Skye's The Limit

by Nan119

AU - Little Skye Fic. Skye is 8 years old. Living at St Agnes. Follow her life as she meets Phil and Melinda, her new foster parents and gets something she never had before - a real family. Phil and Melinda are married and I will be including characters from AOS in this very Alternate Universe. I have read other little Skye fics, but hope to put my own and a different spin on it.

37. Chapter 37

After lunch, everyone pretty much just sat around chilling for a while. The kids returned to watching the cartoon channel, the teens returned to the window to watch the city, and the adults stayed at the kitchen table to talk. They were waiting for Sharon, who showed up an hour later. When she did, Melinda shoed everyone to get dressed to go outside and to wear good walking shoes. They were planning on sightseeing, seeing the midtown part of the city, including part of central park, and possibly doing some shopping.

Before leaving to go outside Melinda sat the kids down and set the rules making sure everyone would understand they needed to listen and stay with an adult at all times. Six pairs of eyes listened intently as they nodded, each one very excited but also a bit intimidated by the big city. The whole group piled out the door and headed to the elevators.

Once outside the building on the sidewalk, the city buzzed with excitement all around them. The plan was to go into Central Park and walk around a bit before heading to the Famous Central Park Carousal. Melinda was already holding Skye's hand and she led the way across the street to walk the few blocks to the Central Park entrance. Robbie grabbed Phil's hand and they followed as did each child who held tightly to an adult or teen. As they entered the park they walked in groups down the pathway. Melinda, Phil, Robbie and Skye in front, followed by Lance and Bobbi with Jemma and Leo, then Sharon and Alisha with Lincoln and Mack with Vic, Izzy and Natasha last.

It was a steady stream of people passing through, not exactly crowded but full enough to make Melinda slightly anxious. Feeling her unease, Phil reached over to give Melinda's hand a small squeeze and as she looked over at him, he smiled and nodded. She took a deep breathe and nodded back. He knew she was on alert, her training kicking in and he knew she hated large crowds and what could happen in the blink of an eye. She glanced back at Izzy and Vic, and just seeing them behind all the kids made her relax a bit. Around her the kids and teens chattered and she finally smiled letting herself be swept into their excitement. She'd been here in Central Park many times, on many cases, but for them this was all new.

She'd seen the worst things in Central Park, knew of the little hidden places where horrific crimes had taken place, and knew that not all people there were there for good reasons. But with Phil, Izzy, Vic and herself with that awareness, she tried to block the bad out of her mind. She knew what places the kids would like – and they were headed to a Central Park landmark she knew they would love. The Carousal was at the south end of the park not too far from the entrance they used but getting there required going past something Melinda knew would draw their attention as well.

Just as she was thinking about it, Robbie squealed and then shouted, "look everyone, a playground." He let go of Phil's hand and started running toward it.

Melinda's sharp rebuke had him stopping in his tracks. He looked back at her with wide eyes as Phil reached him and knelt down taking his hand.

"Hey buddy. No running like that, okay? You have to stay with one of us at all times. This place is too big, and we want to keep you safe. Okay?"

Robbie nodded. "Sorry. I just got excited."

"I know. It's okay. You can be excited. Just don't run off." Phil stood and looked back at all the kids. "Okay guys? Don't any of you run off. Wait and ask an adult or teen if you can go see something, okay?"

They all nodded.

Skye looked up at Melinda. "Can we go play there? Please."

"We can later. On the way back. But first there's something I think you will all want to see, okay?"

Skye nodded. "Okay Mommy."

Melinda smiled. That word would never grow old. Hearing Skye so readily use the title now would simply never grow old. They continued on the path, walking another ten minutes or so, no one in any particular hurry and everyone looking around enjoying the views. They finally arrived at their destination, the Central Park Carousal. The kids gathered around the outside gate watching it go round and round while Phil and Vic stood in line to purchase tickets for the group.

"I'm gonna try to get on that one." Robbie pointed to a horse as it circled by. The others all chimed in with their favorite color horses and which ones they wanted to ride on.

Skye was being held by Melinda so she could see, and she pointed to a horse. "That one is pretty."

Melinda looked at the grey and white horse Skye was pointing at and nodded. "Yes, it is."

"You can ride next to me on that center one, they match."

"Okay. I can do that. If we can get to that row. We'll try."

Skye grinned.

They made it onto the two grey and white horses. Melinda made sure Skye's belt was on and then sat on the horse next to her. In front of them were Robbie and Phil on black horses. Th rest of the gang were spread around the carousal, each kid with an adult or teen next to them. Izzy and Vic choose the seat on the bench of the carriage laughing as they cuddled together.

