Yall Kendra lowkey a bad influence 😭😭

ELLIE BARNES TOSSED AND TURNED in her sleep, trapped in a nightmare that refused to let her go. The air was thick with tension, and the familiar setting of the HYDRA facility loomed around her. She was ten years old again, standing in a cold, dimly lit room with concrete walls that seemed to close in on her. Her best friend, Jamie, stood beside her, his face pale but determined.

A harsh voice echoed through the room, and Ellie's heart pounded in her chest. She knew what was coming. She had lived this nightmare countless times, but tonight, something felt different.

"Do it," the voice commanded, and a HYDRA agent shoved Jamie forward.

Ellie's eyes darted to the side, and she saw her therapist, Dr. Evans, standing in the shadows, watching. Her presence was unsettling, her expression cold and detached. Ellie's mind raced. Why was Dr. Evans here? This wasn't how it had happened.

Jamie's eyes met hers, filled with a mix of fear and resignation. "It's okay, Ellie," he whispered, trying to comfort her even in his final moments.

A gunshot rang out, and Jamie fell to the ground, blood pooling around him. Ellie screamed, but no sound came out. Her body was paralyzed, rooted to the spot by an invisible force. She tried to move, to run to Jamie, but her legs wouldn't obey her.

Dr. Evans stepped closer, her eyes locked on Ellie's. "This is your fault," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. "You could have saved him."

Ellie's heart shattered at the accusation. She knew it wasn't true, but the guilt gnawed at her insides. Tears streamed down her face as she watched Jamie's lifeless body, her friend, her brother in all but blood, taken from her once again.

The scene shifted, and Ellie found herself standing in the middle of a dark, empty street. Dr. Evans was still there, her presence a haunting specter in the night. "You'll never escape your past, Ellie," she said, her voice echoing in the silence. "It will always be with you."

Ellie's eyes snapped open, and she bolted upright in bed, gasping for breath. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt the sweat on her forehead, cold and clammy. She looked around her room, trying to ground herself in reality. The familiar posters on the walls, the soft glow of her nightlight, and the quiet hum of the air conditioner all served to remind her that she was safe, that it had only been a dream.

But the images lingered, the sight of Jamie's blood and the cold accusation in Dr. Evans's eyes. Ellie lay back down, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. Why had Dr. Evans been in her dream? What did it mean? She had always trusted her therapist, despite the uncomfortable memories that their sessions sometimes brought to the surface. But now, doubt gnawed at her.

She replayed the dream in her mind, trying to make sense of it. The guilt she felt about Jamie's death was always there, lurking beneath the surface. But why had her mind chosen to place Dr. Evans in that horrific scene? Ellie couldn't shake the feeling that it meant something, something she needed to understand.

Minutes ticked by, and Ellie's breathing gradually slowed. The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the sheets as she shifted restlessly. She glanced at her clock; it was barely past midnight. She knew she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep easily.

Ellie threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She padded across the room and opened her door, stepping into the dimly lit hallway. She paused outside her dad's room, listening to the soft snores coming from within. A part of her wanted to wake him, to seek comfort in his reassuring presence. But she hesitated, not wanting to disturb him with her troubled thoughts.

Instead, Ellie made her way to the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of water and sat at the table, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat. She stared out the window into the night, her mind still churning with the remnants of her nightmare.

She thought about Jamie, about the bond they had shared during their time in HYDRA's clutches. He had always been there for her, a source of strength and comfort in a world filled with fear and pain. Losing him had been the hardest thing she had ever faced, and the guilt she felt was a weight she carried every day.

Ellie took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to find some sense of peace. She knew she needed to talk to Dr. Evans about the dream, to understand why her mind had placed her therapist in such a haunting role. But that conversation would have to wait until morning.

For now, she focused on the present, on the fact that she was safe and free. She had her dad, who loved her more than anything, and she had a future that she could shape in her own way. The past would always be a part of her, but she wouldn't let it define her.

Ellie finished her water and set the glass down on the table. She took one last look out the window, then made her way back to her room. She climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. As she lay there, staring at the ceiling once more, she resolved to face her fears head-on.

"Fuck."

THE NEXT MORNING, Ellie knew she had to talk to her dad about this. She needed him to understand, to believe her. She got out of bed and made her way to the kitchen, where Bucky was already up, making coffee.

"Dad," Ellie said, her voice trembling slightly. "I had a nightmare last night."

Bucky turned to her, concern etched on his face. "Oh, El bell. I'm sorry. Do you want to talk about it?"

Ellie took a deep breath. "It was about HYDRA. About when they killed Jamie. But there was something different this time. The person who was there, I mean I remember it... she looked exactly like Dr. Evans."

