Chapter 2: Tony Stark's Apogee Award
Lucy's Diary, Entry Two
It's pretty obvious that Dad is still worried about me because of the accident. I mean, it's hard to forget something like that. It was pretty terrifying. I still can't get it out of my mind. But, I can't deny the fact that every time I get into a car, the walls start to close around me, and I start to have panic attacks, like I said in my previous entry, I think that I'm claustrophobic. I see my device every time I look in a mirror, and will see it every day for the rest of my life, I don't think the night of the accident will become a distant memory for me or for Dad for a long time.
Pepper picked a light blue whimsical dress for me to wear tonight, and it holds a special place in my heart, because it belonged to my mother. Sometimes Dad jokes with me saying that I am a identical image of her. Which is true. A lot of people say I do, especially my grandparents, which are my mom's parents. Out of all of the women my Dad had dated over the years besides my mom, I really like Pepper. She's been Dad's personal assistant since I was eleven, and if you ask me, I think Dad is starting to like her. Dad has always had the charm for attracting women, especially with my mother. Dad always told me that mom was his one true love, and he was heartbroken when she died. My parents met each other while at MIT, and Dad fell head-over-heels for her. They dated for three years, then when Mom got pregnant with me, they got married and I was born on May 3rd, 1990. But unfortunately, she was killed in June of 1992, just seven months after my grandparents died. Despite Mom dying, Dad did his best to raise me, and I say it has worked out good for far. All I care about is that I hope Dad will find a woman that will make him happy again. We just have to wait and see.
Even though I'm excited for the award ceremony, I have a feeling that Dad won't. Twenty bucks says that he'll miss getting the award tonight. It's a running bet that we have every time he has to do something like this, I started it when I was 10. You see, Dad is known for either showing up late or not showing up at all, causing someone else to accept his awards and medals for him. As embarrassing as it can be to always have to make excuses for his absence, but I like to get the extra money at the same time. Also, a hundred bucks says that I'll be greeting a new one-nighter in a shirt of his tomorrow morning. Which is another running bet. Dad is usually pretty good at making sure that his "guests" are out of the house before I wake up, but I like being an early bird. So, lately, I've come into contact with his guests as I'm getting ready in the morning. It's actually pretty funny, I think that the women who end up spending the night forget that the fact that I even exist and, when they run into me, they turn different shades of red before they scurry off into whatever mode of transportation Pepper has arranged for them.
Well diary, Pepper just called that it is time to go. Let's see how the ceremony will go. Wish me luck!
The paparazzi came to life when they saw the Stark limo pull up in front of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The cameras started flashing and Lucy could hear people calling her name. She started to feel a little nervous.
Tony: "Don't worry about it sweetheart. Everything will be fine. Just remember, this is your first public appearance since the accident. They're going to hound you like dogs."
Lucy: "I'll be fine. Besides, if they do ask me questions, I'll just ignore them. You do it all of the time, so I picked up a few things."
Tony: "I know, I just don't want them harassing you. You can just go home. If you're not ready…"
Lucy: "Dad, I'm going to be fine. This is supposed to be your night, remember? Don't tell me that you're going to stop being fun, Popeye."
Tony chuckled and shook his head as Happy Hogan got out of the limo and opened the door.
Tony: "Popeye? That's a new one. Does that mean that you're Olive Oyl?"
Lucy: "(chuckled at her father's joke) No. And Popeye is a nickname, it means that you're the fun dad. (Tony gives his daughter a funny look, Lucy just smiles) I looked it up."
Tony: "Well, I'll always be the fun dad, no matter what nickname you give me. Nothing will ever change that. The fact that you could think otherwise is slightly insulting."
Lucy: "(she returned the smirk) Then, prove it. Lighten up and have fun."
Tony put his arm around her and carefully led her past the paparazzi and towards the entrance of the hotel and casino as reporters shouted out questions left and right. The cameras started flashing as Tony carefully led his daughter past the paparazzi and towards the entrance as reporters shouted out questions left and right.
Reporter #1: "Miss Stark, how are you feeling?"
Reporter #2: "What's the device in your back for?
Reporter #3: "How is it that you survived the accident?"
Reporter #4: "Is it true that your device is based on arc-reactor technology?"
Lucy just smiled politely as Tony walked her into the building, their bodyguards close behind to catch anyone who dared to try and get up close and personal with her.
