Ghost

Chapter Thirty Four

       Nats POV

      I'm finally going on my vacation.. if I can call it that. It is and it isn't. Fury gave me two weeks to do as I please and I'm going to enjoy it. The first week will be with my family and then I'm treating myself to sunshine and drinks on a beach for the second half.

      Figured I'd rather get the cold weather out of the way first and truly relax for the second. Everyone is happy this way.

      I did decide not to tell them I was planning a visit so hopefully they're home. I mean I'm sure Alexei  and Melina haven't got much going on. Yelena might, though I have no idea what she could be doing around here. I guess enough to have this as her new home base.

      Which I didn't ask her how that had been going. I've really been slipping on this big sister thing. This is my chance to do better.

      After the plane landed and I was able to lug my stuff to a cab, I zoned out at the scenery passing us by. My driver wasn't talkative, which I appreciate. But I don't trust enough to fall asleep in the back of a random cab. I'm plenty tired but I'll make it up once I'm at the house.

      As we get closer, I'm actually kind of looking forward to throwing back some vodka and laughing around the table or cuddling up for a movie.

      I get so busy it's sometimes easy to push down how much I actually miss and care about this family. Again, time to change that.

      We finally pulled up, well at least where I told him too. I would walk the rest of the way. I drew near and could see lights on so at least someone was home to greet me.

      A short moment after knocking, Alexei swung the door wide open, barreling me into a hug that I fell into.

      "Natasha! You finally visit your family," he proclaims as I'm still enveloped in his arms.

      Once he puts me down so I can breath, I give a bad excuse for my absence, "yeah, sorry. Work has been really crazy. Finally caught a break and I came directly here!"

     "Ah, whatever the reason, I'm glad you're here. Melina is out with the pigs but she'll be back in soon. Why don't we have a drink while we wait for her, no?"

      I nod in  agreement but then remember he didn't mention Yelena. "Uh, where's Yelena? She still is living here as her base right?"

      I really hope she's here so I can see her. Now that I think of it, it was pretty dumb not to ask if she'd be home or on a mission.

      "Oh yeah, she's still around. She just has a place closer to town."

      Hm. A place by herself? "When did she move into her own place?"

      "You have gone that long without talking to her? She's been in there for a few months now. But she's not on her own. Spencer lives with her."

      Spencer? He says that like I know who that is, or like I should know. I guess it really has been a long time since we've talked.

      "Spencer? Who is Spencer?"

      "Natasha. I'm disappointed. You have really been that busy?" He glares at me as he says this.

      I cringe because I know I'm guilty. "I'm sorry I plan on making up for it. I'll be here a whole week."

      "Fantastic, you must see my shop. And Melina would love to show you what the pigs have learned."

      "I look forward to that. And hopefully seeing Yelena's place. Could we have her come over for dinner?"