I'm baaaaaaack! I apologize for the long amount of time that has passed since I worked on this story. Life just got in the way. I am happy to announce that I am a proud momma of a beautiful baby girl who is now 6 months old. Pregnancy and work got in the way of me wrapping up this story but I am determined to finish it. This small tidbit is just a taste of what's to come. Let me know what you guys think.

-Ecorley

Bright lights forced my eyes shut, making me stumble. Only Bucky's arm around my waist kept me upright and moving forward. He was ushering me as quickly out of the reception hall as he could without it looking suspicious. I had given up on arguing or even trying to figure out what was happening. Al l knew was that my head was pounding and there was a pain radiating throughout my body that made forming any coherent thought impossible. Loud cheers and clapping rang out, the sound making the pain intensify even more and causing me to groan softly.

"Almost there baby…hold on" I heard Bucky whisper in my ear.

The pain wouldn't let me answer him but I kept moving forward, each step more agonizing than the last.

The sudden quietness offered only a small bit of relief. I knew when I felt the cool air on my exposed skin that we had finally left the reception hall and were making our way across the parking lot. I didn't protest when I felt Bucky lift me off the ground, only turned my head into his chest and lay as still as possible. I heard a door open and the happy, boisterous noise from inside suddenly filled the cold, night air. It faded slowly as the door slammed shut and was replaced by the clicking of high heels. I assumed it was Brooke rushing to catch up with Bucky and knew I was right when I heard the hushed whispers of her, Steve, and Clint.

"….we'll get their stuff from the hotel and be only a half an hour behind you…"

"….I'll stay with them just in case…"

I heard the door of a car opened and then felt myself being lowered onto the leather seat of my SUV. The door was closed gently behind me and all was quiet again. The silence provided enough relief that I could concentrate on something other than the pain. I once again tried to recall the events of the nights. I shook my head in frustration and flexed my hands, wincing at the pain in my knuckles.

I saw a sudden flash of a figure dressed in dark clothing, a mask covering their face, advancing toward me. I gasped as I saw my own hand suddenly reach out and strike the unknown person across the face.

The image quickly faded and was replaced by the dull throbbing again. Exhausted from the pain, I gave up and laid my head back against the seat. I finally heard the driver's side door open and I knew it was Bucky.

I felt his hand touch my arm, "Eden…"he said softly, "…Steve and Brooke are going to pick up our stuff from the hotel. Clint's going to follow us in his truck. I'm taking you to SHIELD. Steve and Clint know someone who is going to figure this out. Ok?"

I didn't answer, I couldn't. Talking required thinking…and thinking resulted in more pain.

"Eden?" he said again, less gently this time.

I raised my hand to signal I heard him and even that took more energy than I expected. Fortunately, he accepted the small acknowledgement and started the car without question.

I kept my eyes closed during the ride, but I could feel Bucky's eyes on me the entire time. If I stayed too still for any long amount of time, he would reach over and lay his hand on my forehead or arm, checking to see if I was conscious. I knew he was just trying to be comforting but after the first hour of this, each touch disrupted the calmness I was attempting to keep. I shrugged away in annoyance the next time he did it and after that, he left me alone.

Mile after mile he drove in worried silence. I knew Bucky and any other time I would do my best to assure him he was doing everything right but at this moment, I couldn't even muster the strength to speak. I felt myself relaxing more and more and the less time I spent thinking, the more the pain diminished.

I knew I was falling asleep….knew I was drifting off into what would hopefully be a peaceful slumber. When I woke up, this would all be just a dream…a silly dream I would soon forget.

He's coming Eden! Wake up! He's coming!