Looking Deeper

By Alondra Villela

It's hard being a teenager, even worse being a genius teenager, and even worse? Being a genius teenager who's mom died and having to move with your father who you barely see despite living just three blocks away, with only three friends in your life- and the only thing keeping your hope for a better future alive is a league of superheros called the Rangers. Imagine that then finding out that the reason your father hasn't been around for most of your life is that he's a superhero, and not only that, but so was your mom before you were born. Well, that's exactly what happened to me at the ripe old age of fifteen. I'm Hart Jones, and this is my story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alondra Villela
• Release date: Sep 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215070093

Book preview

Chapter One

Hart Jones sat in the front during the funeral service, wearing a black dress. She didn’t take her eyes off the coffin in the front. She felt a hand on her shoulder and shrugged it off, scooting away from the man on her left. Noah Jones looked down sadly and scooted away from his daughter. It was a hard day for them, they were burying the woman they both loved, Scarlett Evan-Jones. Hart looked down as the coffin was gently lowered into the ground. She was the last to stand after the burial was complete. Noah did not know how to help his daughter, how to comfort her, so he stayed back. He watched as another teenage girl approached Hart and hugged her. Noah sighed once everyone was gone and it was time to go home. He cautiously approached the girl who was standing over the grave. Hey, ready to go?he asked gently and she nodded a little.

Yeah, let's go.she agreed and followed him to the car, not paying attention to how he gently guided her through the parking lot to avoid holes, puddles and traffic. Nor did she notice how he opened the door for her and waited for her to get situated before closing it and rounding the car. She didn’t care about anything.

Noah tried to speak with her, but she didn’t help in the conversation much. The back of his car was filled with her things, she was moving in right away. I know it’s hard right now, but we’ll get used to it. And not much is changing, we’re just a little bit down the road from your old house and you’ll go to the same school.he said gently as he slowly entered the garage. Hart nodded along with what he said, not paying attention. I’m sorry.

She stared out the window, seeing the small pink bike with tassels on the bars. Why do you still have that thing?she asked and he paused, following her gaze.

I taught you to ride a bike on that.he smiled gently.

Just taking up space.she shrugged and got down. She started taking the stuff down and walked to the door, Noah followed with his own handful of things.

You, uh, didn’t pack much.he said as he opened the door for her. It’s not a weekend visit, you know?he pointed out as he led her through the house.

We got rid of most of our things.she shrugged. All I need is here.

Okay.he agreed and stopped at the door. Been a while since you stayed here.

I know.she said and pushed past him to open the door. She paused when she saw the room fit for a little girl obsessed with princesses and unicorns and not the smart and scrappy fifteen year old girl she presently is. He noticed her reaction and grew worried.

Uh, oh, yeah... I, uh, haven’t really changed your things. Uh, we can clear this stuff out, get more age appropriate things for you.he said quickly.

Only thing different is the cover.she looked at the comforter.

Right, uh, I... tried to keep up.

Haven’t been into Scooby-Doo in a few years.

Sorry, I’ll... change them.he said as he put the box down.

It’s fine. I’ll handle it.

I can help you get settled.

I’m good.

Right. Okay... uh... the rules are the same as always, remember them?

Stay outta your office, no junk before dinner, and homework first, always.

Right, okay. I’ll-I’ll leave you to let you get settled. If you need anything-

Yeah, I’ll find you.she said and he slowly left.

Noah pulled the door to Hart’s room close, leaving it ajar and slowly walked down the hall to his home office. He sighed as he sat at the desk and unlocked a drawer. He pressed his thumb to a pad and a holographic screen appeared from the desk. It was a call signal and it was shortly replaced by the picture of a young asian man. Hey, Noah, how are you doing?he asked.

Just buried the love of my life and my daughter hates me. How do you think I’m doing, Choy?he asked and the man paused.

Right, sorry. How’s Hart doing?

How would I know? She wants nothing to do with me. Won’t even look at me.he sighed. I was calling to ask for a favor.

Sure, what’s up?

I, uh, need to cut back on my missions.

What?

With Hart here... I need to cut back. Focus on her.

Alright, alright, I can respect that.he sighed. Ranger12 will like that.he sighed. But it’ll be a hit for the Ranger community.

I know, I know, but there’s more than just Ranger05, we’ll survive.

Alright, but uh, I need a favor of my own.

What’s up?

Ranger13 through 17 are going to be really busy and there’s some stuff going down. We need a place to put the founts. Since you’ll be at home...

Is having all those founts in one place a good idea?

It’ll be fine. It won’t be forever, they just can’t stay in their Stations.

Fine, fine, but no one comes into the house.

Why would we want to do that? Not like you have anything good in there.he paused and looked off to the side. Sorry, I have to go. We’ll talk later.

Noah walked through the hall, noticing Hart’s door was opened and her room was empty. He set out to find his daughter, wanting to make sure she was okay and he hadn’t accidentally left something laying around the house that would give it away. He found her in the kitchen, eating some yogurt and drawing in a book. You’re still drawing.he commented as he passed by and she jumped a little. Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.he chuckled. If you were hungry you could’ve told me, I would’ve made you something.