After the ride ended the group all gathered in front of the carousal for a picture. Soon they were on their way back down the path the way they had come heading to the playground. The playground was called the Heckscher Playground and was the oldest and the largest one in the park. They arrived there and used the clean restrooms first. Then they broke into groups to play on the swings, seesaws, slides and the wooden climbing bridge. The adults kept the kids in sight at all times but allowed enough space so they could have a blast. Even the teens joined in on the swings and the bridge. Eventually the kids all gravitated to Umpire rock and started climbing with the adults following. They made it to the top and the view was sweet, as Lance put it.

After climbing back down they headed back down the path with what looked like only an hour or so of daylight left. Melinda led them out toward the entrance but turned left into a small lane.

"Carriage rides." Bobbi came running up beside her. "Really?"

"Yes really. It's the best way to se the whole park when you have limited time. And I don't want you guys out here at night."

"Cool." Bobbi smiled at Melinda.

Jemma grinned at Melinda and Skye. She had run with Bobbi up to them still holding tight to Bobbi's hand. "A carriage ride! That's stupendous."

Lance and Leo caught up to them. "What's stupendous?" Leo asked.

"A carriage ride."

"Oh, that sounds 'excitin'," as a huge grin broke out on his face.

The rest of the group gathered around Melinda all chattering about carriage rides. Phil and Vic stepped out from the group and went to speak to the workers about purchasing tickets. Turned out they needed three carriages. Phil, Melinda, Natasha, Skye and Jemma took one. Izzy, Vic, Bobbi and Lance took the second one, and Sharon, Alisha, Lincoln, Mack, Robbie, and Leo took the third. The ride lasted about forty- five minutes, and everyone had a great time.

After the carriage ride, they walked back to the hotel arriving just before dusk set in. Phil made hot chocolate for everyone, and the kids indulged themselves by adding a ton of whipped cream to their drinks. They had decided that pizza would be the menu for the night, except for Izzy and Vic who excused themselves to get ready for their date.

A few hours later, the kids and adults were playing a few board games. The teens had asked to go down to the pool and game room by themselves for some free teen time, and they had left after finishing dinner. Soon it was time to get ready for bed, so Melinda texted Bobbi. The teens returned and a little while later Izzy and Vic also returned while the kids were settling down.

Melinda laid in the bed with Skye, listening to Bobbi and Natasha speaking quietly. She heard the name 'Clint' mentioned a few times and smiled. Jemma's quiet snores mixed in as she waited for Skye to settle. Skye had been a bit hyped up and excited while getting ready for bed. Melinda blamed Vic's chocolate cookies, of which Skye had four thanks to Natasha. Skye turned again, this time facing Melinda and stared at her.

"Are you sleeping?" Skye whispered.

Melinda had her eyes closed, hoping that Skye would get the message. Skye sighed and then turned onto her back. The cookies had made her hyper, but it was Melinda's promise earlier that tomorrow morning they were going to do something special that had her mind twirling about.

Melinda laid still and kept her eyes closed. Skye was now kicking her feet and made a few more deep sighs.

"What's wrong Skye?" Bobbi whispered.

"I want it to be tomorrow now." Skye whined.

Natasha giggled. "Why is that?"

"Mommy promised me we are going to something special tomorrow and she won't tell me what and my mind wants to know now."

"Surprises are fun kiddo." Bobbi suspected Melinda was pretending to sleep, so she didn't bother whispering this time. "Remember the one Mom sprung on us when she took us away for a just girl's weekend."

Skye smiled. "Yeah."

"You guys are so lucky. I wish Vic and Izzy would take me away for a weekend to just do stuff I liked. I mean they're great and everything, but this is the first ever vacation I've had."

"Yeah me too Tashie." Skye had turned onto her side and was looking at the other two girls. Besides that weekend and now this. Bobbi's been to Disneyworld and all over the place. Right Bobbi?"

"Yeah. Audrey's taken me lots of places. But you know the best ones have been with Mom and Dad, and especially since you came along Skye."

"Disneyworld would be a dream. I mean this is really nice, your parents are super fantastic for bringing us all here. But Disneyworld."

"I've never flown in a plane. Is it scary, Bobbi?"

"Not at all."

"You're gonna fly planes when you go to the Air Force. That would be so cool." Natasha added.

Melinda sighed internally. They all really needed to get to sleep. Bobbi and Natasha had too many cookies as well. They were all wide awake and she was bone tired. She opened her eyes and sat up quickly.

Skye startled and looked at her shocked. "You weren't asleep?"

