Yeah so sorry for the long wait. Busy with work and school and family. Also I had a bit of writer's block but that seems to have gone away. This chapter flowed easy. This is definitely NOT Ward friendly. Also TRIGGER warnings for bullying and rape and abuse in this chapter, and may be mentioned in chapters to come. Thanks for the reviews. I read them all but have limited time to respond. I do like reading them. Thanks for all who continue to follow. I won't leave you hanging. I will finish all my stories. Some may just take awhile. Hopefully everything is making sense and in order. I have a master plan where everything is going but sometimes my muse goes off in other directions. Next chapters the time will be moving quicker.

Skye made her way to the library for first period. She would be seeing the doctor after school and he would most likely clear her for gym class. Her wrist was fine already on Saturday when she had been at Miss May's place even though she had kept it wrapped. She just hoped that dodge ball was not on the agenda for a very long time. She walked into the library handing her pass to the librarian, Mrs. Taylor, who smiled at her. Skye sat down at a table and pulled out her laptop. She started working on her English paper which was due the end of the week. By the time the bell rang, she had almost half her rough draft done for the paper. She headed to her second period. Coulson's classroom was at the other end of the building. She was moving pretty lively down the hall, not exactly running, when she heard her name. She glanced back behind her where the voice came from. It was Trip and walking next to him was Lincoln Campbell and he was waving at her. And smiling.

"Hey wait up."

Skye slowed her pace and felt her cheeks heat up. She leaned away from the crowd of kids, waiting by the wall of lockers. Soon both Trip and Lincoln were standing in front of her. Trip had a suit and tie on and was grinning.

"So what's the occasion." Skye motioned to Trip's choice of clothing.

"Hey girl, you know I look good." He laughed good naturedly, as Lincoln smirked. "Debate Team. We have a match after school today.

Skye raised her eyebrows at him. "Debate?"

Lincoln spoke up, his eyes twinkling at her. "He's naturally persuasive. " Okay maybe they weren't twinkling at her, but they were definitely twinkling. And his face was definitely cute. And he was tall. He was very tall and she had to look up to see into his eyes. His twinkling eyes. He was saying something else and Skye had no idea what it was.

"Um what?"

"I said you should join debate, I hear you are pretty persuasive yourself."

"Oh what do you mean?"

"Well I hear you don't take crap from anyone."

Skye felt herself turning red. "I think this," she held up her bandaged wrist, "might disagree with you."

Lincoln winked at her. "So what's the other guy look like?"

"The other guy was a bunch of dodge balls and apparently they and the asswipes who threw them are fine."

Lincoln frowned. "Oh I heard you took on Raina in a verbal sparring match and won. I didn't hear about the wrist thing."

Trip shook his head. "Yeah what happened Skye?"

"I guess I did win the verbal sparring match. Flowers is a sore loser."

"Flowers?" Trip looked confused.

Lincoln burst into laughter. "Flowers. Skye you nailed it."

Skye felt her chest tighten up and was momentarily speechless. Praise from Lincoln made her heart swell. And now he was looking at her again with that huge grin and his twinkling eyes. He had said something else.

"What?" She felt like an idiot.

"I said, what did you do to piss off the freshman royalty?"

"I guess I picked the wrong friends. You know, Fitz and Simmons, Thomas, Ryan."

Now Trip frowned. "JJ is an asshole. Him and his whole posse.

"Now tell me something I don't know." Lincoln's smile faded as he looked angry.

Skye tilted her head to look at Trip. "I thought you played football? I'm sure Leo mentioned that you play football. He's your quarterback, right?

Trip and Lincoln burst into laughter. Skye looked at them annoyed.

"We do. Real football. Soccer." Trip managed to say between his bursts of laughter.

Skye smiled. "Oh yeah. Soccer is football. And Leo is Scottish and he would have...I mean... it's real football. You actually um ... you ...use your feet, yeah ... and um I need to get to class. I'm gonna be late."

Lincoln looked at her obviously amused. "Oh hey we'll walk you." He motioned for Skye to walk between them. "Where you going?"

"History. Mr. C's room."

Lincoln smiled. "Ah yes. Miss May's husband. Best teacher here."

Skye had no argument with that statement. They walked her to the door of Coulson's classroom. Bidding her goodbye, they left and continued to their Economics classroom a few doors down. She watched them go with a goofy smile on her face. Before he went in his classroom, Lincoln turned and caught her staring. He smiled and saluted her. She laughed and was still laughing as she entered the room. His damn eyes twinkled at her again.

