A pair of yellow lights flashed on illuminating the darkening road. And they led a large silver truck northward on the sinuous path overlooking the sea down below. The truck, filled with fuel, the driver, filled with fatigue.

His name was Chuck. Well that’s what he went by anyways. And he was a pretty large man but a good man. And terrible things sometimes happen to good people, but then again, so do good things.

Chuck’s eye lids were heavy and despite the heavy concentration that the road demanded on him, nothing on the road or the wall of green foliage to his left, nor the guard rail and the great void of open space on his right could keep him awake for more than a few seconds at a time.

He suddenly jerked awake. Terror filled his eyes as the available road ahead of him was quickly running out. He spun hard on the wheel and veered left. The cab missed the guard rail as the road snaked around the mountainous terrain.

The steering wheel tightened and he knew why. He gripped it with both hands and began pulling the wheel to the right with all his strength. The wheel slipped in his grip. The backmost wheels of the massive truck began to scream in protest as their momentum was being driven against their axis’.

“Oh, God!” Chuck uttered as the right side fuel truck hit the guard rail. The whole mass lurched and the sound of metal protesting the impact reverberated throughout the cab.

The guard rail was indeed strong enough to stop the impact, for those metal anchors ran deep into the cliff wall, but the top heavy load wasn’t so easily deterred. The truck began to spin and the cab tilted as the tail of the fuel truck was suddenly thrown into the space hundreds of feet above the ocean below.

Chuck saw things moving quickly and slowly at the same time. He sat in the truck paralyzed with fear and shock as his situation started to settle in on his acutely aware mind now. But with everything he had the power to think of, he had no power to move. Hold the wheel was all he could manage to do as the cab began to roll on its side heading for the virtually sheer drop to his death. And somehow holding the wheel felt as if it might help, so that’s what he did. He gripped with all his terrified strength.

Once the rig cleared the guard rail it began to spin more quickly as the downward demands of gravity overtook the truck’s sideward momentum.

Chuck could see the cliff wall in front of him spinning more wildly until the grossly heavier load in the rear of the truck angled the cab more skyward. He closed his eyes knowing he must be getting close to the shallow surf below and he missed a shadow flash across his windshield.

He clenched hard waiting for the impact as the truck’s sickening twist slowly subsided. Then the cab jerked towards the passenger side and Chuck inhaled sharply as a pitiful groan emerged out of his throat. But there was no fire, no angels or pearly gates or light. There was only darkness and a cliff wall and the roaring wind now quieting down. Chuck couldn’t believe his eyes as he stared up at the road now hundreds of feet over head and realized he was rising towards it!

The cab shuddered a bit but continued to rise. Chuck continued to clench the wheel in utter disbelief as the tanker and its 9000 gallons of gas glided gracefully over the guard rail and back over the road. And gently, as if the whole tanker were a delicate model, the truck set back down on the road facing north.

Chuck remained sitting in the cab. For what length of time he didn’t know but a voice from outside startled him.

He turned.

“I said are you alright?”

Chuck fumbled with the door handle. His hands, moments ago seemed capable of any action where numb and white and incapable of just about every action. Finally he managed to get the door opened and he jumped out of the cab.

“Holy God almighty!” He screamed as his feet hit the ground and his wholly body followed. “Did you just --” he picked up his face and lost his voice.

Wearing knee high boots that reflected the ethereal moonlight, a short red skirt and a deep blue top emblazoned with the universally recognized shield, Supergirl stood with an out stretched hand. Her long silky blond hair was blowing in the gentle breeze and her regal cape danced along the asphalt as she bent towards him.

Her face was angelic. Her eyes burning with an unearthly blue fire but in the same moment, a deep peace that one might find only at the bottom of the ocean. He lips were slightly parted in a careful smile which couldn’t fail to reassure. Everything about her seemed heavenly, as if she were a goddess in the flesh. More than a few fans treated her as such for she was indeed … Supergirl.

“Are you … alright?” She asked in a gentle voice.
“Supergirl?” he asked in disbelief. Then it made sense.

“My … you … you saved my life. Thank you. Thank you!” He said his mind still reeling. Upon taking her hand she effortlessly pulled him to his feet.

She said nothing and only gave him a soft smile. Chuck stammered back to his rig. “This thing has to weigh 60 … 65,000 pounds!”

Supergirl cocked her head shyly. “It felt heavier with all that spinning and falling.”

“You’re da-- …. Darn sure it was!” Chuck erupted catching his curse in mid-stride. He stood there looking at it for a moment. “Not, that I mind you saving my life and all, Supergirl. But … what in the world are you doin’ out here in the middle of nowhere?”