Bobbi laughed. "She's a ninja Skye. She sees and hears everything even in her sleep."

Skye's eyes widened even further. "Is that true Mama?"

Bobbi and Natasha giggled while Melinda shot them both a disapproving look.

"No baby it's not true. I was just pretending to sleep so you and those two would take the hint. I'm tired, and I need to get to sleep."

"But Mama you can sleep while I stay awake."

"No Skye I can't."

"She needs to make sure we are all tucked in and safe and sleeping or close to sleeping before she sleeps Skye." Natasha said softly. "It's what my moms do too. They always check in on me before going to bed. At least one of them every single night." Natasha smiled. "I kinda like it."

Melinda smiled at Natasha.

Bobbi grinned and then spoke, "it's a mama bear thing Skye. And you know how much of a mama bear Melinda here is."

Skye grinned. "Yeah." She ducked her head down and whispered. "I never that before, ever."

"Well you do now baby" Melinda reached down and tickled her. "But mama bears can turn into tickle monsters when little girls," she glanced over at Bobbi, "and bigger girls don't let her get the sleep she needs."

Skye giggled and squirmed around trying to get out of Melinda's grasp. A laugh burst forth and they all stopped and looked at Jemma who was sitting upright watching them.

"Uh oh. Now we've awakened Jemma." Melinda stopped tickling Skye.

"That's alright. I've been awake a bit actually. I do adore this. Being an only child, well these kinds of conversations never happen. And my parents are rather strict about bedtimes and lights out and no talking."

"See. I need to be more strict."

"Mama, that's not what Jemma is saying." Skye placed her small hands on Melinda's face and looked at her seriously. "She likes the unstricty you."

Melinda laughed. "Unstricty huh?"

"Yeah. I like it too." Skye threw her arms around Melinda and hugged her tightly. "And if you tell me about the surprise tomorrow, I promise I'll go to sleep." She pulled back and looked up at Melinda. "Okay Mama."

Bobbi laughed. "Butters you up, hugs, and then bats her eyes, and then gives you the puppy dog eyes." Bobbi paused. "You've gone soft mom."

"Have not. I'm not telling. Any of you. Now back in bed, under covers and no more talking."

"But Mommy. My mind won't stop thinking."

"Well Phil has a surprise for me tomorrow evening and you don't see me needing to whine about it, or overthink it, do you? So tell your mind to sleep. Come on, lay down."

"You're gonna love his surprise." Bobbi blurted out without thinking. Her eyes got big as Melinda looked over at her.

"You know what his surprise is?"

Bobbi shook her head from side to side, as she panicked. "No! Forget – um – nevermind. Let's go to sleep guys, come on." She laid down quickly pulling the blankets over her head.

"He told you?"

Bobbi ignored her. Skye tugged on her arm. "See Mommy. It's hard to not need to know isn't it?"

Melinda pulled herself and Skye back onto the bed to lay down and pulled the blankets up over them. "No. I don't need to know. I'm just surprised he told Bobbi. But it's fine."

"It's a great surprise." Bobbi stuck her head out from under the blanket. "I only know cause I saw the tick- um – nothing – I um – I saw – I didn't see anything. Goodnight."

Melinda grinned. "Tickets huh? Let's see. New York City. Nighttime. Tickets."

"Oh tickets.' Jemma clapped her hands together excitedly. "Tickets to the theater perhaps?"

Bobbi groaned. "Please don't tell dad I told you anything."

"So tickets to a theater show then? Thanks for telling me Bobbi."

"Ugh. Mom." She whined.

"You're the one who said it."

"No Jemma did. I – I – you suck - living with a spy is infuriating."

"Um you pretty much just gave it up Bobbi. I didn't even have to ask."

"No that's just it. You have this way of – of – nevermind. At least you don't know what show."

"You mean I wouldn't guess that the only Broadway show I've been talking about wouldn't be the one he got tickets for?"

Bobbi glanced at he exasperated. "Don't tell him I said anything."

"What show do you want to see Mrs. Coulson." Jemma asked politely

"No, no Jemma. She'll start to sing it. Mom just..."

"Ohh, I do I do I do I dooo! Hey!" Melinda giggled after singing the few lines.

Skye laughed. "She likes these songs as much as Elton John, Jemma. She plays it a lot when she's cleaning or exercising."

"Oh what's it from?"

"Hamilton." Bobbi whined. "Dad's gonna kill me now."

"For real. He got Hamilton tickets for me?"

Bobbi smacked herself in the head. Sighing deeply then she said, "just don't tell him you got it out of me."

"I can act surprised."

