Chapter 3: Back to School

Lucy's Diary, Entry Three

So, last night was, I should say, interesting. Just as predicted, Dad missed getting his own award. Normally, I leave the duty of accepting awards for him to Obadiah or Rhodey, but since it was my first public appearance since the accident, I decided to do it myself. It was kind of like my official re-entry into the world. I made a lovely acceptance speech, if I do say so myself.

There were a lot of reporters at the ceremony last night. They weren't horrible, but there was one who managed to make me angry by criticizing Dad's parenting skills and, coincidentally, she ended up spending the night here at the Mansion. Oh I can't wait to shove that one in her face when she wakes up! One thing I can admit that Dad, when it comes to his "girlfriends" is that he doesn't always stay until the bitter end. Pepper's usually the one who has to escort the woman in question to the door. But I tend to think that it should be the man doing the escorting, but what do I know?

The longest relationship Dad has ever had was with my mom. Like I said in my previous entry. They had met at MIT, dated for three years, got married, then Mom gave birth to me. From what Dad told me, they were very happy together and very much in love. Grandpa Howard and Grandma Maria liked my mom and helped her where they could, as did Dad, obviously. Unfortunately, my grandparents died in a car accident in December of 1991, and Mom died just seven months later, she was shot in the mansion by an unidentified gunman. I was just two years old at the time, I never really got to know her. I wish I had. I have plenty of pictures of her, given to me by my father and my grandparents, in a big blue album that I try to keep as safe as possible. But, as you well know, pictures may say a thousand words, but they aren't the same as actually physically seeing and talking to a person.

I am still in contact with my grandparents, who are my mom's parents. They, surprisingly, get along very well with my dad. Once in a while, I make the trip to go and visit them in Tennessee. But, I haven't been able to since the accident. They actually came to visit me at the time. Plus, right now they are on a cruise around the world, compliments of my Dad.

Anyways, trying to get back on topic…wait…what was I talking about? Oh! Right! Dad's leaving for the trip to Afghanistan, and the first day back to school. I should go and say bye before I leave. Maybe I will make one last attempt to convince him to stay home too. And I plan to do something special for Pepper tonight since it's her birthday, since Dad can never remember her birthday, for years I do my best to make the best of it. Today is bound to be interesting.

Lucy closes her diary, and puts it back on her desk next to her bed. She walks out of her room and heads downstairs.

Lucy: "Dad! Dad! Where are you? (Walks into the living room) Dad? (Calls out to Jarvis) Jarvis, where's Dad?"

Jarvis: "(speaks through the speakers of the Mansion) He's downstairs Lucille."

Lucy: "Thanks Jarvis."

Lucy walked down the stairs that led to the workshop and found her father working on one of his cars with the Institutionalized song by Suicidal Tendencies blasting through the speakers.

Lucy: "Hey Dad! (Tony doesn't respond) I said hey Dad! (Tony still doesn't respond, Lucy sighs) Jarvis, mute music!"

The music turns off, Tony stops and turns around to face his daughter.

Tony: "Please don't turn down my music."**

Lucy: "Sorry Dad. I wanted to come and tell you bye before I left."

Tony: "(remembering that Lucy was going to school) Oh, right."

Lucy: "Speaking of which, are you not going to say goodbye to your guest upstairs?"

Tony: "(he almost blushed) Oh. I uh, you didn't hear us last night, did you?"

Lucy: "No, of course not. (Lucy said, with a smile) I just know you."

Tony: "(he laughed) That you do, Angel."

Lucy smiled as she sat in a nearby chair as Tony continued to work on yet another car.

Lucy: "(pretending not to know) So, who was it this time?"

Tony: "Uh, it was a reporter from uhh…"

Lucy: "From Vanity Fair?"

Tony turned to her with a confused expression on his face.

Tony: "How did you know that?"

Lucy: "I uh…might have…met her at the ceremony and uh, predicted that she was going to be here last night…"

Tony: "(scoffs and he rolled his eyes) And, why did you do that?"

Lucy: "Because she kept bugging me about my device, and she made a mean comment about you not being a religious person. She said just because you were a weapons designer, you didn't believe in God. She insulted me right in my face! And so I betted a hundred bucks that she would be here. Speaking of which… (She held her hand out to her father) ...that would be one hundred and twenty bucks, please."

