Daisy woke once again with the sun shinning in her face. Melinda was not in the bed, and Daisy looked to the bathroom seeing the door open with no Melinda there either. She checked her phone, seeing it was already seven-thirty, she jumped up and scrambled down the hallway nearly running into Maria.

"I thought I heard you were up."

Daisy stared at her. "Where's Melinda? I'm late."

"Yeah, Mel thought you could sleep in this morning. Said you could get to school late. She already left to go to work cause she's leaving early to meet with Dr. Simmons. And Phil left early to go down to the police station and then meet with Victoria Hand. He's taking the morning off and he dropped Mel at work, so I'll be taking you to school. She left me her car to use."

"Oh. I guess I should get ready."

"No hurry. How about breakfast. Cheese omelet, toast and coffee sound good?"

"Sounds great. I'm gonna get dressed."

"Okay. I'll get started with breakfast."

"That was good. Thanks." Daisy spoke as she took a sip of coffee. She got up and took her dishes to the dishwasher and then rejoined Maria at the counter to finish her coffee.

"We could do Tai Chi a bit if you want. Before I take you to school."

"You do Tai Chi?"

"Mel taught me way back when. She and I went to high school together, our last two years, then the academy and finally ended up at the same Air Force Base."

"Wow. You've been friends like forever."

"Yeah. So Tai Chi?"

"Sure. But I'm not very good."

"Melinda says different. She thinks you are."

That feeling in the pit of her stomach was back, the warmth she felt whenever she was encouraged or complimented by Melinda. "Yeah well she's biased." But she did grin. "So thanks for last night. Taking down that asshole." Daisy said as they started Tai Chi.

"I didn't know who he was at the time. Phil told me the whole story. Hopefully that's the end of it."

"He went to jail right?"

"Yes. To be processed. I'm sure his parents bailed him out right away."

"Yeah." Anyway, thanks for helping me. I froze."

"Hey. The guy was intimidating and nasty. He's six feet tall and weighs in at close to two hundred pounds. Almost anyone would have frozen."

"Those were some great ninja moves. Can't wait till I can do just half that. Then maybe people will leave me alone and stop messing with me."

"I'm sorry Daisy. Melinda told me some things that you had to go through in your past. I hope that's okay. She needed someone – needs someone to talk to – to process things too."

Daisy thought a moment. "It's not like it's a big secret anymore. Bobbi, Hunter, Jemma, Fitz, Phil and Melinda know. All the cops involved in my case. My lawyer. The judge. My new caseworker. Now you."

"No details Daisy and she didn't break any confidence about anything you said. Just that you'd been hurt pretty bad."

"Yeah." Daisy stopped moving and looked at Maria. "It's why I had that almost panic attack last night. It's why I froze. Melinda helps – she helps me get through them. I try to get through them too, using techniques. Had this one shrink who was actually helpful and taught me coping mechanisms. Those and mom's steady strength help now. And when I have nightmares. She gets it cause she has her own, you know?"

"PTSD. Phil explained. Told me about the incident that really led to her opening up to you and him at counseling."

"Yeah. She blames herself for it still. And she blames herself for me being taken. I don't know how to get her to see it's not her fault."

"I think that's impossible. That's what makes Melinda who she is - such a – a caring person. She feels that somehow, it's up to her to protect the world. Or at least everyone in the world she feels she is responsible for. You. Those exploited girls. Phil. Me. It's ingrained inside her. Best thing that she will eventually be able to do – at least what I think – is that Melinda will let everything go back to the past and stay there. To forgive herself and move on. To some extent, she's already done some of that. And you have a lot to do with that."

Maria paused and sighed and then smiled at Daisy. "I know I don't know you well. Yet. But from what I see, you are an awful lot like Melinda. And that means you're a fighter. That the world may hit you with massive shit, but you always get back up. Melinda did that too, until she lost you and then she stopped trying to get back up. That's what drove her to distance herself from Phil and from me, cause she knew we wouldn't stop trying to help her get back up. She wasn't ready to get back up yet. Maybe not even now fully.

"She said you two were best friends but that after I was kidnapped, that you stopped being close."

