Daisy was shopping. Not shoplifting or doing one of her shopping scams, but really and truly shopping. Melinda and Phil had insisted that she needed more than a backpack and a garbage bag full of clothes. So here they were, on a Sunday afternoon, shopping at the Woodfield Mall, which was a forty-minute drive from Bobbi's house. So far, they'd been in several stores and had purchased two pair of sneakers, a pair of winter boots, and one other pair of shoes for her, as well as a nice winter coat that Melinda had insisted that she get along with gloves, a scarf and a hat. They were currently sitting on a bench and eating pretzels from Auntie Anne's.
"What else do you need Daisy?" Phil asked after finishing his pretzel.
"I'm fine Phil. I really don't need anything else."
"Well I made a list. At least for school. Here. You'll need these for school. School supplies. A new computer. A backpack. Gym clothes."
At the mention of gym clothes, Daisy made a face. "Yuk. I hate gym. I was kind of hoping this school didn't make you take it."
"Sorry. It's mandatory through eleventh grade. Our school gym dress code requires black or grey shorts, with yellow, gold or grey shirts. Those are the school colors."
"Lame. I don't look good in those colors Phil. I'm gonna have to pass."
Melinda tried to hold a laugh in but snorted instead.
Daisy looked at her and grinned. "I think gym class is disturbing. For those of us with absolutely no sports skills it's absolute torture. One might even call it child abuse."
"Or not. It's just gym class Daisy. And no, I can't get you out of it just because I'm a teacher at the school."
"Well pooh. Cause gym sucks Phil."
"Seriously though Daisy, tell us how you really feel." Melinda's face still held amusement.
"Anyway, you also need school supplies. Notebooks, pens, binders, and such. A backpack."
"Got one of those. See." She held up her backpack.
"It's pretty worn Daisy. We'll just get you a new one."
"It's really fine. I actually like this one. It's pretty new." Daisy shrugged and got up and followed the two adults who were heading out of the little food court. "Oh wait. You said computer. Don't I get mine back?"
"Nope. Sorry. The FBI is keeping it. They are fairly certain it was stolen anyway." Melinda answered.
Daisy shrugged again. "Maybe."
"Daisy, look. You don't have to steal any more. We'll buy you whatever you need. Okay. In fact, you heard the judge. You can't steal. Or do anything like that. Or they will..."
"I get it. I'm not stupid okay. I understand if I get caught doing anything like that, I could go to juvie."
"Get caught?"
"Or do it at all. Whatever. I'm not going to do anything stupid."
"Well you will need a computer for school. But your computer hacking days are over."
Daisy raised her eyebrows at him. "So you're saying I can't give myself all A's? Not even put in a doctor's note saying I can't do gym class? Change the gym clothes dress code?"
Phil was not amused. And his face showed it. Melinda's on the other hand could only be described as tickled. She was just glad that Daisy was cracking jokes, since on Friday night and Saturday, they had been privy to a very moody and non-talkative Daisy. Melinda figured the stress and strangeness of everything going on had finally caught up to her. Neither she nor Phil had pushed the girl. They were letting her take the lead and this morning she had been back to smiling and kidding around and talking.
Phil side -eyed Melinda and scowled at her, before turning to Daisy with his serious no nonsense face. "I know your just joking Daisy, but maybe it's a bit soon? You just were in court two days ago for hacking, among other things."
"No changing the rules at school. No hacking into grades. Gotcha."
"Let's go to Best Buy to see what they have in computers." Phil led the way still frowning while Daisy and Melinda shared a smile.
Melinda was happy to see her like this but was still bothered by how aloof she had been just yesterday and more bothered by the fact that she had no idea how to deal with that mood. She and Phil had discussed it but had both decided to just not approach Daisy and wait for her to make a move. Trouble was, she never did and now it was like nothing had ever been wrong. Maybe it was just teen angst, but deep in her heart Melinda knew that was not it at all. It brought to the forefront a reminder, that the truth was, they didn't know Daisy well at all, didn't know her past, or much about that past. They did know about her injuries and that her former foster family was to blame. They knew from reading her files that most likely it was not the first time. Melinda had also seen how Daisy shied away form Phil when he got too close, and her flinch when he touched her in the courtroom.
