Fated Marks

“Is she… She’s back!” I heard someone scream.

“Mh.” I groaned.

“Dude I don’t think I can handle partying with eighteen year old Hayley again. I forgot how hard she parties.” Someone else said.

“Shut up already I’m trying to sleep.” I groaned.

“Dude it’s time for lunch get up already.” Tess said.

“mhm.” I said rubbing my eyes and sitting up. “Which one of you two assholes thought it would be a good idea to give me a Yeager bomb?”

“Technically it was Yeager Bombs plural and we didn’t think you were going to go for it.” Will said.

“When did I ever say no back then?” I asked.

“Whenever someone asked you out on a second date.” Tess said.

“Whenever someone asked if you wanted to hook up.” Will said.

“Yet I couldn’t say no to those bangs.” I said.

“I kinda liked them. You pulled them off really well.” Tess said as her phone started ringing. “That’s Liam. Time for me to go.”

“Mind dropping me off at the apartment?” Will asked.

“No come on.” Tess said. “Bye Hales, stay out of trouble.”

“How can I get in trouble? You’re both walking out the door.” I said hugging her.

“You and I remember last night very differently.” Will said. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Bye.” I said hugging him. After they were gone I looked around the common room. The place was a mess. The couch was crushed and the door looked like someone had broken through the doors. I had a lot of catching up to do. I decided to go shower and get dressed before trying to catch up on the week I blacked out.

The shower helped with the hangover. I still felt a bit fatigued but that was probably because I hadn’t had anything to eat or drink. I picked out a pair of grey joggers and a peach cami. I left my hair down in its natural waves to let it dry off.

I looked around the apartment and noticed that everything was a bit of a mess and that there were a bunch of Lego sets in the living room. I was so going to finish building those later. You’re never too old for Legos.

I went back upstairs and saw that everyone was up there already.

“Morning sunshine.” Tony said.

“I hate that name.” I said.

“How are you feeling?” Bruce asked.

“Better. The nap and shower helped me sober up. Now I’m just really hungry.” I said.

“Schwarma’s on it’s way.” Clint said. “Are Tess and Will coming up?”

“No they went home already.” I said. “So would it be asking for too much if I asked that no one ever bring up the past week again? I have a feeling I may have done some pretty embarrassing things.”

“It actually wasn’t embarrassing for you. Can’t believe an eight year old managed to get past all of us.” Steve said.

“You were adorable.” Natasha said.

“Again not talking about it so you all may as well forget about the past week.” I said. “How’d you deal on you own?”

“Uh… about that.” Tony said.

“You ditched all your meetings and Pepper had to come up here and get you didn’t she?” I said.

“It was an all hands on deck situation.” Tony said.

“I’ll add that to the list of things I have to do damage control on. I can’t believe I missed out on a week of class. That’s one less week I have to cram for finals. Not to mention all the meetings for the gala I missed. Next week is going to be hell.” I groaned.

“Relax, Pepper sent her assistant to cover for you.” Tony said.

“And we got Helen to say you were out with a severe stomach flu so all your assignments got an extension.” Bruce said.

“Seriously? You guys are awesome.” I said hugging Bruce and Tony. Just as I was about to let go they both pulled me in again.

“We really missed you.” Bruce said.

“I’m never taking you for granted. I don’t function without you.” Tony said.

“You just realized that?” I asked.

“I like to lie to myself.” Tony said before kissing my cheek.

“Schwarma’s here!” Thor cheered.

“Yum.” I said.

“You have some pretty old habits.” Steve said.

“Like what?” I said.

“Deflecting.” Clint said.

“Avoiding eye contact.” Tony said.

“Pretending something isn’t bothering you when it really is.” Steve said.

“Huh… Guess I do.” I said with a shrug. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Oh look, Oz the Great and Powerful we should go see that sometime.”

“Uh we already did.” Clint said.

“Oh… I can always wait and rent it when it comes out on DVD.” I said. “Was it good?”

“Eh… the original was better.” Steve said.

“Oh I was going to ask, What’s with all the Legos in my living room?” I asked.

“Those are yours. I should probably return them.” Tony said.

“No!” I shouted and everyone turned to give me a look. “I mean they’re collectables, probably going to be worth a fortune in a couple of years.”

“So I should probably move them into storage.” Tony said.

“Or you know I can hang onto them… put them in display case, after I build them.” I said. “Don’t look at me like that you’re never too old for Legos.” That made everyone laugh.

“Don’t ever change Hales.” Clint said.

Third Person’s POV-

The hospital waiting room was decorated in a different mismatching pastel colors and everything smelled of disinfectant. It was not the way he wanted to spend Friday night but his mother needed him and when she asked him to jump he asked how high even before she had finished the sentence.

