It. Has. Been. Forever. I am so, so sorry. Thanks for sticking with me through this rough patch. This chapter isn't my favorite, meaning I think it stinks. But you guys needed something, so...

I'm not crying. I'm not mourning. I'm just trying to decide what happens next in life. I've shut myself away in the room I've been given. Steve has given up trying to get me to answer the door.

Jared's gone. There's nothing humanly possible I can do about it. I'll always hate myself for letting him die, and he'll always be my hero and my best friend. But I need to suck it up and move on. I've heard that buried emotions aren't good for one's sanity, but so far it hasn't helped to have them in plain view.

So, what now? Get home. Yes, that's the plan. It's really always been the plan. So, now it's time to get my game face on. I've got a mission to accomplish.

I stand up and open the door. Steve is still outside it. I offer a brief smile and strut down the hall. He follows me.

I throw a glance over my shoulder. "I'm sorry. Do you need me for something?"

"Oh, no. I was just making sure you're alright."

I shrug. "I'm fine. I'm always fine."

"Well, I thought… You seemed a little upset, so…"

I turn to him and nod. "I was a little upset. Nothing big though. Don't worry."

"Is it something Loki said?"

"Nah, it was something I said and then other stuff, too. Look, I don't mean to be rude, but it's not something I really want to talk about."

He holds his hands up in defense. "I get it. Sorry."

I continue walking. "Well, are you and I going to go grab something to eat or what?"

"Yeah, that'd be great. The mess hall's this way," Steve answers as he takes the lead.

In the mess hall, they're still serving pizza, and that's fine by me. I pile my plate with three pieces and sit down across from Steve.

"I have something for you," he announces.

"Oh?" I answer, my mouth filled with crust and cheese and pepperoni.

I hear a slight buzz come from next to Steve. He picks up the source of the buzzing. "What a coincidence," he whispers. "Anyway, here you go."

I stare in disbelief with my mouth wide open. I stare at the object he's holding out to me. My phone. My sister's face is on it. She's calling me. I snatch the phone from him and answer it.

"Renée?"

"Abby, is it you?"

"Yeah, it's me," I answer, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Where in mercy's name have you been? We've been worried sick."

"I was… That is, I was taken…" If I told her where I've been, would she be in danger? That's the way things normally work out with these top secret organizations. At least, from what I've seen in movies. "I got a new job. I'm sorry I haven't called. I've been… busy."

"For three weeks you've been busy?" Renée was always the first to see through my cover up's.

"Yeah. How are Gail and Bobby?"

"They're fine."

"And Mom and Dad?"

"Mom's fine, but Dad…"

"But Dad what? Tell me."

I hear her take a deep breath. "Dad… There was an accident on the road. He's in a coma. Abby, we need you down here. Mom got a job temporarily, but she's been so tired. She really needs your help."

It takes me a while to drink in this new information. My dad is in a coma, and I'm needed at home, which is a place I can't go.

"Will you come home, Abby?"

"Renée, I can't promise…" I take a deep breath. "You really need me, don't you?" Her silence is answer enough for me. "Yes, I'll come home." I'll just have to get an 'okay' from SHEILD and save Loki's life. Shouldn't be a problem.

"Oh," she sighs. "Thank goodness. I'm gonna call mom right now, and tell her you're coming, okay? And don't you forget to call back. Love you. Bye."

I hang up and stare straight into Steve's eyes. "That was my sister. My dad's in a coma. I need to get there ASAP."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?"

"Well, could you smuggle me to Texas?"

"I'm afraid not."

I nod. "I thought as much. I guess I'm going to have to ask. But could you get me in to see Loki?"

He stands. "That much I can do." He sits back down. "Y'know, when you're ready."

I stand. "I lost my appetite. We can go now if you want."

"Back so soon? And with a friend," observes Loki upon Steve and I enter.

"I need something from you." It's in my nature to cut the junk and get to the point.

"Of course you do. As of now, you don't need to see me if you don't want to. Why else would you come?"

I stare at him.

"Well, do get on with it."

I snap out of it. "Right. I need you to release me from my debt."

"Now why would I do a thing like that?"

I try to keep my senses about me. I plaster a sarcastic smile on my face. "Because I need to get home, because, unlike some people, I love my family and I want to help them."

"My answer is no. Good day, Abby."

"You self-centered jerk! My dad is in a coma and my mother is under a lot of stress. You have no idea what she's going through right now. Not that it's important to you! You're too concerned with making everyone's lives miserable. She needs me, but, nope! You've got to hold me to a stupid code of honor!"

"Every day, she does this," Loki complains to Steve.

"Leave him out of this! Just let me go! You don't need me. Give up already!"

"Know this, Miss Brandon: I do not give up easily. Your little family can die for all I care. I will never free you."

"Hey! Be careful how you talk to a lady," scolds Steve.

"Thank you, Steve, but I can hold my own," I say maintaining eye contact with the Asgardian. "Do what you want, Loki. Just be sure to watch your back."

I walk out with Steve at my heels.

I will get to my family. I promised them and I don't go back on my word, ever. Loki's the only thing really holding me back. So, there's only one thing to do: I have to kill Loki.

Ehehe. I love suspense and cliffhangers and the like. Hope you enjoyed. I promise to get the next chapter up sooner as I actually know what I want to do with it. 'Til next time -TARDIS-elf