Sorcery [p. parker] || DISCONTINUED

NINE - CONFRONTED BY REDHEADS

Once Eliza Stark had took notice that Joshua Meyers was alive and breathing, and after having a three in the morning snack, she tried to go back to bed. But, she couldn't. Her mind wouldn't let her. Thoughts ran around and around her brain like they were on some stupid merry-go-round, having a fantastic time as new thoughts appeared and started flicking the switches that turned on Eliza's anxiety and worry on hyper drive. By six, Eliza had clambered back out of bed and made her way to the large living room. She curled up on the couch with a blanket covering her. For fifteen minutes she searched for a show to watch, and eventually settled on starting The Vampire Diaries – something Killian had been trying to get her to watch.

Sometime after the third episode, Eliza made her way to the kitchen and fixed up some coffee and toaster strudels. As she sat there with her breakfast, Eliza finally tried to sort her thoughts out without the TV to distract her. She had no idea what that nightmare meant – if anything at all. It caused her to feel unsure, and worrisome over the football player. Because, part of her bad feeling was linked with those two other visions she had seen days before. The other part was simply tied with the shock and slight trauma the nightmare had given her. She may act tough, and never exactly show Jasmine and Joshua that she cared too often, but she did. She cared a lot for them. It would tear her down if she lost either friend.

Eliza stayed in her thoughts some as Pepper Potts walked into the kitchen. The redhead, dressed in raggy PJs and a fluffy robe with slippers, quickly noticed the young Stark girl sitting at the counter. The woman raised her eyebrows in slight surprise, pouring herself a cup of coffee. Neither female was used to seeing the other around the house so early. Pepper was usually one to wake up first – or at least, walk around first. Then, once she was gone, Eliza would usually come out from the depths of her room if she hadn't left for school already. It was almost like they were avoiding one another.

"You're out of your room early," Pepper commented.

Eliza moved her shoulders up and down. She didn't say anything as she kept her eyes staring at thin air, bringing the coffee up to take a sip.

Pepper frowned at the response she got – she found it odd. Even though they didn't talk as much as she would like, they still had decent conversations. She looked at the young girl again, and instantly recognized that look. It was on Tony Stark's face far too often than anyone would like. It was the look that the man would have usually after a mission for The Avengers, or after having a nightmare, or just down right worried and anxious. It was the look Eliza was wearing at this moment.

The redhead let out a soft sigh, walking to the seat next to the brunette and sitting down. She took a sip of her own coffee. "I know that look," Pepper stared, "You father has it once in a while."

Eliza tore her gaze from nothing and side-eyed the woman. "What look?" she questioned.

"Have you ever seen Tony drinking whiskey or...coffee, and just staring? Sometimes it's in his workshop with the suits. Other times it's in his office," she paused, "The one where he just looks something is eating at him from the inside out? He usually thinks no one notices."