Tony: "(he sighed a little as he got his wallet out) You know, I really need to stop doing these bets with you."

Lucy: "Where's the fun in that? Besides, I like having extra cash."

Tony pulls out his wallet and puts the money into his daughter's hand as if she was on a game show.

Tony: "(pretending to hold a microphone) Congratulations Lucille Stark! You have won a hundred and twenty dollars for your playing 'Girl's Night Out with the Starks'!"

Lucy: "(laughs real hard as she puts the money in her pocket, but then sighs sadly) Do you really have to go?"

Tony: "I'm afraid I do, honey. But, don't worry, everything's going to be fine and I'll be back before you know it."

Lucy: "(she nodded as she held her father's hands) Just promise me that you'll be careful over there."

Tony: "You're not coming to the airport?"

Lucy: "(she shook her head) I have to get school soon. I told you I was going back today."

Tony: "Are you sure? I mean, you don't have to go back, Lucy. Everyone knows that you…"

Lucy: "(interrupting) Dad! I'll be fine. I need my friends. Plus, it's better to have physical contact with people. It's been six months since the accident, and two months since I have seen my friends in person. I want to go back."

Tony: "(he nodded as he hugged his daughter) I will be careful if you promise to be careful."

Lucy: "(she laughed a little as she pulled away) Alright. It's a deal."

Tony smiled and kissed his daughter on her cheek.

Tony: "Good luck today. Feel free to call or text or whatever, no matter what time."

Lucy: "(she nodded) I promise, I will. Love you, Dad."

Tony: "Love you too, sweetheart."

She turned and started to head out of the workshop. She stole one glance back at Tony as she waved a little. Tony smiled and watched as Lucy walked back up the stairs, and got back to work on his cars.

As Tony went back to work on his cars, he started to worry about Lucy. Ever since the accident, he started to become more concerned about his daughter's safety, sometimes consumed with fear and worry whenever Lucy was out of his sight. He would never show this type of behavior in front of Lucy or in public, he would put on a good face for everyone. But Tony knows that the fear inside of him will never go away.

Meanwhile, Christine Everhart had woken up and was walking around the mansion.

Christine Everhart: "Tony? Hey, Tony?"**

Christine walks around in the living room and looks at one of Tony's pictures when a voice is heard.

Lucy: "Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in."

Christine turned when she heard Lucy's voice. Lucy was leaning against the wall at the bottom of the stairs with her arms crossed and a smug smile on her face. Christine started blushing, she was dressed only in one of Tony's shirts – the one that he had worn the night before. Certainly not the appropriate outfit to greet Tony Stark's daughter in.

Christine Everhart: "(clears throat but still talks nervously) Hello Miss Stark."

Lucy: "Miss Everhart, whatever are you doing here so early in the morning? (Lucy said, in a mocking tone) With only…one of my father's shirts on? Did you enjoy your night at the Stark Mansion?"

Christine blushed again, but she tried to maintain an annoyance at the way Lucy was talking to her. She arched an eyebrow as she started walking towards Lucy.

Christine Everhart: "Miss Stark, I…"

Jarvis: "(speaks through the speakers of the Mansion) Lucille, it is time for you to leave for school."

Christine Everhart: "(jumps in fear) Jesus! What was that?"

Pepper: "That's Jarvis. He runs the house."**

Pepper replied, appearing several feet away from Lucy. Christine turns to face Pepper. Lucy smiled at her father's secretary.

Pepper: "I've got your clothes here. They've been dry-cleaned and pressed, and there's a car waiting for you outside that will take you anywhere you'd like to go."**

Christine Everhart: "(starts walking towards Pepper) You must be the famous Pepper Potts."**

Pepper: "Indeed I am."**

Christine Everhart: "(grabs her clothes from Pepper's hand) After all these years, Tony still has you picking up the dry-cleaning."**

Lucy gasped slightly when Christine made that comment. She knew that Pepper was more than just a secretary, she was the only person to keep Tony on track with his chaotic lifestyle.

Pepper: "(smiles) I do anything and everything that Mr. Stark requires, including, occasionally, taking out the trash. Will that be all?"**

Lucy covers her mouth as she sniggers softly. She walks over to the couch and grabs her backpack as Christine scoffs and walks back upstairs to get dressed.

