Protector (EN)

Chapter 22

It was Christmas Eve. There was a lot going on in the Tower. I mean, when is the Tower never busy? Everybody is going crazy. There was a Christmas tree in the lobby with lots of presents under it. I came here to put my presents under it. I had to run back and forth a few times because there were finally a lot of presents.

When all the presents were under the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, I went to have breakfast. Today we all had breakfast together. By all together, I also mean all together. Yes, also with Loki. After all, he was a kind of pet for me. What would he do without me? Take over the world? Okay, that might be true.

"Can you pass the butter?" Dad asked me kindly, which is why I handed him the butter as well. He still said 'thank you' and also started to butter his bread. It was very talkative at the table. I only knew them like that at work. But today, everyone was relaxed. I was quiet and enjoyed the atmosphere.

"Juli? Is everything all right? You're so quiet." Steve asked me, so I could only hear him.

"Yes everything is fine. It's just that ..." I said, trying to come up with a suitable answer.

"Yeah?"

"We're not working today. And everyone is relaxed. Everyone's talking about normal stuff. Not what our enemy is up to next. I think that's good for the team." I then found in response and then picked up my glass and sipped on it, which was filled with orange juice.

"Yeah ... You're right." Replied Steve, looking at everyone at the table. Even Loki got into the conversation. He struck up a conversation with Peter. Peter Parker. For whatever reason. I wonder what they're talking about.

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It was getting to be evening and we decided to open the presents today so we could still enjoy the appropriate atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be happy about my gifts. Peter Parker, for example, was very excited.

The only one who didn't open his present was Loki. He got one from Thor and from me. He didn't seem to understand the whole thing. He was supposed to open it, not put it aside. After all, he has so much to learn. So I went up to him and tried to explain what he needed to do.

"You do know you get to open your presents?" I asked. He looked at me irritated and also took the first package. The gift was from Thor. Thor then already joined us. When Loki had unwrapped the first gift, he discovered a small toy figure that looked like Loki. OK, it was Loki as a toy figure.

"Well do you like it brother?" Thor asked excitedly. I think he was much more excited about it than Loki himself. I could tell that from Loki's face.

"I thought it was so great that there were characters like this. They sold your character among the bad guys. But what the heck, now you have yourself as a character." Explained Thor still excited.

"Yes, very great." Sounded much less enthusiastic Loki.

"Come on, unpack the other one already." I prompted Loki to unwrap my gift. He put the game piece aside and took the gift from me in his hand and tore the wrapping paper. When he held a couple of books in his hand, he looked stunned. What was going on? Is he totally disappointed now?

"Loki? Don't ... Don't you like it?" I asked a little cautiously.

"Are you kidding?" He asked, still stunned, looking at me.

"I didn't know what else to get you." I tried to talk my way out of it.

"No, Juli. This is the best thing you could have done." He said and then started laughing joyfully. Man, did my heart just drop. I breathed a sigh of relief and punched Loki in the shoulder. He looked at me apologetically and grinned at me from ear to ear. He must be out of his mind to scare me like that. I took that with a laugh.

I didn't notice Dad standing behind me.

"Honey, can I give you this?" My dad asked me and handed me a small gift. I took the gift for Dad in my hand and handed it to Dad. He happily accepted it.

"Go ahead and unwrap it," Dad urged me. I tore open the gift so that I was holding only a small box. I looked at Dad again, who nodded at me.

I opened the lid and saw a beautiful necklace. A dark green stone decorated the necklace. I took this necklace in my hand and then looked at Dad. He smiled at me and then we sat down on the sofa. He put his arm around me and began to explain.

"I gave this necklace to your mother. That was before she disappeared and left me ignorant. If a woman knew she was pregnant by me, they would come back and demand money from me. Your mum wasn't like that though. She found out she was pregnant and she disappeared too. I didn't know why at the time, but now a light is coming on. She was stubborn and too proud to take the money from me. She kept this necklace until she died. It was inside the box she gave you. Now it's yours." And kissed me on the forehead. Dad really was the best. Maybe if Mum had stayed with him, she'd be okay. But I'll never be able to find out.

I guess I didn't notice a tear streaming down my face. I quickly wiped it away and took Dad into a hug. How lucky I am to have you.

"Juli, I'm so sorry I was so hard on you once. I know it's a little late, but I had to find the right moment to do it. You are the best thing that could have happened to me and I don't regret a second with you." He whispered in my ear. I wonder what the others think, that father and daughter hugged each other for a while?