The Forgotten One

Chapter 3 - Never come back

I just feel lost. I don't want to go to school, I won't be able to concentrate so I go to the Compound, I can't be near him right now. I need to get away, I know he isn't at the Compound today, he had the day off to spend with Mom so I can be away from him. I run in not seeing anyone, I drop my bag and go straight towards the punching bag and start hitting it.

Worthless.

Useless.

Shit daughter.

'I am ashamed to call you my daughter'

I lose control and my thoughts take over I can't get him out of my head. Suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder, I don't need to look to know that it is Steve. I want to stop but I can't my thoughts and emotions are now controlling my body more and I can't stop punching. There is blood everywhere I know it is my blood but I can't feel it. I am numb. I feel Steve gently pull me away from the punching bag until it isn't in my reach. He turns me around and pulls me into a hug and I just break down in tears as he is holding me trying to calm me down.

'Why am I never enough Steve?' I sob hugging him tighter. 'You are enough, you will always be enough, Milly' Why don't I believe him? 'Never for him. For the first time in years, I bought him a birthday present because our relationship has started to get better. He has been talking to me more recently, he even hugged me the other day, like a proper hug not just a side hug, I can't tell you the last time that happened. You know I thought that all of those hours spent on my grades and getting straight A* was worth it. Then I heard him telling Mom how I would never be his daughter or part of his family.' Steve just looked at me with his usual big sad eyes

'What did you buy him?' Steve asks 'I bought him a photo frame of the 4 of us when we went on holiday to Florida. I overheard him saying to Mom how he didn't have picture of all of us so I thought that he would like it but he didn't even open it. I really thought he was starting to care about me and our relationship but clearly I was wrong. He couldn't give a shit.'

'Oh Milly, I am so sorry, I'm sure he didn't ...' I know exactly what he is going to say and it is lies. 'Don't, please Steve Don't. We both know you were about to say he didn't mean it and we both know that he did. I am so done with him. That is the last time I ever care about him again. I can't keep getting hurt he is going to kill me.' I start to cry harder 'I know, sweetie. It will get better, I promise.' I don't believe him. I don't believe anyone. 'Everyone else keeps telling me that but it never does. I would happily run away and never come back' Steve pulls away from me wiping the tears off my cheek. 'Please don't do that, Emilia' I just look at him 'Why not? It isn't like anyone is actually going to miss me'

'I would miss you' he says smiling. 'I doubt it, you would be too busy with Bucky and playing your star-spangled man with a plan routine' He breathes a laugh. 'Just because I would be busy with that doesn't mean I wouldn't miss your sarcasm, your wit, your clever brain, and you in general.' I look in his eyes trying to find the lie but all I see is sincerity and truth. 'Thanks Steve, that means a lot. You know you have been more like a dad to me than my actual dad'

'I really am sorry about the way he treats you Emilia but you can't run away or give up because that means he has won and I know you won't let that happen. I promise me and the other avengers will support you as much as you need. Now, how about you stay round here tonight and have a movie and pizza night?' Steve is still hugging me and I guess he is right if I give up that is me admitting defeat and I am not doing that. 'I would love to; you always have the best ideas to cheer me up' He smiles at my change of tone. 'It is what I am here for plus you are very predictable' We just laugh. I love spending time with Steve and the other avengers I just feel safe around them.

'Come on let's get your hands cleaned' Steve says pulling me out of my thoughts. 'I think you mean let's get Bruce to clean my hands' I look at Steve knowing that is what he meant. He maybe one of the best fighters but he can't wrap a bandage to save his life. 'That is what I said isn't it' I just look at him and laugh. He helps me stand up and he wraps him arm around my shoulders as we walk out of the gym.