AN at the bottom. But first a little story of my life and why I didn't update.
So... First, I got super sick as in according to doctors if I drink alcohol I can die, I got pneumonia during that time in the hospital and my lungs are healthy-ish. I got a job, a small one as a League of Legends caster which doesn't pay squat. I also made a brand under my name, and last but not least I am working on a few novels and studying Japanese for a third language.
Enjoy the chapter more at the bottom.
Finally, I can walk freely. I can move my wrist and my back doesn't hurt anymore.
With a regular tee shirt that has the words "party animal" and a penguin with a backwards hat as well as gold chains, a pair of jeans that I usually wear. Grabbing tightly onto my bag and land a block away I take put my wallet and with my school ID I enter campus and walk to my class. It feels pretty fresh to not wear a wig the entire day of school. I feel so relived mainly because I can wear normal clothes around people, upside more clothes, downside no more baggy pants or baggy sweaters until I have to wash these ones.
Arriving to class and taking my usual seat at the middle since its the only one left, its great arriving quickly and making a few heads turn my way.
No one said anything While taking out my notebook. I can see the professor is already here and looking straight at me with an expectant look, he looks upset, no, not upset more like conflicted as if you want to say something and you're thinking what to say in the harshest way possible.
"Umm... Sorry about the three weeks I wasn't here. Did you receive the homework and the project, you said we had to present a part of the-"
"Miss Moon." He interrupted me.
"Yes?" I stiffened and braced for the upcoming scolding, but his expression changed completely.
"I want to thank you... a year ago my daughter was taken hostage during an assault on a bank, they strapped bombs to hostages. They said that they would kill a hostage every hour if they didn't comply. Yet you came in and in minutes stopped everyone before a single shot was fired. I never got to thank you- the least I can do is-" He's nearly crying as his eyes are glassy.
"It was nothing, I knew I had to step in and stop them. It was hard, I won't lie but they were innocents I couldn't let them get hurt."
"I'm sure you have heard this a thousand times but I want to say it to you anyway." He took a deep breath. "Thank you for saving my daughter." I smiled as he had tears in his eyes I stood up and walked over to him placing a hand on his shoulder making him look at me.
"You don't have to thank me, at all. I gladly stepped in to save her because it was the right thing to do. I don't need special treatment or anything just know that for me its worth it if your daughter is happy and safe." The professor wiped his eyes giving me a glance that I know says thank you; he smiled and cleared his throat.
"Also, I did receive your project. I have to say that it's only a theory that seems too complex to be made possible." I feel taken aback.
"But, what I'm implying is that there doesn't have to be connected to a neural implant or connected to the brain. What if a prosthetic can be made to respond to muscle signals."
"That is another field."
"Not really, it can work if something to detect micro contractions and micro movements in the stump I still need to add that."
"That can be possible. I might have to check with a few colleagues. Is this your idea or did someone else..."
"Plagiarizing? No, I'm never doing that. But I started when I read this book." I took my bag and pulled out the advance mechanics that Howard Stark wrote its kinda common to see in every bookstore and pulling out a research paper Tony did when he was in college. "This book details that something with enough micro sensors can work and this research paper states that using a synthetic partially ferrous metal can work as the sensors; Only thing is that I can't see a way to do it without making a surgery and a metal that is not in the theoretical place. Here chapter eighty-five and page seventy-nine." I opened the book and gave it to him soon followed by the paper and pointed at the underlines sections.
"I will have to look into it, I'm sure that Tony Stark is impressed."
"Not really, he's more onto other stuff at the moment. I mean he's working on energy but he's not interested in this type of stuff."
"I think I have a colleague that can look into this and maybe this can be your thesis
"Anyway. We have a few minutes before class starts. Miss Moon, would you mind answering some questions?"
"No; not at all." I said with a small smile as I took a sip of my chocolate. The guy behind tapped my shoulder.
"Yeah?" I said as I turned around and he suddenly had a red face.
"Umm… when did you get your powers?"
"When I was Fourteen." I answered but felt the rush of memories from when I developed them, getting shot first day was not a good time.
"They didn't manifest?"
"Sorry I won't tell."
"Oh, I have one." A girl from the front said. "Do you know captain America?" A guy beside her interrupted her.
"Dude, of course she does. She's an avenger."
"Is Thor as dreamy as he looks in the pictures?"
"Yes I know Thor, we had a meal on that Sharma place that everyone is going." I turned to the girl "I have to admit he fits the title of god. He's also really kind and likes to tell jokes." I heard a dreamy sigh. I took a few minutes of chatting until one guy asked the question I have been waiting for. "Are you single?" He asked followed by jeers and other guys asking the same question.
"No, I'm taken. Sorry, we've been dating for 3 months and two weeks." I heard noises of disappointment. "Sorry about that."
"Who is he?"
"Is he an avenger?" I felt my face heat up at remembering Maria. 'What would happen if I come out as whatever I am? LGBT doesn't become relevant until 2015 that's three years from now.
"Students, silence. Now that class has started. Miss Moon. Please go to the Dean's office."
"But, class? I mean I-"
"We had a meeting about you. You have to be in the Deans office at first hour; I just had to be selfish and thank you before anything else and discuss your project. The homework will be posted on the website so you can go. You already know the anyway; also I will talk to some people about your project and don't worry I'll make sure you're present for that." I grabbed my stuff and left the classroom.