Bucky frowned, confusion and disbelief mingling in his expression. "Ellie, Dr. Evans has been your therapist for a while now. She's helped you a lot."

"I know, Dad," Ellie said, her frustration growing. "But I can't shake this feeling. It was so clear in the nightmare. What if she was really there? I swear I remember it."

Bucky sighed, rubbing his temples. "Ellie, you've been through a lot. It's natural to be paranoid, but you need to understand that nightmares aren't reality. Dr. Evans has been vetted, and there's no evidence to suggest she's involved with HYDRA."

Ellie's frustration turned to anger. "You're not listening to me! I'm telling you, I saw his face. How can you just blow me off like this?"

Bucky's expression softened, but he remained firm. "Ellie, I understand you're scared, but accusing Dr. Evans without proof is dangerous. We need to stay grounded in reality."

"Grounded in reality?" Ellie shouted, her eyes flashing with fury. "Do you have any idea how real that nightmare felt? How scared I am that someone who was part of HYDRA is in our lives? You're supposed to protect me, but you won't even listen!"

"Ellie, that's not fair—" Bucky began, but Ellie cut him off.

"No, what's not fair is you dismissing my fears like they're nothing!" Ellie grabbed her backpack, her hands shaking. "I don't need this right now. I'm going to school."

Bucky watched helplessly as Ellie stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her. He stood there, staring at the door, feeling a knot of guilt tightening in his chest. He hated seeing Ellie so upset, and he hated even more that he had been the cause of her anger.

Bucky sat down at the kitchen table, his coffee growing cold. He replayed the conversation in his mind, wondering if he had been too dismissive, too quick to shut her down. Ellie had been through so much, and her fears, even if irrational, deserved to be acknowledged.

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. Ellie had always been strong, but she was still just a kid dealing with unimaginable trauma. Maybe he should have been more understanding, more willing to entertain her fears, no matter how unlikely they seemed.

As he sat there, the silence of the house pressing in on him, Bucky felt a profound sense of regret. He had let Ellie down, and he needed to find a way to make it right. But for now, all he could do was wait for her to come home, hoping she would give him another chance to listen, to really hear her, and to be the dad she needed.

Until then, Bucky would just sit there, staring at the door, feeling the weight of his mistakes and the longing to make things right.

ELLIE TRUDGED THROUGH the school hallways, her mind still a swirl of anger and confusion. The conversation with her dad replayed over and over in her head, each time more painful than the last. She felt dismissed, invalidated, and she needed a distraction.

As she walked through the crowded hallways, she spotted Kendra, a girl she wasn't particularly close with but knew from a few classes. Kendra was leaning against a locker, her expression distant and thoughtful. Ellie had always admired how Kendra seemed to have this carefree attitude, like nothing could really get to her.

Kendra noticed Ellie and gave her a nod. "Hey, Ellie. You look like you could use a break."

Ellie shrugged, not wanting to dive into the details of her morning. "Yeah, it's been a rough one."

Kendra glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in closer. "Want to come to the bathroom with me? I've got something that might take the edge off."

Curious and desperate for any kind of relief, Ellie nodded and followed Kendra to the girls' bathroom. Once inside, Kendra locked the door and pulled a small flask out of her bag.

"Here," Kendra said, unscrewing the cap and offering the flask to Ellie. "Just a little something to help you relax."

Ellie hesitated for a moment but then took the flask. She had never really been one to drink, especially not at school, but today felt like an exception. She took a swig, the burn of the alcohol surprising her, but she quickly swallowed it down.

Kendra took the flask back, taking a swig herself before sitting on the counter. "So, what's got you so down?"

Ellie leaned against the sink, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through her chest. "It's my dad. He's been totally blowing me off lately. I had this really vivid nightmare about HY—about some bad stuff, and he just dismissed it. Told me I was being paranoid."

Kendra nodded, her eyes understanding. "Parents can be real assholes sometimes. My mom's the same way. Always telling me what to do, how to feel. It's like they don't get that we're our own people, you know?"

Ellie nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "Yeah, exactly. He's so protective, and I get it, he's been through a lot, but it's like he doesn't see me. Like, he just sees this fragile kid he needs to shield from the world."

Kendra sighed, taking another drink from the flask. "I feel you. My mom's been on my case about everything lately. Grades, friends, even what I wear. It's exhausting."

Ellie took the flask back, taking another swig. She felt a bit light-headed, but it was a welcome distraction from her overwhelming emotions. "It just sucks, you know? I love my dad, but he's smothering me. And when I try to tell him something important, he just... dismisses it."

Kendra nodded, her expression softening. "Sounds like you're dealing with a lot. Have you tried talking to anyone else about it? Like a friend or a counselor?"

Ellie shook her head. "I don't really trust many people. And the one person I'm supposed to trust the most doesn't even listen."

