Can't Ask, Don't Need, Won't Acknowledge

Chapter 31: Protecting a Minor

“Mama… please…”

Natasha narrowed her eyes at the teenager, “Now Wanda, class.”

“I’m not a dog to be ordered around,” snarked back Wanda.

“Don’t start Wanda, I mean it.”

Wanda just glared at the woman, and turned abruptly mumbling profanities under her breath.

“I heard that,” snapped Natasha, “another word and I’ll be washing your mouth out later with soap.”

“See you later Aunty Nat,” said Peter in bemusement before turning to chase after the angry stamping witch.

Natasha shook her head berating herself, where in the world had that threat some from. When had she become such a mom. She slapped her hand lightly again her head in annoyance at herself. Idiot.

……………………………………………………………

Wanda slammed the car door shut behind her, and turned quickly to Natasha who was sat in the driver’s seat. “Talk,” she demanded.

Natasha raised her eyebrow at the teenager. “Who do you think you are talking to?”

“Mama,” whinged Wanda.

“I’m being serious Wanda,” Natasha was secretly delighted by the teenager’s attitude as it meant she was getting more comfortable in her surroundings. She was no longer the skittish girl who thought she was going to be tossed onto the streets if she blinked at someone. Natasha had to remind herself she wanted this, and the consequential teenager angst that came with it. “Stop the attitude Wanda. Do you need a timeout?”

“Mama, I’m not a little child,” said Wanda in annoyance.

“Then stop behaving like one,” Wanda crossed her arms against her chest and slouched lower into the chair. Natasha craned her head back towards Peter who had got into the back, “Hey Peter, good day?”

Peter just nodded awkwardly, “yeah great thanks.”

Natasha turned back to Wanda, “belt on Wanda.”

Wanda rolled her eyes at the older woman, but clicked the belt into place, aware the car would just beep angrily at her until she did put it on. Stupid unnecessary safety features in the car.

Natasha put the car into drive and drove out of the school car park. They drove in silence, Wanda reached over to turn the radio but Natasha slapped her hand away from the console.
“So now I can’t listen to music,” groaned Wanda in agitation.

“When we get home I want you to go upstairs to my room and stand in the corner,” stated Natasha firmly.

Wanda turned at her in shock, “No, you can’t be serious, that’s not fair. I haven’t broken the rules.” Wanda was starting to panic slightly. Natasha turned to her in concern, before indicating and pulling the car over. “Wanda what’s wrong??”

“You promised….”

Natasha look at her in confusion, “Promised what?”

Wanda turned back to her in anger, “You are an abusive asshole.”

Natasha’s expression changed abruptly, “The only one being abusive right now is you.” Natasha put her indicators back on and pulled away down the street. Peter just stayed very quiet in the back, and the only sound that was heard was the clicking of the indicator.