↳ CHAPTER THREE:

JUNE 1942 ↵

      JAQ GASPED IN SURPRISE AT HOW HECTIC the room was. Her dark brown eyes took in the many men in lab coats and others in suits, ready to watch the experiment. It was a new day at work for her and when entering the room, the atmosphere was building with tension.

"What the bloody hell is happening, Peg?" Jaq rushed towards her friend who had a frown etched upon her features.

"We got a volunteer for the serum, finally." The Latina let out a deep breath, dropping into the seat beside Peggy.

It had been three months since Jaq said goodbye to Steve at dinner and since then had been busy with work. She still would worry over Steve and how he hasn't replied to her letters.

Jaq gasped as the volunteer entered the lab.

"No!" She shouted, pushing her way through the scientists and found herself in front of Steve Rogers, her best friend. He couldn't be the volunteer- he was Steve.

"Jaq?" Steve stared at his friend in disbelief, taking in the soldiers uniform and panicked expression. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help," She began helplessly. "Steve what are you doing here?" The young woman turned to  Doctor Erskine. "Please tell me you're not using him... He could die!"

The doctor pulled her away from the crowd of people who had turned their attention on them at her outburst.

"He can do this," Doctor Erskine smiled at her softly. "I didn't know you knew him. He can make it, Jaq. It's more than physical strength, it's more strength of mind and heart. You know that, that is why I chose you for this program. You have the strength of heart, Peggy has the strength but she doesn't have the compassion you possess."

She nodded, "I understand, Doctor."

"Good, now let me do my job." He told her as he prepared to continue his work.

Jacqueline let him pass by before her eyes landed on Steve again. He watched her carefully, waiting for her to yell again. She didn't, rather let thee worry show on her face before shaking her head, walking out the room.

"Jaq-" Peggy stood beside the doorway that the young woman was trying to get through.

Jaq whirled around and glared at her friend. "Get in here, now." Peggy nodded and walked into the side room before exploding.

"Damn it, Peggy. I let you go to the camp to take charge because I know how hard you've worked to get into that position. I waited here and was harassed by the guys back at the office on why the hell two girls managed to land a job with the army!"

"You can't be mad at me, Jaq." Peggy replied sternly, her lips pulled down in a frown. "Steve and I had no idea that there was a connection between us all." She paused, pursing her red lips before speaking her mind. "If you had ever opened up to me about your life I would ha-"

"No!" Jaq told her firmly. "We talked about this. Living double lives are difficult but there are reasons to them. And one is to protect the ones we're leaving behind."

Peggy nodded, "okay, I understand."

Jacqueline sighed in relief and reached for her friend, pulling Peggy into a tight hug.

However, she froze when Peggy bit her lip in worry.

"But how are you going to tell Steve that you're going to be tested as well?"

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