The Gala
Ophelia walked through the entrance to the museum that was hosting the Rogers' Foundation Gala. Her dress freshly pressed and her hair done in glossy dark curls. And her makeup done for the first time in ages. While she did enjoy dressing up on occasion, it was in fact on occasion. She walked over to the coat check and checked her long dark maroon coat and clutch. After thanking the clerk she nervously walked over to the donation booth. She smiled as she bent down and signed her name along with a donation in the name of Unique Vintage. Tracy was kind enough to offer one in thanks for the party goers always getting their outfits from her shop. And it was for a good cause after all.
As Ophelia made her way through the museum looking upon displays of war hero's and veterans who were featured as foundation grant recipients. Their success' both in and out of the military. Their joys in finding life after injury. Ophelia then came across the most popular display. That of Captain America. Steve Rogers himself. The man in stars and stripes who saved the day on more than one occasion. Along with a photo of him as his older self alongside his wife Margaret Elizabeth Carter. Ophelia smiled up at the photo. After all the fighting and the loss. Captain America found home. And maybe one day so would she. Just as Ophelia started to go deeper into her own thoughts, a clearing of a throat was heard behind her. She looked over her shoulder and found Levi standing with his hands at his sides. Clad in a dark grey suit and tie with pointed black shoes and shiny black hair he looked like a figure stolen out of time.
"You came." Ophelia said not moving from where she stood. Levi took a few steps closer to her and took her hand in his.
"I told you I would." He replied.
"Your wearing glasses again I see." Ophelia stated.
"I am." Levi said. "You look beautiful." Levi said changing the subject.
"Thank you. So do you." She said and Levi cracked a small smile. And before they could say another word a very enthusiastic Peter Parker interrupted them.
"Ophelia! Levi! You guys are here! That's awesome." Peter said then looked down at their joined hands. A massive smile spread across Peter's face. "That's awesome too!" Peter said then turned when he heard a young woman coming up behind him. She was much taller than him and had brown curly hair. She wore an all black dress and a single string of pearls. Her expression was blank but her eyes showed she knew Peter well. "This is MJ. My girlfriend." Peter said and Ophelia noticed the onyx ring that he had gotten from Unique Vintage on her right hand.
"Hi." She said with a little smile. Ophelia smiled and introduced herself to MJ. And surprisingly so did Levi. Although he did show some restraint. Making sure not to make too much eye contact with either MJ or Peter. But he still showed up. And that was all that mattered to Ophelia in that moment. The explaining could wait one more night.
Peter, MJ, Levi, and Ophelia walked the rest of the museum admiring the exhibits and displays as they went. Ophelia keeping a keen eye out for any other Avengers. Her eyes meeting those of Tony Stark and Pepper Pott's. A knowing smile passing between them as their eyes met. She spotted a few she recognized as Sam Wilson and Bruce Banner. A few other's she somewhat recognized mingled about but not that of the one she was dreading to run into this evening.
That was until the guests were ushered into the dining area for the evening meal. At the front of the dining hall was a large stage. A huge banner with the name of the foundation and a photo of Captain America and his shield was at the center. Ophelia and Levi sat at Peter's table. They were also accompanied by Tony and Pepper. At first this made Ophelia a bit uncomfortable. Bringing back memories from the award dinner party at the Avengers Compound that seemed to have been rebuilt magically from nothing. But after some polite talk at the table Ophelia was grateful to be in the company of those who she somewhat knew. And Levi held her hand through it all. Finally bringing her the comfort she needed.
"Hello! And welcome to this years' Rogers' Foundation Gala!" The voice of Sam Wilson rang through the microphone he held in his hand as he stood on the stage before the crowd. The crowd clapped. "First I want to thank everyone who has donated both in the past and present to this amazing foundation! Your money has helped fund organizations who help veterans across all of these great United States! So thank you!" The crowd cheered and clapped once more. "Before I allow you all to enjoy your meals a very special friend of mine would like to say a few words." Sam said then gestured behind him. A man with short brown hair and an all black suit walked up to Sam and patted him on the back. Ophelia squinted her eyes to get a better look at the man. One of his hands covered in a black glove. The man took the microphone from Sam and cleared his throat.
"Thanks Sam. For those of you who don't know me. My name is James. Steve and I go way back. To the beginning. And all his life he has always wanted to help people. And with this foundation he is able to continue to help people far beyond any life time. He's helped me in more ways than I can count. So I just wanted to say thank you for coming and have a great evening." He said then began to walk off the stage.
Ophelia's blood ran cold. Her heart raced in her chest and her hand tightened in Levi's.
"What's wrong darling?" Levi asked in a hushed tone noticing Ophelia's sudden change in mood.
"That's him." Ophelia said softly. Tears welling in her eyes. The other people at the table noticed Ophelia's reaction to the speaker and leaned in to listen to her words. "That's the Avenger who left me to die." Ophelia said through grit teeth.