12 Plot Points Of Christmas: A Writer's Challenge

Chapter 10: Confrontation

Beverlee awoke from her slumber, feeling well rested. She stretched, only to painfully remember her wounded arm after the fact - yet again clutching it with the hand of her other arm.

Becoming aware of her surroundings,  the memory of what had happened all came flooding back.

"Loki?" she asked quietly.

He wasn't in the room.

She took a look at her watch that was on the bedside table - it was late Sunday afternoon.

Where did the time go, she asked herself, I have to find a way home... or maybe call in sick for work on Monday?

Getting out of bed, she went into the bathroom to get refreshed. Due to her injured arm, she found washing and dressing quite the frustrating task!

Although it wasn't easy, after a fashion, she was able to figure out how to do so - by taking her time and a lot of deep breaths.

Now looking mostly presentable, she decided to explore this elegant room.

Looking around, she soon spotted a package on the mantelpiece which was addressed to her. Gently squeezing the package in her hands, she had a feeling what the contents were. Carefully opening it, upon looking inside, she had guessed right. As per what Doctor Lowenstien had said to her, it was sleepwear and some more t-shirts, along with socks and underwear.

It was times like these that Beverlee didn't mind that she had been vetted by SHIELD - she knew these items would fit.

Feeling pangs of hunger, Beverlee decided to venture forth into the living room. She needed to find out if there was another round of food in the suite or if she needed to call the front desk.

She heard a knock on the door.

Upon opening the door, it was, who else? Loki!

With Loki's 'radar' ability, she surmised he somehow detected that she was awake.

"Beverlee!" he said with elation, carefully pulling her into his arms. "I missed you something fierce."

"I missed you too," she whispered. "So tell me, what's been going on while I was sleeping?"

Releasing the hug, Loki led them to the bed where they sat.

"Thor, with the backing of SHIELD, well, actually more with Coulson, is putting together a multicultural holiday party. It's also a celebration of the Initiative being together for more than a year. We wanted you to be part of the festivities, so we pushed back the date till you would be well enough to enjoy it."

"But I'm not part of the Initiative..." Beverlee said, not quite understanding.

"Aren't you?" Loki said, giving her a soft smile along with raising an eyebrow. "When it comes to me, I believe you are not just my best friend, but what I believe Midgardians call a 'life coach.'"

"I'll take it," Beverlee smiled.

Beverlee's stomach soon growled from hunger.

"I believe someone needs to eat," Loki said. "We can Uber somewhere to get some... what did Sasha call it? Oh yes, 'cheap eats.'"

"Where are the others?" Beverlee asked.

"Some of the items needed for this party are being organized by the members themselves, so they are all out doing their part."

"Then what's your part?"

"Taking care of you."

"Loki," Beverlee mock-chided, "you must have some role in the organization of this event?"