"It's a bit more complicated. She pushed me away and accused me of taking Phil's side. I tried not to let it get to me. Tried to understand how much pain she was in and that lashing out at anyone close to her was a coping mechanism. A bad way to cope but nonetheless one she used. She said some pretty hurtful things. After a while I needed to distance myself form her to keep myself healthy."

"Yeah that makes sense."

"Once a had some time behind me and us, I reached out again but she wouldn't answer my calls at first. We'd been through so much in our lives and supported each other in the good and bad stuff, but this was something she wouldn't let anyone help her with."

"So you gave up?"

"I backed away again. I know losing your kid is the worst thing anyone should ever go through. I thought if I gave her enough time to grieve, get the anger out that she'd eventually let me back in and then I could help her."

"But she didn't."

"No. Not only did she keep me away, she also pulled further and further away from Phil. She pulled into herself. I had talked to Phil after Mel shut me out, and eventually she completely shut him out too. And Phil decided to move on from everything. He transferred to DC and tried to start a new life. Eventually that included distancing himself from me as well. From everyone really. I did keep in contact but only for polite conversation. Eventually Mel would also allow that – she'd talk about what I was doing, or what people we knew were doing, and she told me about Andrew. Just like Phil told me about Audrey. They both tried to convince me and everyone around them that they'd moved on and were fine. But Mel never talked about herself. She never talked about Phil. She never talked about you."

"You didn't think they were fine, did you?"

"They were not only not fine, they were miserable. Daisy, I have never seen two people more in love with each other than those two. You've seen it, right? The way they nearly read each other's minds, communicate without saying one word, are just completely at ease and comfortable with each other. They click. They connect."

"Like Soulmates?"

"I suppose that's a good way to put it."

"And losing me changed everything."

"It did. But none of that is your fault Daisy. So please don't fall into that trap, there will be no blaming yourself. The people to blame were the people that stole you and they are dead."

"I know."

"Good. Now how are you and I going to get those idiots back together?"

"Seriously?"

"Dead serious. Aren't you wanting that?"

Daisy laughed. "It would be awesome. I just don't know if they truly want that. And they are very respectful of what I what. Of giving me space and time. I don't know it interfering is something I should be doing. Mom and Phil – they both respect my boundaries and never push."

"You are far more patient than I am. I guess letting things take their natural course is best. But it's frustrating as hell. And a couple small pushes may be just what they need to at least talk to each other and be honest with each other."

"Well they do live together. Phil cooks nearly every night. So we eat dinner together all the time. We watch movies together and oh – I'm almost always around. I'm their connection. They need to be alone more."

"Exactly."

"Melinda's kind of hesitant to let me out of her sight for too long."

"I can see that. And the incident last night is not going to help with that mindset."

"Nope."

"Anyway kid, you better get ready so I can take you to school. Don't want to give her or Phil another reason to worry."

Daisy got to school just as second period ended. She went to class and soon it was lunchtime. At lunch, somehow everyone had found out about the incident with Ward.

"So this friend of your mom, she clocked him good huh?" Nat asked.

"Yeah. Real good. I can't believe he was that stupid. To do that out in the public after my mom got a protective order against him. Maria said he's probably out though because his parents have money and clout."

"Well, here's hoping the dirtbag gets a long suspension from school." Clint added.

"I would be glad if they made him transfer out. My mom said they would be pushing for that with my lawyer."

"You have your own lawyer?" Roy asked.

"Yeah. My aunt Bobbi works with her wife on the police force and she got all the charges against me dropped and helped get my mom and Phil custody of me."

"But they're your real parents." Carol stated. "Why wouldn't they get custody?"

"It's just very complicated. Because I got arrested, I was a runaway and my last fosters accused me of stuff I didn't do. And cause I am technically a ward of the court, in the system. But Victoria put in a lot of work to get me to be able to live with Phil and Mom right away and got al the charges I really did do dropped for extenuating circumstances and got the made-up charges dropped too. In fact, they are charging Gary and Sheila with stuff. False reporting of a crime, and abuse. I might have to go back to Naperville and testify next year."

"But you're staying here, right?" Carol was concerned.

"Yeah. I'm staying. I just have to stay out of trouble for a year, and the judge said she'd have my juvenile record expunged. And I have to go to counseling with Mom and Phil, and by myself for a while."

"With Jemma right? We met her at Paintball."

"Yeah. She's pretty cool."

