Fated Marks

Third Person’s POV-

“I can’t find her.” Tony said.

“There isn’t a record of her getting on any planes and the security feeds at the bus stations don’t show here ever being there.” Natasha said.

“How can someone disappear like that?” Steve said.

“It’s not impossible.” Clint said.

“We must find her.” Thor said.

“I hate to say it but maybe we should listen to Will and wait it out.” Bruce said.

“You want to leave her out there where her brother can find her?” Steve said.

“Hayley spent years on her own and her brother hasn’t found her in three and a half years I think she can handle a few days on her own.” Natasha said.

“She needs time to cool off.” Clint said. “I say we give it to her.”

Tony sighed. “It’s not like we can find her anyway. She’s really good at covering her tracks.”

“I know.” Natasha said sharing a look with Clint. No normal civilian would be able to hide that well.

Hayley’s POV-

The plane landed pretty late but I managed to find an inn in the French Quarter close to all the places I visited last time. If this M guy managed to find me last time that’d be the place to be. I woke up the next morning and felt a sense of worry and anxiousness from all my marks. All I felt was anger.

I got out of bed and took a quick shower before getting dressed in some ripped blue jeans, a black and white flannel topped with an olive utility jacked and some flats.

I grabbed my wallet and my leather laptop bag before heading out to the bar that claimed to have the best gumbo in the entire French Quarter.

I walk in and it’s fairly empty I take a seat in the corner and set everything up.

“Hiya welcome to Rousseau’s. My name is Debbie what can I get ya today?” Debbie said politely.

“Uh, I think I’ll have a bowl or your famous gumbo and a glass of water please.” I said.

“I’ll bring that right out for ya, here’s the wifi password.” She said handing me a card.

“Thank you.” I said. I logged in to the wifi and started looking for any clues. There were a lot of family crests but none matched up to the one on the card in my hand.

“Here you are sweetie, one gumbo and a glass of water.” Debbie said.

“Thank you.” I said. I noticed she kept looking at the card in my hand. “I came here about a year ago with some friends of mine and we went to this club, it was amazing. We don’t remember the name but one of them managed to get a business card do you by chance know where it is?” I said handing her the card.

“Uh, not really. I’ve seen this symbol on some of the old buildings here in the quarter but I don’t think any of them are clubs.” Debbie said looking around.

“I guess I’ll go have a look around and see if it brings up anything.” I said. “That is after I enjoy this amazing gumbo.” I said making her laugh.

“If you think that’s great, we just pulled some beignets out of the oven.” Debbie said.

“Sounds good with some coffee afterwards.” I said.

“I’ll bring it over when you’re done. Enjoy.” She said.

I sat down and started doing a bit more research on the French quarter nothing out of the ordinary. A rich cultural history. A ton of great food places and music clubs. If I didn’t find anything I would book a flight to my usual getaway.

As I watched a group of kids pass by wearing avengers t-shirts I couldn’t help but wonder what everyone was doing. No damn it, I am pissed and I’m sure Tony remembered to take his post op meds this morning. It couldn’t hurt to check. I quickly hacked into Jarvis and set a reminder before erasing any signs I was ever in the system. I had a scrambler integrated to my phone and computer so there was no way I could be tracked.

I finished my food before paying the bill and heading out. It was still a few weeks before Mardi gras and the city wasn’t as packed as I remembered it was last time. I walked around and stopped by a group that was playing on the street when I started feeling a bit light headed.

“You’ve grown up since the last time I saw you.” I heard someone say and I saw a man in a suit. Before I could say anything I blacked out.

When I finally regained consciousness I was in a very dimly lit room. There was a chandelier lighting the room and the walls were a dull grey. The place looked very dull and rustic. I stood up and peeked through the window and saw that I was by the street. Tourists were partying and music was playing.

“Morning sunshine. Wow, Elijah was right you did grow up.” A very familiar voice said.

“I hate that nickname and I go by Liz now.” I said.

“Aww aren’t you happy to see me?” He said.

“Kol, I would normally say you’re full of yourself but I actually know people with bigger egos than you now.” I said.

“So Liz, you should probably come down there are people who want to see you.” Kol said.

“So M is…” I started.

“Is that really so hard to believe? For a genius you can be pretty daft.” Kol said.

“Oh shove it you ass.” I said.

