Maya Stark

Chapter 81: Meeting Eli

Back to Baltimore. That was all I got when I asked Sam what he was thinking and where we were going. It was easy enough to figure out where we were going. Even by just seeing the look in Sam's eyes. Though I couldn't read him as well as some, I was getting good at it.

I called Pepper on the way to tell her that they were safe and that I'm okay. But also, that I can't come home yet. Pepper understood and hoped everything would end soon. Morgan missed me. I missed her. I had a bunch of texts from Peter and a missed call. He saw what Walker did. It was everywhere. He was worried. But I didn't text him back. Maybe later... maybe.

I was glad Sam basically left me alone. He didn't try to talk to me. I didn't want to talk about anything that just happened. I wasn't surprised when we made onto the familiar street of Isaiah. I figured that's where we were going. The guy that opened the door for us last time was outside playing basketball with some others. He saw us coming and walked over to us.

'What you doing, man? Where you goin'?' the kid asked.

'I'm going to see your grandfather,' said Sam.

The kid paused for a second. 'Alright, he in the back.'

'Thanks.'

'I'll be back there,' the kid called after us.

'Yeah,' Sam mumbles.

We get to the front of the house and Sam hesitates.

'I think I'm going to stay here,' I said.

He looks at me. 'Why?'

I look back at the house and sigh. 'I just... I think this is your thing. Besides, I think if anything else happens today, my head will explode. It's just... been a very long day.' I look at him. 'I'll be right here when you get back out. I just need a moment I guess.'

He was quiet for a moment. 'You'll be okay?'

I nod. 'Go on. This is something you need to do. I get it.'

'I know you do, kid,' Sam said quietly. I look at him, slightly shocked. The nickname took me by surprise. Pepper doesn't call me it, she never did, and I guess I hadn't seen anyone else call me that since... well since he did. A small smile pulled at my lips.

Sam looks at the house and nods before walking around to the back. I sigh when he's out of view, everything hitting me hard. Exhaustion was the most prominent. I sit down on the curb, watching the two guys play basketball. They kept glancing over and I busied myself by taking out my phone. My thumb once again hovered over Peter's name. I should at least text him, I know I should. There was just so much going on and he told me to call whenever I felt ready. I did not feel ready.

Before I could really decide, the basketball came bouncing towards my feet. Barely looking up, I flicked my wrist using my energy manipulation to send the ball back towards the boys, unintentionally getting a basket.

'Now that's cheating,' the kid from before said while walking over to me. 'I'm Eli.'

I hesitate. 'I'd say I'm Maya, but you already knew that.'

Eli nods and sits next to me. 'So, why didn't you want to go with your Avenger buddy?'

'Just been a long day,' I said. 'I don't need anymore anything at the moment.'

He nods. 'I guess moments where you don't have to worry about anything could be useful after all you've been through.'

I scoff. 'If only there was nothing to worry about.'

'Well, yeah,' he said. 'That shield of yours have caused a bunch of problems.'

'It's not mine,' I said. 'I don't even know if I care what happens to that thing.'

Eli scoffed. 'You? You were always with Captain America. His little sidekick. You can't just switch all of that off.'

'You'd be surprised,' I said. 'A lot can change people.'

'Yeah, I see,' Eli muttered. 'So, does the famous Stark daughter have a special someone back home?'

I roll my eyes. 'It's complicated. And that was not smooth.'

'My apologies,' he said smiling. 'I'm not surprised its complicated. Everything seems to be complicated right now.'

'Yeah, it does,' I sigh. 'Honestly, Sam is my only sense of normalcy.'

'You two seem close,' he said.

I shrug. 'We've never really gotten along. I guess losing the same friend can make anyone come together.' We were both quiet for a second. 'How about you?'

'Me?'

'Yeah. Anyone special on your end?'

'No,' he said quickly. 'No, not at all.'

I smirk and shake my head. 'I'll be sure to contact you if it ever gets uncomplicated then, Eli.'

'Can I use that as bragging rights?' he asked, smiling.

I laugh. 'Sure. Though I don't think anyone will believe you.'

Before anything else could be said, the door opens behind us. I turn around to see Sam walking down the steps. He looked like he saw a ghost but still managed to eye-down Eli just a little. I stand quickly as he gets to the bottom step. Eli also stands, nodding at me, and walking past Sam into the house.

'I know you don't want to go,' Sam said, 'so how would you like to come to my sister's place. She won't mind and at least you can get a good night sleep.'

I hesitate. 'Uhm, okay. Sure. Thanks.'

He nods before calling his sister. 'Hey, Sarah. I'm coming home and bringing a guest.' He nods to himself before hanging up.

I examine his face. 'What the hell happened in there, Sam?'

'Don't worry about it, Maya,' he said as he starts walking up the street. I follow. 'You've been through enough today. You can recharge at my place, heal your head and stuff. Tell Pepper where you are. You can stay as long as you'd like.'

'What about Karli?'

'It's out of our hands at the moment.'