Chapter Five
May wasn't sure what it was, but she liked this girl. Despite her small frame, May could tell that she was tough and willing to fight if she had to. Yet at the same time, there was something very easy going and relaxed about the teenager. An interesting combination that reminded May of Coulson.
May did a another once over of the fourteen year old. Faded blue jeans that touched the ground and an oversized purple t-shirt. The short sleeves cut off at her elbows and the bottom of the shirt went above her mid thigh.
Skye noticed May looking at her clothes and glanced down at her clothes for a second before returning her gaze forward. A soft pink glow grew on her cheeks.
"I like that name much better," Coulson told her, the same smile on his face.
Skye couldn't help but to return his smile. May could tell she really liked it better than before. In all honesty, May had to agree, Skye was a better name and suited her.
"Alright Skye, grab your stuff and then we can go," May said.
"Meet you in the foyer," Coulson questioned, though it sounded like a statement.
Skye nodded, "Yeah. Meet you there."
Skye walked back to the orphanage, neither May nor Coulson moved until she was at the steps of the main building. When Skye was out of sight, the pair began to walk back.
"I like her," Coulson said.
"She seems alright," May replied though she agreed with him.
Coulson scoffed, but made no verbal reply. Instead the two walked back inside to wait for their foster daughter.
Skye raced up the stairs taking two at a time. The moment she entered her room, she went to her bunk and opened the floor board. Relief washed over her like a wave. The bear was still there, untouched. Not wasting anymore time Skye grabbed her blue drawstring bag that would hold her blanket and a few other personal items she gathered along the way.
She then shrugged on her backpack that she would either use for school or to carry her clothes. Since she wouldn't be in school for at least another couple of days, it only held her clothes and toothbrush.
Yesterday she had forgotten to unpack her clothes, but seeing as she was leaving today it worked out. Now all she had to do was put the blanket away and meet the Mayson's downstairs. With all her stuff in the backpack, including the drawstring bag, she slipped her arms through the black straps and all but ran down the hallway.
Even though leaving the orphanage always made her happy, going to a new foster home would fill her with dread yet she hardly noticed it as she "walked" through the halls. That dread was still there of course, but she was distracted by the feeling of having a new name.
For years she had looked for a new name, one that would be her own and now she had one. Skye. Maybe this was it, a real chance to make something for herself. Once Skye made her way down the stairs she found Jane and Penny in the hallway, glaring at her. Jane's nose wasn't broken, much to Skye's dismay, but was currently bandaged. That was enough to satisfy Skye for now.
Skye smiled at them sweetly before walking past them without a word. Though there were a number of things she wanted to say, she decided to hold her tongue for now. She stopped outside the sitting room where Donnie was sitting with another a boy who was older than him. His name was Matthew, but everyone except the nuns called him Matt for short.
He'd been in and out of the orphanage for months now after the death of his father, which occurred not too long after an accident that caused him to go blind. Most of the kids left him alone because his disability made them uncomfortable. Skye hadn't spoken to him until one of the older boys had attacked him, she couldn't stand by and do nothing. Matt had been utterly defenseless, she refused to let fight him alone.
"You leaving," Donnie asked when he noticed Skye.
The teen nodded, "Yep, but I'll probably be back in a week or two."
"Or maybe this will be the one," Matt said, his face forward.
Skye rolled her eyes, "Doubtful, but it should be an interesting experience. Take care of yourselves alright?"
"We'll be alright," Donnie answered with a nod, "I'll tell Ace and the others that you left."
Skye nodded to him, "Matt?"
"I'll be okay," Matt answered with a small smile.
Skye grinned at them. Even though living at the orphanage or in foster care could be hell, it was the kids she looked out for that made it seem worth it. Without another word, she walked away to meet her new foster parents.
She made it to the front where Phil and Melinda were waiting with Sister Francis, who was giving them the medicine Skye had gotten from the hospital. Sister Gertrude had taken it, worried about her either handing it out to the other kids or abusing the substance. Skye hoped Phil and Melinda wouldn't ask about it.
"Alright Mary, you all set," Sister Francis asked with the same genuine smile.