Lucy: "(chuckles and pats Pepper's shoulder) That was beautifully handled. The way you do it every time amuses me."

Pepper: "Oh, I try to do my best. I wish you good luck today at school. Feel free to come home, if you need to."

Lucy: "Thanks, Pepper, I will. (She was about to walk away when she remembered something and turned back towards Pepper) Oh! By the way, I was thinking about taking you out to dinner and maybe go see a movie tonight for your birthday, if you'd like. I don't know if you have any other plans or anything…"

Pepper: "(she smiled) I have plans for lunch, but nothing for dinner. Thanks, Lucy."

Lucy: "(she returned the smile) You're welcome! Just pick a place, any place you want. I'll be home around 4:30. I'll be paying! (She turned to walk out the door and puts her backpack on her shoulder)."

Lucy walks out of the front door and onto the driveway. She walked past the car that Pepper had up front of the house for Miss Everhart. Inside the car, with the window down reading a magazine was Nigel, one of the limo drivers that worked for Tony.

Lucy: "(walking past the car) Morning Nigel!"

Nigel: "(looking up from the magazine) Mornin' Miss Stark. Have a nice day at school. Are you sure you don't want me or Happy to take you there?"

Lucy: "(waved goodbye to Nigel) I appreciate it, but I'll be fine."

As Lucy walked to the red Ferrari F430 that her father got her for her 16th birthday, she started to feel nervous. Ever since the accident, Tony had her car replaced with an identical one since the other was still at the bottom of the sea. It was the first time she had gotten in her car since the accident. She opened the door and sat inside.

Lucy: "(takes a deep breath and then talks to herself) You got this, Lucy. You got this. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Lucy grabbed her key from her pocket and then she dropped it on the floor by her feet. She sighs and reaches down her hand to get it. Just as she was about to grab the key, the floor started to feel wet. She lifted her foot and saw that the bottom of her shoe was wet as if she stepped in a puddle, and then suddenly, everything went dark all around, and the car started filling up with water. Lucy started breathing panicky, she was having a panic attack. When the water was up to the dashboard, Lucy couldn't handle it and she got out of the car.

Lucy: "(gasps for breath, looks back inside the car and realizes that she was hallucinating and the car was completely dry. She sighed in relief and get back inside)"

Once Lucy got back into the car, she turned the key, starting the ignition and putting her hands around herself.

Lucy: "(breathless) Jarvis, you with me?"

Jarvis: "As always, Lucille."

Lucy: "(breathless and stuttering) Run a scan of me please. I think… there's something wrong. (Continues to breath to calm down)"

During the hours Lucy spent bedridden at the Mansion, Tony installed Jarvis into her car, making it so that it would be safer for Lucy to drive whenever she got into her car again.

Jarvis: "(runs a quick scan on Lucy) Scan complete. Blood pressure is quite high. There is no sign of cardiac anomaly or unusual brain activity. My diagnosis is that you've experienced a severe anxiety attack."

Lucy: "(pauses for a moment before responding) Me?"

Jarvis: "Yes ma'am."

Lucy: "(takes a deep breath while grabbing her running her hands through her hair) Alright. I think it passed. I'm good now. But just in case, help me get to school safely."

Jarvis: "Of course madam. Also, I would suggest that sometime in your travels, you need to get gas. You are at a quarter of a tank."

Lucy: "Alright. Make that a reminder for later."

Lucy pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, driving for the first time since the accident and praying that no other accidents would occur, heading straight to Beverly Hills High School.

Thankfully, there were no paparazzi in sight. But, that didn't mean that Lucy and her Ferrari didn't draw any attention when she pulled into the school's parking lot.

Jarvis: "Good luck today, Lucille. (Jarvis said, as Lucy put her sunglasses on and grabbed her backpack)"

Lucy: "Thank you, Jarvis. (Lucy said, as she stared at the people beginning to crowd around the car) I'm going to need it."

Everyone was shocked and surprised when they saw her. As she got out of the car and locked the door, she began making her way through the crowd, people began whispering.

Student 1: "I thought she died!"

Student 2: "I can't believe she's back!"

Student 3: "She's been gone for months!"

