Daisy woke when the light reached her face from the window where Melinda had forgotten to close the blinds. She checked the time and saw it was almost time to get up. On nights when Daisy or Melinda had a rough time or nightmares, they usually chose to sleep in and not worry about Tai Chi, doing it later in the evening on those days. Daisy knew it was past Tai Chi time cause it was light out already. She raised her head a little and looked over at Melinda who was still sleeping.
Last night Melinda had woken her from her nightmare in the early morning. She had cried and Melinda had held her, some leftover tears and worries from her telling Melinda what had happened to her. She cuddled closer to Melinda and closed her eyes, relishing in the safest place she'd ever been. She felt Melinda's arm tighten around her as Melinda let out a loud yawn and then spoke.
"No Tai Chi but you need to go to school and I need to go to work."
Daisy followed with a yawn of her own, but kept her eyes closed. She loved these times spending these few moments cuddled into her mom and feeling like she could conquer the world.
Melinda sensed that Daisy needed a few moments before rising, so she just held her and waited for Daisy to move or talk. After a few minutes Daisy opened her eyes and smiled.
"I love you."
Melinda smiled back. "I love you too." She waited patiently. Something she could readily do with Daisy that she had trouble doing with other people.
"I have Martial Arts practice today."
"You do."
"Good. I need to learn how to be a good ninja warrior."
"You're doing really well. I'm proud of the hard work you're putting in."
Daisy would never get used to how good she felt when Melinda complimented her. She hoped she never would. It made her feel giddy and proud at the same time. She finally pulled away from Melinda and threw the covers off and jumped up out of bed.
"I'm up."
Melinda laughed. "I see."
Daisy giggled and walked over to the door. "I'm gonna grab a quick shower and get dressed. I hope Phil made something good for breakfast."
"I'm sure he did. We have company."
Daisy turned around and looked at Melinda. "Oh. I forgot."
"Easy to do when you didn't even know she was going to be here."
"Are you mad that she's here? Are you mad at Phil?"
"Probably a little bit. But we'll work it out. You don't have to worry, okay?" Melinda got up and nodded at Daisy. "You better get moving. It is getting late."
Daisy nodded and crossed the hallway to her room, getting her things and headed to the bathroom.
Just as Melinda had said, Phil had indeed made a good breakfast. He'd gotten the waffle maker out and had made homemade strawberry waffles and bacon as well as an egg, hash brown and cheese casserole. Melinda raised her eyebrow at him in question.
Getting the message, he spoke up. "Had trouble sleeping so I got up early, made the casserole and then remembered that Daisy had mentioned we hadn't had waffles for a while, so I mixed up the batter too. You know how I like to think while I cook."
Maria, who was already seated and had a plate of food, spoke up, "well I for one, am glad you needed to think Phil. This is very good. I usually only have time for a bowl of cereal or toast."
Daisy sat down and started loading her plate with food, while Melinda poured them both a glass of orange juice and made them both a cup of tea. "So Maria, where do you live?"
"A small town in Delaware called Smyrna. It's near Dover."
"And what do you do?"
"I'm a pilot instructor. Small aircraft."
"Are you married?"
At that question Melinda looked over at Maria.
"No. Not even in a serious relationship right now. I can't seem to find my soulmate. Unlike your parents Daisy."
Daisy smiled. Melinda shot her a dirty look which Maria ignored.
"I do have three kids though."
"Three?" Melinda asked.
"Yeah I took in another foster kid. His name's Donnie."
Daisy looked over completely interested now. "You foster?"
"Yeah. Robin and Flint. Both of whom I adopted. Donnie's only been with us for about ten months. Took in a couple short term foster kids over the years but I get too attached." I want to adopt them all." She laughed.
Daisy looked at her in awe. "That's so cool. I mean you seem like a great person. To foster. Most foster parents – most are – well I mean – I never..."
"I'm sorry Daisy. I'm sorry your experiences were not good ones. There really are good foster parents. People who want kids and really want to help."
"Yeah. I had a couple not awful ones."
Melinda spoke then. "So where are they?"
"With my parents. They flew in for Thanksgiving and are staying at my house, so the kid's routines and school aren't interrupted right before the holiday break."
"Hey kiddo, we have to move if I'm not going to be late." Phil interjected.
"Right." Daisy took her dishes to the kitchen and then gave Melinda a side hug. "See you later. Bye Maria." She put her shoes and coat on, grabbed her backpack and followed Phil out to the garage.
