls me this early unless he’s complaining about something at work, or reminding me to do my “best”.”

I looked at my phone and debated if I should answer it or not. I was still annoyed at my father, a month and a half with no concerns at all about mom’s whereabouts. Sometimes I blamed him, if he was around more mom wouldn’t have to always be alone. Other times though I think maybe the stress was too much, having a husband who’s never around, and a son who always struggles with school. The phone continued to ring till I finally sighed before deciding to pick up the phone.

“Hey dad… long time no see… how have you been?” I said.

“We don’t have time for this son, have you heard the report of the Deviant at your school who was turned into the police a few weeks ago?!” he exclaimed.

“Yeah.. what about it?” I responded.

“IS THIS NOT EXCITING NEWS! You know when one person with a Deviation tends to appear in an area, there’s usually more, we don't know why this tends to happen, maybe those areas carry heavy stress, or maybe it’s something with the environment. The idea of learning more, and exploring the theories about Deviations seem to always excite me! But that’s not the only reason why I called.” my father spoke quickly.

“Chill dad, I’m barely keeping up with anything you’re saying!”

“Well my job is doing an internship partnered with your school, and I would love to offer you, and your best friend plus a few others a chance to participate. It would be simple things like looking around the workplace, getting to meet and talk to some of the pro heroes that are partners with G.O.D! Isn’t that great! I know I usually keep you far from my work out of safety, but with all this talk of Deviations couldn’t it be great if you manifest one!” my dad responded.

“A Deviation! No way, the chances are that are next to nothing, plus even if I did would much really change?” I questioned.

“Of course! My job is always looking for people to try things out on, and learn more about Deviants, with only a handful of pro heroes, it’s hard to know certain facts. In addition to that, we would be able to spend more time together, wouldn’t that be great!”

“Yeah… but to me, it kinda sounds like you would just see me as a guinea pig to experiment on…” I said quietly.

“No way Jaye.” 

That nickname stung coming from his mouth, but that was before Bryce ever called me it. My father used to, it was something that would make me smile when I heard it come out of his mouth. When he would pick me up, or read me his favorite comics.

“I just think having someone close to me would help with learning to understand more about Deviations, plus you always talked about being a hero. Wouldn’t you be able to fulfill your dreams if you were one? Remember when mo-” my father said before being cut off.

“Yeah, I do, but I gotta get going, thanks for calling dad.” I hung up the phone.

I threw my bag over my shoulder, before grabbing an umbrella and heading to school.

“Of course it had to rain on the day of homecoming, I just hope it stops later tonight, the dance is at 7, and I’d be so mad if my suit got wet.”

While I was walking I ran into Bryce, and saw that he didn’t bring a raincoat or any type of umbrella.

“Yo Jaye! Over here man! Why do you have an umbrella? It’s not even raining that hard.” Bryce said.

“What do you mean barely even raining? It looks like it’ll start storming any second, I don’t understand how it doesn't even bother you.” I replied.

“Well I mean, if it got that bad I could just make a cloud over my head, plus you know I like the rain.” Bryce said.

“True, well have you seen Iris? Can’t wait, I'm sure she’s going to look so good tonight. You think I can ask her to dance with me? Or at least to take some one on one photos. I swore this year I would finally get photos with someone who isn’t you.” I said with a chuckle.

“You’re so lame man, let’s hurry up before we get anymore soaked, don’t wanna walk into class soaking wet.”

We ran the rest of the way to school, dapping each other up, and heading to our class.

“Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m sure you guys have heard now, but the school has officially received the news that the culprit was turned in by an anonymous person, and is now serving time. For legal reasons, we can’t state the name of the individual but we are glad to let everyone know that the threat is now dealt with.” Mr.Johnson stated in his usual stern way.

“Now cla-”

“Heyyy guys, as you know today is homecoming, and I’m hoping you guys all vote for me!” A cheery voice said.

I took the time to look up from my desk to see a familiar face, though the voice was enough to let me know who Maria Lugwig was. Lucas’s “Girlfriend” even though everyone knows they’re only really together because of status. Her long hair was beautiful, appearing to have an angel ring around it, like she was sent from heaven just to bless this school. She was cheery, she was assertive, but she was loved.

“Look you guys, there’s really no other option, so just go ahead and leave your vote for me! I’ll be passing out cupcakes at the end of the day, so leave your mark!” she said with a smile, before leaving the class.

“Well… that was definitely something class… but like I said, open your book to chap-”

Before he could even finish, I started dozing off, and awoke like usual to Iris kicking my chair.

“Iris, leave me aloneeee…” I said, sleepily.

“Excuse me Mr.Wilkins, but class is over.” Mr.Johnson’s stern voice stated.

I shot up out of my chair, confused when I heard Mr.Johnson.

“Where did Iris go?” I said, rubbing my eyes.

“She didn’t show up to class today, most girls usually don't on the day of homecoming you know?” He replied.

“Really? What for, I mean It’s just a dance?” I questioned.

“Ahh Jaye’sun, you really have no experience with girls, I’m feeling nice today so I’ll give you a tardy pass, now get going to your next class.” Mr.Johnson said.

Lunch time came, and everyone was excited for the homecoming dance. People were passing out flyers, and handing out snacks, some people even had elaborate stunts. But Maria and Lucas just sat at their table secluded from the rest. Lucas never campaigned, he never had to after all, and Maria only did a little out of entertainment.

