Viper : Enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Chapter 38: I'm Smiling!

Chapter 38: I'm Smiling!

"Jade might I ask what you are doing?" Jarvis asks, as I throw my things into my backpack, not so neatly.

"I don't want to be here anymore J. So I'm going to head home for a couple days." I say, walking to the bag on my bed and stuff everything in so I can zip it.

"I would advise against that, Miss."

"I don't need to be advised Jarvis. Just, please, get my mask." If this A.I. could sigh, I'm sure he would.

"Of course, Miss, my apologies. Would you like the rest of your equipment?" He asks.

"NO, I'm not leaving forever. I just... I need a break from all these people. Their lives, my life." I manage to struggle the bag closed and sit at the foot of the bed, thinking of possible outcomes to this.

You see, after my little fit downstairs, I rode the elevator back to the 83rd floor and changed. Even after all that time, I was still angry. So... I screamed and punched the wall. Of course that hurt some, but I'm no wimp. I took it like man, but I'm also not stupid, like most men. I went out and got some ice for my, now, bruised hand and no one was there. I'm actually quite thankful for that, but I have a feeling no one would talk to me anyway. Maybe... Maybe I took things too far back there... I mean, it was actually really funny the way I screamed their names. I look over at the curtain, slightly torn and still somewhat wet, on the floor and chuckle to myself lightly. Man, they really did get me. . . . And I completely blew up at them. Peter pranked me, like he always used to, and I yelled not to mention I hurt Johnny. Things were going back to normal, and I messed that up! Now I really have to leave. Peter's gonna hate me after today!

I quickly lace my boots up and grab my bag as Jarvis opens the window and my mask pops out of the wall as it did the last time I left.

"Safe travels, Jade."

"Thank you Jarvis." I say as sincere as possible with my nerves on edge. I grab my backpack and hop off the bed, jogging to the open window. I look back at the dent I left in the wall, as a reminder at how out of hand I took everything. Peter didn't mean to make me upset. He saw his chance and took it. In our lines of work that's good because you never know when another opportunity will arise. I take my mask off the pedestal that goes back to the wall the moment it's empty. I slip it on, stepping to the edge of the window, the tips of my toes hanging off. I take a deep breath second guessing my decision to run, but I hear Steve.

"Peter's sulking, so I'm checking up on her." Ah, man, I messed up. Seeing the door open, I can't even think to jump. So I fall, but at Steve coming in, I guess my body decided now was as good a time as ever. My boots ignite and I begin ascending. "Jade!" I hear. I look back to see Steve in the window where I just was, holding onto the frame. My mask zooms onto his face and, as clear as day, I can see the hurt and fear in his eyes. I almost smack my own face to stop myself form crying. When I look straight again, I'm closer to my building than I thought, so I straighten, stopping myself. Not wanting to talk with Collin, or anyone for that matter, I fly to my fire escape. I take a pocket knife out of my backpack and slide it under the window, opening it with ease. I step inside, closing the knife and slipping my mask off. I toss the mask onto my desk and set my backpack next to it, pulling the zipper loose. Even though I know Steve saw me, and someone will most likely be here soon, I pull out my phone and plug it into the speakers in my apartment. After pressing shuffle, not caring what comes on I kick off my shoes as I enter my room. I know I just changed, but I still felt dirty. And not necessarily like I'm really covered in dirt or sweat, but like I'm not in my own skin anymore. So with myself feeling like this, I whip my shirt of, still not caring as to where it lands. For a moment, as I rifle through my closet, I'm confused why it's so empty, but quickly remember why. Which reminds me that I may be having guests very soon. As a quick check, I run to my window, still open, and poke my head out. I'm able to see the tower, my window's closed. If by now, you haven't gathered that I couldn't give two shits about what's going on, then it shouldn't be surprising that I run back to my desk, grabbing my mask and run back to the window, all while shirtless. Putting on my mask and stepping out onto the fire escape, I zoom in on the room. Confirming what I thought I saw before I see 11 bodies gathered in my room. While I study them, I hear a window opening. At first, I think it's my own, closing, but see Colling stepping out onto his fire escape. I know I don't have time to get back inside so I chuck my mask inside. As he finishes climbing out and his eyes focus on me, they widen at first, but his face quickly molds into a smirk.