Comic Book ConfidentialNames Vincent, I work in a five star restaurant where many comic book characters would come in to get away from the troubles of their respective universes. Some come to have a few drinks while others come to share stories. Sometimes both.
SupermanSo I am tending a bar then in walks a customer whom I consider one of my regulars, Superman or as he prefers to be called here, “Clark Kent”. The minute he walked in I noticed something thats...off about him. Usually Clark is all smiles and us usually a friendly type that would say a nice “Hello” to the closest one he walks up to. Also he would be dressed in the usual, suit, tie, glasses, and hat. Right now he isn't dressed in his usual attire.
While he is all smiles still I notice that he looked to have a lot on his mind. Almost like there is a Texas sized chip on his shoulder. As he approached the bar I had just finished pouring his usual drink, a nice cold glass of milk and, you can say curiosity got the better of me, I asked him” Say Clark, why so troubled”
He smiled in a manner that is forced yet genuine, a rare combination that was, then said to me” Got new management so a major shake up in where I work at”
I nods in understandment then responded” Preaching to the choir with that one, whats with the new get up however” after drinking half of the glass of milk then wipes the milk mustache off he answered” Just felt I'd try something a little different” Something then hits me after he said that” So your new costume. Is that part of the trying something different package aswell”
Clark gave an indifferent expression following the question then responded” A mixture of that and part of the shake up thats going on. Sure when they spoke to me about it I was put off at first but when I saw the designs and they discussed it with me I thought to myself, you know times are changing and you want to provide an example to your family so...what the heck”
I raised my eyebrow at the family comment, I have been hearing a lot about what has been happening with Clark recently. Some were mind blowing, like him quitting the Daily Planet, but at the comment concerning family I had to ask” How's Lois doing these days? What exactly is your current relationship status with her?”
He finished his drink and raised one finger to signal that he wants another glass of milk then he responded” Me and Lois are good, we still remain in contact despite our different career paths”
“So you and Lois aren't...” He shook his head at me and says” No. But it was a clean break from both of us, not ugly or dramatic.”
I nods at him then hands him another drink” So that talk you mentioned about family. Who are you referring to?”
“Kara, well, Power Girl mostly. There have been times I have talked her her about probably concealing the window but how can I expect her to do that when you have me still saving the world wearing underwear outside of my pants?” He responded to me then after that I spoke up” To be fair it takes a lot of bollocks to do that but I see where you are coming from”
So Clark took a sip then continued”It has worked for the most part. From what I hear she has updated her costume to where it lacks a window” I didn't have the heart to tell him that she changed back into her classic costume so I moved onto a different subject” Whats been going on with you recently”
“I'm working on a movie now. In fact we have just finished production and got a few trailers out” Clark responded and I said” I've heard of that movie. Personally it has improved when compared to your last movie” Clark frowned at the mention of that” Yes” He took another drink then continued” There is alot of pressure from that though. We are talking about a film that could make or break my career. Especially my friends, if this movie becomes a success then that opens the door for my friends within the League to be in films. Which would do wonders for Diana as she has been wanting to do something in movies”
I paused for a moment then responded” I wish you luck on that Clark but I cant help but ask. What if this doesn't work out for you” He then looked at me in the eye and gave me a smile, not like the last one as this one has a twinkle behind it” As my father once said. There will be moments when times get rough to the point that it would beat you to the ground and keep you there permanently if you let it. But no matter how hard it hits you, you just pick yourself up and keep moving forward”
I looked at him stunned” Thats surprisingly deep”
He just smiled at me and paid for the drink. Thanked me for my time and as I looked down for a second to get the money he was gone when I looked back up. I guess in the end he just needed someone to talk to.
In my career I have met a lot of interesting characters and heard some interesting tales, which will always and forever remain confidential.