Chapter 1

|Brooklyn, New York||Wednesday, June 6, 1923|

"Girls can't play!" The annoying boy to Adeline's left said. He had dark hair, a pudgy face, dirty trousers with suspenders keeping them up and he was a complete idiot, but he was Steve's best friend and Steve was her best friend. So, naturally, she put up with him on most - some occasions.

"Can too!" Adeline argued, "Give me the bat." It was the last day of school and they had free time in the fenced in empty lot just outside of the school. Whenever there was a slight gust of wind, the sand would swirl and with each passing moment, the sun's rays seemed to beat down even more fiercely than before. Today was particularly windy as the sand blew angrily in Adeline's face, ruffling her dress. Bucky and Steve promised her that she could play baseball once she was six and she had been six for a month.

"Adeline, why don't you go play with the other girls over there?" Steve proposed. Steve was a small boy, even at the age of four. He was skinny, had sandy hair and all of his clothes hung off of him like rags. Adeline looked over to where a group of girls were playing a jump rope game.

"I don't want to. I want to play baseball," Adeline argued, giving Steve a silencing glare as the wind picked up once again.

"But girls can't play baseball," Bucky responded, still holding onto the bat.

"Give me the bat!" Adeline said again.

"No!" That was it. Adeline tackled the taller boy to the ground, the wooden bat falling out of his grasp. They rolled around in the dust, clawing, pulling and hitting each other.

"Hey!" A teacher called, pulling the two children apart. Adeline struggled against the teacher's hold, wanting another swing at the boy. She soon sat next to Bucky in the director's office, feeling a bruise forming on her left cheek.

"I hate you," Adeline mumbled, glaring ahead of her.

"I hate you," Bucky responded, slouching in his chair. The door behind the two children opened and closed softly. The director came into their view, sitting down behind his grand desk.

"James, Adeline. I've lost count of how many times you two have been here in my office," the man said in a disappointed voice. Mr. Jameson was, by no means, old. He had a new wife and he was a groomed man, always in a suit an tie. He had a sharp face, but it wasn't overwhelming. He almost resembled a sleek cat. The few grey hairs that stuck out was most likely the cause of constantly having to put up with Adeline and Bucky. "It's the last day of school. Can't you both get past your differences and move on?"

"He wouldn't let me play baseball," Adeline said, glaring at the boy to her left, her chestnut waves of hair falling over her shoulder.

"James, is that true?" The director asked.

"It's a boy's game," Bucky defended.

"You said I could play when I turned six! I've been six for a month!" Adeline retorted.

"Okay, okay," the director said, calming the two fuming children. "On any other day, I would have no choice but to write to both of your parents. You are both lucky that this is the last day of school. You can leave." Both Adeline and Bucky hopped off the chairs, walking out the door where Steve was waiting for them in the hallway.

"Guys..." Steve trailed off when he saw that both of his friends were in a rotten mood. Adeline felt bad that she couldn't get along with Bucky for Steve's sake, but he was just so annoying.

"Bye, Steve. Bye, Bucky," Adeline said, walking away, knowing that she and Bucky would only argue if they both walked home with Steve.

"Do you really have to be friends with her?" Bucky asked.

"She's nice, Buck," Steve responded as they began walking out of the school a bit slower. "You're just not giving her a chance."

|Monday, July 4, 1927|

It was Steve's 9th birthday and Adeline knew that Bucky would be there, but she continued to walk through the rougher part of the city where the houses weren't nearly as grand as the ones further in the city. She was grateful of the sun that warmed her back as it usually kept the beggars underneath the bridges. Bucky and Adeline continued to rub each other the wrong way, though not as bad as when they were younger. Adeline attempted to get in a positive mindset for Steve. She didn't want his 9th birthday ruined by some stupid squabble between her and Bucky. She knew Steve hated it when his two friends quarreled and personally, Adeline hated it too. She was always exhausted after a fight, verbal or physical with Bucky.