Melinda took her dishes to the kitchen and started rinsing them and placing them in the dishwasher. Maria followed suit.
"What time do you start at the agency?"
"Eight."
"I guess you need to leave soon too."
"Yeah."
"I was going to go visit your parents."
"They knew you were coming here too?"
"Yeah. I called them."
"My mom did always like you."
"She thought I was a good influence on you." Maria paused when Melinda again went quiet. "we could talk more tonight."
"You could come with me. To work. You still have clearance?"
"Yeah. I still do consult work and transport sometimes."
"They still after you to join up?"
"Always. But I'm fine where I am. Decent work hours, lots of time with the kids."
"Yeah. I get it. Spending time with Daisy is the best."
"So you can give me the big tour of the Chicago office."
"Sure. I only need to work on a few things and set up a few items. If you can hang till lunch time, I can take half a day and we can grab lunch and catch up."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll get properly dressed then."
Melinda smiled as she looked at Maria who was wearing a pair of ripped jeans, and a Star Wars T-shirt with her converse high tops. "At least the jeans."
"You like the sneaks?"
"No. But Daisy would."
Maria smiled. "I'll be ready in a few minutes."
Melinda nodded.
Melinda opened her office door and ushered Maria inside. Fitz was sitting at her desk looking at the computer screen oblivious to everything. Melinda cleared her throat loudly to get his attention. He looked over at her and smiled and then noticed Maria next to her. He closed the computer and got up quickly, stammering about not seeing anyone come in.
"It's fine Fitz. Sit back down. This is Maria Hill. She's visiting Phil – and me for a few days. I'm gonna give her the grand tour. I just wanted to give this to you." She handed him a container filled with muffins. "Phil made a bunch over the weekend."
He looked in the container and smiled. "Awe great. Tell him thanks. I'll share with Jemma. How's Daisy?"
"Good. She really appreciates you tutoring her in math. You think you could stop by again this weekend for a few hours?"
"Sure. I'll check my schedule with Jemma. Then I 'll get back to you."
"Good. Why don't you just have them bring a second desk in here?"
"You think they would? I'm not exactly high priority. I mean I do already have a cubicle and a desk."
"Yeah in a room you share with ten other IT people. Melinda walked to the desk and picked up her phone. She spoke for a couple minutes and then hung up. She turned to Fitz. "Desk will be here in an hour. And another phone. You can bring up all your computer and tech stuff that you need. You're here most of the time anyway."
"Okay. Thanks. I won't get in your way."
"In my way of filling out requisitions and inventory reports and the occasional mission brief? Yeah I know. See you in a bit."
He waved as he took a bite of a muffin.
Melinda and Maria got on the elevator. After the tour Melinda headed back to her office while Maria left and decided to take a walk through the city and shop at some of the stores. She said she still need a few Christmas gifts to purchase for family and friends. They met up later at a restaurant close to the FBI office.
Melinda took another bite of her salad. Maria had talked about her new house, her three kids, and her job. Melinda had talked about Daisy. But now the conversation was veering in a direction Melinda had no intention of having.
"So he called you and told you to come fix me?"
Maria sighed. "No. He called and said it was about time you and I reconnect, and that you would benefit from having friends around."
"The fact that you were in his corner when we split up made you a good choice I guess."
"Mel. I was in no one's corner. I just thought..."
"I know what you thought Maria. And I really don't care to discuss it. Not here, not now. Never."
"Okay. So how are you really doing? What can I do to help?"
"Daisy is the one who needs help right now. She's just beginning to really open up about her past and starting to trust a lot more. But you know how that goes, one step forward – two steps back."
"Not always. Not if the person is ready to keep jumping forward instead of going backwards."
"You sound like Phil."
"He was always a smart man. He said you started skating again. Said you were teaching Daisy."
"Yeah. She's a little clunky but I think it has far more to do with how she thinks of herself then a real lack of physical agility. She sees herself as clumsy, and not very athletic. Said people told her all the time that's what she was."
"A self- fulfilling prophecy."
"Something like that. She's getting pretty decent at Tai Chi. And I'm teaching her self-defense at home so she's far ahead of her beginning hapkido class. She runs with me and I have her doing some light lifting. I think she likes skating only cause it's something I did and something I'm teaching her."
