So sorry it took so long to post guys. With the holidays here, I was super busy. Let's just call this my Christmas present to you. Please comment or review below your thoughts and ideas. If you have questions, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. Happy reading! I have created an email address strictly dedicated to answering any and all questions you have about the story...anything you ever wondered about or suggestions of your own. The yahoo email address ID is ecorleyfanfic
EDEN POV
I wasn't quite sure how I felt as I watched Bucky sitting on the couch chatting with Steve and Brooke like everything was just fine. I was confused and quite honestly a bit hurt by it. He didn't just blatantly ignore or shun me but none of the conversation was directed at me whatsoever. Every time I tried to catch Bucky's eye he would purposely look in another direction. Brooke noticed and kept glancing at me and then back to Bucky, giving me questioning looks that I kept ignoring.
I was just glad that he had come out of the bedroom so I didn't have to explain what was going on to Brooke and Steve. The longer the conversation went on this way though, the more I withdrew and sat quietly in my chair opposite the couch. I watched the three of them as they talked, suddenly feeling like an outsider in my own home. Brooke kept trying to get me to join in on the conversation but after a few moments, I would once again fall into silence. I was grateful that she didn't outright ask what was going on but I knew it would come up eventually.
When Steve and Brooke both announced they were hungry, Bucky chimed in and said he hadn't eaten dinner yet either. Brooke and Steve both looked in my direction waiting for my response and I slowly nodded my head, saying I was hungry too. I actually wasn't at all...that sickening feeling was still in the pit of my stomach. I had been swallowing the huge lump in my throat all evening to keep from busting out into tears.
It was Brooke who suggested ordering take out from the Chinese restaurant a few blocks away. When she said we should have it delivered, I quickly interjected. I couldn't stand sitting in that apartment for one more second, I needed to get out and clear my head.
"Delivery from that place takes forever...It'll be quicker if I just go pick it up myself" I volunteered, standing up from my chair and ignoring her and Steve's protest as I made my way into the kitchen.
I snatched the menu off the fridge and stood there leaning against the counter for several moments trying to get my emotions sorted out. I hated he thought of spending the entire evening pretending like everything was okay between me and Bucky when it most definitely wasn't. I was even more worried about what would happen when Brooke and Steve left and I was once again alone with him.
When I returned from the kitchen I handed the paper menu to Steve so they could choose their food. After a few moments of going back and forth, they decided what they wanted and I called our order in. I didn't even have to ask Bucky what he felt like eating...him and I had ordered from this place many times and I knew what he liked. I felt him staring at me as I called it in but I kept my eyes down, trying to focus on the person on the other end of the line. I was told my order would be ready in 25 minutes but I knew it would take me less than half that time to walk there.
"Would you mind stopping at that little liquor store on your way back and grabbing me a bottle of wine?" Brooke asked, batting her eyelashes at me. I forced a small smile on my face and nodded my head at her. If it kept me away from the apartment even longer than I was definitely willing to do it.
I made my way out of the living room and into my bedroom to freshen up. As soon as I closed the bathroom door and looked in the mirror, the tears I had been holding back began to fall. I leaned against the counter as the deep racking sobs finally overtook me and I spent the next several minutes struggling to get myself under control. I took a peek at myself in the mirror to see my mascara and eyeliner smeared and my eyes red from the crying. Hopefully, I would manage to make it out of the apartment without Brooke or Steve noticing. Bucky wouldn't even bother looking my way so I wouldn't have to worry about him seeing them. I ran a brush through my hair and reapplied my eye liner before turning the light off and leaving the bathroom. I knew the temperature had dropped quite a bit so I made my way over to my closet to grab something to throw on over the long sleeved shirt I was wearing. I was digging around for a coat when I heard the door to the bedroom open and then shut. I glanced behind me to see Bucky standing there, staring down at me. His face was unreadable so I honestly couldn't tell if he was still mad at me.