Adeline made it to the small house in the smelly part of the city where the moonshiners always urinated in the streets. She knew that the Rogers' didn't have much money, especially after Steve's dad died in the Great War. On top of that, Steve was always in rotten health. Adeline walked up the porch of the small, run down house and knocked on the door. To her surprise, Bucky opened.

"Hello, Bucky," Adeline greeted.

"Hey," he responded warily. Both were surprised at the lack of harshness in their words as Adeline walked past Bucky into the house. She could tell that Sarah, Steve's mom, had cleaned especially for the occasion.

"Hey, Steve," Adeline greeted, spotting Steve sitting at the table in front of a birthday meal of cooked potatoes and carrots. "I brought you a present."

"Really?" He asked, getting up from his seat, his eyes lighting up.

"Yeah, it isn't every day your friend turns nine," Adeline said with a smile, handing the small package to him.

"Steve, dear, how about we open gifts after we have our dinner," Sarah said, motioning for Steve to place it next to Bucky's gift.

"Hello, Mrs. Rogers," Adeline greeted.

"Hello, Adeline. How are you today?" She asked with a kind and welcoming smile.

"Always good, Sarah," Adeline responded. Sarah was like a second mother to both Bucky and Adeline. She was pretty, her blonde hair always perfectly groomed and her face was soft and inviting.

"Well, fill up your plates, we've got plenty of food," Sarah said, gesturing to the open seat across from Bucky. Once all four sat down, they all folded their hands, Sarah saying a small prayer before they dug in.

"This is amazing, Sarah," Bucky complimented.

"Yes, thank you," Adeline agreed. Once all of their plates were clear, they helped with dishes and Steve could finally open his gifts. Adeline could tell he was eager, as the whole dinner, he was shaking with anticipation. They gathered in the parlor, sitting on the ground. First, he opened Bucky's gift, which revealed a pair of nice socks and a bag of caramel cubes.

"Thanks, Buck," Steve said, already popping a caramel cube into his mouth.

"Only the best for you," Bucky said as Steve threw both Bucky and Adeline a cube. He then moved to Adeline's gift. He opened the small box to find a men's cologne.

"Wow, thanks, Adeline," he said, looking at the expensive scent.

"No problem," Adeline responded. "I made sure to get you one that would make the girls swoon." They laughed as Steve popped off the cap, smelling it, then handing it to Bucky.

"Wow, I'm impressed, Adeline," Bucky said, handing the bottle back to Steve. "Is that really what women like?"

"Yes, it is," Adeline responded. "Take it from a woman herself." They laughed and Steve thanked them again.

"Hey, there's a firework show in the park tonight, if you guys wanna go see 'em," Steve said, popping another caramel cube into his mouth. Soon, the three were on their way to the park, talking about other kids in their school. Few kids ever went on a summer holiday, but Adeline could always tell which ones went places. They wouldn't stop talking about their adventure in Maine or their horse back riding in Georgia. At first, Adeline was always jealous, as her family never went anywhere, but she soon realized that all she ever needed was right here in Brooklyn. Adeline adjusted her blanket over her arms that Sarah had lent them to sit out on the grass with.

"Hey," Bucky said, stopping them next to an empty lot. "You guys know what's over that fence?"

"No, what?" Steve asked, eyeing the wooden fence warily.

"John Stephens said that there was a huge dog back there, almost tore him to shreds last summer," Bucky said.

"That's stupid," Adeline said. "Everyone knows John is a liar."

"If you don't believe me, go check it out for yourself," Bucky said, folding his arms, inviting Adeline to climb over the fence. "If you can get over, that is."

"I can too get over," Adeline retorted. "It's not even that high."

"Let's see it then," Bucky responded, walking over to the fence that seemed much taller than it was by the sidewalk.

"Adeline, don't do it, this is stupid. Let's just go to the park," Steve pleaded.

"Come on, Steve, I wanna see if John's story actually checks out," Bucky said.

