Chapter 2
The Stark Expo. Anne Marie was ecstatic she couldn’t wait to go. What she didn’t know was that Bucky was bringing two other girls to go with him and Steve.
Anne Marie was meeting the boys at their apartment, so that they could all go to the expo together and not have to meet up there.
“Hiya, idiots, you ready for a night of science fiction!'' she yelled as she entered the apartment not noticing the 2 girls sitting on the couch in the room.
“Ahem”, the girls said in unison to get Anne Marie’s attention after her rather loud yelling beforehand. Anne Marie jumped at the sound of the high pitched ‘ahem’ not realizing that there were other girls in the apartment.
“Oh, sorry I didn’t realize you two were here.” Anne Marie said with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Bucky and Steve walked in just in time to save her from having more of the awkward conversation that had started when she walked in.
“James, who is this gal?” One of the girls said rather quizatorial and judgy in your direction.
“That would be Anne Marie, she is Steve and mine’s childhood best friend.” Bucky stated matter of factly like that was a well known thing.
Anne Marie was a well guarded person. Not really talking to many people outside of her family and close friends, she didn’t need to; she had all she would ever need right there.
Anne Marie was wearing a lavender dress in stark contrast to the bright pinks of the two other girls' dresses. Bucky was wearing his dress uniform and Steve wore a pair of slacks, a white tee and a khaki jacket. All ready to catch a cab to the Expo.
Stepping out of the car Anne Marie was dumbfounded by what she was seeing. Everything looked like it was straight out of a scifi book. High speed trains, mannequins with superhero suits, and smack dab in front of the stage a giant spinning globe.
Bucky and Steve instantly noticed Anne Marie’s face light up when they exited the car. For a split moment forgetting about the other girls in the car, enticed by the beauty in front of them.
“Come on girls,” Bucky said as he helped them out of the car. “If we don't hurry we are going to miss the show.” Bucky gestured to the stage behind the globe in front of them. The girls rolled their eyes at this only really wanting to go dancing with Bucky.
“Steve, come with me we can make it to the front if we hurry,” Anne Marie called a few paces from the car.
“Slow down Ace, I'm coming, just give me a second.” Steve was just rounding the back of the cab after getting out.
Steve and Anne Marie race ahead leaving Bucky and those girls behind. Bucky was slightly jealous of Steve and Anne Marie being able to get so close to the stage.
“Welcome to the 1941 Stark Expo” a bodiless voice said over a loudspeaker as a man started walking on to the stage still not out enough for Anne Marie to tell who it was. The man came into view and she realized it was none other than the infamous Howard Stark, he looked even better than what the paper described.
“Tonight I will show you what was once thought just to be science fiction, come to life. In a few short years this will be available to the world.” He started as a sleek red and black hot rod was wheeled onto the stage behind him.
“Ladies, please,” as he said this the helpers on stage removed the tires from the car revealing some new stark tech in the wheel bed.
With the flip of a lever the car started to float off the ground, hovering over the stage it was once firmly planted on. Bucky, Steve and Anne Marie couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was amazing the car was floating. Just as she thought that, there was a malfunction and the car crashed down onto the stage.
“I did say a few years, didn't I.” Howard said, trying to dismiss what just happened on the stage.
“Bucky, come on we want to go dancing,” the girls said rather whiney, clearly showing their disinterest in the science part of this expo.
“Go ahead, we will meet you there later.” Anne Marie said seeing the torn look on Bucky’s face.
“Alright dolls, who's ready to dance,” Bucky looked at the two girls' excited faces, secretly longing to just be with Steve and Anne Marie.
One the way to the dancing hall Steve caught sight of an enlisting booth. He looked at Anne Marie and said, “It's a fair, I am going to try my luck.” Referencing his multiple attempts to enlist before. Anne Marie knew how bad Steve wanted to serve his country, so she just looked at him and nodded her head.
They walked in together, Steve was looking at a mural when Bucky walked in after he realized they should have been at the dance hall by now. Bucky instantly knew where Steve and Anne Marie were when he saw the enlisting booth.
“ Really, Steve, how many times is this?” He stated while also giving Anne Marie a look of why didn't you try to stop him.
“ It’s a Fair. I thought I would try my luck.” Steve said, looking up at Bucky with a determined gleam in his eye. Bucky knew once Steve set his mind to something there was no stopping him.
“Fine but this is it. After this if you don’t get in there are no more attempts.” Bucky put his foot down not wanting Steve to get arrested for breaking the law so many times.
“I’ve got to get back to those lovely ladies for some dancing but don’t do anything stupid until I get back,” Bucky pointed at both of them.
“How can we you’re taking all the stupid with you,” Steve replied giving Bucky a hug.
Steve went into the medical examination room for the medical evaluation. Anne Marie waited outside, slightly nervous that Steve would finally be caught.
Steve came out holding a piece of paper in his hand with the faint stamp of the symbol F1. Anne Marie instantly knew what that meant, Steve was enlisted in the military.