I turned my back to him and yanked the first jacket I could find off the hanger. My fingers shook as I tried to zip the jacket up and when I didn't get it on the third try, I finally groaned in frustration and just left it open. I was secretly praying he would be gone when I turned around but he was still there watching me closely. I bit my lip and anxiously tucked my hair behind my ear waiting to see if he would speak to me.
"You shouldn't go alone" he said softly.
I lowered my head, keeping my face to the ground and hoping that he hadn't noticed my red eyes yet.
"It's only 3 blocks away. It's not the first time I've gone there by myself" I said, nervously reaching for my jacket zipper again and trying unsuccessfully to zip it up. My eyes were down but I saw Bucky close the distance between us and I unconsciously tensed up when his hands reached toward my own. He gently pushed my hands away from the stubborn zipper and slowly pulled it up for me. His hand skimmed up the rest of the way to my collar, where he grabbed it and pulled it up to my chin before resting his hands on my shoulders. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath before raising my eyes to him, silently praying I wouldn't see that same emotionless expression on his face that I had seen earlier.
I felt a huge sense of relief when I looked up to see him giving me a small smile. My first reaction was to throw my arms around his neck and cling to him until he forgave me for every stupid thing I had done but I held back, waiting to see what he would do.
Thank God, maybe he isn't that mad.
He peered at me for a second before I noticed his forehead wrinkle slightly. "Eden..." he said, reaching up to run his fingers along my cheek, "...you've been crying" I saw the regret in his eyes. I wanted his forgiveness and I wanted this fight to be over but I didn't want him to feel guilty...his anger was justified, I couldn't deny what I did was careless and stupid. I had to get over this power trip or I really was going to get myself into more trouble than I could handle.
I shook my head, "Don't Bucky...It's okay...you're right to be angry with me. I'm fine"
I stepped to the side to brush past him but he caught my arm to stop me. When he tried to turn me towards him, I resisted but he kept pulling until I finally gave in and turned around.
As he spoke, I watched the flood of emotions finally appear on his face, "It's not okay that I made you cry Eden. I'm sorry I got so angry...it's just...I don't know...the thought of somebody laying their hands on you...of someone hurting you...it makes some really dangerous feelings come out of me" I watched as he gritted his teeth and heard the metal pieces of his arm engage as he clenched his fist tightly.
I stood there quietly...it wasn't anything that I didn't expect to hear. I knew Bucky hated the idea of anyone laying a hand on me. What I didn't understand though is why he had just run off earlier. Bucky had never run away from a fight before.
"Why did you storm off earlier Bucky?" I asked, looking up at him curiously.
I saw his eyes flicker from me and down to the floor where I finally noticed his black duffel bag laying. Usually it was tucked towards the back of the closet but I could now see it had been dragged out and was partially opened. I had been so preoccupied earlier that I hadn't noticed it had been moved. The sudden thought of why it had been pulled out hit me like a ton of bricks and my heart sank at the realization.
He stormed off to pack up his bag and leave...
I felt my eyes widen in surprise and I took a step back, covering my mouth with my hand. I expected him to be angry and yell at me... but I never thought he would actually leave me.
"...you were...you were going to leave?" I managed to stutter out. I could already feel the panic attack rising inside of me. I shook my head in disbelief and tried to blink away the tears that were quickly forming again.
Bucky looked confused and shook his head, "What?" He finally looked back down at his bag and then back at me before a look of exasperation appeared on his face, "No Eden, I wasn't packing. Do you honestly think I would ever leave you?"
I opened and closed my mouth a few times before shrugging my shoulders, "I don't know...you seemed so mad at me. I don't...I don't understand...why the duffel bag then?"
He looked back down at the bag and shook his head before letting out a deep sigh. He finally kneeled down to unzip the side pocket of it and pull out his 9mm gun still in its holster. I stared at it before it finally hit me.
He was going to find Brent...
Bucky looked up at me guiltily before tossing the gun back inside the bag and zipping it up.