I heard you in your office.she said distractedly and he froze, not daring to turn away from the open fridge. Figured you were either going crazy or on a work call, decided to just get a snack either way.she added.

Uh, right. Sorry, just a work call.he agreed and composed himself.

Like what you’ve done with the place.

Uh... I don’t think I’ve done anything since the last time you were here.

Exactly.she rolled her eyes.

So... anything you want to talk about? How are you-

Look, mom was sick for a long time, okay? It was like she was already dead, so it’s fine. I’m fine.she sighed and closed the book. I’ve had plenty of time to go through denial, and anger, and bargaining, and depression... of course you wouldn’t know.

I’m sorry I haven’t been around much and that I wasn’t there when you needed me most. But things are going to be different from now on.he promised.

Right, because you haven’t changed a single thing in your house, but you're a new man. Totally evolved and changed, got it.

What?

There’s no changes in your life, you haven’t changed. And don’t do it on my account, I’m used to being alone and taking care of myself.

I think there’s been a pretty big change in my life, Hart.

You knew for months I was going to end up here and you changed nothing. Except for putting that stupid mug at the front instead of the back.she gestured at cupboard.

It’s my favorit...he said hesitantly.

Don’t be fake. We both know who you are, so let’s cut the awkwardness and eggshell walking and lies, please.

I... I’m not pretending to be something I’m not, Hart.

That’s denial. Doesn’t matter, do what you gotta to make yourself feel better.she sighed and took her stuff, leaving the kitchen. He sighed and looked around.

I really do love that mug.he mumbled.

It was still dark in the morning while Hart was getting ready in the kitchen. Noah came down confused, still in pajamas. Good morning.she said glancing back at him.

Is it?he asked looking out. Because I don’t see the sun.

Then good morning in thirty minutes.

Why are you up?

I have practice.

Practice? What practice?

Volleyball.she said like it was obvious and he paused as he rounded the island to see she was in short spandex, he froze. What?

Uh, those shorts a little... short, don’t you think?he asked and cleared his throat.

Volleyball.she said again and he nodded. I gotta go.

Hold on, hold on.he stopped her. Uh, the bus will pick you up, right?

We live too close to the school for the bus. I don’t qualify.

So your plan was to walk to the school... in that, alone?

Yeah.she nodded slowly.

And you think that’s a good idea?

I’ll be late.she sighed as she tried to leave.

No, uh, no you won’t. I’ll take you.

I’m not a baby.

Hart, I’m not letting you walk to school like that. I’ll take you.he said gently and she sighed. He took the keys and they drove off. Happy to get back to school?

Thrilled, can’t you tell?she deadpanned.

When’d you become a sarcastic wit?he asked and paused. Hey, look, that looks like some of your teammates.he said when he saw some girls walking on the sidewalk.

Shit.she grumbled and slid down. Speed up.

What?

Speed up, Dad, now!

You don’t want to give them a ride? I’d like to meet your friends.

They’re sophomores, okay? So speed up please.she begged.

Okay. but what’s the big deal?he asked as he drove faster.

Don’t worry about it.she sighed as she sat up.

Aren’t you a sophomore?

No.she said like it was obvious. I just turned fifteen.

Right, last month, which means you missed the deadline and you are a freshman.he agreed and sighed. I’m sorry I missed-

Don’t.she shook her head and he nodded. Just pull in here.she sighed and he pulled into the nice parking lot. And don’t worry, I’ll wear pants while I walk home.she said as she got down. She slammed the door and walked to a building. She looked back and saw the car was still there and she gestured with her hand for him to go, so he left.

Hart was setting up the poles and net in the gym when a group of girls walked in. Arty, what are you doing here so early?the girl from the funeral asked, going to her while the others started helping. Hart sighed.

Got here early to get the hell outta my house.

Can’t be that bad.

Oh, it’s bad.she nodded. I would’ve been here at my normal time.she whispered as they walked away from the group. But he insisted on driving me.

That’s nice.

Only cause I was in my shorts. Not cause he actually wanted to.

C’mon he can’t be that bad.

Sky, who’s side are you on?

I like your dad.

You like his house. Because every time I was supposed to be with him he’d leave and we’d throw an awesome party.

What’s your point?

Look, we’re not going to throw a party every time he leaves now.

Why not?

Cause they get old. And right now he’s going to try to be a good dad and be around, whatever, so to be safe we’ll have to wait for him to return to his old ways.

Fine, fine. When can I start coming over?

God, I hope to keep you far away from my father.

I’m not that bad.

He is.

Well, your mom used to let me sleepover all the time. I might as well should’ve moved in. It needs to happen or else my absentee parents are going to force me to my elderly neighbor’s house.

Mrs. Catch is awesome.

During the day. But at night it’s a different story, okay? She eats weird food and has ginormous boynos on her feet and there’s only one TV.

And your parents would be okay with you staying at my dad’s house?

They’ve done it before. And this time he’ll actually be there.

Seriously, what did you do so wrong that they don’t let you stay home alone?

We don’t want to talk about that.

Okay, okay. Why are you so worried about this?

They’re heading out of town tomorrow night.

I’ll see if you can stay over.

Great.she nodded relieved. Thank you.

You owe me.

They were sitting at lab tables later