The Backstory Chapter 11

Chapter 11


Felix held the push broom upside down and poked the awning interior gingerly. The awning normally could handle the rain, but for some reason during last night’s sudden downpour around three AM the rain gutter over the building somehow overflowed and spilled out in a torrent that knocked over potted plants and caused the awning to collapse inside out and fill with water.

Carefully he thrust the broom upward, forcing the water gathered inside the covering to spill over the sides and splash to the ground around him. Using the hammer he repaired the inverted frame. He then moved his attention to the upset potted plants on either side of the entrance when Tom stepped out of the building, again carrying bags of garbage. Felix greeted him good morning.

“And I took the liberty of sweeping those bricks up for you.” He motioned to the pile in front of the bulldozer. “Hope you don’t mind.”

“Nah, appreciate the help.” Tom tossed the bags in front of the vehicle and Felix watched as he piloted it to the dump to make its daily deposit. When the task was done they both retreated into the building and waited for Ralph.

But he didn’t come.

They waited twenty minutes before Tom shrugged and said,

“Guess he’s not hungry.”

Felix frowned.

“Has he ever missed a meal?”

“Eh, sometimes he comes later, but not usually though.”

Felix gazed out the window facing the dump.

“Maybe he’s still sore about last night. It’s got me worried.”

“The invitation to hide inside when he shows up is still on the table.”

Felix shook his head.

“I mean, I’m worried about Ralph. I hope he’s okay.”

Tom stared at him like he had just grown an extra head.

“The guy knocks you off a building, and you’re worried about how he’s doing?”

Felix twiddled his thumbs.

“Well, last night I got him riled up something fierce, and there’s already bad blood between us…” He kept going back to the memory of Ralph’s rampage from last night. There was something in the mountain man’s wrathful yelling that sounded almost sad. “And I just can’t believe that he’d try to do anyone any real harm, not on purpose anyway.”

If Ralph had wanted to finish him off as Gene had said, surely he would have done so. Felix remembered the weight on his chest before the Nicelanders had come to his rescue. Ralph could have crushed him, right then and there, but he didn’t.

“Call me crazy, but I can’t shake the idea that Ralph isn’t all bad.”

Tom shook his head and gave Felix a pat on the shoulder.

“Buddy, you’re a nice guy, but you’re crazy.”

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Up on the roof, Felix carefully inspected the rain gutter but found no obstructions. On one side of the building the gutter had bent from the overabundance of water and was now leaking over the side, a hammer tap fixed that, but he was still at a loss as to why the gutter had overflowed in the first place.

However he did find the same family of ducks from yesterday, again using the rooftop pool.

“C’mon guys, we’ve already talked this over. You can’t stay here, so go back to your lake. Now shoo.” He tried to encourage them to go by gently splashing the water with the skimmer pole. They bobbed over the ripples without even a glance in his direction. “Goodness, they’re as stubborn as Ralph.” He gave the water a good firm smacking with the pole, hoping a few strong waves would get them going. The noise coupled with the choppy water finally got the ducks flying. Unfortunately, they all took off in Felix’s direction. He only had seconds to cover his face before he was pelted with wings and beaks. The flock only quacked noisily as they flew off, unfazed by the impact that had knocked Felix down on his rear.

He took a moment to compose himself, cleaning feathers off his hair and clothes.

“Jimminy Jamminy, either those ducks aren’t very bright, or they have it out for me.”

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Felix got to the bottom of the drain spout and found that it had been crushed shut. One of Ralph’s pranks that he had missed apparently. He gave the spout a tap with the hammer and suddenly all the water still left in the gutter came gushing out, mostly all over his jeans. Paired with the ducks this wasn’t adding up to be the best morning.

He made his way around the building, making sure everything else looked ship shape, but he stopped when his boot got stuck in a sloppy puddle of mud. The thick, wet soil sucked at his shoe as he pulled it out. He inspected the puddle as he wiped his shoe off in the grass. The puddle was huge and it took up an entire section of the grass. The bent part of the rain gutter must have focused the water overflow to this side of the building where it had pooled overnight. It was one of those things the hammer couldn’t fix, and it looked like it would take days to dry out. He’d have to warn Gene to avoid this area when the reporter showed up for the photo shoot.

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News about the photo shoot had spread through the building and the Nicelanders were all buzzing through their apartments making sure everything looked their best, just in case the reporter wanted to see inside one of them.

After changing into something dry, Felix joined in by double-checking each hallway for cobwebs, dust, or any other evidence of disorder. He polished the furniture, washed hallway windows, put fresh flowers into the lobby vases and straightened any crooked pictures.  

By the time a white van pulled up with The Chronicle’s name on the side, the residents were milling about their windows and the front doors of the lobby to watch. Gene straightened his tie and strut to the front doors.

“Here they are. We did it Felix. The building is clean, pristine, and not a single sign of you-know-who.”

Felix couldn’t help but smile seeing Gene all puffed up with pride. They saw the reporter and photographer step out of the van and head toward the building.