She knew what it most likely meant and yet her mind did not want to go there. As it was, all she wanted to do was take a trip to Naperville and beat the crap out of one Gary Wilson and maybe even have a go at his wife. It was obvious by Daisy's injuries that he had hurt her. Bobbi had said Daisy denied that he sexual abused her, but she could have been lying. She knew how these abused kids tried to hide things, thinking that somehow, they were to blame and being afraid to admit it because of repercussions. She'd had training for it with both the Air Force and the FBI. They had also seen Daisy's medical reports which concluded she had several broken bones in the past, some of which healed badly with no proper care, and that she had scars on her body which were consistent with long term abuse. Daisy had refused an internal exam at the hospital and had also refused to say anything at all about her previous injuries.
Melinda shook her head getting back the present as she heard Daisy laugh. Daisy and Phil were talking standing in front of a display area for computers.
"That's hardly necessary though. Sure, it's not a bad price, but I was thinking more like a Chromebook. Really all you need it for is for school to do your work."
"Yeah I know. I'm fine with whatever you get me Phil. I mean I don't want you spending a ton of money on me. Melinda already got me all those shoes and a coat."
"All of which you needed." Melinda spoke firmly.
"Actually, I only need the coat. Maybe the boots. Everything else was gratuitous."
"Look Daisy. You're our responsibility now. And you need clothes. And school stuff. Lots of things. Don't worry about it, okay?" Phil added.
"Yeah. But I really only want what I need. I don't see the house you guys are getting as having that much work I can do. So maybe you should keep it as minimal as possible."
"What are you talking about Daisy?" Melinda said curiously.
"You know - to pay you back. Cleaning and stuff. I can do the yardwork and pool and stuff in the warmer weather, but right now there aren't that many jobs to do around the house. Unless, it snows of course. Then there's shoveling." Daisy paused as both Phil and Melinda just stared at her. "Um...of course I could get a after school job too. I just turned fifteen so I could work I think like twenty hours a week. Or I could do what I did last year and help kids with computer science. You know like tutor them. I'm super good at computers as you already know." Daisy looked back and forth at them trying to figure out why they were just staring at her. "What, is there mustard on my face or something?"
Phil found his voice first. "You don't need to pay us back Daisy. We're your parents. We're supposed to take care of you."
Melinda nodded, her brain finally catching up to what Daisy was trying to say. "You don't need to get a job or do all those things Daisy. You don't have to pay us back."
Daisy bite her lower lip and then stuttered, "But- but – you- then what – what do you want for this stuff? What – what do -what do I have to do? I mean I – I can clean really good, I don't mind doing laundry, and I can cook a little. I'm willing to do yardwork and stuff too. If I'm – if I'm not allowed to do that – how do you expect me to pay you back? This stuff costs a lot. I should know. I used to steal the same stuff and then pawn it."
Melinda's eyes widened and Phil's mouth was open, both staring at her.
"Oh I guess you guys didn't need to know that. I should – I mean – I ..." She stopped talking and swallowed hard and then rubbed the back of her neck as she sighed. "Shit. I messed this up too huh?"
"Daisy. Hey. You didn't mess anything up. It's okay." Melinda's concern was obvious.
"I never took more than I needed. Stuff I needed. You know – just stuff I - now you guys won't – won't – god I'm so stupid and such a..." Daisy's words drifted off and she looked down at the floor.
Phil, who was closest to Daisy reached out for her, touching her on the shoulder, before Melinda could react. "Daisy, it's..."
Daisy jerked her arm and stepped back. Phil stepped with her and reached out with his other hand to grab her arm and she snapped her head up and slapped his hand away, while she shouted at him.
"Don't touch me!"
Phil froze as the people around them turned to stare.
Melinda put her hands up. "It's okay Daisy. You're okay."
A store clerk started walking toward them, which Melinda caught out of the corner of her eye. Wanting to prevent further stress for Daisy, she tried to move quickly to Daisy, around Phil but Daisy was now skittish and embarrassed, and she turned and took off out of the store. Melinda took off after her after muttering one word to Phil after throwing her purse and shopping bags into his arms. "Stay."