I could see a few people looking at me but stayed away or made way for me and whispering into themselves. 'Dude, it's Silk' 'Holy shit she's so hot.' I turned to them and rose and eyebrow. 'Shit she heard us.' I kept walking but my senses alerted me of someone behind me.
"H-hi." A voice sounded behind me, it's squeaky and silent, I look down at her to see she's wearing a Silk T-shirt which had my symbol and the web around it.
"Hello." I reply with a calm and well I think it's my Silk tone, as it is, cheerful.
"Oh-oh... you probably don't remember me but you saved me in the New York..." I actually remember her, she was crying in joy when I jumped into the bank and saves the people from the Chitaury before I threw the bomb out the window.
"I do remember you, you were wearing ripped jeans and as well as a black Iron Man shirt your hair longer."
"How?"
"That's a secret."
"That's cool..." She looks so... insecure, kinda like me. "Is it okay if we take a picture?"
"Yeah, totally." She scrambled for her phone I took my scarf and placed it on giving the appearance of Silk as the scarf was on me I pressed my palm twice to make the mask adjust to my face and the web-like design appears on the scarf.
"Cheese!" I said as she took a selfie, her eyes went wide.
"Another." I said as the scarf went to my neck revealing my face she looks shocked as my face is revealed she took the picture anyway.
"Thank you so much I love you... in the platonic way!" I smiled and went my way I could hear her squeal in excitement as well as her celebration.
"It's alright, don't worry too much." I said as I arrived into the deans building. The secretary looked at me once, then twice, and then she scrambled over to the phone.
"D-dean, Silk is here."
"Cin-cindy is fine."
"You can let her inside." She looked at me and I walked into the office of the dean.
"Hello Professor." I said as I walked in his office is filled to the brim with papers.
"Good morning Miss Silk I-"
"Moon, Silk is when I'm in... You know… uniform."
"Of course, my mistake." He cleared his throat. "Please take a seat; you see I wanted to speak with you personally since we reviewed your application for a scholarship submission for a hundred percent and it's been approved, Congratulations! The board of directors had a meeting and they accepted. I pushed them for this since after all your grades are top notch, even you could be valedictorian and graduate early, you're eighteen and by when you're twenty you'll be out of here." He's way too cheerful and I can't help but feel anger. "I'm sorry for not accepting your submission before, I'm amazed that we looked over your potential we're sorr-" I feel anger rise to the point I can no longer hide it, so I had no other choice than to interrupt him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but you're not sorry; I sent you seven, seven applications for a scholarship as well as many other universities; and you as well as all of them, rejected me, your board rejected me exactly seven times don't bring up potential when your board saw what I had. The only reason I'm getting it right now is because you know damn well that I'm a superhero and a member of this University... the only school that-"
"Yes we looked over all of them, but some of the board members are happy that we have an Avenger-"
"Your board ignored all my applications, hell every school gave me the middle finger. I offered revolutionary tech and I was, no, I am a prodigy. You chose the son of the current police commissioner for what I consider a paper volcano, someone who now has a GPA of 3.3 I have a 4.0, I had it then and I have it now-" His expression steeled.
"Look, some think that you were a threat both to the faculty and the university in general." I felt myself stiffen. 'Fuck, he's right and if I'm right, people will think I'm a threat then I won't be able to even be close to any school... ever.' "And that means you made a vote and I ended up staying here." I made the declaration hoping to not get kicked out.
"Yes, and as such, you have to make sure no student gets injured, faculty is aware of your status. Well everyone not living under a rock knows. Please do feel free to show your Bobcat spirit, oh and also. Here." He took out a box up to brim with the university logo, from a jacket to pens. "Since you now have a scholarship that people would kill for, congratulations again; even if you have the Stark scholarship. Keep it, it's all paid by the school board so don't worry. I didn't get a chance to say it but welcome to NYU; also you will have to maybe do some talks or something along those lines, I will have someone notify you. Or send you an email." I nodded as my fists clenched and I made my way out.
"Oh, my son loves you. I would like if you could sign this for him." Turning around he placed a photograph of me in a cool pose I did with cap when he recorded those videos for PE, detention and safety during school and gave me a marker.
"What's his name?"
"His name is James." I wrote 'To: James, from: Silk.'
"Any message to him?" I said in my most annoyed tone.
"Tell him that he's the best." I wrote the message and placed the photo on his desk. "Thanks I have a free period so." I walked away with the box in my hands and left the office. I decided to go to the library to see if I can keep working on the shield simulation, it didn't work so I need to figure out a way to make it work. After around half an hour of working around making the shields stop at a certain range without wasting energy, I changed the energy output on the edges but I need JARVIS and the lab to see if it can work.
"Hey." I heard beside me even through the music in my ears.
"Sup?" The guy took a seat beside me invading my personal space. He looks like the son of a politician or a lawyer; mainly he looks like a douche, people I usually avoid.
"Hi." He said as he closed my laptop and made me turn my head to him by touching my chin. I can't help but scowl as his hand left my face.
"Umm... hello?" 'This guy is stepping over boundaries, but did guys really think this works?'
"So I heard you're like a Superhero, that's cool, you know I consider myself cool."
"Umm, thanks I think?" He's just interested in something. I'm trying hard to not roll my eyes.