“Mr. Adler you can go in now.” The surgeon said.

“Thank you.” He said standing up and walking down the hospital corridor. He made a left at the nurse’s station and knocked on the door marked 342.

“Come in.” He heard her call out.

“Hey, They get everything?” He asked.

“They did.” She said looking down at the pink smile with a tired smile.

“So this is the tumor.” He said. “Don’t know why you went through all the trouble. You shouldn’t have risked a metastasis for another mouth to feed.”

“She’s your sister. If I had said the same about you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” She said.

“Forgive me mother, I just haven’t forgotten the risks we’ve had to take the past couple of months to keep the parasite alive.” He sneered. “When is Social Services coming to take her?”

“They’re not coming. She’s family, where we go she goes.” She said.

“Mother…”

“I put food on the table and I make all the decisions. She stays.” She said giving him a glare. “You have a problem with it you’re free to leave.”

“It’s a liability, more trouble than it’s worth.” He said.

“A lot of people say the same about you but you’re still my son just like she’s my daughter and I love you both.”

“This is going to complicate things.” He said.

“Our lives are complicated, we’ll make do.” She said.

Hayley’s POV-

“Hello.” I said answering my phone.

“You’re not a preteen anymore!” Kol cheered.

“Who the hell told you about that?” I exclaimed.

“No one, we were in town when your soulmates lost you and you called Marcel.” Rebekah said.

“Oh right he was my emergency contact back then.” I said. “So what’s up?”

“We want to know what you’re doing for your birthday.” Kol said.

“Nothing, I don’t celebrate it. It just means I’m one year closer to dying.” I said as Thor walked in.

“Hayley what is the matter!” He cried checking me for injuries.

“Guys I’m gonna have to call you back.” I said hanging up. “Thor buddy I’m okay it’s just a figure of speech my mom used to say when we talked about birthdays. Rebekah and Kol want to know what I’m doing but I don’t celebrate it.”

“You’re name day is approaching! We must celebrate, you have finally come of age.” Thor cheered.

“Yeah, technically that was my fifteenth birthday when I got black out drunk for the first time.” I said. “It’s just another day.”

“Hayley.” Thor said.

“Thor. It’s okay, it’s not a big deal.” I said. “Oh crap I have to get going, Study group with Will and Nate at their place. See you tomorrow.” I said giving him a quick kiss and hug before running to meet Will.

“I shall see you when you return.” Thor said giving m a smile even though I could feel that he still felt sad at my earlier comment.

Third Person’s POV-

“Nurse nurse! I got a phone call saying my daughter was here?” The mother of two cried.

“Ma’am you have to calm down, the doctor will be...” the Nurse started.

“Mom, back here.” Her son called out.

“Where is she?!” She shouted.

“Momma!” the three year old cried out.

“Baby what happened?!” She said noticing the cast on her arm.

“The scary man and… and ouch!” The little girl cried.

“Sorry, tripped on the IV.” The son said giving the girl a glare.

“Ma’am. Can we speak to you privately?” A police officer said.

“Yes of course officer.” She said. “Stay with your sister.”

“Mrs. Wayne, you’re daughter was brought in to the hospital after falling down the stairs but during her examination her doctors found very distinctive bruises on her arm and leg. Marks that are characteristic of abuse.” The officer said.

“Are you trying to imply I would hurt my own daughter?!” Mrs. Wayne said outraged.

“Ma’am we aren’t accusing you of anything but when cases like this are brought to our attention we have to investigate.” The officer said.

“My daughter has been through enough today I won’t have you badgering her with questions.” Mrs. Wayne said.

“Of course not but Child Services has been notified and they will be in contact.” The officer said.

“AH!” He heard a child scream. “Go away! You a bad man! You pushed me down the stairs.”

“Hey watch your mouth!” He heard.

“Jay?” Mrs. Wayne said.

“I can’t take this anymore, that brat is accusing me of things I didn’t do.” The man cried out.

“What? Please don’t.” Mrs. Wayne cried. “I love you.”

“We’re done.” The man said leaving the woman in tears.

“I’ll go check the brat out.” The son left to the nurse’s station.

“Mommy?” the girl said.

“Go to sleep sweetie. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Mrs. Wayne said.

“He was mean.” The girl said.

“Go to sleep.” Mrs. Wayne snapped at her daughter annoyed at how the day had gone wrong.

“I’m sorry mommy.” The girl sniffled.

“What’s done is done.” Mrs Wayne told her daughter.

A little while later-

“Is she asleep?” Her son asked.

“Yes, whatever they gave her for the pain really took it out of her.” Mrs. Wayne said taking a sip of her Martini.

