After giving my advice to Alicia. I felt I had really started to connect to this life. I had a loving mother and a loving aunt for a family. My father while missing is still alive so there is hope for him to return to us. I have rescued the first lady of Marvel's silver age comics from a lifetime of suffering and crazy near death experiences. Plus, I had helped to heroes of Marvel actually get the girl they loved.
I lead Alicia back down our stairs to the main floor after several minutes of talking and looking through my telescope. As we descend from the second floor we could smell the aroma of something delicious cooking. I felt my tummy growling so loudly it actually startled Alicia. Then she realized where the sound came from and started laughing. Of course this sent me to blushing, and that set her off even harder. I ran down the last few steps and headed to the kitchen. Alicia, still giggling, slowly made her way down into the underground research lab.
In the kitchen, I saw Aunt Megan slowly stirring a pot of something that smelled good so I asked her, "Auntie Meg what ya stirring?"
"I am making the soup course as your mommy requested. Marcus would you mind helping with the salad while I fix the soup?" She replied and the asked.
"How?"
"See the big bowl and small bowls on the table?"
"Yes."
"First, take all of the small bowls and pour their contents into the big bowl. Second, wash your hands using the step ladder. Finally, using you hands carefully mix all the ingredients in the big bowl around until they are all mixed together. Can you be a big help and do that for me?" Auntie Meg asks after giving me instructions.
I climb up into a chair and looked into the bowls. The big bowl had a large amount of chopped lettuce in it already. The various small bowls had other ingredients like grated cheese, onions, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion slices, croutons, and diced ham. "Okay Auntie Meg." I replied and got to work. After pouring all the ingredients, I washed my hands using our kitchen step ladder. Afterwards, I climbed back up to the table and slowly mixed the salad with my hands. It would have taken me no time with my actual physical stats, but I took it slowly as to not draw any attention.
About halfway through my mixing of the salad I heard a female crying and sobbing. I knew from the sound of the voice it was Alicia. That meant, Ben had just woken up, and sure enough a few seconds later I heard his voice.
"Alicia I'm cured. Thank you Norrin. I am forever in your debt. No matter what from here on you are my brother. You are as important to me as Alicia is." I heard him say out loud. Judging by the volume I would say he retained his super strength. I thought to myself. After another minute or 2 my mother walked into the kitchen with a smile and the remnants of tears on her face.
"Ben has been cured." She said with that happy smile showing her pearly whites.
"That is great news." My aunt cheerfully said.
"See I was right again." I couldn't help but toot my own horn.
"Yes you were my little man." Mom came over and hugged me then she kissed my forehead.
"I don't know why you adults don't believe me more often. I have been talking for almost a year now and when have I ever been wrong?" I stated matter of fact like.
"Marcus you are not even 3 yet. How do you expect us to believe everything you say?" My aunt questioned me.
"Auntie Meg, I spend hours each day on the computer learning new things every minute. If you consider how fast I learn new information. I learn in about 3 minutes what most people learn in two hours That means, in one hour I learn as much as most people learn in five days. Factor in eight hours of learning a day and that means in three days I have learned as much as most people do in four months. I have been doing this for almost nine months. That means I have been learning new information at the equivalent of forty times faster and after nine months that equals 360 months or 30 years of perpetually learning new things. Do not forget I have a photographic memory. I know more now about many subjects than most doctorate professors know about those subjects." I stated with a smile.
"Cassie, I still don't know how you ended up with him being so smart. I mean you were smart in school but he makes you look slow and me look remedial. Is Alexander this smart?" My Aunt Megan questions my mom.
"Honestly Megan, Alexander is very smart he sometimes makes me feel like he is in college while I am in junior high. However Marcus is in a league of his own. I can argue and win occasionally with Alex. I have never won against Marcus." Mom replies.
"I thought that you were just pulling my leg saying that."
"No Megs, he has been winning every argument since he started arguing. It has been about three months now since our first argument. I lost then and have lost three more times since." Mom replied with a sigh.