"She's pretty too." Carol added.

Later at the end of the school day, Daisy finished up in computer class and walked out the door. Robbie was there waiting, just outside the door. She smiled at him. "You know Ward's not in school, right?"

"So. He has friends. Not many but they are idiots like him. So, am I walking you to Mr. C's class or the parking lot today?"

"Phil's classroom. I'm going home with him. No basketball practice today."

"Copy that." They walked along quietly through the hall and down the steps. Then Robbie spoke up. "Say I was wondering if you like to go see movies."

She laughed at his awkwardness. "Are you trying to ask me out Robbie Reyes?"

"Yeah."

"I do like movies. I like to watch movies. I like to go to the theater to see movies."

He smiled. "What about scary movies?"

"Depends. I'm not especially fond of horror movies. Blood and guts and stuff – not really my thing."

"This one's more a psychological horror movie. It's called 'A Quiet Place'."

"Oh, I actually heard of that one. What's his name, from 'The Office is in it right?"

"Yeah. John Krasinski."

"So when?" They had arrived at Phil's classroom.

"This weekend. Friday night?"

"I have to check with my parents. But sure, I'd like to go if they are okay with it."

His face lit up in a smile. "Let me know tomorrow?"

"Okay."

"I gotta get to work. See you tomorrow, Daisy."

"I look forward to it."

His smile grew larger as he walked away to the exit doors. She grinned as she entered Phil's classroom. Carol was already there. Phil was taking them both to Karate practice, going home, and then Melinda was picking them up.

Class was fun. Daisy was a lot further ahead of everyone else, and Colleen actually pulled her aside to tell that. She told her that after the initial special six-week beginner class that Daisy should move up into a more advanced class. Colleen told the same thing to Melinda when she came to pick up the girls.

"Are you sure."

Colleen nodded. "Yes. Her Tai Chi helps her a lot. And it's apparent she's been taught defensive karate skills by someone who knows what they are doing."

"Okay if you think that would be best."

"I can let you know when a few appropriate level classes will be meeting. See which one matches your schedule."

"Okay. Thank you. See you Friday then." She moved across the room to the girls, and they left. Melinda dropped Carol at her home and then drove to their home.

Daisy let Leia out in the backyard and played with her for a while. Maria got back from spending the day with the Mays, and Phil made dinner. Fitz soon arrived and they ate dinner and then Fitz tutored Daisy in algebra again. After he left, Daisy worked on the rest of her homework up in her bedroom.

Later after she finished, she went downstairs. Maria and Melinda and Phil were in the family room, talking.

Melinda saw Daisy in the doorway and waved her over.

"I didn't want to interrupt." Daisy said as she sat down.

"We were just reminiscing a bit." Phil stated.

"About what?"

"The academy. The Air Force," he answered.

"Mostly about some of our shenanigans. Me and Mel were famous for that." Maria added.

"Like what?" Daisy settled into Melinda's side on the couch. Melinda put her arm around her.

"Oh like the one time we pranked Talbot. It was one of our best."

"For the record, I was an innocent bystander." Phil said. "And you two were incorrigible back then. I don't think he has forgiven you yet."

"Okay so now I need to know." Daisy looked from one to the other.

Maria answered. "We may have um – on a dare mind you – one night when he was very drunk and passed out, we sort of changed his appearance."

"Sort of?" Phil laughed. "Tell her what you did. Go on, fess up."

"We just gave him a very short buzz cut."

Maria winked at Daisy. "Then we dyed his hair rainbow colors. We cut it first so he couldn't just cut the color out."

"We dyed his mustache too. We painted his fingernails a different color each and his toenails too."

"Wow he must have been really drunk."

"Yeah he was. And we were very careful. We are spies you know." Melinda added.

"But why? Sounds like you didn't like him very much."

"It's not that we didn't like him. He just had it coming." Melinda answered.

"What did he do?"

"He gave Phil a terrible assignment. Kept him away from me for almost six weeks."

Daisy laughed. "You were mad that you couldn't see your boyfriend?"

"I was. He did it on purpose too. He thought I was wrong for Phil. He didn't approve."

"But who is he. Like why does he think that he gets to tell anyone who to date?"

Maria answered Daisy. "He's just that type of person. Personally, I have no idea how he and Phil were so close. He's like the opposite of Phil in so many ways."

