Parker

1

The nice thing about living in Africa is that I don't have to deal with the jerks and philanthropists who live in America. Mainly Tony Stark. 

My mom has been telling me stories about him since I was young. They weren't all bad things. I'm pretty sure she still loves him. When she talks about the dates and the late nights they had together, she sounded hopeful and young again. She was 21 when they met.

For the most part, however, the stories she told gave me a deep sense of hatred for this man I've never met. He just sounded mean and downright rude. Who buys a community playground, makes it into a mall or whatever, and then takes the profits from it? Like seriously. Could Tony Stark be any more conceited and not concerned about money? I'm glad I never have to live with him.

Someone knocks at my door. Mom doesn't even wait for me to answer. 

"Hey kiddo, whatcha doin?" She ruffles my hair, peering over my shoulder. 

"Just a little blog post. I'm thinking about adding the photo I took last week when we were in Wakanda with the rhinos. Those things were awesome."

"Yeah they were." 

I watch as my mom enjoys my picture. The edges of her mouth curve up in a smile that only the animals that she treats get. Total approval and excitement. She moves her shoulder-length hair back so it doesn't get in her eyes. Her green eyes twinkle with the sunlight that pours into my room. I enjoy these moments with her. Just her and I without anybody else in the world. 

"Hey Mom, when are we going to go visit Wakanda again?" 

"Not for a little while. For now, we get to enjoy the sunshine and you get to enjoy your schooling."
I groan. My schooling beats actual school but I have to be actually motivated. All I want to do is go out and explore the world like my mom does. 

"Fine. But I get to go on the next field mission with you right?" 

Mom looks at the ground. "We'll see."

Before she heads out, I run up to her. We never leave the house without a hug first. 

"Can I get a haircut soon?" 

"But I love your hair at this length!"

"Is that because you can braid it?" 

"Maybe...." 

"Ok, I'll call it in later. Love you!"

"Love you, too!"

I laugh as I watch her leave my room.

I've been YouTubing chemistry experiments for hours. I find it fascinating at how by changing the catalyst, a reaction can speed up tenfold and that the concentration of the chemical can speed up the reaction too. Just little details to make everything go faster. 

My schooling doesn't exactly allow me to handle chemicals because, since I am a teenager, am 'too immature' and it would 'be too hazardous for my health'. I've been trying to get that rule changed.
I'm doing my physics when another knock comes at the door. Mom probably forgot her keys again.
Standing at the door are two big men in suits. Man, that must be suffocatingly toasty in there. 

"Are you McKenna Jane Otteman-Stark?" 

"Who are you guys?"

They exchange glances before barging into the house. 

"Excuse me!" I scream at them. "Who are you? I'll call the police!"

I hold the phone up, the number ready to be dialed.
The shorter one stops. He takes off his sunglasses.

"I'm Happy."

He must be high because his face is very much an always rbf, no signs of happiness anywhere.

"I think you're confused. Why are you here? What's your real name? And why are you in my house?" 

A voice comes from behind me. "I'm glad that Melissa kept a picture of me. That's sweet."