Without You I'm Nothing

Chapter 11

The movie wasn't even halfway through before dad fell to sleep, it doesn't take him long to get bored with films and I guess this time it worked in my favour. His hand was lightly placed round my shoulder so very carefully I remove it hoping to not wake him. He stirs slightly and I freeze in place. But he just murmurs in his sleep and changes his position. I let out a sigh of relief before exiting the room. Now for the real work, finding out this secret that they won't tell me. The only problem is that I don't know where to start looking, dad's office is surrounded by security camera's, the monitors outside his room are supervised by Jarvis. I'll have to check the archives that are backed up on paper in case of a power outage. But that could take me weeks. I sigh and scratch my head, what do I do. I could ask Elijah but I'm not sure how on board he would be with telling me.  After all, he did promise dad that he wouldn't tell me anything just yet.

I groan in frustration before heading down the hallway again, I need some fresh air to clear my head and think straight. I head outside, the air was brisk but refreshing as it pinched at my skin. Tucking my hands underneath my arms I head down the steps and onto the street. It was a very quiet night, no one in sight. It almost relieved me in a way of not having to run into anyone I knew. So many images were rushing through my mind; what were they hiding? What condition do I have that warrants me taking daily tablets. Why did my body feel so weird when I was angry. These questions needed answers and I'm determined to get them one way or another. I breathe in a deep breath of fresh air and smile. Something about different types of weather made me so happy and a clear night with a soft breeze was one of my favourites. 

No more than another block ahead I felt a pair of eyes on me. I turned sharply to look round and didn't see anything or anyone there. Must be my imagination it can get very creative at night. I wasn't scared as such, just more worried for the person or thing that tries it with me. I'm not in the mood to hurt anyone. I shrug off the feeling but keep my guard up. Suddenly I feel someone grab my arm, I gasp and go to hit with my free hand before they catch it in theirs. "Callie it's me." I let out a sigh as Jess was stood there "I saw you walk out, wanted to make sure you were okay after what happened." I nod and shrug, still embarrassed by the whole situation. "I just needed some fresh air, that's all." I can see the frown form on her face, Jess is not much older than me but treats me like I'm 5 years younger sometimes. I shrug off her hand and look at her with resentment. I still don't fully forgive her for getting with my brother and not even asking me first. "Cal, you have to talk to me. You can't keep shutting me out like this." I shake my head and look away muttering, "Maybe you should have thought about that before getting with my brother." I regret it as soon as I said it. Jess scoffs in disbelief. "Is this what it's all about. You're jealous of Elijah and me?" My head snaps back her way, "Jealous? Why would I be jealous?" Jess shrugs and folds her arms, looking at her nails before answering. "Because we found each other and have powers and you have nothing." My fists ball up, "What's that supposed to mean." I ask through gritted teeth. She chuckles and shrugs again "Well you were always the popular one in school, I was your tag-along friend. Now I have everything and you have no lover or powers. You feel alone and empty and falling back on Bucky for sympathy isn't going to get you anywhere either." I'm too shocked to reply, instead of anger I feel tears burning my eyes. "Why are you saying this.." I ask through a broken voice. "Let's just say it's karma I guess. For all those times I was left behind as I wasn't good enough to be a cheerleader or be pretty or popular enough to be prom queen." Her words rip through me like blades as I shakily shake my head. "I tried to include you in everything I did," I reply, clearly broken by what she was saying. She was supposed to be my best friend but it feels like something a bully would say. "You're a pretty girl, maybe your looks are better suited elsewhere, like on a corner street." Her lips curve into a grin as my heart shatters, I had had enough by that point I turned, running away from her. Tears streaming down my face as the words echoed in my head. She's right, I'm not suited to be here at all. Maybe I should just leave completely and not come back. Make everyone's lives easier, Dad wouldn't have to worry about secrets anymore, Jess and Elijah can live a normal life without me in the way. Bucky could find someone more suited for him, everyone would get what they want. 

I'm not sure how long I ran for before slowing down to breathe. I was so tired from running but had nowhere to go. I had never felt so alone in my life, no one to turn to, no one to talk to. I would just be told the same thing Jess said to me and I'm not sure my mentality could handle that right now. I wipe my tears with the sleeve of my jumper and sigh, looking round to where I am. I didn't quite recognise it, I was lost. But I just shrug and carry on walking, I'll end up somewhere. I felt like I was being watched again and thought Jess had followed me to rip into me more but when I turned around, there was nothing there. I frown slightly but continue to walk, I hear footsteps behind and sigh. "Leave me alo-" Is all I could manage before a cloth is placed over my face. I tried to fight and managed a few muffles through the cloth before everything turned dark and I pass out.