(All Marvel studios' characters are property of Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes. The only thing owned by the author is original characters unrelated to Marvel and Walt Disney Studios)
Evangeline
Chapter 1
"Evangeline was nothing of this world. In fact, the world wasn't worthy of her presence..."
The funeral parlor was filled to the brim of tearful people. All were in their own collective thoughts. Guided to reality by my Aunt Claudia, who spoke of her dearly departed mother, my grandmother.
"...A loving wife who looked over faults, a devoted mother of four, and a nurturing grandmother of 11 grandchildren…"
As I sat in the front rows, I decided to watch people's expressions. On my right was my brother, a fourteen-year-old who has no real interest in where he was. His usual scruffy hair was suppressed by hair gel that kept his hair straight with a slight flip. I understand people grieve in their own way, at their own time. But looking at his antsy figure just jumping to leave made my stomach curl.
"...When our father, Rafael, died...she took no haste and soon became a mother with a single mission. And that was to raise all four of us, even working odd jobs and into the night. Somehow, she would still have a home-cooked meal at the table…"
I felt a hand fall gently on my head; on my left was my father reassuring me. My Dad is the oldest of the four, primarily built and a curled straight cut hairstyle. At first glance, his stature is intimidating, but looking into his expression, especially now, was a man who saw longingness and hesitant tears. My petite-sized mother rested her head on his forearm. Out of the two of them, she did the crying for both.
"I want you all to know, especially the grandkids, that she loved all of you…"
But I didn't make it...
"She was proud of all of you and knew you would become what she hoped you would learn later on..."
I failed her; did she know I was running to her? Did she know the prayers rapidly going through my head for her to hold on? And I'm not even religious!
"Not just good hearted, she wanted you to make mistakes. She wanted you to have pride in your character and love for those who feel they don't deserve it..."
I just wanted one minute Tita.
"...Cry, laugh, scream, be angry, be happy, experience whatever you need to show that you're proud of what you are…"
Did you Know Tita?
"You're Human…"
"Nari?"
I snapped out of my trance, realizing we were still at the procession being held at my Aunt Claudia's home. Looking down at my 4'11 mother from my 5'7 height. Her straight and silky hair rolled into a loose bun, compared to a jumbled tight-knit of curls. My curls and features I inherited from my Dad's side, genetics be a harsh mistress.
"Sweetie, your brother is getting tired. We are going to head out early."
I looked over to my brother, who had slouched himself against the door. The only active thing I saw from him was his impatient foot-tapping and crossed arms.
"Is he seriously acting this way right now?" I sighed, holding back the annoyance in my tone
"He's only 14; it's hard to show grief at his age," my Mom said while she looked at him.
"But I just wanted to ask if you want to come home early with us?"
I couldn't go, I saw my Dad off the side with my Titi Claudia and my two uncles. They all conversed in silent hushes, a few laughs here, but you can tell when they died out. My Mom didn't want to leave my Dad either, but he would be better off with his siblings for now. So I shook my head.
"Nah, you guys go ahead. I'll probably ask Will if he can pick me up in a while."
My Mom gave me a weary smile.
"The guy you've been seeing? I like him; he seems so sweet" I nodded, Will met my parents and month ago and made a good impression with my Mom.
"Tita would have loved meeti-" I stopped her my promptly giving her a kiss on her forehead.
"You better get going, don't forget to bring leftovers home, or else Titi gets upset," I said smiling, I didn't want to rush, but I also didn't want her to continue.
My Mom puffed her cheeks out.
"I swear if I hear one word from that entrometida..." my Mom mumbled off as she was heading over to the kitchen to say goodbye to everyone.
Comparing myself to my brother, I probably was no better. Watching my cousins run back and forth, Different relatives conversing. Meanwhile, I was sitting in a chair in the corner. My social skills were non-existent. Even with family, I couldn't hold up a conversation.
Grrrrrr
...But I knew exactly when my stomach required food. Getting up, I skipped over to the buffet spread picking out small snacks to nibble on. For Puerto Ricans, there is no such thing as a little nibble. We have pork, beef, rice, pasteles, rolls, plantains. Etc. Suddenly my legs were grasped by weight. I giggled, looking down at the two suspects.
