Poison

Chapter Two

She hated herself for even thinking about it.

The idea that she might even miss the very profession that killed her sister. She couldn't help but think about what it would be like had she stayed with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Christine was disgusted with herself.

Christine thought about what it was like when she was apart of S.H.I.E.L.D. Her sister and she were apart of the organization before the Avengers were. Before S.H.I.E.L.D decided to start using metahumans and trained assassins. The young women were considered the "secret" weapons that S.H.I.E.L.D had against any of their enemies. The siblings were unstoppable together, taking down Hydra's leaders without a sweat.

She was pulled out of her thought when a familiar meow was heard. Toby was balancing on the stairwell landing. Looking down at her with his head slightly tilted, in a questioning manner. When Christine got home, she sat on the landing steps and watched the people go by. Toby must have sensed her outside and somehow managed to get outside. She could never figure out how.

There weren't that many people because it was past midnight. Every once in awhile she would see a young drunk couple walking. Jealousy would spike in her chest, longing for that. She wanted to be that naive, to be that free. To smile without feeling guilty for it.

Toby sensed her troubled spirit and rubbed his orange body along her thigh.

She picked up the feline and pressed him into her chest. He mewled in protest but didn't do anything else. She took the opportunity to hold onto him as tight as he could stand. She held onto him to try and ground herself. Giving her some happiness in the hell she lives every day.

A week later, Christine was back at work. She spotted Lizzie as she performed a backhand spring. She performed it well, although her landing was still a little rough. If she kept landing the way she was, she was sure to sprain her ankle. Christine expressed her concerns to her and she apologized.

"No need to apologize. Take five and work on your song for competition"

Christine walked over to another student on the balance beam. She was practicing her back walkover and she smiled in approval at her. She made rounds, checking on each student and their trainer. She thought about the time she found the gym.

It was after the New York attack, one of the only untouched buildings. The owner sold her the place for a discount. Her dream to become a gymnast fell through, so she settled on becoming a coach. It was a bit of a fixer-upper and in need of a bit of love. She remodeled the place with the help of some local contractors and volunteers.

A cry rang throughout the gym and she jogged over to the source.

Lizzie sat on the ground holding her ankle, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face.

"What happened?" Christine asked one of the trainers as she was pushing through the small crowd forming.

One of the newer trainers spoke up. "She landed wrong"

"Did you spot her?" Christine kneeled beside Lizzie.

"She said she didn't need it"

She needed to get a look at her ankle but the young girl wouldn't let go of her ankle. Her motherly instincts took over and she spoke calmly to the girl. "Lizzie, I need to look at your ankle."

"It hurts." She cried.

"I know, but I can't help unless I see how bad it is."

She still didn't let go, so Christine gently held the girl's leg. She could see how much it was affecting her.She asked Lizzie to mind her breathing, Lizzie's breathing  slowed and she gently let go of her ankle.