"Isn't that lying mommy?"

Melinda looked at Skye and then over at Bobbi. Bobbi raised her eyebrows at her and smirked. Natasha grinned.

"No, it's not a lie. It's just – it's just not – not..." Melinda faltered.

"It's not letting on you know something so – so that – well so that you..." Bobbi tried.

"It's so you let the other person be happy about doing something for you, and even though you might know what it is, you don't have to say anything if they don't ask. Right?" Natasha offered looking at Bobbi and Melinda for confirmation.

They both nodded emphatically, but Jemma spoke up, 'but that's still an untruth. Lying is still lying even if no one ever finds out about it."

"Unless finding out could be hurtful but not finding out really doesn't hurt anyone." Bobbi quickly added.

"So it's okay to lie sometimes?" Skye looked at Melinda.

"No Skye. It's never okay to lie. You should never lie to me or Phil or anyone."

"What if you don't want to get hurt, then it's okay to lie. Or to stay quiet. Dr. Alisha said sometimes it's okay to lie to adults who are hurting you."

Melinda's thoughts consisted of a dozen different scenarios that flashed quickly in her mind of why Skye would feel she needed to lie to adults. Each one worse as they went on and she shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Skye, no it's okay to withhold things when it's for a good reason. You're right. So is Alisha. There are no easy answers. Nothing is ever that simple. Lying is sometimes something you might feel you have to do, to stay safe or maybe even get out of trouble. But what I meant was that if it's at all possible, telling the truth is almost always the best option. But this – this thing with the tickets, the surprise Phil has for me, and the one I have for you – sometimes just withholding information for a little bit, for a surprise, is okay. It's not lying to not let someone know you know their surprise so they can be happy they surprised you. Me not telling you my surprise for tomorrow is not lying – it's just keeping information from you for a time so you can be surprised. Cause those things are fun. Do you understand?"

"I think so. Daddy wants to make you happy with a surprise and you want to make me happy with a surprise. But if I would find out your surprise for me, that would make me happy now. Really happy."

Everyone laughed.

"But then it wouldn't be a surprise, you little monkey."

Skye curled up against Melinda. "Is it gonna make me really happy?"

"I hope so. But I also hope you haven't got your expectations too high. It's not like it's a trip to Disneyworld or something."

"I'd love to go Disneyworld. Bobbi says it's super fantastic."

"Maybe someday. Maybe even someday soon. Now everyone needs to try to get to sleep. Please."

"Goodnight mom. Goodnight Tash. Goodnight Skye. Goodnight Jemma." Bobbi laid back down.

"Goodnight Bobbi. Goodnight Jemma..."

"And that's enough – everyone just say 'goodnight'."

They all did and soon Melinda once again heard Jemma's very light snores and the soft even breaths from the other bed. Skye was last to fall asleep but eventually she too fell into slumber, but Melinda's mind was racing as she could not shut it off against a myriad of terrible things she had pictured that had happened to her little girl that Skye lied about so she would not be hurt more.

They were at the ice- skating rink, the one at the south end of Central Park. That was the surprise and Skye was ecstatic. Melinda had offered the outing to anyone who wanted to go. Not everyone knew how to skate, and some were not interested in learning. Izzy and Vic and Sharon offered to take those who did not want to skate to the playground again.

Going with to skate were Phil, Skye of course, as well as Bobbi. Alisha and Lincoln, Jemma and Natasha. Bobbi and Natasha were teaching Jemma how to skate while Melinda stayed with Skye. Natasha had surprised them by her skills on the ice and she had explained how she had learned as a small child in Russia before being adopted and brought to America. Her adoptive parents had let her skate at the local rink. Three years later her adoptive parents had died in a car accident and she had been placed in St Agnes at the age of ten.

They spent a couple hours skating, and then Phil bought everyone a hot chocolate while they sat on a bench. Melinda was still on the rink and everyone watched as she sped up and started doing some jumps and turns.

"Wow she's really good," Alisha exclaimed.

"She was a junior champion when she was a child." Bobbi interjected. "She won lots of competitions but quit when she was twelve."

"But why'd she quit." Natasha was watching in awe.

"She had a terrible coach who belittled all the kids and Melinda walked out. Her dad offered to find her another coach but instead she moved on, preferring to immerse herself in Martial Arts."

"Where she became a super ninja." Skye smiled. "Just like I'm gonna be."

"Is that what you want to be when you grow up?" Lincoln asked.

"Yup. And I'm gonna help people and teach them just like my mommy and daddy do."

Phil was grinning from ear to ear. Alisha grinned back at him.