"Nari! We're bored!"
Alexa & Alia, the smallest of all the cousins, were clung to my legs. Probably preventing me from walking, smart for 6-year-old twins, huh?
I giggled. "I see, and what can I do to ease your dwindling boredom?"
"Can we play tag?" Alia asked with a smile, her curly pigtails bouncing in excitement
"No, hide, and seek! We played tag yesterday," Alexa said in a huff, her fluffy curled ponytail swaying as she shook her head.
"Yeah, but we didn't have Nari! She's slow enough to make it fair."
Damn Alia!
"Yeah, but with her glasses, she can find us better. Plus, she still takes a while."
Et Tu, Alexa?!
Suddenly a rapid clapping of hands interrupted their debate of my well-being. My Tio Leon came into the scene, who is also Alexa and Alia's Father.
"Meda, my evil two, quit bothering your cousin when she's about to eat."
Alexa puffed out her cheeks. "But we wanna play with cousin Nari!"
I could feel both of them hug my legs harder; I sighed. I love these two with every bit of my soul, but boy, were they a terror when they demanded something.
My Tio chuckled. "Well, I mean there is cousin Johnny who looks like he needs to play"
My Tio whipped out two Nerf dart guns from behind his back.
"And I found the perfect welcoming tools."
My legs became lighter as the two chased to grab the nerf guns. Both giggling like maniacs calling for Johnny...Oh, poor Johnny.
"Tio? You know Titi is going to choke you if she finds the girls going call of duty on the family," I sighed, but he just shrugged.
My uncle Leo was the second oldest, almost meeting my Dad's stature of 6'3. Salt and pepper hair, with a mustache to compliment. But with a cheeky grin, he laughed, making his dimples noticeable.
"Nah, she's too busy talking with your Dad, but mamita, how are you holding up?"
My expression faltered a bit but picked up before he noticed.
"I'm fine, Tio, it's been a few days, but I'm calmer than before," I said sadly, smiling.
He nodded; he joined me, looking around the room.
"How is Tio Frankie doing?" I asked, hoping for a word of good news
My Tio Frankie was the third child of the bunch; I could see him talking with a few people in the room's center. I knew he had the same emotions as me, regrets. Tio Frankie was out of town when my Tita passed, and like me, blamed himself. He was a tall, lanky man, slicked-back hair and a stern facial expression lingered on his face.
"I think he's better now. But he took it hard, but at least he's around family," Tio Leo said, nodding.
Tio Leo grabbed my plate and began piling a hefty helping of food. Giving back the plate when he was finished.
"But unfortunately for you, I know when you're not okay. So eat before you become a toothpick that I may break while hugging," he huffed dramatically. He placed a kiss on my head and left quickly when he heard my Titi Claudia yell.
"WHO GAVE THE GIRLS DART GUNS?"
After an hour, I decided it was time to call it quits. I decided to text Will, but before I could, I received a call from him.
Me: Hello?
Will: Hey! Sorry, I wasn't sure if you were in the middle of something, but I figured call and see how everything was going.
Me: You actually beat me to the punch. Haha, I was going to call you and see if you could pick me up. If you're not busy!
Will: *Gasp* And what type of boyfriend would I be? Tsk tsk under-appreciated for my efforts.
Me: *Giggle* Okay, okay, I'm sorry I doubted your chivalry.
Will: I can look past this *dramatically, I might add* anyway, I should be there in about 15 minutes, give or take?
Me: That's okay, honey, take your time. Besides, it takes a while to say bye to everyone.'
Will: Alright, I see you in a bit! *Click*
As soon as the call ended, I started my farewells for everyone that was still here. Saying goodbye to my uncles, little cousins, and just family friends was a never-ending wave of hugs all around. All I was missing was my Titi Claudia. Looking around, I asked my Dad, who passed by me.
"Hey, where's Titi? I'm leaving soon."