I crouched down beside him as he started to speak, "I'm not even sure I knew what I was going to do with it. All I could picture was that fucker hurting you...touching you..." He swallowed hard, "I wasn't thinking straight...if Brooke and Steve hadn't shown up I probably would have left and hunted him down. I would have found him Eden and I would have hurt him for hurting you"
He took a deep, shaky breath before running his fingers through his hair and then lowering his head.
I didn't know what to say to make things better. I felt guilty for making him feel this way. I had caused this huge mess and now it was up to me to fix it.
I rose back up to stand over him and reached my hand out. He gazed at me for a moment before finally taking it and standing up in front of me. I stared up at him...my usually confident boyfriend looking at me with such a vulnerable look on his face. I knew he was thinking of his past...the Winter Soldier part of him that he felt was haunting him. He was worried that I would be scared knowing he had nearly resorted to his old ways, pulling that gun out and hunting down someone. What he didn't realize is that I knew the real Bucky...my Bucky would never go through with it. He may have beaten that guy within in an inch of his life but he wouldn't just outright kill him...that just wasn't who he was anymore. He may not have faith in himself but I did.
He let out a long sigh when I wrapped my arms around his waist and laid my head on his chest. He swiftly wrapped his own around me and I felt him tuck my head under his chin before inhaling deeply. I smiled when I realized he was smelling my hair for the familiar floral scent of my shampoo.
I smoothed my hands up and down his back reassuringly, "Can we just forget this whole thing happened?" I asked softly. I pulled away and looked up at him, "Please?"
Bucky leaned forward and brushed his lips across my forehead before nodding, "Yes"
I let my head rest on his chest once again and listened to the sound of his heart beating...it was the most comforting sound I could hope for. I let several moments pass before I finally pulled away again and smiled up at him, finding some semblance of peace in his eyes.
I looked down at my watch, "I better head out to pick up the food"
Bucky reached up to brush a few hairs away from my face, "I'll come with you" he insisted, turning away from me to reach for his own jacket that was hanging in the closet.
I chuckled softly and reached out to stop him, "It's okay Bucky, stay here and keep Brooke and Steve company. I won't be gone long"
He shook his head, "You stay and keep them company, I'll go instead" he said, once again reaching for his jacket.
"Bucky" I said in a warning tone, "I got this"
He turned around with a sigh and I grinned when I saw the pout on his face. I couldn't help but stand on my tip toes and kiss his lips softly.
"No pouting mister. I'll be right back" I said, squeezing his shoulder gently before and making my way to the closed bedroom door. I was just about to reach for the door handle when I felt Bucky's hand grab me once again and spin me around. He used his body to push me up against the door and as soon as my back hit the wood, he pressed his lips against mine in a hard, demanding kiss. I felt his hands move from my shoulders and down my side to my hips. I let out a small whimper when I felt his fingers slipping under my jacket and shirt to find bare skin. In a flash, he pulled away, grinning down at me as I gasped for breath, my chest heaving up and down.
"Now you can leave" he said, stepping back. I giggled slightly and raised my eyebrow at him when I noticed the tightening in his jeans.
He shrugged and smirked at me before opening the door and throwing his arms around my shoulders as we walked down the hallway and back into the living room. Brooke and Steve both smiled when they saw us enter together. I noticed the smug look on Brooke's face as she elbowed Steve and then winked at Bucky.
She must have said something to him...I have to thank her later for sure.
"You guys need anything else while I'm out?" I asked, grabbing my purse and throwing a scarf around my neck.
"Just food and wine...and make it snappy bitch, I'm hungry!" Brooke said, shooing me towards the door.
Steve and Bucky both laughed as I stuck my tongue out at her and opened the front door. Bucky followed me out and gave me one last kiss before I made my way down the hallway to the stairs.
"Be careful please" he called after me.
"I will, I promise" I called back.
Little did I know, my night was about to go downhill from there...
