Daisy entered the cafeteria holding the lunch box that Phil had filled this morning. She walked slowly looking for Natasha. She spied her at the far end on the left just when Natasha spotted her and waved her over. Natasha had been on the lookout for her. She smiled and weaved through tables getting there. Standing in front of the table Natasha patted the seat next to her. Daisy sat down.

The table was full, and all eyes turned to look at her. Daisy fought an overwhelming urge to get up and run.

"Guys this is her. Daisy Johnson. New kid, loner, and Mr. C's daughter."

Everyone just stared harder. Natasha rolled her eyes. "Starting around the circle starting next to me on the right. That's Clint Barton. Then Carol Danvers, Miles Morales, Mike Peterson, Antoine Triplet, Roy Harper, and Sara Lance.

"Trip. Everyone calls me Trip. Good to meet you Daisy."

Clint nodded at her. "We have algebra and biology together."

"Nat hasn't invited anyone to sit with us like ever. You must have made quite the impression," Sara said.

"You packed your lunch?" Anything good?" Roy added.

"So are you really Mr. C's kid. Hell I didn't know he was married." Trip exclaimed.

"Yeah that has got to be an interesting story." Miles stared at her. "You're biracial too."

"You guys need to give the girl some space. Don't listen to any of them. We're glad to have you join us." That came for Mike Peterson.

Daisy felt overwhelmed and gave Mike a grateful smile. The only one who didn't say anything was Carol, who just stared. Daisy opened her new lunch box and started pulling food out. She didn't know what Phil had packed and had been starving earlier, but now her stomach was doing flips. She was wondering if sitting here was a big mistake. There were some things she just was not ready to discuss yet. Especially with virtual strangers. She pulled out a sandwich and placed it on the table and reached in for another baggie and as she pulled it out a piece of paper fell to the table. Before she could pick it up, Clint had grabbed it and was opening it.

"Give it back to her you cretin. It's not your business." Carol glared at Clint.

"It's a note. In her lunchbag. Who does that in high school?"

"Give the paper to the girl Barton." Trip glared at him as well.

Nat reached over and took it from Clint's hand and handed it back to Daisy. "Sorry, he has trouble with boundaries." Daisy shoved it in her pocket.

Roy spoke up again. "So what's in your lunch."

Daisy started taking items out and placing them all on the table. "Um-there's a turkey and cheese sandwich, a banana, bag of chips, an orange, a choc chip muffin, couple pieces of cheese, a baggie of pretzels, some veggies with dip, yogurt, a granola bar, a mountain dew, and a bag of oreos." She pulled the last item from the bag and laughed. "And a PB and J sandwich."

"Trip looked at the pile of food. "Damn girl. And I thought I ate a lot."

"Seriously. That could feed a small army." Clint chimed in.

"You gonna eat all that? Today?" Roy raised his eyebrows.

Daisy grinned. "I told Phil that I wasn't crazy about the food I got here yesterday so he packed me lunch. Guess he wanted to cover all the basics."

"Phil as in Mr. Coulson? So he's not your dad?"

"He is. It's a long story."

"We have all lunch period." Clint retorted back.

"Or maybe let the girl eat and let her be. She doesn't have to tell us unless she wants to." Carol gave them all dirty looks and then smiled at Daisy.

"Thanks. Anyone want to share all this with me?"

Clint, Miles and Roy shot their hands up in the air. Daisy handed the PB and J sandwich to Roy, the pretzels and yogurt to Miles, and the granola bar and orange to Clint.

"I'll have a couple Oreos if your sharing those." Natasha leaned over to her

.

Daisy smiled and gave her two. Then she pulled the turkey sandwich from the baggie and took a bite. She ate silently and listened to the banter of the others at the table. She learned fairly quickly that Nat was the unofficial leader. Trip was very talkative and easy going. His laugh was loud and infectious. She tried to figure out what connected everyone, cause usually kids in school were cliquey and if they ate together, they had something in common. But Nat was an obvious non-conformist while Trip seemed to be the favorite guy in the school. Many people passing by their table would stop to say hi to him or wish him luck at the upcoming basketball season.