"You know I was wondering about how awesome it would be if you would come to a party this Friday. We're two pretty cool people, so we could totally be the greatest
couple." He placed a note beside my stark computer.
"My phone and the address, maybe you can call me and we can have a date or something." 'I think no one ever has been so bold towards me, and maybe if I want to smack him I can't.'
"Or something is good; Thank you I'll think about it." I said but a smirk appeared on my face. "Can my boyfriend come? He'll be in town." I lie to him; the guy immediately reacts and now has an expression that looks like he just made the dumbest mistake ever. I just opened my laptop and began waited for him to get away. "Sure he can come."
He said as he stood up and looks like he got slapped and walked away, I went back to work I until I felt hungry enough.
With that I left and made my way to the cafeteria after all it's almost noon and I need to have lunch.
2 girls are standing by the entrance of the library; I think they were waiting for me as they are now standing in front of me, blocking my way.
"Ummm... hi?"
"You're Silk, right?"
"Yes, hi?"
"Excuse her..." The other interjected, I felt hungry.
"Sure thing, I'm not in a hurry, I have a free hour and-" I said giving an excuse.
"Oh you're going to patrol the city and save people?" The other girl interrupted me.
"... Not really, I was going over to the cafeteria to get something to eat."
"Oh, that's cool too." This is getting way too awkward.
"Yeah?... I think food is good there..." I said in an awkward tone, taking a step to the side to make my way there but they blocked my way.
"We were actually going to say that you're so amazing. Can I-" She got jabbed in the rib and a glare from the other. "Can we have your autograph?" This is different from all the others as they are trying to get obviously a picture.
"Sure... do you have a pe-" a sharpie appeared in my face.
"Here. Sign this shirt please!" She pulled out a shirt and I signed with what I did to sign for those kids at the hospital. Writing down silk in neat cursive and adding a spider web pattern around my name and the dot in the i with six legs.
"OMG thank you so much!"
"No problem, see you guys." I walked away but saw that she was squealing in happiness, sighing I began to think on what to eat.
Walking into the cafeteria some stopped eating to look my way. I kept walking aiming to get in line for the food that they serve. I kept to my phone just looking at news and most of them were about me. They were about my exploits, my background which no one found much about, aside from my second place at the science fair for a scholarship and my early graduation.
I looked up to see the guy in front of me checking his phone as well. He's looking at a video of me using the shield of Captain America and smacking chitauri.
I turned to my own and tapped the Twitter app and began browsing the feed, I follow some people because they post dumb quotes that make me laugh, and many among others mainly for memes and funny quotes as the memes are coming as the trollface, and Me Gusta is something people are using The Golden age of memes is here.
But right now they're just freaking out when they saw that I was following them there are so many screenshots of me following them. I groaned in annoyance without realizing, which made heads turn towards me.
'Please don't recognize me.' I pleaded mentally as I looked to the guy in front of me. Who turned towards my face then to his phone, then to me, then to his phone, then to me.
His mouth opened like a fish. "Y-Y-YOU!" He smiled giddily.
"Me." I replied in a deadpan and snarky tone to try and make a quip, which only made him smile wider.
"S-S-SILK!" 'Oh shit, he just screamed.' People turned towards us mainly me.
"Uhm... hi?"
"H-he-hello?"
"Hi as well? Again." I answered back in a kind tone I need to make sure to be kind and humble nothing has to change.
"Honor you it's to meet my... wait no! I-I uh..." I couldn't help but trying to contain my laughter he's just as bad as I am. His face turns red in embarrassment.
"Did you meant to say it is my honor to meet you?" He turned red at my statement and I turned to meet the eyes of other students. "Umm..." As I said that an onslaught of
people began yelling out questions.
"How are you so strong?!"
"Do you get cramps?!"
"Do you have the phone number of Captain America?"
"Would you marry me?"
"Hey man! Not cool!" Many began to keep adding questions to which I can't answer its overloading my senses.
"Okay people stand back!" I said but they kept pushing as phones were shoved to my face taking pictures and the flashes made a headache appear. 'Fuck it.' I took a jump to the metal table that reminds me of buffets where food is placed and easily placing my foot on a sturdy part and jumped high enough that I twirled and landed on the roof with my hands, which my feet followed soon after. My clothes stuck to me as I made them stick to me as to not flash something to anyone.
"Guys chill!" Everyone looked at me but still were raging on. 'Oh god what do I do?'
"Alright people! She's famous and everything, but step back!" And to my surprise people stepped back as the girl yelled out.
"You can come down now." She turned to me. I unstuck myself and landed feet first after a small graceful flip if I say so myself and someone actually clapped.
"Thanks for that." We walked over to the counter and the guy looked like a deer caught in the headlights, as no sounds at all sound around us.
"I would like to get three orders of egg with bacon, two sandwiches and if you can give me two of the big cups with that orange juice?"
"Yes, right away." But he didn't move as he looked star struck.
"Carlos, what the hell are you doing? Get to work." The one in the side that is standing where all the food is yelled at him.
"Right, sorry." But before he did anything he got shoved. "Miss Silk, sorry about him, he gets like that. Give me a second and I can make you get the best."
"No, it's ok with what you usually serve, those look good." I pointed at the eggs.
