Turnabout Twist by Lois Lavrisa

Chapter One
     
    “Really Ted? Just because I have red hair you want me to play dress up? You’ve got to be kidding.” Vicky, twisted her mouth and shook a finger at me. “I’m a little too old for that.”
    “Yeah eighteen is so old. You might as well get a walker and dentures now. And maybe a pack of Depends while you’re at it.”
    “Right.” She smiled and punched me in the arm.
    She stood five six—half a foot shorter than me—and had the lean muscular build of a dancer and the left hook of a prize boxer. I rubbed my arm where she had just swung her playful punch.
    “Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry.” She kissed the spot on my arm I had been rubbing. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.”
    “No kidding. But now it’s all better with your kiss.” I slung my arm around her shoulders.
    “Right I have superpower kisses, they are formidable.”
    We waited outside the movie theater. It was early summer in Savannah, Georgia and the heat and humidity already blanketed the city. My dark hair clung to the back of my neck, and my cotton tee shirt stuck to my chest, accentuating my boniness.
    “So do you want to dress like her I mean with your superpower and all, it’d be cool. You really do look like Black Widow.” I tried to put on a big smile. The Avengers played at the same theater and many waiting in line were dressed like superheroes from the movie.
    “You’re an idiot. A cute idiot. But an idiot all the same.” She tiptoed and kissed me.
    “I mean you’re prettier than Scarlett Johansson and all. And you’d look really hot in that skin tight costume thing she wears.” I moved along with the line.
    “And you’d look hot as a vampire. Sparkles and fangs would suit you,” Vicky said.
    “No way. That wimpy vampire is so lame,” I said.
    “No he’s not.” She tilted her head. “Plus, you kind of look like Edward. Tall, thin and handsome.  And he’s so romantic. Remember seeing Twilight with me? Anyway, I just melted when Edward snuck into the window of Bella’s bedroom. You don’t do anything like that. When we first dated you’d bring me flowers and do my literature homework.”
    “Don’t you know that I love you by now? You still need all of that kind stuff after dating three years? And you aced Lit, so you don’t need my help anymore. And flowers? Tomorrow I’m giving you a flower prom thing for your dress.”
    “Corsage.” She shook her head. “Sometimes, I feel like you’re taking me for granted.”
    “Not true. I’m here now with you. Doesn’t that mean anything?” Two girls dressed like Black Widow walked near us. I couldn’t help staring at them.
    “Eyes over here Ted.” Vicky tugged my shirt.
    “What?” I asked jerking my head back in her direction. Busted. Rats.
    “You’re such a guy. Hopeless.” She brushed the hair from my face.
    “You have to admit that is hot.” I pointed to the girls dressed as Black Widow.
    “Don’t point.” She slapped down my hand. “We are here for my movie, not The Avengers .”
    My body slumped. “I know.” And how I wished I could see the other movie instead.
    “You look like you’re being tortured. Your face is all pulled down in that weird expression you have when you don’t like something.”
    “Nothing is wrong. The vampire movie is going to be a blast.” My voice sort of rose to a near soprano, belying my usual alto.
    “Liar.” Vicky flipped her hair. “Shoot I forgot my team Edward shirt.”
    “Yeah I forgot my team get me the hell out of here shirt.” Darn it. I just said that out loud.
    “Heh! No filter on the brain boy- I heard that.” Vicky flicked me in the arm and laughed. “Your superpower is not tact.”
    “I mean, I’m team Edward too because I am a closeted vampire lover. Bet you didn’t know that. Plus my incisors are kind of getting pointy too.” I planted a kiss on the top of her adorable red head. “So now that I proclaimed my love of vampires, will you’ll wear the Black Widow