Deadly Love (Book 1)

1.5

January 15, 1936

She was dressed in all black. They all were. Sarah had been a mom, a friend, and a mentor. Clara stood there next to Steve, her arm looped around his, holding him as close as she could. He was being strong but she could see the sadness in his eyes and tears building up. And for that, she pulled him closer. His dad had died months before Steve was born in the war and now he had just lost his mom. He loved her so much. And now she was just gone. Clara was saddened by this as well. Sarah had taken care of her growing up, she was like a second mom. Clara tried not to cry; she had cried days before when she found out the news and she didn't want to cry in front of Steve. Bucky stood on the other side of Steve, occasionally looking at Steve, to see how he was doing. It didn't help that Clara was on the other side of Steve, on the verge of tears. Bucky wanted to take away all their pain. He didn't like seeing them like this.

After the funeral, the trio walked silently and solemnly back to Steve's now lonely home. "Do you want us to come in?" Clara asks Steve as they climb up the steps to the apartment. "I kinda just want to be alone." Steve answered, his voice hoarse. It was silent for a few seconds as Steve brushed his hair out of his eyes, before Bucky spoke up. "I was gonna ask." He said. Both Clara and Steve knew what he was talking about, even without any context. "I know what you're gonna say Buck. It's just..." Steve replied as he dug his hands in his pockets, looking for the key to the apartment. "You can put the couch cushions on the floor, like when we were kids. It'll be fun. All you gotta do is shine my shoes, maybe take out the trash." Bucky finally realised that Steve had no idea where his key was and kicked away the brick on the floor, revealing the spare key. He handed it to Steve. "Come on." Bucky pleaded with him. Steve took the key grateful and sighed. "Thank you Buck, but I can get by on my own." Clara sighed, putting her hand on Steve's shoulder. "But the thing is Steve; you don't have to. You've got us to rely on. We're best friends. We're always going to be here for you." She told him, her eyes red but full on compassion for the boy. "I'm with you till the end of the line, pal." Bucky said, bringing him into a hug. A small smile rose to Steve's lips as Clara watched the two boys. Her boys.

May 26, 1936

"Clara Katherine Williams." People cheered all around as she walked up the stage, gladly receiving the diploma. She had finally graduated high school. She could hear her friends and family cheering loudly for her as she shook the hands of the people that got her through high school. Some of her teachers were there as she shook their hands also, silently whispering a thank you as she passed by. A large smile stood bright on my face as she walked across the stage. Her family and friends were still cheering even after she stepped off the stage and sat back down in her seat. From her seat, she looked back and saw Maria, both girls smiling at each other. They were finally done with high school.

"The graduating class of 1936!" All around, students cheered and threw their caps into the air and families cheered. No more school, no more stress, no more homework and projects. It was all finally over. Maria and Clara smiled to each other, trying to get to each other through the insanely chaotic crowd. All around students were meeting up with their families and friends were greeting each other. Maria and Clara finally reached each other but not before Bucky swooped Clara off her feet and spun her around. "Congratulations doll. You're officially an adult." She smiled at him as he brought her into a tight hug. As she pulled away, she look up to say something but her eyes caught his and neither could look away. They started to lean in when they heard a cough, immediately Clara and Bucky separated. Clara smiles at Steve, who had been the one to cough, and hugged him also. "Congratulations kid." She laughed and then hugged Maria, who had been waiting patiently for her hug that the boys stole.