She decided to find out. "So you are on the basketball team Trip?"

He looked over at her hiding his surprise well. "Yeah. You play basketball?"

She laughed. "Not at all. Sports and me – yeah it's not pretty."

He laughed as the others joined in. Carol spoke up, "he's the captain. Even though he's only a sophomore. Best player on the team. Plays baseball too. And he's President of the Student Council, as well as captain of the debate team. He likes to talk and is really good at it."

"What can I say. I'm highly persuasive. What do you like to do Daisy? What are you into?" Everyone turned to her

She shrugged. "I like computers. So computer science I guess."

"I saw you come into Advanced Programming when I was leaving class. I thought you had to be a junior or senior to be in that one? You're a freshman right, like Nat and me?" Sara asked her.

"Yeah. But Phil talked to Ms. Smoak. I'm in her Animation and Game Development class too. She said it was okay and gave me permission."

"Right. Your dad's a teacher too."

"Oh it's not like that. I mean it is like that, but I'm also crazy good with computers. Like really good."

"Hey whatever. Some rules are stupid anyway. Should be based on ability, not what grade you're in. Hey, that would make a great debate topic." Trip grinned at her.

"Well lunch is almost over. So I guess you'll have to sit with us again tomorrow. Maybe we can crack you and you'll tell us your story." Nat smirked at her.

"Hey she can sit here any time. Just bring that lunchbox full of food with you. That muffin you shared was fantastic." Mike added.

"I'll tell Phil. He made them."

"Mr. C. bakes?" Clint was surprised.

"He does. A lot. He cooks too. Gonna have homemade lasagna tonight and he made a strawberry cobbler last night for our dessert."

"Geez kid. Don't rub it in. I'm lucky to get a frozen chicken patty for dinner," Miles said dejectedly.

"Sorry. It's just I've kind of never had that before. At least for a long while. It's new and nice."

"Sounds great Daisy." Carol gave her a smile. "I'd be happy with homemade food too."

The bell sounded in the cafeteria and that meant they had ten minutes to go to their lockers, use the restroom if needed, and get to their next classroom. Daisy got up and threw her trash away and headed out.

Carol caught up to her and walked next to her. "Where you headed?"

"Spanish one. Room 314."

"Ah upstairs. I'm headed there too. Mind if I walk with you?"

Daisy shook her head and shrugged. They continued to walk.

"So don't let those guys worry you. We're all pretty good with knowing people need space, aside from Barton, and Nat'll keep him in line."

"Yeah thanks for stepping in." She dug in her pocket for the note and opened it. She stopped when she saw who it was from. She skimmed over it and then she laughed. It simply said Eat your veggies. Remember I'm a spy. Your favorite Ninja.

"You feel like sharing?"

"It's from my – um – my uh – my um – from my - Melinda. I thought Phil stuck it there, but it was her.

"Damn your story just got even more interesting."

"Huh?"

"Mr. C.'s not married. But this lady lives with you and him? Cause how else could she leave a note in your lunch box? So what is she to him?"

"His ex-wife. Um my room is right there. See you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Sure. Later." Carol watched, her curiosity growing, as Daisy entered the classroom.

Daisy walked into the Spanish room with a smile still on her face from Melinda's note.

Daisy sat in Dr. Simmons office. She was sitting on an armchair next to Dr. Simmons and across from Phil and Melinda. She didn't want to be there, and her body language showed that rather well. She was sitting back in the chair with her arms crossed, and her jaw set as she glared at everyone. If not for the fact that these sessions were mandated and important for all of them, especially for Daisy, Melinda would have laughed at her. She looked like such a typical pouting teenager. Melinda thought about how Daisy or Skye, which is what she would have gone by, would have acted in a similar situation, had she and Phil raised her. Would they have been strict, or would she have had them wrapped around her finger?