“Rebekah picked up your things from that hole in the wall you were staying at.” Kol said. “If you want to freshen up.”

“You’ve been watching me?” I said.

“We have people everywhere, you should know better by now.” Kol said. “I’ll be downstairs.”

I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. At least I know I don’t have to worry about him finding me of course now I need to worry about why they brought me here.

I walked into the bathroom and freshened up before going downstairs to face everyone.

I walked into the courtyard and there was a table set. I heard them all whisper until Kol saw me come down.

“Look at you.” Rebekah said. “You have your mother’s looks.”

“Bekah, you look great.” I said hugging her.

“Little C-Liz’s all grown up.” Nik said.

“Nik, you look good. What’s it been eight, nine years?” I said.

“Just about.” He said pulling out my chair.

“Would have been sooner if we knew where you were.” Another voice said.

“Marcel, looks like the entire family’s here.” I said.

“We are.” Elijah said.

“So not that I’m not happy to see you because you know I am, you guys are great but what’s with the drugging and kidnapping?” I said.

“We’re trying to keep up appearances and you asking questions draws attention to us.” Elijah answers.

“Sorry, didn’t even know you were all here. Last I heard you were all in Chicago.” I said.

“We’ve moved around a lot the past few years. Had some complications and you know how it goes.” Nik said.

“No place like home.” Rebekah said.

“Or so we’ve heard.” Kol said.

“We’re saddened to hear about your mother.” Elijah said. “You have our deepest condolences.”

“Thank you.” I said.

“We tried looking for you after but it was like you vanished into thin air.” Marcel said.

“Yeah, I had to pull a disappearing act and leave.” I said.

“What happened?” Kol asked.

“My brother happened. He said if he ever saw me again I’d be joining my mom and after he put a knife in my gut I was inclined to believe him.” I said. “That was five years ago.”

“That explains why we never found you.” Nik said.

“You looked for me?” I asked.

“Of course we did, just because things didn’t work out between me and your mom doesn’t mean I ever stopped caring about youLiz. You’re like the daughter I wish I had.” Marcel said.

“I didn’t speak to my mom for a month after she ended things with you.” I said.

“How’d that work?” Rebekah asked.

“I learned sign language.” I said with a shrug.

“So tell us what have you been up to these past few years?” Elijah said.

“I moved around a lot. Mostly stuck to small towns, changed my name each time.” I said.

“You did learn from the best. I lost track of all the identities your mom used.” Marcel said. “Was Alice even her real name?”

“I’m ninety percent sure it was, if not well that’s what’s on her gravestone.” I said. Everyone was quiet before they all started laughing.

“Where are you now?” Kol asked.

“New York, I’m actually going to Columbia.” I said.

“Congratulations that is an excellent school.” Elijah said.

“Why are you in New Orleans?” Rebekah asked.

“I needed a getaway, the holidays were not as relaxing as I thought they’d be.” I said.

“I know the feeling.” Kol said yelping as I’m sure Rebekah kicked him under the table.

“So what now?” Nik asked.

“I’m not sure. I only came to New Orleans as more of a rest stop to my normal getaway. I found the card and I was curious. It’s not every day you wake up with almost no memory of the night before and a mysterious card saying I was safe in the city.” I said.

“Oh right, Mardi gras last year.” Rebekah said. “I’ve never seen some one drink that much and still be able to walk.”

“Josh was very smitten with your friend.” Kol said.

“Will was very smitten with Josh. To this day he still says that was the best night of his life.” I said.

“We’re actually going out tonight if you want to join us.” Rebekah said.

“That would be great.” I said. “I could use a bit of fun.”

“Perfect I have just the dress for you.” Rebekah said.

“She has missed playing dress up with you.” Nik said.

After Lunch Rebekah took me to her room where she made me try on half her closet. She finally settled for a black body con dress with lace detailing and some black pumps.

We quickly made our way to one of the bars and then we partied. At some point we all got tired and just wanted to talk so we ended up on a roof somewhere.

“So is Will seeing anyone?” Josh just casually asked.

“Sorry Josh he actually is, doesn’t stop him from minding his own business.” I said.

“There’s a story there spill.” Kol said.

“It’s kind of a mess.” I said.

“Have you met our family?” Rebekah said. “Go on, what’s got your knickers in a bunch?”