"I think she's in Tita's room," He said as he continued to walk away. But my heart dropped; out of all the rooms in this house, why did it have to be there.
Walking upstairs was painful. Going to the room was shattering. Knowing I was looking at a lifeless Tita only a few days ago was still fresh in my mind. Coming up to the door as I was about to knock, I heard a hiccup. Peeking in, I saw Titi Claudia on Tita's bed, clutching something in her hand.
Knock Knock
"Titi, are you okay?"
She jumped up in surprise, wiping whatever tears may have formed on her cheeks.
"Si si, I'm fine, mamita. I was just making sure the room was in place," she whispered.
I looked in her hands; she held a small white knitted blanket. She saw where I was looking and smiled.
"Remember this? The fleece Tita first made? She was so proud," she chuckled.
I smiled, knowing Tita knitted everyone something as soon as she harnessed the skill of knitting. My Titi Claudia walked up to me, grabbing my hand and gently petting it.
"How are you, my love? I haven't seen you si-"
"I'm fine, Titi, I'm better than before."
She frowned. "Please don't lie to me; I know it's in your mind?"
I was quiet, knowing I couldn't lie...especially to her. She was a plump statuesque woman. But she can be loving, but stare into your core if she knew something was troubled.
"Please don't do this to yourself, mamita. She loved you, and she knew that till the very end."
"I didn't even visit her on her final days. I couldn't even have the balls to-"
"No, profanity! My love, half your cousins, didn't even have the chance to see her. She loved every single one of you, and she knew you felt the same," Titi exclaimed, brushing my hair to the side. I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose and sniffled a bit.
"I know Titi; I better get going, though. I'm heading home, and I just wanted to say bye before I go." I said, embracing her with a tight hug. I knew she was trying to make me feel better. She was trying to make everyone feel better. Being the youngest and feeling obligated to take on that job always gave me respect and admiration for Titi.
She smiled and hugged me back but suddenly pulled away and ran to the dresser.
"I know she left it here..." She mumbled
I was about to ask what it was until she pulled out a trinket. It was a gold chain necklace, but the thing that caught my attention was the pendant. It was a stunning green/blue aqua clear ball wrapped in the chain's gold loops.
"What is th-"
"Tita had given us a few of these; she gave the men rings and the girl's necklaces." She smiled, gesturing to me to turn around so she could put it on. Turning slowly around, I lifted my puffy hair up while she clasped the necklace around my neck. I delicately touched it, in disbelief of how the pendant felt...comforting.
"I was going to give it to you at the service...but I think this is a perfect time." She said, pulling away. Grabbing the similar one she had around her neck.
"You know your grandfather gave her a bunch of these gems? I still don't know what type of gem it is after all these years. I remember him saying that it would always keep us safe...I think that's what we need now after all this."
"...Thank you, Titi."
"Sweetie, are you leaving already?" My Dad asked, meeting me outside. I nodded
"Yeah, Will should be here soon. I know you want to stay longer, and I'm just getting tired," I said, blankly staring back to the front-drive. My Dad stood next to looking at the drive with me as well.
"How are you feeling, my lo-"
"*sigh* can you all stop asking me?" I snapped at him. He pursed his lips and stared at his feet.
"I'm sorry you know how I am. A Dad can only provide so much worry in his loved one's"
I frowned, feeling ashamed of my outburst.
"I'm sorry, It's just hard trying to put up a front and everyone tearing into it," I said
"You know how the family is. Out of all of the cousins, we never have to worry about you," he chuckled.
My Dad's the oldest sibling, and a strong man at that. His voice can command a room but speak in hushed tones, so you know he is at your attention. Throughout the service, I questioned why he never cried.
"You're probably wondering why I didn't cry," he said, looking up at the sky.
...I swear to god this man can read your mind. This isn't the first time!
"On the final days, I came over every day after work. And I would talk with my Mom for hours. We could be playing cards or watching novellas, and I treasure those times," he said, then he looked at me.
"She loved you so much. She loved all of the kids. But she took a special shine to you *chuckles* she even named you, looking at you and knowing who you were meant to be," He said
I was about to say something unti-
*BEEP BEEP*
Will was already at the driveway, ready to go. My Dad saw him and furrowed his eyebrows.