“Do you have any idea how much that brat wrecked things for us. With Jay gone, we lose our supplier and our contacts for potential buyers. There is going to be blow back.” Her son said.

“I know“ She said.

“Not to mention we’re going to have Child Services snooping around here, it’s only a matter of time before…” he started.

“I know!” Mrs. Wayne shouted. “We need to leave. Go pack your room. We’ll stay at the house in Seattle until we figure out our next move.”

“I freaking hate Seattle.” He groaned.

“I know just go!” She said.

“Yes Mother.” He said before walking out of the study and slamming the door shut.

Hayley’s POV-

It had been three days since Thor had overheard my comment about my birthday and I had a feeling he had told everyone about it because Tony kept asking me when my birthday was. Natasha kept showing me pictured of dresses she thought would look good on me. Steve and Thor just told stories of things they did on their birthdays growing up. Clint said he was making a wish list for his birthday and if I had one set up for mine.

“They’re driving me crazy.” I told Will and Nate during our cram session.

“Then just tell them already.” Will said. “I mean I’ve known you for years and you still haven’t told me.”

“And I never will.” I said.

“I’m still not over the fact that you’re barely turning eighteen.” Nate said.

“Age is just a number just like my birthday is just another day.” I said.

“If it’s just another day why don’t you just tell us?” Will said.

“Because if I tell you, you’ll tell everyone. Then it’ll just become this whole big deal, Tony will throw me a party and you know he can’t have a small party. There’ll be gifts and I don’t want that.” I said.

“That’s what you’re supposed to do on your birthday.” Will said.

“He’s right.” Nate said. “Come on Hayley you must have had at least one good Birthday.”

“My mom didn’t celebrate birthdays.” I said. It wasn’t entirely true we just didn’t celebrate them in the traditional sense.

Third Person’s POV-

“Momma where we going?” The little girl asked.

“Sweetheart I need you to listen to me. We have to leave.” Sarah said looking at her six year old daughter.

“Are we going with Mark?” She asked.

“No sweetheart we have to go pick up your brother first.” She said.

“Why?” The six year old said.

“Because we’re a family and we stick together but before we go I need you to listen to what I’m going to say. You’re name isn’t Penelope anymore.” Sarah said.

“Mommy I don’t like this game.” The girl said.

“Hey this isn’t a game.” Sarah snapped making the little girl tear up. “I need you to stop crying. Your brother is getting the new house ready for us and you have to do your part too. You’re not a little girl anymore, you have to help. Your job is to keep your name a secret remember?”

“But why do I have to keep changing names?” the girl asked.

“So the bad guys don’t find us remember. You don’t want them to find us and hurt mommy right?” Sarah asked and the girl nodded. “Your name is Cassie Langston. What’s your name?”

“Ca-Cassie.” The little girl said.

“Good keep staying that.” Sarah said.

“Cassie Langston.” The girl said.

Hayley’s POV-

“Hales we were thinking of doing something next week for your birthday.” Clint said.

“Can’t, I have a music festival I bought tickets to.” I said. “Actually I wanted to talk to you guys.

“What’s going on?” Natasha asked.

“Uh, Nate found a place. And he’s moving out tomorrow.” I said.

“And?” Tony said.

“It means I can move back in.” I said.

“Hayley we’re not kicking you out.” Tony said.

“We love having you here Doll.” Steve said.

“I know and I like being here but this was always a temporary thing.” I said. “It’s time to go back and it’s not like you won’t see me. I’ll be here all the time.”

“Then why not move in permanently?” Thor said.

“Yeah why don’t we do that?” Tony asked.

“Okay… I want you all to think of this as what it would mean in a normal relationship.” I said.

“Hayley we’re not normal” Bruce said.

“Yet we try to pretend we’re normal. Officially moving in, taking off my name from the apartment’s lease that the last step before getting married. We’ve all only been on our first date and some of those don’t even count.” I said.

“What’s that supposed to mean? I thought we had talked about this.” Tony said.

“Not technically. You guys are great and I really like you but I don’t think we’re at the moving in phase of the courtship.” I said.

“You’ve been living here for almost a month.” Natasha deadpanned.

“Yeah and we had agreed this was always going to be temporary.” I said.

“I’m fairly sure we said we were going to talk about it.” Tony said.

“No you said that I said it was temporary.” I said.

“She is actually right about that.” Thor said.

“Not helping.” Clint said.

“Hayley we can’t make you do anything but we would like it if you stayed.” Steve said.

“Uh…” I said awkwardly.

“Miss Adams your taxi is downstairs.” Jarvis said.