She and Phil had sat up late discussing just that many times after Skye was born. Phil had insisted that she would be a pushover and he would have to be the one to lay down the rules and insist Skye follow them. He used to laugh at her when she would insist there's no way that she'd be a pushover because she was raised by strict parents and was trained by the Air Force in discipline. He'd just laugh at her and tell her that she already was a pushover, letting Skye sleep with them nearly every night. Melinda's mind shifted to her parents, who were flying in tonight. They'd been able to get a flight, but it was a late one. Her mother had called telling her that Grace was picking them up at the airport at ten and that they would see her and Daisy on Friday. Her mind occupied with those thoughts, she missed what Jemma was saying.

"Mel are you listening?" Phil nudged her.

"Um yeah of course I am." Melinda answered coming back to the present.

"You were spacing. Not that I blame you." Daisy chimed in.

"You want to share what you were thinking about Melinda?" Jemma asked.

"No. Not really. What did you ask me?"

"We were discussing things everyone likes to do. One of the key things we are trying to do here is for all three of you to share personal things with each other. To open up and talk, really talk about yourselves. These first few sessions are about learning about each other. Trying to understand what is important for each person." Jemma gave her an encouraging smile. "Phil was just telling us about coaching the middle school basketball team, and how much he enjoys watching and playing basketball."

"Yes he always liked playing on the base with his friends. It doesn't surprise me that he would coach."

"Do you like basketball Melinda?"

"Not really. I never really played, and I am not a fan."

"You used to come to watch me play Mel."

"The key word there is 'you' Phil. Watch you play."

"So then you would support Phil, when you were married?"

Melina sighed. "Of course. When we were married."

"I suppose he did the same for you and things you liked to do?"

"I guess. I – um – I used to compete in local martial arts tournaments."

"And some not so local." Phil smiled at her.

"Well yeah, a few out of state ones."

"Didja win? You probably won, right?" Daisy had perked up some since the attention was not on her anymore.

"I won my share."

"She won most of the time."

"You have trophies and stuff?"

"A few."

"A few? She has many trophies and medals. She won a few State tournaments, and the Midwest Regional twice. And at the World Open Martial Arts Championship in New York for Taekwondo sparring, she won gold in her age group back in 2003."

"Phil that was years ago. I don't do competitions anymore."

"Holy shit. Maybe you should? You won gold? That's amazing." Daisy looked at Melinda with wide eyes. "I've never won anything, like ever. If I won something like that though – I'd shout it from the rooftops. You ever win any medals or trophies Phil?"

"He did. He competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It's what he does best. He can even hold his own against me in that discipline." She gave him a smirk. "Right Phil?"

"I beat you a few times."

"Sure. You can keep thinking that."

"Well when I ended up on top of you and you tapped out, I'd call that winning."

"That's what I called it too Phil. Winning." Melinda held his gaze.

Daisy looked from one to another and rolled her eyes. Were they were flirting? And the eye contact was well, kind of gross. She felt like she needed to leave the room. "Um okay. Maybe you guys could get a room later?"

Phil looked at Daisy like a deer caught in headlights. "What? It's not like – we're not- it's uh -I mean..."

Melinda merely smirked.

Jemma grinned. "Well maybe we should move on."

"Oh god yes." Phil answered her.

"Well here's a question for everyone. Tell me something you learned about each other. For example, I've known Melinda for two years since I started consulting for the FBI, and I never knew until recently that she was a special agent before working in administration. How about Melinda you go first. Tell me a couple things you learned about Daisy and Phil, since you all reconnected with each other."

"I learned Phil is now a teacher. I didn't know that. And he's lost more hair."

Daisy laughed loudly.

Phil looked affronted. "I think she meant that you are supposed to say nice things."

"That was nice. I didn't say you were going bald, did I?"

"Two can play this, you know. Your lack of cooking skills is worse than I remember. Which since it was zero before is now less than zero."

"Haha. Very funny Phil. You know I could learn to cook if I wanted to. I just don't want to."

"Well if you ever decide to try to learn, just make sure you have the fire department on speed dial."

Jemma watched keenly as the two adults bantered back and forth keeping an eye on Daisy. Jemma knew that some off Daisy's foster families really were nasty to each other and not only verbally abused her but also each other, based on the psych evaluations she'd read. Daisy seemed to understand that Phil and Melinda were not serious, based on her body language and smirk on her face.