"God, I have lost six times in two months. I thought I was just not as informed as I should be. Now I think it isn't me not being informed enough. It is him being too informed." My aunt also replied with a sigh.
"Mommies, please don't be upset. I may know lots but I can't do what you two can do. I still need to grow big before I can do most of what you can do."
"Marcus, you're not helping our self-esteem you do realize this right?" My aunt chided.
"What do you mean Auntie Meg? You both are adults. I will need to be an adult to be able to do most of the things either of you can do, and even then there will be lots of things you two can do that I cannot."
"He is right ladies." A deep baritone voice cuts in.
"Hey Uncle Ben, are you feeling better now?" I happily wave. Yep you guessed it. Benjamin Grimm has entered the kitchen. He stands almost six feet tall, broad shoulders, and is solid muscle. He has auburn hair and light blue eyes.
"I'm feeling much better Marcus. Thank you for figuring out that Norrin could heal me." Ben states with a large smile on his face.
"That's great to hear. Now you, Alicia, and Norrin can be a happy family like me and my mommies are." I laugh and smile during my response.
"Kid, I don't know what all it will take, but I will give it my best to make that happen." Ben rubs my head as he replies.
"My mom said, honesty is the best policy. I use it but I temper it with how would I want someone to tell me stuff. It keeps me happy, mommy happy, and auntie happy."
"That is some sound advice young Marcus." A voice sounds in our kitchen.
"UATU!" Hey Uatu, happy to see you." I state as I look around...."Er not see you but hear from you." I finish stating.
"Worry not young Marcus. I am busy instructing Johnny Storm how far off course he is. I will arrive not long after he does."Uatu's voice echoes in our ears.
"Benjamin Grimm it will be a pleasure to meet you in the flesh finally." Uatu jokes as his voice fades away.
"A real comedian we have as our Watcher." Ben says while shaking his head. "I will leave you three to it. I want to sit and chat with both Alicia and Norrin before we celebrate." He says while walking away.
"About 20 minutes Ben!" My Aunt Megan called out. Ben raised his hand and waved to us as he walked out the swinging doors.
"I really hope the three of them will be able to get along." My mom says looking at the door where Ben left through.
"Me too." My aunt replied.
"Mom, Auntie, relax. If Alicia follows my advice they should happily get along. Speaking of getting along, I am going to go see big sister Sue and Uncle Reed." I say then climb down from the chair I was standing in.
"Don't interrupt them if they are having a serious conversation." My mom tells me.
"Okay." I say as I run off with a wave.
"God Cassie, what did you and Alex unleash upon the world." My aunt says while laughing out loud and shaking her head.
"Don't ask me sis. I'm still trying to figure that one out." My mom replies while giggling as I run through the swinging doors.
As I enter the dining room from the kitchen. I start looking around. Our large dining room table has place settings for 10. I head towards our living room where I see Ben, Norrin, and Alicia sitting in chairs talking.
"Uncle Ben, Uncle Norrin have you two seen big sister Sue or Uncle Reed?." I didn't ask Alicia because her eyes are closed.
"They were both downstairs. I don't know if they stayed after Ben came upstairs." The Silver Surfer replied.
"I can hear them talking downstairs." Alicia says with a smile.
"Thank you all for your help." I reply with a wave and start to head downstairs. When I reach halfway down the stairs, I can hear talking.
"Reed can you believe what we just saw?" A female's voice coming from the lab says. It has to be Sue I figure.
"It was fascinating. The fact that his powers allowed him to alter Ben's physical characteristics without reducing his newly altered genetically mutated powers is astonishing." A man's voice replied. That definitely was Reed Richards voice. I thought to myself.
"Since he could cure Ben's problem do you think he could fix our's?" Sue asks.
"What problem are you talking about?" Reed responded.
"Our powers. Could the Silver Surfer remove the cosmic radiation that is in our bodies? Could he turn us back into nomal human beings without powers?" Susan questions.
