Eclipse

The party wasn’t quite in full swing yet, although by listening to the ear-deafening noise one wouldn’t have known it. Batman had been seized by Captain America, Iron Man and three Powerpuff Girls the moment she had set her foot inside the apartment. ‘Blossom’, ‘Buttercup’ and ‘Bubbles’ targeted her right away, and even their mother, the female incarnation of Professor Utonium, appeared strangely familiar.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Therese whispered to Carly while trying to hold her balance with the tiny, giggling Bubbles pulling her ankle.

“Is it really you, Therese?” Carly gasped convincingly. “I could ask you the same… Abby is my old friend and the kids have known each other all their lives.” She was grateful for the exaggerated goggles she had improvised to go along with the plain white lab coat she was wearing. It did hide an elegant little black dress underneath though.

A hyperactive Hulk breezed by, delivering a playful sucker punch to Batman’s body armor. It distracted Therese enough for her to drop the interrogation for now. “In a way I’m glad to see you here,” she muttered to Carly instead. “I have no idea why I’m here. I’ve met Lou only once. At Carol’s.” Therese felt warm behind her tight-fitting visor. She was certain Carly could see how nervous she was by the way the small muscles around her exposed mouth and chin were quivering.

“Carol? Your lady friend?” Carly pretended to be astonished about it. “Is she here?” Carly was surprised, but it had more to do with Therese’s willingness to believe in what she had thought was a lacking performance on her part. Had Therese been herself, she would have never bought such a clumsy act.

“Haven’t seen her so far,” Therese replied, eyeing her surroundings suspiciously. The grown-ups present were a colorful array of offbeat characters, some of which hardly qualified as traditional superheroes. Wonder Woman was serving beverages to a pint-sized Thor and a shy Superman while a G.I. Jane tried to extract bubble gum from their tangled hair. A pretty brunette currently talking to a tall, grey-bearded Wolverine, sported a spiffy Princess Leia look, complete with trademark hair buns and a laser sword. Noticing Batman, she gave the caped crusader such a thorough look it made Therese blush under her cowl.

A female Sherlock was leaning heavily over a sultry Marie Curie in the corner of the living room in what looked like an attempt at some serious smooching despite the kids running around. Even the deerstalker cap cocked on naughty Holmes’ head looked frisky, the earflaps hardly holding onto the knot on top. Therese wondered what might have come out of the radioactive encounter, had Abby not told them to pipe it down.

Carol hadn’t arrived yet. Therese would have surely recognized her by now, no matter what costume she was wearing. And she knew Carol would be dressed accordingly, for Abby and Gen had specifically told all the parents they were expected to suit up along with their kids. No one was allowed to just drop off his or her child and leave, the printed invitation had reminded everyone.

“Batman…” Captain America kept bumping into Therese with his shiny star shield. “Your sign’s up!” Lou’s serious mouth had curved into a lovely grin.

“Holy Hallmark of Heaven!” Therese shouted out and let Lou drag her to the area mainly reserved for younger guests’ madness and mayhem. Overpowered by the kids she knew and by several she had never seen in her life, Therese lay flat on her back on the floor when she heard Abby open the door for one more late arrival.

Holy Heart Failure. Catwoman stood in the foyer talking to Abby who refrained from looking at the kids’ room. Therese could only see Carol’s profile, but it was plenty for the moment. The form-fitting spandex jumpsuit Carol was wearing had a shiny wet-look Therese found mind-blowingly sexy. Gawking at Carol from under a pile of rowdy children, Therese’s thoughts wandered to what it must have been like to slip inside the slinky number with a mandarin collar and a center-front zipper. Seeing Carol’s black heels made her happy she was floored already. Only after Carol had vanished from the doorway, did Therese dare to get back on her feet again.

While Catwoman was making her rounds greeting the grown-ups in the living room, Professor Utonium sought Batman’s company. “Meeeow…” Carly uttered, flustered by the feline villain she had just been introduced to . “You should drag her to your underground lair immediately,” she mumbled breathlessly.

“You’re not helping!” Therese hissed at her sister. “I’m damaged goods.” She sighed long and hard, an X-rated Batman fantasy flashing unavoidably through her brain.

“There’s nothing damaged about you, sweetie,” Carly said. “Anyone can see that. But I suppose you should play it cool for now.” She managed to catch both a bulky Green Lantern and a minuscule Spider-Girl before they tackled her to the ground. “Just stay away from Princess Leia. I think she wants to use her Force on you.” Therese rolled her eyes at Carly who was tickled by her own lame joke. “Or maybe you shouldn’t stay away from her…” she changed her mind.