"Anyway, even your dad keeps you out of the kitchen Mel, unless it's to do dishes or chop vegetables."

Jemma interrupted. "Well now that we've established Melinda's skills in the kitchen are – um..."

"Non-existent." Phil grinned as he offered the word.

Melinda glared at him playfully. "Actually Phil, the most interesting thing I learned about you is that you have a sister. That was new and kind of shocking. I guess for you too, all this time thinking you were an only child?"

"It was shocking. I mean in a good way though. Bobbi's the best. When I first contacted her, she was so happy. She thought she had no family left after her mother had passed. Welcomed me right into her life with open arms. After Audrey and I split up, and after my mom's death, I was looking for a change. Moving here, gave me that, and also provided me being able to form a relationship with my sister.

Daisy got a puzzled look on her face. "Who's Audrey?"

Phil sighed deeply. "My ex-wife."

Daisy's eyes widened dramatically as she swung her head to look at Melinda and then back to Phil. "You got married again?"

"I did. We were only together for a few years, married for even less. She played cello in the National Symphony Orchestra. After our marriage, we found out how little we had in common. I was stationed in DC after – after Melinda and I divorced and that's where I met her."

Melinda gave him a small smile. She had known he had gotten married because Maria had told her. At the time, she was dating Andrew. At that point in her life she had thought she had moved on. Sure, she constantly had Skye and even Phil in the back of her mind. She kept Skye's pictures with her and had photos around her place. She'd talked to Andrew, who she was dating, about losing Skye and her subsequent failed marriage with Phil. He'd been supportive and eventually after they'd married had broached the subject of her having a child with him. She'd gotten to the point of healing and confidence in their relationship where they were actually trying to have a child.

"Right Melinda? You married again too."

She was brought out of her musings as Phil spoke to her and she finally registered what he was saying. "Yes. I married Andrew. Andrew Garner."

Daisy was intrigued. "You were both remarried? That's kind of weird. I mean not weird, just I don't know – there's so much stuff I don't – I mean if I'd never been taken. Do you think you guys would still be married if I'd never been taken by Cal?"

Neither spoke right away. Melinda's fists clenched and Phil sat back contemplating the question. Jemma stayed silent.

Finally, Phil spoke up. "No one knows for sure what any of us would have done Daisy. That's a question that simply can't be answered."

"Sure it can be Phil. Our marriage was never the same after Skye was kidnapped. After our home was turned into a murder scene and two young people lost their lives. You were never the same. I was never the same. Obviously, Skye was never the same. We lived for months on hope – hope that somehow, someway our daughter would be found unharmed. Besides the authorities, we, ourselves, and our friends used every source we could to look for her. We kept going because we were focused on finding her. Once it became clear there was no trail to follow, no more leads to hunt down, nothing more to do, we turned on each other. I blamed you and you blamed me. Once that blame game was done then the guilt set in and we each blamed ourselves. I know I lost a part of myself that year. Losing Skye – losing Daisy – it just – going through something like that changes you. I lost you too. Our marriage was forever changed." Melinda sat back on the couch and crossed her arms. "I'm just trying to be honest Phil."

"And I appreciate your honesty and candor Melinda. It's not an easy thing and I know it probably hurts to do so." Jemma gave her a small smile.

"The only ones to blame were the people who took her." Phil insisted.

"Cal and Jiaying took me."

"They did. They are the ones to blame." Phil nodded at Daisy.

"I was supposed to protect her. That was my job. I never should have stayed a specialist. I should have transferred so I could have been home. She was only a baby. I should have been home."

"Mel. It's not your fault. You need to stop."

"Melinda. He's right. Playing the what if game is not going to help anything." Jemma spoke up as well.

"Everything she went through. I was supposed to protect her. All the foster homes, the abuse, the neglect. I should have been home Phil. I should have said no to the mission. She was only a baby. I should have been home."

Phil moved closer to her. He reached out his arm to put around her, but she slapped it away, jumped up and moved to the door. She turned to look at Daisy and said, "I'm sorry." She barreled through the door.

"Should I go after her?" Jemma looked at Phil.

