Spiderman's Sister

Confessions

When I wake up a few hours later I just feel miserable. Still exhausted and above all totally gross. Sure, I was washed regularly in the hospital, but I hadn't had a proper shower or even a bath in weeks. Somehow I really need to take a shower today. Even though the thought of me needing help - and the most logical choice to help me would be James - almost makes me panic. Although James was by my side the entire time in the hospital - except when I was being washed - he has not yet seen the huge scar that now appears on my stomach and back and will forever remind me of what Colin did. I have to think of something to keep him from seeing the scar. 

Bucky: Hey sleepyhead, are you feeling a little better?

James snaps me out of my thoughts. His gaze is tender and directed at me.

Victoria: A tiny bit. I'm still exhausted and feel totally gross. 

Why exactly did you say that out loud? You know James, he would rather have his hands chopped off before letting you shower alone. Especially since showering alone is simply not possible, I can barely stand on my feet as it is. 

Bucky: Do you want to take a shower? Or take a bath? I help you. 

Ok Vicky, don't let him realize that he hit the mark but you specifically don't want his help at the moment. As if she had heard my thoughts - which is possible in principle, but cannot be because she wasn't in the room - Wanda suddenly stands in the door. Perfect! 

Victoria: No need. Wanda will help me. She wanted to tell me what I missed while I was in the hospital. 

Wanda: Did I?

Hoping James doesn't see it, I give her a look that says "play along." 

Wanda: Right, I wanted to. Girl stuff, you know.

Bucky: Okay...... um... I'll look for Tony and see what's new regarding Colin. 

Even if he doesn't say it, his eyes let me know that he knows something is up. I just hope he forgets about it until later. He kisses me briefly before getting up and leaving the room. As soon as James leaves the room, Wanda looks at me questioningly. 

Wanda: Ok, spill! What's going on here? Actually, I only came because I wanted to ask if you wanted to eat with all of us in the kitchen or if that would be too strenuous for you. 

Victoria: Nothing is going on here. I just thought you could really tell me everything I missed while I was away. 

Wanda: Vicky... you can either tell me what's going on or I'll read it in your mind. 

Somehow I'm suddenly completely embarrassed to say why I don't want James to help me. But I also know that Wanda will definitely get the answer to her question from my mind. I lower my head before answering her.

Victoria: I don't want James to help me because... because I don't want him to see me naked.

Wanda: You do realize that he has seen you naked several times?

Victoria: But not the way I look now. 

When I think about the scar that now disfigures my entire body, I can no longer hold back tears. The next moment Wanda is sitting next to me and has carefully wrapped her arms around me. 

Wanda: What is different now than before?

Hesitantly, I lift my shirt and show her the ragged scar that can be seen on the bottom right of my stomach and also opposite on my back. It's so big that my palm can barely cover it. I know the doctors said the scar would definitely fade as it heals, but now it's just disgusting.