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Thirty-three

School.

It was too late for me to attend, but that was fine with me.  While some lessons are taught by pencils and books, I feel as though I had learned topics that could only be taught through experience.  Everything Papa taught me, everything Hydra taught me, everything Trish taught me, and everything S.H.I.E.L.D. and Shuri taught me had given me the education I did not ask for, but I desperately needed.

But, just because I had to learn things the one way does not mean that it's the path for everyone.  I had a promise, and I was going to fulfill it.  Once we returned to the Triskelion, I shared what Rose had told me.  Sharon helped me, and we found an elementary school a twenty-minute drive from the Triskelion, two teachers were willing to accept them with open arms.  They would need a security detail to protect them from any lingering Crimson Night members, but Rose and Jasmine would be going to school.

Now that the trial was at a close, Shuri needed to return to Wakanda for further duties.  Nervously, I said to her, "I guess this is it,"

"For now," she answered.  "I'll be back."

We embraced and I managed to say, "Thank you for being such a good friend,"

"You as well, Elissa."

My heart fluttered, but I couldn't find the words to tell her how I really felt.  For once, I was speechless.  But it's not goodbye forever, I thought, only goodbye for now.

She'd be back.

Christmas was strange because none of us knew how to celebrate it properly as we hadn't done that in years.  Three adults, two kids, and one teenager would make for a weird holiday, but somehow it turned out fine.  For a moment I felt pain in my abdomen, and I remembered my punishment for trying to escape Hydra for the first time.  But like every storm, it passed.  I walked onto a balcony and gazed at the stars, and told them how much I loved and missed my parents and Oliver, but at the same time I would still try to be happy.    

After the holidays, I took Rose and Jasmine to school.  I wore a black calico dress, heeled boots, and a pink jacket.  I tied a scarf around my neck and face so I wouldn't scare the kids with my scars.  Rose and Jasmine were nearly bouncing off the walls in excitement.  Sharon and I took them shopping a few days prior; Rose in a green sweater and black skirt, Jasmine in a rainbow striped shirt with jeans.  Two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents would accompany them until we were certain that Crimson Night was completely vanquished.  

At the steps of the school I hugged them both and assured, "I'll be here when it's over.  Good luck, girls."

"I'm going to have fun!" announced Jasmine as she scurried inside.

Rose said solemnly, "Thank you,"  I watched her red hair disappear into the crowd of students.

One promise had been fulfilled.