Tony: "Alright then. (Tony began, once they had made it past the paparazzi) You go and find Obadiah and our table. I'm going to go and play in the casino for a little bit."
Lucy: "Cool. (Lucy said, as Tony began walking away. A couple of the bodyguards followed him while a couple stayed with Lucy) I'll let you know how it goes. And remember, twenty bucks if you miss the ceremony!"
Tony: "I told you, this time, I'll prove you wrong this time. (Tony called over his shoulder before entering the casino)"
Lucy smiled and shook her head as she began walking towards the room the ceremony was being held in.
Lucy: "(chuckles talking to herself before speaking under her breath) No, he won't. Another day, another twenty bucks richer."
Christine Everhart: "(in the distance) Miss Stark! Excuse me, Miss Stark!"
Lucy stopped and turned to find a young woman reporter standing before her. She was pretty, with blond hair and blue eyes.
Christine Everhart: "Christine Everhart, Vanity Fair magazine. Can I just ask you a couple of questions?"**
Lucy's bodyguards moved to remove the reporter, but Lucy held up her hand and stopped them.
Lucy: "It's alright. I can answer a few questions."
Christine Everhart: "That's great. (She grabs her recorder from her coat and holds it up) So first, this is your first public appearance since your horrible car accident several months ago. How were you able to survive such a terrible crash?"
Lucy: "Um, faith? Or maybe by a miracle? You'll have to ask my doctors, not me. Besides, I really don't like talking about it much."
Christine Everhart: "Why don't you want to talk about the accident that almost claimed your life? Or, on the device that is allowing you to move again? I couldn't help but notice it in your back…"
Lucy: "(holds up her hand, interrupting Christine) Let me stop you here. Look, Miss Everhart, I don't want to be rude, but you seem like a nice and good reporter. If you want to ask someone some questions, go ask my father, not me. Now, if you'll excuse me…"
Christine Everhart: "The world just wants answers, Miss Stark. (Christine replied, stopping Lucy as she tried to walk away) You may act like a regular teenage girl, but are the daughter of Tony Stark, the heir to the Stark fortune, and you were spared from a terrible fate. A fate that seemed nearly impossible to escape from. The people want to know how you were able to survive."
Lucy: "(pausing before speaking) It was God. (Lucy replied as she turned back to Christine) God was the one who saved me. He kept me from drowning while I was trying to escape my flooding car! I will always thank him until the day I die. Happy now?"
Christine Everhart: "Well that's an interesting response. I'm sure that I say that myself and several other people didn't think that your father wasn't that religious. Since he has the nickname, 'The Merchant of Death'."
Lucy: "(gasps in anger) How dare you! My father does believe in God. He may not show it, but he's a really religious person. If you even think about insulting me or my family again, I have the right to file a charge against you and your company! Besides…"
She took a few steps closer to Christine and whispered into the record device she was holding. Her voice sounded cold and angry.
Lucy: "...a hundred bucks says I'll be seeing you tomorrow morning."
Lucy turned and walked into the room where the ceremony was being held, with her bodyguards following behind her, leaving Christine embarrassed and standing awkwardly by herself. When Lucy walked into the room, she saw a familiar face talking to other party guests.
Lucy: "(waves at Rhodey) Hey Rhodey!"
Rhodey: "(turns around and sees Lucy, he waves back and turns back to the people he was talking to) Hey, I'll see you guys later. (Walks over to Lucy) Hey Lucy. (They hug each other) It's great to see you. I didn't expect you to be out and about so soon."
Lucy: "(chuckles) Good to see you too Rhodey, and I'm pleased to say that I'm finally back to doing my regular teenager things. And I wanted to come tonight for Dad, I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Rhodey: "Good to hear. Some of the people that I was talking to said that they saw you yelling at a reporter a few minutes ago. I must say, you certainly have a way with reporters, Lucy."
Lucy: "(she smiled) Thanks, Rhodey! I've had quite a lot of time to practice. Plus, if people even think to insult me, I'll get them a piece of my mind. (she replied. She dismissed her bodyguards and sent them to find Tony) Anyway, what are you doing here?"
Rhodey: "Giving your father the award actually. (Rhodey replied as he led Lucy to their table, where Obadiah was sitting) That is, if he actually shows up."
Lucy: "Oh, I'm sure he will. When pigs fly."
Rhodey laughed as he pulled out a chair for Lucy, which caught Obadiah's attention.