"Hypothetically it could be possible. The bigger question is, 'Has the cosmic radiation that gave us out powers changed us on a genetic level?' If it has I doubt the Silver Surfer's powers could help us return to being regular humans." Reed replied after some quiet. This is starting to head down a road I don't like, time for me to intervene.
"Big sister Sue, Uncle Reed, are you two down here?" I called out.
"Yes Marcus, we're down here." Susan replied.
"What are you doing down here still?" I asked.
"We are marveling at the feat we just witnessed. The Silver Surfer's powers are incredible." Reed stayed as I walked into the lab.
"Oh, okay." I nodded in response.
"Why are you down here looking for us?" Sue asked me.
"Well I had some questions for both of you and was looking for you until I heard your conversation." I simply stated.
"And what pray tell were you looking to ask us young Marcus?" Reed asked me.
"Well for you Uncle Reed. My question was in reference to the Silver Surfer's powers. As for big sister Sue I wanted her opinion on what games we can play later." I stated after a short pause.
"What do you want to discuss about the Silver Surfer's powers?" Reed questioned me.
"Well from my observations his powers allow him to control energy and matter. I figured this after hearing how he created the uniform he is wearing. He transmuted organic and inorganic matter into the uniform. Hypothetically that allows him to rearrange the molecular structure of matter on a cellular level. Thus, my belief he could help Ben. However, after speaking to the Silver Surfer he has already told me he cannot rearrange things on a genetic level." I stated.
"Then do you think he could remove the cosmic radiation from our bodies" Sue asked.
"He probably can remove the cosmic radiation, but if we are objectively looking at the situation. Once mutation from radiation occurs it actually causes changes on a genetic level. Normally, radiation changes are permanent changes. We can ask him if you are truly worried about having your powers. However, I doubt the removal of any excessive cosmic radiation from your body would remove your powers. Look at Uncle Ben he still has his super strength and other powers. All the Silver Surfer'spowers did is alter his exterior. His genetically altered D.N.A. still gives him his super powers." I responded after careful consideration.
"Thank you for your insight little Marcus. It is amazing to find one with your level of intelligence at such a young age." Reed complemented me.
"You are certainly more than welcome Uncle Reed." I replied, "But if we are talking about mutation. I understand there is a foremost expert named Professor Charles Xavier not far from here. I believe his residency is in Westchester County. I recommend speaking with him if you are wanting to know more about genetic mutation." I continued while observing Sue. I didn't want Sue to become normal. I wanted my Invisible Woman. She would be the key to protecting herself and anyone else I loved while I wasn't around.
"Thank you for the information Marcus. I may contact him in the future." Reed said with genuine gratitude in his voice.
I smiled and said, "Uncle Reed, big sister Sue, we should start heading upstairs. We heard from Uatu that he is directing Johnny who got lost." I laughed after telling them.
"My brother the directional challenged." Sue said while shaking her head.
"Yes, Johnny is quite directional challenged. I can not comprehend why he makes challenges that require going in certain directions over a large area. He is good for short distances, but let him travel more than a couple of miles and he gets lost quickly." Reed says with a confused look while shaking his head and sighing.
"Then let's head upstairs and get ready to enjoy deliciously yummy food." I said while licking my lips. "My mother and my aunt are crazily good at cooking. I swear they could open a restaurant if they wanted." I bragged while heading upstairs.
I noticed both Sue and Reed were about to comment when the aroma hit us. The smell of something roasting accompanied by the smells of bacon, soup, and something sweet assaulted our nostrils. I could literally taste the air. I turned and saw Reed swallowing his saliva as he salivate heavily. When I looked at Susan she was drooling up a storm. (Pun intended.)
"Um.. big sister Sue." I tried to get Sue's attention as I stopped on the stairs to stand beside her while Reed walked past me.
"Yes, Marcus." She replied after swallowing.