"But they were made an hour ago and are kept fresh by-"
"It's alright, I do like the food here I'm kinda hungry right now, it's alright I don't need you to make something fresh." He nodded reluctantly and gave me my order, good thing about having powers is that I can stick the cups to my wrists and they won't fall. I walked away from the line and I can hear almost everyone asking for what I just bought.
I turned to the girl who is walking beside me and is looking at me.
"Thanks again." I said, just turned to me and reached for the cups standing on my wrists.
"No problem. Cindy, right?" I nodded shyly, I recognize her. She always antagonizes the head cheerleader during practice.
"S-so..." I steeled myself. "Why are you here?" I asked at the girl but a voice I know too well sounded behind her as we took a seat in the benches on Washington Park on one of the parts that is outside campus, which is actually crossing the street.
"Cindy! I knew I would find you here you hermit." Ferguson yelled as he arrived. "You bitch you've been ignoring my texts." I eased out a bit. I may not be good at talking to people I don't know. But he is a friend; he visited me when I was getting better placing everything down I grab a sandwich and begin to eat.
"Shut up you... bastard." He stopped and gave me a look as if saying 'Did you seriously say that?' I just took another bite.
"You need better insults; also stop ghosting me! Give me your phone." He demanded as he took a seat in front of me but I still took out my phone having my doubts to turning it on, steeling myself and looking at him.
"No, I'm not giving you my phone." I said placing my food on the package, feeling annoyed as he tried to take it but it ended with me getting annoyed and returned to eat.
"Don't be mean." He reached over and grabbed it. I'm mentally tired to take it from him.
"It's not even on! You hermit." He pressed the on button. He learned how to use it when I was getting better. Lucky for me I was alone those days only the medical staff that was on shift and Doctor Cho. I know he was trying to meet with Steve.
"Why are you allowing him to use your phone?"
"Tired." I said as I went to my other parts of breakfast.
"So Cin; holy crap! You have a lot of messages." The phone begins to beep a lot.
"How? I don't give my phone number."
"Switch numbers."
"No... I'm sure it's not that bad."
"One hundred Fifty nine messages. From one, two... around fourty people and whoa ten group chats. With around twenty messages each."
"Ugh, give it here." He gave it to me and began to mute everything and delete people I don't get along with. This ended up in me blocking a lot of numbers... "Maybe I will have to change phone numbers."
"So, how's your first few hours been?"
"Well... it's gone to shit. I was being threatened to be expelled. I got ambushed and mobbed. Now I want to go back to my apartment and crawl in my bed waiting to not die of social anxiety. I can maybe study online?"
"That might be a good idea, but I told you to go out more you hermit you need to get sunlight. You still need a ride to work?"
"Now I don't, I can just swing myself to where I work."
"You work?" The voice of the girl who saved me from the mob.
"Oh you're still here." I said but realized it sounded too mean.
"I think I know you..." Ferguson said.
"I'm Katherine... although I'm in your physics class and she's with me in the cheerleader team." I sighed from my lips as my phone begins to ring.
"I miss my anonymity."
"Oh hon it's only beginning." I only groaned in annoyance, Katherine voice got my attention as she read with over the shoulder of Ferguson. "So this here, most messages are. From 'Are you really Silk?' To 'Do you share a name with Silk?' And the cheerleader group is debating whether or not you are the real silk. We have practice today, by the way."
"Ugh, and rugby as well." I groan.
"Come on its not that bad. You also have to save a few lives."
"Ughh at least there's no paparazzi." I said as I take a forkful of ham. Only for clicking sounds invade my ears. I turn to my right to see a few reporters coming my way with cameras flashing.
"Silk! Silk!" They keep walking towards us and taking pictures.
"Umm, you guys are trespassing." I can see both Ferguson and Katherine cover their faces.
"Also you're interrupting my lunch... Could you...please, you know, go away?"
"I get paid for this." One of them said as he just kept taking pictures.
"Where did you get that shirt?" One of them asked but I can tell that Katherine is dialing to someone.
"Is this guy your boyfriend?"
"Do your powers affect your body? What do you do to keep your body in shape? Do you follow a diet?" 'Jesus, what is up with these questions?'
"Guys, please, don't go asking questions like that." I'm clearly nervous and my tone suggests that but just like before.
"Hey! You're trespassing, so you might want to step back. Campus security is on the way; also asking about what someone is wearing is personal and an offence. She's a superhero not a celebrity made for gossip." Katherine interrupted a reporter about to speak with a look, but just as another camera went off campus security arrived and escorted the paparazzi out pushing them out.
"Dude that was awesome!" Ferguson said in an amazed tone.
"Thanks, I try." She replied with a smile.
"Also they are right Cin, your sense of fashion is horrible." He jabbed at me.
"It's not that bad." I glanced at my shirt. "It's from goodwill."
"No, he's right. You might want to change your wardrobe."
"Says you, I like my shirts." I replied in an annoyed tone but she took a serious look at me.
"So, Silk how is it to feel famous?" I chuckled at her impression of an interviewer with her coffee cup as a fake microphone.
"I'll say its pretty nice. I mean, from no one to someone who everyone can't stop talking about." I admit out loud following the joke.
"Oohh so you like the attention?"
"Can't say I don't, I love how everything is just amazing, I totally don't have social anxiety." I said but that made us break as we began to laugh we kept talking like that as I ate.
"Hey, Ferguson... how is it, you know... where you are?" I refer to him about his sexuality but I need a little bit of help.