"I'm so glad you can. I'm so glad you get to spend this time with her, that you found her. It's really a miracle, isn't it?"
"Daisy calls it karma. Fate. Says that if the fates throw enough crappy shit at you long enough, karma has to reverse it at some point and let good stuff in there."
Maria laughed. "She sounds like – like – a lot like you Mel. I can't wait to get to know her more. I am, after all, her godmother."
"You want to know something crazy?" Melinda paused as Maria looked expectantly at her. "The only memory she has – the only thing she remembers is the front porch and swing, and that Halloween outfit with the little boots you found for her." Melinda fought with her emotions holding back tears. "She was only eighteen months old Maria. We lost so much with her. She went through so much pain."
Maria slid into the booth next to Melinda and grabbed her hand. "I know."
Melinda laid her head on Maria's shoulder and Maria put her other arm around here pulling her in for a hug. "I know Mel."
Melinda drove them both home once she was calmer and able to. She let the dog out in the back yard and feeling guilty for not taking her on a run lately, spent a good half hour throw the ball for Leia to chase. Maria called her parents to check in. When Melinda returned inside, Maria was off the phone and making tea.
"So a dog, huh?"
"Yeah. She was supposed to be a small kitten."
Maria laughed. "There's a story there."
"A short one. Daisy begged for a puppy. I explained with our busy schedules it wouldn't be fair to the puppy. She and Phil wore me down to agree to a kitten. At the rescue shelter, Leia chose our family and turns out she's a good fit."
"She seems to be well trained at least. She only kept jumping on me for a few minutes"
"She likes good people. And she's good for Daisy. And she's protective."
"Training her to be a guard dog?"
"Don't have to – she is already one. She listens – at least to me. The others are too soft."
Maria brought two mugs of tea to the kitchen counter, sitting down next to Melinda.
"We have a couple cats and a dog too."
"So you're not dating anyone. No romance in the air?"
Maria took a sip of her tea and shook her head. "A couple dates. Most run scared after finding out about the kids."
"How old are they now?"
"Well Flint's the oldest. He just turned sixteen. Robin is thirteen. Donnie is fifteen. Flint's been with me for almost six years now. Robin for four and Donnie's year anniversary is in January. So this is his first Christmas with us."
"Flint?"
Maria smiled. "His real name is Stephen Robert. Said that other kids in one of the group homes gave him Flint as a nickname when he was young. Stuck I guess."
"So he was in the foster system for a number of years?"
"Flint was only for around two years. He was being raised by his aunt Tess and she died suddenly in car crash when he was eight. He came to me when he was ten. He's a great kid. Loves to build things with his hands and design things. He's thinking about a career in architecture. I can't believe he's a junior in high school already."
"And Robin?"
"Her mom Polly died when she was only nine. It was domestic violence. Robin's stepfather killed her mom in a fit of rage. Robin didn't talk much when she came to me. She's still quiet but she's made a lot of progress. And Donnie – well his father threw him out. After he came out as gay. His mother had died a few years before that. He spent some time on the streets before child welfare put him in a group home after he ended up in the hospital. Soon after that, they called me as a temporary placement that turned into almost a year. He's part of the family now."
"Look at us huh? Completely domesticated."
"It's great isn't it?"
"Far superior to my apartment alone with a bottle of Haig and TV reruns."
"We should go out for dinner tonight. Celebrate domesticity. My treat."
"We have a couple favorite little diners, one's rather close. But it will have to be after Daisy's Martial Art's lesson. And I have to drop of her friend Carol afterward. I pick her up most lessons and take her with us."
"That's fine. But how about a nice restaurant. I haven't been to one in good while."
Melinda nodded. "Sure. If you can get Daisy to dress up and talk Phil into it as well. I'm game."
So Daisy's making friends. That's always a good thing."
"Yeah. She has a bunch actually. Good kids all." There was a pause in the conversation as they sipped on their tea.
Maria finished hers and got up to put her mug in the dishwasher. She glanced over at Melinda. "You do know he still loves you, right?"
Melinda sighed. "I know. That still doesn't change anything. This all has to be about Daisy now. This house. Us getting along. For her. A semblance of normalcy. Of family."
"Sure. All that is good Mel. But that doesn't mean you and Phil can't be together."
"Why do you think I'd want that? It's over Maria. What we had is over. It was great, but you can't go back. You can't just ignore all the baggage. You can't ignore all the hurt."