"You got a string of saliva hanging from the side of your lips." I quietly pointed out, trying to be as discreet as possible. She quickly turned her head away from my and Reeds direction. I saw her wipe the side of her mouth with the back of her hand before she turned back to us. I looked behind me and Reed had kept on climbing the stairs. He was sniffing the air almost entranced by the aromas he was smelling.
I reached out towards Sue's hand that she used to wipe her drool with. It caught her attention quickly, and she turned pale realizing what I did. I smiled and brought the back of her hand to my lips, licked it, and then kissed it directly. As I raised my head I saw Sue blush. She then quickly pulled her hand away from me and towards her chest. I watched her hand disappear between her fairly large bosom. Her other hand quickly grabbed it and acted like it was defending something precious.
I whispered to her, "Big sister Sue, when I get older I am going to do more than consume your saliva. So relax for now and stay near our house. I will help take care of any need that may arise." I then winked and reached for her hand. Susan slowly extended her hand to me. I then grabbed her hand and commenced to pull her up the stairs. When she didn't move at first I looked back and smiled.
"Come on big sister Sue, hurry up or Uncle Ben will probably eat everything." I said while laughing.
"What?!" She exclaimed. "Benjamin Jacob Grimm, you better not eat everything without sharing!" She raised her voice, grabbed my hand, and dragged me upstairs. Seeing how slow I walked she picked me up and put me on her hip then sped up. We quickly caught up with Reed. He took one look at Susan and stepped aside. We rushed passed him. My body was being jostled around as she climbed the stairs in a hurry. I bounced up and down thinking so this is what it feels like to be shaken like a mixed cocktail.
Once we reached the first floor of our house she looked around for the food so I pointed. She went down the hallway, crossed the family room, and entered our dining room. My mother had set the table while I went to find Sue and Reed. Ben, Alicia, and the Silver Surfer were already seated and talking to each other. It seemed like everything would work out between the three of them which made me happy.
"Marcus baby can you help mommy bring out the salad you helped make?" My mother asked of me upon seeing me and Susan arrive. I looked to Susan to let me down and after a brief squeeze she set me down.
"Sure mommy I would be glad to, but I can't carry it by myself." I said acting disappointed.
"I can carry it sister Cassie." Susan volunteered.
"If you don't mind dear that would be greatly appreciated." My mother told Susan. She then looked at me and said, "Go show your big sister Sue where the salad bowl is, please Marcus."
"Okay mommy." I replied with a happy smile on my face. "Come this way big sister Sue." I told Susan as I grabbed her hand I had kissed earlier. I lead Susan into the kitchen through the swinging doors. There ahead of us on a table, was the large salad bowl that I had helped to mix earlier.
"Here is it big sister." I pointed to the large bowl.
"You made this by yourself?" Susan asked my with a surprised look on her face.
"Well Auntie Megan cut up the pieces, but I mixed everything by hand. I put it all together, and then I washed my hands and arms very diligently. Once I was cleaned up, I began mixing everything in the bowl by gently folding each area carefully. I did this until everything was mixed throughly. So I can say I made it myself, but I had helped preparing the ingredients though." I informed Susan with all seriousness.
Susan laughed at how serious I was being. Then she said, "Okay little man. I know you worked hard on it so let's bring it out there for the first course." As we grabbed the serving spoons for the salad the doorbell chime started ringing.
"That should be Johnny and Uatu." I stated
"How do you know that?" Susan asked me.
"Really Susan? You're going to ask ME, of all people, that question?" I whispered with a smile and a wink. She immediately started blushing.
"MARCUS, GET THE DOOR!" My mother yelled.
"Okay big sister Sue, I need to get the door so I leave the salad to you." I told Susan as I ran towards the living room through the opened area. For those that are confused our kitchen is in the middle of the house floor plan. To the south of our kitchen is the dining room. East of the dining room is the family room. Then there is a hallway that separates the stair landing from the family room. North of that area and east of the kitchen is our living room that is where our front door is. West of the kitchen is the master bedroom attachment. Up the stairs are the rest of the sleeping quarters. Then there is a stairway that leads to the roof. As I run towards the door, Uatu says, "No need to rush."
