Author's Note:
Hey, everyone! How are you all doing?
So yeah...it's been a month since I last updated...don't hate me! Work has been really busy and they have been giving me more hours and by the time I come home, I'm just drained and don't have the umph to type. On top of that, I had been rereading and rewatching Harry Potter...again...and focused on that series. Are you guys into Harry Potter too? However, I realized that it had been a month and knew I needed to continue with this story.
This chapter was suggested by ThePanda007. You suggested one where they meet an abusive family from Daisy's past and I tried to the best of my ability to write one that you would like. I did change it a little but it still falls within what you suggested. Hopefully it's good enough and that you like it! So thank you, ThePanda007, for this suggestion and hopefully it's decent!
A little warning about this chapter; it does mention abuse. So if that is something you guys don't like or get uncomfortable with, avoid this chapter, mainly towards the end. It also deals with panic attacks. If you feel uncomfortable or can't read that, you don't need to read this. You can avoid it if you must.
Writing this chapter was rather hard, personally for me and that was due to the fact that I have had panic attacks before and trying to write about one was something I realized I couldn't fully put into words.
Anyway, here you guys go! Hopefully it's good and worth the wait? Yeah...I'll make sure I update sooner!
Thank you, everyone! And stay safe!
Chapter 18: Meeting an Abusive Foster Family:
They had received a message from the New York Police Department that there was commotion within the city that was being perceived as a possible threat. The NYPD had no idea what it was, they just knew it was dangerous and needed professionals to handle the situation. Which was why Shield was contacted.
The Quinjet landed on the roof of a tall building and once it was properly secured, the engine died down.
Inside the Quinjet was May, who was sitting in the cockpit, with Coulson, Daisy, Mack, and Yoyo sitting in the back seats.
Coulson was the first to unbuckle his seatbelt and rose to his feet "Are we cloaked?" He asked May.
"Yes." May answered quickly as she exited the cockpit and walked by the others.
Daisy unbuckled herself and stood up, fixing her gauntlets on her arms "So what's the plan, AC?"
"We will go to the spot where the commotion was at and check it out. Investigate and figure out what was causing it." Coulson said.
"Where exactly was the commotion?" Mack asked as he rose to his full height and adjusted his shotgun axe against the straps.
"Somewhere in the City. The NYPD didn't get a precise location; just a general area." Coulson explained as he adjusted his gun holster.
"Well that's helpful." Yoyo mumbled as she flipped her hair over her shoulder, moving to stand next to Mack.
Coulson just shrugged, knowing full well that the description of the whole situation was very vague to begin with. However, they had dealt with much weirder things in the past. They could handle this.
The team gathered whatever weapons they needed before one of them pushed the button to lower the ramp and they all exited the jet. They all made their way across the roof to the stairs and wandered down the cement stairs for several minutes before they arrived on the ground floor. Once on the street, Coulson looked down at his phone, figuring out where they needed to go, and gestured to the right. The team walked for several minutes along the street bustled with New Yorkers.
The New Yorkers didn't pay the agents any attention as they kept their heads down, hands in their pockets, and hurried on their way. No one gave the team a second glance at their uniforms. It was normal to see people dressed up in the city anyway.
They rounded one corner and Coulson stopped short and held up his hand, gesturing for the others to stop as well. He stared at his phone and said "This is it. This is where the commotion last occurred."
May, Mack, and Yoyo followed right behind the Director, who cautiously walked further down the street. Daisy, however, lingered behind as she glanced up at the street sign on the corner.
Washington Street.
She had been here before. Years ago. Standing on the same corner with the view of the Manhattan Bridge and the Empire State Building in the background. For most, this view from the street was breathtaking in a good way. For Daisy, however, it was breathtaking in a negative way.
"Daisy!" She heard May's voice through the crowd and she shook her head to try and clear the negative thoughts that swarmed her mind before she dragged her feet down the street to join the others.
She stopped when she noticed one particular home with a thin layer of ice coating the cement steps and frost on the metal railings. This wouldn't be an abnormal sight if it was the winter and snow was falling from the sky. However, it was July. In New York. There should be no ice anywhere on these streets.