Student 4: "I heard that she was paralyzed."

Lucy pulled the sunglasses off of her eyes once she got into the building, walking the familiar pathway towards her locker as people continued to stare and whisper.

Even some of the teachers smiled to see Lucy again. When Lucy arrived at her locker, she saw a bunch of get-well cards and "welcome back" paintings and pictures attached all over it. Lucy smiles gracefully, she picks one of the cards off the locker and starts reading it.

Liv: "Well, well, well. (Said a familiar voice) Looks like America's Golden Girl has returned to steal the spotlight once again."

Lucy paused and turned to find her 'arch-nemesis' Olivia "Liv" Martin standing behind her. Liv was the niece of Justin Hammer, Tony's business rival. Standing beside each side of her were her two friends, Paisley Dunning and Kennedy Ross. Together, the trio were the most popular girls in school.

Lucy: "(sighs annoyingly) Nice to see you too, Liv. Have you been keeping my locker warm for me? (Lucy replied, coldly) I'm sure that the last few months must've been great for you."

Liv: "(she arched an eyebrow) And I see you haven't changed that much, except for the obvious change in your appearance. (she said while looking at the glowing light-blue square shining through the back of Lucy's shirt.) Anyway, you'll be happy to hear that we have been studying the body in Anatomy since you've been gone. The spinal cord, the nerves, and the muscles. I'm sure that you must be an expert in those things."

Lucy: "(stares annoyingly at Liv) I may be an expert in a lot of things. (Lucy shot back) But I'm actually kind and generous to people. Unlike you who wins every beauty pageant every year, insult anyone else who is not rich or have a sense of style, and keep getting bad grades despite being good at everything else. Unfortunately, makeup stuffed faces and nice dresses won't get you anything above 'C-minus'."

Liv's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Lucy chuckled a little as she looked at Paisley and Kennedy.

Lucy: "And it won't help if you keep hanging out with these two. They don't do much for your image, if you ask me, they can be the next generation of Dumb and Dumber. Their brains are the size of walnut nuts."

The kids standing around them had to stifle chuckles as Lucy talked.

Lucy: "(she took a couple steps up to Liv) So why don't you go and hang out with people more at your level? Preschool is just down the street."

Liv's fists clenched as Paisley and Kennedy gasped.

Liv: "(she pointed at Lucy angrily) This isn't over! (she said, gritting her teeth) You will lose the spotlight again! And, when you do, I will be there to take over."

Lucy: "Yeah, yeah. (Lucy said, crossing her arms) You're just upset that somebody dropped a house on your sister and a bucket of water is going to mess up your clown makeup!"

The other kids started laughing as Liv and her posse stormed off down the hallway, no doubt to the bathroom to plot their revenge. Lucy smiled, almost triumphantly, when she heard voices in the distance.

Rachel: "We know that voice anywhere! (another familiar voice said)"

Paige: "Could it be our best friend in the entire world?!"

Lucy turned to find her best friends, Rachel Chase and Paige McCallister, standing behind her.

Lucy: "(squeals happily) Rachel! Paige!"

She smiled and each of them practically ran into each other's arms. Ever since the accident, the three friends have been video chatting, but actually being able to physically hang out again was wonderful.

Lucy: "(sighs happily) It's great to see you two! I've missed you so much!"

Rachel: "Us too! You look amazing! It's been different around here without you."

Paige: "Yeah. We want to make sure that your first day back is as safe as possible. (She quickly rushes over to Lucy and puts her hand on her forehead) Are you feeling okay? Do you feel hot or cold? What is your pain level? Do you need a pillow, Tylenol, bottle water, or us to carry you? I also have foldable crutches in my backpack if you need them."

Rachel and Lucy blinked confusedly at Paige.

Lucy: "Ok, first of all, I am fine! You're starting to sound like Dad and Pepper. You don't need to worry. And second, why do you have foldable crutches in your backpack?"

Paige: "I have my reasons. Plus, we're worried because we are best friends."

Rachel: "Yeah, Paige is right. We always watch each other's backs."

Lucy: "Well, keep your worries to yourself. (Lucy joked, putting her arms around Rachel and Paige's shoulders) Come. Help me to our next class. I'm a little out of practice."