"I always envied what you and Phil had. What you meant to each other. How much you loved each other but also respected each other. How you were friends first, truly inseparable. I figured if any couple would make it through the good and bad, through whatever life would throw at them – it would be you two. You were inspirational. And god that way you could communicate with just looks and expressions. You still do that. But you ran away Mel. I never pegged you, my badass best friend, to just run away and hide."
Melinda's dark eyes shown with anger as she turned to glare at Maria. "You never had to live through what I did. Losing Skye. Having two people murdered in your home knowing your baby was with whoever was capable of doing that. Not knowing if she was dead or alive. If she was being hurt. You can never know how I felt, Maria."
"You're right. But Phil knew. He knew cause he lived it too. You didn't have to be alone in your grief. You chose that. You pushed Phil away. And me. And everyone else who loved you. And where exactly did that get you Mel? You said yourself you were alone, with a bottle of whiskey as your friend, watching TV. That was your choice. Don't blame that on Phil or me, or your family."
Melinda's anger faded as her face morphed into sadness. "I never blamed any of you. For any of it. I blame myself."
"Okay." She paused for a brief moment. "If anything happened to my kids, I'd probably feel guilty too. But sometimes life just happens. Crappy things happen to very good people. You are a very good person Mel. Both you and Phil are. What happened to Daisy was a statistical anomaly. What happened was the fault of the person who did it, and anyone who helped him. That's where the blame should be placed. The same with what you had to do seven years ago."
"Phil told you?"
"He needed to talk to someone. Get an uninvolved perspective to talk it out with. He wasn't going behind your back. He told me he hadn't told you he talked to me yet but was planning to. So uh – blame me for letting that cat out of the bag. Phil's the most honest man..."
"I know. He's never kept secrets from me. He's always been forthright. Even when we were yelling at each other."
"Mel – let me help. Talk to me. I love you."
Melinda gave her a weak smile. "You know, I had that fence put up in the back yard. I told Phil and Daisy it was so that the dog could go out in an enclosed area."
"But it was more for Daisy – to keep bad guys out. Or at least make it harder to get in quickly. Just like the security system. And the dog. And the Martial Arts lessons. Did you teach her how to shoot a gun yet?"
Melinda shook her head. "But the thought did cross my mind. I haven't used a gun, not even to go to the range, in years." Not since...I - Ever since we found out about Daisy, since she's been back with us – I haven't been able to let her out of my sight for very long. The exception is school where I know Phil is, or when she's out with him somewhere. Once – one time – Phil took me skating and my parents stayed with her. She had a panic attack."
"Mel."
"I'm so afraid, no – I'm terrified I'm going to wake up and this is going to be dream. Or she'll be gone. Someone will take her away from me. And I couldn't stand that. I wouldn't be able to stand that Maria."
"She's not going anywhere. She's here now. And she's only fifteen. You have a lifetime to be with her.
"I lost almost fourteen years Maria. She spent much of that time being hurt by people. By people who should have protected her and helped her."
"That's not your fault either. That's on them."
"She was raped! Sexually and physically abused." Melinda stood up. "By many people. She was beaten by the last one. Raped by at least one. That should never have happened to her. I should have protected her Maria. She trusted me to protect her. Instead, I left her and went to work. I should have left Special Ops the moment I found out I was pregnant."
"And what Mel? You think you should have been with her 24/7? Continuously? No parent is. You know, we all know, that whoever took her did it at an opportune time. When Phil nor you nor any of your friends in the Air Force were home. It wasn't random. It was planned. A thought- out crime – he was looking for Skye. We know now why he took her specifically. Because she could pass for their kid. He either paid someone to do it or did it himself. We may never know that. But he was set on getting Skye. He probably saw her in some random place, figured out she was what he wanted and planned to kidnap her, maybe planned for a long time."
"If I would have been home, she'd have been with me. I could have protected her that night."
"Melinda. He knew who you were. He wasn't going to take her when you were with her. If not that night, then he would have done so another time. You couldn't stop this. It's not your fault. It's not those poor young people's fault, it's not Phil's fault, it's not the Air Force's fault. It's the fault of those monsters who took her."
"I couldn't bear to look at him. I saw her every time I looked at him. Every time Skye's name would come up, his pain reflected the pain that I felt and I couldn't bear to see it. Everywhere in that house I saw her. I couldn't stay in that house. I couldn't look at him. After the initial shock and then the blaming and shouting, I couldn't bear to see his pain. And the pity from everyone was suffocating. I had to shut it off. After that, I just stopped caring."