A chill ran straight down Daisy's spine, not from staring at the ice or snow, as she saw the metal numbers above the door.
136.
She took a deep, steady breath as she watched Coulson walk up to the front door and knocked three times against the crystal clear glass. After several seconds, the wooden door behind the glass opened a crack which revealed a blue almond shaped eye staring out at them.
"Who are you?" A feminine voice asked from the crack. The tone made it obvious that whoever was behind the door was on guard.
"I'm Agent Phil Coulson with Shield." Coulson answered as he took out his badge, holding it in the air so the woman could see his identification.
"What do you want?" The woman asked impatiently.
Coulson slowly placed his badge inside his jacket pocket, maintaining eye contact with the stranger "We heard there was some commotion around this area. We were just checking in to make sure everyone was ok."
"We're fine!" The woman snapped.
Coulson took a deep breath, and Daisy could tell that he was forcing himself to remain calm "Ma'am, I really insist that-"
"And I insist that you get off my property before I call the cops!" The woman went to slam the door but Coulson was quicker than her as he opened the glass door so he could place his foot in the crack of the door, blocking it from closing.
"Ma'am, the police already know we're here. They told us to investigate this area." Coulson explained sternly, his brows scrunched together in a serious expression. "If you do not talk to us nor allow us to investigate, then the FBI and CIA would be called in. And believe me, ma'am, they handle this situation a whole lot differently."
The woman behind the door must have gotten the hint as she gulped hard, audible only to Coulson, and pushed the door open another crack "The FBI and the CIA?" She questioned.
Coulson nodded "Yes, ma'am."
The door slowly swung open to reveal a middle aged woman with blonde hair in a bob cut. She wore blue jeans and a pink blouse with black flats. She also wore bright make up, which made her stand out even more. Much different compared to the agents that wore only dark colors.
The woman stepped back and waved them in "Come in, quickly! Before anyone sees you!"
Coulson nodded and looked back at his team, inclining his head towards the apartment, before he entered the home. The rest of the team hurried after him and soon they were all standing in the long, bright hallway.
The sound of a lock clicking caused all the agents to turn their heads and watched as the woman wrung her hands and stood off to the side. "You said the police know about us?" She asked in a shaky voice.
"They are suspicious." Confirmed Coulson.
Daisy watched as the woman released a shaky breath and walked through the doorway on the left-hand side. The agents all glanced at each other before they followed the woman through the doorway and entered the living room. The walls had beige wallpaper with ultra-white molding surrounding it. The room had brown hardwood flooring. There were two Athena Gray sofas with a loveseat and a dark brown wooden coffee table in front of the sofas.
The woman sat down on the loveseat and placed her hands on her knees, shaking her head "I can't believe it. You are Shield?" She looked up and glared at each and every one of them "Why would Shield be here of all places?"
"Well," Coulson approached the woman and gestured to the sofa before lowering himself down "we handle and deal with things that are…unnatural, to say the least. We protect everyone. Even those who causes unnatural things."
"And you believe we are part of the unnatural?" The woman questioned with an arched eyebrow.
"In our defense, there is ice all over your property."
The woman shook her head as she looked down at her hands and spoke softly "This is brand new to us. We-we don't know what to do."
"Ma'am, what's your name?" Coulson asked kindly.
"Betty." The woman answered "Betty Nicolson."
At that name, chills ran over Daisy's body and she clenched her fists.
The Nicolson family. The picture perfect family. Family of three. A husband, a wife, and a son. The family which may seem ideal on the outside but inside they had a dark secret.
"Betty," Coulson's voice brought Daisy back as she clenched her jaw and stared at the floor as the man talked "what is brand new?"
Betty shook her head as she released an unsteady breath "I don't fully know. One day everything was normal then…I don't know what happened."
"It seems to do with the cold." Yoyo mumbled underneath her breath as she leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms against her chest.
Daisy, May, and Mack heard that remark due to standing close to her but if Coulson and Betty heard, they didn't acknowledge it. Instead, Coulson cleared his throat as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees as he spoke,
"When did everything change?"
