Unforeseen¹

Chapter 8- Questions questions

Five minutes had silently passed since Tony took his leave, and Jayden couldn't stop fidgeting. Doctor Doirs had returned to her computer when she caught on Jayden, who still wasn't too comfortable talking to her, and a bored Theo played with her limp fingers resting on her lap.

She wished Tony would hurry with this SHIELD so she could relax back in the penthouse and never have to think about doctors again. She knew SHIELD was here for her. Undoubtedly, they wanted to question her and take her away so they could use her abilities. She hoped Tony and the others would refuse them and allow her to stay here. She didn't know what would happen to her if they didn't. The uncertainty made her feel sick to her stomach.

Doctor Doirs sighed a few minutes later and swivelled her chair so she faced the girl. "So, Jayden... how are you enjoying your time here?"

"It's good," Jayden answered quietly. "It's better here than the streets."

Doirs' expression turned from concern into pity, and Jayden instantly hated the look and turned away. She looked at Theo and wriggled her fingers as he played with them before petting his stomach as he rolled onto his back.

She knew people would naturally always take pity on her when they heard of her history, even more so because she was merely a child who had experienced more trauma and pain than most people would in their lifetime. She hated it. She wanted to be treated like any other annoying child, but she knew that would never be possible, even if they had no idea who she was. The lab made her grow up, she was too mature for her age from the way she talked to the way she walked.

The squeaking of wheels had her looking up again; she watched as Doirs wheeled herself towards a rucksack in the corner of the room and ruffled through it in search of something. Jayden didn't see what as the doctor suddenly stood and walked to her, offering something in her hand.

"Here," it was a cookie; Jayden narrowed her eyes with perplexity and didn't move to take it. Even when Doris had shown nothing but trustworthiness, she was still unconsciously on edge.

"It's not poisoned, I promise," Doctor Doirs said, her tone displaying no sign of offence at Jayden's hesitancy; if anything, it was slightly amused. "As a reward of sorts, I know coming easy wasn't easy for you. I want to show my thanks."

Theo nudged her hand in encouragement, and Jayden stared at the cookie for a moment more before she slowly reached out and took it. The chocolatey flavour relaxed her shoulders slightly, but she still kept to herself as Doirs smiled at her reaction, obviously pleased with the progress, no matter how small it was.

"I would've given you a sticker, but it seems I haven't any left."

"What are stickers?"

"Oh! They're like small pictures that you can stick on your clothes." Doirs didn't appear surprised or concerned at her lack of knowledge.

Her confusion only deepened. "Adults enjoy that?"

"The majority do not, but I know a few certain heroes that benefit from it."

"Who?"

"Ah, that's confidential."

Her brows furrowed, wondering why it was so and who these particular heroes were, but before she could pick up the courage to ask, a stoic-looking woman appeared at the doorway.

At a glance, Jayden could tell she wasn't a doctor or someone who worked here: her clothing was professional, with a navy blazer hanging over her tailored trousers. Her unnaturally pale complexion complimented her greying hair strung up in an orderly bun. Her posture was stiff and straight as she surveyed the room with a steeled gaze before it landed on Jayden on the examination table.