Skye nodded, not bothering to correct the woman on the name. It didn't matter. The nuns wouldn't stop calling her by her legal name. Sister Francis bid them farewell and left to attend to other matters throughout the orphanage.
"That everything," Melinda questioned, gesturing to the backpack Skye had.
Even though the woman's tone was borderline robotic and her expression almost casual, Skye knew the unasked or hidden question there. Is that all you have? Having moved around so often, it was easier and more logical to travel light. Especially since it wasn't like she had a lot of belongings to begin with.
Two pairs of pants, one of which she was wearing, three shirts total: one nice shirt, the casual shirt she was wearing and a pajama shirt. She had one pair of shoes, pajama shorts, a poor fitting bra and two pairs of underwear. Not including the toothbrush and hairbrush she had as her only toiletries.
Skye didn't count the black beanie Robbie had given her as a goodbye present and a way to remember him by. Not that she would ever forget him, he was the closest thing to an older brother she ever had.
Skye gripped the bag strap a little tighter, "Yeah. Easier for me to travel with."
The look of sorrow on Phil's face didn't go unnoticed by Skye, but the look was gone as quickly as it came.
"Can't argue with that logic," Phil commented with a small smile though it looked forced.
The trio walked out as Phil started to bombard Skye with questions, "So what do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies? Hidden talents? You a math person or an English person? Or is school not your thing? What about-"
"Phil," Melinda interrupted with a half glare.
Phil frowned, "What?"
May replied, "Honestly we haven't even made it to the car and you're already interrogating her."
"Oh," Phil said, with an apologetic look he turned to Skye, "Right, sorry about that Skye."
Skye smiled at the use of her new name, "It's alright. I like computers, so I guess that could be what I do for fun and as a hobby. No hidden talents and I don't like school."
"I wasn't much of a fan of school either," Phil told her as they crossed the street, "What do you like to do with computers?"
Skye shrugged her shoulders, "Anything really. Just being on a computer is fun."
"Do you like sports," Phil asked, approaching the black GMC.
Phil unlocked the doors allowing Melinda to climb into the passenger seat, she wasn't really up for asking any questions about the girl. It didn't bother Skye that much. In all honesty, she wished Phil would stop asking her questions. She would have preferred to sit in silence, but that didn't seem likely to happen in the near future or even distant future.
Skye shrugged her shoulders, "Not really. Martial arts always looked interesting though. I also like skateboarding if that counts."
"It does," Phil answered as Skye shut the door.
Phil walked around the car to get to the driver's seat. Once the car started, he looked in the rearview mirror at Skye. An idea came to his mind, but he decided he would speak with Melinda about it later on instead of putting her on the spot. Lord knew how much she hated it when he did that to her.
"Have you eaten anything yet," Phil asked pulling out of the lot.
Skye hesitated, but after a moment she shook her head, "No."
"How about we go out for lunch," Phil suggested, "Or would you rather get settled first?"
Skye frowned. Why did he keep asking her questions? It was strange and a bit irritating if she was being honest. However, no other foster parent seemed as interested in her as Phil seemed to be which could have been why it caught her off guard.
It took Skye a minute to realize she still hadn't answered his question and the silence was stretching.
"Going out is fine, if that's what you want," she said hastily.
Phil's smile faltered for a second before it grew wider again, "Alright. Mel, you up for going out?"
Melinda glared haphazardly at her husband, "You do realize that we still need to go grocery shopping right?"
"Of course," Phil answered cheekily, "But what could be the harm in getting a quick bite? We could go to In and Out Burger. They have amazing milkshakes and hamburgers. Besides, you still have the ingredients for dinner tonight. You said sesame noodles right?"
"You're missing the point, I know you want to go out because you know I don't bring junk food into the house," Melinda responded.
Phil chuckled, "Maybe. Have you ever been to In and Out Burger before Skye?"
Skye shook her head, "Can't say that I have."
"Oh now we have to go," Phil said with widened blue eyes, "We can no longer deny this poor girl the wonder that is In and Out Burger."
Melinda rolled her eyes, "Don't listen to him. In and Out Burger is just another glorified burger bar that has too much grease and processed food."
Phil gasped in mock offense, "How dare you insult In and Out Burger. It is a magical and delicious place. Clint would agree with me."