Rachel: "(she laughed) Of course, Your Highness. (she joked)"

Paige: "It would be our honor. Your wish is our command. (she joked)"

The three friends laughed as they walked away to the first class of the morning.

Crossfades to Lucy, Rachel, and Paige eating lunch in the school cafeteria. The morning had flown by pretty quickly.

Lucy: "So, was Liv lying when she said that we are learning about the body in Anatomy?"

Rachel: "(sighs) No she wasn't. When Ms. Amberson heard that you were coming back, she changed her lesson plan so that we started the spinal cord on the day you got back."

Lucy: "Lovely. (Lucy replied, taking a bite of her sandwich) Let me guess. I'm going to be the prime topic of conversation?"

Paige: "(she nodded as she took a slip of her drink) I wouldn't be surprised. What that thing in your back is doing is truly amazing technology, Lucy. Has your father allowed it to be used for other patients suffering from paralysis?"

Lucy: "Yes he has. After he knew that it worked on me, he allowed the doctors to use it for other people as well. The only problem is that not everyone wants to use something like this. Some people are really stubborn about these things, you know?"

Paige: "It's understandable. I mean, so many things could go wrong with technology."

Lucy: "(laughing) Thanks for the reminder."

Paige: "Don't mention it."

Lucy smiled and shook her head as she finished her sandwich and began eating her chips. Rachel took a bite of her cheese pizza before speaking.

Rachel: "Anyway, I heard that your dad was leaving for a weapons demonstration. Has he left yet?"

Lucy: "Yeah. He left sometime after I left this morning. Pretty sure that he was late, as usual, because I could tell that Pepper was even more eager to get the newest one-nighter out of the house."

Rachel: "New one-nighter? (Rachel said, arching an eyebrow) He hasn't had one since the accident, has he?"

Paige: "Yeah. It's been, what, six months? What was the occasion?"

Lucy: "The Apogee Awards were last night. There were lots of eager reporters."

Rachel and Paige laughed. They knew Tony and his habits very well.

Rachel: "(taking a slip of her drink) So, who was it this time?"

Lucy: "Her name was Christine Everhart from Vanity Fair. (Lucy replied, as she ate a potato chip)"

Paige: "Huh, that's funny. My Dad did an article about Vanity Fair around the time of your accident. He said that when he met Miss Everhart, he described her as, and I say in quotes, 'she was like a grownup Veruca Salt, only less of a brat and more obnoxious'."

Lucy and Rachel laughed real hard. They knew that Paige's father worked for the Los Angeles Times, and how comedic he was with his work.

Lucy: "(still laughing) Yes! That's a perfect description of the way she was!"

Rachel: "(finished laughing) Whew. Wow, that was hilarious. (Clears throat) Anyway, what about Pepper? Did she go last night?"

Lucy: "(she shook her head) No. But, Obadiah did. And Rhodey too. Plus, he was the one presenting the award."

Rachel: "That must have been fun."

Lucy: "It was interesting, a little annoying, but interesting. Plus, I made $120 bucks out of it, so it wasn't too bad."

Paige: "(chuckles) Let me guess. He didn't show up for the award?"

Lucy: "Nope, he played in the casino instead. But I made a lovely acceptance speech, you girls really would've loved it."

The three girls started laughing when a boy walked up to their table.

Wyatt: "Hey Lucy."

Lucy: "(she looked up and smiled) Wyatt! (she exclaimed, standing and hugging her other best friend) Oh my God! How are you?"

Wyatt Johnson smiled when Lucy hugged him. He had known Lucy, Rachel, and Paige since middle school and, from the moment he saw her, had a secret crush on Lucy.

Wyatt: "Not bad. (he replied, as they pulled away) What about you?"

Lucy: "Ugh! I've been getting that question all day! I might as well wear a sign on my shirt that says 'I am all better now.' (Lucy complained, as she sat back down)"

Wyatt: "(he laughed as he looked at Rachel) Ok. I guess that answers my question."

Rachel: "Leave it to Lucy not to care for herself. (Rachel replied as she finished her pizza)"

Wyatt: "So, Lucy, since today is Pepper's birthday, do you have something planned?"

Lucy: "Yes I do. I'm thinking about taking her out to dinner and then a movie."