"Then why don't you check it yourself, Barnes?" Adeline asked, her hands on her hips.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're chickening out," Bucky mocked, causing Adeline to roll her eyes.

"You're the one who wants to know what's on the other side," Adeline said. "I'd say you're the chicken."

"Come on, Adams," Bucky said.

"Everyone knows John exaggerates his summer tales," Adeline said, getting a foothold, beginning to climb, much to the boy's astonishment. Adeline made it to the top, looking over into an old automobile lot.

"Well, what do you see, Adi?" Bucky asked.

"It's an old automobile lot," she responded. She carefully picked her way down to the other side, walking through the rows of rusted cars. There was a sudden growl and Adeline whipped around to see a very large Rottweiler, teeth bared, eyes glistening, ready to attack.

"Hey, Adeline, you see anything?" She heard Bucky call, but she couldn't move.

"Adeline?" She heard Steve. "Great, Bucky, the dog probably got her!"

"Relax, Steve, she's fine," Bucky said, though there was a hint of doubt in his voice.

"Adi?" Steve called again. Adeline had to think of something. She knew that the minute she moved, she was going to become the dog's snack, but she couldn't stay like that forever. She glanced to her left where the fence was. She then made her move, straight into a sprint as the dog barked and snarled, chasing after her.

"Adeline?" She heard Bucky call as her feet carried her as fast as they could to the fence. The sharp pain of the dog's teeth ripped through her right arm as the dog yanked her back. The two boys were yelling for her on the other side as she kicked the dog as hard as she could in the nose. He yelped, causing his grip to loosen and allowing Adeline to rip her arm away from his teeth. She quickly made her way over the fence, falling over the top to land on both Bucky and Steve. She huffed as the boys broke her fall.

"Adeline, are you okay?" Steve asked frantically while Bucky helped her up, brushing off her back.

"Next time, you two can go over," Adeline snapped, pointing an accusing finger at the both of them.

"You're bleeding!" Steve exclaimed, pointing to her outstretched right arm. Adeline looked down to see that, indeed, her right forearm was ripped open to the bone, skin hanging and blood dripping.

That night, instead of spending it in the park watching fireworks, the two boys, Sarah Rogers, a concerned Marie Adams and Adeline spent the evening at the hospital getting stitches. The two boys walked into the room, looking down, ashamed of themselves.

"Sorry, Adeline," Bucky mumbled.

"Yeah, sorry," Steve said. "We didn't know there was actually going to be a dog back there."

"I hate you," Adeline mumbled but with a small smile.

"I hate you," Bucky responded but with a slight chuckle. It wasn't nearly as menacing as it was when they were six years old.

"It's fine, really," Adeline said. "And happy birthday, Steve. This is one birthday none of us will ever forget." Adeline let out a humorless laugh.

"Yeah, thanks," Steve responded with a slight smile.

"Well, thank you, Sarah," Marie said, walking into the room. "Come on, Adeline. I think you've gotten yourself in enough trouble for tonight, let's go home. You get to explain this to your father." Adeline bit her lip, knowing her father wasn't going to be happy with her.

"Bye, Steve. Bye, Bucky," Adeline said, getting up from her seated position.

"Bye, Adeline," they chorused as they watched her walk out with her mom, a wrap around her right forearm.

|Thursday, June 7, 1934|

Adeline was fanning herself with her hand as she sat in the stuffy classroom of George Washington High School. The curtains of the open windows didn't even move and everyone in the class was melting in their seats as the sweaty professor wrote the final equation on the board. This was one of the hottest days of June and it was the last day of school. Another year was gone and next year, it would be Adeline's and Bucky's last year in high school.

"I'm surprised the chalk hasn't melted," Bucky mumbled, leaning over to Adeline with a slight chuckle.

"Yeah, right," Adeline responded. "I'm surprised that Mr. Elliott hasn't melted in his shoes. I heard that he's already changed his shirt three times."

"If you think his shirt is bad, I wonder about his underwear," Bucky said. They both laughed a bit too loud, causing Mr. Elliott to sigh, but continue to write.