“You’re leaving now?” Steve asked.

“I didn’t want to make this more awkward than it already is.” I said.

“What the hell Hayley!” Tony said.

“This is what I was trying to avoid.” I said.

“I guess we’ll see you tomorrow.” Tony said looking away.

“Need help with your things?” Steve asked.

“I already had them sent down.” I said.

“I guess this is it…” Clint said.

“If going back to that third world refugee camp is what you want…” Tony started.

“Dude it’s the upper west side.” I said. “It may as well be the suburbs.”

“Didn’t someone get stabbed there last week?” Natasha said.

“Hayley don’t go.” Thor said pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

“I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Besides this also means…” I said whispering in his ear.

“I shall see you tomorrow.” Thor said putting me down and blushing slightly.

“Bye guys.” I said getting into the elevator.

“What did she say to you?” Clint asked.

“Uninterrupted alone time.” Thor said.

“You know some space isn’t all that bad.” Tony said.

Third Person’s POV-

“April, Can you take a look at my computer?” Maggie asked her nine-year-old daughter. The girl didn’t bother to look up. “April? This isn’t funny.”

“She isn’t going to listen to you, the brat’s still angry about you ending thing with the forger?” Adam said.

“She’s giving me the silent treatment.” Maggie said. The man just pulled the earphones out of her ears and threw her ipod across the room.

“Make yourself useful and fix the computer.” Adam said throwing the laptop onto her lap

“Fuck you.” April said and the man slapped her.

“Watch yourself brat.” Adam said.

“Hey, you don’t hit my kid.” Maggie said.

“She acts like that because you don’t discipline her.” Adam said.

“She’s not your daughter and this marriage is a business arrangement. You don’t tell me how to raise my daughter and I don’t tell you how to run your business.” Maggie said.

“I hate you.” April said running to her door and slamming the door.

“Fuck,” Maggie said. “Look at what you’ve done.”

“Me? If you hadn’t been so stupid as to let her get away neither of us would be in this mess.” Adam said.

“I wasn’t the one that got drunk and opened his big fat mouth to the first girl that spread her legs.” Maggie said. “If it wasn’t for that girl in there we’d both be rotting in jail so next time you want to hit her remember that. And remember that next time she may not make the same choice again.”

“April, baby open up.” Maggie said through the door.

“…” There was no reply.

“April come on, please?” Maggie said.

“Mom you married a dumb ass.” Alex said.

“Not a good time your sister locked herself in her room.” Maggie said.

“Leave her, we have business to discuss.” Alex said.

“You sister is a part of the business.” Maggie said. “She locked my computer, I can’t get into the files.”

“Did you use the fingerprint scanner?” Alex said.

“The what?” Maggie said.

“The thumb drive scanner, the thing the pain in the ass next door talked you into buying?” Alex said.

“Don’t talk about your sister like that, I forgot about that. I thought that was for the mouse.” Maggie said.

“You know we could have just saved ourselves the trouble of this sham wedding and had him taken out.” Alex said.

“The situation was already out of hand we don’t need another Rosario to clean up.” Maggie said.

“We could have avoided all of this if you had just…” Alex started.

“Alex! I’m done talking about this. You’ll understand when you have kids of your own. What’s our man on the inside say?” Maggie asked.

“Since neither of you are testifying they’re going to cut her loose.” Alex said.

“That’s good.” Maggie said.

“I also managed to get Oleg to reconsider, the middle man’s being cut out. We just need to hold up our end of the bargain.” Alex said.

“When?” Maggie said.

“He gave us until the end of the day to deliver.” Alex said.

“Get it done.” Maggie said.

“What’s going on?” Adam said walking in.

“Hey just the man I was looking for.” Alex said.

“Really because I’ve been meaning to ask you… how stupid do you think I am?” Adam said.

“Probably one of the stupidest persons I’ve ever had to talk to. Oleg sends his regards.” Alex said pulling out a gun and shooting him between the eyes.

“AHHH!” A girl screamed.

“April!” Maggie said.

“Shut up brat or the next person I’m pointing this gun at is you. You’re a part of this now. If we go down so do you, welcome to the family business sister.” Alex said hitting April with the butt of his gun knocking her out.

“Alex!” Maggie shouted.

“I don’t have time to deal with her, I have a body to deliver.” Alex said dragging Adam’s body out.

“Don’t drag him on the carpet, I can never get blood stains out.” Maggie said picking up her daughter.

Hayley’s POV-

I was in the lab helping Bruce with a few basic dilutions so he could keep working on whatever it was that he was working on. I had just finished cleaning up when my phone dinged.

I saw that it was an email from the university. I opened it up and skimmed through it.

“Huh.” I said.

