𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝙰𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗

Chapter 52: Road Trip

(Music Reccomendation! Play ^this^ as you read on!)

(Bucky's P.O.V.)

        "Are you sure you want to do this?" Nat asked me with a tinge of skepticism in her voice. "Do you want me to go with you?" My hand passed over my face as I struggled to keep my eyes open against the bright computer screen in front of me. We had all of Angela's files up. Nat was helping me to figure out where Angela grew up. I needed to ease this pain somehow, I needed to let go. So I decided I needed to do something that would signify she's no longer with us. I wanted to go to her hometown and grieve for her by her tombstone. And then, I would knock sense into myself, leave everything in that small town, trust that she's safe now and not hurting anymore. 

        "You're sure this is her home address?" I asked, ignoring her worries and questions. Nat sighed coldly, her arms crossing over her chest as she stood next to me while I sat in a chair. 

        "Yeah, I'm sure." Without another word I transferred the address to the GPS on my phone, rising once it was synced and turning towards the door to head to my vehicle. Nat gripped my forearm, not allowing me to move any further. I dressed in jeans, a white tee-shirt and a leather jacket, clothes that usually signified I was going somewhere. Or at least, Nat had figured that out a while ago. When I'd approached her this morning in what I had on, she instantly knew I wasn't planning on staying in today. I hadn't even said a word to her before she asked about my plans and where I was headed. 

        "You don't have to go alone, Barnes," She tells me with concerned eyes. "If you don't want me to go, that's fine, but take someone else. I'm sure Claire would be happy to go with you." Her hand retreats back to her side when I raise my own to place on her shoulder and squeeze it reassuringly. 

        "I don't want anyone else knowing where I'm going," I state. "Besides, this is something I need to do by myself... for my own good. It's personal." She watches me for a moment, her face showing she wants to retaliate against my own stubbornness, but eventually, she nods. "I set up a funeral for Angela after I get back." Nat looks at me with a shocked expression.

        "Wow, you're actually serious about this." 

        "I have to be. She wouldn't want me lugging my ass around the way I have been. It's time to get my head back in the game. I'm sure the team would appreciate the closure as well."

        "Alright, I understand. But please contact me if something happens while you're away." We fall into step with each other as we head for the exit. 

        "You don't think I can handle myself?" I ask teasingly. 

        "Oh, I know you can't," She teases back. "But really, you never know. Life is full of surprises." 

        "That's for sure," I mutter.

        "How do you plan on getting to Nevada?" I shrug.

        "I was going to drive." Nat gives me a crazed look.

        "You're going to drive from New York to Nevada? Are you insane?" She shakes her head. "No way. You're using my jet." I eye her with disapproval as she stares straight in front of her.

        "I'd rather not attract any attention, especially to a small town like Golconda. You know that." Nat smirks.

        "Then land the jet somewhere let obvious and drive the rest of the way. Driving is going to be hell and you know it." I sigh, knowing she's right.

        "Fine, you win." We finally leave the room and it's time for us to head our separate ways. Nat looks up at me, her green eyes swimming with a mix of sorrow, acceptance, and understanding for her friend.