A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
Closing the front door behind me, I pressed my back up against the warm wood. Dropping my bag quietly onto the floor, I wiped my hand down my face with a sigh. After Miss Ferguson told me what time the Soldier had left this morning, my thoughts had been lost in my mind. Apparently he'd gone several hours ahead of me, but came home not long ago. Which means that he's somewhere in the house, waiting for me to announce my return.
Marching up the stairs, I hustled into my room before he could realise I was home. Sitting at my desk, I stared at the blank white wall in front of me; raking my brain for answers. Trying to come up with an explanation as to why he's leaving all day and not telling me. Overwhelming myself with the possibilities, I don't know which to believe or if any of them are true.
Getting up from my chair, I stripped off all of my clothing and changed into fresh ones. I still have to get ready for the interview tonight. Looking myself up and down in the full length mirror in the corner, I found my distraught face staring right back at me. I don't feel like going anywhere tonight. The calm light energy I once had is now long gone.
Opening the door to my room, I went to step out but was met with the firm impact of the Soldiers fabric clad chest. Not looking up to meet his eye, he spoke before taking a step back "Wasn't sure if you were home or not"
"I just got back" I replied while darting past him and down the stairs.
Shaking my head, I should have asked the Soldier right then and there. I should have pounced at the chance to argue about why he'd left this morning, but I didn't. If the Soldiers keeping it a secret from me then there's no point in trying to get him to tell me. I know he won't. He hasn't for anything else. It would be better if I acted as if I didn't know anything.
Listening to his footsteps as he came after me, I opened the fridge for something to eat but found nothing. Our resources in food are dwindling, which means we'll have to go shopping sooner rather than later. Closing the door, I turned around to find the Soldier standing near the dining table as he tied a dark blue tie around his neck. I hadn't realised he'd changed into an oddly professional look of dress pants and an office shirt. His newly cut hair had also been styled back with gel.
"I know it's early" he said, not looking up as he pulled the knot "But I thought it would be a good idea if we got dinner before we headed to the school" waiting for an answer, he added "Where not due for the appointment until six-thirty"
"What happened to you not liking me going to public places?" I questioned. Since the incident with my outing at the mall, the Soldier had made it clear I wasn't to go out in public again. That there's too many people who could see me; too many people watching. He wants to keep me safe and that means keeping me out of site; for the most part.
He nodded his head "I changed my mind and beside, we have no food in the house"
Looking at me from across the kitchen, I came to like the idea he'd proposed "Alright"
"Good. Are you ready?" he asked while shrugging on his matching jacket and black leather glove to hide his metal hand.
"Ready" I replied.
Driving into the city, it didn't take us very long to get to our destination. Looking over the mass of buildings around me, I gave a faint but genuine smile as the Soldier opened my door before getting out. Breathing in a breath of fresh air, a shiver ran down my spine as he placed a hand on my lower back while guiding me into the restaurant.
Looking over the odd brick building, you could hardly tell it was of anything importance from the outside. However, after walking in I immediately changed my mind. I gathered the Soldier noticed as he gave me a low chuckle "This used to be a place I would go to – in my younger days, of course. They've done a good job keeping it going, even though it's a little different than it used to be"
Glancing around the large open plan restaurant, I found it to have a cozzie and inviting feel; especially with the large crystal chandelier balancing above. It illuminated the room with a soft dim glow. Looking to my left, I sifted over the various couples as they sat at white cloth covered tables. Even at this early hour there's still a few people.
Watching as they laughed and smiled, I listened to the distinct clink of dazzling glasses and silverware. Looking to my right, however, is a different story as that side of the room appeared to be older; in some mysterious way. A handful of couples swayed on the dance floor as a waft of jazz music filled the air.
A thin woman in her mid-thirties sang on the stage with an elegant move of her cherry red lips "Not many people can sing like that anymore" spoke the Soldier next to me as he nodded to the woman "I miss it"
After finding a seat, we ordered our meals. As usual I didn't realise what I was missing out of until he waiter had given us the exotic menu of delicious foods; most of which I'd never heard of before. Resting at the table after we were done, we'd eaten in relative silence. I didn't bring up my thoughts from earlier.