Paige: "Ooh! We can go see the new Die Hard movie, Live Free or Die Hard, you know that I'm a big fan of Bruce Willis."

Wyatt: "(teasing) Aren't we all?"

The four friends laugh as a crash is heard in the distance. They turn their heads to see everyone laughing at a teenage boy who got knocked on the ground spilling his food. Lucy felt bad for the boy.

Lucy: "Poor kid. Who is he? I haven't seen him around here before."

Rachel: "Oh, sorry Lucy. Paige and I forgot to tell you, that's Quentin. Quentin Beck. He's the new kid in town."

Wyatt: "Yeah. He only just started here several days ago, and as you can see, Liv and the others have already broke him in."

Paige: "I just hope that fall didn't break that pretty face of his. Because it is hard not to look at. (Everyone stares at Paige confused) What? It is."

Lucy chuckled as she got up and walked over to Quentin and helped him clean up.

Lucy: "Here. Let me help you. (Lucy said as she picked up a soda can off the floor) I'm sorry about Liv. She's the popular girl here. Don't let her get to you."

Quentin: "Thank you uh, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. (said Quentin sheepishly as he put his tray on a table and wiped his shirt off)"

Lucy was picking up the silverware off of the floor when she saw a small notepad under the table. She picked it up and saw drawings and sketches of Quentin's ideas.

After looking at the pages for several seconds, she hands the pad back to Quentin.

Lucy: "Excuse me. Is this yours?"

Quentin was still wiping off the crumps on the shirt when he heard Lucy and looked up at her.

Quentin: "Oh yes, thank you. (He grabs his notepad from Lucy's hand) I'm glad that it's not messed up. It would be a shame if I had to start my work all over again from scratch."

Lucy: "Are you like an artist or something? I couldn't help but notice the sketches in your notepad. I must say that they're very good."

Quentin: "(chuckles sheepishly) Well, I'm actually a designer. I plan to one day update computer technology, especially holograms. I've always been fantasized by them. (Said Quentin excitedly) I would love to perfect them someday, you know?"

Lucy: "That sounds really cool!"

Quentin: "Thanks. (Then he reached his hand out for a handshake) Uh… I'm Quentin, by the way. Quentin Beck."

Lucy: "(shakes Quentin's hand) And I'm Lucy Stark."

Quentin: "(gasps as he pulls back his hand. And starts stuttering as he spoke) You-yo-you're Lucy Stark?! The daughter of the famous Tony Stark?!"

Lucy: "(blushes and giggles a little) Indeed I am. Are you a fan of my father?"

Quentin: "Who isn't? Your father is well known. I mean, I heard from the other students that you attend here, but I had no idea. It's a pleas.. uh, it's an honor to meet."

Lucy: "Nice to meet you too. (Just then, the bell rang for the students to head to class)

I have to go to class. See you around. (Lucy walks away)"

Quentin chuckles nervously as he waves goodbye as Lucy walks back to Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt, the four friends grabbed their trays.

Rachel: "(talking romantically) Sooo… what did he say?"

Paige: "(talking romantically) Did he ask you out on a date? I can see the love connection now. (Starts talking in a deep voice) Ohh I love you so much Lucy. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen! Let's kiss and make out. (Makes smooches)"

Lucy: "(laughs sarcastically) Ok Miss-Drama-Queen. For your information, nothing happened. I just helped him and I introduced myself. No biggie."

Paige: "Think again sister. (takes out a magazine out of her purse after she threw away her trash) It's all here in J-14 magazine."

Wyatt: "(scoffs) You're hilarious Paige. Still reading the information that's in those things?"

Paige: "Of course! J-14 is never wrong. I've been my roadmap to womanhood since I was twelve."

Wyatt: "(takes the magazine out of Paige's hand) Uh-huh. Does your 'roadmap' have to include shirtless pictures of Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson? (He said jokingly while showing the pages with the pictures on them)"

Paige: "(takes back her magazine from Wyatt) Hey! Can't we all be fans of the Twilight series?"

Rachel: "(laughs) I think what Paige is trying to say here Lucy, is that Quentin is in love with you. Don't you think he is cute?"

Lucy: "(scoffs) He's not that cute. (Rachel and Paige stare at her) Ok, maybe a little."