"Well... can't say, it's hard; my parents don't know, only my cousin knows and you, and now her." He says clearly upset.
"Sorry." Katherine said.
"It's alright, but as society is, if I come out I think I will end up bullied so hard I will end up switching U's. But where is this coming from?"
"I... know of someone... who is in a situation." He looked at me with a serious expression his eyes glanced towards Katherine. "Maybe it's not the right time."
"Yeah." His phone beeped.
"I have class. See ya later Cin and Kate." With that he left us; which ended with Katherine and me talking.
"So..." I am not fond of her just barging in, I mean she gets along with Ferguson and she's part of the cheerleader team.
"Look." I interrupt her in a serious tone. "I don't trust you, at all. I appreciate what you did; I do." She seems unfazed. "But I don't like how you're just showing up now. You
jump out of nowhere, and say I'm your friend. I am not great at friends; I didn't have anyone as a friend, not now not ever. Yet you seem friendly-ish… like you want to be friends. Why? You do know if we end up becoming friends you will be in danger." She seems taken aback. "If you want to say that you're my friend just because I have this new fame then take a picture or give me something to sign and you can brag that you're an... acquaintance of mine, so-"
"I-I want to say that... I always thought you were kinda shy. I mean you always have a way to look down and make sure you're in the background but I wanted to speak before everything happened. I remember you sitting in the back and not bothering to speak to anyone, as if people would eat you alive, but you always pulled through in the choreography and I wanted to talk back then, I saw you on line for the cafeteria but never spoke to you because you looked unapproachable."
"What?"
"Yes, you had your head in a book on phone and just looked straight up like someone who avoids everyone."
"Yes, but it wasn't intentional."
"I just want you to give me a chance at this, I want you and I to be friends." She seems sincere... I sighed.
"Fine, so... where do we begin?"
"Well, I read that you had previously applied here." And so we began to talk, until we had class and we went our separate ways; I looked over to my phone and left for class.
I handed in the weeks' worth of homework and received feedback on my projects. By the end of the day I had signed a more shirts, posters, took a few pictures, stopped a guy who tried to kiss me I dodged him easily, which ended with him getting a scolding from me; after all its assault and he ended up talking to a counselor; and last but not least, received a lot of thanks for saving them or saving a family member, friend, etc. This felt nice, since some told me how their attitude made a 180 after that.
Now I'm just out of the lockers ready for Rugby practice, after that is cheerleader practice. Putting my usual training pants and fixing my shirt, I steeled myself feeling kinda nervous, since I never got over my social anxiety, and these people I can consider them my friends; Doctor Curtis helps but it's a slow progress.
Walking into the field is a weird experience as everyone looks my way. "Hey coach, miss me?" I say as I walked over to the coach who seemed a little happy to see me, can't always tell with him. But he's certainly a little more supportive of me.
"Can't say I did kid; but I don't approve of you getting hurt and being in danger, I have to thank you for helping out people. I'm sure it's getting old, but good job out there, and for the love of god be careful doing whatever you do." He ruffled my hair. I think that's the most emotion he's showed me or anyone in the last few months.
"Hey, watch the hair!"
He chuckled "Alright everyone get in line and begin warm up." I got in line for warm-up. After 20 minutes of warm-up and another hour of practicing we were told to pick a side for a match. But during the training I didn't get a single pass, everyone avoided eye contact and Ferguson is just giving me apologetic looks before he looks the other way by receiving a glare from another one. 'So they're doing this on purpose? Ouch.' It hurts that they're doing this I don't know why it bothers me so much. I mean, I have experienced worse things than this and I feel like I'm about to cry, maybe because they are my friends, people who had my back before. "You can all play a little match, Stevens you're in charge I have to take care of some business." He said as he left to his office. We split up in teams; I got picked last reluctantly which never happened.
Eventually each took their positions and we start to play, I'm getting fed up by how they're acting and I'm feeling so desperate. "I'm open!" I yell out during the first play but I'm clearly ignored by Stevens who seems to look for someone to pass the ball but instead passes it to Richard the other wing who is fully covered.
Hell even the other teams backwards are ignoring me as I stand there. We end up without getting to advance because Richard walked out of the field he turned to my direction but immediately turned the other way. This went on for ten more minutes clearly getting ignored. 'Maybe if I apologize.' "Okay guys, I get it you're mad, but it was just my life." Everyone looked at me but no one said a thing.
"Come on Lenk, you're my friend you told me so." He ignored me and turned the other way and walked away towards where the play ended.
"Stevens..." He looked the other way and joined the others with a scowl on his face.
"Ferguson, you're my friend." He just looked down and turned around and followed the others. I felt like I was back in the orphanage, how everyone walked away from me, every single rejection, the people saying I was a freak. How they isolated me as if I had a highly infectious and deadly disease in me. "Guys, I'm sorry about lying to you..."
All of them ignoring me, I felt lonely again... 'I was fine on my own I can still be fine, maybe online classes don't sound so bad.' The anger rose as they kept playing after apologizing.
"HEY!" I scream in anger. "YOU KNOW WHAT?! I'M DONE!" That got the attention of everyone, the coach returning to the field with his usual serious expression, I feel tears in my eyes as my sight blurs. 'So no one will speak to me, act like I don't exist. It's okay people have treated me worse. But this hurts, a lot.'