"I tried to take it you know. I tried to outlast you and waited for you to stop pushing me away."
"I was awful to you. To Phil. To everyone. I didn't want to be happy. To be comforted. I was guilty and wanted to be punished. When I couldn't take it anymore, I asked for a transfer and just left. Everyone and everything. Even my mom and dad."
"Yeah."
Melinda sat back down. "I guess I succeeded. I almost – I gave up on everyone. Even myself."
Maria sat down next to Melinda. "I worried. I wanted so bad to just come see you and shake you back to your senses. But life happens and time – time is our biggest enemy isn't it?"
"When was the last time we really talked Maria? Before this visit?"
"You mean when you didn't just talk about the weather and your parents. All the safe subjects? You called and made small talk about your new job first and then told me you'd met Andrew and were getting married. Pretty sure it was so I would pass the information on to Phil. So you wouldn't have to."
"Yeah." But even that was not – not talking. Not like this. First it was Daisy, and then Phil. And now you."
Maria looked at her curiously.
"Making me talk. Opening up. At first, I did it for Daisy. To help her. To let her know I was there, and she could trust me. Then Phil with Daisy's help and Jemma's prodding. I – I just was keeping so much in. I guess I still am. I have to go to counseling this week. By myself. It wasn't as hard when I was with Daisy, to help her."
"Time. It takes time."
"Yeah, that's what Phil says. All the time. Even Daisy reminds me. I'm not magically going to just go back to the way I was. Or just forget any of it. Or even get over it all. But – but all those hidden things; the blame, the guilt, the fear, the hurt, the anger are issues I need to address. And part of me is always going to fight that."
Maria nodded. "But the fact that you can see it, that's a helluva step Mel. And my guess is that's at least partly due to Daisy."
"And Phil."
"And you don't like that very much. That he can still..."
"Be Phil. Be that ever annoying person who knows me better than I do?"
"Yeah. I'd like to think I have that power somewhat too, being your best friend and all."
"It's been years Maria. Surely you've found another best friend to annoy?"
"I tried. I could never annoy someone as well as I could you. Guess we're stuck together."
"I could think of a few worse people to be stuck with."
"I accept your apology."
Melinda shook her head. "I've missed you." She stood up and waited for Maria to do the same. Then she embraced her.
Daisy met Carol by the door after their last class of the day. Melinda was picking them up for their lesson at the dojo. They walked out to the car getting in the back seat.
"Hi girls. You have a good day at school?"
"Yeah."
"It was okay." Carol added.
"Carol this is my friend, Maria. She's visiting from Delaware and staying with us for a few days."
"Hi Carol. Good to meet you. Hi Daisy."
"Hey." Daisy looked form Maria to Melinda noticing a change. They seemed far more at ease then this morning. "So you guys seem better, yeah?"
"Right to the punch, this one. She's just like you Mel."
Melinda smiled. "Yup. And yes Daisy. We had a good talk."
"You know Phil's gonna be like all weird and junk when he sees you, right?"
"He's always weird and stuff."
Daisy laughed. "Yeah but more so now. You know I'm right. I talked to him on the ride to school and before class started about his impulsive invite to Maria. "He's gonna act – what's that word I'm looking for – oh yeah – smug."
"Probably. A little bit."
"You're gonna let him have a win huh?"
"A little one."
Daisy cackled. Turning to Carol she rolled her eyes. "Parents huh?"
Melinda grinned. She shared a knowing look with Maria. After that the two girls spoke about school and their friends animatedly while the two women stayed quiet the rest of the ride.
They were seated at a table at a nice restaurant. Phil had already had his moment at home about being right, after they returned from Daisy's lesson, and now they were enjoying their dinner together. They had gotten dressed up somewhat, with Melinda wearing heels and a silver slitted dress and Phil in a black suit with tie. Maria likewise was dressed in an elegant black dress with heels while Daisy had opted for a simple red, blue, orange and purple petal pattern button down dress with pockets ('Gotta have pockets Melinda'), coupled with a pair of new white tennis shoes. They engaged in light conversation, while eating a fantastic meal.
