Twenty-One

                                    

                                          
I Saw Her Standing There by The Beatles
                          
"I should just tell him I'm sick," Emerson tells herself as she tries finding an outfit to wear. "I know it's his birthday but he can't be upset if I'm sick, right?" She talks to herself as she stands in the shower, her hand resting on a support bar to keep herself upright. She quickly shampoos her hair, afraid of letting go of the bar for too long and falling in the shower. The sergeant decides to sit on the edge of the tub, bending forward to shave the lower half of her legs. She applies shaving cream on her thighs, shaving the sensitive skin there as well. Once her legs are as smooth as possible, she shaves under her arms too, taking the time to ensure she doesn't nick her skin. 
                          
As the water falls upon her face, she can't help but imagine what the Elixir of Renewal would allow her to do. She'd be able to walk again. Her muscles would be strong and she could run. Walking up the long steps in the New York sanctum would soon be possible all with the help of some magical elixir. The sergeant could easily fight alongside Strange and would have no problem protecting the New York sanctum. 
                          
Once Emerson's shower comes to an end, she slowly makes her way out of the tub after drying. She places herself back in her chair and pulls herself up to the sink. The sergeant sets her makeup on the counter and plugs in her hairdryer. Emerson rarely does her makeup, she's never felt a need to. In the military she never had much time to get ready; she was always in a rush. Now that the sorcerer's apprentice has all the time in the world (literally) to get ready, she figures there would be no better time to get dolled up. After blow-drying her hair, she curls it and finishes it off with some heavy-duty hairspray. She spends the next forty minutes attempting to do a full face of makeup. 
                          
***
                          
Arms tired from holding an eyeliner pen up to her eyes, she rests in bed listening to music and relaxing. As the time for the surprise party begins to creep closer, Emerson picks up the phone to call her father. 
                          
"Hey dad, I'm just leaving this voicemail to let you know that I'll be busy tonight and possibly hammered so I won't be able to talk on the phone later. I'll talk to you tomorrow though! Have a good rest of your evening, love you!" Emerson says into the phone before hanging up. Her father wouldn't stop worrying if he didn't hear from her. She throws the phone next to her on the bed. She sits up, scooting to the side of the bed to get back in her chair. 
                          
Emerson begins sifting through her dresser and after finding nothing elegant she can wear, she turns to her closet. Flipping through the hangers, in the deepest part of the closet, she spots a dark green dress. The top is corset-like while a slit trails down the skirt. Not remembering what occasion she originally wore this dress for, she shrugs before putting it on. It fits snug on her figure, eventuating her curves. The sleeves sit off-shoulder, making her bust appear even larger with the corset's assistance. Emerson's mind can't help but wonder what the Sorcerer Supreme would hopefully think about her appearance. 
                          
The sergeant fastens the back of the dress when a knock on the door sounds. 
                          
"It's Wong," a quiet voice speaks. 
                          
"Come in!" She shouts in response as she looks in the mirror to observe her dress. The door opens and Wong trails in quickly. "What's up?"
                          
"I told Strange that I discovered something he needs to inspect, but I will be bringing him to the tower instead. Do you know where it is?"
                          
"I do, actually," Emerson answers and he nods. It's not like the location of the tower is a secret...
                          
"I'll be bringing him there soon. See you then," is all he says before walking away and shutting the door behind himself. Emerson laughs to herself at his unnecessary explanation. Once she finishes getting ready, she puts some matching heels on. One of the benefits of not being able to walk means her feet won't hurt from uncomfortable shoes. She grabs her bag of holding, throwing in some comfortable clothes, the newfound Crossing Ring, and some makeup to touch up if she needs to. She slings the gaudy bag over her shoulder, not caring if the colors clash with her dress. The sorcerer creates a portal with her hands, making an orange glowing ring appear before her and she pushes her chair through.