Post by arcademan on Jun 22, 2020 0:18:59 GMT
Note: This story takes place after "Fawcett's New Hero". It may have already been posted in the Yahoo Group awhile back however since it was unfinished (and for now still is), the first parts are being (re)posted. Thanks.
PART 1
An early spring had arrived in the countryside surrounding Fawcett City and many were taking advantage of the warmer weather after what seemed to be an extremely cold and brisk winter. Though the nights were still on the chilly side, there was enough warmth during the day to partake in outside activities that didn't involved bundling up or dressing in layers. Families were out and about in the parks playing, having picnics and enjoying what nature has provided the good citizens of Fawcett City.
As the sun set slowly in the west and the air began to cool, the night settled in, darkness enveloping the city albeit briefly as the street lights cut through the blackness, the entire community seemed to take on a different tone at night. Many establishments were catering to the hungry hordes of people and there wasn't one more famous nor popular than the one that was the 'must visit' place for anyone and everyone connected to Fawcett City...Blazin' B's Restaurant and BBQ Pit.
For over 50 years, Blazin B's was the place for great barbeque. Forget Kansas City, Texas or the deep South...this WAS the rib and chops shack everyone loved, not to mention the ongoing jazz music and sessions where the most famous musicians played for the masses. It was also a great place for inspiring jazz players to dip their toes in the water so to speak and make a name for themselves.
During the weekend with the place packed as usual and the smooth jazz filling up the entire restaurant along with the sweet succulent smells of meats and sauces, a big, heavyset man came barging out of the kitchen holding up several plates of food...Blazin' B himself Mister Bill Batson. Inheriting the establishment from his father 20 years ago, he was more than happy to keep the tradition alive and though he the same age as the restaurant itself, he worked the floor and pits with the speed and energy of a much younger man.
"Order up, Pops!" yelled the young African-American teenager from behind the counter. As Mister Batson served the plates to his customers with pinpoint precision, he ran back to the front to pick up another load.
"Thanks, son!" Of course the teenager was his son, named after him. While his official name was William Batson III, he went by the much cooler sounding name Willie B. While running Blazin' B's was definitely hard work, especially during the cooler evenings and weekends, he enjoyed being around the people and loved his father and other workers of the restaurant. It was kind of odd that when Willie wasn't at work or in school, his character showed many as a wild, unpredictable boy who had his own spin on life, thought he knew everything, almost a 'street tough' type of attitude and fancied himself a 'ladies man' but only a select few knew what he really was...a hero.
During a crisis awhile back, Willie B was given the powers of the wizard Shazam and became the newest member of the famous Marvel Family known as Cool Marvel. Though the first few months were considered rough at best and mostly a learning experience, Willie grew into the role and with that his more annoying traits of characterization were left behind as he fully appreciated and accepted the role of responsibility, as either Cool Marvel or himself. He had also made a good friend in a new arrival to the community named Florence Fair.
It was recent that they started running into one another in the streets and the local stores however it was during a foiled robbery at the corner neighborhood market that Willie discovered the true nature of who Florence really was...a pixie that had left the realm called Fairyland and was now living in the human world and moonlighting as an inspiring super heroine, calling herself Flora. They knew of each other's secret and swore to one another not to reveal their heroic identities until as least Flora was ready to work comfortably in the public and alongside the other mighty heroes of Fawcett...the Squadron of Justice.
One particular Saturday night after the crowds had died down and gone home for the night, at the restaurant, Willie was hauling out the trash to the dumpster while a handful of other employees were cleaning the tables and kitchens. Inside the office, Mr. Batson was counting the receipts and doing the paperwork.
"Not another bad night...not at all. Time to give my hard-working crew a bonus and a big one at that." Many of the workers were long-time employees while some of the younger ones work the jobs their parents once did years before. The family atmosphere was the very foundation of Blazin' B. and that meant a lot to Bill. After a few minutes, the lights were turned off and Willie stepped into the office.
"Everyone's clocked out and gone. The place is locked tighter than Fort Knox and I'm ready to call it a night, Pops." said Willie in a tired tone.