Obadiah Stane: "Oh hey! Lucy! This is a surprise. (Obadiah Stane said, as the teenager sat down) What are you doing here?"
Lucy: "Attending an award ceremony for my father. What about you?"
Obadiah Stane: "(he laughed) The same thing. How are you feeling?"
Lucy: "I'm doing better. Still trying to get used to the changes, but better."
Rhodey: "That's because Lucy is a fighter. (Rhodey said, sitting down next to her) Always has been, always will be."
Obadiah Stane: "Well, we can't forget who she is, now can we? (winking at Lucy)"
Lucy: "I really am stealing the spotlight, aren't I? (Lucy laughed)"
Obadiah Stane: "And, why shouldn't you? The young and beautiful daughter of Tony Stark has a great position to hold. Many girls around the world envy you for that, you know."
Lucy: "(she smiled as the lights started to dim) Well, thank you. I appreciate the compliments."
Rhodey: "Ah, that's my cue. (Rhodey said, standing as the room was plunged into semi-darkness) Will I be seeing you on stage, Lucy?"
Lucy: "Most likely. (She replied, scanning the room for any sign of her father) I bet twenty bucks on it."
The slideshow that had been put together in honor of Tony was quite touching. Lucy enjoyed hearing the stories about her father all over again. As she listened to the slideshow, she found herself wondering if she would ever be as accomplished as her father or even as her grandfather was. She had quite the legacy to live up to.
Narrator of the Slideshow: "Tony Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot. Even from an early age, the son of legendary weapons developer, Howard Stark, quickly stole the spotlight with his brilliant and unique mind. At age four, he built his first circuit board. At age six, his first engine. And at 17, he graduated summa cum laude from MIT."**
(Then the slideshow shows pictures of Tony, Abigail {Lucy's mother}, and younger Lucy. The bold smile on Lucy's face starts to turn into a frown)
Narrator of the Slideshow: "Even at a young age, Tony found the love-of-his-life, Abigail Matthews, just your average girl from a big family. Tony and Abigail were perfect for each other, the public adored the young couple. And soon, after they got married, they had their first child, Lucille Maria Stark. With their new baby girl, the future was looking bright for the new family."
(Then the slideshow shows the news reports of the deaths of Howard, Maria, and Abigail. Lucy sniffs, trying to hold back tears, Obadiah wraps his arm around her, trying to comfort her)
Narrator of the Slideshow: "Then, the passing of a titan. Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal son returns and is the anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries. With the keys to the kingdom, Tony ushers in a new era for his father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, satellite targeting. Today, Tony Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe."**
(The slideshow ends and the audience applauses, Rhodey steps onto the stage and stands behind the podium)
Rhodey: "As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend and he is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's Apogee Award to Mr. Tony Stark."**
Everyone clapped and cheered as they waited for Tony to walk up on stage, but as they had expected, Tony was nowhere to be found. Obadiah began to stand, to accept the award in Tony's place, when Lucy stopped him with a hand on his arm.
Lucy: "I've got this one. (she said, smiling) You always get them, so now it's my turn."
Obadiah smiled and sat back down as Lucy stood and made her way towards the stage. Rhodey smiled and spoke into the microphone.
Rhodey: "Accepting the award in her father's place is Miss Lucy Stark!"
The crowd continued to clap and some even cheered a little as Lucy made it onto the stage. She smiled and turned to the podium and began to speak.
Lucy: "Hi everyone! This is a great award, thank you so much. (Looks at the award before speaking again) As you may realize, I am not my father. Not that Tony Stark can ever be replaced, but I can certainly try. (Lucy said, earning some laughs from the crowd) But, I can say that, if he were here, he would tell you how honored he would be to receive an award such as this. And, I can also say, that I am honored to be here tonight and to be able to accept this award for him. Thank you everyone!"
The crowd applauded and the music began playing again. Lucy and Rhodey both exited the stage. She turned and handed the award back to him.
Lucy: "Now then, shall we go and find Dad?"
Rhodey: "(he took the award and nodded) We might as well."
Lucy: "Follow me. I know exactly where he is. (Said Lucy as she walked off the stage to led Rhodey to find Tony)"
Cuts to Tony playing in a casino.
Tony: "(whooping) Work it! Come on!"**
Lucy: "That would be twenty bucks please!"