Supergirl heaved heavily. “I was heading into New York for a sort of … fundraiser when I saw you weaving a bit back there.” She said actually quite thankful for the distraction. It would permit her to be even later than she already was.

“Oh, one of those fancy fundraisers no doubt! And look what I made you go and do!” Chuck turned abruptly and reached back into his cab. He came back with a clean white square cloth which looked like it was torn out of a towel.

She looked at him curiously and then she caught the site of her hands.

“It won’t do me no good lettin’ you fly off to some tux and gown event with axle grease all over your hands, Supergirl.”

“Oh!” She chirped. “Well thank you.”

“Chuck.” He cut in.

“Thank you, Chuck.” She said wiping her hands.

“Now you got me all curious here.” He said emphatically leaning against the front of his rig. “What sort of a fundraiser does Supergirl go to?”

“It’s, uhh, for the Children in Need of Special Care Foundation.”

“That’s just like you isn’t it. You never quit helpin’ people do you?”

“Can I tell you a secret?” She said handing the cloth back to him.

“Of course.” He said quietly and leaned forward as if someone clearly not in the near vicinity might hear.

“I haven’t been to an event like this in a long time. I really, hate going, to tell you the truth.”

“Why?!” Chuck asked flabbergasted.

“Well.” She pondered for a moment trying to choose her words carefully. “I always feel like … like … I’m on parade.” She said walking over to the guard rail and looking out over the darkening sea. Chuck held his tongue. “I don’t like it when people … when I … when I’m being used. Even when it’s a good cause because … through all those smiling facing and fake conversations … no one’s really there to appreciate me for who I am … they’re there to see … Supergirl.”

“There’s a difference, Supergirl?”

“You see? That’s my point … It’s Kara.”

“It’s Richard.”

His interjection caught her off guard.

“What?”

“My real name is Richard, but I never liked the short version so I call myself Chuck instead. No matter what my mother calls me or my friends, it’s still the same me.”

Supergirl turned out over the sea again.

But no one would care about me at all if I didn’t have this costume. This is really silly isn’t it? Me here, unloading all of this on you – which – is something I never do … by the way – I just wanted …”

“To be late?” Chuck finished.

She grimaced. “Yeah.”

“Supergirl.” He said coming over to the guard rail. “You just saved my life. Tuvvix Oil also owes you a debt of gratitude for saving them a driver and 100 grand in fuel and vehicles which you saved in the blink of an eye not because of your costume or that pretty little face and not because you had to, because you didn’t. You saved my life … because you could … and you did. And maybe – hell I don’t know – maybe showin’ your face in there will help bring some extra coin to some youngsters who really need it. Maybe give them a chance at a life more normal than what they’d have without it. And that’s helping. That’s got to count for something, right?”

She turned to him thoughtfully and smiled. “I suppose you’re right.” There was a moment of silence. Then the Girl of Steel straightened. “I should … probably be going. Chuck.”

“Thank you Supergirl. Really – thank you.”

“You’re welcomed.” She said hovering a few feet off the ground. “And lay off the double shifts, Ok Chuck?”

“That was a triple actually.”

“Even worse!” She said gliding gracefully into the air. “Be safe!” And then she was gone.




She wouldn’t lie. She did love receiving public attention. She loved seeing people happy with her. It made her strong, proud and it gave her confidence but she knew well the difference between being honored for something she did and being paraded around and used for money. She made it a rule some time ago to avoid these sorts of things whenever possible and it looked like the Children in Need of Special Care Foundation figured out a way to maneuver around her unspoken public policy.

Supergirl had been invited to this fundraiser in order to raise money for the foundation and she knew as well as all the members of the foundation that nailing a guest like Supergirl would easily double their donations at an event like this. With the right spin on a fundraiser and a few key people to RSVP - the whole thing begins to take on a sort of critical mass. After all, what's more socially acceptable than helping children who have special needs?

The CINSOC Foundation managed to get those key members they needed such as Angela Manno, Jacob Brax, Hugh Barnet, Senator Howard Manfield, Senator Judith Armstrong, Representative Carrey Worthington. With billionaire names like that and some influential political people all the wealthy and powerful names began to appear as confirmed guests for the invitation only event. With names like those coming and the VIPs paying $10,000.00 per plate it was definitely a 'spared no expense' event.

She had delayed as long as possible but perhaps Chuck … Richard was right. If she was going to be paraded around as a trophy of support, then perhaps she should just do her best to help the cause because the cause was good and that’s what mattered.

New names appeared after Supergirl confirmed her acceptance. Even the wealthy and powerful didn't mind spending a small fortune to talk and maybe even dance with her at such an event. She didn't really enjoy dancing as Supergirl. It felt a bit strange to see people eying her they way they did when she was dressed in her costume. If she were in a nice gown like the other women would be and no one knew who she was, then she could simply enjoy the evening, the dancing, the chatting and all the rest.