“Yo Bryce, what do you think about Maria? Does she even seem… I don’t know, sad to you?” I asked.

“What is there to be sad about, she’s rich, popular, and dating Lucas, if you ask me, her life is set.” He said before continuing to eat.

“Honestly, I envy people like her, I wish I could have grown up in that type of luxury, living my whole life being praised by others.” he finished.

“Yeah, I guess you have a point, they truly stand above people like us. Not even in a highschool sense, but in life. They’re the type of people to go on and start businesses, and even become billionaires.” I responded.

After lunch, I finished the rest of my classes, grabbed my books, and got ready to leave the school. But before I could make my way out, I ran into Maria again.

“Hey sorry, I didn’t mean to get in your way, I’ll just get going.” I said quietly.

“Hey… Jaye’sun right? We shared biology last year,” she said.

She remembered me? We sat next to each other, but everytime we had a group project she typically worked with the more smart kids.

“Yeah, I didn’t think you would remember.” I said with a laugh.

“I know everyone at this school, I’ve been here since my freshman year after all. But that’s not the point, are you a Deviant?” She asked.

My heart started to pound as I heard those words. What would give her that idea?

“What? No way! Not that there’s anything wrong with being one, but there’s no way. I’m actually running late, and I gotta get ready for the dance!” I said frantically.

“Oh okay, well I’ll see you around.” she said before walking off.

Scene cuts to in front of the homecoming venue

“Finally here, now I just need to find Bryce and Iris, they should be any-”

I turned to see Iris, in a sparkling green dress, with golden accessories.

“Wow, Iris you look absolutely stunning! Your dress looks great, and it really suits you!” I was trying not to sound flustered.

“You think so? This is my first homecoming dance, so I didn’t know if I overdid it or not.” She said nervously.

“Well, if you ask me, you look the best out of everyone here.” I replied.

“Thanks! Though I’m sure you’re just trying to be nice.” Iris said, looking away.

“Let’s take a photo to remember your first homecoming!” I grabbed my phone, posing for a selfie

I took the photo smiling, before feeling an arm wrap around me as the photo flashed.

“Awww man, I hope you didn’t forget about me Jaye!” Bryce laughed, hitting my shoulder.

“Come on Bryce! You could have just waited.” I said, hitting his shoulder.

Iris laughed covering her mouth. 

“Can you two hurry up already? Let’s get inside.”

Most of the night went like every other night of homecoming. We danced and sang, ate poorly made food, and deserts. Only one moment of the night really mattered at my school anyway.

“Alright Students of New Visor Academy! It’s time for the homecoming court votes, we’ll start at the top and go down! For our homecoming King we have….. Lucas Moore!

Everyone cheered, even though we all knew who both winners were going to be.

“Now for our Homecoming Queen…. Maria Lugwig!”

They both came to the front, arm in arm in a matching Purple Suit, and Dress, they both looked like movie stars on a red carpet. Her dress was stunning and beautiful, and Lucas' suit was pristine, matched with a golden watch.

“Thank you, thank y-” Maria was saying before Lucas cut her off.

“Thank you! My lovely class, I knew your votes were a guarantee but it’s truly a blessing to be in this position because of my amazing school! So instead of celebrating MY success, let’s celebrate you guys!” Lucas said, clapping.

Everyone started to clap and cheer at Lucas’s speech, everyone except Maria, though no one noticed, no one but me at least.

The night flew by till it was 11 o'clock, and everyone was getting ready to head home.

“Tonight was a blast guys! This was the first homecoming no one laughed at me too!” I said, trying to not shed a tear.

“I’m proud of you Jaye!” Bryce responded.

“Well, my dad is about to pick me up soon, so I better get going. Tonight was really fun, thanks guys!” Iris said, pulling us into a hug. 

“You guys are the best, love y’all” she said waving as she walked to her parents car.

“YOOO BRYCE DID YOU HEAR THAT, she pretty much said she wants to get married, and spend her life with me!” I was shaking him, and jumping up and down in joy.

“I don’t think that’s what she said Jaye… But just know I’m happy for you.” he replied, shaking his head.

Bryce and I got an uber to my house, since he  tends to usually spend the night on days we come home late, so as to not wake up his parents after a long day of work.

We arrived at my home, and turned the TV on before pulling out the air mattress, and putting it into the living room.

“Dude, why do you actually watch the news?” Bryce laughed.

“Because it’s important to keep up with current events, I mean, the prices on these eggs at the moment are ridiculous.” I responded, grabbing some popcorn from the kitchen.

“Breaking News, a rise in robberies, and violent crimes, have been noticed. In the past month, a street gang by the name of The Twin Dragons has been rapidly growing in members. A once small, and non threatening group, is now posing an issue to the public. Once only committing crime at night, they now have moved more towards day crime. As their power rises, be wary of traveling alone, and don’t be afraid to call the cops if you see something suspicious.” The news broadcaster said before cutting to something else.

“A street gang? Those haven’t been relevant in Chicago in decades, I wonder how they’ve managed to accumulate such a following.” Bryce suddenly said.

“Well, I know they’re still popular on the west coast, but seeing one here is odd.” I added.

“Does that mean… what I think it means?” Bryce said.

Me and Bryce looked at each other before dapping each other up.

“Yeah, it’s time to be a hero!” I replied