Julianne: Human technology is truly fascinating. You know, I'm something of a scientist, and I've always been quite interested in understanding as to how bionics work. Errrrr... is it too much trouble to ask for a little peek?

Ken was taken aback by her response.

Julianne: Oh. I'm sorry. After all, we've only just met. You know how we scientists are when we are curious. Ehehe...

Ken: I see. It's fine.

Julianne: Well, OK then. So, how about you, big fella, feel comfortable telling me about your abilities?

Luke: Sure.

Julianne: Well?

Luke: I have super strength and invulnerability.

Julianne: Oh. It's like that one guy in that show Max watches. Su... s..su... Super Powerful Man.

Luke: Oh yeah, I remember that show.

Julianne: Wait! Can you fly and shoot lasers, too?

Luke: Errrr... no.

Julianne: Oh.

Luke: But he can shoot lasers out of his eyes.

Luke pointed at Ken.

Julianne: Really?

Ken: Well, yes.

Julianne: Bionics really are something, aren't they? But, either way, super strength sounds like an amazing ability to have.

She giggled as they simply watched her. She was a very charming woman.

Julianne: Ahhhhh....

She turned her gaze upon Tiffany, who was waiting somewhat anxiously for what she assumed would be her turn.

Julianne: And last but not least, what about you?

Tiffany took a moment to answer.

Tiffany: I... I don't have any powers.

Julianne: You what!

Julianne remained shocked for a moment.

Julianne: You mean... you fight with your friends... against opponents on equal footing... without powers?

Tiffany: Y.. yeah.

For the first time since Julianne started talking, she had become completely quiet.

Julianne: Well, I never would have imagined. You're quite the impressive one, aren't you?

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Tiffany: Yeah.

Rose looked at Tiffany. Something was still clearly bothering her.

Julianne: Hmm.

She took the last few sips of her coffee.

Julianne: Well, you four really are all very special people. It was nice chatting with you all.

Rose: It was nice chatting with you, too!

Rose and Julianne shared a smile.

Julianne got up and took her cup to the kitchen sink.

Julianne: You can bring your plates here when you're done, and you can let yourselves out whenever you feel the need to leave, m'kay?

They all exchanged glances unsuredly. Why was she being so nice to them?

Rose: Ummmm.... Uhhhh...

Ken: Thank you for the food.

Rose: Yeah, thanks a bunch.

Luke: Yeah, it tasted great.

Tiffany: Yeah, thanks.

Julianne: Oh, you kids.

She walked out of the kitchen and made for the stairs.

Rose uncomfortably interrupted her.

Rose: Excuse me, Mrs Hunter?

Julianne: Yes?

Rose: I.... Errrr... I just....

Julianne looked onto the girl knowingly as she twiddled her thumbs.

Julianne: Don't worry. It's like I said yesterday. He'll be fine.

Rose: Oh, ok.

She let out a small smile and lay her hands out behind her back.

Rose: Thanks for letting me know.

Julianne: Oh, don't worry.

Julianne walked upstairs, and just before she was out of sight, a thud sound was heard from upstairs.

All of them froze, including Julianne.

Julianne's first instinct was to run up the stairs to her son, but something told her to consider the kids' feelings.

They were all on the couches, looking at her with hopeful eyes. They all wanted to see Max.

Julianne: Come with me!

They all hustled behind her as she made her way to Max's room.

Stopping at the door, Julianne Hunter knocked.

Julianne: Max, honey. Is everything ok?

The teens waited expectantly for an answer and were immediately glad to have gotten one.

Max: Yeah, I'm fine.

Julianne Hunter knowingly told the teens to wait outside for a moment before letting herself in.

Max had, on his own, tried to get up and go to the bathroom, but he had ended up falling down on the floor. He was presently struggling to get up from the floor.

She grabbed her son and gently lifted him to take him to his bed.

Max: Mom, I said I'm...

Julianne: Just give me five minutes ok hon?

Max paused for a moment before answering.

Max: Fine.

Julianne placed him on his bed and walked outside his room and simply opened the door, and closed it without letting any of them see him. As she closed the door, the rest of them could catch a glimpse of Max with his head turned away from them in his bed.

Rose: Is he...

Julianne: He just needs some more rest.

Rose: Oh, ok.

Julianne: Hmph. So, look, kids, I know I said you could leave whenever you wanted, but could you leave? I would like to have a personal chat with Max.

Rose: Oh...

Luke: It's fine, Mrs Hunter. It's no big deal.

Julianne: There's that responsibility.

She smiled at Luke.

Julianne: Alright then, I suppose I'll escort you all out.

She led them to the front door and opened it for them.

Julianne: It's a bright and sunny day. So maybe you could all have some fun.

They looked at each other with uncertainty once more. What had happened to this aggressive woman overnight?

Julianne: Well, goodbye.

Rose went out first.

Rose: Goodbye. When I get home, I'm gonna look at all your movies.

Julianne giggled in response.

Julianne: Sure. Have fun. Oh, wait. Start with the prequel. It will make so much more sense if you start with it.

Rose: Ok.

Ken was out next.

Julianne: Goodbye, hot shot.

Ken: Goodbye.

Next up was Luke.

Julianne: And you Mr. Strongman. Goodbye.

Luke: Goodbye ma'am. And thanks again for the meal.

Julianne: Don't mention it. It was no trouble.

And last of all was Tiffany.

Julianne: Goodbye, Tiffany.

Tiffany: Yeah, goodbye.

Julianne patted Tiffany's back, much to the teen's surprise.

Julianne: All right, have a nice day, kids.

Rose waved and shouted as they all walked to the van.

Rose: You too, Mrs. Hunter!