“Everything okay?” Bruce asked.

“I got accepted to the University of London for a year abroad.” I said.

“That’s great, Congratulations.” Bruce said hugging me. “I didn’t even know you applied.

“It was back in January during that week long cross country train trip I went o after I found out about you guys. I applied because I was bored, didn’t think I’d actually get in. I’m going ahead and telling them I’m turning them down now.” I said.

“What? Why?” Bruce asked.

“Because I can’t leave for a year. I have responsibilities.” I said.

“I’m sure Tony would give you the year off, it’s a great opportunity.” Bruce said.

“What’s a great opportunity?” Tony said walking in.

“This guest speaker the university’s having. It’s part of a TED talk.” I said giving Bruce a look not to say anything.

“Yeah, and Hayley got into a study abroad program in London.” Bruce said.

“Dude.” I said. “I gave you the look.”

“What look?” Bruce asked.

“The don’t tell Tony that thing look.” I said giving him the look.

“You got in!” Tony cheered pulling me in for a spinning hug.

“I’m not going.” I said.

“What? Why not?” Tony said.

“I have responsibilities here.” I said.

“You’re fired, I’ll hire you back when you get back.” Tony said.

“Tony you couldn’t handle one week without me remember?” I said.

“I’ll hire a temp.” Tony said.

“Guys I’m not going, end of discussion.” I said.

“Jarvis call everyone down for a team meeting.” Tony said.

“No Jarvis, don’t. It’s not happening, end of discussion.” I said.

“Hayley, People dream about this.” Bruce said.

“Have you two forgotten about that tiny little issue that is my fake identity? It’s not like I can go down to the passport office and file for a passport with my fake documents. Not to mention once they start digging they’ll realize everything on my record is fake.” I said.

“Nothing a bit of hacking can’t fix.” Tony offered.

“No, things are going good. Don’t rock the boat.” I said walking out of the lab.

“Hayley.” Tony said.

“Leave it.” I said.

Later that Day-

I never should have expected Tony to leave things as they are. That man is a subtle as a gun. He only bugs you because he cares, it’s one of the things I adore about him but right now, he’s just annoying the crap out of me.

“I never told you about the penthouse in London, right on the Thames. Great view.” Tony said.

“Not talking about this.” I said. “It’s not happening.”

“Come on hales, live a little.” Clint said.

“Nope.” I said.

“You can pop over the channel and see some of the sights. Have actual Italian food.” Steve said.

“It’s New York, I can do that here.” I said.

“It sounds like a perfect place or a date.” Thor added.

“No, I think I’m done for the day.” I said grabbing my bag.

“Shopping, in London is amazing.” Natasha added.

“I said no!” I called over my shoulder.

“She’s so damn stubborn.” I heard Steve say.

“She does have a point though.” Natasha said. “I know a guy who could smuggle her in but it would raise some red flags once she was over there.”

“Another thing that got taken away by her douche of a brother.” Clint said. I could feel the anger and the sadness coming from all the marks. Times like this made me wonder what my mom would do. She could find a way to solve any problem.

Third Person’s POV-

“Sally start packing.” Anne told her daughter.

“No.” Sally said.

“I wasn’t asking. You have thirty minutes if you don’t pack it it’s staying.” Anne said.

“Why do you do this every time we have to go?” Ethan said.

“It’s been three years. I actually have friends here. People know me.” Sally said.

“No they don’t, they know Sally Hanover. Everything around us is a lie to keep us safe, to keep the business going.” Anne said.

“What’s the point of leaving, it’s only a matter of time before Jack the ripper over here loses it again.” Sally said.

“What did you just call me bitch?” Ethan snarled.

“Sally, we don’t have time for this, for once in your life can you just do as you’re told?” Anne said.

“Why don’t you just send me to boarding school, it’s better than having to move all the time?” Sally said.

“Finally you come up with a decent idea.” Ethan said.

“Sally! Shut up and do as you’re told!” Anne said sternly.

“No, we make the same mistakes over and over again expecting things to turn out differently. It’s insane mom. I don’t even remember the last time someone actually used my real name!” Sally shouted.

“Then what are we supposed to do? Just wait here and wait for someone to figure out who we are? Oleg still hasn’t forgiven us for losing his son. Max still believes we we’re the ones that ratted him out, I don’t see you coming up with any better ideas.” Ethan said in a condescending tone.

“There’s the obvious solution, we get out. Start a new life clean slate except this time you two get actual jobs.” Sally said.

“Sally, there is no getting out of this life, you get killed or you die of old age doing the job.” Anne said.

“There is no retirement, no happily ever after, this is our life get used to it.” Ethan said.

