The Memories We Shared

Chapter 2: Reading is Good For You, October 2nd, 1930

The weather was cold on Alexandria's skin, giving her goosebumps. She was sprawled out in the tall grass reading one of her favorite books, The Great Gatsby. Her father had read it to her when it first came out but now she reads it whenever she needs to get her mind off something, or someone. That someone was heading her way as she read.

Bucky Barnes would recognize that long auburn hair from anywhere. With a bit more pep in his step after spotting her he bonded over to her with a smirk playing on his lips. Bucky knew he got under the pale freckly skin of hers, but that never stopped him from teasing her. He was quite fond of the girl that never took interest in him, but he also knew that he could turn those freckled over cheeks turn red. As he got closer he saw that she was laying down in the damp grass reading a book, completely oblivious to the approaching boy. He snuck up to her and before she had time to react he had plucked the book out of her small hands.

With a yelp the girl looked up startled and saw the much taller boy standing over her with her book in his hand. She quickly recognized the boy and stood up abruptly, and dusted her dress off. Looking up into those ocean blue eyes and with a huff said, "What do you want, James?"

She was trying to be intimidating with a glare from those gray eyes, arms crossed over her chest, a sharp tone in her voice, and the use of his first name. But Bucky was not buying it. "Just wanted to see what you were reading, doll." looking down at the book he read the title, "The great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald." The girl reached for the book, but Bucky was faster and held the book over his head knowing the not even five foot girl could not reach it. "Ah, Ah, Alex. Play nice and you can have it back." Bucky said in a teasing voice.

"Don't call me Alex."

"So I can call you doll?" Bucky asked with a glimmer in his eyes.

"I'd rather you just call me Alexandria." the girl mumbled while sitting back down in the grass.

Bucky followed in suit by sitting down facing her still holding her book. "Why are you reading out here?" he asked while looking around them, the park was quiet for Sunday midday. "It's quite cold is it not?"

The girl looked up at the sky exposing her neck to Bucky showing off her beautiful locket. Bucky thought it must be important because it looked expensive and her family was not rich from what he has heard. But that was not polite to ask so he kept his mouth at bay. "I find nature to be quite easing to the mind." The small girl in front of him finally spoke startling him out of his thoughts. "Reading also gets my mind off of things."

"What kind of things?"

The girl looked at him for a minute just studying his face, trying to think of something that wouldn't make his ego any bigger. He slightly tilted his head wondering what she was looking for from his face. He stared straight into her eyes just admiring the gray with flecks of blue in them. He jumped when he heard her speak, "Do you ever read, James?"

He lightly chuckled, "Only when I have to." He looked down at the book and started tracing the words on the cover with his pointer finger.

Alexandria saw her moment and snatched the book back from him. The look of pure shock on his face was priceless. She giggled, "You know, James." She mimicked Bucky's tracing of the words with her much smaller finger. "Reading is good for you."

"And why is that, doll?"

Her pale face turned a light pink at the nickname. Still looking down so he couldn't see her face she answered his question, "It expands your vocabulary, something I'm sure you could use, doll." She peered up at him after teasing the nickname back at him, now it was Bucky's turn for blush to appear.