Average | Natasha Romanoff

20. Old home

Nat drove you to your old home. You sat silently throughout the journey, looking blankly at the road.

Nat parked her car at the roadside.

"Can you stay here?"

Nat nodded.

You got out of her car and walked over to your house apprehensively. The light was still on. You peeked into the house to see them watching TV together, three of them. They seemed to have wiped you out of their life. Maybe they have totally forgotten about you. You didn't have a huge presence in the house, you were more of a tool for them to vent their anger.

You walked down a few streets and went to see your old school. You didn't know where your friends stayed, they could have moved house. You didn't have an easy time in this school as well. You only had 2 close friends and you only managed to spend a year with them before you got captured by Hydra. They tried to invite you out as much as they could, but you were afraid that your mother would beat you up after you got back, so you had to pick and choose. You had to watch her mood.

You strolled back in your hoodie and hands in your pocket. You took one final look at your house and walked away. Nat was still waiting in the car. You got back in and sat there for a couple of minutes, tears threatening to fall. You started monologuing.

"My parents always had a bad temper. And ever since they got their second child, they decided to toss me aside and focus on her instead... She never took the blame for anything, and I was always at fault... On days when she was especially angry, she would cane until I bleed. Some heal, some don't."

Tears started falling without control.

"I never owned any sleeveless clothing, even in summer, I always wore long sleeves and had to bear the heat... The library was the best place, it was cooling and quiet. I met two great friends before getting kicked out of the house and getting captured by Hydra. You could say life got easier there. Everything was provided for even though it was limited... But it didn't come without a price, I had to fight for it, get beaten up for it, get tortured for it. And soon, I just got numbed. I don't feel any pain..."

Nat unbuckled her seatbelt and reached over to hug you.

"But don't do it again. You may not feel it, but I do. Even if it's on you."

You smiled and nodded.

"But didn't you feel pain when I tased you with the taser disk?"

"That was on another level, but I remained conscious, didn't I? I also get tased in Hydra, it's part of a package." You chuckled slightly.

"Alright let's get back. It's almost midnight already." Nat started the car's engine.

About halfway back, you started to get comfortable, you struggled to keep your eyelids open, the vibration of the car lured you to sleep.

Nat turned her head and saw you nodding off and adjusted your posture, so you don't strain your neck.

"This kid..."

You arrived at the compound, but you were still asleep. Nat had no choice but to carry you back. She tucked you in bed and left the room.