Journey of the Heart (An Avengers Fanfic)

Chapter 1 - Job Hunt

Rebekah Stark knew the moment that Pepper called her that something was up.

"Hey Bekah! How's it going?" Pepper asked, sounding slightly excited.

Rebekah walked into the small kitchen. Balancing her phone in one hand, she opened the refrigerator with the other. Living in an apartment had its benefits, but everything was significantly smaller, including her little kitchen. She didn't mind that much.. it was honestly a blessing to have a roof over her daughter's head.

"Things are going ok I guess. Keeping busy as usual. How are you?"

"I'm tired. But that's normal," Pepper replied. "And what exactly do you mean by things are going ok? I can tell by your voice that you're stressed. What's up?"

Bekah sighed, "I didn't get the job."

"Oh, Bekah. I'm sorry!"

"It'll be alright. I'll figure something out," Bekah replied quickly. Pulling the milk from the fridge, she continued, "I'll just have to make do."

Pepper paused a moment before speaking again, "How's Grace doing?"

Bekah closed the fridge and went to pour some milk into a sippy cup. She glanced over at her 4 year old daughter who was sitting at the table looking at a picture book.

"She's doing well. She definitely misses you and Tony something fierce. She asked almost every day when we can visit you guys again."

"Aww, she's such a sweetheart!" Pepper said, "We miss you guys too. Skype just isn't the same as a face to face chat."

"Oh and tell Tony she loved the books he sent her. She looks at them every day." Bekah said putting the milk back in the fridge.

"I'll tell him," Pepper replied with a smile. "You know what... I might just have a way to remedy your job problem."

"Really?" Bekah said sounding skeptical.

"Yes really," Pepper replied. "I'm looking to hire an assistant of sorts to work here at the tower. I can't keep up with it all anymore. Plus it's a perfect solution to your problem. You and Gracie can come live here. So not only would you have a place to stay, you'd also be getting paid. What could be better?"

Bekah screwed the lid onto the sippy cup then gave it to Grace. Leaning back against the kitchen counter she switched the phone to her other hand.

"That sounds almost too good to be true, Pepper. Are you sure Tony would agree to this?"

"Of course I'm sure. He'd love having you around. Plus that saves me the trouble of having to interview people. What do you say? Do you want to try it out? It will be a great experience."

"I don't know, Pepper" Bekah said slowly.

"You'd not only be working with Tony you'd get to work with all the other Avengers too! It will be great!" Pepper said enthusiastically. "You've already met Dr. Banner, Agent Barton, and Agent Romanoff. And you'll love it here! Please say yes."

"I don't know, Pep." Bekah said rubbing a hand over her eyes, "It's a big step."

"Pretty please!" Pepper said. "It's a perfect fit for you."

Bekah paused to glance at her daughter. "Well, I suppose I can give it a try," she replied after a few moments.

"Yes!" Pepper said, her excitement was clearly evident." Do you need me to call some people to help you pack?"

"No, we'll be fine. We don't really have much stuff."

"I'll send Happy over on Saturday, alright? And you just let me know if you need anything," Pepper said. "I'll drive out to help you if you need!"

Bekah smiled, "Okay, sounds good, Pepper. And thanks!"

"No, thank you Bekah!" Pepper said. "I cannot wait to see you guys. Tony will be thrilled when he hears the news. I'd better let you go. See you soon!"

And with that the line went quiet. Bekah hung up the phone and slipped it into her pocket.

'Well... this should be interesting,' she thought to herself.