[1] BROKEN ONE // t. stark

4

Warning: Long chapter.

•••

"I really can't walk slowly right now," Dad told me after taking a few steps ahead in the room where he had the meeting. "I'm just so mad at you. But we still need to talk so I'm gonna wait you in my office."

"But-"

"Here." He shoved me a device, as big as his phone. The transparent screen showed me lines of neon blue New Avengers Facilites building plans. It looks like a blueprint or something. There were two spots with two glowing red dots. "Follow the directory," he said before speeding off to his room.

I was astounded. Out of all the places he decided to leave me wandering alone was this place? I know, one way or another, I would be roaming around these buildings myself later, but I didn't expect it to be this soon. On the first day on me being here? Really? But again, I guess it's my punishment for not telling Dad the truth about my accident. Now Dad's mad and I'm scared.

After a while, I finally moved. I know if I stay there longer, Dad would be pissed and when Dad's pissed....you wouldn't want to know what he will do if he's pissed. It was quiet around me. The only noise heard was the cling and clang of my crutchers and footsteps stomping on the metal corridor. I struggled to keep my balance walking with my walking sticks and being careful not to slip Dad's tracking device in my hand. I'd caused enough problem with his motorbike and I didn't plan to do any more problems by losing his self-made tracking device/directory.

I followed the directory. One of the dots was moving as I moved; meanwhile the other dot stayed in a square room. There was no name set for any of the areas or boxes in the device to be recognised, but I could guess that the red moving dot was me and the other one was Dad's office. So I walked along the corridor, passing metals doors and a few agents, cursing and wishing Dad's office was nearer.

By the time I reached Dad's room, it was after forty-five minutes(?). Just like our home back in Malibu, his office room requires password. But unlike Malibu, I didn't know the password here. The extra-advanced digital password box appeared when it sensed a human heat. Didn't know what the password was, I knocked the door, awaring Dad who was distracted by his own thoughts.

Dad said something before gesturing me to come inside. Still with careful hopping and handling Dad's device, I entered his office room, taking a seat on a chair in front of his desk. I could sit somewhere else, but not times like this to play around. He would eventually ask me to sit in front of. Dad eyed me for a few seconds before sighing when I frowned.

"Okay, Terri, I am very, very curious," he said, pulling his leather chair beside his desk, facing me closer like a doctor. "What happened?"

As a child, even though I know something like this would happen when I get caught for lying, I was still scared. Only by just looking at Dad's tight face I have a feeling to exit the room and find a way to a washroom and cry. Just cry because I knew I've caused Dad a problem. He's had enough on his shoulders and with me lying to him was just aggravating the situation. And as a child, what I wanted to show was nothing except of how I am as his daughter. That's all.

But as I grew up, I know that being good all the time is impossible.

"Terri."

"Right. Dad, I'm sorry," I said while looking down my lap. "I'm just....afraid you would be mad at me." I cringed.

"What? You just- ugh!" He balled his hands into solid fists before opening them back and rubbed his face with his palms. He sighed once again. "Just tell me what really happened. Is my Harley Davidson okay?"