While waiting for dessert, after ordering banana cream pie and a macchiato, Daisy excused herself to go to the restroom. She was leaving to go back to their table, in the foyer area, when Grant Ward stepped in front of her. For a moment, she forgot to breathe, and then she realized this was an open public area and other people were around.
She summoned her courage and a stoic bad ass Melinda May expression. "Get out of my way Ward."
He laughed. And moved closer to her. "What's trash like you doing in such a high-class establishment like this?"
Daisy glanced around and to her horror the foyer had become empty. "Just move Ward. You're not stupid enough to try something here."
"Try something like what? Why would I want to try anything with a half breed whore? You're just a little nobody slut, going nowhere. Like all your little friends. Like Reyes. He'll end up in prison like all the other low life greasy spics." He reached out and grabbed her arm roughly. "It's cause of you and Reyes that I was suspended from that crap school. And your stupid mother pulling that shit of putting a protective order on me."
"Good. But she's obviously far more restrained than Daisy's godmother is." Maria had appeared from around the corner obviously hearing Ward's words and grabbed Ward's arm pulling him away from Daisy and easily took him down with two fast moves before he could even process what was happening. "Don't ever touch her again. In fact, don't ever talk to her again. Don't even look at her again. Or that bruise on your shoulder, and the strained ribs are gonna be the least of your problems. Come on Daisy."
She grabbed Daisy's arm and gently led her away, out of the foyer and back to the main dining room. When in the room she pulled Daisy aside and spoke to her. "I came back here to call my kids on my cell, wanting a little quiet and I hear that jerk. You obviously know him Daisy. Tell me if I need to call the police."
"I guess. I don't know."
"Okay. It's okay. You're okay." She looked at the girl who was visibly shaken. She looked over at the table and waved Melinda over.
Melinda seeing an upset Daisy rushed over to them. Daisy's breaths were coming in gasps by then and Melinda gently led her to the ground having her kneel and knelt beside her. "Breathe. With me Dais. Okay. Follow my heartbeat. She took Daisy's hand and placed it over her own heart. "You're here at the restaurant. I'm here, Maria's here and Phil's still in the building. You are okay.
Daisy nodded and started focusing on her mom's face. "I can see you."
"What else can you see?"
"Maria. The exit door." Daisy was now glancing around. "People staring."
"You want to go outside?"
Daisy nodded. Melinda helped her up and she and Maria managed to maneuver Daisy out the door to the restaurant porch. Daisy took a deep breath and the cold seemed to help clear her head.
"I'll get our coats and talk to Phil." Maria said as she turned back to go inside.
Melinda walked Daisy to a bench on the porch and they both sat down. Melinda wrapped her arm around a now shivering Daisy and pulled her close to her. "It's okay baby. I've got you."
Daisy nodded into Melinda's shoulder. "It – it was – it- it was Ward," she managed to stutter.
That statement caused Melinda to stiffen and she quickly looked back to the door.
"Maria is a ninja too huh?"
That comment caused Melinda to relax a little. "Yes. She helped you?"
Daisy nodded. "Took him down and threatened his worthless ass."
Melinda smiled. Daisy was regaining some of her spunk. "He's not allowed to be near you Daisy. The temporary protection order went through this morning."
"That was fast, huh?"
"I had a few favors to cash in. It may have been rushed through and Vic helped."
"He knew about it. Said so."
"Then he's in violation and can be arrested." Melinda reached for her phone.
"Wouldn't Maria get in trouble if you called the cops?"
Melinda paused, "What exactly did she do Daisy?"
Daisy pulled her face away from Melinda's shoulder. "He had his hand on my arm tightly. She removed it, punched him and took his legs out. He landed pretty hard."
"He touched you?"
Daisy looked at Melinda. "Yeah."
"Then she was defending you. This is the third time now he dared to lay his hands on you." Melinda got up and started calling 911.
Just then Maria and Phil came outside. "If you're calling the police, don't. I already did," said Phil. He came over to Daisy and sat down next to her. "You okay?"
She nodded and gave him a weak smile, then sniffled. "Yeah. Thanks to Maria."
Maria smiled. "Hey that's what godmother's are for, right?"
"I just wish I didn't need protecting. I am so tired of being afraid."
Melinda had walked over to them and bent down on front of Daisy. She took her hands. "It's okay to be afraid Daisy. Especially of creeps like Ward. It appears he's more unhinged than I previously guessed."
"Why is he here? Is he following me?"
