The Light in the Darkness

13: Cereal

I felt safe. Calm. All I could hear was her heartbeat. She was rubbing my back with one hand and holding me close with the other. I closed my eyes and felt someone move the bear into my lap. I could feel tears falling on my cheeks and my lip quivered. I was scared, but I was safe. I felt her hand leave my side and jumped slightly when a hand wiped my tear stained cheek with their sleeve. 

I opened my eyes and saw Maria had left and it was now just me and Hope. "How 'bout we head up to a comfier spot. Like, I don't know maybe your room?" I nod. I just wanted her to stay with me. I felt safe like no one could break me. She moved me some in her lap then picked me up I linked my fingers behind her holding the bear and my blanket hanging off me. 

We walked out of the sliding doors to find no one outside of the room to check on me. I saw the women in the main room playing table football. The boys where in and around the kitchen making food. I was ok that no one was crowding me it was just me and Hope.

We walked up stairs and made it to my room. We walked in and turned on the lights. Hope set me on the bed and went into the closet. She came out with a red top and black sweatpants. she helped put on the shirt and started to grab the small beige pant when I pulled back. No one had seen the bruises on my legs from what he did and I didn't want them to. She looked at me sadly and sat down next to me, "What did he do to you sweetie." I looked down tears in my eyes when I am engulfed by her arms. She pulled back and wiped my tears, "You don't have to say but did he?" I nod. "Oh baby." She held me and I started to fall asleep.

Hopes POV:

She had just confirmed what we had assumed. That bastard hurt a 5 year old with no remorse. That girl was already broken. She had fallen asleep again. I understand she probably never got more than 4 hours of sleep at Hydra. She was drained. She was broken. She was hurt. I laid her down on the bed and but her other blanket over her.

"Hey, is she sleeping." Wanda and Carol walked in. Carol closed the door and we made our way to the corner of the room. "She confirmed what we though." I whispered looking back at the small child. "Oh god." Carol's fists clenched. Wanda was speechless.  She looked over at the young girl, "We will find him for her. She will need someone to stay with her at all times. I would say more like 2 or 3 people with her." I nod in agreement. Carol did too, "Do you want me to stay. You need some sleep you've been up for 25 hours." Wanda asked. "Sure, you did take sleep some right?" It was almost 6 am and I needed to sleep but everyone else had a good nights rest after the long and event full day. "Yes, I did I knew she was safe with you. Thanks Hope." Carol and I walked out.

Jacks POV:

I woke up with Wanda sitting on the bed reading. Where was Hope? I looked at her and her green eyes met my blue. She smiled and hugged me, "Good morning, Jackie." "Morning." I happily sat up. She did want me. "Well what do you want for breakfast. We will stay at the compound though." "Can I have cereal." I wasn't very hungry, but still wanted something. "Ok then well lets go get some then." She hopped out of the bed and helped me out. 

I looked outside and saw some leaves that where different colors. I ran to the window and touched the glass. It was beautiful. I looked back at Wanda, "Look it's different colors." "We can go out to your patio after breakfast." She turned around and started walking. I ran after her and grabbed her hand. 

We walked into a small room with doors that open and shut on its own. "Where to Miss Maximoff?" I looked around the small room trying to find Vision, Wanda giggled, "Floor 1 please." She paused. "Jack that's J.A.R.V.I.S, an A.I. That is part of vision actually, Thats why they sound the same." I was in awe. We had just entered a room on one floor and then exited on another. I realized we where on a  floor I have never been on. It had a big track on the outer rim of the room it had mats on the floor and bags hanging up. I saw Steve and Bucky fighting each other.

"Why are they fighting?" I look up at Wanda, "Oh sweetie they are training, I was just going to let them know that breakfast should be ready soon." We walk over to the 100 year old men. Steve stopped Bucky's punch and turned around. "Hey, doll! You're awake." Bucky picked me up and  swung me around. After he set me back down, he asked what was for breakfast. "I'm gonna have cereal." I smile. 

Cereal was only something I got once a year. Dad said it was too expensive. I loved cereal. It was hard and sometimes soggy when I would get milk in it. I only had that twice. I was so happy to have cereal that I didn't care what had happened yesterday at the moment all I cared about was that I was getting cereal.