The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Chapter 24

They were all surprised when they got the invitations to Jake's funeral, "I guess this means that she still doesn't accept that I'm here," Jake said as he read the invitation.

He had developed a sarcastic humor about his whole situation. They were wary about going to the funeral, but they weren't about to turn down the invitation. Stella grew more solemn as the date drew closer. Jake grew more nervous. His mother had invited him to his own funeral, if that wasn't confusing enough just a week ago she had wanted nothing to do with him.

Stella wore a flawless black dress to the funeral. It was shoulderless with thin drapery for sleeves. It flowed behind her in a train, and sparkled like shards of glass. Widow and T'challa wore their uniforms, the rest of them wore tuxes, even Vision. Stella had never seen him in any other clothes than what he always wore.

Even when they had gone to little Natalie's funeral, Vision had worn a blacked out version of his uniform. Stella had to say he could really pull off a tux. They all flew there in the Quinjet. Stella walked out with her head held high, she had hardly talked all day. When they got there, a number of the people turned to glare.

"If we're not wanted here, then why were we invited?" Hawkeye asked as they went to find seats.

"To show respect, even if they don't," Widow replied.

Surprisingly Ms. Sandusky came to greet them. She shook the Avengers' hands. When she got to Stella, she only addressed her curtly. Vision stood frozen beside her. She gave him a sour look.

"Vision," Michelle addressed him.

"Ms. Sandusky," he nodded stiffly.

She looked down the line of the team, "I'm glad you all could make it."

Stella and Jake looked at each other. She didn't really mean all of them, "All do respect Ms. Sandusky, but we're quite surprised to have been invited," Stella spoke.

"Well, you have a right to mourn for my son too. Even if you were responsible for his death, you lost him all the same."

Stella clenched her jaw, "We are honored to be here," Vision said.

Michelle looked at him with an impressed smile, as if she hadn't expected him to have manners, "How are you fairing, Ms. Sandusky?" he asked.

"As well as I can for having lost my child."

Concern crossed his face, "Mom..." he took a step toward her.

He quickly realized his mistake and stepped back, looking away from her. He cleared his throat, "Sorry."

Ms. Sandusky gave him a curious look. He found the courage to look back at her, "It's just I see that look again," he admitted.

Tears welled in her eyes, "Jake?"

"Yes, Mom." Vision nodded, stepping toward her.

"Is that you?" her voice quivered.

Vision took her hands, "Yes, Mom, it is."

She put a shaky hand on his face, "You're really in there?"

"Yes," Vision exasperated, a smile breaking across his face.

Tears fell down Michelle's cheeks, "I'm so sorry."

Jake hugged his mother, "It's okay."

"I've missed you so much," Michelle said, a happy glint in her eyes.

"I know, Mom. It's okay. I'm here," Jake held her tighter.

Stella tried not to cry. Michelle looked at her son again, "You look so handsome."