Superhero – Mitchell's thoughts, photos, etc.

Jen’s pregnancy

Jen announced her pregnancy to the world via Facebook. She was worried not about how she’d handle this stage of her life. But would she be safe? She was doing fine with her married life, her job as a social worker was going well. But she was scared Anat would come after her baby.

She hadn’t heard from Marc for a while. She wasn’t sure if he’d be able to protect her for the whole 9 months. And during her child’s life. She was grateful he and Alana saved her engagement, wedding and honeymoon. But she knew there had to be a limit.

The two of them had their own lives. Eventually, she figured they’d forget about her.

Turns out Marc and Alana were having dinner at City Winery while waiting for Max Weinberg to take the stage. They saw Jen’s announcement. They just looked at each other and clinked their glasses, as Weinberg opened with Thunder Road.

Naturally, Anat saw the post. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want Jen to be happy. But she was wondering if it was time to let bygones be bygones. She was just so upset with her loneliness. She knows she’s a bit off. But there had to be something that could break for her.

Anat sat on a bench in Central Park with a box of Sun-Maid raisins. What could be better? She was fairly calm.

Alana and Marc were walking hand in hand down Spring Street. As usual, Weinberg finished with Glory Days. They knew they’d never wed. Or seriously date. But just be each other’s partners in everything.

Marc’s phone buzzed. He had no desire to look. He was doing well with breaking his addiction to it. But it was nonstop. So he figured he should take a peek.

It was a note from Jen. He gave it a quick read, congratulated her and told her he and Alana had her covered. She’d be fine. But told her to be watchful.

Marc goes back to P.S. 36

Things were not going well. The Yankees were slipping. Everything else was fine. Marc stayed up all night to see them lose in extra innings at Fenway. He finally got himself to sleep.

The next morning he woke up in a different place. He got out of bed and was in his Staten Island room. He was confused. But going down the steps in his mom’s house. It looked like he was in 1978. That was the year his family moved from Sheepshead Bay to Staten Island. He was not happy about the move. He left his Brooklyn friends behind. No more sneaking out of the P.S. 209 schoolyard at lunchtime to go to the Hustle Inn or Z Cozy Corner. Or buying 10-cent wooden planes from the ice cream truck just outside the yard. Maybe they went airborne for three seconds.

He got on the bus at Woodrow Road and wound up in P.S. 36.

He was wearing his Sergio Valente jeans and a Lacoste polo shirt. He had his green knapsack and Star Wars lunchbox. He walked into the annex for his third-grade class. What was going on? His head was spinning. He knew he was flashing back to his youth. He didn’t drink anything before he went to bed and he never did illicit drugs. Something was weird.

At lunchtime, he sat in the yard by himself. He saw a short, thin, cute girl with pigtails wearing all black by herself eating a sandwich. They were both third graders. Some older girls picked on her. They grabbed her pretzel stix and juice box. They didn’t eat the food. They just smacked it on the floor. She tried to fight back. But the girls knocked her down. She buried her head in hands, as tears dripped out of her eyes. The girls left her sitting there. Marc always being shy, walked over to her. He said, “Hi, I’m Marc. I saw what those nasty girls did. Are you okay.” She smiled and said, “I’ll be fine. I’m Alana. I just moved here from Sheepshead Bay. I wish I had some friends.”

Marc smiled. “Wow, I moved here from Sheepshead Bay about a month ago. I miss the friends that I played Star Wars and Incredible Hulk with. I can be your friend.”

The two kids smiled at each other. They decided they wouldn’t let anyone get picked on.

The two wound up playing Star Wars in the schoolyard. They were always Sith. They constantly argued over who was the master and the apprentice. Sometimes Marc burst out into a green guy. For years the two were inseparable.

The Status Quo

Everyone was home from Aruba. Well, the newlyweds and their “security” team were. As for Anat, no one knows where she is. She apparently stormed off her Aruban “chef” job.

The gang was back at work. Jen and Jake were adjusting to married life well. Jen wanted a baby girl.

