Echoes: Chapter 2

by Fossicker Jones
Sunrise plays against my bedroom window, pulling me away from sleep and into the new day. A comforting scent of bacon and eggs mixes with Christopher's laughter in the kitchen. I practice the steps of morning ritual and make my way into the kitchen. I feel refreshed, reborn. The remnants of doubt and fear seem to have been washed away with my morning shower. The woman who led me into salvation stands by the stove, wearing a black lace robe I haven't seen since the baby shower. Christopher is in his high chair, happily playing with a bowl of cheerios. 

My reflection turns away from the stove. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?" A warm smile tells me the same sense of renewal has found its way to her as well. 

For the first time in far too long, I genuinely return the smile. "I slept very well. I... I think everything is going to be alright. This is the first time I've actually felt that way..." 

She walks over to me, placing her hands upon my shoulders. "For once, I may be in agreement with that sentiment." Her smile turns to a playful smirk. "Let's see, I already know you're Madelyne... so what will you call me?" Her brow furrows for a moment, then relaxes. "I know, you can call me Jennifer. It is my middle name, but we can't very well go around with the same name. It's going to be confusing enough as is." Seemingly satisfied with her decision, she returns to the matter of cooking breakfast. 

I suppose I could ask her about our relation. To be honest, I could ask Jennifer about a great many things. But for now, I simply sit next to Christopher and help him herd his wild flock of cheerios. Breakfast makes its way to the table (even if it is by way of telekinesis) and we all enjoy a good meal. Giggles, laughter, and warm conversation drift through the house. I feel like I'm home for the first time since Scott left. After breakfast, I place Christopher in the walker Deborah and Phillip bought him and help Jennifer clean up. 

Deborah and Phillip... Scott's grandparents... oh god, they don't know Scott left me. Jennifer looks over and simply points to the phone. I dial the number and sit down; this is not a conversation to have standing up. Several hours later I've gone through a box of kleenex and my throat is hoarse. Deborah and Phillip will be here in a couple of hours. I told them Jennifer is my long lost sister, and she is living with me now that Scott is gone. They seemed glad that someone is already helping out. Jennifer actually smiled when I called her Christopher's "aunt Jenni". The house... I need to get the house ready for guests. Aunt Jenni and I make quick work of the cleaning while Christopher happily chases us in his walker. As the last bit of dust is polished into an early grave, the doorbell rings.
 

Copyright 2001 Fossicker Jones & Ronin Morgan. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and redistribution prohibited without written permission by the authors. Madelyne, Christopher, Deborah, and Phillip are the property of Marvel comics. This is a work of fan fiction which exists only to amuse it's author and promote comic books, and is not officially affiliated with Marvel in any way. No financial gain is made from this work. Now go out and buy some comics.