The Widows Daughter

Part twenty-four

(Natasha's POV)

"I'm worried about Chloe. She isn't eating, when she sleeps I can hear her scream. She won't talk to me. And if she does, she won't talk to me about what's going on with her. I'm worried about her. Really worried about her." I told Steve as he listened.

"When did all this start?" He asked curiously but I just shook my head.

"I don't know. She woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago. I'm just worried about her. I'm supposed to help, but I can't. She won't let me. I just...I just feel so helpless. Useless." I said feeling tears well up in my eyes.

I wasn't much of a cryer, but I just didn't know what to do.

"Has she said anything to you?" I asked Steve as he looked out the widow.

"No, she hasn't. Have you considered that maybe she just doesn't want to talk to you? I mean, she is a teenager. Not to mention that she's not what people would consider a normal teenager." Steve pointed out.

"Yeah, but I don't think that's it. I mean yes. She isn't a normal teenager, but I don't think that's what's wrong. I mean you should have seen her that night Steve. She looked like she had seen a ghost or something." I said putting my head in my hands.

"I'm sure that when she wants to talk, she will Natasha. You just have to be patient. She did live a whole thirteen years without a family besides Hydra. You can't just expect her to open up to you about everything. As far as we know, she could've been taught to keep her thoughts and stuff to herself. We don't know." Steve said moving to sit next to me and putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah, I know. Just figure it out as you go right?" I sniffed and Steve nodded.

"Come 'er." Steve said putting his arms around me and I leaned into the hug.

"What's going on here?" I looked up to see Chloe standing awkwardly looking confused and scared.

"Nothing. Just talking." I said brushing the tear that had fallen off my face.

"Uh huh. Sure. That's why you were hugging." She said suspiciously.

"Did you need something Chloe?" Steve asked.

"Yeah. I was gonna go train. I wanna punch something. Do you mind?" Chloe asked.

"Not at all. I think Wanda might be in there too, just so you know." Steve replied.

"Okay. Thanks." Chloe said staring at us for a few seconds before leaving.

"I'm gonna go take a shower. Do you think that you could maybe get her to talk to you?" I asked Steve.

"You want me to tattletale on your daughter?" He asked with a laugh.

"What? No! No, think of it as getting information. Please?" I begged.

"Fine. I'll see what I can do. Enjoy your shower." Steve said waving me off.

I laughed as I headed to go take a shower.

————————

(Chloe's POV)

I punched the punching bag repeatedly trying to get everything out.

"You know, if you do it that way, you might end up breaking your wrist." I heard Cap say as he walked in.

"That's what you always say. Or it's something about my form. I don't really pay attention." I joked as he walked up next to me.

"Your moms worried about you, you know." He said.

Of course she is.

"Isn't that her job?" I joked while focusing on the punching bag.