Marc and Alana were together a lot. But were not dating. Just being their usual selves. They kind of gave up on meeting people. One day they figured they’d wed as a joke. Even with their superpowers, no one could tolerate their craziness. They were made for each other. They just needed to grin and bear it and tie the knot. It was inevitable. But would likely take years.

They carried on their somewhat pathetic existence and attraction to each other. They kept the peace in the areas they visited. They didn’t let anyone get in their way. But did it in a dignified way. They just had no patience for immaturity and dishonesty. This occurred whether the people were much senior or junior to them. They forged ahead.

Alana hung with Tzipora who was talking about marriage to Eran. Alana was envious. The two of them had another tryst between the sheets. Alana wasn’t sure what she was doing with herself. Neither was Tzipora. But she needed the connection she had with Eran. She knew she Alana was just having fun. And ultimately, she’s Marc’s.

They all carried along. All was quiet.

Until…

The Buffalo Wars

Alana and Marc emerged from their Salt Lake swim. They weren’t always the brightest. They knew the wedding was about to start. So they dried off quickly and put on appropriate attire.

They began to hike over to Antelope Island. They moved quickly. They didn’t want to miss the breaking of the glass. As they were walking they heard deafening screams.

They knew something had to be going on. They saw a herd of bison running around near the wedding spot. And they smelled a familiar odor. The two nodded at each other and began to high tail it to the chuppah.

“Don’t you have relations with the buffalo?” asked Alana.

“I only wish I did. A kid I used to spend my summers with was very close to the mighty animal. It protected him. The rest of us dreamed to have that.”

The two ran as fast as they could.

They saw Jen and Jake on the floor bleeding. They saw others in the same situation. Then they saw Anat charging on her buffalo at the bride and groom.

Alana and Marc looked at each other. They jumped onto a tree. As Anat was heading toward Jen and Jake, Marc jumped off the tree, while Alana shot gallons of wine into Anat’s eyes. Anat fell off the buffalo. Marc landed on top and rode it like a stallion. As he was riding, he was meditating. He was thinking of the great buffalo master from his earlier years. He was channeling him. He got the buffalo to slow down and nod to the rest of the herd.

In the meantime, Alana jumped off the tree and pelted Anat with figs. They got caught in her filthy hair. She was still on the ground after her fall. She tried to get up but tripped over her boots. Alana showered her with pomegranate wine.

Meanwhile, the buffalo retreated. Marc hopped off his and walked over to Jake and Jen and began first aid. Alana was checking the other folks.

Jen and Jake Get Married. Or do they?

Jen’s and Jake’s Antelope Island, Salt Lake wedding was rapidly approaching. Why Antelope Island? Years ago, Jake hiked it when he was on a business trip and loved the watching the buffalo roam. He believes that this animal is very spiritual. No one ever understood why.

Much planning went into it. Jake was fairly well off. So he was able to provide transportation to and from for those in need. He kept his financial status quiet. Jen loved him because of him. Not his money. She was never that type of woman. They figured Salt Lake was safe from Anat, too. Jen didn’t want Marc and Alana there to provide security services. She wanted a peaceful wedding and an amazing honeymoon in Aruba.

The big day finally arrived. All the guests looked beautiful. But no one looked prettier than Jen. The photographer took great shots of them and the herd of bison that was in the distance.

The wedding was about to begin. Everyone looked beautiful and the weather was perfect. The rabbi called everyone to order. Jake looked so strong and Jen looked like a movie star.

All of a sudden the herd of buffalo came charging at the chuppah. Anat was riding the lead buffalo. She jumped off and started hitting everyone with dates, prunes and the scary and deadly raisin.

“You were so stupid to send out online invites and post a website about this golden day. I hacked everything. The wedding is over. It’s over.”

Jen burst into to tears. Jake tried to hold her. But he was pelted with dried fruit.

They had no idea what to expect next. Their families were running. But the buffalo were charging. People always look at the beauty of the buffalo. Most people forget they are not docile animals.

If they didn’t get help soon there will be a lot seriously injured and perhaps even dead people.