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Bucky POV
As I watched Eden make her way down the hall, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of relief. She hadn't even flinched earlier when I showed her the reason why I had stomped off in the middle of our fight earlier. Hearing what had happened and seeing those marks on her was too much. The moment I slammed our bedroom door shut, I had made my way over to the closet and nearly yanked the door off the hinges. The duffel bag was still in the back where I had put it when I moved in, the gun still zipped up inside.
It had been so easy to resort back to my Winter Soldier mentality. I had only one mission at that moment: Hunt every single one of those assholes down that dared lay their hands on my woman. Eden belonged to me...to us...myself and the Winter Soldier who was now hibernating inside. No one would ever hurt her and get away with it. I had already started to pull the box of ammo out when I heard the knock at the door. I had looked at my watch and silently cursed when I realized it could only be Brooke and Steve.
Dammit! I'll never get past Steve!
Yes you can! You're faster than him! Stronger!
No!
I had shaken my head and took several deep breaths as I attempted to calm myself down. I had to think of Eden. I had to think of Steve. I had to think about myself. If I had done what I really wanted to do at that moment, it would hurt me and everyone I cared about most in this world.
I had thrown the gun back into the duffel and made my way into the living room just as Brooke and Steve were making their way inside. It had taken everything I had to force myself to make normal conversation with them. I had even resorted to ignoring Eden completely in an attempt to keep myself calm. I knew if I looked at her, the only image I would see is that bruise on her back where she had been pushed into a bar top.
I had just kept the conversation going between us but it bothered me that Eden wasn't joining in. Whenever I was positive she wasn't looking, I would sneak a glance and notice how upset she seemed and it tore me up inside. Yes, I was mad that she had put herself in a situation that caused her to get hurt but I could never stay upset with her. I loved her.
I had known Brooke and Steve noticed the obvious lack of attention I was paying to Eden. The moment she walked out of the room after ordering the food, Brooke let me have it.
As soon as the door to our bedroom closed, Brooke turned quickly in her seat to face me, "What the fuck is going on Bucky?"
"Brooke..." Steve had said in a warning tone.
She gave Steve a look a sharp look before turning her glare back on me, "I'm waiting for an explanation Bucky Barnes. You care tell me why you've spent the whole night ignoring her?"
Before I could say anything, Steve had cut in, "Brooke..."
She once again stopped him, "Did you see how upset she was Steve?" Steve had looked at me apologetically before nodding his head in agreement. The guilt I had already felt only grew exponentially upon hearing that.
She had looked between me and Steve as she went on, "Eden knows she fucked up. I know you both don't approve of what happened at the bar but it's a little late for her to take it back...it happened and it's over with now"
She then pointed at me, "You need to get over it and accept her apology. You've fucked up in the past and Eden has forgiven you, no questions asked. Doesn't she at least deserve the same respect?"
My mouth had opened and closed several times...before I could even explain myself, Brooke had silenced me with a glare and pointed to the bedroom door, "Go fix it Bucky...NOW!" Beneath that hard stare I could see a hint of smile coming through. I had glanced at Steve and saw he was looking at Brooke too, an amused grin suddenly appearing on his face. That was one of the moments I realized how great of a person Brooke truly was. It was one of the reasons I had grown so fond of the red head my best friend was dating.
I had shaken my head and rose to my feet, sarcastically saluting her and muttering, "Yes ma'am"
I had to admit, Brooke had been right. I had screwed up in the past too...leaving her and running off to Steve's that week, keeping Kaine a secret from her...I had made mistakes and Eden had always accepted my apology. She needed to know that it wasn't her I was angry at...it was those men I was furious with...and my own self too. I had nearly lost control and resorted to my old ways which was something I had promised Eden I wouldn't let happen again.
The moment she had wrapped her arms around me in our room, I knew everything was going to be okay between us. She wasn't upset that I had nearly gone into assassin mode...she just took everything in stride.
Now, as I watched her walk to the stairs, I couldn't believe I had even considered for one moment doing anything that would ruin my relationship with her. She glanced back, shooting me a dazzling smile and a small wave before descending out of sight. With a sigh, I turned to go back in the apartment to rejoin Steve and Brooke on the couch.