"No. You won't find her. She needs to be alone." Phil then looked at Daisy. "Hey she'll be okay. She just needs some time.

Daisy nodded. "Yeah. But she shouldn't be alone. When I run, I don't really want to be alone." Daisy got up. "She came after me. She knew that. Being alone is the worst." Daisy moved to the door and opened it. "I'm gonna find her." With that she sprinted after Melinda.

Daisy walked to the door of the public women's restroom. She opened the door and then paused. She heard nothing so she peeked under the stall doors and saw Melinda's boots.

"Go away Phil. You know I don't want to talk to you now."

"It's me. And you don't have to talk. I just wanted to make sure you are okay."

There was silence then as Daisy just leaned against the door. After a little bit, Melinda spoke again. "I'm fine Daisy. Not having a panic attack. I don't want – I'd rather you leave please."

"Not happening. But you don't have to talk either. I'll just stand here."

"You're stubborn."

"Yep. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree."

"Smartass."

Daisy laughed. "That seems to run in the family too, yeah?"

"Daisy."

"Melinda."

"I don't want to talk. Not about that. Please."

"Okay. So tell me about Andrew Garner."

At that Melinda opened the stall door and stared at Daisy. "Why?"

"Why not? We are supposed to be getting to know each other. Who was Andrew Garner and why did you marry him?"

Melinda sighed and moved over to the door sitting down against it. Daisy slid down to join her.

"Andrew's a psychiatrist."

Daisy raised her eyebrows at her. "You're kidding?"

Melinda shook her head. "No. He was not mine though. He and I met while he was consulting for the FBI. I was working in New York. Mostly for child and women trafficking. He consulted for us."

"You helped a lot of people. With your job I mean."

"I tried. We barely made a dent though. It's so prolific across the country. And I don't like to talk about it."

"So Andrew. Cute?"

Melinda smiled. "You're dying to see a picture, aren't you?"

"Yeah but who keeps pictures of their ex's?"

Melinda dug into her backpack. "Apparently I do. Andrew and I are still friends. Well at least we are amicable. My mother still talks to him. Here." She gave Daisy a small picture of both her and Andrew.

"Whoa. He's pretty."

Melinda laughed. "I did good huh?"

"Definitely. Was he nice? I mean a good guy? "

"He is a good guy Daisy."

"So why did..."

"It's private. Let's just say we were no longer compatible. I asked him for the divorce."

"So maybe I get the whole story some day?"

"No promises." She sighed and then wrapped her arm around Daisy. "He'd have liked you Daisy."

"Did he know about – about me- the kidnapping?"

"He did. He helped some. He – I could talk to him. He – he made me – he - Andrew deserved better than me."

"Just saying Melinda. You're pretty hard on yourself. You'd be mad if I were doing that about me. I mean just saying."

"I know."

"But it's not easy is it? To just cut off things. To not feel what you feel."

"Yeah. This conversation sounds familiar. Are you using my own words against me young lady?"

She shrugged. "Hey, I'm just a kid. But yeah. When something's true it matters. Right?"

"You are a very smart kid." Melinda pulled her closer.

Daisy smiled as Melinda wrapped both arms around her. This felt nice. She was allowing contact on her terms and instead of feeling afraid she felt safe. Melinda made her feel safe. Her touch was protective. Knowing that she was starting to completely trust this woman, made her happy. She squelched down the hesitancy and fear of abandonment that tried to rear up, pushing it to the back of her mind and simply enjoyed the moment.

Friday morning after saying goodbye to Phil and Daisy, who headed off to school, Melinda walked next door to Grace's house. She knocked and soon found herself in a hug with her father. Entering the house with him she was also surprised by a brief hug initiated by her mother. Sitting down at the kitchen table, her mother brought her a cup of tea.

"So tell us about her Mellie. We can't wait to be reunited with our granddaughter."

"He almost came over last night after we got here right before midnight. I had to nearly restrain him."

"And you are the one who almost ran out when you saw them get in the car to leave this morning."

"I'm glad you both allowed common sense to win over then. Daisy doesn't need to be overwhelmed any more than she already is."