“What the hell are you blabbering about?” Therese whispered back. “Are you insane?” The overeager princess didn’t spell just trouble, she spelled ‘star wars’, and Therese was done with spaced out females circling her like cats in heat. The only kitten she was interested in was prancing around the living room, unaware of Therese’s batty presence.

“Cool your heels, Dark Knight,” Carly soothed her. “Little jealousy never hurt anyone, that’s all I’m saying…” She winked at Therese and took her leave. Another Sazerac with her name on it was waiting at the open bar.

Therese sighed again, feeling the hard, unrelenting contours of her artificial face. She imagined her bat ears drooping in fear, terrified by the inevitable locking of eyes with Carol the Catwoman. She had chosen to come of her own free will; no one had forced her in the least. The thought of Carol giving Abby her address had buoyed her hope, but seeing Carly with the girls had made her think that Carol had probably had nothing to do with her having been invited. The kids were busy playing pop the balloons, and the noise was shattering her eardrums. Still, it was nothing compared to the terrified pounding of Therese’s heart.

“You look abso-fucking-lutely good enough to eat,” Jeanette complimented Carol once she had realized who hid behind the black eye mask. She herself had come as Gertrude Stein, although it wasn’t clear to anyone without explanation.

“Thanks, darling,” Carol laughed pleased to hear her entrance had had the desired effect. “Since it was required we all dress up, why not go all the way?” Most of the ladies present were seriously worked up over her apparel, which she found very flattering.

“Only one thing is missing… where’s your whip, honey?” Jeanette grinned, guiding Carol to the bar.

Shaking a Sidecar, Abby overheard them. “I believe she’s saving it for the more opportune moment, am I right, Catwoman?” She winked at Carol who was only too happy to play the part she was assigned to.

“Right you are,” Carol said, smiling. “I need to check the merchandise before I make a move on my prey.” It felt good to be silly, Carol thought, seeing Abby and Jeanette chuckle at her joke. She tasted the non-alcoholic sour Abby had made her and pretended to enjoy it.

“I think you don’t need to look too hard,” Jeanette said. “Your archrival is in the other room – looking gorgeous, by the way…” Abby glanced at both Jeanette and Carol but refrained from commenting in any way.

“Really?” Carol asked, mildly interested. “You have a Batman here, Abby? How very considerate. Who is he?” Even though the idea of pretending to be amused by lewd remarks some stranger would derive of their matching gears bored her, she wanted to humor Abby’s friend anyway.

“Actually it’s a Bat woman…” Jeanette hastened to correct. “Too bad for you, I guess, but for my weary eyes she’s a gift from the heavens.” She placed her right palm on her chest as if to calm her racing heart.

Not willing to discuss what Jeanette had just said, Abby focused on her cocktail shaker. For Abby to pass a chance to hit a verbal homerun was enough to make Carol suspicious. She picked up her glass and took a few cautious steps towards the kids’ quarters only to be joined by Abby in a heartbeat.

“Carol…” Abby started, but it was too late. Carol had reached the doorway, the excited children flocking at her feet. Mickey spun around her like a frenzied carousel horse with a dizzyingly short path, but Carol’s interest lay elsewhere. Her eyes were fixed on the rather slim and wiry Batman who froze momentarily under her tenacious gaze. Below a heavy, black mask, Therese’s supple lips and the curve of her chin were still recognizable. Carol’s heart skipped a beat, a sense of acute terror and excitement pervading every fiber of her being. Therese took away what had covered over half of her face. Not flinching, she held her gaze just as long as Carol did.

Carol turned on her heels and nearly bumped into Abby. “Carol, please…” she pleaded with her. “Hang on a minute, for God’s sake!” She followed Carol to the kitchen, but Carol was too upset to talk to her at first. When she finally did, her voice quivered with anger.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Carol asked, not hiding her disappointment. “Why is she here? Do you think this is funny?” she questioned.

“Lou wanted to invite her,” Abby explained, motioning for Carol to keep it down. “Lou – remember? Your other godson. He met Therese at your place and took a shine to her.” Abby knew she could present a strong case to defend herself and she would. “I’m not one to deny my boy what he wants,” she elaborated.

“Since when?” Carol scoffed, sniffing a weak point in Abby’s argument. “The place is teeming with kids and grown-ups, but Lou just had to invite the one woman I am deliberately steering clear of?” Carol wasn’t buying it.

