Out of Oblivion

Chapter 40

Three months had passed since the attack. It was assured that Loki had been poisoned by his own Frost Giants. He had taken the throne on Asgard and chosen Dani to be his queen. The thought of her being a queen thrilled and saddened me. I didn’t know if I’d ever get to see her again.

            With the tremendous help of Tony Stark, SHIELD HQ had been rebuilt and was back in order by the end of those three months. We had gained several new employees, including Dylon Keith, who was under my provision. We did not speak unless our work forced us to. I had no problem keeping it that way.

            When I wasn’t writing or interviewing, I was with James. We would do simple things together, such as walk to the park or take a ride on his motorcycle, or watch movies in his apartment. Every Friday we had dinner with Grace and Steve. Their wedding was planned for July fourth. Fitting, yes.

            During the attack, Riley had been badly injured and was stricken to a wheel chair. He had lost his ability to walk as well as his beloved Alexa, who obviously didn’t want a paralyzed boyfriend. I, however, kept him as my faithful secretary. Every day he proved to me that he was just as efficient without legs.

           

One morning I woke to the sound of knocking at my apartment door. I sat up slowly and rubbed my eyes, hoping the knocking wound end and I could return to sleep. But, the knocking continued. I sighed and slipped out of bed, wrapping myself in my robe. Glancing at my clock, I shook my head and hesitantly opened my door.

            Peeking through the small crack that I had allowed, two stormy eyes glinting with amusement and a bright smile greeted me. “Good morning, sunshine.”  

            I kept the door at a slight crack, not wanting him to see me in my waking up state. “James! What are you doing here?” I exclaimed, running my fingers through my sleepy hair.

            “I want to show you something,” he said, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

            “James, can this wait? It’s like five in the morning!”

            “No, it can’t wait. You’ll see. I’ll wait outside for you.”

            I rolled my eyes and shut the door, hustling to change and make myself somewhat presentable. Five minutes later I met him in the hallway wearing jeans and a short sleeve blouse. I had brushed my hair, but I was sure it looked awful.

            He smiled brightly and took my hand, dragging me outside into the crisp, cool spring air. “This better be good,” I told him as we walked down an alley.

            “I’m sorry if I interrupted your beauty sleep,” James replied playfully.

            I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the smile that tugged at my lips.