Brooke had a rather pleased expression on her face and I simply smiled and rolled my eyes at her. She didn't say anything else to me so I took my place next to her and reached for the remote. She quickly snatched it out of my hands and started flipping through the channels. I looked past her and over to where Steve was sitting on her other side. He merely shrugged his shoulders and wrapped his arm tighter around her.
We had been watching TV for a good 30 minutes and I kept glancing at my watch, keeping an eye on the time. The Chinese restaurant was a quick trip, maybe 6 or 7 minutes each way...Eden should have already been back.
Well, she did have to stop at the liquor store on her way home too.
The sudden sound of police sirens caught my attention and I got up from the couch to look out the window. Three police cars were speeding down the street, lights flashing...an ambulance following not far behind.
Hmmm, there must have been a car accident.
Steve looked at me questioningly but I merely shrugged my shoulders. A commercial finally came on and I left the window to head to the kitchen...I figured I could get everything ready for when Eden arrived so we could instantly sit down and watch a movie. The faster we got started, the faster it would be over and Steve and Brooke would leave...I needed time alone with Eden.
Steve got up from the couch behind me, following me into the kitchen to help. Steve was my best friend and I trusted him in all things so while we had some privacy, I told him what had happened earlier when I stormed off into the bedroom during my argument with Eden. He listened quietly and like always, he didn't pass any judgment. He simply nodded his head and gave me a pat on the back. For some reason, just talking things through with him was enough to ease my tension. After promising him I would talk to Dr. Peters' about it, we got to work gathering things for dinner. I was digging around the cabinet for some wine glasses while Steve grabbed napkins and forks when we heard Brooke shout from the living room.
"Steve! Bucky!"
The frantic tone of her voice made the hairs on the back of neck stand up and I abandoned my search for the glasses to run into the living room, Steve following closely on my heels.
Brooke was still on the couch but she was sitting up, eyes glued to the TV.
"What Brooke? What's wrong?" I asked quickly. She ignored me and remained silent.
When she didn't answer, Steve spoke up again, "Brooke!"
She glanced over at us and then frantically pointed at the TV before turning back to watch.
My eyes shot to the TV screen to see what had upset her so much. The local news channel was on and I could see they were reporting some breaking story.
...police are reporting that shots have been fired. Michael Walker is reporting live from the scene...Michael, what can you tell us?
A young man appeared on the screen standing near a police car, its lights flashing. Behind him I could see more police cars and an ambulance.
Nothing has been confirmed Maria but we have spoken to several eye witnesses. Approximately 15 minutes ago, a man with a shotgun entered the liquor store behind me, Sullivan's Wine and Beer, in what appears to be an attempted armed robbery gone wrong. Details are still coming in but witnesses are reporting multiple shots were fired before police showed up.
I suddenly knew exactly why Brooke had been shouting. Sullivan's was the liquor store right down the street...the same one Eden was supposed to be stopping at on the way home. The man on the TV stopped talking and began listening to his headset a few moments before clearing his throat and speaking again.
Police are confirming that the suspect has not left the building and there are still customers inside. They are treating this as a hostage situation at this point Maria.
He stopped talking again and listened once more into his headset. I glanced over at Steve, who had taken a seat next to Brooke on the couch. He had his arm wrapped around her shoulders and she was watching the TV with a look of utter horror on her face. When the reporter started speaking again, my eyes flickered back to the screen.
Oh my! Our sources have now confirmed that two people have been shot by the suspect.
I watched as the camera man panned around to show the front of the store. From the distance, not much detail could be seen of the figure carrying the shotgun in his right hand. He seemed to be angrily swinging it from side to side, randomly pointing it here and there. I was completely focused on the suspects other hand though...the one clenching tightly onto the shoulder of a much smaller person. The one with the blonde hair that was wearing a jacket I recognized as the one I had helped to zip up not even an hour ago.
Eden!