Phil looked up from his lesson as he heard laughter. He watched as Skye sat down in her seat laughing. She glanced up and he caught her eye. Her eyes were bright , her cheeks flushed and she was still laughing. She quieted and turned away from his gaze, reaching for her history book in her backpack. The smile remained on her face as she glanced back at him. He smiled back at her. He was glad to see her happy.

"So everyone put your books away and take out a pencil. It's pop quiz time." There was a collective grown around the room. Phil grinned.

Skye sat next to Jemma in the lunchroom. Jemma had brought extra food and was currently trying to get Skye to take a PB&J and juice from her. Skye rolled her eyes.

"Honestly Jems, the food today isn't that bad. You should eat your own lunch."

Thomas shook his head, sitting across from them. "Just take it Skye. Jemma brought extra. She thinks you are malnourished and has gone into mom mode or something.

Jemma scowled at him. "These school lunches are not the best Skye. You don't even eat the vegetables usually. At least drink the V-eight juice. It's full of vitamins. And didn't you say you want to get in top shape? And the sandwich has carbs you need since you are running now."

Skye rolled her eyes. But took the two items. Actually her lunch today was mediocre, consisting of a Chicken patty sandwich and milk, and apple slices. She hadn't taken the nasty brussel sprouts or green beans. She bite into the sandwich and grinned. Strawberry jam. Jemma listened to everything she said apparently. She'd have to remember that. Jemma nodded satisfied that Skye wouldn't starve.

"This is good Jemma, but you don't need to bring me food daily. I get free lunch. I'm sure your aunt wouldn't want you feeding me."

"Oh psssst. My aunt insisted when I told her why I was bringing the extra food. She likes you."

That made Skye sputter. "She likes me. She never met me."

"Oh I told her about you. She likes your spunk, as she called it. Saw you when she passed by when we were skyping too. I think she knows Mr. C's wife. They worked together on something a while back. Some security thing."

"What exactly does your aunt do Jemma?" This came from Thomas.

Jemma paused and thought for a moment. "I'm not exactly sure actually. Some kind of cyber stuff. Government security I think."

"Like a programmer? Troubleshooter? Computers?" Skye was curious now.

"Yeah something like that. Cyber safety of secured files. Yeah I think that's it."

Skye's mind whirled. Whoa that was interesting. Secured government files. That might mean redacted files. Maybe she could hack into whatever Jemma's aunt worked for and find her file.

"So Jemma what are you doing after school today?" Skye tried not to sound too eager.

Jemma looked over at her. "I have drama practice right after school till 5:00 and then I need to go home and study for a chemistry test. Why?"

"Oh just wondering if you wanted to hang out. I don't have anything going on. That's cool though. Maybe another night. I didn't know you were in the school play?"

"Oh no, not in it Skye. I'm the stage manager. My parents said I needed to be in something other then academic clubs, so I joined drama. I'm a terrible actress but I excel at preparation and organization and so they made me manager."

Skye laughed. "Yes that makes total sense."

"So how about tomorrow Skye? After 5 of course."

"Huh, Oh sorry I go to Miss May's on Tuesdays. And Thursdays. Wednesday?"

Jemma shook her head. "Wednesday is Science club from 7-9."

"Uh well how about Saturday? I mean I'd invite you to my place but well, JJ and..."

"No, no Skye that's fine. Vic is always telling me to invite people other then Fitz over."

"Well I'm at Miss May's till 4 or so, so I could come by after that."

"Yes. That's sound amazing. Why don't you stay over. I have bunks in my room. I'll just have to take my books off the top one. And change the sheets..."

"Sounds great Jems. I run it by Mrs. Brody, but I'm sure she won't care."

Jemma grinned. "Oh we could have pizza and watch TV and talk and stay up late and..."

Skye laughed. "Sure Jemma. I look forward to a sleepover at your house." Skye started putting trash on her tray and stood up when a voice behind Thomas spoke up.

"Sleepover huh? I wouldn't mind you sleeping over at my house." A tall, brown haired, square chinned guy winked at her. He looked her up and down As though she were a piece of meat, as a pleased expression came to his face. "No I wouldn't mind that at all."

Jemma turned a bit pale, as Skye saw Thomas wince.

"Shut up Grant. Skye's my friend."