Daisy had a head start but Melinda was a well-trained soldier and agent and still in great shape. She caught sight of Daisy just as Daisy got on the escalator and moved quickly down it, going by people. Melinda did the same keeping an eye on Daisy but once they hit the bottom floor, she hid among the store fronts and people while following and watching to see where Daisy would go. She figured the girl would just keep running if she thought she was being chased. Daisy had slowed down to a fast-paced walk but kept looking back into the crowd of people.
Finally, she slowed down and Melinda saw her duck into a sandwich shop. Melinda got to the entrance and waited a few moments, then entered the shop. She scanned the place and saw the restrooms were in the back and headed to them, figuring Daisy needed a place to gather herself and calm down. She leaned against the women's restroom door in the hallway and contemplated what to do. Daisy could be having a panic attack, or she could be okay. Either way if Melinda went in the room, Daisy could be hostile and that would just exasperate the entire situation. Melinda decided she needed to make sure Daisy was okay, and so she looked around and then shook the doorknob, seeing it was not strong and she made sure no one was watching as she broke thru the door using her skills. It was a one-person bathroom, and Melinda closed the door and leaned against it, watching as Daisy glanced up at her from the corner of the floor where she was sitting.
Melinda didn't say anything and just waited. Daisy looked away and then back at her. "I thought I locked the door?"
"You did. I unlocked it."
"How did you know where I was? I didn't see you following."
"Trained spy, Daisy. And even though you run pretty fast for someone who hates gym class, I can run faster."
"I'm not gonna have a panic attack. If that's what your worried about. I just needed to breathe. Be alone. Just for a little while."
"I get it. Take your time. I needed to make sure you were okay."
"You keep doing that."
"Yep."
"Where's – where's Phil?"
"Probably stumbling through an explanation for what happened to the store clerk and curious bystanders while holding all the shopping bags and my purse."
Daisy lips turned up slightly. She stared at her shoes. Melinda patiently waited. After a few minutes Daisy started picking at her shoestrings on her high tops. Then she spoke softly. "I guess I don't know how to do this. I know who you and Phil are, and who I am supposed to be, but it still seems unreal. All the foster homes I've been in, I gave up wanting them to like me a long time ago. I don't know what you and Phil want from me. You keep – you keep buying me stuff. Food, and stuff, and now you bought me clothes and you want to get me all kinds of other things. You act like it's a normal thing and that it's no big deal."
Daisy paused and took a deep breath. Melinda sensing not to interrupt, just stayed quiet.
Daisy continued. "Everywhere I've – every foster home I've lived, every place, everyone has an angle. Some are just doing it to make themselves feel better, but those homes never last long. Cause most foster kids are damaged. Like me. Some do it for the money and expect a built-in housekeeper and cook and babysitter in return for them providing you with a bed and food. Some are just – I don't know – just have no idea why they take in kids – cause some truly hate them. Everyone has an angle, you know? People expect things in return when they give you stuff. The places that I had to clean and stuff were better than the alternative. I know with you two it's different. You are my real parents. But all that – all that – it's just hard to see differently. One thing I've learned is to just stay unattached. Cause when they throw you back, or when they treat you shitty – it doesn't hurt as much."
"It's not like you can just flip a switch, right?" Melinda finally spoke after Daisy again paused.
Daisy looked up again and nodded. "Yeah." She sighed deeply. "Plus I'm not exactly the kind of kid you'd want. Not the kind anyone would want. Or choose. I- I – things I've – there is just so much you don't know about me."
"You think that what we don't know we can never know, cause if we did – we wouldn't want you. I've noticed some things Daisy. The way you flinch when Phil gets too close. Or any male really. The fact that it was Mack and not Bobbi who caused a panic attack at the station? Bobbi told me all about it. I've read the medical reports, and the police reports. I know that's only a part of this too. I am pretty jaded Daisy, and I fear you are too. I know you were caught because of the cyber bank crime against Phil. I'm pretty sure that wasn't your first rodeo. I also know the shoes and clothes you already had on and have worn the last few days are pretty new. And expensive. I know how much that computer Fitz still has costs. I also know this. None of that matters anymore. It's the past. What you did to survive, to live, to be safe – Phil nor I are going to fault you for or think less of you because of it. Because we are your parents. I know – I know that's not easy for you to wrap your head around, and I also know we haven't earned that title. All we are asking is that you give us a chance to do so. Meet us halfway with everything, and don't shut us out. If you don't understand why we are doing something, ask. If we are overwhelming you, tell us. If we are prying too much, tell us. If you don't want Phil to touch you, tell him. If you need privacy or alone time, tell us. If you need help, ask us. We all have our secrets Daisy. Secrets that we keep because we are sure no one will ever understand. No one will ever forgive. If the day ever comes when you feel safe enough to tell those secrets, to trust me enough, I hope you will share them. I hope we can get to a place where you can trust me with anything.