"What's wrong, boy? You tired? When I was your age, I did everything you did plus all the cooking and without breaking a sweat!" chuckled his father.
"Yeah...back then when you walked 10 miles in the snow in your bare feet so that you could catch the next dinosaur to school!" laughed Willie as he laughed back as well.
After setting the alarm and locking up the back door, the father and son dual walked across the parking lot toward the street and to the house facing the restaurant, which was their home...always a stone's throw away in case something came up. The house and property was around several years before the restaurant was built and the reason...if you have to work, you shouldn't spend half your time going to and from it...as quoted from Grandfather Batson.
As the two came up to the porch, Willie turned to his dad. "Pops, I need to ask you a question...and maybe get some advice from you, if you don't mind."
Bill looked at his son. "It's awfully late. Can't it wait until morning?"
"I'll probably chicken out if I don't talk about it now. You see Pops...I met up with this girl..."
"Oh Lordy...you and another girl! I shoulda seen this one a mile away!!!" Bill shook his head as he opened up the front door.
"No Pops, this isn't like that!" During his earlier years, Willie had a somewhat popular reputation at school and around town as a 'ladies man' though whether or not it was actually true was another story. "She's new in town...came to Fawcett a few months back. I run into her now and then at the store and on the street."
"So...she's not a native. Lucky her...hasn't heard about 'Cassanova Batson'. said Bill in a laughing matter as he sat down in his rocking chair and kicked off his shoes.
"I know...laugh it up but she...she's different. Her name is Florence and I was thinking of asking her out on a date. I'm being totally serious this time." Willie's voice was kind of getting on the angry side, which his dad noticed. He turned to his son.
"Okay, Willie...let me ask you a couple of questions. How much do you know her? Do you have anything in common? Is she pretty?"
"Of course she is!" yelled Willie. "Not that would matter because she's nice. As far as the knowing her or having anything in common...I don't know. That's why I wanna date her, I guess."
Bill shook his head. "Boy, you need to get yourself some manners when it comes to females. Tell you what...sleep on it and we'll have this discussion in the morning when we ain't half asleep because your logic is putting me to sleep!"
As Bill got up from his chair and headed to his bedroom, Willie let out a big yawn and headed to his room however for some reason all he had on his mind was one Florence Fair.
PART 1
An early spring had arrived in the countryside surrounding Fawcett City and many were taking advantage of the warmer weather after what seemed to be an extremely cold and brisk winter. Though the nights were still on the chilly side, there was enough warmth during the day to partake in outside activities that didn't involved bundling up or dressing in layers. Families were out and about in the parks playing, having picnics and enjoying what nature has provided the good citizens of Fawcett City.
As the sun set slowly in the west and the air began to cool, the night settled in, darkness enveloping the city albeit briefly as the street lights cut through the blackness, the entire community seemed to take on a different tone at night. Many establishments were catering to the hungry hordes of people and there wasn't one more famous nor popular than the one that was the 'must visit' place for anyone and everyone connected to Fawcett City...Blazin' B's Restaurant and BBQ Pit.
For over 50 years, Blazin B's was the place for great barbeque. Forget Kansas City, Texas or the deep South...this WAS the rib and chops shack everyone loved, not to mention the ongoing jazz music and sessions where the most famous musicians played for the masses. It was also a great place for inspiring jazz players to dip their toes in the water so to speak and make a name for themselves.
During the weekend with the place packed as usual and the smooth jazz filling up the entire restaurant along with the sweet succulent smells of meats and sauces, a big, heavyset man came barging out of the kitchen holding up several plates of food...Blazin' B himself Mister Bill Batson. Inheriting the establishment from his father 20 years ago, he was more than happy to keep the tradition alive and though he the same age as the restaurant itself, he worked the floor and pits with the speed and energy of a much younger man.
"Order up, Pops!" yelled the young African-American teenager from behind the counter. As Mister Batson served the plates to his customers with pinpoint precision, he ran back to the front to pick up another load.