"Barnes, Adams, this is the last day, can it wait until you leave?" He asked, knowing it was pointless to yell at them. Ever since the incident with the dog at what they found out to be Fat Al's Automobile Salvage, they became inseparable. Adeline still had a scar on her right forearm to remind all three of them what happened that evening on July 4th. Some part of her hated the sight of the ugly scar but the other part thought it made her look more like herself.

Both Bucky and Adeline looked at each other, chuckling a bit. Adeline was just anticipating the teacher to dismiss them, signaling their freedom. Her, Steve, and Bucky were going to Coney Island. On such a hot day, they couldn't pass up an opportunity like this. Finally, after seven grueling minutes and quiet jokes with Bucky, Mr. Elliott dismissed them and he called over the shuffling of seats and bags to not forget to read at least two books over the summer.

"Yeah, that's happening," Bucky said sarcastically as they walked toward Steve's locker.

"You know, it's not that hard to read a book," Adeline said. "Besides, he never said what kind of book."

"That's why you're the smart one of the three," Bucky laughed, giving her a wink.

"Hey, are these drawings of your nonexistent girlfriend?" A large kid asked loudly, snatching Steve's drawing pad from his hands.

"Oh, great," Adeline sighed as the two saw Steve who was left in the shadow of a rather large classmate.

"Vincent!" Bucky yelled as the two walked up to the small crowd that gathered around Steve and the fat kid. Vincent Dunn was always picking on Steve. Whether it was in the hallways of school or behind a diner. He was an ugly and mean kid with a large group of friends only because he would threaten to make his pudgy fist better acquainted with their jaws. He had small beady eyes, bright ginger hair, and freckles covered his fat cheeks.

"Lay off, Dunn," Adeline said, snatching the notebook back from the kid's pudgy hands, giving it back to Steve.

"You think I'm scared of a broad like you?" Vincent asked mockingly.

"Hey, watch it," Bucky warned. "Don't start what you can't finish, Vincent." The ugly boy squinted his already small eyes and Adeline wondered if he could actually see out of them. Everyone knew, especially Vincent, what Bucky was capable of. Bucky was particularly popular in school. He was the YMCA boxing champion, smart, and quick. And everyone knew that Bucky never lost a fight.

Vincent's eyes then shifted to Adeline, down to her ugly scar. Everyone had a different version of the story behind Adeline's scar. Many of them were rather elaborated, but it made the bullies turn and run for the hills when she balled her fists or gave them a silencing glare. Vincent eventually decided the better of his two options and turned away, his large posse following him.

"What an idiot," Adeline muttered.

"Yeah, tell me about it," Bucky said, turning to Steve. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Buck. But I could've taken him," Steve said, adjusting his notebooks in his arms.

"A simple 'thank you' would suffice," Adeline said with a smile, causing the two boys to laugh. "Come on, it's too hot in here, I'm ready for a lemonade. Besides, we deserve it. Last day and all."

"Yeah, let's go," Bucky said.

It seemed as though the whole city was out trying to cool down, many women trying to keep their lipstick from running in the still heat of the day. Adeline longed for a breeze to come through the buildings and ruffle her dress or mess up her hair. As far as records went, this was the hottest day any June 7th had ever seen before. The lines for tickets into Coney Island were long and many people were impatient.

"Maybe we should come back another day," Steve suggested.

"Oh, come on, Steve," Adeline said. "We do this every year. We can't break tradition. Besides, I want to ride the Cyclone."

"You want to do that every year," Steve responded dryly.

"And every year it gets more amusing," Adeline responded. "You haven't been on it, you should come."

"Adeline, you know I don't like roller coasters," Steve said.

"Steve, you can't say you don't like it if you've never tried it," Bucky pointed out. Steve sighed, shaking his head.

"I don't even think I'll make the height requirement," Steve replied jokingly. Steve was extraordinarily small. Adeline passed him by a little over 2 inches and Bucky towered over both of them. Adeline continued to fan herself as they got closer to the ticket booth.

