Boy Proof

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci

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Authors: Cecil Castellucci
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going to end up at the Smithsonian. It’s an important exhibit,” I add.
    “That’s more entertainment-oriented, and I think the
Lion
should be a serious paper,” she says.
    “I agree,” Inez chimes in. “We get enough entertainment news every day with all of Hollywood surrounding us.”
    “It’s Hollywood
history,
” I say. Why don’t they get it?
    “Good suggestion, Egg. I’m glad that you’re beginning to participate. I’m sure you could find some e-zine that would love for you to cover it for them,” Ms. Dicostanzo says.
    “Good point,” Nelly says. “Anyone else?”
    Max raises his hand.
    “I think we should cover the Buns Not Guns show taking place downtown this Sunday,” he says.
    “Buns Not Guns?” says Inez. “What kind of show is that?”
    “It’s an organization that sends food to needy communities around the world, instead of weapons,” explains Max.
    “Oh,” says Inez. “That’s cool.”
    I’m looking out the window, listening, but from a distance. Buns Not Guns has an interesting ring to it. I look over at Max and he is standing there matter-of-factly. His face is serious and it’s obviously something important to him. There is clarity in his eyes. A focus. His thinking it’s important piques my interest. It compels me to sit up and take notice. It makes me want to go and check it out.
    “Ooooh. That sounds so alternative,” Nelly says. “I’ll go with you and review it.”
    I catch Max as he slides Nelly a smile.
    “What time should I pick you up?” he asks.
    “I have to go to the bathroom,” I say, and I grab my army bag and leave the meeting. I am sweating. I feel feverish. The cool air outside makes me feel better. I walk out of the building, off of school grounds, and head for Golden Apple Comics. Martin is working today. I will buy some comic books, and I will feel better.

    “Hey, Egg, I got some new titles put aside for you,” Martin says. “
Bota Life, Ratgirl, The Justice Clan . . .

    “Oh, yeah. Cool.” I am distracted.
    If I were in a comic book, I would be the superhero, the one who was laughed at in school but was truly a genius. The Invisible Girl in my real life, Extraordinary Girl in disguise.
    “I think you’re really going to like this new post-apocalyptic series called
BenBoy,
” Martin says. “It’s like science fact and future environmental crisis distopia with a twist of coming plague.”
    “Uh-huh,” I say.
    If I were a survivor at the end of the world, I would load my vehicle up with food and water and single-handedly save humanity. I would seem so gruff that no one would know about my loving, caring heart. Its absence, I am convinced, would be greater proof that it was there.
    I walk around the store and look at the action figures and new comics.
    “Guess what I heard today on the Net?” Martin says, coming up behind me.
    “What?”
    “The
Terminal Earth
DVD is coming out in April.”
    I stop dead in my tracks and close my eyes. At last, one piece of good news. My shitty day has been saved.
    “But they announced the release date for the summer,” I say.
    “That’s going to be the special edition. This first one is just going to be the movie, with no extras on it.”
    “That’s great news,” I say. “That’s fucking kick-ass.”
    “Hey, you know who seems pretty cool?” Martin says.
    “No, who?” I say.
    “That new kid Max,” Martin says.
    I feel like I’m going to throw up.
    “What?” Martin says.
    “I don’t know. He kind of annoys me,” I say.
    “I asked him if he wanted to join the Science Fiction and Fantasy Club, but he said no,” Martin says.
    “Why would you ask
him
to join?” I say.
    “The guy had me write a list of thirty-two comics to track and collect for him. Stuff from everywhere. He’s got great taste,” Martin says. “And he bought a whole bunch of action figures. Obscure stuff.”
    “Whatever. Catch you later,” I say, forking over my cash for the comics. I would love to get a

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