Chapter One: The Watch

[Solace]

Shifting her weight from one combat booted foot to the other Paige took in the three new faces, wondering if like her they were doing the same thing. As Paige’s blue eyes grazed over each new face she absentmindedly slide the wedding band on her left ring finger off and on again, finding the same comfort in it now as she had back on their last mission. It was a small reminder that she had someone who loved her with all his heart and the one person who had kept her going back during their last mission. The life of a superhero wasn’t for the faint of heart, and most would have thought the petite blond would have tossed in the towel years ago, and in all honestly she would have had it not been for her competitive nature and the fact that she had to prove that as a mutant and a superhero she was just as capable as dear ole’ older brother Sam.

Sam, big brother…hopefully yuh’re safe and healthy. Ah’ve seen a version of yuh die, don’t need to be seeing my actual Sammy lyin’ dead. Paige thought to herself fighting back the tears that threatened to fall when she thought of the last time she’d spoke with Sam in her reality. They’d fought something fierce and her parting words had been along the lines of ‘Ah wish yuh’d never been born…’ Looking back Paige wished she hadn’t spoken those words to him, but teenager emotions were strong and anger clouded her judgment. Ah have t’ make it back, if only to tell Sammy ah don’t hate him. The blond shifted her weight again, pulling herself out of her thoughts when Victoria asked her if she had the whiskey bottle still.

“Are yuh kidding, ah couldn’t finish an entire whiskey bottle by mahself. This little body can’t handle that much liquor.” Paige said as she reached into the inside pocket of her jacket and pulled out the bottle, thankful that she’d grabbed it before departing from the Timebroker’s office. “Ah learned long ago drownin’ yuh’re sorrows in the bottom of a bottle doesn’t work…not for me anyway.” The blond flashed a lopsided smile as she noted she didn’t have anything to be sad over, Jono was alive and well and knew that she was as well. She had at least four people on this team who knew her and cared for her like a little sister, and she had a purpose…what else could a girl want?

Giggling softly as ‘Toria introduced them all to the new comers and made the comment about Paige and her body the small blond couldn’t resist striking a pose and flashing them a dazzling smile, one which hadn’t been seen in many days if not months. “’Toria flattery with get yuh everywhere.” Paige informed the pale skinned beauty, a little bit of the southerner’s carefree personality showing through in that small moment.