finding wanda: a tale of discovery and trust

"broken bound, found connections"

Wanda scanned through my room, complimenting my creative space. She hummed to herself as she examined some of the items I had handcrafted when I was younger. I sat on my bed, lost in a book. Looking up, I found Wanda's face filled with a smile and a look of almost parental pride on her face as she continued to look through my drawings.

Over the last two weeks, Wanda and I have bonded a lot. The knowledge that Aurora had been captured brought a sense of peace. Our bond had grown stronger, and the time we shared together had been the best.

When, two weeks ago, I returned from the long journey, I found my home empty. My dad was away, and my brother had gone away to college.

I felt a sense of loneliness, not wanting to be alone in the silence of the house. In that solitude, I instinctively reached out to Wanda, inviting her over. Her presence would not only take away my loneliness but also provide a sense of comfort .
 
Wanda finally released the grip on my notebook, and her smiling face warmed my heart as she took a seat besides me, leaning against the bed frame. Her legs were next to mine, now resting on my bed as well.

Without a second thought, I abandoned my book, embracing the comfort of her presence. In any other scenario, such clinginess wouldn't fit me, but in her presence, the need to be close is overpowering. With her arm encircling me, I let my guard down and cherished this moment of connection with the person I loved wholeheartedly.
As I nestled my head against Wanda's chest, she gently tightened her arm around me. With her other hand, she softly traced up and down my arm with her fingernails, humming a gentle melody. I exhaled a satisfied sigh. Growing up, I had longed for this sort of affection, a closeness denied by both my parents.

As I lay against her, a flood of thoughts washed over me, recalling my conversation with Aurora earlier. Her desperate desire to steal Wanda's powers, still scared me. Even though she wasn't a treat anymore. Aurora had told me how she wanted to be reunited with Jack, her husband. He died over two years ago.

Aurora believed that shifting realities would provide her with what she wanted. A shiver of unease rippled through me, but Wanda's tender kiss on my head quickly soothed my nerves. Raising my head, I met her gaze and smiled, finding comfort in her reassuring presence.
Wanda looked at me as she spoke carefully, attempting to stay calm as she asked me a question that held significance. "I spoke with Tony," she began, "and we were wondering how you would feel about staying with us for a while?".
I looked back at her, a hint of uncertainty in my gaze. "You mean, staying at the compound?" I asked, seeking confirmation.

Wanda affirmed my understanding with a nod, her expression hopeful. I smiled back at her, a mixture of excitement and hesitation coursing through me. A part of me was thrilled by the idea, but I had a nagging fear of getting in trouble too.

When the door slammed downstairs with a loud bang, I instinctively jumped in response. Quickly signalling Wanda to remain in my room, I cautiously went down the stairs.

As my gaze met my father's angry expression, my heart skipped a beat. "Dad..." I managed to say, taking in his presence. His rage was palpable as he nearly yelled at me.
 "What the hell, yn yln? You told Lucas you were with Amilia two weeks ago, guess what? I talked to her mother today,"

I followed Dad into the kitchen, my heart racing with nerves. He looked furious, his face turning red as he clenched his fists. "Where the hell were you?" he blurted out, his voice thick with anger.

I struggled to find the right words to explain myself, but my mind went blank. Dad's gaze hardened as he continued, suspecting the worst. "Is it a boyfriend? You've suddenly got yourself a boyfriend without even asking my permission, you selfish little brat!" he spat out, practically shouting at me.
.
I shook my head, trying to get him to listen to me. "It's not a boyfriend, Dad. Please, just listen to me for once," I implored, my voice trembling.

But he didn't listen. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he fired back. "No wonder Lucas is Mum's favorite. You're nothing but a disappointment," he sneered. His words hit me like a punch to the gut.

As dad walked away, eager to join his friends in their games, I knew that the moment had come. I had to share my secret with him. The fact about the forbidden sign and the fact I've been on the other side of the city, even out of it

My guilt towards Wanda nagged at me. knowing that it would lower the possibility of me staying at the compound. However, the thought of gaining my dad's attention, possibly for the first time, gave me a glimmer of hope that it might all be worth it.

I reached out and grabbed his arm, my voice trembling with desperation. "Dad, please, just this once, don't prioritise your friends over me," I pleaded.

He turned to me, his expression cold and detached. "You're always being  completely useless," he retorted, his words cutting deep into my heart. I tried to remain strong, blinking back tears.

"But dad, I-" I began to speak, my voice shaky, but he didn't let me finish. "Save it," he yelled forcefully. "I've had enough of your nonsense."

As I stood in the cold room, tears streamed down my face. The sound of the door slamming shut echoed through the empty space, leaving me alone once more.

I tried to stifle my sobs, covering my mouth with my hand, when suddenly I felt a pair of arms pulling me into an embrace. Wanda held me tightly, her shirt absorbing my tears as she stroked my hair, attempting to soothe me.

"I'm here for you," Wanda reassured me as I looked up at her, feeling the weight of my dad's absence and my mother's disinterest.
Her words struck a deep chord within my heart, and I found myself instinctively believing her. She gently wiped away my tears while leading me to my bedroom upstairs.

Lying on her lap, feeling the soft touch of her hand stroking my hair, I thought about my decision once more before speaking out, my voice tinged with hopefulness.
"Please," I pleaded, "take me with you."

Wanda smiled and nodded, her eyes lighting up with affection. "Truthfully, I was going to bring you with me anyway, even if it meant dragging you along," she chuckled. Her words piqued my curiosity, and I met her gaze, puzzled by her unexpected sweetness. "Why is that? Wanda responded with a warm smile, "Because, darling, you don't belong here,"
 
I sighed, a tender smile gracing my lips as her words echoed in my mind. "I often wonder if I'll ever truly belong somewhere," I confessed. Wanda gently placed a loving kiss on my forehead.

Her voice was soft and tender as she confessed, "You, my darling, belong to me." Her words washed over me like a gentle wave, filling my heart with a sense of belonging and love that I had long craved but never truly found.
Our eyes locked,"I love you," and as the words escaped my lips, I was taken aback by my own confession. But Wanda's smile grew wide, and her reply was a sweet reassurance. "I love you too, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

Since we both aren't good at dealing with those emotions, Wanda couldn't help but tease me, jokingly asking, "So, what's the deal with you and Peter, huh?"

Unable to contain her amusement, I giggled and replied, "Oh, shut up."