The Superman & Wonder Woman Fan Archive

CHAPTER EIGHT

'What an absolutely fascinating man,' Donna remarked thoughtfully.

Fascinating? Maybe Superman was that, but he was also puzzlingly enigmatic, if not down­right unfathomable. From the way he had re­acted when Donna had just queried him about their spending so much time alone, it seemed to be at odds with what he had already told her about being his preferred partner on missions. Indeed, Superman had been very clear, he did not want to spend time alone with her, he just saw it as an extension of his duty.

Diana was no more sure she could confide in Hippolyta about the last few days than she could earlier in Donna. It was all so raw and painful still that she didn't really want to talk about it. To anyone.

Her sister continued talking. 'From the little I know of Superman, I don't think anyone knows a lot more about him than he reveals. He gave me the impression that there weren't many people he’s close to.'

Diana's face shadowed over as she paused in the act of stretching her muscles.

'No.' She sighed acknowledgement of that sad fact, returning to her stretching.

'But you love him.'

Diana gave her sister a startled look, not because it wasn't perfectly obvious to anyone who really knew her how she felt about Superman, but because it wasn't like Donna to be so blunt with her. Donna never intruded, had always been the best friend and sister anyone could ever hope for.

Donna made a face at her obvious surprise. 'Terry is already a terrible influence on me.'

Diana smiled. 'Oh, I wouldn't go that far.'

'Neither would I, really.' Her sister gave a coy smile. 'But I only had to take one look at you and Superman together,' she sobered, 'to realize how you felt about him. And besides the look on your face just now was very revealing, remember, I know you really well, sis!’

Diana sighed at the truth of that. 'And how do you think he feels about me?' she prompted, without any illusions.

Donna gave a rueful shrug. 'It's very difficult to tell. He certainly doesn't give much away by his behaviour.'

'Exactly!' She sank down heavily in the pool.

Donna moved to sit close to her. 'What did happen during the last couple of days?' she en­couraged gently.

'Nothing! I just resigned from the JLA,' Diana said shakily, her eyes brimful with tears as she looked up at her sister. 'Does that make any sense to you?'

'I think so,' her sister said slowly, her face full of compassion.

'But Superman is not taking it well, I thought he would,' Diana choked. 'As far as he is concerned, he wants me to reconsider.'

'Are you sure?'

'Oh, yes,' Diana said emotionally.

'It's difficult with a man like that to tell what he feels,' Donna frowned.

Diana shook her head. 'Believe me, that— we have no real relationship, not like you and Terry. And as I no longer will be part of the League—'

'That's a new development, isn't it?' Donna looked concerned.

'Very,' she confirmed drily. 'Although it's been only two days.’

Donna looked more puzzled than ever. 'Then why did he—?'

'Don't ask.' Diana grimaced. 'I haven't been able to work out for myself yet why he should choose to speak to mother, invite himself here, fly down with me, let alone feel I can explain it to anyone else!'

'Hm. It's very curious, though,' Donna said with slow thoughtfulness.

'Don't read too much into it,' Diana dis­missed disgustedly. 'It’s strange but lately, Superman seems to be behaving in a typical male manner, a law unto himself and, if he chooses to do some­thing, he doesn't believe anyone should question it.'

'I can tell that,' her sister said, still very thoughtful. 'But it is—curious.'

Diana shook her head. 'I wouldn't dwell on it too much. Over the years I've come to realize Superman is simply unfathomable.' She stood up, out of the pool, allowing the water to fall over her body. 'Now, let's finish off and find Terry before he gets too lonely and sends out a search-party,' she attempted to tease. 'I get the feeling he suffers from withdrawal symptoms if you're away from him for too long!'