"Well little buddy, she could be my friend too." He leered at her, and liked his lips. "We all know I get whatever I want."

"Well I guess there's always room for a first in your life." Skye looked at him defiantly.

He laughed. "JJ said you were a firecracker. Spunk. I like it. Right up to the moment I tame it."

Thomas got up. "Leave her alone Grant. I'm warning you."

"Sit down Tommy." Grant pushed his brother back into the seat, squeezing his shoulder hard. Do not get involved little bro. Remember how that worked out for you last time."

Thomas grimaced from the obvious pain his brother was causing. Jemma looked like she was going to faint, she was so pale. None of the kids around them did anything. They watched or went back to their own lives happy they were not involved.

"Let him go. You're hurting him." Skye tried to keep her voice from shaking.

"Hurting him. Nah, this is just me reminding him of his place. You'd be wise to remember yours as well."

"Fuck you."

Grant grinned wickedly. "Oh that you might do sweetie. If I say so. You better watch how it's done...huh.."

Grant was swung around was face to face with Lincoln. He swung at him but Lincoln stopped his punch and Lincoln's fist hit his jaw. He dropped to the ground. Lincoln towered over him. "You best stay away from her Ward. And your asshole friends too."

Grant got up slowly, eyeing Lincoln. "Sucker punch."

"You swung first Ward. You started it. I'm ending it."

Thomas had stood up again and was staring wide eyed at the two of them. The kids at the tables near them had stood up and the crowd had temporarily blocked the teacher's view. Two teachers made their way to them.

"What is going on?" Mr. Archer asked. He was a Math teacher and also the soccer coach.

Lincoln shrugged his shoulders. Grant grinned.

"Nothing. I was just getting to know the new girl." he smirked at Skye.

Mr. Branson accessed the situation quickly. "You guys have girl issues you keep it off school property. Do I make myself clear? Anyone want to tell me what happened or are we done here?"

"I don't want to cause any problems sir. I'm fine." Grant spoke up.

Lincoln nodded. "I think we're done."

"Then move on and move out. All of you. The bell is about to ring anyway."

Lincoln's eyes flashed dangerously for a few seconds, as Skye watched him. He looked over at her and the anger disappeared as concern took over. He mouthed the words 'You okay'?" She nodded as she bit her lower lip. Jemma had her arm looped through Skye's and was trying to get her to leave. Lincoln turned and allowed himself to be escorted out of the cafeteria by Mr. Archer. Ward turned and smiled sweetly at his brother, as he rubbed his jaw line. He followed Mr. Branson out the aisle to the door away from the one Lincoln was exiting. Skye and Jemma and Thomas quickly deposited their trays and trash, and then headed into the hall way as the bell sounded.

"Thomas are you okay." Skye's concern evident in her voice as she stopped to check on her friend.

He nodded. "Yeah that was nothing. Believe me that was nothing."

That made Skye mad. She turned to face Thomas making him stop in front of her. "He should not be hurting you Thomas. You need to tell your parents. He's a bully."

Thomas looked at the floor. "I'm sorry."

Skye's heart stopped. He was apologizing. For someone abusing him. How often had she done the same.

"Yeah I get it. I'm sorry too."

Jemma was lost. Why were they apologizing. She looked from one to the other. Skye just shook her head at her.

"Thomas. You have to stand up to him. We have to stand up to them."

Thomas scuffed his shoes against the floor continuing to look down. Finally he spoke. "I can't Skye. I can't hang around you anymore either." At that he took off down the hall running from both of them.

Skye sighed and leaned against the wall. She felt a tear threaten to fall. She sniffled and then felt Jemma's hand close around hers. She looked up and gave her a small smile.

"He's just upset now. He'll come round. You should just let him be for a while. That's all."

Skye nodded. She adjusted her backpack on her shoulder and still holding Jemma's hand they walked down the hall together.

Ryan had cross country practice so Anne Brody picked up only Skye after school and took her to the doctor. He checked her over and cleared her for gym class. Wonderful. Mrs. Brody stopped at a burger joint to pick up take out, saying was going out to a movie. That was fine with Skye. Mrs. Brody wasn't nasty or anything, she just didn't talk to Skye more than absolutely necessary. She grabbed a glass of chocolate milk and the take out bag and headed to her room to do her homework and study for her upcoming history test. It wasn't until Thursday but she wanted to ace it. She had gotten a 100% on the pop quiz Mr. C. pulled today. She grinned to herself remembering the groans from the class. She'd have to be prepared for those. She finished her biology homework and was working on her English paper when her phone rang. She looked at the number and did not recognize it.

