The following day is a blur. I wake up in the hospital, told that not only do I have a concussion, but also the guy who attacked me is related to gang. A gang that is well known for its organized crime, including infiltrating the police force and worming their way into government buildings that require fingerprint scanners and high-class federal documents. They are also linked with an international terrorist group. And since I know the face of the guy who attacked me, lived, and want to press charges, I'm a prime target.
I've been told I'm staying the bunkers that house the Avengers, for my safety. More than likely, they're just hoping to catch any information sneaking into my room. However, I have refused to stop going to school. I've worked through this before and I'll do it again. Most of my college life was similar to this, sometimes less violent, but nonetheless still happened. I have large breasts and wide hips, and that just gets me more attention than I want. But, I've learned to fight back and I have taken every lowlife to court. And won.
But right now, I don't want to focus on the future. Right now, I just want to be alone. I want to pull my blankets over my head, turn out the lights, close the door, and watch a movie. I don't want to think right now. At least all the movers have left; everything in my apartment was moved here—it's like a small dorm, but nicer. I live right next to someone, but I have a nice bedroom, living room, small kitchen, and a decent bathroom. But, there are no windows. And I miss the sunshine and sky already.
I already locked my 'front door' and now I close my bedroom door and hit the lights, which immediately plunges the room into pitch black. Most days, that would bother me despite having a lamp, but right now, it's perfect. I feel my way over to my bed and tap the spacebar on my computer. The screen lights up immediately. I open up Netflix and pick a sweet chick-flick. I don't really watch it. I cry, wishing for a different life, hating my body, feeling the shame and overwhelming sorrow. I should have brought my sweater that night. I should have said 'no' to the night shift. I should have run faster. I should have fought harder.
A slow memory begins to creep into my mind. A soft voice and a hand holding mine. Someone speaking hastily and with concern. It slowly began to pull me out of my sorrow, and a small warmth began to grow in my chest.
And suddenly, an incredibly loud knock jolts me from my thoughts. I could even hear it through my bedroom door!
I'll just pretend I'm not here. I thought, and pulling the blankets tighter around me. But, the knocking continued. I threw my pillow across the room with a surge of anger and stomp out of the room, throwing the door open. When I get to the front door, I yank it open without hesitation.
"Yes?" I snap, my tone unwavering despite the handsome face in front of me. He towers over me, incredibly muscular, and has blond hair and big blue eyes. The super solider. He pauses, unsure of my tone.
"I wanted to see if you were alright." he said slowly, presenting a small bouquet of daisies. I feel my anger ebb, and I begin to regret my attitude,
"Thank you," I say, smiling slightly. I take a breath as I reach for the flowers, "And thank you for helping me."
His gaze leaves my face and settles on the doorframe, respectively giving me space,
"I'm glad I could help." he said.
"How's the other guy?" I ask, " Bruce, is that his name?"
Steve looks back at me,
"He's good. Wondering about you, but he felt that two guys…" his voice trails off, unsure. But I don't beat around the bush, though I am startled by his serenity,
"It would bother me, yes," I say, " Will you give him my thanks? For everything?"
He nods. I bring the flowers to my nose and inhale the faint, earthy smell.
"I'm Ava." say, after a moment, extending my hand. He takes it gently, engulfing mine entirely. It's warm. His touch, so gentle and soothing, contrasts with what I have known so harshly, that it nearly brings tears to my eyes. I choke them down.
"I-I'm sorry." Steve says, quickly letting go.
"It's not your fault." I say, trying to control my voice. He nods and takes a step back.
"Do you think it would be okay for me to wander around here, at some point?" I say, desperate to change the direction of the conversation, "I'd hate to spend all day in my room."
"Of course," he says, lighting up, "There is plenty to do here. We're got a small library, labs, tech room, surveillance…" he pauses with a half-smile, "Most of which isn't interesting to you."
I look up at him and give a half smile back in agreement,
"I'm sure I can find something that causes trouble."
He gives a soft laugh,
"Would you like me to give you the tour?" he asks. Though I wished I could stay in my room all day and hide, I know that I need to start moving on as soon as possible. Healing.
"Let me put these a in vase, and I'd love to run around with you. The daises are wonderful, by the way." I say. He smile and nods, and I turn away to find a glass. My hands shake as I fill it with water and place the flowers in it.
I close the door behind me and offer a smile at Steve.
"Ready." I say.
So! Should I stick with Steve or create a romance with someone else? I was kicking around having Bruce as the romantic interest, but any thoughts?