I lock the old wooden door to my book store and toss the keys in my messenger bag. I begin strolling towards my destination while admiring the beautiful spring day. The air is cool against my skin and lightly penetrates my cardigan.
The town is busy. Everyone must have had the same idea to walk for lunch today. I pass the gazebo in the middle of town square and wave to the half dozen elderly women enjoying afternoon tea. I smile and wonder if that will be me in 35 years.
This beautiful small town that I grew up in has hardly changed in 26 years. We finally got a Wal-Mart 3 years ago but that is still on the outskirts of town. With no large businesses everything is quiet.
The only downfall is I haven't been able to date much. Most of the men in my school left after graduation and the few that have stayed married their high school sweetheart. All except Ben Waters. The most eligible bachelor in town... well he was.
Ben spent the past few months in the book store asking for good book recommendations. I didn't think anything of it until he asked me out. He admitted to only coming in to talk to me and get my attention. We've been dating for a few weeks now.
Ben is sweet. He buys me lunch almost everyday and calls me before I go to bed. We've kissed a few times but he's a gentleman about it. He's not too touchy and he takes things slow. I've come to really care for him and I'm missing him today. I miss his hand in mine strolling in town.
I arrive at Sally's deli and smile at Arthur behind the counter. The white in his hair glistens in the soft sunlight pouring through the windows, much like his eyes when he sees me. Old Arthur is a good customer at the store and an even better friend. His wife, Barbara was my favorite teacher and we mourned her death together just two years ago. He's never been the same but he tries.
"Ana! Your meal is already made." He beams as I approach the counter. I notice another wrinkle has formed at the corner of his left eye. My heart sinks as I'm reminded death is inevitable.
"Oh Art you didn't have to do that!" I open my bag to find my wallet.
"It's already paid for Ana."
"Oh! Is Ben here to surprise me?" I close my bag and search the room. Ben isn't here.
"No. That fancy guy over there did. He said you know him." Arthur's thumb jabs in the direction of the far back corner of the building. A large dark man in a suit sits with his eye on mine. The other eye is covered by a black eyepatch.
"You do know him, right Ana?" He leans over the counter slightly and drops his voice to a whisper, "He's a little intimidating but I can make him leave."
"Oh Art! I forgot about our meeting." I lied. I had no idea who this was. I give him my best smile to calm him. He smiles back and nods. Obviously this man is not here to kill or kidnap me midday.
I gather my courage and walk towards him. My heart is beating so loud that it drowns everything else. I can make out large menacing scars on the left side of his face. The eyepatch was clearly covering the worst of the injury. His right eye was even more menacing keeping contact with mine. I don't hesitate as I approach and quickly sit across from him.
"Hello Morana Smith. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He reaches out for a handshake and I politely return it. His hand is firm and matches his appearance.
"Ana. How do you know me? Who are you?" His face softens slightly making me feel a little more comfortable.
"My name is Nick Fury, Director of SHIELD. I'm here to talk to you about the AVENGER Initiative." He smiles slightly.
"The what?" I don't remember signing up for a book club or publishing company.
"You know the Avengers?" He questions and I give him a puzzled look. He rolls his eye and sighs before continuing, "I thought the name would have caught on by now. You know the Chitauri invasion and the superheroes? Captain America, Ironman, Bla-"
"Oh yes!" I had forgot about that. Our town hadn't been affected and I never watch television. I don't know much about the world outside of the city of Cooperstown.
"Well we are on another mission but we need back up. Someone with a different, more powerful set of skills."
I sit there in silence as I wait for him to tell me how exactly I'm supposed to help him.
"I'm talking about you Morana."
I laugh. I laugh harder than I have in a very long time and a few customers look my way. Nick Fury doesn't move. His face serious and unwavering.
"Wait. You can't be serious. I have no skills unless you want someone who can use the dewey decimal system." I snort and remember I'm hungry. I grab the sandwich off the plate in front of me and take a bite. Slightly cold but the meatball marinara sub is divine.
"Morana. You don't have to hide anything. We know. We've been here since the beginning and have helped you keep secrecy."
I swallow my food and wash it down with Dr.Pepper. I wasn't sure what he was talking about and I start looking around to see if I'm being pranked. There wasn't many places they could hide a camera.
"Mr. Fury I really have no idea what your talking about. I'm guessing this is some kind of joke and it is funny. I really need to finish lunch and get back to my store though. I appreciate it and hope you got the reaction you wanted." I take one more bite and decide to throw the rest of the way. I've already spent to much time here.
"Morana I can-"
"Ana. Please. I only go by Ana." I take another sip of soda and prepare to leave.
"Ana. I can assure you that your secret is safe with me. Your participation in this could help us save lives." I chuckle and stand.
