chpt. 5

I keep my eyes on my hands as I straighten my husband's tie. I try to keep my hands from shaking.

"There." I murmur. "All done." He turns to the bathroom mirror. And scowls. He pulls at his tie. I never do it right.

"Can't do one fucking thing right, can you?" He growls at me, throwing on his suit jacket.

He's a reporter, and today he'll be asking the Fantastic Four questions. And I will have be locked in the car- the new one he got from I don't know where. My stomach knots at the thought.

I'm ripped from my daydream when my husband's hand roughly grips my chin, his fingers digging into my skin harshly, "Don't screw this up for me, alright? Stay in the car and get out only when I tell you to."

I nod, to which he only grips me harder, "Got it?"

"Yes, yes." I rush out. He pushes me away harshly.

"And cover up that ugly fucking bruise on your cheek." I nod meekly as he leaves.

I take a slow breath, turning to the mirror. I force a smile on my face and reach for my makeup.

+

I watch in awe as we approach the Fantastic Four's home. It's a massive skyscraper with many glistening windows. There are already a ton of reporters at the front glass doors.

I want to get out, see what's happening, how all this works. I sneak a glance at my husband, who is straightening his tie again. And I cringe.

He looks at me and smiles sweetly, before bending over to me and kissing me deeply on the lips. I have to fight the urge to pull back, "Go get 'em." I whisper with a fake smile.

He grins, "You know it." He gets out of the car, throwing the door closed.

I sigh, letting my body relax as there is only silence now. No him. Just me. I see the glass doors of the building open and the reporters rush in, my husband included.

I think back on a few nights ago. When I saw him with that woman. My eyes burn. Don't cry. Don't cry. I sigh deeply, resting my head against the seat. What has my life come to?

My thoughts then drift to Johnny. And I grin. Happy. Content. That's what I feel when I think of all the interactions I've had with him so far. Isn't that how my marriage should be? Happy and good? I sigh again.

My eyes land on the glass building again. A risky idea pops into my head. I'm itching to see what's going on in there. I look around. At moments like this, I wish I was like the Invisible Woman. No-one is around on the streets.

I swallow and slowly open my door, getting out of the car. I don't have to be in the building. I can see from outside. I quickly run across the street, ducking behind a car. I peek above the hood. This is so stupid...

I see people first through the glass doors. Then I see them. They're even more impressive up close-well not that close but close, all wearing their suits too. Ben, I've seen before in real life is massive. Yet, looks gentle despite being all rock. He waves at the reporters kindly.

Susan Storm catches my attention next. Her beautiful, almost silver blonde hair is exquisite, along with her out-of-this-world blue eyes. She's gorgeous. I've seen her use her powers on TV before and it's beautiful. A kaleidoscope of colours that swirl and bounce around her.

She smiles at Reid Richards. The smartest man. He's even better looking up close as he talks into the microphone. He has grey hairs above his ears, a kind smile. I see him mention to Susan, who's hand is on her flat stomach. I gasp silently. Is she pregnant?

I silently congratulate the couple. My eyes then land on Johnny, as he steps up and hand fly in the air as questions flow. He starts to talk, his baby blue eyes looking around the crowd. Until they land on me.

My eyes go wide and I freeze. He's looking at the glass, right? Right? I have to get back to the car. I quickly jump up, heading to the car, until the ground starts to shake beneath my feet. I freeze again.

What-

My train of thought is interrupted as a loud sound sounds around me. My hands fly over my ears. The vibrations of the Earth become worse, until the street starts to crack. I make a run for the nearest building: Fantastic Four's home.

I push myself against the glass as the street splits open infront of me, pushing the cars to the side. Something large, loud and spinning makes it's way to the surface. I heave, staring at everything unfolding in front of me.

Till the glass behind me falls away and I'm tugged back, into the building. Arms surround me as the door is closed again. I look up. It's Johnny.

"You okay Ma'am?" He asks. I can only nod. He ushers me and the other people back.

"Please, everyone, get back from the door." Reid orders and we all do.

I feel my neck burning and I turn. My husband is throwing daggers my way with his stare. I swallow. I'll be punished when we get home. I think, swallowing.

I see Johnny's body go aflame, and Susan uses her powers to press against the glass as the cars continue to press to the side. I see Ben ushering all of us more into the building, to an open door.

We all press through the door and Ben closes it, "Just stay here everybody." He says.

I then hear murmurs before my husband wraps his arms around me, "Are you alright?" He asks into my hair.

"Yes." I murmur. I see a woman with dark hair staring at us with a deep frown. My stomach drops. It's her. The woman he was with.

My husband let's me go, gripping my face, but so anyone he looks like a caring husband, "I told you to stay in the car." He hisses.

I say nothing as the building suddenly rumbles and shakes beneath our feet. I gasp, people murmur around me.

"What do we do?"

"They'll save us, won't they?"

"They're busy out there!"

Suddenly there is a few floating cars by the massive windows, hovering above the ground. The police! I then see Johnny Storm fly to the window, pointing his hands at the glass, which then shoots fire at the glass. The glass melts.

"We can only take a maximum of four people! Get in!" A police officer yells. Johnny lands inside, standing by the car door.

The building rumbles again and that gives the people motivation to rush to the police car. They fill up with people, one by one, with the help of Johnny. Then it's my turn. My eyes land on the gaping hole just below the car and I freeze.

"Come on! Move!" I hear a voice yell. I walk, not seeing where I'm going. I lose my footing and fall.