"Hello?'

"Hey Skye. It's me. Lincoln. Hope you don't mind but I got your cell number from Ryan. I saw him in the locker room before soccer practice."

Oh. "Um no that's okay. Is practice over?"

"Yeah. So are you okay?"

"Me? Yeah I'm fine. Thomas is still shaken."

The line was quiet for a few beats. "Yeah. Thomas is a good kid. I guess the rumors are true. Grant does bully him."

"He does more than bully, he hurts him. Thomas said he can't hang around me anymore."

"I'm sorry Skye."

"Yeah there's a lot of that going around."

Lincoln sighed. "I'm sorry for what that jerk said to you. he has no right. Him and Brody and that crew think they are above the rules. Hell maybe they are. They seem to skate off without ever paying for the shit they do. Others pay though. Like Joey."

"Joey? Oh yeah, Ryan mentioned a Joey. Wouldn't tell me what happened though."

"Joey's a good guy Skye. Don't believe what they say. He just went a bit postal after what happened to Lanie."

"Lanie?"

"Yolanda. Most everyone calls her Lanie. She's his cousin. They were more like brother and sister though. Lanie was pretty tight with that girl Simmons. The one you were with today."

"I heard that Joey is in juvie. For beating the crap out of JJ. That true?"

"Uhhuh. But there's more to it than that. Lanie was dating Grant Ward. We all thought it odd cause well Lanie would hang with the ...well ...the .."

"Geeks? Science nerds? Weirdos? Like me and my friends?"

"Actually I was going to say the smarter kids."

"No you weren't. But that's okay. You were trying to be nice."

Lincoln laughed. "Hey Trip's a nerd and he's sort of cool."

Skye laughed a little. "So what happened?"

"Well this happened last year. Spring. Lanie was a freshman and all of a sudden the freshman hierarchy started being nice to her. Inviting her to their table for lunch. Talking in classes to her. Not being mean. Then next we know she's dating Grant Ward. He actually appeared happy with her. Joey was on the football team and he had grown up with Grant and JJ. They started including him more and both he and Lanie seemed happy. They had been nasty to Joey since the beginning of the school year, since he came out, but they seemed to accept him finally."

"Since he came out? What ... oh shit, nevermind. So he's gay."

"Yep. And that did not sit well with JJ and Grant at first. They even tried to get him thrown off the football team. Garrett supported them, but the school board got wind and Garrett backed down."

"Garrett's an ass."

"Yeah no kidding. Anyway something happened. To Lanie. She was raped."

"Grant raped her?"

Lincoln paused. "Look Skye nothing was ever proven. But according to Joey, not Grant. JJ and some of the other football players. Grant dating Lanie and the kids being nice was all a set up for Lanie and Joey to let their guard down. It was all to payback cause they saw Joey's sexual orientation as a threat to them. And Lanie was the pawn they used to keep all the geeks in line."

Skye couldn't breathe for a few seconds.

"Skye? Hey you okay?"

"Why aren't they in jail?"

"No proof. Kids swore on oath that JJ and the others were with them. Not one kid would speak up. It was Lanie's word against them."

"So Joey took the law into his own hands."

"Yep. And he's the one sitting in juvie now. They couldn't prove anything Skye. Lanie is home schooled and I don't think she talks to anyone from school anymore."

"How can they ...I mean..."

"Skye. Grant Ward's father is a State Senator. Brody, the guy whose house you are living in is a lawyer. I think he is tight with Mr. Malick's brother, some bigwig on the political spectrum, Gideon Malick. As far as I'm concerned they are all crooked. And the apples don't fall far from the trees. JJ is the golden boy. The All American. Perfect son. No one can touch him."

"What about the teachers? The parents? I mean how the hell do they let this crap happen?"

"Because a lot don't know. Some look the other way. And there is never any proof. I mean it's killing my mom to see this going on in her school and she can't stop it."

"Your mom?"

"Yeah Rosalind Price. The principal. Well she's actually my stepmom but I was 10 when she married my dad and I never knew my birth mom so... I call her mom. Except in school." He laughed. It was very quiet. "Hey Skye, you still there?"

"Your mom's the principal?"

"Yeah weird huh."

"You think?"

"Oh come on. Principal's have kids too." He laughed loudly.

