Chapter 6
For the first time in so long, Anne was completely and utterly happy.
After Clint turned her into S.H.I.E.L.D. instead of killing her, Coulson made sure that she was taken care of and received medical attention so she could remember who she was. During this time, Anne became close with both Clint and Coulson. She was even able to trust Fury, who started visiting her weekly.
When the doctors and therapists helped her regain her memories, she was able to see her family again. She was buckled into the seat of one of SHIELD's helicarriers, on her way to Rosebush. She felt excited and nervous.
What if they don't like me? What if they don't recognize me? What if I'm too different now? Do they hate me for who I became?
"Stop doubting yourself."
The voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"They loved you then and they love you now. That's never going to change."
Phil Coulson was sitting across from her. He came along with her for support and to help explain to her family what happened.
He gave an encouraging smile and she returned it.
Anne looked out the window and gasped.
They were over her town and it was just as beautiful as she remembered. There were rolling green hills, lush forests of tall trees, ponds whose water reflected the cloudless blue of the sky, and scattered farmhouses that looked like they should be on the cover of 'Country Living'.
The carrier started to descend. That's when she finally saw it,
home.
The cream-colored farmhouse with a stunning view of green meadows and it's own pond.
Anne felt her body fill up with pure joy.
Right when they landed the door burst open and the blond woman from her dream and the picture came running out.
"Mom!"
As soon as the engines turned off, Anne jumped out and ran towards her.
They collided and wrapped their arms around each other, crying and bursting with "I love you"'s.
She felt like she could stay in her mother's arms forever.
Her mom pulled back so she could look at her face.
"Oh, honey,"
she said, shocking back tears.
"You have no idea how much we've missed you."
"ANNIE!"
Behind her mom, Anne's brother was running over to them.
"Connor!"
He ran straight into them, almost knocking them all to the ground.
They laughed and all hugged.
"Where's Dad and Ella?"
Anne managed to ask.
"They're at the market."
Mom laughed.
"We thought you were coming tomorrow."
Anne giggled nervously.
"Sorry we're early. I just...couldn't wait."
They all laughed and group hugged again.
After Anne's Dad and sister arrived, Coulson proceeded to tell them what happened. He also explained about SHIELD and Anne's plan for the future.
"You're going to become an agent?!",
Ella exclaimed.
"That's so cool!"
"But I heard it's a very dangerous job."
Anne's Dad sounded concerned.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Anne had questioned this decision herself too.
Was it really a good idea to go back into the field after what she just went through? But Anne knew this life was apart of her now. At least she was risking her life for the right side this time.
"I'm sure."