"Three tickets please," Bucky said to the man in the booth. He exchanged a total of 30 cents for each general admission.

"Adeline, you know you don't have to pay every time," Bucky said as they walked into the park.

"I know I don't, but I want to," she responded. Her family was much better off than either Bucky's or Steve's. Both of her parents had good paying jobs and Adeline always wanted to treat her boys.

"Come on, let's go on the Cyclone first!" Adeline said, grabbing both Steve's and Bucky's hands, pulling them toward her favorite ride.

"Maybe I'll go get a hot dog," Steve said once Adeline and Bucky got in line.

"Oh, no you don't," Adeline said.

"Come on, Steve, you gotta ride it at least once with us," Bucky said.

"I don't like roller coasters," Steve responded.

"You haven't even tried it," Adeline groaned. "Come on. If you don't like it you don't have to do it again."

"Promise?" Steve asked.

"Promise," Adeline said.

"Fine, but just this once," Steve said.

"Yes! You're going to love it!" Adeline exclaimed.

They finally got seated in a car. Adeline and Bucky were in the last car, Steve ahead of them, sitting next to an eager 10-year-old boy. The cars lurched to a start and Adeline was bouncing with excitement. Bucky smiled at her, loving that something so simple could make her so excited. They escalated slowly and Steve got more nervous.

"I hate you guys," Steve said as they rounded the top, suddenly plummeting down and Adeline let out a shout of joy. The ride felt too short for Adeline but too long for Steve. He staggered off the ride on unsteady feet, clutching his stomach.

"You okay, Steve?" Bucky asked as he and Adeline helped their friend.

"I am never do-" His words were cut off as he turned to a garbage can and threw up. Bucky and Adeline glanced at each other, realizing their mistake. Adeline rubbed Steve's shaking back as he spat into the trash.

"I am never doing that again," Steve finished, straightening up.

"It's alright," Adeline said, patting his shoulder.

"I think I'm just gonna head home," Steve said, still looking ghostly pale, his stomach undoubtedly still churning.

"We can walk you home," Adeline offered.

"Yeah, we can come again a different day," Bucky said.

"No, no," Steve shook his head. "I'll be fine, guys. You two have fun. I'll see you later." He didn't give the two friends a chance to argue as he walked toward the exit, leaving both Adeline and Bucky standing together.

"I shouldn't have made him go on that stupid ride," Adeline said as they walked through the crowd.

"Neither of us knew he was going to lose his lunch," Bucky pointed.

"I know, I still feel bad though," Adeline said. "It's always been the three of us here. It's weird without Steve."

"Remember when we hated each other?" Bucky asked as they continued to walk.

"Yeah," Adeline chuckled. "I can't remember how many times we were sent to the director's office for getting into fistfights." Bucky laughed, shaking his head.

"Yeah, me neither," Bucky responded. "Do you remember when that changed?"

"No?" Adeline said, unsure of where this was going.

"When you got attacked by that dog at Fat Al's," Bucky said as though he had thought about it long and hard before.

"Oh, yeah?" Adeline questioned. "What changed that day?"

"I just realized how much life would suck if our trio wasn't a trio anymore," Bucky shrugged.

"It sounds like you're flirting with me, Barnes," Adeline said with a smile, looking up at the dark haired boy. He scratched the back of his head nervously and chuckled.

"No, no, it's just you and Steve are my two best friends," Bucky said. "I just want you to know that."

"Thanks," Adeline said with a bright smile. "I could say the same for you. Come on, we haven't done the Ferris Wheel yet." Adeline grabbed Bucky's hand, pulling him through the crowd. The line wasn't long as they soon got seated. The ride took them above all of Brooklyn as they got a perfect view of the setting sun.

"Bucky, I want to go somewhere," Adeline said, staring out at the ocean.

"And where do you want to go?" Bucky asked, looking at Adeline.

"Anywhere," Adeline responded. "I want an adventure. Something I can write down and look back and say that I did that."