"To be fair, he was always looking out for Phil. It's just thinking he could choose his girlfriend for him was taking things a bit too far." Melinda added.

"Yeah." Maria said. "Wasn't he trying to set Phil up with Hale all the time."

"Catherine Hale." Melinda added. "Yeah I remember."

"She was good friends with Carla – um..."

"Murrey. Now Talbot." Phil interjected.

"They got married?"

"A while ago. Have a son named George. He's ten I think." Phil answered.

"When did you see him last Phil?" Melinda asked.

"Oh it's been a while. Years. He did come to my wedding with Audrey."

"Hmmm..." Was all Melinda said keeping her face neutral. But Daisy caught onto her discomfort.

She questioned Phil. "Why'd you marry her? Did you love her?"

Phil sputtered. "I was – I just – I guess I thought I did anyway."

"Maybe you were just lonely." Daisy answered back. Then she focused on Melinda. "Why'd you marry Andrew. I mean I saw his pic and he's very pretty. So I get that. I mean your very hot and so any guy would be dumb to not want to date you. Plus you're all kinds of awesome and stuff not just amazingly beautiful. But did you love him?"

Melinda was at a loss for words at Daisy's bluntness in front of the others. She tired to gather her thoughts as she glanced at Phil who was simply looking at her curiously.

"Andrew was a very compassionate man. He loved me and he is – as you said very handsome."

"But you didn't answer my question."

"I loved him. But we weren't meant to be – I just – he was there when I needed someone. I cared deeply for him. It's why I married him."

"I cared for Audrey as well. Although looking back – I did probably rush into that relationship. It may have ended differently had I not done that."

"By differently, do you mean you'd still be married to her?" Daisy asked.

"No. Maybe. I was thinking more that I may not have married her at her."

"Is she pretty? You have a picture?"

"I don't. I mean I do. I don't carry one around."

"Mom carries one of Andrew. I saw it."

"You do?" Phil turned his attention onto Melinda.

"We are still friendly. The divorce was amicable. He was a part of my life. He was there for me when I needed someone."

"And there it is. You are the one who left Mel."

"So did you." She spat back.

"Well, "Maria interrupted. "I met both Andrew and Audrey and they are nice. They both seemed very nice anyway." She tried to defuse the moment but Daisy was having none of that.

Daisy looked back and forth at her parents and shook her head. Then she spoke. "I love both of you but sometimes you are both idiots. You need to talk. Figure this out. Cause the sexual tension between you two is obvious. And the connection is obvious. And you are both so dumb sometimes. Mom, even your parents know you still love Phil. And your sister knows how head over heals you still are for her, Phil. And I live here. I see it over and over. Whatever happens, at least stop using me as an excuse. Thanks, yeah? Now talk – and that's an order. Come on Maria. I want you to tell me stories of Mom and you when she was young and carefree. And I need a snack."

Daisy and Maria got up, Maria high fiving the girl and they walked out of the room.

Maria spoke to Daisy as they got to the kitchen. "I mean I guess you just decided to go for it huh?"

"Yeah. I just think they need to talk. About them, not me. About what happened. About how they were affected, and they both need to stop using me as an excuse to not be honest with each other. Maybe it'll help to at least bury some stuff in the past where it belongs. Melinda talks a great talk about me needing to do that but when it comes to herself – she seems to want to punish herself yet. Maybe being more open with Phil can help. Him too. I see his lovesick looks at her. Time for him to man up and her too." She opened the fridge and rummaged around.

Maria laughed. "Oh I'm with you Daisy. Even when they are mad at each other – that tension and connection is overwhelming."

"I know right. They should just – well you know. People got needs right?"

"Yeah." Maria laughed bitterly. "We do."

"So you're not seeing anyone either?" Finding nothing good that she wanted in the fridge – she slammed the door shut.

"Not for a while now."

"Someone hurt you too."

"Yeah. But I'm over it. I am looking."

"So what type of person are you looking for?"

"Well, I'm not fussy actually. But fidelity would be nice."

"I'm sorry."

"It was hard to get through. But I do have my kids. So I keep busy."

"Oh please. Don't be like those two idiots. It's good to have time for your kids and love them and all that but people need people. Like I said – they have needs."