“Not forever, the day I turn eighteen I’m leaving this mess and never looking back.” Sally spat.

“If you want to use your real name fine, we’ll work it out but we’re not using our actual last name. now please, go pack your things.” Anne said.

“Fine.” Sally said stomping out of the room.

“You should just ship her off to boarding school, wouldn’t have to put up with her constant whining.” Ethan said.

“She does have a point.” Anne said.

“What?” Ethan said. “Mother, we have put everything into this business. I’ve spilled blood for it, for you and that bitch.” At that comment Anne slapped Ethan.

“That’s your sister, remember that. Where we go she goes, end of discussion. That girl has saved both of our asses more times than you care to remember. She’s worth her weight in gold.” Anne said.

“If you say so.” Ethan said.

“Honestly would it be so hard to actually try and get along with your sister?” Anne said.

“She’s an abomination.” Ethan said picking up his bag and walking out of the room.

“I’m starting to think I raised the real abomination.” Anne said.

“You did.” Sally said appearing behind her.

“Sweetie, I know this isn’t easy for you but you know I only do this because I want to keep you safe right?” Anne asked.

“Mom, I’ve seen our bank account. There’s more than enough money so that we can stop and just live normal lives. Why don’t we stop?” Sally asked.

“Because love, the three of us are not the only ones who rely on our work. And if we let those people down they won’t think twice about tying up loose ends. You remember what almost happened last time? Anne asked.

“Yes mom.” Sally said.

“Good, go take your bag downstairs.” Anne said. She waited until Sally walked out of the room before sitting down and sighing. “I’m a horrible parent.”

Hayley’s POV-

After I walked out, everyone had dropped the subject of me going to Europe for a year. I felt really bad for snapping at them but didn’t want to talk about it.

“Hayley you listening?” Natasha asked.

“Hm, no sorry.” I said.

“Are you okay? You’ve been a bit distracted.” Natasha said.

“Just keep running through my to do list in my head and feel like I’m forgetting something.” I said.

“Do you have a dress for the gala?” Natasha asked.

“Yeah, I actually picked it out a few weeks ago, it’s hanging in my closet at the tower.” I said.

“Then you just need to relax, spa date?” Natasha offered.

“Couple’s massage does sound nice.” I said making her smirk.

“You minx.” She said kissing me.

“What can I say you bring it out of me.” I said taking her hand and walking into the spa.

“I got you something” Natasha said in the middle of our couple’s massage.

“You did?” I asked. “When?”

“I know you hate attention so here.” She said handing me a jewelry box.

“Nat.” I said.

“Just open it.” She said.

I sighed but gave in. I opened it and saw that it was an intricately beaded hair comb I had seen at an antique shop down the street.

“Nat you shouldn’t have.” I said.

“Will sent me a picture of your dress and it matches.” She said.

“Thank you.” I said hugging her. “Don’t tell anyone you got me something. It’ll be Valentines Day all over again.”

“Why won’t you tell us what when your birthday is?” Natasha asked.

“Because nothing good ever happens on my birthday.” I said.

“Can you give me an example?” Natasha asked.

“My brother killed my puppy.” I said.

“…” That shut her up.

“It’s just any other day, no reason to celebrate.” I said.

“Does Will know?” Natasha asked.

“He normally just celebrates it on my fake birthday.” I said.

“November?” Natasha said.

“Yeah, nothing bad ever happens in November.” I said.

Third Person’s POV-

“Callie let’s go.” Allison said.

“Just a minute.” Callie answered.

“You’re going to be late for school.” Allison called up to her daughter.

“Mom I’m taking a dump I can’t exactly hurry this up.” Allison said.

“I’m fucking eating over here.” Delilah said.

“Then leave.” Callie said flushing the toilet.

“Watch it brat.” Delilah asked.

“Lila, why don’t you go put on some clothes, you look cold.” Allison told her son’s soulmate.

“I feel fine.” Delilah said.

“Don’t you need to go pick up Hadrian?” Allison said.

“Ah, you’re right.” Delilah said dumping her dishes in the sink before running off to her room.

“Is the freeloader gone?” Callie asked.

“Yes, I need to have a talk with your brother when he gets back.” Allison said.

“If I ever turn into that, slap me.” Callie said making her mom laugh.

“I don’t think it’ll ever come to that sunshine. Allison, come on we’re running late.” Allison said.

“Last day at the office, how do you feel?” Callie asked.

“Lighter than a feather, how about you, last day of middle school. Are you finally going to tell that boy you have a crush on that you like him?” Allison said pretending she didn’t know the name her daughter had been crushing on for months.

“Justin and no, there’s no point. We’re leaving tomorrow and it’s not like he actually likes me back.” Callie said.