"I think I want to be a doctor maybe. I want to help people too."

"Like your mom Lincoln. A psychiatrist?" Bobbi asked him.

"I think a doctor that does operations and stuff. Leo leant me this book and it was all about medicine and health and I think I'd like it. We were talking and Leo said doctors need to able to patch up people without throwing up and fainting. I seem to be good around people when they get hurt. Blood and stuff don't make me sick."

"My parents are both medical doctors. They make a lot of money, but it cost them a lot to get to be doctors first. Now they go on trips to help people where there are not a lot of doctors. Well Leo thinks they make a lot of money."

"Do doctors make a lot of money, Mom?" Lincoln asked.

"I'm sure some do."

"Well that's another good reason then. What about you Jemma? You like science too. Are you going to be a doctor like your parents?"

"I'm not really sure yet. I do want to study the sciences when I get to college. Maybe do research. Research is fascinating. It's experiments and making new things to help people. I think I'd like that. Bobbi, do you know what you want to do when you graduate? You're the oldest."

"Yeah. I hope I get into the Air Force Academy. I want to be a pilot. Then maybe join the FBI and be an agent."

"Like Mama and Dad used to be, right Bobbi?"

"Right. What about you Tasha?"

"I have no idea."

"Well you have a lot of time to decide," Alisha said to her.

"Yeah. I never thought much about a future before."

Skye moved closer to her on the bench. "Yeah but now you got one. You got a forever family just like me."

Natasha nodded and put her arm around Skye pulling her close. "Yeah."

Bobbi looked at her dad who walked a little bit away, behind the bench. She joined him and wrapped her arms around him. "She's something huh?"

He nodded as a few tears fell. "So are you, kiddo."

"I love you dad."

The group opted for various kinds of soups and sandwiches for lunch. After lunch, they walked down to Times Square and then went shopping at Columbus Circle which was on the way back to the hotel. After dropping their packages off in the rooms and getting a quick snack, they made their way by taxi to the American Museum of Natural History.

The headed for the Fossil Halls first, specifically the dinosaur halls. After spending a few hours there, the group headed to the Rose Center for Earth and Space enjoying the many exhibits and finally ended up at the Hayden Planetarium, to view the World Beyond show taking them on a journey through the solar system.

No one wanted to leave the museum, but it was after six and they had reservations at a nearby restaurant for seven o'clock.

As they walked out, Melinda decided to cheer them up with a suggestion. "I know you guys wanted to visit more of the exhibits, but we only have so much time on this trip. At least we got to see some of the best things here. Maybe I could suggest to Miss Foster that a spring field trip here would be a great learning experience."

"Oh would you? That would be outstanding." Jemma grinned and clapped her hands.

Leo's eyes lite up at the thought of an entire day at the museum. "Fantastic."

"Oh I'd like to come here again. So much to see." Mack nodded.

Robbie as well was excited. "You and Mr. Coulson could be our chaperones again. That would be cool."

"Really Mommy? You'll ask her?"

"I will. I know they have a lot of schools visit. I was talking with one of the guides."

"Well, I wouldn't mind coming here again and seeing more. Maybe me and Vic could chaperone too. I'll have to bug Jane too."

"Yay!" The children were now excitedly talking about what they would see next time as they all perked up.

"That was pretty clever." Phil whispered to his wife.

She smiled. "You up for another chaperoning trip Phil?"

"You bet."

They ate at the Smith Lincoln Center, getting dropped off by taxi, which was only a few blocks from their hotel. The restaurant was kid friendly and offered burgers and mac-n -cheese as well as all types of salads and entrees from fish to steak and even vegetarian. Everyone had a great time eating and discussing the day's activities.

As they walked back to the hotel, Vic put her arm around Natasha. "I didn't know you liked to ice skate Tash. You know you can do that at home if you want. There are plenty of ice rinks near home."

"Thanks. I'd like that. Maybe Bobbi and Skye could come with sometime?"

"Sure. I'll speak to Melinda about it."

"I could just find a frozen pond instead too sometimes. I mean if I had my own skates."

"You know Christmas is coming."

"Yeah." She laughed. "I guess that was a hint."

"Yeah I'm not that slow Tashie."

"I know. I – I just never felt comfortable asking for stuff. Well, till now I guess."

"Well hint away. Cause Izzy and I could use all the help we can get."

"Okay. So skates would be nice. Really nice. Maybe some lessons at Melinda's Dojo? You know like self- defense. I think I'd like that. I like Tai Chi. It's almost like a dance."

"Sure. There's no better teacher for self defense than Melinda. Maybe I'll take a class again. I am a bit rusty. You mentioned dance too."

