The following day I managed to play it cool despite the fact that I was dying inside. Luckily, I made it to JJ's pick up time with no more surprises.
I turn my phone off as I see her classmates start coming out. She's usually the first one to run to me, but today she comes out last. Her face is red and tears are rolling down her cheeks. I run to her and she hugs me as soon as I get down to her level.
"What happened, honey?" I ask, rubbing her back
"They don't believe me" she sobs
"Who doesn't believe you?"
"The kids. They say my daddy was a bad guy"
"Why are they saying that?"
"I don't know".
"Did you tell them his name?" I wonder
"I said it to Captain America yesterday. I'm sorry"
"No, it's ok, baby. They don't know the truth. We know daddy was a hero. He went to war, he fought next to Captain America. That's what the museum said, right?" I remind her.
"Who is the Winter Soldier, mommy?" she asks.
My breath gets caught in my throat.
"Nobody. He is nobody. And he definitely isn't your daddy. They are wrong".
I hold her tightly as she calms down. I receive intimidating glances from the other parents. But they are the ones who should be ashamed. The kids are 4 years old, the Winter Soldier hasn't been heard of in the last 6 years. They shouldn't even have heard of his name, let alone throw it as an insult to my daughter. What kind of parents expose a 4-year-old to that information?
"What's wrong here?".
I freeze.
I'm going to kill Natasha!
All eyes are fixed behind me and I know exactly who's standing there. JJ pulls away from my embrace to see him.
"Captain America!" she exclaims
"Hello JJ" he kneels to her level
She turns to me "He remembers my name" she whispers, totally fangirling.
I force a smile on and I nod. My eyes meet Steve's. I am so close to hit him, I hope my eyes are saying that.
"Are you sad, JJ?" he asks.
She nods. "They told me that my daddy was bad"
"Who told you that?"
She turns around and points at a boy who is standing with his mom only a few feet away from us. Steve stands up again and walks to them.
"I'm sorry, Captain America. His father usually watches the news and says stuff this little one shouldn't be listening to" the mother tries to defuse the situation.
Steve ignores her and looks at the boy
"What's your name?" he asks
"James..." the boy whispers
"Really? My best friend's name was James, and he was a hero. Have you heard of him?"
The boy nods.
"Good. You shouldn't make fun of your friends"
"I won't. I'm sorry"
"That's good to hear. Have a great day".
Steve returns to us and escorts us to my car, while he and JJ keep talking like friends. She's fangirling so much, I hate to break it.
YOU ARE READING
Memories || Bucky Barnes
FanfictionEmily and Bucky are getting married today. It should be the happiest day of their lives, but they can't be too happy. The newly married couple will be separated very soon, because Bucky is leaving for the war the next day. Letters keep their marria...