"Well thank you for making my afternoon interesting. Maybe we will see each other again soon." I put my hand out to shake his.
His face looks aggravated and he pulls a device from his suit pocket. He turns it to me and I can make out a figure on the screen walking in the dim light. It's me. It's me walking to work.
I slowly sink back in my chair keeping my eyes on the video. It's winter from a few years ago when I put a few highlights in my dark brown hair. The camera moves with me as I come closer to my store. I'm across the street from the door now and I look both ways before walking across. There is no traffic at 5 am in our town so jaywalking isn't a problem that early.
Halfway across the road a blur of red comes speeding towards me. I gasp as my figure on the camera is enveloped in a burst of blue light and the blur becomes a crumpled red car at my feet. The blue light diminishes and I finish walking to the store. The car sits in a crumpled heap just a quarter of the size it was originally and I never look back as I enter my store.
Nick Fury places the device back in his pocket and I meet his eye. My body feels cold and foreign.
"What was that?" I whisper.
"Winter of 2016. 5:20 in the morning the camera system alerted us. Rebecca Robertson was driving home drunk from a party and didn't see you walking."
A cold tingle shot down every inch of my body. Rebecca was a grade below me in school. I remember when I heard of her death. She had drove off the road and collided into a tree. Dead on impact. That was a lie now.
"I'm sorry Mr. Fury. I have no memory of that. I need to leave now." I stand again and nod as a goodbye.
"Here," He hands me a business card and I quickly take it. I throw it in my bag and turn to walk away. "We will be in touch Ana." I ignore him.
I wave bye to Arthur and quickly make my exit. I notice a black SUV across the street. The driver is dressed in a suit and sunglasses. I pretend she's not watching as I lightly sprint back to work.
--
The store is already reopened and Jess is welcoming all the Kindergartners as I enter. I throw my bag behind the counter and meet her in the story room.
"Thanks. I'm sorry I'm late." She hands me a book and shakes her head.
"No problem boss. You don't leave enough." She laughs and readjusts her purple ponytail. As much as the purple looks amazing on her mocha skin, I really thought the teal last week was stunning.
The toddlers settle down and I begin to read a story to them. My mind wanders to the video. How could that have been me? I don't remember it.
I don't remember when but the children leave and I sweep the floor and put the books away. I'm lost in my own thoughts and can't focus on anything. I look over to see Jess is dusting.
I need to talk to someone. I can call Ben. He's busy out of town for work and its a new relationship. He'll freak out. I'm already freaking out enough. I need to talk to my Mom. She's the only one that will listen rationally.
"Hey Jess. Do you mind if I leave? Could you close up the store?"
Her eyes widen and a wicked smile comes across her face.
"Yes! Thank you! I'm so glad you trust me!" She sequels and runs for a hug. I laugh and return it.
She just turned 18 last month and has begged me to give her more responsibility. I do trust her but since it's my business I just expect myself to be there at all hours. However this is taking priority now. I'm scared as much as I'm trying to hide it... I'm very scared.
I gather my stuff and she follows me to the door.
"Call if you need anything and please text me when you're home safe." She pushes me out the door laughing. I wave bye and she rolls her eyes.
I walk a block to my car and get in. The old Honda has seen better days but she's holding on for me. Besides the torn leather seats and faded dash gives her personality right?
I turn my keys in the ignition and she purrs to life almost immediately. I blast the local radio station. I sing along to soothe my nerves and drive to my Mom's house.
The trip is only 15 minutes but my nerves have gotten worse. What if my Mom doesn't believe me? What if she already knows? What should I even tell her?
I park behind her BMW and smile at the old house. Every light is on as the sun begins to set on the horizon. I can picture her inside pulling a casserole out of the oven. She will save half of it and leave it on my doorstep tomorrow so I don't have to cook. She's always thoughtful like that. I'm glad I'm surprising her today even with these circumstances.
I quietly leave my car and walk up to the door. I try the door and it opens easily. I can hear her laughter echoing from the kitchen. I freeze when I hear a man. Quickly I make my way into the kitchen to find Nick Fury in a friendly embrace with my mother.
"Oh Ana! I'm so glad you're here! I was about to call. I thought you would be at work." Her voice is cheerful. She steps away from Nick but hands him a glass of sweet tea.
"I... I left early. Jess is closing." My voice is faint. This can't be happening. Why is my Mom apart of this?
"That's good honey. She is so eager to take on more responsibility. I'm glad you can finally-"
"Mom. What is he doing here?" My eyes meet his. "What are you doing here?" I ask him directly.
"Honey, Nick is a good friend. I know you talked to him today and I think it's time we all sit down and talk."