"Clint eats like a dog," Melinda remarked with a scoff, "He eats literally anything in front of him."
"Not true, he doesn't eat out of the garbage anymore," Phil replied.
Skye chuckled at that one. Skye had been smiling at the back and forth between Phil and Melinda. So far they appeared to be good natured people, but she still feared how they would be the moment they realized that she was a bad seed. Skye started to wonder about them though.
Where they came from and stuff like that. Though one question that weighed pretty heavily on her mind was if they had other children. Whenever Skye ended up staying with foster parents who already had children of their own, she was either pushed aside or their kids would bully her. She wanted to ask, but she couldn't bring herself to ask just yet.
"Anyway," Phil said cutting off Melinda, "What do you say Skye? You up for it?"
Skye nodded a bit unsure, "Yeah. Sounds good to me."
"Yes," Phil cheered. Melinda shook her head, but was grinning nonetheless.
Twenty minutes later, Phil, Melinda and Skye were sitting in a booth at In n Out Burger. Skye sat across from Melinda and Phil as they each looked over the menu. Immediately Skye looked for the cheapest thing she could find on their which drew her to the kids section. Kids meals were always cheaper than regular ones.
"Anything catch your eye," Phil asked setting his menu done.
Skye lifted her head to look at him, "Uh. I think I would just a get regular burger."
Phil nodded, "If you like simple stuff, I recommend their cheese burger."
Skye, not wanting argue, just nodded her head.
Phil smiled at her before turning to Melinda, "What about you Mel?"
"I'm just getting a salad," answered Melinda as she set the menu down.
Phil rolled his eyes, "Oh Come on Melinda."
"What," Melinda questioned with a raised brow, "You may not be overly concerned with the food that goes into your body, but I'm keeping all the extra carbs away."
"Melinda," Phil said, stretching out her name.
It was Melinda's turn to roll her eyes, "You are an actual five year old. I hope you know that."
Phil only smiled at her in response. Skye found herself really enjoying the conversations and banter between Melinda and Phil. A waiter came by a few minutes later taking their orders. Once he was gone, the trio sat in silence. Phil opened his mouth, most likely to ask a million more questions but Melinda cut him off.
"Before my husband asks anymore questions," Melinda started with a sideways glance at Phil, "What questions do you have for us if any?"
Skye noticed how she said the word husband with uncertainty, but made nothing of it. In the brief time she had known her, Skye could tell that Melinda wasn't a very emotional person. Perhaps the word held too much affection for her taste.
"I have a few," Skye answered, hesitantly.
Melinda nodded, prompting Skye to continue.
Skye swallowed nervously before asking, "What are your rules?"
Phil raised an eyebrow at the question, "Rules?"
Skye nodded, "Yeah. Like where I can or can't go in the house, things like that. Most foster parents have a list of things, I'm getting a head start."
Phil hadn't thought about rules. It was in this moment that he realized, again, he was the legal guardian of this teenaged girl. He would be responsible for her. What she did, where she went, who she was with. His job would not only be to observe her, but to take care of her.
While Phil was caught off guard, Melinda had been prepared. She had thought over some guidelines for the girl on the drive over. It wasn't like she could give a fourteen year old girl free for all in "her and Phil's" house.
"Only some guidelines," Melinda answered smoothly, "They're easy things. I'm not sure what time you usually go to bed, but at least have your lights out by ten. If you plan on staying out late, let either myself or Phil know where you are and when you plan on coming back. There isn't any place in the house you can't go. You respect us, we respect you. That's it."
Skye nodded in understanding, "That sounds easy enough."
"Any other questions," Phil asked.
"Do you have kids," Skye questioned.
Though her expression was passive, both Phil and Melinda could hear the concern in her voice. Melinda remembered during her "how to look after a foster child" crash course that foster kids didn't always get along with kids of the family they were with. It made sense that Skye would be worried about them having other kids. Luckily for her the answer was no. However before Melinda could say as much, Phil answered the opposite.
"Yes," Phil said, almost a little too quickly.
Melinda hid her surprise well, but Phil knew he was going to have to deal with the repercussion of this later. Why he said yes was beyond him, but it just came out of him. It was technically true though. He did consider three agents like his and even Melinda's "children" despite it not being official or anything like that.
