Avengers Two: Next Generation

Chapter Two

     The party soon died and most everybody was gone. Of course there were a few still hanging around waiting for their cab to come and pick their drunken selves up. Kalisha, who was only still there cause she really had nowhere else to go, glanced over at a drunken Ray and a giggly Kirsten.

Kirsten wouldn't dare drink in front of her aunt and uncle, they would kill her if they found out that she had even had a sip of alcohol while she was under age. Kali watched them leaning against each other laughing and having a nice time. Sure, Kali had always wanted a boyfriend, but between her job and her pickiness, she was having a hard time finding one.

When they were little, Kirsten used to take Kali through some yearbooks and show her pictures of guys that she thought would be just perfect for Kali, but that never worked out quite well.

"Hello, darling, you should really head back home." Kali spun her head around to meet the gaze of Kirsten's aunt, Melissa. The woman was probably in her mid forties. She was an extremely wonderful and nice lady, but she suffered from an early, but small, case of Alzheimer's. Kali put on her best smile sat up straight.

"I would, but I live in Australia, remember." Melissa stared blankly at the young woman, but then suddenly gasped as if she had been startled.

"Of course, how could I forget? Where are you staying while you are here, then?" Kali thought for a moment, she hadn't really put much thought into where she was going to stay for the rest of her time there, which was only one night, but it was still a night. Kali then shrugged her shoulders and chuckled a bit.

"I haven't really put much thought into it. But no need to worry about it, I will find an old friend or a hotel or something." Melissa smiled and shook her head.

"I will not allow it. You are most welcome to stay here." Kali allowed the thought to pass through her mind, but quickly shook her head and turned the sweet offer down.

"I am sorry, Melissa, but it's fine. I will be fine, thanks anyways." With that she took one last glance at the couple now passed out on the coach and began to make her way out of the house, but Melissa caught her before she could slip through the door.

"Kali, darling. What's wrong? You have never turned down an offer to stay here. Tell me, is something bothering you?" Kali sighed and shook her head once again. She then placed a reassuring hand on the woman's shoulder and smiled.

"Everything is just wonderful, Melissa. I just simply would like some time to myself. Trust me, I will me just fine, really." With that, Kali turned around again and continued on her way towards the main road to hail a taxi. Before she was completely out of sight, she turned around and saw Melissa still staring out the screen door.

When they saw each other, they both waved one last goodbye and Kali turned a corner, vanishing out of Melissa's sight. Melissa wasn't usually one to worry, but she was most worried about Kali. There was something that was just not right; she could feel it in her gut.

            Melissa turned around to see that Kirsten had gotten up off of the coach and was now looking through the refrigerator for food, most likely. She then walked into the kitchen, sat upon the bar stood, and stared at her niece while she searched for something that she wouldn't have to cook.

"What are you looking for, honey?" Kirsten sighed, shut the fridge, and took a seat next to her aunt. She then shrugged her shoulders and buried her face into her hands.

"I ain’t got no clue." Melissa lightly hit the back of Kirsten's head, causing her to suddenly look up and glare at her aunt in frustration.

"Don't use double negatives, your father did and it drove my poor mind crazy." Kirsten giggled and reached out to grab her aunt’s hand. As she gripped it within her own, she turned towards her and smiled apologetically. Melissa gave her a strange look and suddenly became uneasy.