"Its not like-" Stevens tried to say as he walked in front of me but I was having none of it, I'm too angry.
"Shut the fuck up! You act like I'm not here. Fine! All my life I've been neglected and isolated, you don't want to play with me? Fine I won't play anymore. Fuck all of you! Especially you Ferguson you were my friend!" I feel tears in my eyes as I walk away pushing him out of my way with little strength he ends up in the ground I made sure to not push him hard.
My mind replaying all those times I was left out of everything, how they called me names, how I ate at the bathrooms daily in fear of getting my lunch stolen.
"Moon get back!" The coach yelled as I walked away.
"NO! I'm out, I don't want to, I'm off the team." I walk past him as tears ran down my cheeks he tried to grab me, but I easily dodged him. It feels awful and I don't know why? It's my fault they're acting this way, It's because this secret that got revealed that I'm avoided by my 'friends.' Even Ferguson who is what I can call a best friend and he left me because he follows their orders all to keep his secret.
"I think we overdid it." I hear the faint sounds of chatter far away as I open the door and slam it close the lockers shake as the door slams. Changing as fast as I can into my clothes trying to not cry but the tears don't stop running down my cheeks, I wipe them as I walk with my stuff in hand walking over to the bathroom I can only sit down and cry. The sound of the knocking of the door brings my attention towards it.
"Moon, can I talk to you?" It's the coach.
"No." I reply as I sniff and blow my nose.
"Listen kid, I know it's hard but they're idiots... I don't know how to deal with emotions of girls but if you want to talk you can come to me. I'll talk to the guys right now, so just..."
"Thanks." I open the door and he grimaced as I just wiped my eyes and walked away he made way.
'Ferguson, fix this.' I faintly hear.
'Why would I fix it? It's your plan, I have to fix what I did to her because I followed your orders, and I fucked up for doing that she's a good person and I hurt her. You have to fix what you did.'
'Whatever let's just keep playing.' I wipe my eyes again and walk out the field as the coach began to yell at them to stop. Jumping to the wall and over to the roof giving me a place to clear my my phone I call Maria I was hoping that she would answer I really need someone, anyone right now; as the third beep passes I felt like I was about to begin to cry again. 'She's too busy working for a traitor organization.'
"Hi babe." Her voice cuts my thoughts.
"Hey..." my voice cracks as I sniff and wipe my eyes.
"Are you crying? Is everything alright?" She sounds worried and it's a relief that she feels worried.
"...Yes... No."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"...Yes... It's just I got threatened to be expelled because of who I am, I have been hounded and praised, ambushed by people wanting to sign stuff. It's just that's not who I am. I can't face everything with a smile, I feel so anxious of being around people. I mean, I can't say I'm comfortable with all this attention! I feel like everything just constricts around me crushing me in a weight and the guys in the team just ignored me... even Ferguson who was talking to me a few hours ago he's ignoring me."
"Calm down babe, so please just breathe in and calm down." I listened to her my stomach becoming less than of a knot. After that I told her about how the practice went.
"They're acting like asses. Don't speak to them and wipe the tears. Don't worry and remember that you and I will go out this weekend that thing about online school may not be so bad." I nodded and sniffed as I stopped crying a few minutes ago and smiled at her proposition. "Well go to the movies and get dinner."
"Alright, I'll wait for you."
"Cool, now I think Fury is calling me."
"Talk to you later."
"Sure, also text me if you want to video chat." With that we end the call.
I feel refreshed, grabbing my bag I jump down to the street level and make my way towards practice its in five minutes and there is nobody in the field anymore. I avoid everyone but as I walk to the entrance I can see Ferguson, Stevens and Lenk. Blocking the way. As they see me approach, I try to walk past them but they don't let me go through.
"Cin I want to say-"
"Move." I order as I try to pass by, but end up colliding with Lenk and Stevens.
"We just want to talk."
"I don't, so move." I'm starting to get annoyed.
"Listen I'm so-" I grab Stevens by the neck of his shirt lift him up his feet and place him to my side to let me walk through. But Lenk stands in the way.
"I want to say sorry."
"I don't care and don't want to talk about anything, so just know, that from you Lenk." He took a step back. "I expected more." He looks ashamed. "And you." I turn to Ferguson, and pressing my index finger to his chest which made him step back. "I can see where you put your friends." I walked pushing both of them lightly out of the way but ended with both of them colliding with the wall. I am angry at them for treating me like that. That is a reason of why I hated high school, the bullying, the no one ever stepping over to me.
"Hey Cin." Katherine's voice called my attention. I turned to her and her expression from cheery turned serious and almost worried as she looked at me.
"What's the matter? Did something happen?"
"I'm okay, I already talked with someone about it."
"But it clearly bothers you."
"Its just boys are idiots."
"Men, Cin. Men are idiots, every single one, no exceptions." We share a small laugh.
"Should I call you Katherine or Kate? Kat? Rin?" I try to smart ass my way out of this feeling.
"So we're going to pet names already?" I snort at her comment.
"Alright, so we have to make the presentation for regional's."
"I'll tell you later." I whisper.
"And we finally have someone here a loser who missed an entire month worth of practice. Who also shares the name with our superhero. So loser what made you come here today?" I am taken aback by how mean she thinks she is. I mean I realized she does look like an actress but she's only just beautiful or else my adventure with the terrorist she would've shown up.