I didn't even think. One second I was watching the television and the next minute I was running out the door.
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Eden POV
The last thing I ever expected to happen as I stood in line to check out at Sullivan's was for the place to be robbed. Those kinds of things could only happen in the movies...never in real life...never to me.
I was still clutching the bag of Chinese food in one hand and Brooke's bottle of wine in the other. I was chatting with the nice middle aged man behind me while we waited for the cashier to finish ringing up the lady in front of me. He was telling me why he preferred red wine to white when the man entered the store and began screaming. I recognized the shot gun he was carrying in his right hand...it was the same model Clint had shown me how to shoot not more than 3 weeks ago. The man quickly flipped the deadbolt on the door before turning around and pointing the gun in our direction.
"Nobody move or I'll fucking kill every last one of you" he screamed as he made his way to the counter. "Hands up now!"
No, no, no!
I knew I could try and take the guy...hell, it might even work. But I had promised Bucky I would be careful...I was not going to break my promise...not this time. He would want me to be safe...he wouldn't want me to risk getting hurt just to prove something. So I did exactly what he asked, I dropped the food and the bottle of wine to my side and raised my hands shakily. The man behind me quickly did the same. The woman in front of us however, had panicked and was quickly becoming hysterical. The robber lowered his shotgun and pulled a .38 from the waist band of his pants and pointed it directly at her.
"I said put your damn hands up...now!" He screamed.
The cashier, a younger man named Phil, finally spoke up, "Maybe if you get that gun out of her face, she'll stop freaking out man" he said.
The robber shifted the gun in Phil's direction, "Step back smartass and get your damn hands in the air before I shoot your ass"
I watched as Phil stepped back from the counter. As soon as he the robber in the opposite direction, Phil's hand moved for something under the counter. I knew it was the alarm button he was trying to push...his sudden movement caught the attention of the man holding the gun and he quickly turned back around. He was too late though, Phil had already pushed it.
The next few minutes were a blur to me honestly. Maybe it was my body's own defense mechanism trying to block out things it didn't think I should ever experience. I remember the shots being fired and the sound of glass breaking. I remember the blood. I remember the groan of pain from Phil as he clutched his chest, his hands coming away covered in the red stickiness. I even remember the frantic screams coming from the woman who had stood in front of me...she was now on the floor, back against the counter, crying loudly with her hands over her eyes.
I watched as the robber jumped behind the counter and tried to force the injured cashier to open the small safe located under the register. Phil was doing his best but he was obviously in pain and losing blood fast. The bullet had entered upper right portion of his chest. Minutes flew by and the man holding the gun became more and more agitated as time went by. The moment he heard the police sirens off in the distance, he completely flipped out. I could tell he knew he had screwed up...whatever brilliant plan he had worked out was failing and now he was stuck.
"Son, you can still make it out of this...just put down your weapon and surrender. No one else has to get hurt" I heard the middle age man behind me speak up...his voice was calm and almost soothing.
At that moment, time slowed. I knew what was going to happen but I was absolutely powerless to stop it.
You promised Eden...you promised Bucky
The robber turned to face us and without even a warning shout, he raised the gun and fired. I fully expected to hear a second shot follow and then maybe feel a burning pain somewhere in my body...but it never happened.
You might still make it out of here alive Eden. Just keep it together!
I looked over as the man sank to the ground, clutching his stomach where the bullet had ripped into him. I ignored the shouts from the robber and sank to my knees beside the now bleeding man on the floor. The wild shouts from the woman by the counter and the loud sirens of the police cars distracted the thief and got his attention off of me.
I pressed my hands over the wound in the man's belly, quickly drenching them in blood. He has his eyes clenched tightly shut, a look of pain was etched onto his face.
"Hey, you're going to be okay?" I said, calmly, "What's your name?" I asked before ripping the scarf off from around my neck and pressing it to the gun shot.