"Yeah."

"Dance lessons?"

She nodded. "I always loved the Nutcracker. My – the Koslovs took me to see it before – anyway I loved it. They said maybe I could take dance classes if I wanted, but – but..."

"Well when we get back home why don't look for a good dance studio. Okay?"

"I can get a job and pay for the..."

"You'll do no such thing" Vic stopped walked and turned to the girl. "Natasha, we want to do things for you. You're our daughter, we love you and we will always take care of you."

"I love you too mom." She hugged her tightly.

"Hey what did I miss?" Izzy came up behind them. She'd been walking with Melinda.

"Just a family hug." Vic smiled and held out her arm. Izzy joined the hug. "Oh and I have a bunch of ideas for presents for Tash now." Vic added.

"Oh good. Lance already made his list and gave it to me."

Natasha laughed while Vic rolled her eyes. "Of course he did."

Everyone was settled in watching a movie when Phil and Melinda left. Melinda had on the black dress that Bobbi had packed for her with black and silver heels and her silver handbag. Phil had on a suit, also black but with a medium blue shirt, and no tie.

As she and Phil got into the taxi, she debated about telling him she knew where they were going. Finally settling on teasing him about it, she rolled her eyes playfully at him. "So how can you be sure I'm going to like this surprise?"

"I know you know dear."

"What?"

"You didn't fight me at all about getting dressed, didn't question why your favorite little black dress and shoes were packed. And you stopped grilling me about it."

She raised her eyebrows at him.

"What? I used to be a spy to remember. Anyway, it doesn't matter. I know you're happy and that makes me happy."

She lifted his arm putting it around her and curled into him. "I love you so much."

Obviously, the show was fantastic and afterward they stopped for drinks, getting back to the hotel very late. Melinda slipped off her shoes and walked to the bedroom, blowing a kiss at Phil as he tried to quietly maneuver around the bodies on the living room floor. She entered the room and smiled. Natasha was curled up with Skye on the bed. She guessed Skye didn't want to be alone and had asked Natasha to sleep with her. Melinda went into the bathroom and changed quickly into her pajamas and washed the makeup off of her face. She reentered the bedroom and slipped quietly in the bed with Bobbi and fell fast asleep.

The next morning was a chaotic rush to pack, eat breakfast and leave before noon. Sharon had driven up herself on Friday and so she was taking Jemma and Leo with her. She offered to take Mack as well as he lived close by her place. Izzy and Vic had Lance and Natasha with them and also took Robbie to drop him at his house. Alisha and Lincoln went with the Coulson's since she had left her car at their house.

The drive back home was much quieter than the drive into the city. Phil drove while Melinda dozed. Bobbi was full on sleeping behind her, and Alisha was nodding off too. Skye and Lincoln were in the back, talking quietly as they looked at a book about the museum his mom had gotten him. Sunday traffic was light once they got out of the city limits. Phil had phoned Pepper to thank her again for the grand time and beautiful hotel rooms. She had brushed him off and told him that they were certainly welcome to stay again and all he had to do was ask.

They arrived home a little after one o'clock and Alisha and Lincoln drove off. The little family carried their belongings in and sorted them out to put away. Melinda started the laundry and Phil helped Skye unpack and put her stuff away. Bobbi kept her suitcase and started packing for her time away with Audrey. After Phil finished helping Skye he unpacked his and Melinda's things and then went downstairs to make lunch. He settled on some of the leftovers from Thanksgiving that Lian and Maria had put in their fridge.

"How come you have to leave Bobbi."

"Cause I want to spend time with Audrey and work some stuff out."

"But Meema and Poppy left, and you're leaving which means it's going to be lonely here."

"Thanks Skye." Phil smirked at her.

"I mean you and mommy will be here today, but you both go back to work tomorrow. Who's going to stay with me?"

"You'll be coming to work with me tomorrow." Melinda had walked in and answered Skye. She sat down at the table and piled some of the leftovers on her plate.

"Really? But what'll I do there?"

"Well you can use my computer to watch a movie, take some art supplies along, maybe a book to read, and some toys to play with. I'll help you gather them later."

"Lian and William will be back tomorrow night?" Phil asked her.

"Yes. They are driving back tomorrow afternoon."

"Where'd they go?" Bobbi asked.

"To visit old friends who live down in Pennsylvania near the Pocono Mountains. They left on Friday."

"Don't worry Skye you won't be bored at the Dojo. Aleta will be there. Get her to tell you some old stories about Mom."

Melinda rolled her eyes. "Don't you have to finish packing?"