Wyatt: "(chuckles) Alright. I'll see you girls later after class. I doubt that Ms. Amberson will be getting a good report."

Lucy: "(she sighed as the four friends threw their trash away) Tell me about it."

Cuts to Lucy and her friends in Anatomy Class. Ms. Amberson, one of the anatomy teachers at Beverly Hills High, was explaining about the spinal cord.

Ms. Amberson: "The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, which extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It encloses the central canal of the spinal cord, which contains cerebrospinal…"

While Ms. Amberson was talking, Lucy wrote a note for Quentin to read. She quietly asked for the note to be passed to Quentin. When he got the note, he read it and it said, "We are throwing a party for my dad's assistant later on today, would you like to come?" Quentin looked over at Lucy, he smiled and nodded. Lucy smiles back.

Ms. Amberson: "...it allows for neural signals, or messages to be sent from the brain to the rest of the body. Should something happen to your spine, horrible things could happen. Including paralysis."

Lucy started to feel uneasy as Ms. Amberson's eyes landed on her. She could tell her face was going red. Wyatt patted her on the shoulder, as if he was trying to reassure her that everything would be ok.

Ms. Amberson: "As most of you probably know by now, we have Miss Stark joining us again. (Ms. Amberson continued) Now, as you all know, Miss Stark was involved in a horrible accident a few months ago, in which her spine was severely damaged. But, due to the wonders of the 21st Century, Miss Stark is with us here today, able to move as if nothing was wrong. Miss Stark, would you mind coming to the front of the room?"

Lucy nodded nervously and stood up. She couldn't ignore Liv's mocking glare as she made her way to the front of the classroom.

Ms. Amberson: "(she smiled as Lucy turned to face the class) Miss Stark, would you mind showing us your device?"

Lucy nodded again and turned, partially lifting her shirt so that the device in her back was clear for everyone to see. The other kids in the class, including Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt, gasped and stared in awe at the light-purple square in the middle of Lucy's spine.

Ms. Amberson: "This device was produced by Stark Industries, which is the company that Miss Stark's father owns. Its purpose is to stimulate the nerves and muscles surrounding the spine so that they would function once again. As you can see, Miss Stark is fully functioning, so the device is doing its job. But, should the device for some reason leave her body, she would be paralyzed again within a half an hour. Any questions?"

Liv raised her hand, a cocky smile on her lips. Lucy lowered her shirt, turned, and rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.

Ms. Amberson: "Yes, Liv?"

Liv: "(she lowered her hand) I thought that Stark Industries was primarily a weapons company. Is this device somehow a weapon? And should we be on guard whenever Lucy's around?"

Lucy: "Stark Industries doesn't just work with weapons. (Lucy snapped, before Ms. Amberson had a chance to respond) We dealt in many other fields."

Liv: "(she arched an eyebrow) Well, you know just as well as I do that my Uncle Justin deals in the weapons business too. And he does a pretty good job at it."

Lucy: "(scoffs annoyingly) Is that so? Because the only two things that Justin Hammer is known for is, one, all of the weapons he makes are pieces of junk or don't work at all, and two, the weapons that he does make are made by other people and he takes the credit for them. It's a known fact."

Rachel, Paige, Wyatt, and a few students nodded in agreement about Justin Hammer. Liv scolded with anger, but then she thought of an insult that she knew would blow Lucy's top.

Liv: "Really? Is it also a 'known fact' that your grandfather helped to build the atomic bomb? And he was also accused of selling his own weapons to enemies of the state after WW2?"

Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt watched as Lucy's fists clenched. They looked at each other before putting their eyes back on Lucy.

Ms. Amberson: "Miss Martin! This has nothing to do with this class. (She exclaimed)"

Liv: "I'm sorry, Ms. Amberson. But, if a weapons company is suddenly making life-saving devices, I'd be a little afraid of what those so-called 'life saving' devices can really do."

Lucy: "(very angry) "Oh, if you'd like to see a weapon, I got one right here."

Before anyone could stop her, Lucy was in front of Liv's desk. In one smooth movement, Lucy punched Liv across the jaw, sending her crashing to the ground. Paisley and Kennedy surrounded their fallen leader as Wyatt leapt up and held Lucy back from doing any more damage.