Maria laughed. "For someone who has been through things you have been though you seem pretty cavalier about sex."

"Well for one what happened to me was abuse. And illegal. And I may have this guy who sort of maybe makes me happy. And I may not be fully ready for an intimate physical relationship, but I do know that a relationship can be intimate in other ways and people – most people anyway, need that. Or at least want that."

"You are pretty smart."

"I just – Mom says I've seen things that no one should ever have to see. I know she's right. But I think those things make me stronger. Maybe even gives me a perspective that others don't have. Like I've decided that life's too short to live in the past. To let it control you. Sure it sucked. It sucked balls. But I have all this now. Parents who love me. Who would do absolutely anything for me. I think Mom might actually beat up all those people who hurt me if she could get away with it. I have this house to live in, with my own room, a room filled with all kinds of crap that they spoiled me with. The house has a treehouse and to be honest. I think that's why they bought it – cause I liked the treehouse. Weird huh? And I have a dog. Look at her. She is the most perfect dog in the world. I have everything and I am gonna make that mean something."

She took a deep breath. "And talking to you earlier made me realize those two dumb idiots are in love. Have you seen their photos/ The videos? And living here? Phil practically drools and god, Mom makes the most awful innuendos to him. And they have that eye thing. And communicate without talking in so many ways. And he looks at her like she is everything. And she looks at him with longing. She doesn't think anyone sees it. I see it. It's freaking so gross. But kind of cool, you know?"

Maria laughed. "No one can ever say that you beat around the bush or hold back Daisy. But yes, everything you said is spot on. Now if they can just see it themselves."

"Well they better. Or I'll just have to do something rash."

"Rash?"

"Have you seen the parent trap? Yeah that would be nothing compared to what I could do. I am not above manipulation. And I'm really good at it."

Maria grinned. "Here's to the idiots figuring this out on their own. And if not – I will gladly back you up on any plan. Just make sure it's legal – cause Melinda is still able to kick my ass."

"Copy that." She grabbed the bread and peanut butter from the cabinet. I need food. You want marshmallow, jelly or Nutella?"

"Nutella. I'll pour the milk."

Skye nodded and started to make two Peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches.

Meanwhile back in the family room. Melinda stared after them completely shell shocked at what Daisy had said. Phil was looking at the floor. It took a few minutes for them to both get their courage up to look at each other.

Once they looked at each other Phil spoke first. "Our daughter called us idiots."

"Yes she did. She also ordered us to talk."

"I've tried to start this conversation a hundred times now since we've moved into this house together."

"I know."

"Is she right? Are we using her as an excuse to ignore how we feel?"

"Honestly Phil, I don't know how I fully feel."

"That's at least an answer. So you keep a picture of Andrew in your wallet huh?"

She smiled. "You want to see it?"

"I do not. Besides I already know what he looks like."

"And how is that?"

"He's in the directory of Columbia University."

"You looked him up?"

Phil shrugged. "He looks nice. Dresses well. His students rate him pretty well."

"Phil! You checked him out enough to look up student reviews of his teaching?"

"Psychiatry? Got to admit that that was surprising. He literally listens for a living, and you don't really like to talk, especially about yourself. At least not since – since it happened. But I do like that you are far more like you were before – before she was taken from us and I know Daisy is responsible for that. At least she's the catalyst for it. Maybe I should even be on the lookout for a prank or two, huh?"

Her lips twitched upward as she listened to his last sentence. "Can't set a bad example anymore. I'm a mom you know."

He chuckled. "Gonna bet she'd be fine with doing a few pranks of her own. She's got a snarky sense of humor. She'd revel in being able to pull on over on me. Or you. Or both of us. Maybe that's what this is."

"No. As much as I'd like her outburst to be a joke and to laugh it off, you and I both know she's not kidding." Melinda sighed. "I didn't know she was this perceptive though."

"Or you'd have tried to hide it better?"

"Thing is Phil, I thought I was doing just that. I guess I was fooling myself. I mean I almost called Jeffrey Mace a little while ago."

"Who's Jeffrey Mace?"

"Just a guy I work with. He does forensic accounting for the agency. He's asked me out several times."

"Not good looking enough huh?"

"No he's actually nice to look at. Handsome. In shape. Nice hair."