“I met six of my soulmates Three and a half months ago and I didn’t find out until last night. We work together and they knew but never said anything. What’s worse my best friend Will also knew and kept it a secret from me. He also encouraged me to go out with this other guy Nate who was amazing and great but I felt nothing for him and I led him on for almost two months. I broke up with him two nights ago. So I’m currently mad at everyone I know in New York because they’ve all lied to my face.” I said.

“Damn right you should be mad.” Rebekah said.

“Thank you.” I said.

“What did you say to them when you found out?” Josh asked.

“I yelled I ran then I went to my apartment grabbed another identity and flew here.’ I said.

“I’m starting to see why they didn’t tell you right away.” Kol said.

“Don’t take those idiot’s side they lied for months to her face. She trusted them and confided in them and by the looks of it fell in love with them.” Rebekah said.

“Wow that’s going a bit too far.” I said.

“Oh please, just because you can’t admit it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.” Kol said. “If it weren’t you wouldn’t be so wrecked over it.”

“They lied for months and all I feel is anger and betrayal and god I want to punch someone.” I said.

“But the second you do you’re going to feel guilty.” Rebekah said.

“Ah! I stuck in a loop.” I said.

“Just give them a chance.” Josh said.

“Besides its not like they’re the only ones that are keeping secrets.” Kol said.

“That’s different.’ I said.

“How so?” Kol said.

“You have no idea the shit storm of epic proportions telling them my past would cause.” I said.

“Who are your soulmates anyway?” Rebekah said.

“They’re in the tech business.” I said. It was slightly true. I work for Stark Industries under Tony Stark and the Avengers happen to be an Independent subsidiary of Tony’s private holdings. At least that’s how it was listed for tax purposes. “Met them at work.”

“That’s vague.” Kol said.

“You want to talk about this Davina, Rebekah has told me so much about?” I said.

“Point taken. Vague is good.” Kol said.

“If I found my soulmate I’d be shouting it from the rooftops.” Rebekah said.

“Would you introduce him to your brothers?” I asked.

“When hell freezes over, he’d never find out about any of this.” She said.

“Same reason I won’t.” I said.

“But you did nothing wrong.” Kol said.

“But if he finds out that’s just one more way he can hurt me. My mom had friends but she also made a lot of enemies.” I said. “Also I’m still mad I’ve been betrayed!”

“Now you sound like Nik, you know he’s been seeing his therapist?” Kol said.

“He’s seeing a therapist? So what?” I said.

“Not just as a patient but as more than that.’ Kol said.

“Uh, that’s creepy.’ I said.

“Nik had always had a thing for blondes.” Rebekah said.

“How long do we have you for Liz?” Josh asked.

“I think I can stick around for a few days. “ I said with a smile.

“We need to find a way to work out some of that anger.” Kol said.

“Does punching all six of them and Will in the throat count as an option because that’s the one I’m currently leaning to.” I said.

“Maybe you should also go talk to a therapist.” Josh said and I flipped him off.

The next few days went a little like that except more less talking and more partying but eventually Marcel sat me down and made me deal with it the grown up way, by fencing.

We were in the courtyard like old time just sparring.

“So what are they’re names again?” He said as he went for a lunge.

“Not telling you.” I said deflecting both his questions and the hit.

“Why not.’ He said.

“Because I know you, you’ll look them up. Then give them an exaggeratingly threatening shovel talk before doing something to prove that you can and you will do what you said.” I said. “They’re good people. Morons but good.”

“If you’re so angry at them why are you defending them?” Marcel said before I swung the sword, making him drop his and quickly moved and pinned him between the stone pillar and the sword.

“I’m stating an objective fact.” I said.

“You’re doing that thing your mom used to do, state logical facts to avoid actually saying what you’re feeling.” Marcel said.

“And you’re mentioning the woman who kicked you to the curb when you disagreed with her about her parenting styles when he did this.” I said touching the back of my neck. “To get me to open up about something that isn’t any of your business to make up for the guilt you feel for leaving me alone with them.”

I didn’t miss the pained look he gave me.

“Sorry low blow.” I said.

“No it’s fine, but hey there’s that anger. You have to stop bottling it all up.” He said.

“So you think it’d be a good idea to go back there and just let it rip let it all out?” I said.

“That’d be a good place to start but I know you and that’s not what’s going to happen.” Marcel said.

“So according to you what am I going to do?” I said.