"Umm... I-I go-got injured." I raised my hand. She didn't turn her eyes to me.
"Sharing a name is nothing if you're pathetic. Stand in the corner and do nothing, we'll think about doing something for you." She didn't bother looking and everyone is too focused on the choreography and other stuff to look my way.
"Umm-" Kate tried to interrupt but before she could say anything.
"Kate shut up, I don't want your opinion." The same girl said.
"Okay then your loss." She looked at me dumbfounded. 'What's her deal?' Turning to face Katherine with a puzzled look she shrugged. I took out a book and sat in the corner, my hair covering my face as the book sat in my lap.
The practice ended which I spent it reading. "Condo Moon? Condo Moon?" I rolled my eyes as I raised a hand at the wannabe mean girl who didn't bother to look at me. 'I get it you're mean.'
"Hi, so we were discussing and we think that you didn't do well of a job during practice and we have regional's in a week and you're out of the team. We could've said it at the beginning but you're already out of the team."
"Oh, okay." I raised my head to look at her on the eyes. I got my book and backpack and made my way out, looking at her standing there with a gaping open mouth. 'Huh, so she noticed.'
"Well… see ya." She looked at my eyes, which only flared in recognition.
"O-h- My-"
"Come on Cindy." Kate said as she gave her the middle finger and pushed me forward and gave away a cheeky smile. The guys are still there waiting and talking with one another.
"Cindy, I wan-" Stevens tried to say something but Kate interrupted as I told her about everything.
"Not now." Kate said as she barreled through, I followed behind her.
"Thanks, I guess..."
"Come on, you need to vent a little. I know a coffee place close by."
"Sure, let's go."
I arrived home after a grueling day I actually skipped work and headed straight home. I feel mentally exhausted this much human interaction is not healthy for my mental state. Letting my bag fall onto the carpet and my face and body onto the couch.
"Hey kid." I groan in complaint at the voice in my apartment makes itself known.
"What?" My voice muffled by the pillow on my face.
"Long day?"
"...yes."
"Good... now onto business. WE are going to work on Shield's Hellicarriers." That does pick my interest.
"I'm listening."
"Great." I can hear him walk to the couch I'm on. "That's my seat." My head is still in the couch.
"Its my couch."
"I didn't understand a thing you said. So move over." I groan in annoyance and sit up straight.
"What's the project?" He turned to me and he has a glass of something that smells really expensive. He puts his phone on the table.
"Jarvis, if you will." My tv turned on and displayed the blueprints for the Hellicarrier.
"Give me a closer look at the engine." In seconds with the phone and the TV a hologram was made.
"My TV can do that?"
"As I was saying." He just showed a schematic that I think is part of a presentation. "This right here, is the engine where I was stuck."
"I remember that." That memory brought a smile to my face.
"Caps face was hilarious. So eager to help and didn't know what was what on that panel." I began to laugh as a smirk placed itself on Tony's face.
"It runs on electricity." Tony mocked caps voice, which made me laugh even harder. He joined soon after me.
"Now, since I'm the superior engineer. I will be making the heavy machinery."
"Gee thanks."
"And you, you know more than me in circuitry and energy maximization. You're in charge of working with this." He said as if it was obvious. The hologram detailing the inner circuitry displayed. "This was the previous-"
"Time." I signaled my hands as a T, He turned to me. "You're placing me in charge of... this."
"Yes it's a joint project. Also not in charge."
"What do you mean by better than you in circuits?"
"Well you are. Which means you will be working on that. Make sure that everything is up to..." He said as he stood up and looked around as I recognized his expression.
"If you're looking for snacks. Over there in the pantry and my secret stash is inside the pots."
"And the secret secret stash?" I looked at him in surprise. "Remember we made a deal." I growled at him.
"Fine. Look on top of the fridge and press the button on the top twice." He followed my instructions and a piece of the cupboard opened revealing a mini fridge that I set up.
He reached for the cakes.
"No, not the cakes!" He took all three of them.
"These are good." He said as he ate one with a fork he suddenly had.
"You ass, they were expensive!"
"So? We had an agreement." I mumbled a 'screw you.' Which only made him smirk.
"When do we start?" I sighed and lied back down in the couch.
"This Thursday. But it's only that no favors to make you Fury's favorite."
"You say that like I would go and work on a project if he asked and I would do it for his approval." He gave me a pointed look. "I may do that. It's not like I have issues and want Fury to be proud of me and have his approval over who I am." He kept the same look. I groan in irritation. "Fine. I promise not to do anything else for his approval." I said crossing my fingers behind my back.
"Repeat that and show me your hands and feet." He commanded as he went to the second cake.
"Damn you and your logic. I promise not to do anything else." I say this time not being able to cross my fingers.
"And?"
"And to make only what is asked for the project no additional projects to please him." I declared loudly.
"Good." He moved on to explain the rest of the project for half an hour we discussed a preview of what we would do. "Also do you not have any friends? You're always here or
in your cave."
"I-I do have friends. Just not right now, they're assholes" I mumbled. "Just not physical ones…" As I recalled my online friends.
"Do you still have imaginary friends?"
"No, I... never thought about having one, that would've been a better coping mechanism for my loneliness, now that I think about it."
"You have to get out there and have a friend, a real friend. Like your age or something, kinda like Rhodey and me."
"Oh, I haven't met him."
