finding wanda: a tale of discovery and trust

"Wanda's comforting presence"

Sitting at the table in the abandoned yet cozy hotel room, I was working on some homework for school. It had been a few weeks since my dad reminded me of my upcoming birthday, and as the days passed, I found myself seeking distractions more and more.
While  I was working on my math, sighting and puffing, I tried to regain focus.

"You know, I can't keep letting you sneak out of school, yn," Wanda's serious but caring voice echoed from the kitchen as she washed the dishes. "I don't want to be a bad influence on you, sweetheart. I understand why you would want to be here, and I honestly enjoy it, but this must stop." She said.

I knew, deep down, that Wanda was right. This was already the third time I had skipped school to be with her instead. As much as I enjoyed the time we spent together, Wanda insisted that I at least did some of my homework. Of course, I protested at first,
but in the end, I agreed.....eventually.

"Here you go, darling," Wanda said as she set a steaming cup of my favorite tea on the table. I murmured a quiet "thank you" and felt the wave of warmth and comfort wash over me as I wrapped my hands around the cup. The smell of my favorite tea filled the air, instantly calming my nerves and lifting my spirits. I smiled, feeling grateful for Wanda's thoughtfulness and care.

Wanda took a seat beside me, her warm gaze not leaving as she looked at my school work. I felt stupid as I had erased a lot of the problems, frustration, and uncertainty could be seen on the paper. But instead of judging me, Wanda calmly picked up my pencil and began showing me some tricks, to help me understand it better.

As I took it over again, I realized it actually helped. I couldn't help but admire her intelligence.

Wanda's fingers gently brushed through my hair as she moved her hand soothingly through the strands. A warm smile spread across her face. "See? You're a natural," she said. I couldn't help but smile too, grateful for her support. "Thanks," I replied, appreciating her help. "My dad never helps, so I'm glad you're a math nerd," I teased.

As I continued on solving the paragraph, it was silent for a moment.

"What about your mom?," Wanda's words echoed through me as she broke the silence. I knew lying to her wouldn't work. She would see right through that, but even if she didn't had the ability to read my mind, there's something about her that makes me feel comfortable enough to open up to her.

I slouched back in my chair, allowing Wanda to gently caress my cheek, with the back of her hand. Her touch soft and gentle.

My mother is rarely around," I started. "My parents got divorced a long time ago, and since we moved cities with our dad, she hasn't been very present in our lives. She used to visit us during holidays, but now it feels like she doesn't even care about us anymore...cares about me,"

Not knowing if my dad even cared, as he always chooses his friends over me, I looked down. My legs were crossed as I made myself comfortable.
I sighed. It wasn't until now, that I realized how lonely I've actually been feeling.

It was like, even though they said they did, no one cared enough to be around me or to listen to me. They never really cared.

Wanda stared at me with a look of empathy. With soft fingers, she gently lifted my chin; her eyes had a mixture of concern and affection. "I care," she whispered, her tone soft and serious. She gently took my hand in hers. As I observed her genuine expression, I couldn't help but believe her.

She did, didn't she? I thought to myself. Wanda really did care about me, and it was weird. How can someone so mighty, care about someone like me? "Oh, stop it, yn. I might be the scarlet witch for others, but I'm not always a hero, trust me," Wanda corrected me.

I didn't believe her. "Well, you're my hero," I knew how cheesy that could sound, but it said it anyway.

Wanda's smile widens. Wrapping half an arm around me, knowing I'm not much of a hugger. She moved up and down my arm with her nails. It was very calming and shooting.

As much as I didn't want for the moment to be over, I stood up to leave anyway, since Wanda reminded me that it would be dark out soon.

I said my goodbyes to Wanda and started my way home. While munching on the chocolate, which she gave me for on my way back, I thought about my birthday again.

It was going to be a boring and lonely birthday, I thought to myself as a sudden yell caught my attention