"Two-three months ago. At least…" Betty shook her head as she said miserably "I thought we could hide this. We tried everything. We-we were careful. It-it-it just…we can't anymore. I don't know what to do."
Coulson tilted his head "Betty, you keep saying we. Who is we?"
Betty looked up at the man and opened her mouth but before she could utter a single word, the sound of a door slamming filled the air. Heavy, quick footsteps were heard above them, indicating that someone was running upstairs. Everyone looked up at the ceiling and their gaze moved towards the hall when the footsteps pounded against the steps. Suddenly, a young man appeared in the doorframe. He ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair, that was tapered and spiked, and glared around the room.
"What the hell is going on?" He asked.
Betty quickly rose to her feet "Billy,"
Daisy's blood turned to ice as she heard the name she hadn't heard in many years. A name she tried to forget. Billy Nicolson. The young man that used to be a teenager and who used to-
Betty sighed "I-"
"Who the hell are these people, mom?" The young man, named Billy, asked angrily.
"They're here to help." Betty said slowly, carefully approaching her son.
"Billy?" Coulson rose to his feet as well and pulled out his badge, holding it in the air "My name is Phil Coulson. I'm with Shield. We're here to-"
"I don't give a damn about why you're here!" Billy shouted as he clenched his fists "Get out!"
"Billy, please, they can-"
"No! I don't want them here, mom! I'm fine!" Billy yelled back to his mother, who in response flinched. He bit his bottom lip when he saw the way his mother reacted to him and he took a deep breath before he spoke slowly "You saw the ice on our property? Yeah. I can do that. That was accidental so just imagine what I can do on purpose. I suggest getting out of here. Before I do something you guys wouldn't want."
Daisy unconsciously took a step back and bumped into May. May placed a steady hand on her shoulder and gave her stern look. It may have seemed harsh but Daisy knew better; it was a look of concern. As much as Daisy wanted to give her a small smile in response to reassure her everything was fine…she couldn't.
She didn't want to be here any longer. She wanted to get as far away as she could.
Mack's voice brought her back to reality "Billy, we have dealt with people like you. People in your situation."
"Pft you have never met anyone like me."
"Don't think so highly of yourself, kid." Mack glared back at the blonde hair man.
"Oh I don't. I know I'm not like anyone you have ever met before." Billy said with much confidence "I can turn anything into ice with just one touch. I can lower the temperature with just one breath. I can make it snow with my emotions. I'm not like anyone you have ever dealt with. Believe me."
Mack gritted his teeth, obviously trying to keep his patience "There is a group of people called inhumans. They can do extraordinary things. Like you, these people-"
"I'm not like those freaks!" Billy snapped, the temperature in the room dropping significantly.
You're just a part of those freaks!
Daisy shook her head as she heard his younger voice fill her ears from years ago.
"Hey!" Yoyo lost her patience "Don't call us freaks!"
"You're one of those freaks? I should have figured." Billy scoffed as he rolled his eyes before he mumbled "You all are pretty obvious…"
"What the hell does that mean?" Yoyo demanded, placing her hands on her hips.
"It means that all you freaks stand out. Look at you. Look at how defensive you are at being called out. Well, guess what, chica, I'm not like you guys. I don't want to be like you. I never wanted this." Frost began to form along the doorframe and the temperature significantly dropped.
Daisy knew she couldn't let this man bully her friends, she had dealt with this before, so she swallowed hard and took a single step towards him "Hey, none of us wanted this but we learned how to adapt and how to control our gifts. However, as scared as you are, you cannot-"
"No one asked for your opinion, freak!" Billy yelled as his head snapped to the left to glare at her. Unfortunately, it was at this moment when they locked eyes with one another.
Daisy instantly felt sick to her stomach. The last time she stared into those gray eyes-
"Hey. You remind me of someone." He cocked his head to the side and scrunched his eyebrows in deep concentration "Have we met before?"
Oh God no! He remembers me! If he realizes who I am then he God knows what would happen! And if he told Betty?
Suddenly, the air was getting thinner and it was becoming difficult to breath. The sounds in the apartment began to fade and the only thing she was capable of hearing was what was happening within her own body. The blood pounding in her ears. Her heart thudding in her chest. Her hands began to shake and she felt her body tremble. Even her feet tingled. She was becoming numb. She also noticed how her vision had disfigured, almost as if she was looking through a fisheye lens.