"No. I don't think so. I saw him going to sit at a table with his parents." Phil added. He turned to Melinda. "Are we going to press charges or just have the cops scare him and his parents."
"I want him arrested. She has a protection order. When he saw they were in the same building – he should have walked in the other direction and never approached her. He put his hands on her Phil."
Phil's eyes flashed with anger. Then he looked up at the approaching police car. The car parked in front and two officers got out. Melinda recognized then both. She stepped down from the porch to speak to them.
A few hours later, Daisy was curled into Melinda sound asleep on the sofa. They'd gotten home and Daisy had wanted to watch a movie. Melinda suspected it was so she didn't have to talk about what had happened till she could process it better. Melinda stared at the screen, but her thoughts were not on the movie playing on it. The police officers, Elena and Davis had gone inside and had asked ward to step outside with them. After speaking to him and his parents, they had arrested him for violating a restraining order, harassment and simple assault. After questioning Maria, they had concluded she acted in defense of Daisy.
Melinda had quickly placed Daisy behind her when Ward's parents had started spewing their venom at her. Phil had actually grabbed Melinda's hand to pull her away – sure she was going to do more than glare at them. It was Maria who wisely ushered Daisy and Melinda off the porch and out to the parking lot away from the scene, letting Phil deal with it. From the parking lot by Melinda's car, they watched as the police placed Grant Ward under arrest and handcuffed him, placing him in the patrol car. Another police cruiser had shown up, this one had officers that Melinda did not know. They briefly questioned Daisy and then Maria for a bit longer, then told them all to go home and that they'd be in touch. Phil had driven them home in mostly silence. He had paid the restaurant bill and gotten their desserts in take out containers and placed them in the fridge once home.
Daisy had gone to her room to change but had reappeared moments later asking to watch a movie. Now sitting here, able to have calmed down, with Daisy next to her, Melinda had been thinking not just about what had happened to Daisy but also about her and Maria's conversations today. She looked over at Maria and saw she also appeared to not be too interested in the movie. She turned to Phil.
"Daisy's been out for almost an hour Phil. She needs to get to bed. I'm tired too."
He nodded. "You mind Maria?"
"I haven't really been watching."
"Yeah, I don't think any of us were." He turned off the movie and got up. Melinda nudged Daisy. "Hey come on. Time for bed."
Daisy mumbled incoherently and snuggled closer to Melinda.
"Daisy. Come on. You have to get up. Just for a few minutes then you can go back to sleep."
Daisy didn't move.
"Let me take her. She's really out." Phil moved over to stand in front of them.
"Daisy. Phil's gonna pick you up and carry you to bed if you don't get up."
Daisy peeked open one eye to look at Melinda's face. "Okay," shutting her eye and resting her head back on Melinda.
Phil bent down and picked her up while Melinda helped position her in his arms. Daisy wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder. He carried her carefully to Melinda's room and waited while Melinda pulled down the blankets and then he gently laid her on the bed. As he did so, Daisy opened her eyes for a moment.
"Thanks dad. I love you. Good night."
Phil was momentarily gobsmacked but recovered enough to give her a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight sweetie. I love you too."
She smiled as she closed her eyes and curled into a ball. Melinda pulled the blankets up over her and turned to Phil. "I'm just gonna stay and get to bed too. Do you mind letting Leia out and then letting her back in here afterward?
"Sure. Goodnight Mel."
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Goodnight. We'll talk about all this more in the morning."
"Okay." He left the room thinking to himself – talk about what more. Surely, she meant what happened to Daisy tonight. Or did she mean the fact that he invited Maria here without asking her. Or was it something else. Her comment was certainly vague. He got the dog and turned on the outside light and then opened the patio door to let Leia out.
"I'm going to call it a night too Phil. How about you?"
"Yeah. As soon as I let the dog back in and take her to Melinda's room. I just have a few things to look at and get my briefcase ready for tomorrow. Any plans tomorrow?"
"Lian and William are taking me out for lunch. Then I thought I'd do some Christmas shopping. They said they'd take me to a mall."
"Good." He looked at her curiously. "You and Mel seemed to have buried the hatchet."
She smiled. "I'm not going to tell you what she said, but um – yeah, she talked to me. We talked. And we're much better."
"Good. That's great actually. Thanks. Goodnight."
"Night Phil. And Phil. Don't give up."
He nodded as she turned to walk to the guest room.
