Chosen

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: Little Drummer Boy

"Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever." -Joel Osteen.

-

 I cheer as I finish curling the last straight piece of my hair. Despite my hate for those blasted torture devices, my present from Steve was a pair of magical gloves that are heat resistant. Originally the gloves are for working with heated pans like when cooking, but I have found a second use for it. Steve thought they might work for in the laboratory; however, they wouldn't withstand those high temperatures.

 I check my makeup and one last time before I hear a knock on my door. I situate my dark maroon sheath dress one last time. I give Natasha props for picking it out for me as my Christmas gift. It's long sleeved and has a bateau neckline. The material comes to just above my knee and I wear black lace tights underneath. You can see the metal of my leg through my tights, but oh well. A pair of wedged black ankle heels adorn my feet. I walk over to open the door for my date.

 "Wow, you look gorgeous," Alex stands outside my room with a rose in hand.

 "You don't look too bad yourself," I return the compliment to the guy looking dapper in tan chinos and a grey suit jacket.

 "But no one will be looking at me," Alex hands me the flower, "Because I'll have this beautiful lady next to me."

 "Aw, you're too sweet," I blush.

 "Shall we?" He sticks out his elbow.

 I smile as I link my arm with his. Alex presses the elevator button for me before we step in. We go down multiple levels before we can officially begin our date.

 "Is everyone here yet?" I ask as we walk into the living room.

 "I don't know, I just got here like you," Alex replies as we walk down few steps.

 Instead of celebrating Christmas by having a normal dinner, my mom had the idea to host a Christmas dinner party. A handful of people are coming tonight. Alex asked me to be his date for the evening and I couldn't say no.

 "Ah," I groan as right foot throbs in the heels.

 "What's wrong?"

 "My foot is still very sore from being crushed by the fridge door."

 "Then why are you wearing those heels?" Alex laughs.

 "Because it hurt just the same to wear them as it did to wear any other shoe. And they go with the dress!" I fake whine.

 "Oh, what girls do for fashion," He looks over at me.

 "Shut up," I nudge him as Steve walks over with a petite blonde next to him.

 "Monica, you look lovely this evening," Steve greets me politely.

 "Thank you," I smile.

 "I would like to introduce you to Sharon Carter," Steve motions to the woman, "Sharon, this is Monica and Alex."

 "Hi," She nods at us.

 "You don't happen to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, do you?" I ask.

 "Yes, I am. Agent Thirteen at your service," She jokes.

 "I've heard about you around headquarters."

 "And I've heard about you... well, everywhere."

 "It's been a pleasure to meet you! I hope we have a chance to chat later tonight," I smile.

 "Me too," She responds gleefully before Steve pulls her away to go talk to someone else.