I can't breathe!
I'm going to be sick!
I got to get out of here!
I need to get away!
She couldn't stay in the house any longer. She felt herself move. Where she was going, God only knew; she wasn't consciously moving. All of her senses began to fade and it suddenly felt like she was in a thick haze. Her legs felt like lead. She was dragging her body through the unknown. Her vision was completely messed up; her peripheral vision was gone and she was only relying on whatever she saw through the fisheye lens but even that was blurry and wrong. She couldn't feel anything besides the pain in her chest.
This was how she was going to die.
No sight. No sound. Not feeling anything besides pain.
Even time faded away.
Is this how dying feels? All your senses gone and you're left just waiting to go?
God, why did this have to happen? Why did the new inhuman have to be him? Out of everyone on this planet it had to be the kid who used to harass me and bully me. Even the family abused me!
Isn't it ironic, Skye, he said he would kill you one day and he fulfilled that promised. This was how he accomplished that! He became an inhuman and now needs your assistance!
Coldness washed over her and she felt completely numb. The pounding in her ears increased significantly in volume.
Thump thump.
Mary Sue Poots!
Thump thump.
Freak!
Thump thump.
You're never going to find a family that will love you!
Thump thump!
You were a mistake!
Thump thump!
You deserve the pain!
Thump thump!
You don't deserve to live!
Thump thump!
Crying isn't going to save you!
Thump thump!
Skye!
Thump thump!
Daisy!
Thump thump!
Daisy!
Thump thump!
Thump thump!
Thump thump!
Then just like a snap, the pounding vanished and an eerie silence surrounded her. Slowly, she became aware that she was sitting down with her knees pulled up to her chest and her hands were covering her ears, her fingernails digging into her scalp. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked furiously to clear her vision. After blinking for a few seconds, which felt like eternity, her vision went from a fisheye lens to normal perspective. It was at this moment that she realized she was rocking back and forth.
She was able to get some control of her limbs and slowly moved her head up and then it dawned on her that she wasn't in the apartment anymore. She was outside in a deserted alleyway, leaning against a brick wall. She blinked slowly as she realized that there was a shadowy figure right across from her. After a few more minutes, the figure began to shift and her vision cleared up just in time to see who exactly was across from her.
May.
Mom.
She saw that May's mouth was opening and closing but no words were coming out. Daisy slowly turned her head to the right and saw Yoyo squatting down as well, just a little further back. Just like May, her mouth opened and closed but no words flowed out.
Daisy heavily shook her head to try and clear her senses. It took several shakes before she finally got her hearing back but an ear bleeding ringing erupted. The loud ringing caused her to be nauseous. She lowered her head once again and dug her nails further into her head, groaning in pain.
Why do I feel so terrible? What is happening to me?
"Daisy,"
May's calm, soothing voice broke through her dark thoughts.
She slowly raised her head and looked up into May's brown eyes. The older woman was like light at the end of a dark tunnel.
"Daisy, breathe with me." May said.
Daisy opened her mouth to try and decline that offer, well to try and say anything, but she realized that she still couldn't talk. In fact, only a shaky sob escaped her throat. It was just now that she realized that she was currently crying. Sobbing, technically. She was sobbing so heavily that she couldn't breathe.
Shaky gasps escaped from her and she realized that she wasn't getting enough air into her lungs.
Suffocation? That's how I die? That's real ironic.
"Daisy. Breathe with me. Ten." May started her counting technique, one she had used many times with her student.
Daisy shook her head as she realized shaky breathes. She just couldn't calm down.
"Ten!"
"T-t-te-ten."
"Nine!"
Oh God- "N-n-ni-nine."
"Eight!"
"Ei-ei-eight-"
"Seven!"
I can't- "S-s-sev-seven."
"Six!"
"S-six."
"Five!"
Please "F-five."
"Four!"
"F-four."
"Three!"
May, please- "Th-three."
"Two!"
"Two…"
"One."
"One."