"Sam" he whispered hoarsely, "My name is Sam"
"Sam...I'm Eden. You're going to be fine, ok? I need you to hold this here" I said, taking his hand and placing it over my now blood soaked scarf. I had unzipped my jacket and was about to pull it off so I could place it under his head when I felt a hand grasp on to me and yank me from the floor. Instinctually I grabbed at the hands now wrapped in my hair, leaving Sam's sticky blood all over the arms of the robber who then pressed the gun tightly to the side of my head.
I instantly stopped squirming and relaxed, letting my hands fall back down to my sides. The copper smell of blood invaded my nostrils and I looked down and swallowed hard when I saw how much blood was covering my arms and hands.
Don't think about it Eden.
"You're going to open that fucking safe right now and then you and I are going to make our way out the back. If you're lucky, you might just make it out of here alive" he said angrily. Phil was still losing a lot of blood and it had pooled into a puddle beside the small metal safe. As the robber pulled me around the counter and gave me a push, I stumbled over Phil's body and landed in the sticky wetness. My jacket was open and I immediately felt the thick, still warmed blood, seep into my shirt. I swallowed hard and willed the nausea away before blinking back the burning tears threatening to spill.
"Tell her the combination" the robber demanded of Phil.
In a low whisper, Phil called out the three numbers to me and I shakily spun the combination. I was successful on my first try and as soon as it was open, I scooted away from the safe until my back hit the opposite wall. The police sirens were deafening now and even from my position on the floor, I could see the blue and red flashing lights.
The thief, who had already stuffed the money in the pockets of his coat, looked up with a wild look in his eye. I saw it...the appearance of defeat on his face. He knew there was no getting out of this. Even if he managed to make it out the back, the police would just be waiting on him there.
I was quickly yanked to my feet and dragged from around the counter and towards the glass door. He still had the shotgun in his hand; the .38 was tucked back into his belt.
"Fuck!" he yelled loudly, squeezing my shoulder hard and causing me to wince in pain. He turned around and walked back towards the counter to angrily point it at Phil. The cashier was still breathing but he was pale and judging by the amount of the blood on the floor, he wasn't going to last long.
"This is your damn fault. If you had just given me the fucking money, none of this would have happened" he screamed at him. He jerked me around and faced Sam, who was lying on the floor, still holding onto my scarf that I had pressed tightly against his gunshot wound. The woman, who had managed to quiet down some during the last few minutes, quickly became hysterical again the moment the robber turned and pointed the gun at her.
"Shut up bitch! Shut up!" he screamed at her. When she only grew louder, he let out a loud yell frustration and swung the shotgun hard, catching her in the temple. The silence was finally deafening as she slid into unconsciousness.
For several moments, he paced pack and forth, dragging me with him the entire time. The longer it went on the more I knew that I was going to have to do something. Phil was bleeding out...he needed medical attention...Sam too.
I took a deep breath, "He was right you know. You can still make it out of here" I said quietly.
I felt him tense up and the grip on my shoulder tightened even more.
"Even if I do, what's in store for me? Prison?" he said, his voice full of fury, "This was supposed to be and easy in and out...but you all ruined it! My life is OVER!" he screamed loudly.
He suddenly let go of my shoulder and I stumbled, slipping to the ground and landing on my knees. I looked up to see the barrel of the shotgun pointing down at me, in the hands of a mad man who had nothing else left to live for. I looked down at my hands and shirt, covered in blood and then back up at the man whose finger was on the trigger. I knew what was about to happen and even though I wasn't ready for it, I closed my eyes nonetheless and prayed it would be painless.
People say right before you die, your entire life flashes before your eyes. Bullshit! It wasn't true...at least not for me. I didn't see flashes of my childhood. I didn't see Brooke or Jill or my mom or dad. There was no life movie for me to watch in what was to be my last moments of life. I only saw one thing...one single image flashed into my mind at that second.
The face of the only man I had ever really loved.
Bucky's blue eyes gave me the comfort I needed and with a heavy heart, I accepted my fate.
The police sirens faded away until all I heard was silence.
...and then the click of the gun.