Defrost my Heart Part Five: The Forgiveness of a Daughter

Master Elements:

Sitting in my cryogenic cell, the latest round of my experiments had me shivering in my space. Staring down at my twitching twenty year old hands, long silky ivory hair became the curtain to my frozen tears. Missing my children terribly, the government was proving to be the biggest assholes. Time passed agonizingly slow, the years bringing me to the complete dulling of my ice powers and the freedom to seek out my children. Wiping away my tears, my daughter and son will be found. Running my hand through my light green hair, the fact that I was nearing thirty had me shaken to my core. Nearly ten years had gone, my little girl probably suffering wherever they took her. Rushing to the first hero’s agency, money had to be made first. Signing an application, the one thing I could do was wait. Praying that I landed the job, the patrols around the city would give me the chance to find my girl. A person called me back, a gentle smile haunting my lips. Soon, you will be in my arms again. The years were long and hard, the result being me being able to build my agency from the ground up. Hovering in her room, hope burned in my eyes at her residing in it one day soon. My office phone ringing had me popping to my feet, a sentence causing tears to dribble off of my chin. Slamming the phone down, my feet couldn’t carry me to my car fast enough. In all of my thirty six years of life pure joy burned bright in my eyes, this news caused my heart to beat out of my chest. Squealing into the closest parking spot, my raised hand shutting down any complaining correction officers. Pausing in front of her cell, my wet eyes followed her pacing like a trapped animal. Snapping my fingers, the bitching guard accepted my request. Getting her measurements, my uniform company took my order with a gracious tone. Waiting with bated breath for a week, the package arrived at my door. Ripping it open with an excited grin, her uniform had tears sliding off the material. Scooping up the box, the time couldn’t pass fast enough. Bursting into the prison, the box hit the floor, silent tears staining my cheeks. Nothing could describe the joy I felt, her cold gaze meeting mine. Convincing her was hard but she caved, her tenacity matching mine. My baby girl was home and within my care. A hand shaking my shoulder had me slipping from the memories. 

Sitting up with a groggy yawn, Nitro caught a couple of my tears. So much time had passed, the memories were never going to be made. Rubbing her nearly full term bump, pride swelled in my chest. This guy was going to be a grandfather, a pile of paperwork hanging out from underneath her arm. When did she become so efficient at her job?

“I finished filing the paperwork. Do you have anything else for me to do? I am so fucking bored.” She admitted sheepishly, her fingers drumming on her mask. “What about we go pick up the groceries? I have a list from everyone.” Popping to my feet in last night’s suit, her hands smoothed out the winkles. Tying on my mask with excitement buzzing in my eyes, her sweater dress made her bump look so cute. Adjusting the top of her dress, a polite apology tumbled from her lips. No worries had to haunt her, her kindness causing guilt to devour my heart for a hot second. Waiting patiently for me to tug on my gloves, her trembling gloved hand tucked a wave behind her ear. Sliding on my boots, we were ready to go. Strolling through the halls felt unreal to me, concerned looks passing my way. Climbing into the passenger seat of my car, her purse rested on her bump after she clicked her seat belt into place. Sliding the key into the ignition, love mixed with tiredness in her expression. 

“Can you stop feeling guilty?” She inquired sweetly, her foot tapping incessantly. “I get that you are struggling but there is nothing to be mad about. Everyone fucked us over. Okay?” Wondering how she could be so calm about the situation, an idea came to mind. Peeling onto the road in an awkward silence, something told me that she wouldn’t get it. She would once she became a parent, I thought oddly to myself. Such an odd thing to say.

“Guilt is second nature to me. You got hurt and that is on me. I couldn’t fight back because I wasn’t strong enough.” I explained briskly, realization dawning on her face. “We should get those noodles you like for lunch. Maybe we could do a movie night tonight. Just the two of us. You have to have questions.” Flashing her a befuddled look, her shoulders shrugged. How could she be so calm?

“Nope. I kind of know about your ascension to who you are today. It isn’t like the newspapers didn’t cover everything. Privacy isn’t given to the number one hero.” She pointed out simply, her hand guiding mine to her bump. “This is what matters. At least my children get a grandfather. Once they arrive, some steam can be blown off. Sitting here doing nothing is insufferable. I love you.” Scarlet painted my cheeks, the way she said it reminded of her mother. Sorrow had ice traveling down my arms, her death that day tearing me apart. Cupping my hands, the ice hit the seat. Smiling sympathetically in my direction, her own frozen tears shattered upon her lap. 

