Spider-Man and the Red Dahlia

Chapter 7

'It's gonna kill you if you don't talk about it, Mal.'

     'I did the interview. Isn't that enough?'

     We make our way through the store-filled streets, bags of clothes hanging on our arms. Sadie has been asking questions ever since we left. 'I have to be at HQ at 3.30, so we have an hour left.'

     'HQ?' Sadie frowns. 'What's HQ?'

     I completely forgot to tell her. How could I forget to tell my best friend? I grab her arm and pull her to the side, putting my lips by her ear and telling her; 'I'm an Avenger now.'

     'You've got to be kidding me? Congratulations!'

     'Thanks.' We continue walking and dive into one of the stores after seeing a cute dress. 'Mr. Stark is having a press conference today to announce the newest Avenger.'

     'I have so many questions.'

     'I know, Sadie, but-'

     'I saw the interview. That's not the full story.'

     'You're right, it isn't.' I grab a dress from the rack. 'Do you think this would look good on me?'

     'Nah, that's not your color.'

     'I just don't want to talk about it anymore. I've moved on and so should you.'

     'I understand that you don't like to talk about it, but telling the real story might actually help you. Does Steve Rogers know the full story?'

     I shake my head. 'I'm the only one.'

     'Then you need to talk about it, Mal. What are you so afraid of?'

     'I just don't want you to think less of me.'

     'I won't.' She stops me and looks right into my eyes. 'Whatever it is, I won't judge you. You talked about some horrible things that happened, but I don't believe that that's all it was. I'm sorry for being so harsh, but-'

     'No, don't be.' I sigh. She's right. I was eight years old when I was taken to Russia and twelve when I came back, but I did some horrendous things in those four years. 'If I'm gonna tell you everything I don't want to hear a word from you until I'm done. No questions, no interrupting. Nothing.'

     'Promise. How about we go to Rosie's?'

     I nod and we leave the store, heading for a small cafe at the end of the street. Not a lot of people come here, which is why we do. Rosie, the owner, is Sadie's cousin, so we also get a discount on drinks.

     Never have I told anyone the actual story. Not even a diary, because I knew my mom would read it. I know she snoops through my room every now and then. She doesn't do a great job of hiding it.

     'I was eight years old and on my way back home from school. My brother was supposed to pick me up, but I guess he forgot. I don't really remember how it went, but next thing I knew I woke up on a plane. It was one of those expensive private planes. There was this guy sitting next to me. He told me everything was going to be fine and that he was taking me home. I believed him.' He looked like such a nice person and acted like he was my friend. Of course I trusted him.

     'We eventually landed and he handed me over to Dr. Leonidov. She took me to this room and examined me. I had to do some tests and she concluded I was healthy and allowed to live. Then they took me to what would be my room for the next four years. There was a big bed, a bathroom, a tv, some games, books. At all times, Max would be in the room with me. During the night time, someone else would stand outside the door, but during the day he was always there with me and we became friends. He read to me every night and taught me Russian. Every now and then I would go training. They taught me lots of ways to fight and... kill.' I look down at my hands, not daring to look at Sadie. I wasn't planning on ever telling anyone about this. I didn't want anyone to know what I'd done. 'If the experiments didn't work after a year... they'd kill that person. Max was able to convince them I was still useful to them. I was a really good fighter and smart. I was their perfect supersoldier.'