She did her best to never arrive to events like this early. It created another situation that she didn't really like. She was often the most colorful and usually the center of attention in small crowds. She reminisced about events like this in the past where Superman was around. As an even bigger celebrity than she was, it was easier to relax than tonight would be. Even Wonder Woman made life easier then.

So she flew casually into New York about 35 minutes after the doors had opened. The air was warm still. Metropolis, being down south more was always quite special in the spring and summer months. And though New York was cooler, it did have uniqueness to it that Supergirl always enjoyed from above. The city was so massive. It was perhaps the only time 'smog' could be considered beautiful she supposed. In the late evening, in summer, the air would almost sparkle with the light of the setting sun from above.

A part of her still wanted to simply fly right past the line of limousines and expensive cars pulling up to the gala event. But she found herself descending into the city in spite of her urge. She didn't have an excuse to not go now. There was no crime in progress that needed her. No emergency that called her. 'I'll try to have a good time.' She told herself. 'It can't be that bad, right? Besides - it's for a good cause.'

She landed near the long red carpet that came all the way to the curb. A couple was just stepping out of a yellow porche and Supergirl slightly startled the raven haired woman. One of the tall tuxedo clad attendants was quick to support her.

"Excuse me." Supergirl said as she brushed a locke of silky blond hair aside.

"Don't worry Supergirl." The woman said as she turned toward her escort. Then she turned back. "I'd give anything to travel like you do. But ..." She paused looking back towards the porche. " ... this'll do for now. Trade me?" She asked jokingly.

“Not in a million years.” Supergirl smiled.

"Good evening, Supergirl." Another tall tuxedo clad attendant said as he came up to her. "May I escort you inside? Delilah had asked to see you when you arrive."

"Certainly." She replied straightening.

The inside of the ball room looked exquisite. The lights were dimmed and candles adorned the covered tables and walls. Expensive chandeliers hung overhead splashing soft crystal light on the ceiling and walls. The seating level had multiple levels to it mostly in a horse-shoe shape facing the stage. However, another large elevated level with a podium and stairs on either side gave the stage a sort of privacy. Long white and black curtains hung from the ceiling and walls with large reflective rings around them. The whole world seemed to glitter in a pristine sort of otherworldly way.

Supergirl had forgotten how elevating money could be. It sure beat her little 2 bedroom apartment. She stopped when she realized she was the only one awestruck by the dazzling interior and she quickly caught up to her escort.

The woman who’d just exited the porche hung loosely on the arm of a wealthy Spanish man who wasn’t at all bad looking but brunette’s eyes were fixed on the flowing red cape of the Girl of Steel. “Where … did you say you worked again?” she asked him keeping her mysterious eyes on Supergirl.

“Hello, Delilah!” Supergirl said with a wide smile.

“O, Supergirl! I was beginning to wonder when you’d show up!”

“You know I wouldn’t miss a chance to help you and your kids.” She lied.

Delilah smiled. “Thank you. That’ll be all, Lucas.” She said to the escort who promptly turned and made his way back towards the door.

“Not all of them are mine actually.” The president of the CINSOC Foundation said.

“What do you mean?”

“I was sort of conned into letting a handful of special children from outside the foundation to this evening’s dinner once word got out that you were coming.”

“Conned – you mean with money.” Delilah laughed. “Yes. – with money – it’s just – so helpful, the kids need so much and even a little money does produce results – every little bit helps bring them closer to a normal childhood.”

Supergirl’s thought wandered on that final thought. The next thing she knew, Delilah was pulling her towards the steps with the raised platform.

Delilah left her on the side while she approached the podium. Quiet quickly settled in over the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen, senators and representatives, honored guests and esteemed colleagues – may I be the first to welcome you to the Children in Need of Special Care Foundation’s first Gala fundraiser.”

Gentle applause rumbled from below. Supergirl looked around at the guests below. There were hundreds of people all dressed in some of the finest clothes available in the city. They all stood politely, quietly, and patiently pleased to know that their money was going to a good cause … and that they were getting a nice dinner out of their tax deductable donations as well.

“I have one short story to tell before I let you get on to the rest of the evening tonight.” Delilah continued. “Last year in January, I left Staten Island University Hospital with tears rolling down my face. I had just left a beautiful couple who weren’t able to have children of their own and I left a small boy named Brian.” She paused a moment. “Brian was in a car accident when he was 2 years old; both his parents were killed instantly. For the first year after that it was unclear whether he was going to live at all but he fought his way onward … to live. Brian was hooked up to life support machines for 19 months but what suffered even more than his body in that crash … was his brain. The trauma of the car accident left only his most basic life functions working and he remained in bed for 4 years without ever being able to control his own bodily functions.”