“Lou!” Abby hollered into the hall where she thought she had seen a red-white-and-blue streak flash by. “Captain America! STEVE!!!” The little boy glided into the kitchen, his red curls pushing out from under the headpiece. He raised his shield to fend off unwanted questions.

“You wanted to invite Therese to the party, didn’t you?” Abby asked Lou, impatient to get the matter settled. Lou took turns looking at both Carol and his mother. He didn’t say a word.

“You’re a fine piece of work, Abigail Gerhard, blaming an innocent child…” Before Carol could finish her sentence, her admonition was promptly disregarded.

“I’m going to marry Therese,” Lou stated matter-of-factly. Having said that, he darted out of the room as speedily as he had landed there. Stunned, Carol pulled a stool under her. Lou had insisted on inviting Therese after all.

“Now there’s a conflict of interest…” Abby mused out loud. “Should I root for your or my son’s happiness?” she asked Carol in mock seriousness.

A reluctant chuckle escaped Carol. Poor Lou.  

After the twins had opened their presents, the guests indulged in both savory nibbles and birthday cake Gen had lovingly prepared. Lou and Mickey whirled around Therese who had given the boys ‘a stellar gift’ – a color print of their very own birthday star whose distance in light years matched their six years on earth. She had also promised to take the boys to an observatory to get a close-up of their star.

Noticing how consistently Carol avoided Therese’s company was beginning to bug Carly big time, and when something did, she wasn’t known to leave it at that. “Abby,” she whispered to her friend. “What’s the name of that intergalactic bimbo over there?” Realizing what she had just said, Carly tried to retract her hasty sentence. “I’m sure she’s a perfectly nice person…” she mumbled.

Tickled by Carly’s quick-fire assessment, Abby snorted. “You must mean Dawn?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. “Why the sudden interest?”

Carly’s brow was furrowed as she let out a frustrated sigh. “We need to get this party started, if you know what I mean. Kick some sense into those two… stir the pot a bit.” Flashing a wicked smile, Carly nodded towards Princess Leia aka Dawn. “Watch me.”

Before Abby could get a word in, Carly had walked over to Dawn to exchange a few words. The sprightly princess seemed very pleased by what Carly confided in her. Walking back, Carly mimicked a successful basketball shot to signal Abby that her mission had been a hit instead of a miss.   

Princess Leia wasted no time fluttering over to talk to Therese. “What the fuck did you say to her?” Abby asked Carly, slightly worried.

“I just told her that Batman is painfully shy but really interested in talking to her,” Carly muttered under her breath. “Now go stand next to Carol… this should be interesting.”

Therese became aware of someone coming very close even though she was looking the other way. When Therese saw the bun-haired princess park right next to her, she nearly jumped.

“I hear you’re into astrology,” Princess Leia said as her opening.

“No. Astronomy,” Therese replied, growing uneasy.

“Is there a difference?” the woman asked, further invading Batman’s space. Her movements were flirtatious, inappropriate for an astral majesty, Therese thought. Then again her father was Darth Vader…

“Yes.” Therese stared straight ahead, breaking into a cold sweat.

“I’m a Virgo. What’s your sign?” Princess Leia wanted to know. She wasn’t going to give up easily.

“A black, stylized bat emblem reflected on the night sky,” Therese mumbled, annoyed.

“You’re funny!” Leia/Dawn giggled. “I like a woman with a sense of humor.”

Or with a pulse, Therese mused. She kept looking for Carol, hoping to catch just a glimpse of her.

Carol was paying attention even if she had managed to keep it under wraps. Therese couldn’t see her, but she sure as hell saw Therese talking to that fawning woman.

“Looks like Dawn has set her eye on the prize,” Abby commented as soon as she found her hiding friend.

“Dawn?” Carol wondered, not getting Abby’s remark right away.

“Princess Leia’s real name is Dawn,” Abby explained. “She’s a receptionist at Gen’s office and a single mother… a nice girl who, like Lou, has a great taste in women.” Abby was rubbing it in, and she knew it.

“Oh…” Carol mumbled, digesting the bitter information.

“If I’m not mistaken, our fair princess is about to go Han Sol-over Batman,” Abby envisioned, glancing slyly at Carol. “Just look at that body language, the way she’s stroking her neck and wetting her lips while talking to Therese…”

“Abby!” Carol interrupted her. She had eyes; she didn’t need a narration.

“What?” Abby questioned, narrowing her eyes. “Or let me rephrase: what the fuck is wrong with you? You obviously want to be with her. You wouldn’t be here sulking if you didn’t!” she reproached Carol. “Besides I hate mixing up sagas. Who’s ever heard of Princess Leia seducing Batman? Christ…” Abby winked at Carol.