“Nothing.” He said. “You’re going to weight out all your options and ignore the problem until you finally can’t take it anymore and give in.”

“I don’t do that.” I said.

“Yeah you do.” He said. “You said you have one more week and then you’re heading back right? Take the week think it all through. This could be your chance to be happy and after the hell you went through the past few years you deserve it.”

“You make it sound so easy.” I said.

“It could be, you just have to give yourself a chance.” He said before looking at the clock. “We should go get cleaned up. It’s almost time for you to go and I have a meeting. Remember you’re always welcome here.”

“Thank you.” I said as we hugged before I went up to my room to shower and get dressed. I got dressed in some black jeans a grey top and a black asymmetrical leather jacket with a grey scarf. It was going to be cold when I landed so this would be comfortable.

“Do you have to go? It gets so boring being the only girl around.” Rebekah whined.

“Yeah, I need to do this.” I said.

“You better call or email and I’ll be visiting you at some point.” She said.

“Looking forward to it.” I said. She walked me outside the compound and I got in the taxi. The ride to the airport was fairly quiet. I got on the plane and dozed off. It wasn’t until the plane started descending into Boulder that I finally woke up. I quickly got my things and went to rent a car under a fake name of course.

I took a drove for about an hour and a half before I finally got to Silverthorne, Colorado. I got to the house and parked in the driveway. I had called ahead and let them know that I was on my way. I knocked at the door and Carol opened the door. She was dressed in the same scrubs as always.

“It’s good to see you again Molly.” Carol said. “How was your flight?”

“A bit of turbulence but that didn’t stop me from falling asleep.” I said.

“Well I set up a room for you so if you want to go ahead and continue sleeping go right ahead.” Carol said.

“No it’s fine I took one of those energy drinks and I’m wired. Don’t think I’ll be getting any sleep now. How is she?” I said and the smile on Carol’s face faltered. “That bad huh?”

“The Chemo is taking it’s toll and her kidneys have shut down so they started her on dialysis.” Carol said.

“This is it isn’t it?” I said.

“We’re getting to the end.” Carol said sadly. “We’re trying to keep her as comfortable as we can but she refuses to take the opiates. She doesn’t want it clouding her judgement. She said she was waiting to talk to you.”

“When did she finally fall asleep?” I asked.

“Molly Is that you?” I heard from the den.

“I’m guessing she didn’t fall asleep.” I said.

“Not since she heard you were on your way.” Carol said with a smirk. “Can you bring her her tea?”

“I got it, why don’t you take a break.” I said.

“I’ll be right over here if you need me.” Carol said. I walked over to the den and knocked on the doorframe.

“Hey Mrs. Robinson, you should be asleep.” I said setting her tea in front of her.

“Molly how many times have I told you just Claire?” She chastised.

“Sorry old habits.” I said looking at the frail old woman that was just a shell of the vibrant person I met when I first moved here all those years ago.

“Look at you, New York has done wonders for you.” She said.

“Funny It feels like it’s slowly eating away at me.” I said.

“I have cancer I know what it’s like to have something eating away at me and that’s not what’s going on with you.” She said as perceptive as ever. “So why don’t you make yourself a cup of tea and tell me what’s bothering you sweetheart?”

“We should probably talk tomorrow.” I said.

“Molly let’s be honest. I’m dying and it’s going to happen soon. Let me help you this one last time while I still have my mind and then after we’re done here I need you to do one last thing for me.” She said and left me confused. “You want to know what drew me to you the first time we met all those years ago? It was your eyes. You had that look.”

“What look?” I asked.

“The look of someone that had to grow up too fast.” She said.

“Claire there’s a lot I have to tell you but if this is going to be the last time we talk then I need to tell you the truth because I need to tell someone and you’re one of the few people that’s never steered me wrong.” I said tearing up.

“Molly what is it?” She said looking concerned.

“I lied to you, since the day we met. My name isn’t Molly and Wow I don’t even know where to start.’ I said.

“How about you start from the beginning?” Claire said coughing.

So I did. I told her everything from the way I grew up. My mom. My brother. My fake identities. Why I left. Everything that happened in New York. Finding out who my soulmates were and how they lied to me. By the end I was a sobbing mess and Claire had to console me instead of the other way around.

“You’ve been through so much.” She said. “No one should have to go through what you did and I’m sorry you had to.”