"I hope he's not taking you away for a date or something" My Dad did like Will, but hey, Dad's believe there is always someone better for you. He figured 7 months it wouldn't last.
I shook my head
"I was getting tired, and I asked him to pick me up. Besides, I want you to stay with everyone," I said. He smiled
"Always reading my mind, be safe, my princessa. I love you," He said, giving me a kiss on the cheek and walked back into the house.
I walked over to the car, getting into the passenger side,
"How was everything?" Will asked.
Now let me tell you, Will is a handsome guy (at least for me). He had tan skin, slightly darker than mine. He had coiled brown hair with a flat grey cap on his head (he always wore) and a lean but fit frame.
"It was good, everyone was there, and I got to see everyone," I said, looking down; he lifted my chin with his right hand. Lovingly cupping my face, so I look into his eyes, god his eyes. Though having black-framed glasses, his eyes are what made my heart flutter. Hazel green but with speckles of blue, no definite color, so I call them 'monet eyes'
"I know it's been hard, and you don't have to hold a front for me. You know that, right."
I sighed, "I can't produce tears anymore, but I..." I paused
"But I can still see her" Will frowned, knowing I was still in the same condition. But then I saw his eyes harden.
"And that's normal, be sad, my love. I'll be sad with you. If you want to cry, then do it cause I'm here. And when you're done, I'll still be here standing with you," he exclaimed, rapidly.
I stared at him, no, I had no words except.
"Did you just call me 'my love'?" I asked, still in a trance. I saw his face become flushed.
"Nari, I am terrible with social cues, so if I say ye-" I cut him off by kissing him. Whoever can hear me, this was the moment I fell in love with William Sarto. Only 7 months, and I knew I needed him to be part of my life.
3 Years Later...
Dear Ms. Volnarvo
We are happy to inform you that your application has been accepted for our Toronto internship pro-
"YOUR MAN IS FREE!"
I looked up from my paper, seeing Will running out of the university front office, waving a certificate in the air. I was by my car waiting for him, jubilant to see him excited for his graduation. Will came to me, lifted me up, spun me, and placed me back on the ground.
"You're looking at a man with a bachelor's in aerospace engineering, my sexy librarian," He said, kissing me on my lips. I pulled away, giggling.
"Let me see! Wait, aren't they supposed to give you this at your graduation?" I asked, looking at the official diploma.
"well...I really didn't want to do the whole shebang. So I just asked for the paper." He said, looking away
I frowned. "Honey…"
"It's fine, you know I hate big events like that anyway. And wait, aren't you getting the ceremony!" he said, trying to find hypocrisy in my sentence.
"I'm still going to the ceremony. I got the diploma early so I can start applying, but I'm doing the event, so my family has pictures to take," I said he knew these types of events were essential to my family. I hated being in the center of attention myself, but hey, bite your lip and take it.
We got into the car, getting ready to go back to my place. I had placed the letter on the dashboard, and Will picked it up instantly.
"Is this it?" he asked, skimming through with his eyes wide.
"Yeah...I got in," I said, smiling cheek to cheek.
That's right, I have been accepted into the University of Toronto's library internship program. I obtained a master's degree in library science, so I decided to go to the big leagues. I was ecstatic, at least I wanted to be. Will had the sparkle in his eye and a broad smile.
"THAT'S GREAT! WE CAN MOVE OVER THERE, I'LL LOOK FOR WORK AND I'VE SAVED ENOUGH FOR AN APART-" he quieted down when he saw me looking at the road silently as I drove.
"Did you tell your parents?"
"...yeah."
"What did they say?"
"My Mom's happy, my Dad...is on the rocks and thinks I should look into more options in the United States. Correction, look somewhere 20 miles away from them," I said bitterly. I was still living with my parents until I graduated. Now that I have, my Dad doesn't like the idea of venturing out into the world.
"You know he can't make you stay, right? Besides, we've talked about this all year," Will said. He liked my Dad, but lord, they can butt heads when the battle was drawn.
