That Girl (P. Parker)

Chapter Eighteen

*Time Skip - A Few Weeks*

Christmas time was the one time that Eleanor actually felt sad. She couldn't see her family, no matter how bad she wanted to. She also couldn't message anyone, since she knew that she could cause problems if she did. She felt alone, even though she wasn't.

Pepper and Eleanor had decorated the compound for Christmas, and they had all of the presents purchased online and delivered to the compound. It made things easier for everyone, so Eleanor wouldn't have to ask to go out shopping. She hated asking, it made her feel like a child, and she hated that feeling.

Eleanor and Pepper spent hours wrapping gifts, even though most of them were for James. He may not remember his first Christmas very well, but everyone else would. They planned to take a lot of pictures, so they wanted everything to look perfect. It all needed to be perfect, otherwise Eleanor wouldn't feel like Christmas turned out the way she wanted it to.

After hours of wrapping presents, Pepper stuffed stockings. As she did that, Eleanor made cookies and hot chocolate. She put a little alcohol in Tony's, since she knew the man so well. Rhodey wasn't allowed alcohol, since he was still having troubles with his walking completely correct. Eleanor felt bad for him, but it definitely wasn't the time of year to pity someone.

So, after all the presents were wrapped and the stockings were stuffed, the two girls set everything up by the tree. They then went to the couch to sit and drink hot chocolate with the others, and eat some cookies. They had to leave two cookies for Santa, which James was really excited for. He didn't even realize the presents were already under the tree.

On Christmas Eve, Eleanor went to bed a little later than she normally would. She had stayed awake for an extra hour, her phone cradled in her hands, as she hoped for a text from any of her family. Not one was sent that night, and she went to bed very disappointed. She had managed to keep herself from crying though, which was definitely something she was proud of.

The next morning was Christmas. She looked at her phone, and there wasn't a text from any of her family. The only text she recieved was from Peter, and it was telling her Merry Christmas. He was coming by later with gifts, since Aunt May had to go into work later. She was getting a couple hours off in the morning, so that she could spend it with her nephew.

Eleanor carried James down to the living room, and he started going crazy when he seen all the presents and his stocking full of stuff. Tony and Pepper joined them in the living room, and Rhodey soon joined as well. They all opened their gifts, and James wanted to many of his toys taken out of their boxes to play with them, even though he wasn't going to play with them all.

Tony and Rhodey were put on toy construction duty, while Pepper and Eleanor worked together in the kitchen. They had to make a big meal, since Christmas was the one time of year where everyone could eat all they wanted without anyone saying anything. Thanksgiving was similar, but not everyone celebrated it.

Eleanor and Pepper finished making almost all the food by the time Peter had showed up. Pepper had allowed Eleanor to go and hang out with Peter while she finished the meal. Peter had brought more gifts, which made James excited. He opened the gifts and passed them to Peter to be opened. Once they were opened, any of them that needed to be put together or needed batteries were passed to Tony and Rhodey.

By the time they were finished opening their gifts, it was time for everyone to eat. James wasn't excited about eating, not until the mashed potatoes were put in front of him. He loved mashed potatoes. The group ate and talked amongst each other. Honestly, it looked like a big happy family, though so many people were missing from the table.

After eating, Eleanor and Peter had offered to clean the kitchen. Pepper thanked them, and she took James with her for a nap. Rhodey and Tony went back to the living room to watch reruns of all the Christmas movies that played every year. They never played new ones, even when new ones came out. It was kind of disappointing.

Anyway, after cleaning the kitchen, Peter and Eleanor headed up to her room. They weren't going to do anything bad, they were just simply going to lay in her bed and watch newer Christmas movies, even though their marathon included her all-time favorite Christmas movie; The Nightmare Before Christmas.

From October until Christmas, Eleanor would watch the movie over and over. She absolutely loved it and she loved singing along to all of the songs. Peter didn't mind listening to her practically recite the entire movie, since she was so happy while she watched it. He wanted her to be happy, especially after seeing how disappointed she was when she didn't recieve any messages from her family.

Peter and Eleanor ended up falling asleep through Four Christmases, but that didn't matter. The couple had all night to continue watching Christmas movies if they really wanted to. Eventually, Pepper went to check on them, and she snapped a few pictures of them as they slept. She was so glad they were happy together.

She knew that Eleanor missed her dad, and she hoped that the poor girl would get to hear from him soon. Before she left, she also left the letter that was addressed to Eleanor from Wakanda. She didn't open it, but she hoped it was good news.

Dear Eleanor,

I hope you remember me, but it's Bucky. I wanted to say thank you for fighting to save me. You're a really great girl, and I'm glad I met you. I wish I could get to know you, but for now, I'll simply remember the young girl I met months ago.

I thought you'd like to know that they're working on a way to fix my brain. I'll be better, and I have you to thank for that. You fought for me. I hope to see you again in the future, but if that doesn't happen, I guess I'd like you to know that since I see Steve as a brother, I see you as my niece, and I love you as such. I hope to meet you and James one day.

Merry Christmas,
Uncle Bucky'