Different → S.Rogers | Wattys 2019 |

A New Begninning

A V A ' S  P O V

It was a few days later, around noon when I got another call from Steve. I was working a double, as usual. He asked me if I had a little time to see him, and had it caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting to hear those words so soon. Also I didn't really have the time but of course this was a rare chance, I have no idea when I'd get the chance to see him again. The other waitress, whom I had became friends with, seen me in a frenzy and asked what was going on. Once I explained the situation she told me she would cover my shift for me for the time being. I was beyond excited and had promised her that I'd make it up to her in the future. I was ecstatic, nervous even. I couldn't help but wonder if he's just as nervous as I am.

I didn't bother changing my clothes, because I'd have to get back to work afterwards anyways, and I know we'd only be able to see each other for a short period of time. Also it's not like he truly cares for what I was wearing anyways.

I walked into the park, where he told me he'd be. He said he'd be waiting at the gazebo that I loved, but when I got to where he was supposed to be standing, someone else was standing there. He was tall, and his back was turned. He was dressed in a brown military uniform.

That's strange, Steve told me he'd be here.

But as I stepped onto the wood, my heal made a thump causing the man to spin around. I glanced up at him and my heart stopped for a moment as I tried to comprehend what was before me.

"St-Steve?" I breathed out, confused as to what happened.

He chuckled at me. "I know, I've changed a bit." He said.

"A bit?"

That's more of an understatement. He wasn't kidding when he said he was like a new person.

"I don't- I can't believe this?" I sputtered out.

He stepped over to me and he was now fairly taller than me. By at least a foot. He out stretched his hands, engulfing me into his arms. Which I gratefully returned.

But then when I came to realization that this wasn't a dream, I withdrew from his arms and looked up at him, a glare to my eyes. Growing angry and concerned at his decisions.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I asked sternly. "This is something you discuss with your loved ones, Steve."

"I couldn't tell you about it, it was a top secret experiment Ava. You know I would've told you if I could." He spoke calmly.

"Exactly, an experiment!" I exasperated. "It could've killed you."

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. "And if I hadn't done this, I could've died from my health, I could've easily died in the war." He said.

"That's exactly why I didn't want you to join the army." I said. "Because you can die."

"Ava, can we please not do this today?" He asked me. "I don't want to waste this short time we do have arguing."

I let out a sigh, knowing I shouldn't be mad. His hurt tone made me feel bad for getting angry at him, and besides, he's right. What good is arguing going to do? What's done is done. There's no going back, not that he'd want to anyways. I could tell that he's proud of what had been accomplished.