"I don't know if that day will ever come. I know I have trust issues. I know you guys have been really restrained with the parenting thing. You're both actually pretty amazing in giving me space. I appreciate it – I really do. I'm sorry. I know how hard this is for you. For both of you. I was taken from you, when I was only a baby. Who I am now and who I would have been are not the same. I don't know if I can be the kid you wanted me to be."
"How about you just be the kid that you are? As hard as this is for me, Daisy, and for Phil, I know without a doubt it does not come close to how hard this is for you. I can't imagine the pain you must be feeling knowing that the people you thought were your parents, the people who raised you are not your real parents. That you were lied to your entire life. And your birth parents being sprung on you cannot be easy."
"Yeah, when I start to think about all of it, my brain starts to hurt. I keep trying to remember you guys, but I can't. It's even getting hard to remember them. It's been almost six years since they've been gone. I want to hate them."
"Well to be perfectly honest Daisy, I do hate them."
"No one can blame you for that. They deserve that." Daisy got up and stretched looking at Melinda. "I suppose Phil might be worried by now huh?"
Melinda knew that Daisy was done sharing for the moment. "Yeah. I left my phone in my purse that I threw at him."
"You can use mine to call him if you want."
"Thanks. I appreciate it." Daisy tossed Melinda her phone. "You're easy to talk to. You don't judge. Or make impossible promises. Thanks."
Melinda smiled at her while she dialed Phil. She told him they were okay and to meet them at the car. Then she spoke to Daisy. "I think we've had enough shopping for one day. We can do this another time, or we can even order online if you want. There are some things you really will need for school. Okay?"
Daisy nodded. "Okay."
Melinda opened the door and Daisy walked out with Melinda following her.
The ride home was a bit uncomfortable, and mostly silent. To Phil's credit he did not push Daisy or for that matter, Melinda, but he did sneak a lot of concerned glances at both. When they got back to Bobbi's, they found Hunter grilling some burgers and hot dogs and Bobbi was making pasta salad. Melinda asked Daisy to help her with a salad, using up most of the veggies she had brought from her apartment. Phil joined Hunter outside at the grill. After dinner, Bobbi suggested they play a boardgame or two, and Daisy readily agreed. They settled on a boisterous bickering game of monopoly, all in good fun of course. Melinda ended up winning, pulling off some great property trades and killing everyone with her hotels on the red properties. Then they played Trivial Pursuit and Daisy quickly learned that Phil excelled at history and geography, but Melinda was strangely good at entertainment and sports questions, as well as literature. Both sucked at science though but that was actually Bobbi's best subject. Hunter was pretty bad at everything, only getting an occasional sport question correct. Melinda won that game also and Daisy discovered that Melinda May was a very competitive person.
"I say we do teams next time and I pick Melinda to be on my team." Daisy said after Melinda got a very tough art question correct to win her last wedge.
"Well that wouldn't be fair." Hunter whined. "You got all those current entertainment questions correct and were pretty good at science too and Melinda is the best player."
"No one can help it you suck at all of them Hunter." Bobbi chipped in.
Everyone laughed. Daisy added." We should really play Cards Against Humanity though. That'd be fun."
"I don't think I've ever played that game."
"That's probably a good thing Phil. It's a bit – um – how to put it?" Bobbi looked around the room.
"Offensive." Hunter answered. "Rude. Distasteful."
"Oh so kind of like you Hunter." Phil interrupted.
Bobbi laughed while Hunter gave him a dirty look.
Daisy continued. "Embarrassing. Obnoxious. NSFW."
