Agent Carter An AU Series

Chapter 4

Peggy's POV:

Its been days since I've had dinner with Mr. Sousa. Although it is odd, eating in a strange mans apartment, it felt quite nice. Hes very charming and handsome, and all over a delight. He didn't have to be as kind as he was, or as inviting; but he did. 

"So is that a yes or no?" I look up at Colleen across the table.

"I'm sorry what?"

"Peg, did you not hear anything I just said?" Shes is completely amused and teasing, but I'm in no such mood.

"I'm afraid not."

"I asked if you wanted to go to the movies this Saturday. I'm finally off and we'll be able to relax." I sigh and rub my ridiculously large stomach. "Are you okay?"

"Fine, just... exhausted." Just then the baby kicks. "Oh!"

"Peg?!" Colleen rushes to my side.

"It-Its alright. I'm fine. The baby just surprised me is all." One fear I have for this child is that it inherited part of the serum. I can't ask Erskine or Howard if it's possible. Unfortunately Erskine is dead and Howard... well is Howard. Hes probably in Rome or Italy with his latest conquest. And although I can ask no one, I think my fear has already come true. Each morning after the babe kicks, I wake up with bruises all over my belly. What's it going to be like to raise a child who is born with the strength of a grown man? Let alone giving birth...that's another large fear on its own.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm alright." Colleen is skeptical, but drops the matter anyway. "Is there anything else you have planned?"

"Uh... no." She hesitates.

"Are you sure about that..?"

"Well," I look at her expecting an answer. "Yeah. Some gals from work wanted to go out Friday and they already got the tickets, I was hoping we could go but I didn't want to leave you behind."

 "Colleen, its perfectly fine. I don't mind at all. Have your fun, truly." Before she can say anything else, there's a knock on the door. Odd... Colleen and I both exchange looks as she walks away. "Are you expecting anyone?" I ask, I look to the closet where my gun is hidden in case I need it.

"No..." Colleen answers the door and its Mr. Sousa. He stands there holding something, but from where I sit I can't see, nor hear what they're saying. Colleen closes the door and walks back to the kitchen with a plate.

"What was that all about?"

"Oh, Mr. Sousa came and said you left a plate at his apartment, and he wanted to return it...." Rather than being an actual coherent sentence, there was an accusing tone in her voice.

"Oh bloody hell, I completely forgot." 

"Uh huh.." I look at Colleen and her lips a curved in a smirk with one brow lifted.

"What?" I say defensively. I didn't mean to be so heated, but I don't like the look on her face. 

"Nothing,  just..." I look at her, fuming now. "Why did you leave our plate at his apartment?"

"Oh please, Its not a thing like that." She tilts her head stubbornly as if saying I was mad. "Its not! It- I was just-" Now I'm frustrated. "I couldn't refuse the baby." I say, plain and simple.

"The baby? What does she have to do with it?" 

"She?" I laugh.

"Yes, she. Don't laugh Peg, I know things."

"Alright, I'll take your word for it..."

"Peggy."

"I- Id rather not say." In this moment her face is more frightening than Johann Schmidt. "I- ... I was hungry and I happen to smell and crave whatever it was Mr. Sousa had made for supper. He kindly offered some of it , we ate and that's when I had the false contractions; so I left the plate behind and came home."

"Oh... well why didn't you say any of this before?"

"I never had a reason to." I say stubbornly with an uplifted chin; trying to hide the fact that I was completely embarrassed. Although I sense Colleen knows this, she doesn't press any further; instead she changes the subject.

"So, are you sure you don't mind if I leave Friday night? You need sometime out of the apartment, Peg."

"I will have plenty enough time out of the apartment as soon as I'm back at work." I say. "Go out and have fun, you need it." 

At this she comes and embraces me. Normally I'm not a huger, but Colleen and a select few of others are an exception. I may not have many people in my life, but I am grateful for the ones I do have. They make things easier and I know I can depend on them; they're family. Perhaps more will be apart of it, one day. I only hope my little one will grow up and feel as loved as I was. With the friends I have, more than likely they will never go without, and that's all a mother could hope for. Oh dear God, I'm now addressing myself as a mum. God help me...