"He'll get over it. Besides, they have Mateo," I said. My brother was 17 years old now and was graduating high school next year. He still doesn't know what he wants to do and has been pretty distant lately.
"Until he graduates and leaves just like you're doing," Will sighed; he put his hand on my leg.
"I know you want this," Will said, and he was right.
*RING RING*
I looked at my car's screen and saw my Mom was calling, so I answered.
Me: Hey Mom
Mom: Hi honey-bun, out of classes?
Me: Yeah, Will and I are heading back to the house for dinner
Mom: Alrighty, but listen, your brother needs to be picked up from his friend's house.
Me: What? It's already 6:00pm, why so late?
Mom: Well, he had to study, and I don't want him there all night. It's going to rain soon.
Me: *Sigh* Okay, I'll get going. How's Dad doing?
Mom: ... He's good
Me: Why must you lie to your daughter so poorly
Mom: He'll get over it soon enough. You know he's been stressed lately, especially for the next family reunion. We haven't had one since Tita, So we figured it seemed right to do it on the day…
Look, just tell your brother the day is this weekend to not make any plans. We haven't seen anyone long, and it's hard to get everyone together nowadays.
Me: ...yeah, I'll tell him, I love you, Mom.
Mom: I love you too, honey bun, and Will! You're coming this weekend as well!
Will: Of course!...just please keep me away from the little kids...especially the twins.
Mom: ...I gotta go, somethings burning.
*Hangs up*
I laughed like a maniac while he slumped in his seat.
"Whatever happened to happily lie to someone's face?" he asked.
1 hour later
I was waiting for Mateo to get out of his friend's house while Will and I were still in the car. Will kept looking; I looked at him.
"What's on your mind?"
"My love, how long have we've been together?"
"*smiling* going to be four years in 2 months," I said happily.
"And we've talked about the future...you and me?"
"...yes?"
"You've met my family, I've met yours..."
"We've also vacationed and made love a multitude of times and positions," I said, smirking while he blushed like a mad man.
"Um- Th-That's..I-I me-mean," he stuttered, but then he sucked in a deep breath.
"I have a question," He said, looking intensely at me. I gulped
"Yes?"
The car door slammed, making Will jump.
"Hey, let's get going. Sorry I was just getting a few more cookies from Alex's Mom. Here I brought some for you guys," Mateo said, handing up a container of peanut butter cookies. I happily took one, Will just looked back and forth from the backseat to outside.
"What the fuck? Where did you come from?!" he asked.
Mateo and I looked at each other.
Me: "From the house."
Mateo: onto the driveway
Me: Walking, I believe?
Will looked deadpanned at us as we started laughing. But it's true, Mateo can pop up out of nowhere and scare anyone (I'm so used to it by this point that I'm not affected).
I started heading out the driveway and hit the road, looking up at the ominous clouds.
"Well, thank god we're leaving now. Hopefully, the rain doesn't catch us," I said, focusing on the road. Mateo shrugged
"They said it was just thunder and less rain," He said on his phone now. Will decided to change the topic.
"So man, how was studying?" He asked, with a genuine interest
"Not bad! Finished everything, so nothing for me this weekend," Mateo said, putting his arms up in relaxation. I smiled as I heard them go back and forth on game topics.
Mateo and Will get along great; I'm grateful since I like the idea of him having a brother figure. Don't get me wrong, Mateo and I were the best of siblings. From finishing each other's sarcasm to bonding over movies and comics. Suddenly something sparked in my brain.
"Oh hey, sorry to interrupt...but Mateo, make sure you don't have any plans this weekend," I said, remembering what my Mom said.
Mateo frowned. "Why? The whole point of studying was to finish my work. Alex and the guys wanna go camping this weekend."
"Well, Dad planned out a family reunion for this week, so we're all going. Mom's rule," I said
"No way, I'll just tell her I have more studying to do," he said, shrugging... okay, now I'm pissed.
I glared at him from the rearview mirror. "Whoa, hold on, you're not lying. And this is important, so you're going, Will and I as well," I stated, Will looked back and forth at us, knowing this was turning into a big thing.