May released a sigh of relief "Good job, Daisy."
Daisy finally felt the numbness leave her body and she was able to breathe normally. She released a deep shaky breathe and removed her hands from her head, allowing them to fall to her side. She uncurled her knees, resting her legs flat against the cement and rested her head back against the cool brick. Since she felt all her senses come back, she instantly felt sick to her stomach and a wave of dizziness washed over. She squeezed her eyes shut and grumbled,
"Damnit."
"What's wrong?" Yoyo's voice broke the silence.
The younger inhuman had to swallow the bitterness in her throat before she croaked out "Sick…"
"You feel sick?" Yoyo questioned.
Daisy's hands flew up to cover her eyes and she groaned, rubbing her palms against her eyes. She removed her hands and opened her eyes to see black spots clouding her vision. She blinked once more before looking up at the two women across from her. She took note of their stiff posture; they were squatting on their heels as if prepared to jump any moment.
"What-what happened?" Daisy croaked out.
May and Yoyo shared a look.
They're going to try and lie. Try to protect themselves!
Daisy splayed her hands against the concrete and tried to push herself off the ground to stand on her feet. However, she didn't get far before she felt a strong grip on her bicep. May was suddenly in front of her, staring directly into her eyes. Her lips were in a thin line, indicating that she was pissed.
"Stop." She commanded in one word.
"May, let me go!" Daisy cried as she struggled against the woman's grip.
"I'll only let go if you promise to just sit for a bit. Try to get your bearings." May said sternly, trying to reason with the girl.
"May…" Daisy groaned but she was physically and emotionally drained that she simply gave in and slide back to the ground.
May waited a moment before she slowly released her bicep. However, she stayed right in front of her and intensely watched her. She was giving her a look which Daisy had seen on many mothers faces directed towards their children; a mixture of concern and love. This was a look that May had given Daisy many times since they have known each other but right now it hurt more now than ever. So much that Daisy squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head.
She heard Yoyo mumble to May "We should tell them that we can't move her yet-"
"Coulson," His name left her mouth instantly and she opened her eyes to stare at the women across from her "where is he?"
May and Yoyo shared a look before the inhuman answered "He and Mack needed to create a story to excuse us. They will be here momentarily."
Daisy just nodded a took a deep, shaky breath. Tilting her head back to stare up at the baby blue sky, she now began to feel the summer sun beating down against her skin. It felt nice to finally have some warmth after being in the cold for so long. Suddenly, she heard two heavy footsteps running in her direction. Her eyes shot open and she went to jump up in surprise but slender hands landed on her kneecaps, gently refraining her from doing so. She didn't look at the hands but looked over to see Coulson and Mack running into the alleyway. Upon seeing her father figure, she slumped back against the wall.
"AC," Daisy sighed.
Coulson slowed down as she neared the women and slowly bent down as he stared at his girl "Hey, Dais. How are you feeling?"
Daisy simply shrugged as she stared into his blue eyes. She noticed the fear and concern in them. He was looking at her just like May had before. The look she had seen many parents give their children. A look she longed for throughout her childhood.
Mack's low voice grabbed her attention "Do you think we can bring her home soon?"
Home.
Daisy gritted her teeth and she looked away from Coulson's warm look to the slender hands that refrained her. She stared at the French tips and sniffled "I wanna go home."
She didn't need to look at the other to see their concerned looks; she could sense it.
"Daisy, are you sure?" Yoyo questioned.
"Tremors, we can wait until_"
"I want to go home." Daisy cut Mack off, raising her gaze from the French tips to May's brown eyes "Please!"
May stared at her for a long moment before she gave her a reassuring nod. She moved her hands from the knees to the girl's shaky, clammy hands and gently helped the girl to her feet. She remained by her girl's side, keeping a strong grip on her as she stumbled with shaky legs. Coulson moved to stand on the opposite side of their girl, wrapping an arm around her slim waist, keeping a secure grip on her. May's left arm moved to Daisy's shoulders, keeping her close. Together, they slowly moved out of the alleyway and walked back to the Quinjet with Mack leading them and Yoyo falling behind.