“Good luck, Gene.” He held the door open as Gene stepped outside to greet the reporter, a pretty lady in a suit with large shoulder pads and her photographer, a younger man with a goatee.

Felix and the Nicelanders watched from the door as Gene and the reporter talked and the photographer snapped pictures of the building. Some of the Nicelanders whispered about how exciting it was to get this kind of press. After a few moments, Gene turned to the doors and called for Felix with a wave.

He was a little surprised and confused he was being summoned, but he stepped outside and joined the group.

“Here he is, our VIP.” Gene smiled introducing Felix to the news people. “Fix-it Felix Jr., the man responsible for the upkeep of this fine building.”

“So, you’re the son of the renowned Fix-it Felix?” The reporter asked.

Felix blushed as the photographer snapped his picture.

“Well, yes I am.” He postured nervously. It was awkward to have the spotlight thrust on him, especially since they were here about the building and not him.

“And we’re so honored to have him choose Niceland as his new home.” Gene added, posing next to Felix to give the Photographer a prime photo opportunity. The reporter continued her questioning, raising her tape recorder out to Felix.  

“How do you like working for the Niceland Apartments?”

Felix paused, thinking this over. While a simple answer would suffice, he didn’t want to marginalize his feelings about the place. His mind reflected back to the previous night.

“Well ma’am, when Gene and I first met, he explained to me that Niceland was meant to be a place where people could come and live happily. Now, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people and I’ve had a chance to meet the fine folks that live here and honestly, I can’t think of another place I’d be happier working.” He glanced at Gene and saw the Mayor give him a huge grin. Gene turned to the reporter.

“So, shall we take the grand tour?” He offered. Felix sprinted ahead to hold the door for everyone and smiled as Gene gestured for him to follow them along.

As the tour continued, the reporter asked about urban planning and interior decorators and Felix used his master key to get her and her photographer into the exclusive areas of the building. They were in the penthouse now, with Gene showing off his art collection and going on about how the building had been erected in record time and was complete with all the amenities. The photographer was changing out a roll of film when he sidled up to Felix.

“So, you’ve been here a few days right?”

“Um, yes. This would be my third day, actually.” Felix wasn’t sure how he should address the photographer. He certainly wasn’t expecting anyone other then the reporter to be asking him questions. The younger man eyed Felix’s tool belt, then leaned in a little closer.

“Is it true? He’s real, isn’t he?”

Felix was confused.

“I’m afraid I’m not following you. Who’s real?”

“You know, Wreck-it Ralph.”

Felix swallowed hard. He knew that was a topic Gene definitely did NOT want discussed near the press. He grimaced nervously to the point where he was almost grinding his teeth, searching his mind for an appropriate response.

“Come on,” The photographer urged, “I’ve heard all the stories. I know he lives out here. Why else would the Mayor hire somebody with a magic fixing hammer unless it was to use against a supernaturally destructive force?”

“I wouldn’t call Ralph supernatural…” Felix clasped his hand over his mouth the moment the words flew out. His heart leapt, he hadn’t expected to say that out loud, but he was so taken off guard by this questioning that he accidentally blurted out the first thing that had popped into his head. The photographer’s eyes widened with excitement.

“So you have seen him! Is he really a Sasquatch? Has he eaten anyone?”

“Phil, are you taking pictures or quitting to join a tabloid?” The reporter thankfully interrupted.  She and Gene were facing the two, the reporter with a stern expression and Gene looking slightly nervous.

“But he’s seen Wreck-it Ralph.” Phil pointed to Felix, who still had his hand over his mouth.

Gene chuckled and made his way over to the two men.

“It is true, we do have a homeless man squatting on the property, causing occasional…mischief. But he’s nothing that can’t be handled. Isn’t that right Felix?”

“Heheh, No Sasquatch in these woods, no sir.” He tried his best to keep calm. The guilt of his spilling the beans dropping to his stomach like a brick, he knew there was damage control to be done.

The reporter looked to Gene and aimed her recorder at him.

“So, what have you done to assure potential residents who do believe that Wreck-it Ralph is a threat that Niceland is safe?”

Gene fiddled with his tie nervously, he wanted his next answer to sound professional, with this particular subject he needed to look good.

“Well, I let all residents, current and future, know that not only is this building up to code with all possible safety features, but we’re also close to all local fire departments, police and hospitals…”

“And I’ve got my hammer.” Felix chimed in.

The reporter looked intrigued. “The same magic hammer your father used?”

“Yes ma’am.” He pulled it from his tool belt and held it up.

“I told you he had it.” The photographer smirked, taking pictures.

Felix smiled for the camera. It had been a bold move to advertise the hammer like this. He had actually surprised himself by doing it. But he wanted to make up for his slip up and help Gene as much as possible.

“That’s right. With his magic hammer, Felix here can take care of any and all damage Niceland could possibly face.” Gene stated, pouncing on this opportunity.

“Looks like you’ve thought of everything then.” The reporter sounded impressed and Gene soaked up the positive review like a sponge.

