Electric Storm

Chapter 2: Hope

It's time to write a new story. To finally stop hiding my feelings behind an electric shield. And so I'm going to write about the present and I'm going to write about the past. Only then will you begin to understand how and why I got here today. Only then will you understand that everything that happens now, will affect everything that is to come. 

And so I give to you my story. It's a story that has been told many times before but this is the story I have written and this is the story I am telling. And this is the truth.

Because didn't I say I would start telling the truth?

'Are you nervous?' Happy asks, glancing at me through the rear-view mirror.  

'Yep.' I pop, not bothering to hide my fidgeting fingers. 

'I can come in with you if you want?'

'Thanks Happy, but I think I can do this.' I nod, pulling my backpack onto my shoulders. 

I'm Katherine Stark. I have fought aliens, robots and Hydra. I've had my heart broken, hit rock bottom and have nearly died multiple times. But I have Captain America's phone number, a telepathic connection with a God, and I have my family. You'll be fine. 

'I'll be responsible.' I call, waving goodbye. 

The backpack bangs against my side, the straps a familiar hug around my shoulders. The second I step foot in the school, judging eyes watch my movements. 

'She's back?'

'I heard she was arrested?'

'I thought she died.'

Ignore the whispers. They don't know what they're talking about. 

A paper aeroplane is thrown across my face, making my breath hitch. It's ok Katy. You can do this. The floor is still sticky underneath my feet. It reminds me of the spilled drinks on a Saturday night. Each bright light's flash sends me soaring back. My fingers tighten. I keep pushing myself forward, feeling the cameras, remembering the halls, ignoring the stares. A hand brushes my wrist. I want to scream. There's nothing on my wrist. Breathe. You're in control. 

I find the door I want and slowly enter. Nice and calm, head held high. 

'Is that Kate?'

'I thought she moved?'

'What's she doing back?'

I can do this. I can do this. I'm Katherine Stark, the Goddess of Lightning.

I sit by myself at the familiar desk and breathe in and out. A little clasp of my lightning bolt brings me back into the room. I smooth the creases out of my shirt and watch as the boys hurl pencils at each other. Just normal high school things. 

"And that's another point to me!" I grin, gathering up the counters. 

Dad groans. "This is a stupid game."

"One more round?" I ask, already handing him the counter and moving my fingers to create the goal. 

"Fine." Dad sighs, and carefully lines up the counter. He misses spectacularly. "You do know that once you're out of that bed, I'll thrash you."

"Yeah, ok dad." I laugh, moving my counter into position. "Yessss goal!" I shout, throwing my hands in the air. "Now what's my prize?"

"How about... ice cream?"