•Night Angel•

SURPRISE CHAPTER XXXI - A YEAR

3rd January 2008. 13:15. Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France.

Sophia's POV

-Hello, mama. It's been a year since you left. I have no idea how I've managed to survive without you, neither papa.- I said while looking at my mother's grave. Her epitaf made me feel more tears in my eyes.

"Victoire Delphine Dumont"

1936-2007

"Beloved wife to Antoine Dumont and proud mother of Sophia Amelie Estelle Dumont"

Even though I read it over and over, it didn't seem real. Not to me.

-A lot of things have happened, you know? This past year. I um, I went on a mission to take down an enemy that ended up with her being my best friend now. Me, her and Clint also got our own team. The STRIKE Team: Delta. We're like the special force of the Agency. Michael is on another team, but is just as great. Oh, yeah, um, me and Michael are together now. I know you told me you saw it coming. I remember you saying how much you wanted this to happen and that he seemed like a great man. Well, he is, mum. You would've loved him. You don't have to worry about me, he is an amazing guy and he takes care of me and loves me. Or I think he does. We haven't really said that to each other yet, but I do love him mum. Sometimes I feel really lost in this, because I have no idea what to do or say, and I wish you were here, to guide me, and advise me.- My voice started shaking and cracking by the end. My tears were already falling and I couldn't seem to stop them. I sniffed.

-I miss you, mommy. So much. I need you. I know you are always with papa and me, but I want to hug you, and go out in the snow with you, and sing ABBA songs and dance around like we used to.- I turned to see Michael walking towards where I was.

-Don't worry about us, mum. We're gonna be alright.- I said while wiping my tears. -I'll take care of dad, I promise. And I will be fine. Don't worry. I love you, and I promise to come back soon. Je t'aime, ma lumière.- I said while giving a kiss to my hand and placing it in the grave.

I felt a hand wrapping around my shoulders, and I turned around to see Michael beside me. I hugged him from the waist and sniffed once again.

-Are you ready to go?.- he asked while rubbing circles on my back. I didn't say anything, I just nodded. We started walking away towards the car and he opened the door for me. The warmth of the car soothing me from the cold and snowy afternoon of Paris.

Once inside, he started driving away. I came to Paris to spend the holidays with my dad, and Michael decided to join me. It was a tough couple of weeks for us, but Pierre, Nick, Clint, Natasha and Michael decided to join us as well. It was better. Much better. We also made a small memorial for my mum yesterday and it was really nice. Now once again I have to leave my dad, but he told me he would be coming to New York next to get some new and fresh air from the city he loves and grew up in.

The car ride to the airport was not as long as I thought. Michael was driving and he decided to go through the route that had most of my favourite places in the city for me to see before we left.

I don't really know when would be the best time for me to tell him that I love him. I want to tell him, but I am really really nervous because I don't want to mess something up. I know, I know, we are together for a reason but still, this is a big thing to do.

We arrived at the airport and went to one of the outside hangars to take the jet with Clint and Natasha. Once we boarded I went straight to sit down and maybe sleep a little.

I have been really tired since I woke up this morning. Guess that's what depression does to you. Nick insisted for me to have a therapist in the last year to help me cope with losing my mum. I didn't want to, but I agreed in the end. Maybe it'll help.