"Thanks, son!" Of course the teenager was his son, named after him. While his official name was William Batson III, he went by the much cooler sounding name Willie B. While running Blazin' B's was definitely hard work, especially during the cooler evenings and weekends, he enjoyed being around the people and loved his father and other workers of the restaurant. It was kind of odd that when Willie wasn't at work or in school, his character showed many as a wild, unpredictable boy who had his own spin on life, thought he knew everything, almost a 'street tough' type of attitude and fancied himself a 'ladies man' but only a select few knew what he really was...a hero.
During a crisis awhile back, Willie B was given the powers of the wizard Shazam and became the newest member of the famous Marvel Family known as Cool Marvel. Though the first few months were considered rough at best and mostly a learning experience, Willie grew into the role and with that his more annoying traits of characterization were left behind as he fully appreciated and accepted the role of responsibility, as either Cool Marvel or himself. He had also made a good friend in a new arrival to the community named Florence Fair.
It was recent that they started running into one another in the streets and the local stores however it was during a foiled robbery at the corner neighborhood market that Willie discovered the true nature of who Florence really was...a pixie that had left the realm called Fairyland and was now living in the human world and moonlighting as an inspiring super heroine, calling herself Flora. They knew of each other's secret and swore to one another not to reveal their heroic identities until as least Flora was ready to work comfortably in the public and alongside the other mighty heroes of Fawcett...the Squadron of Justice.
One particular Saturday night after the crowds had died down and gone home for the night, at the restaurant, Willie was hauling out the trash to the dumpster while a handful of other employees were cleaning the tables and kitchens. Inside the office, Mr. Batson was counting the receipts and doing the paperwork.
"Not another bad night...not at all. Time to give my hard-working crew a bonus and a big one at that." Many of the workers were long-time employees while some of the younger ones work the jobs their parents once did years before. The family atmosphere was the very foundation of Blazin' B. and that meant a lot to Bill. After a few minutes, the lights were turned off and Willie stepped into the office.
"Everyone's clocked out and gone. The place is locked tighter than Fort Knox and I'm ready to call it a night, Pops." said Willie in a tired tone.
"What's wrong, boy? You tired? When I was your age, I did everything you did plus all the cooking and without breaking a sweat!" chuckled his father.
"Yeah...back then when you walked 10 miles in the snow in your bare feet so that you could catch the next dinosaur to school!" laughed Willie as he laughed back as well.
After setting the alarm and locking up the back door, the father and son dual walked across the parking lot toward the street and to the house facing the restaurant, which was their home...always a stone's throw away in case something came up. The house and property was around several years before the restaurant was built and the reason...if you have to work, you shouldn't spend half your time going to and from it...as quoted from Grandfather Batson.
As the two came up to the porch, Willie turned to his dad. "Pops, I need to ask you a question...and maybe get some advice from you, if you don't mind."
Bill looked at his son. "It's awfully late. Can't it wait until morning?"
"I'll probably chicken out if I don't talk about it now. You see Pops...I met up with this girl..."
"Oh Lordy...you and another girl! I shoulda seen this one a mile away!!!" Bill shook his head as he opened up the front door.
"No Pops, this isn't like that!" During his earlier years, Willie had a somewhat popular reputation at school and around town as a 'ladies man' though whether or not it was actually true was another story. "She's new in town...came to Fawcett a few months back. I run into her now and then at the store and on the street."
"So...she's not a native. Lucky her...hasn't heard about 'Cassanova Batson'. said Bill in a laughing matter as he sat down in his rocking chair and kicked off his shoes.
"I know...laugh it up but she...she's different. Her name is Florence and I was thinking of asking her out on a date. I'm being totally serious this time." Willie's voice was kind of getting on the angry side, which his dad noticed. He turned to his son.
"Okay, Willie...let me ask you a couple of questions. How much do you know her? Do you have anything in common? Is she pretty?"
"Of course she is!" yelled Willie. "Not that would matter because she's nice. As far as the knowing her or having anything in common...I don't know. That's why I wanna date her, I guess."
Bill shook his head. "Boy, you need to get yourself some manners when it comes to females. Tell you what...sleep on it and we'll have this discussion in the morning when we ain't half asleep because your logic is putting me to sleep!"
As Bill got up from his chair and headed to his bedroom, Willie let out a big yawn and headed to his room however for some reason all he had on his mind was one Florence Fair.
