The Aftermath

Winston (6)

It was later on in the day when I decided to go to town. I wanted to go to the library and get some new books. So I put on a tie dyed shirt that says Woodstock on it, some overalls, and my black converse. After tying my hair up in a ponytail, I went downstairs. I didn't see James so I left a note on my way out.

I was content with my walk. It felt amazing this morning. I was glad to finally get some true alone time. Since I came back, it has always been James or one of the others constantly with me. It was like they were afraid I'd disappear. I wasn't going to. I didn't feel like I had a need to.

I always wondered about the twins. How they were doing. But I pushed that from my mind as I entered the library. I lost track of time in the rows and rows of books. I smiled as I checked out the few books I did find. The walk home was peaceful as well. Upon entering the house, I heard people talking.

It was Dad and James. As quietly as I was able to, I placed the books down on the end table and crept towards the doorway. "....this isn't what he needs." James said, "Winston needs both of us." I heard Dad sigh.
"Jameson, you know exactly why I have to be at the sanctum. I'm trying to balance all of this." He threw his arms up in the air, then sighed again, "Nick Fury came to see me a few days ago. He knows what happened to Win. He says he can help." James let out a humorless chuckle. "By helping my brother he means throw him a cell and never see the light of day." My eyes went wide. Surely they wouldn't let that happen...right?

"If you look-"
"Dad for the love of all that's holy stop. Winston has been at rehab trying to get better. For months I was the only that would call him. To make sure he was actually doing good and getting the help he thought he needed. Not you. Not his friends. Me. He just came home not that long ago. So not rip him away from us. We are what he needs. Not some cell. Not some facility or whatever Fury told you. I don't believe him not for one second." James was pissed at Dad. Dad started to say something but James cut him off. "Before you badmouth his friends," James angrily said, "Win chose to not tell them. It was his decision. He didn't need them to worry. I did all of the worrying." I knew my twin was right. James was always the one to answer my calls. To actively ask me how my recovery was going. He was very supportive through those long months, essentially alone. I never made friends when I was in that rehabilitation place. I was more focused on getting better. I sighed and decided to go into the kitchen.

Dad looked surprised but not James. He probably knew I was listening the entire time. "Winter, it's good to see you again." I glared at him. He knew I didn't go by that name, but I'm not surprised that he did that. He always did. Dad tried to act calm. But he was failing miserably. "Dad, for one my name's Winston. Not Winter. Two, I heard everything." I told him, "I'm on medication and I think I'm doing better. I don't want to leave again. Please." I went to make some tea. Usually when Dad is here tea helps keep me calm.

Otherwise, I'm likely to call Dad out on his bullshit. "I'm glad to hear that. But if you get worse or something bad happens I want you to know that there are... other options. Nick Fury could train you better than Hydra. You could help people if you went with S.H.I.E.L.D." I shook my head no.

I didn't want that. Not now. Maybe eight months ago when I felt like there was no help for me. But I just want to hang out with my friends and try to be normal for once. I didn't think that was too much to ask for. Once my tea was made I went into the living room and started to read.

After a few hours and who knows how many cups of tea, I sat up and stretched. I let out a silent sigh, then proceeded to the kitchen for food. I noticed that the house was quiet. I smiled to myself. The quiet was peaceful. I liked quiet. There was a note on the counter. Picking it up, I read it.

'Win,

Went out to talk to Fury myself. Be back later.'

I sighed knowing that nothing good could come of this. James wasn't thinking things through. But when did he ever? I knew this was a bad idea but he had left before I could ever try to talk him out of this. I always had a backup plan. I just hope I don't have to do it. I don't want to disappear on everyone. Not again. Autumn would kill me. Especially since we went through some similar stuff, when it came to Hydra. But if S.H.I.E.L.D. came after me.... I won't have much choice.