Passover in the Old City

Jen was so excited about her upcoming wedding. But before the tied her vows she had to celebrate Pesach. She asked her grandmother to help her make a Seder at her house for the whole family and Jake’s family. Jen hoped as their married life progressed they would host plenty of holiday dinners. She was an okay cook. But grandma was better.

She was especially looking forward to living in the Sukkah with Jake in the fall. She loved that holiday. Sometimes she wished she could live in her Sukkah year round.

The family had a wonderful time at her Seder. She purchased all of her food from the Kart.

Meanwhile, Anat was in tears that her grandmother was gone for several years and her special Seders were over. She didn’t have anywhere to go. Her parents never tried to carry on the Seders. And they probably would have yelled at her all night. So she cried and cooked for herself. She never had anywhere to go. It hurt when she heard all of her coworkers talk about their Pesach and Easter plans. She knew a loving family and friends weren’t meant for her. Why this happened made up her four questions.

Alana and Marc were together as usual in the Old City. Marc finished praying at the Kotel. Then the two of them just sat there clueless before walking to their rabbi’s for the Seder. The two still were never sure of their relationship.

Tzipora went to Eran’s parents for the Seder. He was going to her family the next day. On the way, she told him about her lifestyle. Eran was shocked. But not upset. He took it maturely. He said he accepted her. And would only be upset if she went with another guy.

Marc and Alana got up and decided it was time to go to the Seder. They weren’t late. They were never late for anything. They were taking in the beauty of the Old City. They heard a small child crying and ran toward her. She was all alone. She needed her parents. They asked her a few questions. She just sobbed.

Marc and Alana didn’t want her to be alone. They asked her where her Seder was. She said in the Old City at her Aunt Miriam’s house. That didn’t help them. The girl jumped onto Alana. A tear fell from Alana’s eye. She always wanted a little girl to dress in all black. Maybe not the best image for a cute little baby. But that is Alana. She held her. The girl stopped crying and asked if she could help them find Aunt Miriam’s house.

Naturally, Marc and Alana said, yes.

Anat Wrecks Havoc in Flushing Meadow Park

Finally, Jake was able to place the ring on Jen’s finger. The two were still shaken after the melee that nearly killed them.
They began wedding planning and wondered if they needed to add security to the list of things they needed to have in place. The two lovebirds went about their business.
Meanwhile, Alana and Marc were together nearly 24/7, as they drew up plans to take out Anat.
Tzipora, on the other hand, was getting closer to Eran. But still spending time with women. She knew she had to run this by him. She feared he’d either leave him out fear that one day she’d dump him for a girl. Or be so turned on that he’d want to watch and/or join in. Tzipora was a one woman/man at a time girl. To her, it was love not some guy fantasy thing.
Alana was pounding the pavement at Flushing Meadow Park. The park was somewhat busy. But not packed. People were doing their usual things, barbecuing, kayaking on the lake, playing soccer and just having fun.
She stopped her run by the World’s Fair Globe to stretch her legs. Little kids were running through the sprinklers at the globe. All was well. As Alana broke out of her stretch, she was pelted in the head by rock hard raisins. She ducked down and started spraying wine all over. Anat was hit right the eyes.
“Why are you starting with me? We don’t even know each other. For heaven’s sake, Jen did what she did when she was a kid. Let it go.”
Anat bounced up and nailed Alana with a prune. Alana fired back with figs.
“She was brutal. There was no reason for her to act the way she did. Yeah, it was like 30 years ago. But payback is payback.”
Alana shot more wine. She shot so much that the whole park was getting intoxicated. She didn’t want to hurt anyone. So she retreated.
Meanwhile, Anat kept firing prunes and apricots at anyone that got in her way.

World’s Fair Globe, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

Jen gets engaged at Coney Island, Or does she?

Jake was very excited. He purchased what his mom and sister decided was the perfect ring for Jen. The plan was to propose in a few days near the medicinal Coney Island waters. He was checking the weather nonstop. Nothing could ruin the big day.

Late Wednesday afternoon was perfect. Jake and Jen just finished their sixth straight ride on the Cyclone. His sister was nearby with the ring. Jen went to the ladies room, while she was taking care of business, Jake’s sister made the handoff.