“That’s life right. We can’t change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” I said wiping the tears off my face.

“That still doesn’t mean it’s right. What are you going to do? About them?” She specified.

“I don’t know. I grew up thinking I was never going to meet any of them so I never actually thought about what would happen. I never stayed in one place long enough to call it home and now I actually have one. And I never let people in because I don’t want to get hurt and that’s exactly what happened. It’s stuff like this that I have trust issues.” I said.

“Molly, In life we don’t get a choice about whether or not we’re going to get hurt. It’s bound to happen. I loved my husband and children and they hurt me. Whether it was neglect or leaving me behind but that doesn’t mean I don’t cherish the time we did get together. We don’t get a say in that but we do get a chance on who we want around when we do get hurt and from what you’ve told me they care about you just as much if not more than you do them. It won’t be easy, building a life with as many matches as you have but you’ve spent most of your life isolated and alone do you really want to throw away the chance to never be alone again?” She said.

“They lied.” I said.

“So did you. You had your reasons maybe they did to.” Claire said.

We were quiet for a minute before Carol came back and Claire nodded.

“Molly it’s time.” She said.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“I can’t think of a better way to go.” Claire said and I nodded.

“Thank you, for everything. You were the first person in a long time to show me any kindness.” I said.

“Thank you for not leaving an old lady with a hip replacement to walk in the snow all by herself.’ She said. ‘There’s something in that drawer over there would you mind handing it to me?”

“Of course.” I opened the drawer and all I saw was a zip lock baggie with a joint in it. I turned and gave her a look.

“It’s medicinal.” Claire said and I laughed.

I took it out and grabbed the lighter that was next to the drawer. I handed the joint to her and lit it for her. She took a few puffs before handing it to me.

“Really?” I said.

“You look tense, you need to relax.” She said.

“Who am I to deny your dying wish?” I said taking the joint and taking a few puffs before handing it to Carol who just handed it back to Claire as she started injecting the morphine into the IV. “That’s a good blend.”

“Always knew drugs were going to be the ones to take me out just didn’t think it’d be like this.” She said chuckling before starting to cough.

“Yeah, this isn’t how I thought this was going to go either.’ I said.

“Molly after this is done you can’t be here.” Claire said. “Skip the funeral and get back to your life, the one you made for yourself.”

“I will, mind if I make a few stops along the way though?” I said.

“Have at it, have a few drinks for me.” She said.

“You are the coolest old lady I’ve ever met.” I said.

“Damn right.” She said putting out the joint before laying back and closing her eyes. I held her hand and watched as her breathing got slower and slower until finally she stopped.

“She’s gone.” Carol said.

“Yeah.” I said standing up.

“I have to call it, are you okay to drive?” She asked.

“Yeah, I’ll stop at the rest stop out side of town and wait for it to pass.” I said.

“Be careful.” Carol said.

“Always.” I said. “Take care of yourself.” With that I was out of there. I drove like I told but I didn’t stop until I got to Boulder. By then the sun was up and traffic was starting to build up. I stopped by for a bit to eat and saw that there was a salon across the street. I walked over and saw if it was open.

“Hi, what can I do for you?” The receptionist said.

“I’m looking for a change maybe a haircut.” I said.

“Step this way.” She said and the hairdresser took over.

“What were you thinking of sweetie?” She asked.

“Surprise me.” I said. By the time she was done my hair that was starting to reach my elbows was a bit above my shoulders and had a slightly lighter tint to it. I paid and was on my way.

I returned the car to the rental place and took a taxi to the train station. I promised Claire I was going to go back but she didn’t say anything about how I had to get there. I checked online and from Boulder to New York City or was about two days by train. That would give me plenty of time to think things through. I bought my tickets and boarded. Since it was a long trip I got my own cabin. I had to switch trains a few times but I’d manage.

I got dressed in some warm clothes for the ride, which consisted of jeans, knee high brown boots, a blue button up and a jacket.

Everything was fine and I saw some great landscapes. It was late in the afternoon when I finally got to Grand central Station. I walked out and took a cab to the apartment. I unlocked the door and walked in. Will was sitting on the couch and he was surprised to see me. I ignored him and walked to the table I had left my necklace and grabbed it before walking to my room and slamming the door shut. Tomorrow’s another day, for now I just want to sleep.