"So you're calling her Daisy, not her real name Skye?

"To Daisy that is her real name. It's all she knows and remembers. By the way, where is Grace?"

"She left early to go run errands. Wanted to give us some privacy. So the girl doesn't remember anything about you and Phil?"

"No. Mom she was only eighteen months old." Melinda smiled. "I showed her pictures though. I have the videos too. But she hasn't watched them. She told me she's not quite ready yet."

"So tell us about your girl Mellie." William prodded her.

"She's amazing. Smart. Beautiful. Candid. She has a quick wit. She's compassionate and caring. She's amazingly durable considering everything that has happened in such a short amount of time. She's strong. A real fighter."

"I can't wait to meet her."

"She's a bit nervous about that."

"We won't crowd her Melinda."

"Good. Go by her cues. She's pretty good at letting people know how she feels and what she is comfortable with. Usually."

"And Phil? How is he?"

"He's good. He's a teacher now as I said. A history teacher at the high school Daisy just started attending."

"He always was a history buff. Makes sense. But I meant how is he dealing with all this? "

"As well as can be expected I suppose. Like we all are."

"And just how is that Mellie. How are you really doing?"

"Dad. I don't even know. Sometimes I'm fine and well – other times - it's all so new yet. I'm coping. We all are. Daisy is amazingly resilient. I don't know how, with everything she's been through, she's come out on the side of good. She's chosen to be better."

"You mean with the abuse she suffered?"

"I didn't mention anything like that Mom."

"You didn't have to. I can read between the lines well enough. With all our phone conversations and now with your choice of words. Calling her resilient, a fighter, retaining compassion in spite of. How bad was it?"

Melinda pursed her lips and then sighed. "I don't know. We don't know. She hasn't been forthcoming with details. She's denied nothing and yet has also not verified anything. Nothing specific anyway. Only that she ran from her last home because she was beaten by the man. She had bruises which were verified by the hospital after Bobbi took her there."

"This Bobbi you speak of? She's Phil's sister?"

"Yes. His sister that his father had with another woman. It's her house next door we are staying at with Daisy. Well hers and Hunters. Lance Hunter is her husband. They are both police officers."

"The ones who caught your daughter."

"Yeah. Daisy connected with her first. It was Bobbi who noticed the birthmark and set everything in motion. It's been a roller coaster ride ever since."

"How uncanny that the girl hacked into her own father's account." William shook his head. "Someone's wishes were answered. Fate is a strange and wondrous thing."

"Daisy mentioned karma. She said it was her turn to get some good karma."

"I'm sorry Mellie. This has got to be very difficult for you. But you never gave up believing she was out there somewhere. You were the only one who kept that hope."

"Phil did too, Dad. But neither of us expected to ever see her again. "

"I see you finally bought a car Melinda." Her mother spoke rapidly changing the subject. "Spending some of that money you have squirreled away for a rainy day. And such a nice vehicle too."

"It has a good safety rating, is big and Daisy needs to learn to drive next year."

"Flashy red too. I assume it has leather seats, and all the extras?"

"It does."

"Good. You should have the best and so should my granddaughter. Does Phil still have that '62 corvette he was working on when you two were married. You both always liked red."

"I don't know mom. I haven't seen it."

"Hmmmm...I never thought he'd ever part with that car."

"Probably has it garaged somewhere," William added, "since it's not exactly convertible weather right now. I can't see him ever selling that car. What did he call it? Some girl's name, wasn't it?"

"Lola. Well I need to go grocery shopping, and get some laundry done. Phil's cooking dinner tonight for the five of us. He gave me a list of things he needs. Bobbi and Hunter are giving us the space and going out. He said to come over at six." Melinda finished her tea and the three got up and Melinda walked to the door. "Remember, easy does it with Daisy. Let her lead. I know you have a million questions. Oh, and dad, actually both of you, don't hug her unless she initiates. But especially you dad."

He nodded as his face grew sad. Lian nodded too and wrapped her arms around Melinda. "Tell us if we overreach. And we will be restrained. We promise."

"Thanks. See you at six then."