Jen emerged from the restroom and told Jake she needed water. Or maybe a Coney Island Mermaid brew. Jake was happy. All was going as planned. They headed to Nathan’s. Jen found a seat, while Jake purchased the beverages and a few hot dogs and fries.

They people gazed while they were chowing down on their dogs and making idle conversation. Jake’s family was lurking in the background. As were Jen’s. Jake tipped off everyone that today was the day.

The two lovebirds disposed of their cups and walked over to the Wonder Wheel Jake smiled and started telling Jen how much he enjoyed their time together. Jen was blushing. A tear fell from her eye. The two rode the Wonder Wheel. Jake told her Jen how she was his mermaid. They exited the ride and walked toward Grimaldi’s chair on the beach.

A small beach blanket with Ariel and Flounder was waiting for them. Both of their families were around. But not in plain view. One family member was snapping photos and another videoing.

Jake trembled as he reached into his jacket pocket. Jen was shaking. She knew what was about to happen. Or did she?

“Jen, the last few months have been the best time of my life. I want this to continue for the rest of our lives.” He opened the ring box. Jen’s eyes lit up when she saw her diamonds. As Jake was about to take it out of the box to place on her finger, Anat, who had been floating unnoticed in the medicinal waters burst out of the ocean and stood in front of the lovebirds. Despite her swim, she was still filthy. Her boots were sopping wet.

“Jen, Jen, Jen. I bet you forgot about me. I learned to swim. I’m happy for you and Jake. Not. I see you have a nice life and are about to get engaged. I hope you treat your future kids to respect people. Your parents failed at that.”

Jake had no idea what was going on. Jen was shivering.

“Anat, we’ve grown up now. I have no idea what you’ve been up to. But I hope you’re doing well. Please let me be. I didn’t mean to torture you camp. Throwing you in the lake was not nice. But we were kids. Back in the day we teased each other.”

“Well, I did ok. I went to Stanford and live on the Upper East Side. I have a good job. I still don’t have friends or a boyfriend. But I don’t care. You know you threatened to steal my dried fruit. That was from my now deceased grandmother. She was the only person whoever took an interest in me. The boots I loved wearing she gave me. You took them off me and threw them around.”

“Anat, I am sorry, I was a dumb kid. Many of us were. Things were different back then. You probably in many ways did better than me.”

Anat stood listening and began to laugh. Her teeth and fists clenched.

Suddenly dried fruit flew from Anat’s hands. However, this time was it was different. She usually fights with prunes and apricots. This time she unleashed the mighty raisin. Raisins harder than stones nailed Jen and Jake. Both were shivering, as the held onto to each other. Anat ran up to them and grabbed the ring out of Jake’s hands. He was upset. But at this point he wanted he and Jen to live.

Anat tossed the ring toward the waters. It was about to land in the water. As it dropped Alana, who was swimming jumped out of the water and caught it in her teeth. Marc was right behind her. She slipped the ring into the top of her black bikini and ran toward Anat.

Anat was pelted with honey, figs and pomegranates. Marc looked over at a shaking Jen. He smiled at her. And yelled out, “I will save you. I want you to be happy. But I will always love you. And I bet you will always love me.”

Alana showered Anat with pomegranate wine. Anat fought back with even heavier raisins. The three of them volleyed for the next 15 minutes. Jen looked at Marc and smiled and mouthed out, “Your are right. But Jake is my guy now.”

Anat jumped back into the water. Although Alana wanted to place the ring on Marc’s finger, she tossed it to Jake and went after Anat.

Anat flips out over bad dried fruit

Tzipora was seeing a patient in her office at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Several weeks ago, the young woman, a beloved teacher suffered a fractured left orbit playing basketball. She was getting better. But was still having vision and other problems as a result of her injuries. Tzipora is a young and rising neuro-ophthalmologist. She was conducting a visual field to test the optic nerves transmission of visual signals from the eyes to her patient’s brain. Thankfully the woman was doing well. Tzipora recommended a follow-up with her ophthalmologist.