Carol looked defeated. “Can you get her out of there?” she asked meekly.

Abby rolled her eyes at Carol. “No, Carol, I can’t. And you’re not a hapless teenager anymore. You go and get her out. It’s you she’s waiting for.”

Carol took a deep breath but managed only a couple of steps to her right to let Therese know she was watching her. Therese noticed her immediately. Her mask was still off, the parted hair falling on her forehead mussed by the weight of its former shield. A contact was born from the simple gesture, and it arched over the restless room like a bridge made of distant hushes and heartfelt apologies.

It lingered on until a teeny cannonball named Etta Taft rolled unexpectedly toward Catwoman. Little Etta locked her arms around Carol’s legs, her blue sequined dress rustling against the tight spandex. Overwhelmed by the little girl’s abrupt affection, Carol was curious to know more about her captor.

“And who might you be, darling?” Carol exhaled breathlessly. The fierce hug didn’t show signs of weakening.

“Etta,” said Etta whose dainty voice managed to undulate even within one small word.

“She’s my sister’s youngest daughter.” Therese stood right in front of Carol. “My sweetheart,” she said, not looking at Etta though.

Before Carol could utter another word, Gen breezed in. “Time to play the name game!” Following Wonder Woman, Jeanette had a marker and a pack of post-its with her. “I want everyone here, and everyone to play,” Gen demanded, casting a knowing eye at Carol as she passed her by.

Abby was the first to have a post-it stuck on her forehead. “Got it? I ask you questions and you answer me ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not applicable’,” she reminded her audience. “Hell, you can say whatever you want as long as I’ll guess what the fu… fuss is all about… on my forehead.”

Lou looked at her mother funny. “You said a dirty word,” he grumbled to Abby.

“I did no such thing!” Abby denied vehemently. Ignoring her son’s criticism, she asked the forgotten Princess Leia to be the first to help her out. “Am I pretty?” Abby asked, grinning. The character she was guessing was Sherlock Holmes.

“Depends on who’s answering, I suppose,” Dawn giggled, “but I would have to say no.”

“Am I handsome then?” Abby asked, her brow askew.

“Definitely,” Dawn confirmed, smiling.

Abby turned to Therese. “Am I fictional?”

Therese nodded. “Yes.”

“Am I in this room..?” Abby asked a follow-up question based on a sudden hunch.

“I’m afraid so,” Therese chuckled. The randy private eye was still cornering the famed Nobel laureate in the corner.

“I live on Baker Street, don’t I?” Abby shouted out victoriously. “With Dr. Watson!!! ” The latter part was meant for the unabashedly amorous couple. “Now everyone wears one – stick ‘em on, Jeanette – and everyone guesses, okay?” ‘Gertrude Stein’ pressed a post-it on every forehead in the room, kids included.

After Etta had chased an imaginary nemesis to the kitchen, Therese had remained standing next to Carol. The sticky note on her forehead said ‘Lord Voldemort’. Carol had removed her eye mask to make room for a post-it titled ‘Big Bad Wolf’. It felt only natural to aim the opening question at the one lingering closest.

Smiling self-consciously, Therese looked at Carol. “Well… am I old?” she asked.

Carol glanced at ‘Voldemort’, knowing very well what she ought to say. “No, not at all,” Carol stated instead.

Therese paused to think of another question. “Am I beautiful?”

Drawing a deep breath, Carol replied. “Yes, very beautiful.”

“Young and beautiful, huh?” Therese grinned. “Am I alive?”

Carol nodded. “Very much so. Full of life.”

“This is more difficult than I thought this would be…” Therese mumbled pensively. “Am I fictional?”

Carol shook her head. “No, you’re very real.”

Therese tilted her head to the side as a random thought, a wish, entered her mind. She took her time before asking the next question. “Am I someone you would want to hang out with?” She was suddenly very serious.

Her cheeks reddening, Carol cast her eyes down. “Yes.” She swallowed before she dared to go on. “My turn now… am I – attractive?”

Therese searched Carol’s eyes under the ‘Big Bad Wolf’. “Yes, you are,” she spoke gravely.

“Am I old?” Carol needed to know.

“Just the right age,” Therese replied, her voice sweet and tender.

Carol braced herself for the final question. “Am I someone who is talking to someone who is still involved with someone?”

Therese gasped. “No, you’re not. It’s finished for good.”

Carol raised her eyes to meet Therese’s. “Would you like to leave with me right now?”