I open the door and standing there is a happy Uatu and a somewhat embarrassed Johnny Storm. "Hi Uncle Johnny. Hello Mr. Uatu. You made it just in the nick of time."
"Hello young Marcus." Uatu greets me with a smile.
"Hello Mr. Uatu." I reply with a smile.
"Where is everyone else?" Johny said as he stood in the doorway.
"They are sitting at the dining room table." I stated before stepping aside to allow them to walk in. "Please come in. The dining room is this way." I motioned while walking towards the staircase.
"Thank you for having me." Uatu says as he comes inside our house.
"Thank you for joining us. The pleasure of having you is ours. Without you we would probably not be standing here alive." I responded with elegance. "We do hope what we have prepared wil be enjoyable to your pallet Mr. Uatu." I continued as we entered the family room.
"I'm certain it will be a wonderful experience. For one such as myself the experience is more than I could ever ask for. We Watchers nearly never get to enjoy something additional like having a dinner party. I hope it will be an experience I can share with my fellow Watchers." Uatu said with a look of longing in his eyes.
"Mr. Uatu, we have never hosted a cosmic being such as yourself. This will be a learning experience for us. Your intervention was the key to our survival. We hope our heartfelt wishes are enough to make you happy." I replied with a smile as we reach the opening that leads to the dining room. As we walk into the dining room everyone waves towards Uatu and Johnny.
"Hey Matchstick, took you long enough." Ben states to Johnny, and he stands up. He is followed by both Alicia and the Silver Surfer. Both Alicia and Norrin bow towards Uata. Together they both greet the knowledgeable Uatu with,"Hello Mr. Uatu." Across from them on the other side of our dining room table. I see Reed and Susan stand.
"Uatu, thank you." Susan states.
"Mr. Uatu, we thank you and appreciate you taking the time to join us." Reed states as he bows towards Uatu. At this time my mother and aunt walk in from the kitchen.
"I'm glad everyone could make it." My mother says with a big smile.
"I hope everyone enjoys the food we have made. There will be 4 courses of food. The first shall be a salad course. Please let us know which dressing you would prefer." My aunt says. "We have three dressings prepared for tonight's celebratory dinner. We have a homemade ranch dressing, a french dressing, and lastly we have a thousand island dressing." She introduces the various dressings with a smile.
"Mr. Uatu, we ask that you sit here." My mother motions to the head of the table in-between both pairs if super heroes.
"We hope that you all enjoy." My aunt states as she starts filling everyone's bowls with salad.
"Marcus, come sit here by mommy." My mother tells me while she pats a booster seat. The seat is placed between her and Susan. To her left and closest to the kitchen doors sits my Aunt Meg. After Susan sits there is Johnny followed by Reed and at the head sits Uatu. From there we have the Silver Surfer, Alicia and Ben.
"Does anyone have food allergies? If so please let me know." My aunt states. From there on commenced a wonderful dinner. Our second course was a Zuppa Toscana very similar to the one that was served at the famous restaurant chain Olive Garden in my former life. Our third course was the main course, a bacon wrapped pork tenderloin roast accompanied by a side of mashed cauliflower and gravy. My aunt also served fresh baguette bread at this time. Finally we had the dessert course. My aunt made an apple pie and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Both were served with ice cream.
All throughout the dinner everyone was talking except for the Watcher Uatu. He ate his food and watched everyone while keeping silent. Reed attempted to start a conversation with him both times Uatu responses were short.
After dinner my mother stood up and said, "I hope you all enjoyed the dinner we prepared as thanks for all that you have done in saving our planet." She bows and rises with beautiful smile. I then lean over towards Susan and whisper, "We have prepared a room on the second floor next to mine."