“Naturally.” He grinned. “Hold it up a little higher, Felix.” Felix followed Gene’s direction and lifted the hammer up in a charming pose. “And smile more. Show them you’re important to the Niceland community.”

The sentiment made Felix beam. Important. He was important. Not just the hammer. Him. Proof that he had risen out of its shadow. The photographer captured his smiling pose as if he were a supermodel and not a superintendant. His heart fluttered now as it did when the Nicelanders had applauded him last night. His self-esteem was soaring, but he reminded himself not to get a big head over this, even if the idea that he’d be seeing himself in the newspaper tickled him pink.  

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The rest of the tour continued without incident. The rooftop pool was duck free, the back patio was arranged perfectly, Tom had even moved his bulldozer to the abandoned construction sight so it wouldn’t be an eyesore on the property. Every resident was friendly and well behaved. For Gene it was going exactly as he had planned. He kept Felix at his side the whole time, the boy had become a sort of good luck charm for him.

Everything seemed to be wrapping up as the reporter was led back to the front of the building. Her photographer changed out his roll of film and got a shot other three coming out the front doors.

“Well, Mr. Mayor, it looks like your apartment project is a success.” The reporter congratulated.

“Niceland deserves only the best.” Gene responded with pride. “Safe homes, clean living, and happy people. How a community should be.”

The reporter’s eye wandered past the side of the building.

“Speaking of clean. What’s being done about that pile of trash over there?” She pointed to the dump and to Gene’s dismay, the photographer got a few shots of it. He frowned slightly, but he had expected to get this question.

“That installation is only temporary.” He dismissed. “It’ll be removed … eventually.” He smirked then, drawing the news people closer with a hand gesture. “Actually, it will only be there until construction is finished.”

“Construction?” Asked the reporter.

“Construction?” Felix repeated.

“That’s right,” Gene declared, “I’m giving you the exclusive announcement that we’re going to be resuming efforts to add more buildings to the area.”

Felix heard a cracking of branches in the distance. While Gene’s announcement had caught him off guard, his surprise was quickly replaced with a rising dread.

“That’s right. With Felix on the job, I’m confident that we’ll be starting construction on the next set of apartments in no time…”

“RRRRAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!”

Like an explosion, Ralph charged out of the woods screaming with rage. The reporter almost fell over with fright. The photographer whipped his camera around and started snapping pictures. Gene looked as if he was about to have a heart attack as his hid behind Felix, who stood there frozen with fear.

“Holy Moly, it’s Wreck-it Ralph!” The photographer was shooting off pictures at rapid-fire speed, oblivious to the face that his subject matter looked ready to knock their heads off. “Hey Ralph! Over here!”

Ralph turned his attention away from Gene and Felix, now noticing the scruffy man taking his picture. One look at the camera and he snorted like a bull seeing red. A swipe from his massive hand and the camera was snatched away and crushed into crumpled plastic and metal. He dropped the remains to the ground and scanned the people cowering below him. His fists were clenched, his teeth gnashed together and his face pulled tight with anger. His breath heaved as his expression reddened with frustration as he decided what to do next.

“Ralph…” Felix tentatively stepped forward, hands out in a defensively. His voice was calm and he approached slowly. One hand cautiously hovered above the hammer. Ralph shifted his focus to the handyman. He backed off slightly as Felix came closer.  “It’s okay.” Felix spoke softly, “I know you’re upset, but we can talk about this, alright?”

Ralph appeared to be contemplating this, but his brow furrowed a moment later, indicating his displeasure in being patronized.

He snarled, thrusting his fist at the ground in front of Felix. The shockwave made the ground tremble and fracture. Felix leapt aside to avoid flying rocks and soil. Gene and his guests ran for the news van and hid behind it. Ralph saw this and stomped after them.

The three gasped in terror as the van lifted off the ground. Ralph glowered down at them, the van hefted over his head. He saw the reporter’s eyes pleading up at him. There was a moment of hesitation as his eyes connected with hers. Then he spotted Gene cowering behind the news people and growled. With a heaving roar he tossed the van directly into the building, creating a huge hole upon impact. Brick and metal came crashing to the ground. Dust and debris filled the air as did the sound of the van’s horn blaring ceaselessly as the vehicle landed nose first. The sound gained the attention of the Nicelanders, who peeked out from their windows to behold the wreckage.

Felix stared wide-eyed at it all, his mind barely able to digest what had just happened. He watched as Ralph turned around and headed back into the forest.

“Ralph!” he called out. The giant did not react to his call and disappeared behind the trees. He wanted to follow him. It was obvious that Gene’s announcement had triggered this violent reaction and he knew Ralph was only defending his territory. If only they could talk this all out.

“Felix!” He heard Gene yelling for him. He turned and saw the mayor looking frantically at him. He looked over the intense damage the building had taken, the frightened news people, the Nicelanders now filing outside to see and murmur about what had happened.

While he still wanted to confront Ralph, Felix knew his responsibilities towards Niceland came first. He had a duty to uphold, people to take care of, and a building to fix. He slipped the hammer into his hand and rushed back towards the building.

Ralph would have to wait.

[To be continued]