"Why should I go? It's just going to be the little kids and the adults. There's not much to do."
"It's for Dad, you know him, and his siblings need to get together...and it's Tita's anniversary," I said, my voice dropping. Mateo grew pale. Realizing that the anniversary was coming up...he forgot.
"Stop the car…" he said grimly.
"Now-"
"STOP THE CAR!" He screamed, already opening the door before I could stop. I swerved the car onto the grassy side of the road while he leaped out when it came to a halt.
"MATEO!" I screamed furiously. Will leaped out of the car as well, probably to stop Mateo from going any farther.
"Mateo, stop!" Will yelled. I put the car in park and ran out myself. I stomped up to him.
"Have you lost your mind?! What is wrong with you!?" I yelled. Mateo stopped and turn around...he was crying.
"I stopped mourning. I don't wanna see anyone. What's the point?" he said, almost whispering.
...I was stunned, so was Will. I took a step towards him.
"I get it... it's hard. But it's helpful to see them. Tita would have wanted that," I said; Mateo scuffed.
"Yeah, right," He said, looking down onto the grass. I gaped.
*THUNDER*
"Excuse me?" I asked Will put his hand on my shoulder so he could hold me
"Mateo, we can talk about this-" Will was cut off.
"How do you know what Tita wanted. Huh?" he said bitterly like he was spitting out a bad taste in his mouth.
"I cried just like you, I grieved just like everyo-"
"I get it you were depressed! Oh, poor Nari!"
*THUNDER*
"Mateo, you've gone too far!" Will said aggressively, getting angry himself
"Well, I didn't see you cry for her. Where were your tears?" I whispered
"WHY CAN'T YOU JUST SHOW HOW YOU FEEL! NEVER SHOWING SYMPATHY TOWARDS A LIVING THING!" I yelled
"AT LEAST I MADE IT ON TIME!" Mateo screamed
That was the moment...I didn't succumb to darkness but was embraced by the light. I saw Mateo reaching out to me...I felt Will grab me, but the light made them disappear. This intense blue light...made me let go. This was when I lost them.
…
…..
…..
…..
"MOVE IT, BOYS! THE WAKANDEN'S ARE ONTO US" a man yelled with a thick accent
The rustle of branches being pushed away rapidly, people yelling to pick up and retreat to the cargo trucks.
"WE HAVE WHAT WE NEEDED LET'S G-" The man was cut off by the piercing light surrounding the camp. The light ceased, and the smog lightened. The center of the base was now plunged in by a small crater. Glistening blue linings, intricate like a pattern. The thick accent man looked into the crater to see if it was a direct attack...
…
"Well, hello there," he whispered to himself. Seeing a woman in the crater, passed out by the look of it.
This young woman, having wild dark brown long curled hair with a tan like caramel skin. But what his eyes were focused on wasn't her figure. It was radiating blue from the ground, coursing through her arms as well. Knowing she was the cause, he slid into the crater and lightly touched her. She stirred a little; she was still alive.
"BOSS, WE NEED TO LEAVE!" one of his men yelled.
"KLAUE THEY ARE COMING"
Klaue looked up and back at the girl. Scooping her up into his arms and slugging her over his shoulder.
"Solvic! Take a picture of the hole," Klaue said, moving to one of the jeeps with the girl still over his shoulder. Solvic looked confused but did what he said. Grabbing his phone and snapping a quick picture.
Klaue, who sat in the jeep waiting for his second in command. He had put the girl in the back seat, now watching her curled up form.
Solvic jumped into the vehicle and soon started speeding down into the jungle. He realized there was a woman in the back seat.
"Boss? Who is this?" He asked, confused, but panicky over driving out of the location fast.
Ulysses Klaue, who starred at the girl who's blue markings have slowly started fading.
"I don't know," He said, soon replaced with a wicked smirk.
"But she's going to be either useful or make me rich."
(All Marvel studios' characters are property of Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes. The only thing owned by the author is original characters unrelated to Marvel and Walt Disney Studios)