It took some time, but eventually they made it to the particular building that hide their vehicle. Before Daisy knew it, they were aboard the Quinjet.
She felt May and Coulson guide her to the seats and gently helped her sit back. She noticed that May slipped away to go to the cockpit and start the plane. She also took note that Coulson remained to her left while Yoyo and Mack sat across from her.
The thrusters of the jet came to life and soon they took off from the ground and straight into the air, causing everyone to jolt in their seats. Daisy squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to keep herself calm and steady.
God damnit, Daisy. Get a grip! You're fine! You're safe on the Quinjet with people you trust. People who are like family! Are family!
"About an hour until we land." May's voice filled her ears.
Daisy opened her eyes and watched as May walked towards her. She saw that the older woman gestured to the chair to her right. Her heart squeezed when she realized that the woman was asking for permission to sit next to her. Nodding, she watched as her mother slowly lowered herself to the seat, her eyes remaining on her.
Actually, she felt everyone's eyes on her. She suppressed a groan. She knew that they were confused. And if she was in their shoes, she would feel the same way. They deserved an explanation.
"Guys, I'm sorry." Daisy croaked out.
Coulson shook his head "Daisy, you have nothing to be sorry for-"
"I ran out on an inhuman. A case we were supposed to handle." Daisy interrupted. Bitterness in her tone when she said inhuman.
"Daisy," Mack's soft voice caught her attention "it's ok."
The inhuman shook her head viciously "It's not! It made me appear weak! Made me appear like a coward to him! To her!"
Silence lingered in the air after that comment. No one knew what to say to that. It was Coulson who swallowed hard and carefully asked "Why do you care if you looked like a coward to the Nicolson's?"
Daisy glared down at her clenched fists, contemplating if she should tell them the truth. They knew that she was in the foster system so they shouldn't be too surprised. How much should she tell them though? It's not like they need to know. It's in the past. It's your burden to bare. Don't get them involved.
She felt May's slender hand land on her hand and she felt their fingers entwin. She hesitantly looked up at her mother to see the single nod directed to her. She sighed, knowing that particular nod; it meant that whatever she choose to do then they would stand behind her.
"They were my foster family." That sentence slipped out of her mouth before she had a chance to change her mind. She turned her gaze to her hands, her eyes remaining on the entwined fingers and she sighed "I was about seven or eight…I can't fully remember. They were chill at first. The ideal family with a husband, wife, and a teenage son. They said they weren't able to have any more children and had always wanted a daughter so they decided to foster. That was what I was told and why wouldn't anyone believe that? The first month was good; they truly acted like the perfect family. The wife, Betty, was a stay at home mom who baked and cooked everything while doing all the housework. The husband, his name was Richard, worked with a business company; the typical eight to four job. The son, Billy…he-he played football and was considered popular. They welcomed me with open arms and truly acted like a family I longed for."
Daisy took a deep shaky breath as she continued with her story,
"Until one day when everything changed. I noticed that Richard was acting colder towards everyone, especially towards me. Betty claimed it was just because work was stressing him out and he'll be fine once everything calmed down. I believed her because she reassured me so sweetly. How couldn't a little kid believe a sweet spoken adult? Well, he was still acting cold towards me but I had adapted to it because I had so many adults act like that towards me. Nothing new. Then one day Betty and Richard went to a business dinner just leaving me and Billy alone. We had been alone once or twice before but this time was different. I guess he was having a bad day at school or with his girlfriend. He was pissed. I honestly can't recall what happened, I tried to erase it from my memory, but it wasn't pretty…I tried to keep quiet but by the time the parents came home and saw all the bruises over me, they were outraged…at me. They blamed me for Billy's actions and claimed he would never hurt a fly. When I tried to defend myself, Richard punched me square in the jaw, knocking my tooth out-"
Daisy had to stop as she felt the phantom pain from that particular punch overpower her. It wasn't the strongest punch she had ever received but back then it definitely hurt. Mostly due to the fact that this family betrayed her trust.