Glancing back around the room, I picked up my glass of water and took a sip before asked "Do you know how to dance?"
The Soldier paused before giving a short nod. Taking a mouthful of his own drink, the beverage wasn't water but whisky "I do, but I'm a bit out of practice" he admitted while placing down the glass "Beside, dancing in this century – well" he said with a chuckle "It's not exactly how I remember"
"Would you teach me?" I asked and his attention focused on me "The old way"
I didn't want to give the Soldier a hopeful look, but I know that's what I'm expressing. There aren't many things I've done with my life, but the least I could do is know how to dance properly. Shifting in his seat, I can tell that he's uncomfortable with my request. I don't know as to why. It isn't outrageous. It's a simple thing and I gather it wouldn't take me very long to learn. So why does he look so pained?
"You don't have to" I then added.
"No" he said with light shake of his head "It's not that I don't want to. It's just" I watched as he lowered his eyes and his jaw clenched. Leaning back in my chair, I looked confused. I don't know what to say or do. Suddenly I felt a leather glove brush against my hand as it rested on the table "I'll teach you, one day" he said.
I nodded.
Parking the car out the front of the school, the lights lit up the building with a bright glow. Getting out of the car, I waited for the Soldier and we walked in together. Pushing through the doors, we were instantly enveloped with the sound of people talking amongst each other. Lining the corridor, teenagers and their parents waited as fellow students came and went through several of the classroom doors.
Ignoring some of the blatant stares as parents looked up to see us walked past, I focused on finding the principal in the mass of the crowd. Eventually finding her, she stood conversing with one of the mother before glancing over with a white toothed smile. She called out my name "Amelia"
As the blonde walked over to us, I felt the Soldier press closer to me from behind "Who is she?" he asked with a whisper in my ear. I felt his hands resting on my shoulders.
"The principal, Miss Harrison" I replied.
Stopping in front of us, I felt the Soldiers hands on my shoulders disappear "I'm glad you could make it" her blue eyes trailed behind me and they lit up with surprise "Is this your guardian?" I could only assume she was expecting someone much older and less attractive.
"Nathan" replied the Soldier as he stepped to stand beside me "It's a pleasure to meet you. Amelia's told me a lot about you"
I internally rolled my eyes as I watched her cheeks tinge a little with a pink blush. I noticed how she discreetly looked the Soldier up and down and how her pupils dilated. I wanted to scowl at the woman "I hope there all good things" she replied with a small giggle "Right this way" she gestured.
My chest felt heavy as I felt an unreasonable moment take hold of me. I feel protective and undeniably jealous. Something I've never felt before. Something I've never needed to feel. Shaking out of my thoughts and emotions, we followed her into the office. Sitting down on the two seats, the principal tucked herself in behind her mahogany desk.
"Well, Nathan, I'm glad to say that Amelia is one of our finest students this high school has ever had the pleasure of enrolling" she said "I'm sure you're very proud to hear that"
The Soldier nodded his head and looked me in the eye "Of course. I'm very proud of her achievements" he turned back to the principal. Getting comfortable in the chair, I could tell this is going to be a very long interview, and night in general.
Waiting as the conversation ticked on, I nodded and answered to all the questions I had to. Now all I'm doing is sitting here as a third party while Miss Harrison continued to not-so-inconspicuously flirt with the Soldier. Snickering to myself, I wonder what would happen if she ever knew the truth about him. If she knew that the man she's so dangerously comfortable with was a former assassin for Hydra. That he's killed more people than those who inhabit this entire school.
I know she'd run. I know she would cower and plead for her life like all the rest. It's all so predictable. Sitting up in my chair, the blonde principal twirled a strand of hair as she laughed once again before continuing to talk.
I know who Miss Elizabeth Marie Harrison is, but she'll never know who we are. Just like she'll never know how it feels have the Soldiers arms wrapped around you to hold you tight, or the feeling of his warm body and soft lips. It's something I won't allow.