"What's NSFW?" Phil asked.
"Not safe for work, Phil. Seriously you don't know that?"
"And you do, Melinda?"
"Of course. As a teacher, I'm surprised you haven't heard it before."
"I teach history Mel. Not current slang."
"You teach about old things cause you're old. I get it." Her voice was teasing.
"I'm only a year older than you? Did you forget that in your old age?"
"A year and a half older."
"Well right now it's only one year. Since you're forty-three."
"And in March, you'll be forty-five. See – two years."
Daisy grinned at their teasing. "When's your birthday Melinda?"
"October first."
"Oh, our birthdays are the same month. Cool. That means you were twenty-eight when I was born, right?"
"I was twenty-eight. But you weren't born in October."
"Yeah, October tenth."
"I'm sorry Daisy. I thought that you saw your information about us and you. The file?"
"Yeah. Oh. That's the birthday my parents put on my birth certificate. Cause they kidnaped me. Duh."
"Hey. You okay?"
Daisy looked up at her. "Am I fifteen even?"
"Yes. But you were born on July second. Not October tenth."
"So I'm older. That's kind of messed up."
"Par for the course lately, wouldn't you say?"
Daisy's face brightened, and she grinned. "Hey I get to drive sooner."
"In a tank sure."
"Haha. I'm actually a good driver."
"I don't even want to know." Melinda shook her head as she got up to make a cup of tea.
"I do. When did you drive?"
"Um Phil I don't think you really want me to answer that, do you?"
"Listen to her Phil. Anyone else want some tea?"
"I'll take some. And for the record. I didn't know the car was stolen."
The three were sitting in the school counselor's office. Daisy was registering for school, and currently picking her classes and schedule. She had already picked her mandatory classes. For her Science she'd chosen Biology, for her Math – Algebra 1, English literature, and American History. She also had to take gym and health – gym was three days per week and health class was twice a week during the same period.
"I really wish I wasn't stuck in ninth grade. I'm almost sixteen."
The counselor, Mrs. Bishop, smiled at her. "Sorry but you didn't attend enough days last year at school, and you didn't pass any classes. Starting you in ninth grade assures you have enough credits to graduate. If you are thinking about going to college, you should take a foreign language class. We offer French, Spanish, or German."
"Spanish, I guess. If I have to."
"Good choice. I can help with that. I speak fluent Spanish." Melinda spoke up.
"You speak fluent Spanish?" Daisy asked.
"Yes. It was kind of necessary for my job at one point."
"She speaks fluent Chinese too. Some Russian. A little Italian and some Portuguese." Phil chimed in.
"That's quite impressive." Mrs. Bishop added.
"She's gonna teach me Chinese too. Right?"
Melinda nodded. "I am."
"My – um – Jiaying taught me some when I was little but she kind of stopped when I started school. I don't really remember much." Daisy was looking at class choices. "Oh look. They have computer science classes. Can I take some of those?"
"Which ones. I believe we offer a few?"
"There are eight listed. Advanced Programming would be good. Oh, and Web Design and programming looks interesting. Graphic Design looks fun. Could I take all four? Oh wait. There's an Animation and Game Development class? That sounds cool."
"You get two elective classes Daisy."
"Okay. I have English first, then Algebra, then Biology, then History fourth period, open fifth, and then lunch. Then I have Spanish one, then Gym and Health seventh and an open eighth period. It looks like I could take Advanced Programming during fifth period."
"Oh that's an AP course Daisy. And usually only upper-class students take it. It's highly advanced. You'd do much better in an introductory programming class."
Daisy looked at Melinda and winked. "Um I'll be fine. I already know how to program. I've used extensive coding. I think I'll be fine."
"That would be highly unusual."
"That's me. Highly unusual. Seriously, I will be fine. Tell her Melinda."
"She's advanced in Computer Science. She'll be fine."
"Well you'd have to get permission from the teacher and probably take an aptitude test. Your grades don't really show..."
"I know my grades suck. But I'll be fine in CS class. I promise."
Mrs. Bishop looked at Phil. "Phil, what do you think?"
"I think she'll be fine. Who teaches the class?"
"Felicity Smoak."
"I'll talk to her. I'm sure she'll give Daisy a chance."