Tony had just rolled the dice and got a winning number when Lucy and Rhodey appeared behind him. Tony turned when he heard Lucy's voice and winced.
Tony: "Did I really miss it?"
Lucy: "No, we're just holding this award for practice. (Lucy replied, turning to Rhodey)"
Rhodey: "You are unbelievable! (Rhodey said, shaking his head)"**
Tony: "Oh no, did they rope you into this?"**
Rhodey: "Nobody roped me into anything!"**
Tony: "I'm so sorry."**
Rhodey: "But they told me that, if I presented you with an award, you'd be deeply honored."**
Tony: "Of course I'd be deeply honored. And it's you, that's great. So when do we do it? (Tony said)**
Rhodey: "It's right here. Here you go. (Said Rhodey as he put the award in Tony's hand)**
Tony: "There it is. That was easy."**
Lucy: "A little too easy. You missed my acceptance speech. I was quite proud of it."
Tony: "Wait, you accepted it for me? (Tony said) Aw! Now I want to see it!"
Lucy: "Too late. (Looks at Rhodey's watch on his wrist and sighs)"
Tony: "Wow! Would you look at that? That's something else. I don't have any of those floating around. (He said handing the award to a girl that was standing next to him and continued playing. He grabs the dice on the table) Alright, we're gonna let it ride! (Holds his hand in front of a girl that was standing next to him) Give me a hand, will you? Give me a little something-something."**
The girl blew into Tony's hands for good luck, Lucy just rolled her eyes. Then Tony held his hands in front of Lucy.
Tony: "Okay, you, too."**
Lucy: "No, thank you, Dad. I'm good."
Tony: "(turning towards Rhodey) Alright, you then."
Rhodey: "I don't blow on a man's dice."**
Tony: "Come on, honey bear."**
Rhodey just pushed Tony's hand away but Tony opened his hand as if Rhodey had rolled.
Tony: "There it is. Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls! And…"**
The Dealer: "Two craps. Line away."**
Lucy: "Aw. Tough luck."
Rhodey: "That's what happens."**
Tony: "Worse things have happened. I think we're gonna be fine. Color me up, will you?"**
The trio started walking out of the casino and towards the lobby.
Lucy: "Hey Dad. I don't know how much longer you want to stay here tonight, but, if you don't mind, I'm kind of tired. I want to go home."
Tony: "Alright. Rhodey, do you mind taking her home?"
Rhodey: "Not at all."
Lucy: "Oh no Rhodey, you don't have to do that. I don't want you to leave because of me."
Rhodey: "It's alright. I was going to head out anyways. (Rhodey assured her. He looked at Tony) This is where we exit."
Tony: "(shakes Rhodey's hand) All right."**
Rhodey: "Tomorrow, don't be late."**
Tony: "Yeah, you can count on it."**
Rhodey: "I'm serious."**
Tony: "I know, I know. (Tony said. He kissed his daughter's forehead) Good night, sweetie. I'll see you in the morning."
Lucy: "Night, Dad."
As Lucy walked off with Rhodey, she saw Tony hand his award to a guy dressed in Greek clothes as he headed off with his bodyguards. She sighed to herself as she and Rhodey walked into the parking lot and to Rhodey's car.
Lucy: "Thanks for taking me home. I'll try my best to get him out of the house tomorrow morning, but no promises because I have school."
Rhodey: "You're going back so soon?"
Lucy: "Much to Dad's dismay, but I need a change of scenery. I've been almost bedridden for six months, and I needed to get out of the house eventually. But I'm still nervous."
Rhodey: "I'm sure you'll be fine. (Rhodey said, opening the door for her)"
Lucy: "That's what I keep telling him. (Lucy replied. She waited until Rhodey got into the driver's seat before continuing) Can you please tell him that?"
Rhodey: "Not that he'll listen to me, but I will certainly give it a try. (He glanced at Lucy as they pulled out onto the street) You've got to cut him a little bit of slack, alright? He's only concerned because he loves you. We all are, for the same reason."
Lucy: "I know. But, I refuse to become a solitaire."
Rhodey laughed as Lucy turned on the radio, switching the topic of conversation to something more pleasant as she did so.
As the trio were halfway back to the Stark Mansion, Rhodey decided to strike up a conversation.
Rhodey: "So, any big plans with your friends after school tomorrow?"
Lucy: "Uh, no nothing really. But, we are planning to do something special for Pepper tomorrow, since it's her birthday."
