Maya Stark

Chapter 12: I Pick A Side

That day was the start of the longest days of my life. Peggy Carter has died. Steve and Sam went to the funeral. Dad, Rhodes, Nat, and Vision have signed the accords. Clint said he was retired. I am underage, so I can't sign, yet somehow my dad can tell me what to do.

    Like how he told me to stay in the compound with Wanda and Vision. He had locked me in my room, and I was angry. I was also jumpy. The day of the signing, Wanda, Vision, and I watch it on the news. The building explodes at least five minutes into the whole thing. The three of us sit, our mouths hanging open. Panic started edging into my head.

    'Do you think...' I swallow.

    'They're fine,' Wanda said nodding. 'I'm sure they're fine.'

    I pace, waiting for any information from anyone. I wait for ten minutes before pulling out my phone and calling my dad. He picks up on the first ring.

    'We're all okay,' dad said quickly.

    I let out a breath and give Wanda and Vision a thumbs up. 'What the hell happened over there? The building didn't just blow up!'

    I heard my dad sigh. 'First of all, watch the language. Second of all, they think it was Barnes.'

    'Barnes?!' I say, way too loudly. I glance back at Wanda and Vision and walk out into the library.

'Dad come on. Bucky hasn't been seen since he dragged Steve out of the water, saving his life, by the way. Why would he come back after over a year and blow up a building where most of the Avengers are?'

    'Maya, Barnes is the most wanted assassin,' dad said. 'Why is it so hard for you to believe?'

    'It just doesn't add up, dad,' I say. 'You know it doesn't.'

    'If Steve or Sam gets into contact with you, tell Vision right away,' dad said seriously.

    I roll my eyes. 'Dad I'm—'

    'You will,' he insisted. 'I have to go, Maya. Love you.'

    I sigh. 'Love you more.'

    'Love you most, kid.' And he hangs up.

    I hesitate and glance back down the hallway. I walk quickly to my room and lock the door. I pace for a second and then dial Steve's number. He picks up surprisingly quickly.

    'Steve be careful,' I said quickly. 'I know you're going to go after him or find him or whatever, but I also know that my dad is going to be going after him too. Can't you just send in Sam and stay someplace safe?'

    Steve chuckled slightly. 'I appreciate your concern, Maya, I really do, but I need to find him. He didn't do this, no matter what Tony says. I'm going to get to him first, no matter what it takes.'

    'This isn't going to end pretty, Steve,' I said. 'And Wanda and I are still on the fence about everything. She doesn't want to sign the accords and I don't want to be apart of them. We're under watch by Vision and my dad has basically locked us up. So, if you need any extra help at any point, then I think we'd be in. Or at least me.'

    'You're willing to go against your father?' Steve asked.

    'As long as you get to Clint first,' I say smirking. 'If it's something I believe in then, yes, I am. Are you getting any help from anyone on the inside or are you going in blindly?'

    'Sharon Carter,' Steve said.

    My eyes widen. 'Carter? Like Peggy Carter?'

    'Her niece,' Steve said. 'She was assigned to watch me. Next door neighbor.'

    I almost laugh. 'Alright then. Just remember, I'm on your side here. You're right. It doesn't make any sense for Bucky to come out of hiding by blowing up a building.'

    'You've been more involved in all this then you let on, haven't you?'

    'Not involved,' I said, quickly. 'I just do my research is all. Besides, you and Sam are not slick.'

    He laughs. 'If I need any help, you'll be the first in line, Maya. Promise.'

    'Good,' I say, smirking. 'Tell Sam to keep his head, I know how easy it is for him to lose a fight.' I hear Steve cover a laugh with a cough. He was probably near Sam. 'I've got to go before Vision comes to see what is taking me so long. Bye, Steve.'

    I hang up and turn, as Vision materializes through the door. I freeze as he gives me a look. Wanda opens the door and walks in behind him, giving me an apologetic look.

    'Hey you two,' I said. 'Good news. Everyone is okay.'

    'Yes, that is good news,' Wanda said, trying to diffuse the tension.

    'The call to your dad ended five minutes ago,' Vision said. 'Who else did you call?'

    'Nat,' I say, making sure my face doesn't change. I stared Vision in the eyes.

    He seemed to accept it as he walked out of the room. I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding and fall backwards onto my bed. Wanda crosses her arms.

    'How's Steve?' she said in an accusing voice.

    'What? Did you look into my head?' I say sarcastically. She nods and I roll my eyes. 'I haven't done anything against the law except talk to a friend.'

    'Of course,' Wanda said nodding.

    'Wanda, this isn't going to end well,' I say sitting up. 'I've chosen my team, now you have to do the same. My dad's side, who locked us in this compound using your crush to keep an eye on us. Or Steve, who's trying to protect an old friend who was brainwashed.'

    'This is too personal for you,' she said, shaking her head slightly.

    'This is my family,' I say. 'If they fight, I'm going to be a part of it. Do I want to fight dad, Rhodes, Nat, or Vision? No. But I agree with Steve and I'm against the accords.'

    'Why don't you just stay out of it?' Wanda asked.

    'Because that's not who I am. I can't just sit back and watch them all tear each other apart,' I said. 'Not when I can help.'