Resilient

Chapter 10

Evelyn was dressed and her mood had improved since finally getting the music down. She remembered singing that song to her grandparents and them clapping and asking for an encore. She would sing it with her little sister whenever they both felt down. Oh, Gracie how I miss you. She clenched her eyes together tightly.

She was startled out of her memory but a light knock on the door. She turned to see Nat's face peering in. "Nat!" she said excitedly, heading over to give her a hug.

"Hi Evie! I'm glad to see you have your voice back," Natasha said hugging the girl back a wave of happiness washed over. Making Natasha smile broadly.

"Me too. I was really starting to hate that board," Evelyn said separating from Nat. "I'm sorry, I'm a hugger and haven't really had an opportunity to hug someone in a while."

"It's fine Evie - hugs are always welcome," Natasha said smiling

"I was about to head to take these bags back to Pepper, would you want to come too?" Evelyn asked

"Sure, but what's in them?" Natasha asked looking at the bags

"To make up for the whole Iron Man shirt situation Pepper bought me a ton of clothes and told me whatever I didn't want she would have her assistant return," Evelyn explained picking up two bags.

"Of course, but first Evie I have to tell you something," Natasha started, "We all heard you playing and singing on your piano a little while ago."

Evelyn gulped, she did not anticipate that. She didn't even know they were back from the mission. "Wait, how did you - Tony?" She finished and signed when Natasha nodded.

"It sounded beautiful and everyone thought so," Natasha said quickly hoping to save the poor woman some embarrassment.

"Thank you," Evelyn smiled and looked down. Everyone? Her heart jumped. "It's okay I promise but um how do I interact with them?"

"Don't worry they may tease you but know they are all impressed as hell by you," Natasha said leaning a hand on her shoulder, "you've been through so much and to sing and be kind after all that - is impressive."

"Thanks, Nat," she said, smiling into her new friend's face and then getting a thought. "Want to help me get a little payback?"

"Against Tony? Always," she laughed and picked the other two bags up and the two women walked to return the clothes back to Pepper.

After thanking Pepper for the hundredth time and explaining she had plenty of clothes the two women headed to the common room for lunch. Natasha had told Evelyn that they were all supposed to meet there for lunch to wait out the meeting Nick Fury had requested for that evening. Natasha told her that Clint had gone to his family's ranch before the next mission but she'd be sure to record the revenge for him as she knew he wouldn't want to miss it.

"You got this," Natasha said as they stepped off the elevator. Evelyn took a deep breath and straightened her back.

"Evelyn! You're up walking by yourself," Steve said smiling as everyone stood up from the couch as she walked in. All the guys were smiling genuinely at her but she could feel the guilt in the air so she put her biggest smile on her face and unfortunately, it got worse.

"Hi everyone I'm glad you are all back safe and sound," She said standing behind the sectional couch. "I, um, was wondering what everyone's plans were for tomorrow night?" still looking at the group but anxiously rubbing her hands together.

"Are you asking us all on a date Evelyn?" Tony asked laughing "I mean I'll have to bring my girlfriend, I hope that's okay".

Evelyn blushed slightly. "I guess technically I am asking you all out," she laughed and almost didn't recognize the sound. "If everyone is free I'd love to make dinner for you all as a thank you for rescuing me, helping me get healthy, and feel safe again."