Annabelle Rogers - James 'Bucky' Barnes

Chapter Thirty - one

Sitting restrained in the quinjet Annabelle held perfect posture, sitting stiff and straight staring at the blank wall in front of her. James hadn't left her side since stepping on the jet, always having a hand on her in support.

Looking up he noticed Tony approaching them, gesturing James over with a nod. Kissing Annabelle on the head he walked over, still keeping her in eye shot.

"This doesn't change our deal, Barnes. When we land, you disappear. Got it. - You leave my daughter alone"

Tony had strict conditions about letting James help them rescue Annabelle. He was able to come along, make sure she was okay and then he had to leave. He also wasn't allowed to tell her.

He hated the idea of leaving her again, but he knew she was safe and if that meant he had to leave then so be it.

With a nod he sat back down next to her, knowing this would be the last time he would be about to embrace her for a while.

---

As promised James took off as soon as the jet landed. Over the long flight Annabelle had fallen asleep on his shoulder and was scooped up by Steve, carrying her off to bed. Completely oblivious to the drama.

A mixture of exhaustion and being in the comfort of her own bed Annabelle slept for the rest of the weekend. Sitting up in the bed Sunday afternoon she noticed a new phone sitting on her bedside table. With a note attached.

Chip,

Your last phone was damaged so I got you a new one, everything has been transferred from your old one.

Come down stairs when you're ready. Dad x

Switching the phone on Annabelle searched down the contacts list, seeing everyone on there but James. Trust her dad to 'forget' to put his name in there. She also noticed that all the photos of him have been deleted too.

Sliding her phone back on the table she made her way into the bathroom to have a much needed soapy shower. Watching the last couple of months dirt wash down the drain.

Throwing on one of James' hoodies and bike shorts she headed down into the kitchen. Surprised but also thankful that no-one was in there.

Pulling out a bowl of cereal and some juice she jumped up on the counter, legs crossed as she shovelled the cereal in, starving after her much needed nap.

"Hey! look who's awake, how are you feeling?"Sam skipped over holder her in a tight embrace, tight enough that she stoped breathing for a short moment.

Sam was visiting his sister when the rescue mission took place and was beside himself when he found out what happened. He has been checking in on her every couple of hours to make sure she was okay.

"A.B! Honey, how are you feeling?" Wanda cooed over in a sweet tone.

"Chip!, You're awake!" Steve spoke as he pulled Sam away so that he could embrace his sister.

Sitting there silent, Annabelle scanned the room quickly noticing their was a face from the group missing. As if everyone was reading her mind they fell silent and faces sagged in pity.

'Aw poor A.B'

'She doesn't know, does she'

'Im going to kill him for breaking her heart'

'How am I going to tell her Bucky left'

Everyones thoughts flooded over her on an endless loop. Taking pity on the venerable and unstable girl in front of them.

Sliding off the bench she placed her bowl in the sink. Turning away from the group as tears pilled in her eyes, realising what they where all thinking.

"He left?" She asked turning around to face them, leaning against the sink.

"Technically Tony sent him away -" Steve began to explain.

"But he left."

Silence and pain fell over the kitchen. No-one wanting to make any sudden movements while she processed her newly found situation. Realising there was nothing she could do she walked out not saying another work.

He left, he willing left her. Did he at least fight to stay, why didn't he say goodbye. These troubling thoughts rotated around her head as if she was going to find a magical answer the more she thought about it.

Accepting defeat she felt her body being pulled, in a way that has only happened when James was close by. Closing her eyes to focus on it she jumped inside his head.

Trees, lots of trees. With a dirt road and wire fence. Quickly realising where he was she ran out of the building, trying to be a sneaky as possible.

Strutting her way across the grass a few minutes out from the main compound building she reached a wire fence where a small blue car was parked on the other side. a tall handsome figure leant up against it.

"They told me you left"

"I know, I saw it.- I don't know if you meant to but I saw it."

"I really don't have control over it when it involves you do I" Annabelle stated leaning up against the fence, James following suit moments after. "So, why'd you come back"

"I wanted to make sure you're okay - And to say goodbye." James looked down at his shoes, regretting the words as he spoke them. He didn't want to say goodbye, it was the last thing he wanted to say.

"So, you're actually going?"

"Not forever, just for now. Until everything settles down"

"You know that could be a while, Dad is famously known for his stubbornness"

"I know, but I've got something to sort out and you've got a family to get back to. I don't expect you to wait around, I-"

Reaching through the wire fence Annabelle held onto James hand. Looking up at him through her eyelashes, the moon light picking up on every feature filled with sadness.

"I love you Annabelle Sarah Rogers" Placing a kiss on her hand "I always will" he added in a sad whisper.

Stepping away from the fence James walked back over to the car, knowing he had to leave now or he never would. Flashing a forced smile at the fence he closed the door ready to speed away.

'I love you James Buchanan Barnes. But I will never forgive you for this.'