She was still hanging with Eran. The ride was getting more fun. They had some serious conversations and really respected his work ethic and felt he is a genuine guy. She felt bad that she wasn’t one hundred percent faithful. But he was her only guy. She wondered whether she needed to talk to him about this. This was the first time she ever thought of telling her partner about her sexuality. But Eran was her first that she felt this deeply about.

She met him for lunch. They discussed the market, the Yankees and their plans to see Depeche Mode at Barclay’s Center in a few weeks. All was going well. Until Anat stormed into the café they were dining in. The cheery mood vanished. The aroma of freshly baked bread turned to an aroma akin to a Dumpster.

Anat sat down and ordered a cup of coffee and a salad. She started eyeing the other diners. The smiles on their faces, as they cheerfully ate with their families and friends enraged her. She sipped her coffee and nibbled on her mixed greens.

Eran and Anat kissed briefly and were feeding each other in a teeny bopper fashion.

Anat asked Joey, the server if they had any dried fruit. Of course, Joey said,. I can run into the kitchen and get you a plate. She smiled.
She continued eating. She noticed some of the lettuce was wilted and the tomato was puckered and wrinkled. Anat was calm for a moment and pushed the bad veggies off to the side of her plate. Joey came back with a plate of mixed dried fruit. She began eating it. The prunes were not as sweet as they should be. Anat knew they were past their prime. This was unsettling.

All of a sudden she started screaming about this. The server ran over to see if she was ok. He thought she might have been choking on her food or having a severe allergic reaction. He didn’t hear what she was saying. He just heard her loud somewhat inaudible screams. As he got to her table she stood up and flipped it over.

Tzipora and Eran were seated next to Anat. Some of the coffee spilled onto Eran’s pant leg. Anat started shooting fresh dried fruit from her eyes and fingers at Joey. He fell down. Anat started laughing. She hit a few other customers and ran out slamming the café’s door.

Marc and Alana Plot to take out Anat

“Alana, we need to get together. We have a real problem. Tomorrow, meet me at our bench at Wolfe’s Pond Park.”

Alana was sitting nose deep into her Kindle Fire on the Staten Island Ferry Newhouse. She jumped on the train and got off at Huguenot. As she headed to the park, she passed her and Marc’s alma mater, Tottenville High School. The two of them hated that place. Pure misery.

Marc was seated on their bench overlooking the water. Alana walked over and gave him a hello hug.

“Let me guess, our problem is that crazy boot wearing woman, who fights with prunes and dates? A few days ago, she was hurting someone in Prospect Park. We fought. She’s tough.”

Marc shook his head. “She attacked me last Sunday outside the Stadium.”

They chatted for a few minutes. Marc explained that she was actually after Jen.

“We need to take her out,” exclaimed Alana.

Marc’s blinked his eyes and smiled. “I know. But how? Do we double-team her? I don’t want her to hurt Jen.”

Marc went on to tell Alana that he thinks Jen will get married to the guy she’s dating. Alana responded by telling him that she thinks it is nice and knows the two of them will never wed anyone. Marc smiled and told her that they at least have their own messed up friendship. And that’s life.

The two got up and walked along the trail hand in hand. They continued to discuss their plan to take out Anat. Marc was assigned the task to warn Jen. Alana was somewhat jealous of Jen. Partially due to her former relationship with Marc. And because she was able to find someone. She got out of the web that chained Marc and Alana.

They left the park. Jen called Marc.

“Hey, Marc. Listen I know I will always love you and our time together. But I am moving on. I am talking marriage with Jake. I think he may get me a ring any day now.”

“That’s nice, Jen. Tell me about some crazy smelly lady named Anat who claims you tortured her when she was growing up?”

“What? How do you know her? I was thinking about her the other day. Please tell me she’s not your girlfriend. I am on a new path. I know you and Alana will always have your twisted relationship. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“Anat attacked me outside the Stadium. She attacked some woman in Prospect Park. Alana broke up the fight. After she went after me, she said she’s after you.”

“We tortured her in summer camp. I was a ringleader. She couldn’t swim. We did the old “put the crazy kid in a canoe trick.” You taught it to me.

“Oh boy, Jen. You’re in for it. I will always love you, too. Be careful.”