ILLUSIONS | N.M. (on hold)

2.5

"Beep, beep, beep." A groan was the first response to alarm as Nadia turned over in her bed.

She slammed her phone button, trying to turn the devil noise off but it kept beeping. With another groan, Nadia used her powers to pick up her phone and throw it out the window.

About a second later she realized what she did and jumped up. She ran to her window and shot her hand out, grabbing the phone with her powers. A purple glow surrounded it as she zipped it back into her room.

Nadia checked it trying to act casual as she heard the door open. "You threw it out of the window again, didn't you?" Jane asked, a hand on her hip. Nadia smiled sheepishly. "It was only by the second floor this time."

Jane shook her head and walked away from the room. "Come on, breakfast is ready and Peter should be here soon. Get dressed, and don't throw your phone out the window."

Nadia shut the door as she stalked over to her closet. Jane and Louis have provided her with some normal clothes, Tony was going to buy her some expensive ones but Nadia reminded him she was supposed to blend in.

Nadia took a random blue shirt that said something about loving New York and put it on, she took out a pair of black leggings and a plain grey sweatshirt. Peter has helped her pick it out the day before, he claimed it was what everyone wore.

Nadia quickly decided that she was just leaving her hair down before rushing out. Jane put out some waffles and Nadia went over to the fridge and grabbed the orange juice, which Nadia had first tried in the compound. She loved it.

"Jane? Nadia? Where are my keys?" Louis ran around, checking under the couch cushions. Nadia flicked her arm out and sent his keys to him. "Thanks, Nadia, have a good day at school!"

"Bye Louis," Nadia called hearing the door shut. She walked over to the table and began eating quickly. "I said hurry up to get ready, not eat." Jane told her, "Slow down."

"Sorry, Sorry." Nadia shoved another piece into her mouth, washing it down with orange juice. "Your backpacks on the couch and I made sure all your things are in there," Jane told her, refilling her orange juice.

Nadia replied with a thanks and finished her breakfast. "And remember, you're Nikki Matthews, not Nadia."

"It's for safety," Nadia replied, cutting Jane off from her usually saying. "Yes, Jane Thank you but I think I'll be okay."

She rushed to the bathroom to brush her teeth, leaving Jane shaking her head. "Kids..." she muttered, putting Nadia's plate into the dishwasher. There was a knock on the door causing Jane to drift over towards it.

The door opened and Peter stood there with both hands on his backpack straps. "Hi, Jane." He greeted cheerfully, stepping inside as she opened up the door.

"Hi, Peter. Nadia! Hurry up." Jane called into the apartment. "I'm coming!" Nadia shouted back, making Peter chuckle.

Nadia came out of the bathroom, quickly grabbing her backpack before coming over. "Hey." Nadia grinned, causing Peter to smile back. "Hey."

"Alright, go before you miss the train!" Nadia hugged Jane quickly before leaving. "Bye! Have a good day!" Jane calls, shutting the door behind them.

—•—

Nadia's hand felt sweaty against the pole of the subway train. Her gaze flickered to every person, wondering where they were going as the world outside blurred. It was a thrill really, she'd never been in a train before. She's been on the roof, but that was a story for another day.

Her green eyes flickered to Peter who was texting on his phone. "It's Peter btw." His text read, he then sent another and scrolls up to numerous unread texts.

"You'd think you'd get the idea," Nadia scoffed, causing Peter to turn red. "It's to Happy, Tony said—"

"He'd call you? Peter, not to burst your bubble or anything... but your not an official avenger, are you?" Her tone was low, making sure no one heard them.

"No, but..." He trailed off, sighing as he realized what she was getting at. He kept his head down but perked yo with an excited look on his face. "Hey. You're an avenger." Nadia quickly shushed him, glancing around at the people but no one seemed to hear them.

"Maybe," Peter continued, "You can give me some tips or something, like how to let Tony see I'm not just a kid." Nadia pondered the thought, "I don't know Peter... being a... volunteered hero isn't easy." she began, covering up the whole superhero part.

"Come on, Nadia. Just... think about it, okay?"

Nadia sighed, watching the window. Peter looked at her so pleadingly it was like a dog begging for food. Eventually, Nadia caved, "I'll think about it." Peter smiled at her so wide, it didn't seem big enough for his face. The train came to a slow stop and multiple people got off. Nadia squeezed through the crowd grabbing into Peter's shoulder so she wouldn't get lost.

"Come on, it's this way. And Principal Morita will most likely want you to stop by his office." Peter told her once the platform cleared. Nadia let go of his shoulder, shoving her hand in her pockets.

Peter lead her across a field with students stretching. An uncomfortable feeling placed over Nadia as she kept her eyes down at the grass. Both teens walked up a flight of stairs and to the school building, Nadia couldn't help but smile.

She was going to be normal. Finally.

Peter pulled her out of the way and jumped to the stairs as a silver car passed them. A kid inside smirked at the two of them. "What's up Penis Parker? Who's your friend?"

A group of girls laughed as Peter rolled his eyes pulling Nadia away. "You're not going to stand up for yourself?" The redhead frowned, glancing back at the car.

"It's different, I can't exactly blast him," Peter replied, opening the door for her to walk in. The hall was crowded with students running to lockers and out of classrooms. Nadia fiddled with her fingers, feeling nervous. She'd never been around so many kids her age before. What if she said something that didn't make sense? What if they laughed at her?

"Hey, it's okay." Peter noticed the look of discomforting her face. "Come on, I'll take you to the Principals office."

A small nod from Nadia was all Peter need as he leads her through the crowd. Nadia scanned the room like she was going to take down a threat. Kids whooped and cheered seeing each other, others talked quickly about the party they went to the previous weekend.

"Ah, you must be Nikki." A voice kept her out of her trance as a man extended his hand out. Nadia hesitated before shaking it. "I'm Principal Morita, thank you, Peter, I'll take it from here."

Peter nodded, turning to Nadia with a smile. "I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay," Nadia replied through a forced smile. She didn't really want to leave Peter, but he was already lost in the crowd of kids. "Alright then, Ms. Matthews. Right, this way."

oh she's going to school now! now i I So how my parents felt. lol