She Was Like a Bright Light

Shaun

Viv was dead.

God. I was trembling with Haze in my arms. She was crying loudly and not even my hold calmed her down. They had taken a shaking Vivica from us, and we were left in a cold waiting room.

For the first time, I did not know what to do. Hazel sniffled and looked up at my eyes for a solution to her sadness. Those big blue eyes reminded me of a memory late a night like this one.

I remember holding her when she was about...five or four months old. It was a night that Viv was so tired, she could barely keep her eyes open as she breastfed Hazel. I felt really bad for her. So I offered to put her back to sleep after Hazel was done and she didn't even have to think twice. The moment Viv's head hit the pillow, she knocked out.

And I was left with my daughter.

I remember looking into her big eyes. She was finally full and wide awake. I remember smiling down at this small person. I still couldn't believe that I was holding my baby. My baby girl. Yet, I felt as if she waiting for me to do something. For the first time, I felt nervous. So I cleared my throat and started talking to her. I told her about my day. About my feelings for her mother. The way we met. I told her so many things on that night and it was amazing that she talked back to me! Well. More like cooed and babbled sounds to me. But that was enough to convince me that my ultimate job with my baby girl is putting her to sleep.

But in that waiting room, I had no idea what to say to her. I was just as scared as she was and I realized then that I could not be alone. So I prayed. I prayed loudly and Hazel finally fell asleep on my shoulder as I paced around the room.

When she came by to visit Viv, her eyes finally came back to life just as Viv's heart did. They both held each other tightly. I watched them and my heart had a new determination of always having this sight in my life.

The battle is mine and only mine if I want this.

So I've trained harder. I've held them harder and Vivica has rested more at each passing day. Hazel even reminds her to take rest as she brings out her little doctor toys and makes Vivica lay on the couch like a patient.

After Viv's surgery, festivities passed by too quick. I entered a new year with my family. I entered a new year of marriage with Vivica. And Hazel's birthday is only in a week. She's going to be four. They grow up too fast.

On New Years night, the facility got together at a large area to celebrate. Some of those that are part of church did a small prayer and some worship to welcome the new year. I picked up Hazel in my arms and held Vivica close to my side as we prayed. I gave God thanks for my family. I may have turned and twisted along the way, but....I've never been happier.

Now, among my happiness there's nerves, fear, the adrenaline I used to have whenever I'd get ready for a new battle. Tomorrow is the day we attack. We have exact coordinates to where the White Queen is thanks to our Communications and Airline bases. We are ready to go forward with our plan.

I stand among the many leaders of the facility with Vivica by my side. I can see the determination shine within her as she has her chin held up high. Her dark hair making her green blue eyes shine with hope as we go over the plans once again. Her sisters stand across from us at the table. Their eyes carry fear, but there is hope. Kitty examines every single part of the map with such certainty and concentration. Her brows furrowed and her finger on her chin like she does when we concentrate.

"So we have all of it covered?" Peter says to everyone in the room. His blue eyes go up to Shaw and Fury, and they both give him a firm nod. June stands up straighter and says, "We serve for justice and we are made to protect this country. Despite of their oblivion from our work, we do it for our family."