Phil looked at her. Was she teasing him, he wondered? He decided to play along. "Sounds like your type. I bet he's rich too."

"Probably. He drives a BMW convertible."

"Red?"

"No. It's blue actually. Royal blue."

"You've been in it?"

"He offered to drive me to a work luncheon. So since I didn't have a car, I thought why not."

"Went well did it?"

"He turned to radio station after I put on a seventies channel and Elton John was playing."

"Rocket Man?"

"Crocodile Rock."

"Ah. So who'd you drive back to work with?"

She smiled. "Fitz. He let me play the seventies station."

"So what music did Mace put on?"

"Country and western."

Phil laughed. "I guess that wasn't going to work out then."

"Not a chance. He's also full of himself and quite boring."

"So why were you thinking of calling him?"

"He's nice to look at, Phil." She raised her eyebrows at him and smirked.

Phil nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "I almost forgot how blunt and direct you can be."

"You know what I always say – might as well get right to the point."

"I do. It used to be easier for us to do that."

"I remember."

"We really should steer clear of some things though, don't you think?"

"You mean like our sex lives? Or lack thereof?"

"Again. With the honesty."

"Well, I've been full on trying to be honest and real for Daisy. I guess it's become a habit?"

"Bobbi tried to set me up a few times since I moved here. Way too young for the most part. Or too eager to get married.."

"Roz seemed nice enough. She was around our age."

"Hmm. I wouldn't know. I was too busy gawking at my ex -wife who turned up at my newly found sister's house."

Melinda giggled. "Your – your face was priceless."

"Haha. I nearly had a heart attack."

"Well hell Phil, I had no idea you were going to be at the bottom of those steps nor that I was at your sister's house."

"Yeah. Your face was pretty surprised too."

"Too bad about the mac-n-cheese."

"Crock pot broke too."

"I know. I was there. Rosalind and I shared a drink together. You'd have liked her."

"How do you know that?"

"She reminded me of someone."

"Of who?"

"Me."

"Maybe I should give her a call. Offer my apologies."

"It's been what. Well over two months?"

"So you're saying that might not be a good idea?"

"I'm saying that would definitely not be a good idea. A lady does not like to be kept waiting Phil. Not for an apology, a date or anything."

"It was always a pet peeve of yours. Among others."

She gave him a dirty look. "Such as?"

"Bullies. Sexists. Over eager recruits. Ass kissers. Bad Chinese food. Stuffy people. Generally, just people being jerks."

"No time for any of that."

He laughed. "I remember watching you train a new set of recruits that would be joining an elite undercover team. You were told to weed out the weak ones who would put the others in danger."

"I only passed four of that group."

"I know. Out of fifteen."

"You remember why?"

"I do. They thought you were just the low-level martial arts trainer. Acted like morons while you judged their every move and word. Glenn knew your value."

"He still didn't think I was good enough for his best friend. I still have no clue though as to why."

"He never thought you weren't good enough for me. He knew that once we married and you settled down, he would lose his best pilot, best trainer and best specialist."

"But after I had Skye, I went back."

"But not under his command."

"No. I always thought that was his choice."

"Nope. Because of the time you took, asking for leave, to do admin work and train only with no missions, they filled your spot and when you went back, he asked for you but was denied. He knew that would happen cause well the show must go on. He couldn't be down a specialist and keep that spot open for a year."

"I always just assumed he didn't care."

"He did."

"How come you never told me?"

"I guess I never thought it bothered you."

"Phil?"

"Yeah?"

"We're dancing around again."

"I know. Are you ready for this conversation?"

"No. But I am not sure I ever will think that I am ready. Maybe we should rip off that band aid. I mean I told Daisy that sometimes that's the only way to make sure it gets done."

He nodded. They were both quiet for a few moments. Then they spoke at the same time.

"Phil."

"Melinda."

"Let me go first. I need to..."

"No." He shook his head. "I love you, Melinda. I never stopped loving you. It hurts to know that you don't feel that way anymore. That you've moved on. I can do this. I still want to do this. To be a family for Daisy. I promise I won't get in the way of you and..."

"Shut up Phil." She whispered. He stopped talking and looked at her. She continued. "I love you too." Then she got up and threw her hands in the air. "There. I said it. I never stopped loving you Phil. I just don't know what to do about it."

.