"If you say so. I'll mark it down. You still need one class yet, for eighth period."
"Yeah. I'm trying to decide between two classes. Who teaches Animation and Game Development?"
"Um Felicity Smoak teaches that one too. It's also an advanced class."
"Cool. I'll take that one."
"Phil I'm not sure Felicity will be good with this. Maybe you should talk to her first."
"Put her down for those two classes. I'll stop by and talk to Felicity today. If there's an issue, Daisy can sign up for other classes." Phil looked at Daisy. "There won't be an issue, don't worry."
"Great. I guess I'm all set then."
"We are already almost two months into the school year. You will be behind in all your classes. I can try to set up some extra home instruction till Daisy gets caught up."
"Daisy is going to be pretty busy with things. I can help her with History, and Mel can help with Spanish to get caught up. Gym and Health should be okay, and her Computer classes will be easy for her. Right Daisy?"
She put two thumbs in the air.
"So it would only be English and Math and Science that would be an issue. Maybe after school she could work with someone while I'm still here after the kids all leave? Or while I coach my basketball team?"
"I'll look into it." She grabbed some papers from the printer. "Meanwhile, you can pick up your textbooks at the library. Here's a list of what you will need. Perhaps you can start reading them before you start on Wednesday, Daisy?"
"Yeah sure."
"She'd start tomorrow but we already have appointments set up for her."
"That's fine. Phil why don't you show Daisy around the school, show her where her classrooms are, and pick up the books at the library. Here's her printed schedule. I have all the paperwork filled out and you're all set."
"Thanks."
"Remember Daisy if you have any issues or problems, you can come see me. I hope you have a great year here."
"Thanks."
Oh, and it was nice to meet you Ms. May."
"You too."
The three left and Phil led them down the hallway.
Daisy woke early before sunrise. After going to the bathroom, she tried to go back to sleep but her mind was racing too much to do so. She checked the time, seeing it was only twenty after five. She sat up and leaned back on the headboard and pillow and sighed. So much they had to do today. First, the real estate agent was coming to seal the house deal. The owners had agreed to Phil and Melinda's offer and Phil wanted to get everything done so he could get the contractor to fix the house so they could move in as soon as possible.
Daisy knew Bobbi's house was a tight fit for all of them, and she had even suggested that Phil and Melinda go back to their apartments while she stayed here, and both had looked at her like she had lost her damn mind. She knew both were wary of not having her in their sight, and who could blame them really. But tomorrow she started school and Phil was going back to work. Oh yeah, he worked at the school so there was that too. He would know where she was and be in the same building. She glanced over at the small desk in the room where her schoolbooks sat since she'd put them there yesterday. She'd looked them over but had no clue where each class was at, so had really just glanced through them. She figured based on prior school experience that catching up and doing well would take a lot of effort. The CS classes would be easy, and she figured learning Spanish might be fun, but was pretty much dreading everything else.
It wasn't that she was dumb. Daisy knew she was a pretty smart kid. But she had trouble concentrating and focusing on stuff she had no interest in. Plus, her being shuffled around a lot meant disruptions in basic stuff and so that was always an issue. Her mind shifted to the meeting she had to go to after lunch. She had an appointment with her new caseworker at one o'clock. Those were always fun, where she was put through the ringer about how much trouble she was and told a list of qualities why she always failed at everything. A soft knock on her door startled her.
"Yeah?"
"Can you open the door. It's me." Melina was whispering. Probably so she didn't wake up anyone else. Daisy got up and unlocked and opened the door.
Melinda slid in the room. "I saw your light on and wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm good. Just can't fall back to sleep. I think I went to bed too early and now I keep thinking about stuff, you know."
"Yeah. I know. Hey you want to join me for Tai Chi? You said you might want to have me teach you. I was just about to start."
"Oh. I guess. Maybe."
"Throw on some workout clothes and a sweatshirt and meet me in the garage." Melinda left.
Daisy did as Melinda asked and made her way to the garage. She opened the door and saw that Melinda was in an open space where a car usually sat.
"I asked Bobbi to keep her car in the driveway so I could do Tai Chi here."
"You've been doing this out here every morning we've been here?"