"That was the first time they laid hands on me. This continued for another month. They would beat me. Verbally abuse me. Anything to hurt me. And I couldn't tell a single soul." Daisy swallowed hard, knowing this wasn't pretty for the others to hear "Until one day. Betty raised her voice at me for whimpering in pain. Billy was home from school and rounded on me, getting in my face and grabbed my arms, pulling me close as he whispered nasty things about how he would kill me in my ears. Things a kid shouldn't hear. I tried to shove him off but that was when Richard came home. It must have been from the bar because I could smell the alcohol on his breath. He grabbed my hair and screamed threats at me. When he finished yelling, he punched me in the eye then shoved me down the steps. I slammed my head against the floor or the railing, I can't recall, and knocked out instantly. I woke up in the hospital surrounded by doctors and Sister Nancy hovering over me. Apparently, a neighbor was coming by to drop off their mail that had been delivered to their house by accident and witnessed me being shoved down the steps. That neighbor called the cops. Was in the hospital for a day or two, diagnosed with a concussion, broken ribs, a broken arm, and a fracture in both my eye and jaw. I was sent back to Saint Agnes instantly. I was told that Richard was arrested and Betty had charges placed on her."
Daisy looked over at the others and her heart broke at all their reactions. Mack had tears in his eyes as he stared at her with pain all over his face. Yoyo glared at the floor, most likely towards the family. Coulson had tears in his blue eyes yet he had a glare on his face as well. May's eyes were narrowed into silts, as if she was going to murder someone, yet her lips quivered as if she was going to cry.
"Guys," Daisy said slightly louder to gather all their attention "I'm sorry. It's just when I saw them again I-I-I-"
"Daisy, don't you ever apologize for that." Coulson said in a low voice, almost like a growl "You have nothing to be sorry for."
"Si, mija, you had every reason to run out." Yoyo said as she leaned forward in her spot, staring directly at the younger girl "You hear me? You had every right."
"But-but it made me appear weak. Like they had the upper hand." Daisy admitted in a soft voice.
Coulson squeezed her shoulder tightly "You are anything but weak, kiddo."
Mack spoke up "The fact that you had to live with this secret for years, Tremors, and yet still faced them proves just how strong you are."
Daisy scoffed at that "How can I be strong if I freaked out? Huh?"
"Daisy, I hate to inform you but you didn't just freak out." Mack informed her gently. When he saw that the girl opened her mouth to retort that, he delicately said "You had a PTSD attack."
Daisy blinked in surprise "A PTSD attack?" When she saw the solemn looks on their faces, she lowered her chin to her chest "Damn…"
"Kiddo," Coulson gently cupped her face, forcing them to lock eyes with one another "this wasn't your first attack was it?"
Daisy opened her mouth and quickly closed it. She felt May's hand tightened against her own, prompting her to admit "I had panic attacks before. I don't think I have ever had a PTSD one though."
"They're pretty similar." Coulson said softly.
The inhuman sighed "It doesn't feel good." She gave a sad smirk to her father "But I'm ok now."
Coulson shook his head sadly "This shouldn't have happened to you to begin with."
Daisy shrugged "It's nothing new. I'm used to it." She looked over at the others "Really, guys, it's fine."
Mack and Yoyo glared at one another, silently communicating to one another. Meanwhile, May still had not uttered a single word since Daisy told them her story.
Is she mad at me?
Daisy looked at her mother timorously "May?"
May glared at their entwined fingers before she shot up to her feet and marched towards the cockpit. Daisy immediately shot up as well, ignoring Coulson's tug on her arm.
"May! Wait! Where are you going?" She asked as she followed her.
"I'm going to kill them." May grumbled, still stalking to the front of the jet.
"May, no!" Daisy reached forward and grabbed the woman's arm, stopping her in her tracks.
May glared down at the girl's hand, refusing to make eye contact with the girl, and in a low voice "Let me go."
Daisy took a deep breath as she stood in front of the only true mother figure in her life. She was scared, not of the woman herself but due to what she could do. She didn't want May to do anything she would regret. "May, just calm down-"
"I am calm!" May snapped. She paused as she continued to stare at the hand that enclosed around her wrist before repeating "Let me go, Daisy."
"May, I understand the urge to kill them. Trust me…they don't deserve to walk freely but it's fine. I'm fine."