“I get it. Even if she was abusive, you still loved her.” She comforted me seamlessly, her kind heart knowing no bounds. “How about we make new memories? You still have and you are going to have these little guys. How about that?” Smiling softly to myself, her empathy was on a whole other level. Turning on the radio, alternative rock had her humming along. Pulling up to the metal store, the destroyed machine needed repairs. Plucking a list from her pocket, she slid it over to the gentle dirty blonde haired man with emerald eyes. Bragging about how it worked, her hand yanked me over. Placing her hand on my shoulder, pride glittered in her eyes. Please don't make me the center of attention. Today is supposed to be about you, my darling snowflake.

“This guy got frozen by me and don’t you see him standing here!” She bragged with a smile in her eyes, the guy accepting the list with an adventurous grin. “Time to go to the next place. The order has to be placed.” Hooking her elbow around mine, we made our way into a coffee shop. Ordering two teas, she plopped down across from me. Passing me a coffee, the hot tea smelled of the hottest peppers. How could something like this come into existence?

“More people like it than you think.” She chuckled lightly, untying her mask. Sipping on the tea while observing me taking off my mask, a satisfied sigh escaped her lips.

“Some people still like me.” She joked lightly, the other patrons looking happier in her presence. Zoning out, her other hand rubbed her bump. Tying on our masks, precautions had to be taken. The elderly owner approached her with a big smile, the two chatting pleasantly. Excusing herself, the owner lingered by me. Would she say horrid things?

“Your daughter is a saint. So many shifts have been covered by her. The patrons here adore her.” She pointed out with a simple smile, her arms folding over her chest. “Good luck with being a grandfather. I love my grandchildren.” Patrons waved at her, Nitro approaching them. Coming back over in a matter of minutes, she motioned for me to follow her. Tracing her footsteps down the street, a key glittered in her hand as we walked further into the bad side of the city. Coming upon a molding brick building, her boots clicked up the stairs. Not surprised to see her still in shape for the most part, control had always been her weakness. Of course, it had always been mine. Pausing in front of an apartment, the key turning had the door swinging open. Locking it behind us, a broken fridge hummed in the kitchen. Opening the empty appliance, the temperature seemed far hotter than it should have been. Moving it away from the wall, the back was hissing in protest. Looking less than impressed, her brow twitched in pure annoyance.

“I don’t know why she won’t let me get her a new fridge.” She grumbled under her breath, a bag of tools waiting on the counter. Maneuvering the parts with pure concentration, the fridge still not working. Making her way to the front, she peeled off her mask. Blowing her cold air into the small space, the cooling system hummed to life. Shaking her head as she slammed the door shut, a layer of frozen sweat glistened on her forehead. Asking if she was okay, her hand raised to give me pause. Making our way out of the small space, the lock clicked behind us. Walking back in another round of awkward silence, something had to be wrong. Tying her mask back on, apprehension mixed with a wince.  Coming back into the coffee shop, another elderly lady thanked her profusely the moment she dropped her key into her shaking palm. 

“You need a new fridge. The repairs are only temporary.” She urged the sweet old lady gently, the lady shaking her head while cupping her hands. “Fine! Call the next time it breaks. I can’t have my biggest fan without food. Take care of yourself.” Touched by her kindness, the old lady agreed with a big old grin. Making our way back to my car, surprise rounded my eyes at her crashing into the driver’s seat. Not wanting to set her off, the wheels squealed onto the street. Speeding down the streets, the brakes squealed to a stop in front of the church run orphanage. Popping out while tossing my keys in my direction, the kids gathered at the front door. Approaching them with a twinkle in her eyes, the middle aged Father in his black priest suit let her in. Climbing out myself, the door creaked open. Crossing the threshold, her marvelous singing voice had a chorus of children joining her. Brushing past a couple of nuns, the sight of orphans of all ages working next to her with eager grins had my heart fluttering. No wonder she could care about everyone, generosity was her second nature. The father took my side, his short stature not dimming his nice aura. Fussing with his collar, his slate gray eyes met my wonder filled expression. 

“That superhero is more than a superhero to me. Once a month she comes by to make a meal for the kids. Hell, she stays long enough to read them a story and tucks them in. What a saint.” He exclaimed with a tired smile, a couple of the nuns calling him over. “Call me Father Shrew. Have a pleasant day.” Joining her side, big children's eyes bore into my soul. Picking up a knife to help her out with the meat, one could almost see the smile underneath her mask. Working through the next couple of hours, a bubbling stew had my stomach grumbling. Unfortunately, tasting it was out of the question. A splash crashed over our boots, her face paled. Pushing through what had to be a contraction, the ladle never shook once as each kid and staff member accepted their bowls of stew. Following them out to the dining space, a long worn wooden table had children buzzing about with endless chatter. Wincing underneath her mask, she collapsed into the chair at the head of the table. Yanking me close to her by my collar, frozen tears slid off of her mask. 