Rhodey: "Oh. (Said Rhodey, suddenly remembering that it was Pepper's birthday, and he forgot. But tried not to yet Lucy figuring out) Yes, that sounds a great idea. Make sure to tell Pepper happy birthday from me."
Lucy: "(realizing the quiver in Rhodey's voice) Yes, I will. And I'll also tell her that just like Dad, you forgot too."
Rhodey: "Darn it!"
Lucy: "(chuckles) I'm kidding. I won't tell her, but I'll save you a slice of cake."
Rhodey: "(smiles) Thanks Lucy."
Lucy: "You're welcome. Even though I'm excited about Pepper's birthday, going back to school, and seeing Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt again. The only person I'm not looking forward to seeing is Liv. Ugh! I can't stand her!"
Rhodey: "Remind me again why you can't stand her. What does she have against you?"
Lucy: "(sighs) I honestly don't know. Just because she's the niece of Justin Hammer, it doesn't mean that she beat me at everything. She has always tried to embarrass me or make me look bad ever since seventh grade."
Rhodey: "Well, whatever the reason may be, I hope you will make things right. And try to be friends with her."
Lucy: "(scoffs and turns her head) Yeah, that'll be the day."
Rhodey just sighed as he pulled into the driveway of the Stark Mansion. He drove up the front door and Lucy got out and leaned her arm on the door looking at Rhodey.
Lucy: "Thank you for bringing me home."
Rhodey: "You're welcome. (Sees Tony's car parked by the garage door) Please make sure that Tony isn't late tomorrow."
Lucy: "I'll see what I can do, like I said, no promises though."
Rhodey: "Thanks Lucy. Have a good night."
Lucy: "Goodnight Rhodey."
Lucy closes the door and watches Rhodey pull out of the driveway and leave. Once Rhodey's car disappears around the corner and into the night, Lucy yawns and walks into the mansion.
Lucy: "(speaks as she walks in the door) Evening Jarvis."
Jarvis: "Welcome home madam. I take it that the ceremony went well, judging by your expression on your face."
Lucy: "(yawns as she walks to the kitchen) Be it ever so humble Jarvis."
Lucy reaches into the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water, then she grabs a banana from the counter.
Jarvis: "(speaks through the speakers of the Mansion) You have thirteen text messages and six emails. Shall I categorize them for you?"
Lucy: "No, thank you Jarvis, it's fine. (Picks up her phone and starts reading the messages. As she starts walking towards her room, she continues talking to Jarvis) So Jarvis, how long has Dad been home?"
Jarvis: "He's been home for over an hour madam. And he brought a guest with him."
Lucy: "(stops walking and sighs) Let me guess, Christine Everhart from Vanity Fair?"
Jarvis: "Indeed madam."
Lucy: "I should've known. But on the plus side, I'll be getting my $120 bucks in the morning. (Starts walking towards her room) Make sure to remind me Jarvis."
Jarvis: "Of course Lucille."
Transitions of Lucy walking into her room, taking a shower, and getting ready for bed.
Lucy: "(yawns) Hey Jarvis. Set my alarm for 6 o' clock please."
Jarvis: "As you wish."
Lucy: "(pulls back her covers) Goodnight Jarvis."
Jarvis: "Goodnight Lucille."
Lucy closed her eyes and fell asleep, dreaming about her big day for the next day.
Here's the second chapter of the Iron Maiden story. If you see lines with two stars (**) next to them, it means that the line was taken directly from the movie.
UPDATE 1: I decided to rewrite Chapter 2 after I had a talk with HistoryGirl22.
UPDATE 2: I changed Abigail's actor to Blake Lively. The reason I changed it so in later chapters, people would say that Lucy was the splitting image of her mother. Plus Blake Lively and Melissa Benoist do look identical. I also rewrote Chapter 2 a little bit.
TRIVIA: Abigail (Matthews) Stark is portrayed by Blake Lively in this saga.
When Lucy talks to Jarvis after gets home, it is similar to how Tony talks to Jarvis when gets back from Afghanistan in a deleted scene from the first Iron Man.
Olivia "Liv" Hammer is the niece of Justin Hammer (who was played by Sam Rockwell in Iron Man 2), is Lucy's 'arch-nemesis'. She's portrayed by Alexandra Daddario in this saga. She'll be seen in Chapter Three.
I hope that you enjoy this new chapter! Please read and review!