Bobbi laughed. "Yes, Mom."

She got up and put her plate in the sink and went upstairs. Skye stayed quiet poking the food around on her plate. Phil finished and got up to start cleaning up. Melinda noticed Skye but took a couple mouthfuls of food, before addressing her.

"Everything okay, Skye?"

"Yeah. It's just real quiet here."

"It sure is a change of pace from the last few days. You miss your friends?"

Skye nodded. "I had a great time. We were always doing something together."

"You know, it's okay to be a little sad. But now we get to just be together for a little while. And we can make our own fun and memories."

"But Bobbi's not here."

"She'll only be gone a couple days. Hey I'm here. Phil's here."

"I know. But Phil said he had to get stuff ready for his classes and you have house stuff to do."

"Yes I do. But not all day. Hey tell you what. Why don't you help me with the laundry, and after we see Bobbi off, we'll do something – just me and you, okay?"

"Okay. When's she leaving?"

"Audrey's picking her up around three o'clock. So why don't you go spend a little time with her before she leaves, and then come find me and we'll finish up the laundry. Sound good?"

Skye nodded. She got up and took her plate over to Phil. "Sorry there's some left, I'm not that hungry today."

He reached for her plate and smiled. "That's okay. Maybe you'll be hungrier later."

She shrugged her shoulders and walked out of the kitchen. They both heard her as she clomped up the steps presumably to find Bobbi.

Melina huffed out a laugh. "She's something."

"So yeah, now we're boring." Phil laughed along with her. "I guess with all that excitement and so many activities and being with her friends now makes us sadly boring."

"It'll pass. I think it has more to do with Bobbi leaving than anything. Remember she has abandonment issues. And she's gotten so close to Bobbi in such a short amount of time."

"Yeah of course. We'll have to give her some extra attention then. Maybe I can finish up with my class prep so I can play a couple games with her or watch a movie later."

"That would be great Phil. I'll take first shift after Bobbi leaves. Then I have to call Akela and do some work too before tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan." He gave he a smile and then continued with the dishes.

Skye sighed again. She was laying on Bobbi's bed watching her pack. "Sure looks like you're gonna be gone a long time with all that stuff your taking."

"It's not that much. And I'm not sure what we are going to do so I want to be prepared. Boston's a nice place. Maybe I can talk Audrey into going to some of the historic places while I'm there. Don't tell dad but his history geekiness wore off on me. I love seeing stuff about American History especially."

"You're weird."

"Hey." Bobbi threw a shirt she decided not the take with at Skye. Skye pulled it of her face and threw it back at her. Weird is not a bad thing. Makes you stand out in a crowd. Besides, you liked the museum we visited a lot."

"Yeah but that was space and dinosaurs. Cool stuff." She laid back on the bed. "But why do you have to go?" Her voice held a touch of whining.

Bobbi walked over to her and sat on the bed. "Cause I really need to make things better with Audrey. And she's trying now. So I need to do the same. I am gonna miss you though. But it's only a couple days. I'll be back Wednesday when you get home from school."

"You get to miss an extra day of school too."

"Yeah cause we asked. You like school anyway goober."

"Mostly. But it gets long some days."

"Yeah I know. But you get to see you friends again and don't forget about the Holiday Musical practices. Can't wait to see you in that."

"Really?"

"Really. I bet you're going to be the best one of all. And we have so many other things to cross off your list, remember? I'll help with that."

"Yeah. Phil said we'll get a Christmas Tree next week and decorate the whole house for Christmas."

"We will. And we can help dad make cut out cookies, make Christmas cards, make gingerbread houses, and a whole bunch of other stuff."

"Gingerbread houses?"

"Yeah. We make them and decorate them. We have a contest kind of. Me and mom and Dad and Maria and Akela and sometimes a couple other people."

"I never made no gingerbread house before."

"Don't worry. We'll all help you. It's fun."

"Okay. I would like to make Christmas cards for my friends. And for Mommy and Daddy."

"I can help with that. But you know who's really surprisingly good at stuff like that?"

Skye shook her head waiting for an answer.

"Auntie Akela. She's very crafty. She draws and paints too."

"How come she wears an eye patch?"

"Well she lost her eye. On the job. She prefers the patch over a prosthetic eye."

"Would a prot – pros- would that help her see better?"

"No. It's just made for looks. She still has her real eye, it just doesn't work anymore."

"Is it scary looking?"

"No. Not really. She'll let you see if you ask." Bobbi grinned at her reaction. "You don't have to. But it's not scary it's kind of just sad. She can't work as an agent anymore. Oh she could have done desk work but choose to take her pension and leave. She's been working for mom ever since mom opened the dojo and gym."

