In Another Universe

SEVENTEEN

Westview, New Jersey
2:15pm

The smell of freshly baked chocolate chunk cookies fills the air of brightly painted kitchen, Each of the four walls a different color — Billy chose Cherry Red on the wall behind the oven, A neutral Navy blue coats the small space not taking up by the large window behind the sink, Tommy's favorite color Hunter green peaks out behind the family portrait hung behind the circular kitchen table, And Vision's favorite color Fuchsia is painted around the doorframe.

Wanda carefully sets the last batch of cookies onto the sleek black stovetop for them to cool, Just as her twin boys coming barreling into the kitchen.

Shouting "Mom!" In unison as she spins around to face them.

"I told you, You boys have to wait until after lunch."

"No no no!" Billy starts panting,
"Auntie Annie's car is here!" Tommy finishes his brothers sentence.

"Oh!" Wanda hastily brushes the remaining flour from her palms onto her floral apron. "Why didn't you say so? Let's go get the door!"

Tommy channels his super speed to quickly steal from the plate of already cooled cookies, As Wanda opens her mouth to protest Tommy grabs ahold of his brother and they both are gone in a blur.

Wanda laughs, her hands finding their way to her hips as her eyes roll. Her boys get away with just about anything, Thankfully they're well behaved for the most part. After spending nearly her entire life fighting, These past six years have truly been a dream come true.

She's considered moving back to Manhattan to be closer to Anastasia a thousand times over the years, But she just can't imagine giving up the tranquility of the suburban life she and Vision have built here in Westview. They love being able to walk through town, Every business you'll find here is family owned rather than a major chain. She loves the way everyone smiles and waves to one another, The seasonal rotation of parades, Carnivals, and other kid centered events held by the town. Those are things not easily found in Manhattan, At least not on the same small scale.

Still, As she hears the excited chatter from all four kids as they greet each other in the distance, Her heart can't help but swell.

All Anastasia said this morning when she called was that she desperately needed to get away from the city for a couple days. Wanda didn't bother prying as to why, Assuming it has everything to do with Steve's return from the dead. She knows her best friend well enough to assume it must be stirring up an overwhelming amount of old feelings. And she's happy to give Anastasia a break from the chaos for the weekend.

~

Anastasia's heart aches as she shifts her Porsche into park in Wanda and Vision's driveway, Taking in the sight of their picture perfect home.

Due to the freezing cold temperature, The white picket fence is still almost completely buried beneath the snow that never seems to melt until spring. The faint indentations of snow angels are spread all across the yard, Along with four misshapen snowmen currently being hit with the sprinkle of snow and rain happening now.

This is the life she wishes her children had, A front lawn to make snow angels, A cul-de-sac to ride their bikes.

"Mommy help!" Riley groans from the backseat, struggling to push the little red button of his carseat.