"It's not fine!" May snapped, this time she glared at the girl "They hurt you. They nearly killed you! It's anything but fine!"
Daisy gave her a single shoulder shrug and sadly said "They hurt me in the past, even now when we saw them, but they can't…I don't think they can?"
"They can't and they won't. I won't let them." May said through gritted teeth.
"We won't let them, Daisy." Coulson added as he rose to his feet as well, lingering behind "No one will hurt you like they did. Not anymore."
Daisy nodded her head but still stared into her mother's eyes. She needed her to calm down. To understand that she was going to be ok. Finally, after another long minute, the fierceness in May's brown eyes morphed into pain and she mumbled,
"They hurt you."
Daisy didn't know how to respond to that. Luckily, May didn't give her a chance to respond as she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms tightly around her, squeezing her tightly. One hand rested against the back of her head while the other hand rubbed and patted her back in a soothing manner.
As sweet as this moment was, something bothered Daisy. She suddenly pulled away and turned to look at the others. She hesitantly asked "So…um, is Billy going to the Base later? What's happening with him?"
Mack and Coulson shared a look before the older man spoke "He's not coming to the Base. Ever." Upon seeing the look of disbelief on the girl's face, he elaborated "After you ran off, we knew something wasn't right. And we figured it had to do with the Nicolson's. Plus, after seeing how Billy was, just by the few minutes with him, we knew he wasn't meant to be with Shield or with the inhumans we help."
"We did tell them there are others that could help but we weren't having him." Mack added, nodding his head in reassurance.
"So, he's really not coming back with us?" Daisy asked in a tiny voice. One that made her sound so much younger.
May squeezed the girl's arm in reassurance while Coulson approached her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He shook his head "No, kiddo. He's never coming near you ever again." He pulled her in for a hug, holding her tightly in his arms. He kissed the side of her head and whispered in her ear "Never again."
Daisy snuggled into his embrace and finally released a breath she had been holding in since she approached the Nicolson house. Everything was going to be fine.
"Hey, Daisy?" Daisy's voice interrupted the sweet father-daughter moment, causing everyone to look over at the other inhuman "I just wanted to let you know, that we already informed FitzSimmons about your attack. Right when we found you we called them. They're going to check you as soon as we get home. I know we should have asked you first but we were concerned with the state we found you in."
Daisy took a deep breath "They know about my attack?"
"Simmons was the one who suggested it was a PTSD attack." Yoyo said.
"This wasn't your first attack, was it?" May asked, though she wasn't truly asking. She knew.
Daisy just shrugged "Happens every now and then. Hadn't had one this bad in a while though. Never realized I could have PTSD attacks though. Felt just like a panic attack."
"You never told us you had panic attacks." Coulson said, hurt hidden underneath the words.
"You guys didn't need to know. It was my burden to carry. Besides, I always had to deal with my attacks on my own. Nothing new."
"Not anymore, Daisy." Coulson said, placing a hand on her shoulder once more "We're your family. We want to help you in any way. We want to."
Daisy looked around the room and saw the genuine looks on all their faces. Sure, she had heard those words from people in the past. People who lied to her. People who hurt her. However, hearing those words from Coulson, her true father, and seeing her team's faces. Her family. They looked genuinely concerned. She knew, truly, that she could tell them anything and everything. That they would be there for her and wouldn't hurt her or leave her like others had done. They were here to stay.
Daisy took a deep breath and quietly admitted "I don't know if you guys can handle hearing everything that happened."
She felt May grab her hand once again and saw the others give her a compassionate look of reassurance.
"Maybe not." Coulson admitted "But we will be there for you. Always."
Daisy nodded and a small smile crept along her lips.
For the first time ever, she had admitted to having panic attacks, even a PTSD attack, in front of her family. And they were understanding. This was also the first time she had ever told anyone what happened with a bad foster family. They wanted to kill the people who had hurt her. They were trying to protect her. In the past, a younger Skye would have never believed it. Now, standing beside her parents and across from her brother and sister, she finally felt safe. They knew and witnessed firsthand her panic attacks and they didn't judge her or view her differently, they truly wanted to help. This was brand new to Daisy but she was ok with it.