Maya Stark

Chapter 88: I make the call

Yeah, Sam made me call him. The ringing of the phone was torture. I held my breath when he picked up. We were both quiet, but I could still hear his breathing. I knew he was there. It wasn't a comfort like it used to be.

'I'm sorry I never answered you,' I said, finally. My voice was quiet, almost timid.

'It's okay,' Peter said. 'I, uhm, I get it. I've had a lot of time thinking and everything and... I feel like I overstepped.'

'No, no,' I said quickly. 'I just... I need to figure out my own brain, Spidey. I can't... I don't know if...'

'I know,' he said, in that stupid comforting sweet voice. 'I know.'

I nod even though he can't see me. 'I'm actually at Sam's sister's house right now. We got the shield back, but that was just one fight. Pepper was chill with me staying and I needed somewhere to regroup. We're going to train and try and build up strength and stuff.'

'Well, I hope Sam can help you, even if it's just a little.' His voice was sad, and I closed my eyes for a second. 'Seriously Maya, focus on yourself, okay?'

'I miss you,' I said, without thinking. I didn't even know that. Not till I said it. 'I've missed you these past five months. I just... I couldn't... God, words are difficult.'

He laughed. 'I've missed you too, Maya. When do you think you'll come home?'

'I don't know,' I said. 'We're waiting for a lead, and I like it here. I helped fix up an old boat. It put me at ease to be building stuff again.'

'Just... promise to be careful?'

'I promise,' I said. 'Besides, Sam and Bucky won't let anything happen to me.'

'Good,' he said. 'You know I understand, right? I understand.'

'Thank you,' I said, voice quiet. 'It means a lot to hear you say that.'

'I know,' he said.

'The second I get home or have a free time or anything I'll be sure to call you.'

'Promise?'

'Promise.'

'Well then, I promise to answer,' he said.

It was quiet for a moment, and I didn't want to hang up, but I cleared my throat. 'Well, I should probably go. Sam's sister was getting dinner ready and everything.'

'Yeah, yeah, me too,' he said, also clearing his throat. 'Ned is actually coming over.'

'Tell him I said hi?'

'Of course,' Peter said. 'He'll be ecstatic.'

I laugh a little. 'Bye, Parker.'

'Bye, Maya.'