"Really," Skye asked, her voice quaked despite her efforts to keep it steady.
Phil nodded, "Yes. Three actually, but they're all out of college."
Melinda immediately realized the three people Phil was talking about. Phil had taken Clint on as his rookie while Melinda had taken Maria and later Natasha through Clint. Though Melinda wasn't sure what would possess him to say that they had three children, she wondered what their files said about it.
Had their files said that they had three previous children and she missed it? No, she wouldn't have missed it. Though there wasn't much harm in telling Skye that they had three other children. It would give them a chance to talk about the three agents without blowing their cover.
The only problem Melinda saw was that fact that there would be no evidence to support what Phil had said in records or in their house. Most people had pictures of their family members on the walls of their house.
Considering the fact that Phil and Melinda didn't have any pictures, the walls were mostly barren except for the few items Phil had put up. Melinda figured if Skye asked, she could say that they were still somewhere in storage.
"We fostered them," Phil went on with a thoughtful look.
"What are their names," Skye asked, leaning forward a bit.
This time, Melinda answered, "Clint is the oldest and only boy. Then we have Maria and Natasha."
Phil smiled at Melinda with a cross between sheepish and relieved smile. He was happy she had the same idea as him, even if he wasn't sure why he had let the idea come out of his mouth. It didn't matter anymore, the words were out and he couldn't take them back.
Skye nodded, "Where are you guys from?"
"Wisconsin," Phil answered, followed by Melinda who said, "Pennsylvania."
"How did you two meet," Skye asked with a half smile.
"We went to the same college in Montana," Phil answered, it was another half truth.
He had met Melinda had the Academy, she had arrived about a year or two after him, but had quickly surpassed him within six months. She was quite the agent, one of SHIELD's best. Not to mention one of the SHIELD academy home based was in Montana, though Phil had no idea until five years ago where the place was.
"That's cool," Skye commented.
Their food arrived after that. It smelled and looked amazing to Skye who's stomach instantly growled when the burger was placed in front of her. She had hardly eaten food in the past few days.
After being locked in a cellar for twenty four-hours, not being able to hold more ham crackers and a few bites of plain plain sandwiches at the hospital, then losing the privilege of eating, she was hungry. She hadn't eaten breakfast, only half a piece of old bread so she could take the antibiotic. She missed lunch by wandering around the woods. Stupid nun.
Skye started eating, the burger tasting incredible on her tongue. Either this was the best burger ever or she was really hungry or maybe it was both. She didn't know and she didn't really care.
"You probably don't want to eat it too fast," Phil suggested, "It will upset your stomach."
Skye's cheeks took on a slight pink glow, but she nodded. More than half her burger was already gone.
Melinda swallowed her bite of salad before saying, "Do they not feed you at the orphanage?"
On any other day, Skye would have made a remark about the question, but today wasn't the day.
"I couldn't eat dinner or breakfast," Skye said before taking another bite, "Then I missed lunch."
Phil frowned at that, "How come you couldn't eat? Was it from the accident?"
Skye tried not to flinch at the word accident, she replied, "No. I punched another girl in the face. Though in my defense, she and her groupies attacked first."
Melinda remembered the Sister's mentioning that Skye had gotten into a fight the previous day. Suddenly Skye earned a little more respect from the agent. At least she wasn't dealings with a completely defenseless child.
"Did you do any damage," Melinda questioned, she wanted gage the girl's strength.
Skye answered with an almost fearful look, "I gave her a bloody nose. I'm really not a violent person, but she wouldn't get away from me and I was angry and-"
"You don't have to explain yourself," Melinda interrupted, "If you did it out of self defense then you aren't in the wrong. They shouldn't have bothered you."
Skye was surprised to hear those words come from the woman's mouth. Skye had seriously debated on not telling them about the "fight" out of fear for how they would respond. Foster parents hadn't want troublesome or violent kids. Would they have taken her back because of it? Plenty of other foster parents would. Why wouldn't they?
"She's right," Phil agreed, "It's important to stand up and defend yourself."
Skye nodded a bit absently, "Yeah."
The rest of lunch was spent in an almost comfortable silence.