Sunday dinner at the Barnes house had always been a special event. Mrs. Barnes took great pride in the special roast she prepared, slow roasting the entire day, which helped create a delicious broth. That broth then making an equally amazing gravy.
She'd shift about the kitchen, fussing over the pots on the stove top or in the oven. Always worried something might not come out perfect. Bucky had learnt long ago, it was best to just leave his Mother to it, as stepping into the kitchen was like stepping on the front lines all over again. That stern glare she would set on him, was bond to turn him into a trembling private all over agian.
When he was a boy, Steve would be around to help keep him preoccupied. On occasion you and Becca would even tag along. But now, with Steve gone and you working at the cannery till three, he was solely dependent on his sister for entertainment.
Bucky's eyes scan over the newspaper he was supposed to be reading. His eyes flick to his sister, who is currently enjoying her needle point. Bucky's eyes turn back to his paper before he let's out a loud sigh. When his sister says nothing, his eyes find her again. He sighs again, this time even louder.
Her eyes snap to him this time, "James, what is it." Her tone showing her clear annoyance.
"I'm bored Bec." Bucky groans out.
"Seriously James? What are you, two?" Rebecca's eyes already back on her work.
There are crinkling noises, as Bucky mumbles under his breath. Then a swooshing sound, as Bucky throws the newspaper ball he just made. As it smacks Rebecca's face, her eyes quickly dart to his, "James Buchanan Barnes!" She shrieks out.
Bucky is quick to his feet, Trying his best to scurry past his sister and out the door. The thick piece of canvas Rebecca was working on, smacks Bucky's back, as he bolts out the door. Rebecca is up and on Bucky's heels, chasing him up the stairs and down the halls. The house soon filled with their giddy howls, and the thumping of their feet against hardwood floors.
"I'm gonna get you James Barnes." Rebecca's voice closing in on Bucky. He turns the corner and finds himself trapped. His frantic eyes searching for any means of escape. His eyes land on his sister, a mischievous look in her eyes. Bucky raises his hand slowly, "Rebecca please....lets talk about this..." Bucky is pleading with his sister.
Rebecca's hand darts into the pocket of her apron, pulling out the newspaper ball and throwing it straight at the shocked face of her brother. Her laughter now fills the upstairs halls as she looks at her surprised brother. "Looks like you're it now brother." She turns ready to flee, but looks back to her brother one last time. "Bet you can't catch me."
Again the house is filled with the sounds of their feet, as the brother and sister scamper up and down halls and stairs. Winifred Barnes just smiles to herself in the kitchen, enjoying as her home is once again infused with the sounds of her children's merriment.