“Please don’t tell. I have to make their day.” She pleaded between sniffles, her free hand gripping her bump. “It’s too early.” Kid after kid asked questions, her cheerful tone never dying down. Sticking around to yell at her, her death glare shut me down. Texting our company doctor discreetly, a ding had me glancing down to see that he was on his way. Father Shrew tapped my shoulder, his hand pointing to the medical wing of the hospital. Thanking him with a nod, the nuns were preparing the room for childbirth. The last spoon hit the bottom of the bowl, the moonlight illuminating the stained glass windows. A colorful portrait painted the floor, my breath hitching at its beauty. Struggling to her feet, something told me to keep tailing her. Texting Emberox to come to the church, I shoved my phone back into the pocket. My heart shattered at the long room of bunk beds, Nitro tucking them in one by one. Struggling through the book, the last word squeaked out of her lips. Closing it up, her cheery good night was returned with sweet thank yous. Shutting off the lights on the way out, her body collapsed into my arms. Scooping her up, her frozen tears crashed freely onto my hands. Whisking her into the delivery room, the good doctor was waiting for her. Laying her down, Emberox skidded in. Cupping her hands, the nuns hung around waiting for his orders. Donning a protective suit, the doctor cut her tights. Moving her down to the stirrups, he examined her. His expression said it all, a mixture of disappointment boiled with happiness.

“It is showtime! I need you to push with the contractions.” He announced with a long breath, his mask fogging up. Mumbling a quick okay, her screams echoed in the hall. Sweat crystals built upon her face, a wail causing her to weep uncontrollably. Passing the child to one of the nuns, they rushed off to clean the child up. Whining at her second child coming, the contractions had her crushing Emberox’s hand. Riding the contractions, another wail had me weeping in the corner. The nuns whisked that one away, the doctor finishing up the birth. Please be okay. Life would be icy cold without her.

“Thank goodness for your powers, no tears occurred. Congrats, Lady Nitro!” He proclaimed with an exhausted smile, her fingers clawing at her mask. The nuns passed the children to the doctor, his hands laying them into the crook of her arms. A navy haired baby boy and baby girl gazed lovingly upon her, her free hand untying the mask. Hesitation lingered in her eyes, her lips getting closer to her children. Kissing them once, frozen tears melted upon impact. Giggling at the drops of water, Emberox joined in with the weeping. Catching my frozen tears, the doctor excused himself to get cleaned up. Rushing to her side, my shaking hand tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Congratulating her, she presented the twins to me. Anxiety built in my heart, my trembling hands scooping them up. Time slowed, the sole thing that I could see was their innocent smile. A small tinge of emotional agony pricked me, her voice snapping me out of it.

“I am going to name the boy Nitrox and the girl Nitra.” She sighed while tracking me rocking my grandchildren back and forth. Such a comfortable feeling, the warmth of it, relaxing my fraying nerves. Getting lost in the moment, her request for a snack had Emberox rushing off to help her out. Privacy had been granted to us through her quick thinking. 

“Thank you for letting me work through the bulk of the labor.” She spoke serenely, the expression proving to be a rare one. “Those kids suffer daily so I couldn’t let them down. No one needs to hate their hero, right?” Smiling softly to herself, a gruff groan poured from her lips as she struggled to sit up. Crossing her hands on her lap, frozen tears piled up on the specialty blanket. My fatherly gaze flitted between her and them, her stomach looking rather flat. Remembering that her mother looked the same after giving birth to her, one difference remained. Love and bliss softened her features, her motherly instincts kicking in the moment she met them. No, not one abusive bone rested in her body.

“Pride swells in my heart for you. Nothing could beat today. What I don’t get is why you are so welcoming.” I returned in a hushed tone, the twins cooing away. Never did I see my life going this way, her throat clearing snapping me out of my thoughts. Yanking me onto the bed, the twins shifted a little bit in their blankets. 

“What is there to be mad about? You fought hard to get to me. How can I be frustrated?” She chuckled blithely, her fingers clutching the blanket. “I love you. So don’t forget that.” Mumbling out a dejected yeah, hurt flashed on her face for a second. Apologizing with my hands waving around, her genuine smile relaxed my fraying nerves. The birth of a new generation had the flames of hope burning bright within my chest!