Bound By Legacy

Making Amends

"Do you want cheese on your omelet Peggy?" I ask looking over my shoulder from the stove to the table.

"Duh mom." I raise my eyebrows at her, but let the attitude slide.

"What about me?" Thomas whines.

"I always make yours with cheese." I bring over his plate and set it in front of him. Smoothing his hair I plant a kiss on his head. "Your sister is just far more picky." Peggy looks over at me, her mouth agape. I stick my tongue out at her and then turn back to her eggs.

When I turn back around Bucky has joined us, the joy sinks out of me. What will he be like today? "Sam told me you've made your decision." I feel my whole body tense up. I knew the time was coming. He's been going to his therapy sessions, the only reason I know is because Dr. Raynor keeps me updated, not because he tells me anything. 

The lack of communication has been a common theme ever since I got back from London. I know I can't blame him for it, I've barely tried. I could try now.

I deliver Peggy's food and hop up onto the counter. "It's not my decision, but I told him I'd be there for him. "

"Is that what you're all dressed up for?" The question feels icy.

"Me and the kids are spending the day in DC." I say simply. "You can come with us."

"So I'm just an afterthought?" God, I could scream right now, but I don't.

I check my tone for the kids. "You wouldn't answer your phone last night. I don't know what time you got home... You apparently had some contact with Sam-"

"You can't possibly agree with him." He says, his shoulders visibly tensing.

"I don't agree with him, but I'm going to be there for him. James, there's not many of us left."

"I don't care about any body else."

"Then come with us. Come support our family, support Sam."

"It's not right."

"Damn it James!" I say slamming my fist into the counter. The kids stop eating. "It doesn't matter what either of us think. Steve gave Sam the shield and this is what Sam is doing with it." I swallow waiting for him to respond.

He doesn't say anything to me, instead he turns to his kids, our kids. "Have fun in DC today kiddos." He kisses them both as if nothing is wrong and then leaves us behind. A few seconds later the front door slams shut. I'm once again left behind to pick up the pieces, an occurrence that's been happening more and more lately. 

"Why are you so mad at daddy?" Margaret asks stuffing the last piece of her cheesy omelet into her mouth.

I hop off the counter and kneel beside them. "Mommy and daddy have been disagreeing-"

"What's disagreeing?" Thomas asks.

"Disagreeing means that-" How could I explain to a 6 year old kid? "It's when two people don't think the same about something."

"Like when I don't want to brush my teeth, but you make me?" My little boy always makes me crack a smile. Always.

I nod. "Right, exactly like that."

"Will daddy come back?" My girl asks in a much more serious tone.

I try to keep my smile, not truly knowing the answer. "Yes darling, he'll be back."

________________________________________________________________________________

Our flight was uneventful. Thomas and Margaret were naturals, loving every second of their time in the air.