Raven's View

Sparkles

"We need to talk about Kevin," she said. "John, pay attention!"

He peered over the top of his newspaper. "Kevin? What's the problem, dear? Poor grades this year?"

"No, excellent grades," she said. "I wish it was just that. I should have noticed sooner, but what with the summer days being so long, and him heading right to his room when he gets in, I just didn't see it."

"See what,Jean?"

"He sparkles."

"Oh shit," he said. "A lot?"

"No, just sometimes. He doesn't seem to even notice it, but I'm afraid we might be too late, he might already be in The Change."

Kevin's was the first generation to show The Change. Jean had read that they now thought it was related to some the physics experiments way over in Switzerland, but whatever the cause, it was here now, and spreading.

"I kept meaning to have a talk with him," said John. "Damn. How soon can we get him in to see the doctor?"

"I already called," she said. "Tomorrow morning."

"What excuse will you use?" he said.

"Doc Watson will pretend it's some vitamins shots," she said. "But it will be a mild tranquilizer. Once Kevin is under he can be fitted with a controller to limit his powers."

"It's too bad, in a way," said John. "His powers might be only a tiny boost in some areas - like a better runner or faster swimmer."

"John, you know most have been much more than that. Which is why the government has had to hunt them down, then put them away."

"So they say," he said. "But no one ever sees them again."

"Exactly," she said. "We can't take that chance."

"No, of course not," he said.

They were sitting watching TV when she heard the door slam and Kevin head for the stairs. "Kevi? Could you come in here a sec?"

Kevin slouched in. "Mom, I'm tired, can't this wait?"

"No dear," she said. "I'm worried about your health, you seem run down."

"Don't worry about it," he said, then turned to go.'

"Wait!" she said. "i think it might be, ah, might be the flu. I've made an appointment with Doc Watson for you." She tried to hold his eyes, then looked away.

Kevin smiled. "When?"

"Tomorrow," she said. "First thing. I'll go with you."

"Why the rush," he said. "Maybe I don't feel like going."

"Now Keven, it's not a choice," said his father. "You'll go with your mother tomorrow, straight to the doctor."

Kevn smiled at them, then raised his arm. In the darkened room she could see a small trail of sparkles flowing between his fingers. "No, I'm afraid I can't do that," he said. "I've been talking to my friends, and we've seen what's happens to people after these sudden visits to Doc Watson."

"But if you don't go ..." she said

"Yes, we've seen what happens then too," he said. "I'll get reported, and try to run, the news will be full of warnings about some made up contagious disease I have, and the next thing you know a SWAT team is tracking me down. No - we won't be doing that anymore."

"Now see here son!" said his father.

"Sit still, both of you," said Kevin. He flung a shower of sparks at them, and suddenly Jean couldn't move.

"Dad, be quiet. And stop glaring at me," said Kevin. Another gesture, and - to her horror - Jean watched the skin flow over her husband's mouth, then his eyes, as if they had never been there.

"Now," said Kevin. "I'm heading up to bed. You guys stay here - we'll talk more in the morning about this." He bent over and kissed the top of her head. "Nite mom."