“You never know unless you ask?” Allison said. Her daughter was smart but she was guarded. She wouldn’t take a risk unless she knew the odds were in her favor. It was a great mentality for surviving but not for living.

“No, there will be other boys right?” Callie asked her mother.

“Of course. I have a lot of meetings today, are you going to be okay walking home?” Allison asked.

“Yes mom. Love you.” Callie said hugging her mom.

“Love you too sunshine.” Allison said. With that her daughter got out of the car. She swayed for a bit but the shook it off. “You feeling alright sweetheart?”

“Yes mom, I just stood up too fast. I’ll see you later.” With that Callie closed the door and walked inside her school.

The day flew by for Callie. She didn’t have many friends so she didn’t have many people to say goodbye to. This wouldn’t happen next year. That mantra got her through the day. When the bell rand at the end of the day her heart soared. She whistled the entire walk home. She walked in and was greeted by the sight of her older brother making out with his soulmate.

“Ew.” She said to herself.

“What did you say bitch?” Her brother said.

“What are you even doing here you’re supposed to be at school?” Delilah said.

“Schools over. We get out early since it’s the last day of the year.” Callie said walking to the kitchen and grabbing the packed lunch her mom had left for her.

“Can you go lock yourself in your room now?” Delilah said.

“Why don’t you go home?” Callie said.

“I am home, Hadrian is my home.” Delilah said.

“I think all that ‘sage’ you burn finally fried your brain.” Callie said.

“Watch your mouth dumbass.” Hadrian said.

“I have a higher IQ than both of you morons.” Callie said. “Can’t wait until we leave.”

“Mom hasn’t told you?” Hadrian said with a smirk.

“Told me what?” Callie asked.

“You’re not leaving, the buyer backed out. We’re stuck with the shipment until we find another buyer.” Hadrian said. “I told you mom was never going to leave the business.”

“She will she promised!” Callie said.

“Don’t believe me? Ask her yourself.” Hadrian said. “No way she’d give up the money.”

“Why would she, besides normal is so boring.” Delilah said.

“Because normal is safe,” Callie said walking out.

“If you think no one will come after you you’re dumber than I thought you were.” Delilah said.

“You do realize, that as soon as we leave so does the money right?” Callie called over her shoulder.

“Don’t worry baby, I already took care of it.” Hadrian said kissing her. Callie ran up to her room and looked at all the travel plans her and her mom had made. The house they had bought. Their new identities, there was no way she would give all that up. Hadrian was just lying to her.

The next few hours crawled by. As soon as she heard her mom’s car park in the driveway Callie ran out of her room.

“How could this happen, it was a done deal Hadrian?” Allison yelled.

“I know but the way things are going for the cartel right now they can’t handle a shipment this big, their distribution’s been cut off.” Hadrian said.

“Mom?” Callie said.

“Fuck off Calliope we’re in the middle of something.” Hadrian said.

“Hadrian, don’t talk to your sister that way.” Allison chastised.

“I have a solution, I’ve been talking to a potential client, they’re just getting started but they have everything, they just need a supplier.” Hadrian said. “The thing is though they want a five year commitment.”

“Five years? No, no deal.” Callie said.

“They’d be paying us double the cartel was and they’d only need shipments once every two months.” Hadrian said.

“Who’s the buyer?” Allison asked.

“Mom no.” Callie said.

“Callie go upstairs, now!” Allison said.

“You heard her, out brat!” Hadrian said pushing her out before slamming the door in her face. Callie cried as she ran upstairs. She slammed the door to her room and threw herself onto her bed. She sobbed into her pillow. I wasn’t until she had finally stopped crying that there was a knock at her door.

“Sunshine, can I come in?” Allison said.

“Go Away!” Callie yelled but Allison still came inside.

“Callie, I’m sorry.” Allison said.

“No, you promised.” Callie said.

“I know and I really wanted to…” Allison said.

“No you didn’t, if you did you would have just walked away. Go away I hate you!” Callie said.

“Calliope!” She shouted.

“I hate you! Why don’t you leave already, that’s why you came up here?” Callie said.

“I know you’re angry but I’m doing this for you. I’m going to go meet with the client, I’m going to introduce him to our supplier so they can work it out. It’ll be a few more months before we can leave but we will leave.” Allison said.

“That’s what you always say. I’m done mom. I hate what I’ve had to do for you. I hate you.” Callie said.

“I know you’re angry and I understand. We’ll talk when I get back.” Allison said. She slipped off her necklace and put it on a framed picture of the both of them at the beach. “I love you sunshine.”

“I hate you.” Callie responded.