Delilah paused again. Either to sort her thoughts or simply for affect. Whatever the reason – it was working. The entire room was absolutely still.

“I had been searching for a way to help him since the first day I heard about the incident. And I gathered up the courage to speak with a notable citizen in Gotham who after examining the case donated a substantial sum of money to the boy’s cause. And after eleven operations … Brian was finally released from the hospital into the loving home of two new parents.”

The crowd clapped and applauded. “I just got a letter –“ she pulled a sheet of paper from her pocket and waved it over her head. “and I’d like to read it to you. ‘Dear Miss Delilah, I am so very happy to have met you because of everything you did for me and my family. The life I can have because of your work. You make the world a better place and I will always remember you. I hope they give you lots of money so you can keep helping people like me. Thank you.”

“It’s written in orange marker.” She said holding the letter up for the floor to see.

Laughter broke out from below. “Brian wrote me that when his parents told him about the purpose of this fundraiser.” Absolute quiet. “That little boy who once wouldn’t even use his brain to open his own mouth … is now 9 years old and he’s skipping the 2nd grade to proceed into the third 3rd next year.”

More applause broke out from the floor below. Delilah calmly raised her hands to quiet the floor. “It was because of people like you that children like Brian can live. With today’s expanding medical technologies, it’s possible now more than ever, to truly give a child like Brian … a new life.”

Delilah was undoubtedly a magical person. Supergirl saw people down there wiping tears from their eyes and others pondering how much money they could give to the foundation tonight. Her moving story struck nerves across the entire floor below. And before too much time passed, she started again with renewed vigor in her voice. “Now, I’d like to introduce someone who needs no real introduction.”

Supergirl’s heart immediately picked up its pace and then an idea crossed her mind. She only had a moment to think about it but her time was short. She wasn’t told to prepare anything for tonight!

“This woman is a symbol, a living symbol, of the selfless giving that truly does make this world a better place. And if I had a dollar for every life she’s saved …” Delilah paused looking over at Supergirl. The floor quieted again. “… I wouldn’t be here tonight begging for your money.” Delilah said. Laughs once again ensued from the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to present the first Children in Need of Special Care Humanitarian Award to Supergirl!”

The crowd continued to cheer and those sitting stood all looking up at the blue and red clad Maid of Might. Delilah turned to Supergirl and opened her arms.

Supergirl walked up to her and placing her head away from the mic she whispered “You told me I wouldn’t have to say anything.” She said as she embraced the founder.

“They’re easy.” Delilah replied, “Just say ‘thank you.’ If you want.”

The cheering continued for quite some time. It must make quite an impression seeing Supergirl and Delilah together supporting the foundation like this. Delilah retrieved a crystal statue on a cherry base. It was an image of a small girl looking up to a face and smiling. An inscription in gold plating read “To Supergirl – for all you do and for all you are, we thank you!” Supergirl waited at the podium while the crowd continued applauding her.

“I …” she started but the crowd wasn’t ready to let her begin yet. So she waited another few moments. There seemed to be no signs of the crowd stopping. She had seen Superman deal with this before – you just start talking and they’ll be quiet so they can listen. “I didn’t really come prepared to say anything tonight-” finally the cheering began to subside. “But I do have something to share with you tonight … I stand here today, a survivor of a dying planet and a dying people just like my cousin.” She looked skyward. “And I share much in common with my cousin, but I am truly, deeply envious of him. I’m an jealous for something I – will never have.” The crowd was utterly silent again. “You see, I grew up in a world that doesn’t exist anymore. People spoke differently, technology was different, and the planet was different. But Kal’el – orphan of the same planet was too young to remember that world. Earth is his home. He grew up here, among you.” She begin to feel like she was rambling. “What I wish I had more than anything else – is a childhood – here – like yours – like his.” She took a breath hoping this was coming out right. “With all of my powers, all of my abilities, none of them can bring me that wonderful experience of a childhood here with you. And that is what this foundation is bringing to children who have no hope of that experience otherwise. Please give the gift I cannot, the gift that not even Superman can give, a childhood.”

The entire floor erupted as Supergirl stepped away from the podium and once again embraced Delilah. It would definitely be a good night for the foundation. Every single guest in the hall was clapping but only one seemed to be doing so without heart. She was a tall, beautiful brunette with no powers of her own to speak of; Her cold eyes stared up at the lovely blond so happy … so victorious … so … dangerous. The woman from the yellow porche stopped clapping and with her hands at her sides she continued to gaze up at the blond super-heroine with ice in her eyes.

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