Chapter 4 - Change

Dad took a short break around the same time Lily decided to abandon me in my chair for a sandwich. At that point, I would have abandoned myself for a sandwich too.

Despite knowing that the courtesy recital for my father’s platform was bound to end, impatience stomped and kicked away at my willingness to remain seated. As a kid, I was much more mature during these kinds of social gatherings, but the years (and several unsavory encounters with members of the super media) had made me petulant.

It didn’t help that my body was aching for reasons that were entirely my fault.

“Keep slouching that way, son, and you’ll need spinal surgery in your twenties.”

The elder Ramirez, my father, rounded the line of foldable chairs. With two soft drinks in his hands, he sat down next to me, letting Jeremy and Gonzalo intersect anyone who tried to follow suit. 

My lips pressed tightly. I did my best to convey the annoyance and betrayal that his Avowal Bill had caused. I locked my chin, ignored the soda he extended and inhaled sharply. He couldn’t accuse me of acting like a child.

“Don’t be a child, Yandel,” he said.

Out went a frustrated grunt. I dropped the façade, accepted the soda and turned to face him, all in two seconds. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done to me, sir?”

He scoffed but let me continue.

“I’ve got a phone I can barely use because every super in the goddamn universe wants to know what you’re up to.” I placed my soda down. “Lily’s mom is pissed at you and more than likely suspicious of me because of your secrets.” This merited my father’s concerned frown. He and Minnie were friends, even if they didn’t always admit it. “And I’m sure you’re responsible for at least five heart attacks in the pro-concealment camp after that surprise Rossdale endorsement. How did you convince Rossdale, by the way?”

He ran both thumbs across the silver top of the soda can, eyes downcast. If he wanted my discretion, he had it now. He said, “it’s complicated, m'ijo. But I promise after this conference you’re going to know the battle plan.”

I mulled it over. I didn’t doubt he’d tell me the details, but how much of the details was another question completely.

“Sure. Fine. Okay. But if this Avowal Bill goes through, I’m demanding to be in charge of all fanfiction that might be confiscated after our reveal.”

He laughed at what he perceived to be a joke, but I was sixty-seven percent serious. “I’ll see what the nepotism laws have to say about it.” He patted my knee. “I have to get back to the stage.”

Reluctantly, I waved goodbye to my dad. His guard cleared the path just as Lily returned to exchange good luck wishes with the Senator. She replaced my father in the seat he’d left behind.

“Did he let you in on his big plan?” Lily splayed out her fingers in a gesture meant to mimic an explosion. 

I have had enough of bombs for the week.

“No, but it’s not exactly a good time.”

“Well, maybe that’s a blessing. Your dad has a lot of eyes on him now. If you know something, his opposers might try to pry information out of you.”

“I can keep my mouth shut, Lilith.”

“I’m only warning you. I’d be more worried about people like Cathrow and Houser.”

The only person I was worried about was my English Literature professor. Mr. Gris had no more extensions to give me on my essay, and there was no way I’d be able to complete it by today. But I didn’t tell Lily this unnecessary piece of information, and she dropped the discussion when the microphone on the stage crackled and my father retook the audience’s attention.

“Thank you for waiting,” he started, “I will be more than happy to answer your questions after the conference has ended. I would also like to touch upon what most of your headlines have been eagerly hoping for. I only ask that you be courteous enough to remain seated and mindful of your reaction. Let’s play the quiet game, please.”

Laughter trickled from the guests. To Full-humans, “let’s play the quiet game” was a cute nod to the past, but to us, the comment referred to a less universal experience, our mandatory childhood training and the preservation of our secret.

My dad waited for the laughs to settle out, and then for the second time that week, he dropped a surprise.

“Starting next month, after the holidays are over, I will travel to every state to campaign for the Avowal Bill. There will be a Town Hall held in most major cities, and all constituents are welcome to join. Our media team will be answering questions through an online chat room as the meetings are happening for anyone incapable of attending. I want as many people informed of their vote as possible.”

There was it.

Lily’s eyebrows had shot up. “A national campaign trail?”

I laughed. One, because Lilith’s face was priceless. And two, because my dad’s plan was such a good idea. The guests were eating it up. I said, “This is awesome. I mean he told us he was going to campaign, but I figured he was going on the Supernatural News Network like everyone else.”

Lily pivoted in her chair. 

“You’re happy about this, Yandel? It’ll mean your dad will be traveling for months.”

My grin plummeted.