"Bobbi?"

"Yeah kiddo."

"I'm gonna miss you. Lots."

"I'm going to miss you too. Hey I'll call mom's cell and we can talk okay?"

"Okay."

"I'll be home before you know it." Bobbi slammed the suitcase shut. "There all done. Why don't we go play with you dolls a little bit till I have to go." She held out her hand.

Skye smiled and got up, taking her hand, they walked to the Bonus room.

Melinda watched as Skye folded the towels and washcloths. They were just about done. "Hey, I saw you and Bobbi were playing with your dolls earlier?"

"Yeah. It's more fun when two people play."

"Well how about I play with you after we finish here?"

Skye's face brightened. "You will?"

"Sure. How about we get a little snack first and then go upstairs and play for a while?"

"Okay." She smiled.

They went to the kitchen and Melinda gave Skye a juice box, half a PB&J sandwich, and some grapes. She drank a cup of tea while Skye ate her snack. Then they wen upstairs to play.

About three hours later Phil came into the Bonus room and found Melinda reading to Skye on the sofa. He had a tray of food. "I brought dinner. More leftovers, yay. Well, some of it. I have to go back down and get more. He started plopping plates of food on the coffee table in front of them. After he finished, he left to bring up another full tray. They ate the leftovers while watching the cartoon channel together.

After they finished eating, Melinda carried the dishes down to the kitchen and washed them and then went to Phil's office to do some work.

"So what do you want to do now Skye?" Phil turned to her as he shut off the TV.

"We could go through the toys and games and stuff. Mama said it needed to be cleaned out before Christmas. She said she wanted to take it to St Agnes."

"Okay, we can do that."

They spent the next hour picking out games, toys, puzzles and arts and crafts to give away. If something did not look good enough or was missing pieces, they put it on the trash pile. Phil put the trash in a garbage bag and took it out and did the same with the things to give away. After that they cleaned up the shelves and toy box and made everything neat and tidy. Then Skye picked out some things to take to work with Melinda for the next day, putting those aside.

"Well that's all done. Now what shall we do?" Phil asked.

"Will you color with me?"

"I sure will."

Skye got out her color books and crayons and colored pencils. They sat on the floor at the coffee table and started coloring. Skye handed Phil the colored pencils. "Mama likes to use these instead of crayons."

"Oh thank you Skye. Can we share both?"

She grinned and nodded. "I like this color book that Auntie Akela got me. It's gots lots of Disney people in it. Have you ever been to Disneyworld Daddy?"

"No I haven't. Melinda and I haven't been there. I know that Melinda went to Disneyland with her parents a very long time ago."

"Bobbi's been there lots she said. She said it wasn't that fun though cause her mom hardly stayed at the parks with her. You and Mama would stay with us if we ever went, wouldn't you?"

"We sure would."

"I think it'd be really cool to go there someday, don't you?"

"I think so."

"I mean like there's lots and lots of super cool things to do there." She went on to explain all the rides and shows they could see there that Bobbi had told her about.

Phil listened patiently and nodded. After she talked about meeting all the Princesses, especially Mulan, he spoke. "Melinda and I have been thinking about taking you and Bobbi there next year on vacation."

Her eyes lit up. "Really and truly?"

"Yes, but thinking about it doesn't mean it's definite okay? So keep that in mind. I don't want you to be disappointed if things don't work out that we can do it this next year. But it is something on all our bucket lists."

"Okay. It would be so much fun, wouldn't it, Daddy?"

"Yes. We'll try, okay?" He melted when she called him daddy. He kept coloring while Skye went back to naming all the rides at Disneyworld she was definitely going to go on.

Soon Skye tired of coloring and asked Phil to play a game with her. They settled on Uno, and it was during their third game that Melinda came into the room to announce it was time for Skye to get ready for bed. Skye asked if they could finish the game first -Melinda agreed and after Skye beat Phil, she went with Melinda.

Calling out to Phil as they left, she asked, "can you read me a story once I'm in bed, Daddy?"

"Sure I'll be up in a little bit."

Melinda winked at Phil who smiled.

Later on, as Phil returned from Skye's room to their bedroom, he came up behind Melinda and hugged her. "I'm Daddy and you're Mommy more and more."

Melinda nodded. "I don't think it will ever grow old."

"Nope. I see that Bobbi has simply decided to refer to you as her mom all the time now."

"Yeah. That never gets old either."

"So Mommy, want to get frisky? I locked the door."

"As long as you never say the word 'frisky' again to imply having sex. Dork."