A Push
Ophelia didn't pry into why she suspected Levi of lying so much to her lately. It hurt her deeply to know the person she cared for most in this world was being dishonest. Levi had been with her through every hardship she had faced since moving to Manhattan. And he never disappointed her. He held her hand through the dark days, wiped her tears through the sad days, and rejoiced with her through the happiest of days. She loved him. They had been family for nearly two years. And a family was something Ophelia desperately yearned for. The only family she had or at least knew of was her mother. And she was taken from her at a very young age. Stolen in the middle of the night by HYDRA agents and smuggled into the United States. Her true home a distant memory. And now it was gone. She couldn't go back. Not just because it would be too dangerous to visit old wounds, but because it wasn't home anymore. Sokovia was gone. All that remained was the slight hint of an accent that laced her tongue when she spoke. And even then it didn't have its usual luster that it had when she was a child. But she preferred it that way. Easier to blend in. Except for the Avengers. They seemed to pick up on her unique accent right away. Why was that?
Levi left Ophelia's apartment later that evening after the Avengers dinner party. They sat in silence for so long without any explanation for Levi's behavior that Ophelia was just done for the night. She had decided that if he wanted to explain himself he would. So some much needed space was in order.
The next day Ophelia had a shift at Unique Vintage. On Tuesdays Tim worked as well as Tracy. It was a small shop so not many employees were needed all day. Ophelia walked her usual quick walk from the alley she teleported from to the front door of the shop and walked in. She was tired and dark circles rimmed her blue eyes. All she could think about all night was the awkward dinner with the Avengers and how Levi acted so strangely. She needed answers. But for now, she would work to keep her mind occupied.
Ophelia clocked into work and began organizing shelves of records in the corner of the store closest to the employee break room. A few minutes later Tim walked into the store and waved hello to her and Tracy.
"Your here early. I thought you didn't come in until noon?" Ophelia asked with a little yawn.
"I need the hours. Benny got sick again." Tim replied rubbing his temples. Obviously very stressed. Benny was Tim's dog. And he was always getting into something. And no he wasn't a puppy, just a chewer. But the more things we got into and ate the more he got sick. And the vet bills were piling up. Ophelia felt for Tim. He loved his dog. And it was just the the two of them in Tim's small apartment.
"Sorry Tim. Is he okay?" Ophelia asked.
"He's fine. Just won't stop eating things he's not suppose too. And the meds this round are expensive. I need to get a dog sitter to check in on him a few times a day. It doesn't matter what I do or what I hide, he eats everything. Even his own bed!" Tim said with a chuckle. He didn't find it funny that his dog misbehaved so badly that it was affecting his health, but it was a bit entertaining. That dog could chew through anything. He was a Rottweiler mix. Not aggressive but had a jaw like an alligator.
"I think the dog sitter is a good idea. Let me know if you need anything." Ophelia said with a smile. Tim nodded to her then made his way into the break room. Tracy came out and patted Tim on the shoulder. She knew he was going through it with his dog and she let him have as many hours as he wanted without burning himself out.
Ophelia finished with the records then went to shelf some books that just arrived near the front display window. She gazed upon the mauve vintage dress she put in the window last Sunday. It truly was beautiful. Ophelia's phone rang dragging her from her day dreams and she pulled it out of her back pocket. She looked up at Tracy and mouthed "sorry" for it being on loud and not silent. Tracy just shrugged. She knew Ophelia was a hard worker and rarely used her phone while on the clock. So an accidental ring didn't bother her. Ophelia looked at the called ID and saw it was Peter Parker. She groaned then answered the phone.
"One second Peter." Ophelia said then waved to Tracy that she was stepping outside for a minute. Tracy waved back at her. Ophelia walked out of the front door and shivered at the cool morning air that hit her skin. She wore a pair of light denim jeans and a thin black sweater. She leaned against the brick wall next to Unique Vintage and placed the phone to her ear. "What is it Peter?" Ophelia asked into the phone.
"Hi Ophelia! I want to apologize about last night. I didn't realize it would be so awkward. I just wanted Mr. Stark to meet you." Peter said apologetically. Ophelia sighed. From her short time knowing Peter Parker she could already tell he meant no harm.
"It's fine. Is that why you called?" Ophelia asked. She could sense Peter wanted to talk to her about more than just an apology. There was a short pause. "Peter?" She asked.
"Yeah. I wanted to ask if you would want to come to an event." Peter asked.
"What type of event?" Ophelia asked. She wasn't exactly a crowd person and if this had anything to do with the Avengers she wasn't sure if she should be in attendance.
"Mr. Rogers' charity is hosting its annual gala. They raise money for wounded veterans. It's legit. We are all invited and I thought it would be good if you came too." Peter said with a little nervousness in his voice. Ophelia thought to herself for a moment. She had heard of the Rogers Foundation before. It has helped a lot of people. She often had people come into Unique Vintage to get outfits for the events. She had always wanted to go, to support. But it was by invitation only. So she supported by making sure the party goers were dressed in theme.
"I don't know Peter. After last night I'm not sure I should be going." Ophelia said.
"Come on, please. I know we don't know each other very well but... you can trust me. And it's for a good cause. And everyone will be there. You can bring your assistant if you want!" Peter said. The "everyone will be there" of his words made Ophelia shudder. Could she really handle all the Avengers in one room? If she was honest with herself she didn't know if she could. But something deep down made her curious. Something was pushing her to them. No matter how much she tried to tell herself to stay away.
"Okay. When is it?" Ophelia finally said.
"Awesome! It's Saturday at the Air Museum downtown. I'll have Friday send you an invite! Your not going to regret it!" Peter said and Ophelia laughed lightly.
"We'll see. I gotta go Peter. But I'll see you this weekend." Ophelia said then hung up the phone. She turned to make her way back inside the shop but stopped and looked at the display window and shook her head with a small smile. The vintage dress she adored so much still on display waiting to be claimed.