"Yeah I guess. Oh hey, Miss May is gonna let me watch your class on Saturday. Says soon as I get good enough I can join."

"Really? We are an advanced class. How long have you been doing Martial Arts?"

"Uh a week. Almost."

"Whoa. She must really like you."

"Um I'm taking classes 3 times a week. Individual ones. She says I have potential."

Lincoln whistled. "Individual. Wow. You have a stash of money somewhere? She charges like $40 an hour for individual classes. I know. When my mom started me a couple years ago I took one. She and my mom are friends. They went to college together."

Skye was dumbstruck. $40. Shit she already had two classes for 2 hours each. $160. No way that her little bit of cleaning covered even close to that. Skye felt her throat tighten.

"Hey Skye you there?"

"Yeah. Hey I have to go. I have a paper to write and a test to study for."

"Ah okay. I'll see you tomorrow."

She smiled. "Okay. Oh Lincoln. Thanks. For protecting me. It was a nice punch."

"Anytime. But I do recommend just staying out of their way."

"Yeah so I've heard. Goodnight."

Skye tossed her phone on the bed next to her. She reached under her bed to grab her Ipod and earphones. She sat back propping a pillow against the headboard. As the music played her mind wandered to a woman who would offer to teach a complete stranger self defense, knowing damn well how much money she was losing.

Melinda waited in her office for Natasha to show up. Natasha walked into Melinda's office at 2:45.

Melinda greeted her warmly. "Good afternoon Natasha. No change of heart then."

"Change of heart?" Natasha looked at her puzzled.

Melinda chuckled. "No change of mind. You still want the job?"

"Oh yes. It is perfect job for me. My cousins are so excited. They are happy you are giving me a chance. I will do good job, I make promise to you. You did not change your mind?"

"Oh no Natasha. Not at all. Why don't we get this paperwork filled out. Sit down." Melinda pointed to the chair next to her desk.

A little over a hour later, Melinda put the last paper in the folder and sighed. She handed Natasha her copies and stood up.

"Welcome to Melinda's Place. You are officially an instructor."

Natasha beamed at her. She took her hand shaking it vigorously. "Thank you so much Miss May."

"Melinda."

"Yes. Miss Melinda. I am so grateful."

Melinda smiled. Between this bright young woman and her newest student, she noticed she was doing an awful lot of that lately.

"So do you need to call for your ride or did you drive."

"Oh no he waits in parking lot. He thought time would not take too long for paperwork."

"Oh you could have invited him in Natasha."

"No is fine. He is reading. He goes to University too."

"Well I'm finished for the day. I keep my Monday nights free. So let me lock up and I'll walk out with you."

Natasha nodded. After Melinda locked up she walked to the parking lot. A young man jumped out of his car when he saw the two approaching.

"Miss Melinda. This is cousin. Pietro. Pietro, Miss Melinda May. My new boss."

"I am pleased to meet our Natasha's new employer. Thank you so much for giving her this chance." He held out his hand.

Melinda took it and smiled. "I should be thanking her for agreeing to work here. I really need the help and I believe Natasha is going to do great."

"Yes. She is good person. Some people won't hire us though. Because we are not from here. But we love this country. I am already an American. My sister and cousin soon to be."

` "Well Pietro. My father and mother weren't from here either. But now we all are."

"Yes, yes. We are all now. Come Tash, we need to pick up items at grocery store on way home."

"I will see you tomorrow Miss Melinda."

"Yes. Have a nice evening."

Pietro bowed to her and Natasha waved. Melinda got in her car still smiling. She called Phil.

"Hey Mel."

"Babe, let's go out tonight."

"Um okay. What's going on."

"Celebrating. I have a new employee, and a great husband."

"Yeah okay but I'm still at school. Meeting with Roz."

"Well bring her and tell her to call Daniel. I'm going to freshen up at home and we can meet at The Providence Cafe' At 6:00."

She heard him talking to Roz.

"Roz wants to know how you are going to get a table without a reservation?"

"The owner likes me. I set up his security system. He owes me one."

Phil laughed. He relayed the info to Roz who Melinda heard laughing.

"Roz says yes, and she will drag Daniel with her. See you there."

"I love you babe."

"I'm getting laid tonight aren't I?"

"Damn straight. Roz is choking eh?"

"Oh yeah. Now she's yelling about too much info."

"Blow her a kiss for me babe. See you soon."