"Adventure," Bucky laughed, shaking his head. "I pray to God that I will never have an adventure." Adeline looked at Bucky, confused.

"Why?" Adeline asked.

"Have you ever read an adventure where everyone makes it out alive?" Bucky questioned, looking at Adeline. When Adeline couldn't come up with a response, Bucky looked back over the water. "Exactly. You should wish for the same. A quiet, safe life." Adeline sat back in the seat, pondering Bucky's words. Adventures were tragedies.

~*~

Within the month of June, Bucky began spending his time with a girl named Gertrude Phillips, leaving Adeline and Steve to fill their summer with activities that didn't include Bucky.

"I don't like her," Steve said as they walked around the park.

"Neither do I," Adeline agreed. There was a slight breeze from the east, causing Adeline's dress to catch on her legs.

"What does he see in that woman?" Steve asked.

"Beats me," Adeline responded as they stopped at an ice cream vendor. Steve got vanilla and Adeline got chocolate. "She only likes him because he's popular, if you ask me."

"Yeah," Steve agreed, licking his ice cream. "He should be with someone much better than her. Someone actually fun."

"You have someone in mind?" Adeline asked, curious as to who Steve would pair him with. Adeline would personally place him with Joyce Caldwell, one of Adeline's friends that didn't get on her nerves and was grounded enough for a man like Bucky.

"Yeah, isn't it obvious?" Steve asked.

"I was thinking Joyce," Adeline said. "Joyce Caldwell. You know, the one with the bouncy blonde hair ..."

"Yeah, I know who she is, but that's not who I was thinking about," Steve said. "You really are oblivious."

"What? What do you mean?" Adeline asked, looking at Steve.

"He should be with you, obviously," Steve said, taking another lick off his ice cream. Adeline was about to laugh until she saw how serious he was.

"Wait, you're serious?" Adeline asked.

"Yeah," Steve said casually. "I mean, you guys have been friends for as long as I can remember and I see the way you two look at each other."

"What are you talking about? One: we hated each other for at least the first ten years of our lives and two: we don't look at each other in any way," Adeline said. Steve shrugged.

"Whatever," Steve said. "I just think you two would be good for each other."

"Well, it's not happening," Adeline said a bit too bitterly. Maybe Adeline was just a little bit jealous of Gertrude, but that was it. She wasn't head over heels for Bucky. They were just friends after all. At least that was what she thought. But, did Bucky really look at her differently than any other girl? Now that Steve had mentioned it, that was all Adeline could think about. The rest of the day was spent in silent thought. So silent that her mother was even concerned.

"Adeline, dear, aren't you going to eat?" Marie asked. Adeline snapped from her daze to look down at her full plate.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry," Adeline said.

"Are you feeling alright?" Marie asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine, I've just been thinking about something Steve said to me," Adeline said distractedly.

"Oh, speaking of Steve," her mother began, "are him and James going to be coming for dinner this Saturday?"

"Oh, uh, I'm not sure, "Adeline responded. "Steve will be here but I don't know about Bucky. He's got a new girlfriend." Her mother raised her eyebrows.

"So that's what has got you so distracted tonight," Marie said.

"What? No," Adeline responded a little too quickly. "No."

"Adeline has a crush," Jack, the youngest of the family teased.

"Shut it, you little punk," Adeline scolded through gritted teeth. "It's not a crush. He's a friend."

"Just ask them next time you see them," Marie said. "That way I know how much food to make. The Lord knows two growing boys eat as much as a couple of horses."

"Sure," Adeline said, looking down at her plate once again. "I'm actually not that hungry, I think I'm just going to go to bed."

"Okay," her mother said hesitantly as Adeline got up and walked to her third-floor room. She lay on her bed, not even attempting to close her eyes. She already knew that she wasn't going to get any sleep that night. Instead, she got up, walking out to the balcony, watching over Brooklyn, hoping that the noise of the city would distract her from her thoughts.