1. The Diary of Natasha Rogers

Instructions

⠀⠀⠀⠀This is the diary of Natasha "Nutmeg" Rogers. I am twelve years old, and I live with my mum and dad in New Jersey. My mum works at Shield, since she helped to found it, and my dad is a stay at home dad. Why? Well, I didn't know the particulars, but I'm not allowed to say his name to anyone because Steve Rogers was supposedly dead. I mean, he still is. Sort of. This topic is kinda complicated, but I know they'll tell me everything one day. Probably when I'm older. ⠀⠀⠀⠀But enough about that. I'm in sixth grade at the elementary school, and next year, I'll be in junior high. Mum says I'm growing up too fast, but it feels nice to be older. I've made some new friends, although Tony is still my best friend, even if he is five years younger. ⠀⠀⠀⠀Dad doesn't mind my growing up either. We both hang out all the time after school, so he never misses a thing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Hey, Dad!" I called out as I slammed the screen door shut. "I'm home!" ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Hey, Nutmeg," he smiled and came down the stairs. I grinned at my nickname. It was a mix of the nicknames from my first and middle names. Nat for Natasha and Meg from Margaret. You get Nutmeg. Pretty simple. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"How was school?" He asked and picked me up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"It was fun," I smiled and hugged him back. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"That's good," he said as he looked at me. He gave me "The Look." It's the look he gives me and Mum sometimes when he's really happy. It's sort of wistful, but extremely happy and grateful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"So, what's for snack?" I asked when he set me down. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Whatever you want." ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Really?" I set my backpack on the sofa and slid into the kitchen. "Peanut and jelly sandwiches it is!" ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Sounds like you," Dad smiled and opened the fridge. "And we're in luck because everything we need is here. Grab the bread, would you?" ⠀⠀⠀⠀I nodded and opened the cabinet next to the sink. The bread bag sat on the lowest shelf, and I pulled it off with ease. Being taller was so nice. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"So, anything fun happen at school?" Dad asked, spreading peanut butter evenly over his bread. ⠀⠀⠀⠀I shrugged, "Not really. Oh, parent's day is in two weeks. Do you think Mum can take a day off?" ⠀⠀⠀⠀"I don't know, but you can ask her when she gets back tomorrow," he said, not looking up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yeah. Is the new facility all done?" ⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm thinking yes. She called two days ago, saying that she's pleased with how things are moving." ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Good. I miss her," I said. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Me too," Dad took the jelly from me, his voice sounding sad. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Everything okay, Dad?" I asked. ⠀⠀⠀⠀"Of course," he smiled. "Now, let's go have some fun."