"Pretty much. It calms me and gives me focus. And it helps to be physical. Keeps the muscle tension at bay."
"So what do I do?"
"First try to relax. Now let's do some stretching first."
Daisy was drinking a mug of tea as she listened to Phil and Melinda talk about mortgages, interest rates and insurance. She wasn't paying attention to the details, just content to sit and sip. After her first Tai Chi lesson, she had showered and gotten dressed, and Phil had made everyone cheese and ham omelets. Bobbi and Hunter had then left for work while Phil and Melinda discussed house things. The real estate agent and a notary were coming by soon to finish the purchase and sign all the required paperwork. After that, at one, she had her caseworker meeting and then she and Melinda were going to go shopping. For essentials only, as Melinda put it. Phil was going to swing by a Best Buy and purchase a computer for her.
"I'm gonna go watch some TV." Daisy picked up her mug and headed to the living room.
"Okay. Oh Daisy, I wanted to tell you earlier and forgot. My parents are flying out here on Thursday or Friday, whenever they can find a flight. They are looking forward to seeing you. I just wanted to let you know."
Daisy nodded. "Okay." She went through the door and sat down on the couch and flipped on the TV. Grandparents was another weird concept she had yet to wrap her head around. Yet she had them now. She gazed at the TV as her mind wondered about Melinda's parents and what they would be like.
Daisy carried a bunch of bags into the house, following Melinda who had her own arms filled with bags as well. Essentials had turned into almost an entire new wardrobe plus tons of school things and personal products. Daisy had simply grown tired and worn down trying to tell Melinda she didn't need so much stuff. She followed Melinda into the bedroom, and both dropped all the bags on her bed.
"Seriously, all this must have cost a small fortune."
Seriously, it did not and besides that I wanted to. Okay? You gonna just move on from this now?"
"I guess. I mean I love all the clothes. I did need some things. Like bras and underwear."
"And gym clothes."
Daisy stuck her tongue out at Melinda. "Thanks for that reminder."
"You'll be fine. You did okay with Tai Chi."
"I fell over like six times. I sucked."
Melinda laughed. "You did not suck. It just takes practice. You do it every day and it becomes muscle memory."
"So you want me to do it again tomorrow?"
"I do."
"You do know I normally enjoy sleeping late. I'm a teenager after all."
"You're choice. I'll be up at five- thirty tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to ask how your meeting with Ms. Carter went. Everything go okay?"
"It was fine. She's nicer than all my other caseworkers. Although that bar was not really that high. She didn't call me stupid or blame me for everything. So good start I guess."
Melinda gave her a sad look. "I'm sorry you had so many assholes in your life Daisy."
Daisy laughed. "We hopefully karma sees I've had my quota so it can only be uphill from now on, yeah?"
"Indeed. But should karma fail, just let me know and I can always kick a few asses if need be."
Daisy's eyes widened and she gave a slight laugh. "I don't think that was just you kidding, was it?"
"Nope."
"Good to know. I guess I should let any prospective dates know that you are a lethal weapon?"
"No need. I'll let them know myself."
"Okay. So that's a little creepy, just saying."
"I look at it as necessary."
"You aren't gonna be one of those hovering parents, are you? I mean not to sound ungrateful or anything, but really, you guys haven't let me out of your sight much since we all found out who I was."
Melinda gave her a grin. "Well I was a spy you know." She turned and walked out of the room.
Daisy stood still contemplating her words. A couple seconds later she yelled after her. "Wait! What's that supposed to mean?" She chased after Melinda hearing Melinda laughing. She passed Phil as she went by the living room. "Where'd she go?" He pointed to the garage. Daisy ran to the door and yanked it open yelling. "No fair – what's that supposed to mean?"
Daisy got up at five-twenty-nine. She was already sleeping in a pair of sweats and T-shirt and grabbed her sweatshirt off the chair. After stopping at the bathroom, she made her way to the garage and opened the door, seeing Melinda already starting her Tai Chi. She made her way next to her and stretched a few minutes and then joined Melinda in trying to do Tai Chi. This time she only fell five times. Soon she found herself walking into her new high school with Phil. He started at seven- thirty, but students didn't have to be in their first class until seven- fifty. At first period, attendance was taken, and they did announcements. Daisy walked with Phil to his classroom since it was only seven- twenty-five.