“I know I do too.” Allison said. She walked out of the room. Callie heard her mom’s car start and drive out of the driveway.

It wasn’t until hours later that she learned that her mom had died in a car crash on her way to the airport. The funeral was quickly arranged and took place a few days later. Callie couldn’t get the last words she ever told her mother out of her head. If she could go back and do it all over again she would tell her mom she was sorry and that she didn’t mean it but what’s done is done. The funeral took place on a rainy day in Seattle. It was only attended by immediate family and a few business associates who came to pay their respects. After the ceremony was over every one dispersed to leave for the wake, all except Allison’s children.

“She’s gone. She’s really gone.” Callie cried. The only thing she felt from her brother was the quick slap across her face that almost knocked her down.

“Stop crying, you’re pathetic.” Hadrian said.

“How can you be so cruel? Mom died.” Callie cried.

“The only thing I’m sad about is that she didn’t take you with her.” Hadrian said punching her in the gut. “Now I’m supposed to look after you. What a waste of space.”

“Hadrian stop.” Callie cried.

“No!” Hadrien said yanking her to her feet by her hair. “You don’t get to call me that, you’re nothing more to me that an insignificant insect. I’m going to take care of you alright.” He took out a dagger and stabbed it into her stomach.

“AH!” Callie gasped.

“Since, mom said I had to be more fair to you so I’m not going to kill you. Instead I’m going to give you twenty-four hours to get the hell out of town and if I ever see you again I’m going to finish what I started, understood.” Hadrian said. “I said understood?!” He said as he twisted the dagger.

“Yes! Yes!” Callie cried out before Hadrian dropped her to the ground.

“Clock starts now bitch.” He said kicking her side and knocking her into her mother’s grave.

Hayley’s POV-

After weeks of avoiding taking about it I woke up on the morning of April thirteenth, my eighteenth birthday feeling very happy. It was also the day of the Stark charity gala and I was actually looking forward to it. Will was also going since he was an employee of Stark Industries and his boss thought it would be a good opportunity for him to network.

I got out of bed and quickly ran to the shower before Will beat me to it. Afterwards I decided to get started on breakfast. I was beating some eggs when will walked out of his room.

“Morning.” He greeted.

“Morning, there’s coffee and I’m making omelets.” I said.

“I missed waking up to your breakfasts.” Will said as there was a knock at the door. “You expecting anyone?”

“No you?” I asked.

“No.” Will said answering the door.

“Morning I have a special delivery for a Miss Hayley Adams?” The man said.

“that’s me.” I said.

“Can I see some ID?” He asked.

“Uh sure.” I said taking out my Id from my purse.

“Okay.” He said. “Sign here.” He said gesturing to the notepad in his hand. You’re order is out front.”

“Uh I didn’t order anything.” I said.

“Oh my mistake it’s a gift from a Kol and Rebekah Mikaelson.” He said.

“What order?” Will asked.

“If you’d follow me.” He said. Will and I followed him out front where they were lowering a very expensive looking black sports car.

“Wow.” I said.

“Can your friends be my friends too?” Will asked.

“I’m returning it.” I said.

“But it’s shiny.” Will said.

“And we live in new york, we don’t need a car.” I said.

“But we have one.” Will said.

“I’m returning it.” I said.

“Why do you get all the rich friends?” Will said.

“Will.” I said.

“Fine, be responsible.” Will said sad before he realized something. “It’s your birthday! Happy Birthday!” He said hugging me.

“Oh crap, I almost got away with it.” I said.

“After years of wondering I finally know!” Will said.

“Let’s go get some breakfast in you.” I said.

“No you’re the birthday girl I’m cooking for you.” Will said.

“No, we aren’t celebrating. It’s just like any other day.” I said as we walked in.

“But Hayley, you’re finally legal.” Will said.

“Ah, no birthday talk.” I said. “Go shower.”

“But…”

“Shower!” I said sternly.

“Party pooper.” Will said as he stomped out of the living room. Just as the shower turned on there was another knock at the door.

“Hi, delivery for Hayley Adams?” the bike messenger said.

“That’d be me, thanks.” I said taking a gift-wrapped box.

“Have a nice day.” He said before walking away.

I looked at the box and noticed it didn’t have a label. I undid the ribbon on it and took off the top. I was immediately hit by the smell of rotting meat. I grabbed the card and noticed there was a dead bird under the card.

No, it can’t be.

I opened the card.

Happy Birthday Calliope, I hope you have a good one, because it’ll be your last one.

I’ll see you soon,

Hadrian

I dropped the box and the card on the ground.

After years of thinking I was finally safe, he found me… Hadrian found me.

I really fucking hate my birthday.