Chapter 26

Wednesday I had a preview of what school would be like when Tom and Bill said, “Hello Hero,” as I came out the door.

At least they were being nice about it. My recent experiences had taught me that everything wouldn’t be seen in a good light.

“Hi guys, all I did was to help get them out of their car before the fire spread. The fire was just starting and I was never in danger.”

Tom said, “How can you be so calm about that? I would have stood there too long wondering what I should do. I probably would’ve run into the library and called the fire department.”

Bill helpfully added, “I would’ve crapped in my pants.”

“Not a pleasant thought Bill,” I replied.

That started an argument between Tom and Bill halfway to school about when it was acceptable to crap your pants. Finally, they asked my opinion. I considered it for a minute and finally came out with, “I guess when there are no other options it is okay.”

They wanted examples. “Well if the guy has a gun and you don’t and he is pulling the trigger and your feet are set in cement so you can’t move, why the heck are we talking about this anyway? It’s just plain stupid!”

This high toned conversation got us to school.

Of course by the time I was in my homeroom the car had not only burned and exploded plus the library was half gone. There was even damage to the Kennedy Funeral Parlor across from the library. Before lunch, the exploding car would probably be launched high enough to be spotted by the radar station on Campbell’s hill.

The word had gone out that I was the one who pulled the people out of the car. I tried to explain to everyone who would listen that it wasn’t that big of a deal. The story just kept going around and around. It reached its peak at noon in the cafeteria.

People kept coming up to me asking questions about risking my life. I couldn’t take any more. I stood up on a table and got everyone’s attention. I started talking before the teachers on duty could get to me.

Once I said the whole story was wrong they slowed down to see what I would say. I gave the story as it really occurred. The flames were just starting and I was never in danger.

Yes, they would’ve been in trouble if I hadn’t got them out. I wasn’t some superhero, just a guy that moved two people from point A to point B at the correct time. Now let it rest, please.

When I shut up silence reigned. I started to get down from the table then the applause started, it kept going and going. Then someone started chanting, “Go Bellefontaine.” Even the two teachers were clapping. I left my lunch and walked out the door, kids were touching me as I went by. I marched out the door and walked up the hill and went home. These people were crazy.

Mum wanted to know what I was doing home so early. I didn’t even know what to tell her, the world didn’t seem real. I just walked by her as the phone started ringing.

Mary was in the front room and saw me, “Oh good Rick, you’re just in time for tea.” She had a tea party set up with her dolls. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the party.

Dad got home at about three o’clock, I could hear him and Mum talking in the kitchen. Mary was tired of playing tea party so she told us the royal audience was over we commoners could now leave.

Not wanting to be thrown into a royal dungeon I bowed to her Majesty and took my leave. Mum really has to quit reading the stories in that magazine to Mary. Some are fact and some are fiction, I can see the future Queen on the phone now, “Off with their heads!”

Dad was waiting in the kitchen. He gestured that I should sit down. Mum was nowhere around.

“Rick I hear it was rough for you at school today.”

“It was Dad, they don’t see the real me, they keep making things greater and better than they are.”

“That happens, Rick, it is human nature. You are learning one of the hard lessons of fame. So far you haven’t bought into it and I can’t tell you how happy I’m for that. Let me ask you a question.”