Kendra frowned, clearly thinking. "That's rough. I don't know if it helps, but you're not alone. Parents just don't get it sometimes. They think they're protecting us, but they end up pushing us away."

Ellie felt a lump form in her throat. She had been so angry and hurt, but hearing someone else validate her feelings made her realize just how much she needed to get it out. "Thanks, Kendra. It's nice to talk to someone who gets it."

Kendra smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Anytime, Ellie. We're all just trying to survive this mess, right?"

Ellie nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over her. She wasn't alone in her struggles, and even though Kendra didn't know the full extent of her past, the simple act of sharing her feelings made her feel lighter.

They continued to talk, sharing stories about their lives, their struggles, and their dreams. Ellie didn't delve into the specifics of her past with HYDRA, but she felt a sense of connection with Kendra that she hadn't felt in a long time. The alcohol buzzed in her veins, making her feel more relaxed than she had in weeks.

For a while, the world outside the bathroom didn't matter. It was just two girls, finding solace in each other's company, trying to navigate the complexities of their lives. And for Ellie, that brief moment of understanding and connection was enough to keep her going.

ELLIE STUMBLED THROUGH the front door, her vision blurred and her movements unsteady. She hoped to make it to her room without encountering her dad, but the dim light in the living room told her otherwise. Bucky was sitting on the couch, his face a mask of worry and anger. He had been waiting for her.

She took a few detours before making it home.

"Ellie," Bucky's voice was stern, a tone she rarely heard from him. "Where have you been?"

Ellie tried to steady herself, forcing a smile. "I was just took a walk, Dad. Nothing to worry about."

Bucky stood up, his eyes narrowing as he approached her. "You're drunk, Ellie."

She attempted to laugh it off, but it came out as a nervous giggle. "No, I'm not. I just... had a little bit."

Bucky's jaw tightened. "A little bit? You're stumbling, slurring your words, and you reek of alcohol. Don't lie to me, Elenore."

Ellie's heart sank.

Elenore...

She knew she was caught, and the last thing she wanted was to disappoint him. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to. I just... I needed to forget some things."

Bucky's anger flared. "Forget? By drinking? You know better than that, Ellie! You could have gotten hurt, or worse!"

She winced at the harshness in his voice. "I know, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're right, you weren't thinking. But that doesn't excuse it."

Ellie's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm really sorry, Dad. Please don't be mad at me."

Bucky's expression softened slightly, but his anger was still evident. "I am mad, Ellie. I'm furious. But right now, we need to get you cleaned up."

He guided her to the bathroom, his grip firm but not unkind. She wobbled a bit, and he had to support her weight more than once. Once they were in the bathroom, Bucky grabbed a washcloth and ran it under cold water.

"Sit down," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ellie sat on the edge of the bathtub, watching as Bucky gently wiped her face with the cool cloth. The cold water helped clear her mind a bit, and she felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She had never seen her dad this angry, and she hated being the cause of it.

Bucky sighed, gently taking her by the arm. "Come on, let's get you some water."

"I don't need water," Ellie mumbled, but she let him guide her to the kitchen.

Bucky filled a glass and handed it to her. "Drink."

Ellie took a sip, then grimaced. "Why does water taste so weird when you're drunk?"

"Because you're dehydrated. Drink it all." Bucky watched as she obediently drained the glass, then refilled it and handed it back to her.

"You know," Bucky said, leaning against the counter, watching her down the second glass of water within seconds. "I can't believe you Ellie Barnes."

Then he reached for some sort of medicine that Ellie didn't know, all she knew that it was pink and was a liquid. He poured it into a little cup. "Drink this," he commanded, handing it to her.

She took the tiny little cup full of the pink medicine, her hands trembling. "I really am sorry, Dad."

"Drink," he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ellie took a few sips, grimacing as the cold water hit her stomach. "I didn't mean to worry you," she said quietly.

Bucky sat down next to her, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "You can't do this, Ellie. You can't just go out, get drunk, and think it's okay. It's not."

"I know," she whispered. "I know it's not."

Bucky's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "You're better than this. You're smarter than this. I don't ever want to see you like this again, do you understand?"

Ellie nodded, sniffling. "I understand."

Bucky ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his every movement. "Finish the medicine."

"Dad i'm really sorry..." She slurred.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

Bucky guided her to her room, his hand on her back as she walked slowly down the hallway. He helped her into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin like she was eight years old again. She looked up at him with teary eyes, hoping for some sign of forgiveness.

But Bucky just stood there for a moment, his face a mixture of anger and sadness. "Sleep, Ellie."

"But I'm sorry..."

Bucky's expression softened slightly. "We'll talk about it in the when you wake up. Right now, let's get you to bed."