"I still don't understand why I can't be in your History class."
"Well if there was no other teacher teaching the class, you would be. But Jane Foster does, and they try to avoid that. Family teaching family."
"That's dumb. It's not like you'd just give me an 'A'. You'd probably be tougher on me than she will be."
"You're probably right. Hey, I need to check the notes my substitute left, okay?"
"Sure Phil. I guess I can mosey along to my first class."
"You should wait a couple more minutes. The teacher may not be in the classroom yet. It's English with Miss Walters, right?"
"Yeah. You said she's nice."
"She is. It's her second year out of college. She's young. Very enthusiastic."
"Cool. I hope the class isn't too hard."
"She'll help you catch up. And Mrs. Bishop said she'd get you extra help if you need it. You could probably head there now. Come to think of it, she's always in early. You remember how to get to her classroom? "
"I think so. If I have any problem, I'll ask someone. See ya."
"Have a good day. If you need anything, come find me."
She waved as she walked out of the room. The halls had a few students now, and she walked down the hall past the library and cafeteria to her classroom. She hated this. Starting a new school. Everyone staring. Being introduced to each class. Wondering where to sit and trying to not piss off anyone. This school was pretty big but not the biggest she'd ever been in. Phil had said there were about a thousand students here. Which meant around two-fifty or so in each grade. She was only a freshman, the lowest on the totem pole. She'd spend part of last year as a freshman too. The part when she actually went to school, which wasn't a lot. For various reasons she'd missed way too many classes and assignments to pass, so here she was, repeating ninth grade.
She made it to room 203 and entered. The teacher was there and so were a couple students. They all turned to stare at her.
"You must be Daisy."
"That's me. Daisy Johnson."
"You can sit anywhere. I don't use a seating chart."
Great. Daisy preferred seating charts. That way she wouldn't chance sitting in another kid's seat. She knew how this thing worked. "Okay, thanks." She scanned the room and saw a girl in the back disinterested in everyone and everything, staring out the window and so she went to the desk next to her and sat down.
"Did you get a chance to pick up your books in the library?" The teacher addressed her again.
"I did. They gave me a lit book, and two paperbacks – um 'Lord of the Flies' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
Good those are the next two books we will be reading. Here is a copy of the one we are reading now. We are nearly finished. She handed her a copy of 'The Catcher in the Rye'. I'd like for you to read it, but all the work the class has done so far will not be required. Here's a syllabus and if you have any questions, see me after class, or after school."
"Okay. Thanks."
The class filled up and soon the bell sounded. The teacher took attendance and during that, she introduced Daisy to the class, much to Daisy's dismay as then twenty-five pairs of eyes scanned her at the same time. The girl next to her was the only one who didn't stare but she did speak.
"Like a fish in a fishbowl."
Daisy laughed. She glanced at the girl who still was gazing out the window. The teacher turned on the overhead TV and a student appeared listing off the daily announcements. Daisy opened the book the teacher had given her and paged through it.
"So what kind of fish are you."
Daisy looked at the girl who was now staring directly at her. "Excuse me?"
"What kind of fish are you. You know. Jock, Brain, Gamer, Cheerleader, Nerd, Artist, Emo, Stoner, Clown, Gangster wannebe, Popular, Try-hard?"
"None of the above. I'm just me."
"Ah a loner then."
Daisy laughed. "Maybe. But you're rocking that loner vibe far more than I am."
"Ah perceptive. Kudos."
"Anyway, is this class boring? I have trouble staying awake in fist period."
"She's okay actually. Gotta read the books though. Pretty good book choices actually."
"Cool."
The teacher looked over at them pointedly, so both grew quiet. Miss Walters turned off the TV and began her lesson. Daisy made it through that class and her next three classes like a trooper, the other kids basically ignored her after her introductions, and she was fine with that. She'd recognized Jane Foster and fortunately the teacher didn't show she knew more of her story then just what was in her file. She was grateful for the anonymity cause soon enough most kids would find out she was related to Phil Coulson, and that knowledge would come with a ton of stares as well as a few brave souls would ask unending questions. Ones she was not prepared to answer just yet.