"So THAT was what I was trying to remember. Rhodey is coming here Friday, so he'll be around for a while. He's supposed to act as a supervisor with the military and make a report or something that isn't all that important."
"He's making a report of the military? That's important. At this rate I'll be going to a court stating I am not a menace." He looked at me with surprise. "You actually have one, maybe that's why he's meant to be here." I groan in annoyance. "Also, the commissioner called he wants you tomorrow in the academy. He stood and ate his cake, which was previously
Turning to my phone I turn it on and see that I have a shit ton of messages and many calls. I have fifteen from Ferguson, I can only sigh as I look at the text messages. 'Kate said to not talk to them, I think I'm entitled to not call them. Fuck them.' My mood soured at that… again. My phone rings and I can see that its Ferguson. 'Fuck you guys; can't believe I was going to ask them about sexuality... because I can't think of a backlash like this, not until its around 2015. But, will I still be with Maria?' Doesn't matter
"Also, how was your first day as a celebrity?"
"Its a love hate relationship. I kinda like it and kinda hate it, but people turn on you. I mean I'm out of both the cheer leading squad and the Rugby team, which means I need another semester worth of P.E. which sucks, maybe there is a club that can make those semesters count."
"Don't forget your service to society."
"Ugh... four hundred hours. Isn't there a way to make that shorten?"
"Yes, actually. I became a teacher for a local school during my stay at MIT and I had to do grueling physics classes, but in the end it took a semester for me to be done with that."
"Huh, thanks Tony."
"Also ignore the phone calls, and get a new number."
"Why?"
"You'll thank me later." In that second my phone rang from and its Kate's number and he just left with another cake.
"I only had five!"
"Now you have one." He said as he left.
"Hello?"
"Finally you answer me!"
"Oh, it's you." I am tempted to just call.
"Cindy, I'm sorry. All the guys were in this, they were ashamed that you didn't trust them."
"I don't trust them, I don't trust people easily. Besides, you only knew about silk because you got shot. Because of me! I didn't tell them about Silk, because I didn't want so they can go and fuck themselves, I'm angry at them and at you"
"I know, trust me, I know and I'm sorry. At first you didn't even tell me about how your days or were. It took me two months to get you to talk to me more than four sentences in the hour."
"Listen Ferguson, you're a guy and you guys have a code or some shit. But I don't care, you were assholes today, if you wanted me feel like crap then congratulations you all did. You were a friend, and I'm really pissed at you. Because I told you about my past, so I'm hanging up even if you say you're sorry I'm still mad at you. I will Talk to you some other time and tell Kate to not let you borrow her phone." I sigh as I crash into the couch on my back and cover my eyes with my forearm.
'Maybe a night out, punch a few guys in the streets, it's still a mess out there, then I'll sure as hell try to maybe vent my frustrations.'
"Finally, something good." Landing without making a sound as the sound of a window was broken the robbers poured in followed by the sound of cases breaking and I think the silent alarm is going off. Knocking on the door. "Hello, I don't think the store has a night service." My silk sense goes off and telling me to move.
"Oh shit!" I take a step to the side and avoid a gunshot, arming my repulsors and making myself known.
"So, will it be by the hard way or the easy way... you know what? How about you start shooting and I can vent my frustrations on you guys?" I quip hoping that they begin to shoot.
"NO WAY IT'S SILK!" The guy who shot at me raises his arms.
"Nah man, I didn't sign up for this. I don't mess with an avenger. Ya'll saw what she did in the battle; I ain't messing with that shit."
"No joke, you saw that guy on the internet making math on her strength. She can lift a semi-truck with one hand and not be tired."
"... What video? Never mind." I shook my head and take position. "So, we're dancing or-" Everyone looked at each other and as they nod to each other I brace myself focusing on my Silk sense.
"We surrender!" Everyone raised their hands and drops their guns and bags.
"We do?"
"We do!"
"You do?"
"Miss Silk, I just have to say this. My niece he loves you."
"I know, she's so cute wasn't her birthday like a week ago? She looked so cute using her silk costume."
"I think Iron Man is cooler."
"I know right?" I answer as they look at me with confusion. "... What? Iron Man is cool. Guys, I know you were trying to steal and I might as well ask you. Why are you stealing?" Two of them just sigh and the other just explodes into tears.
"... Great… Just great." I sigh, might as well help them a bit, they're people and they're desperate.
So... yeah, I was busy with life among other stuff. I also hit rock bottom, no money incoming from sources so I had to work on the family business and stop my education. I was in a bad spot, but as someone who has survived depression and suicidal tendencies twice I was able to handle it better than last time.
Right now my life is in danger due to the coronavirus and the state of my lungs.
I made a brand of my own and working on 3 novels, they're good according to some friends who read it and almost everyone requests for the rest of the chapters. I'm also working on video editing and streaming to make enough money to finish my education and fulfill my dream of one day becoming a teacher. Specifically a teacher for any language, I'll study Japanese, German and then move to Korean.
Anyway, expect more updates because I have free time right now... so see ya soon.
Also I'll update Silk's first three chapters since they're BAD, and the re write will make it so you guys like it more. Right now I'll work on this and update Daughter of the Forest and finish my Light Fists fic. Lastly I'll post a new fic I've been thinking about. So yeah, expect more activity from me.
Review, favorite and follow.
-Lightblade23