from the ashes (she will rise) ➸ octaven

chapter 18

Raven stands awkwardly in the foyer. The man had excused himself to retrieve his keys, but she can hear the hushed arguing coming from the kitchen -- making her feel infinitely guilty.

As she's studying the family pictures that line the walls, she becomes aware of the soft footsteps that approach behind her. She's startled when she turns around and comes face to face with Jonah.

"This is Misty Knight," he says softly, rolling out a thin comic book and handing it to her. "You can keep it," he shrugs, looking away shyly. "Mom says I have too many anyway."

Raven looks down, her eyes scanning the front cover. Jonah gently taps the picture of a character dressed in red.

"That's her," he explains. "Her arm got blown off in an explosion, but now she's got this super cool bionic one that crushes stuff."

"I've never heard of her before," Raven nods softly, her voice quiet. She traces her fingers over the cover. "You know, I used to collect a bunch of those dollar comics when I was a kid," she shrugs one shoulder. "I've probably still got them in a box somewhere."

"Really?" his face lights up. "Can you bring them next time?"

Raven tenses, realizing a 'next time' is expected. She opens her mouth to speak but struggles to find the words.

"I-I don't know," she looks away. He furrows his eyebrows, studying her for a moment.

"You're not what I imagined an older sister to be like," he notes softly. Raven freezes, looking to him in confusion, but he just laughs.

"I'm not stupid," he shakes his head. "Dad never has company over. Plus we look exactly the same." He holds his arm out against Raven's, and sure enough, their skin is the same exact color -- a golden tan that stays year round. Raven raises an eyebrow.

"Plus I may have overheard them talking about you the other day," he mumbles. Raven can't help but laugh softly, thinking that maybe, just maybe, she's found an ally.

-----

The drive home is tense.

They exist in silence for a while, with Raven rolling and unrolling the comic book in her hands nervously.

"I'm sorry about Julienne's comment."

The man breaks the silence, but Raven sits quietly, not even acknowledging his existence. Glancing over to her, he sighs heavily.

"I understand if you're mad at me."

Raven doesn't say a word.

"Well if you're not going to speak, then I will," he nods, more to himself than anyone. Raven slumps against the window.

"You don't know how bad I feel about not being there when you were a kid," he shakes his head. "If I'd have know... I'd have done something."

"And I don't know the extent of what you've been through, but maybe things are looking up now. I heard you won a scholarship," he looks to her for confirmation, but Raven doesn't move a muscle. He sighs again.

"I shouldn't have expected you to come running to me with open arms, anyway," his voice is quiet. "But I think I can help you, Raven. I have money. I have friends who are doctors. There's got to be something they can do for your--,"

"I don't need your help," Raven snaps back, breaking her silence. "I don't want your pity."

"But--,"