Lucy: "(she shook her head) You have no idea how long I wanted to do that."

Ms. Amberson: "Lucille Stark! (She exclaimed) Principal's Office! Now!"

Lucy ripped herself out of Wyatt's grasp as she angrily grabbed her backpack and stormed out of the room. Liv practically cradled her jaw as Paisley and Kennedy rushed to wipe the blood coming from Liv's lip. Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt grabbed their bags and practically glared at Ms. Amberson before they too left the room, not caring if they got in trouble or not.

Tony: "(talking through the phone) She did what?!"

Pepper closed her eyes for a moment as the Stark limo drove down the road, heading back to the Stark Mansion. After the incident at the school, Pepper had to go down and talk to Lucy's principal. The principal let Lucy go home early, she drove herself home while Pepper headed back home in the limo, and called Tony to inform him of everything.

Pepper: "Apparently, she got into a fight during her anatomy class. One of her classmates decided to… pick at the past…"

Tony: "Pick at the past? What is that supposed to mean?"

Pepper: "Some mean things were said. Like the time your father was accused of selling weapons to the enemy of state, the atomic bomb, and Lucy's device was suspected of being a high tech weapon."

Tony: "(he sighed and exclaimed) I knew it! I knew that she shouldn't have gone back! For God's sake, she doesn't need to go back, she's technically done with school! Already graduated!"

Pepper: "Tony, I understand where you are coming from, but Lucy has a point as well. She wanted to be social again. She wouldn't be able to make any friends if she didn't go to school. Despite the fact that she has already finished her schooling."

Tony: "Put her on the line. I want to talk to her."

Pepper: "I'm not with her right now, Tony. She drove herself to school."

Tony sighed again. Pepper knew that Tony was regretting leaving to go to Afghanistan.

Pepper: "Tony, don't worry. (she assured him) Everything will be fine. You'll be home again before you know it and you and Lucy can have a long talk about what happened."

Tony: "I'm not mad at her, Pepper, I just wish I was there for her."

Pepper: "You are. You always are. She knows that. Right now, just focus on the demonstration. After that is over, you can focus all of your attention on Lucy. Just let me focus on Lucy right now, alright?"

Pepper could tell that Tony was smiling, though she couldn't see him.

Tony: "What would I do without you?"

Pepper: "(she chuckled) Probably not much. (she replied) Will that be all, Mr. Stark?"**

Tony: "That will be all, Ms. Potts"**

Pepper smiled to herself as she hung up the phone. As the limo turned into the driveway, she saw Lucy leaning against her Ferrari. The limo pulled to a stop and Pepper got out.

Lucy: "So, what did he say?"

Pepper shook her head. She wasn't surprised that Lucy knew she had called Tony.

Pepper: "He's not mad at you, if that's what you're looking for."

Lucy: "Really? (Lucy said, as she followed Pepper into the house) He's not?"

Pepper: "No, he isn't. (Pepper replied) But, don't think that he's not going to have a discussion with you about it when he gets home."

Lucy groaned as Pepper went into the kitchen and poured both of them a glass of water.

Lucy: "That's great. That's almost worse than him just grounding me."

Pepper: "(she laughed a little) I'm sure that you'll be able to get through it. Now, tell me. Where are we going out for dinner tonight?"

Lucy: "Huh? (Realizing that she forgot about Pepper's birthday dinner) Oh dang it! I was supposed to call in the reservations, but I forgot."

Pepper: "(chuckles a little) Don't worry about it. I made them this morning, and I asked Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt if they could come too."

Lucy: "Really?"

Pepper: "Yes. And, I also invited them to stay over after dinner. To help get over after today's events."

Lucy: "(she squealed a little and hugged Pepper) Thanks, Pepper. You're the best!"

Pepper smiled as she hugged her boss's daughter.

Pepper: "Anytime, Lucy. Anytime."

Whew! That was a long chapter. Lol!

Here's the third 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.

I must say, writing this chapter was fun. I tried to add a lot of high school stuff, like in Spider Man: Homecoming. Fun fact, Beverly Hills High School is a real school in Los Angeles. A lot of famous rich actors, musicians, authors, and even producers went to that school. My Nana helped me pick it out.

TRIVIA: Rachel Chase's last name is a reference from the show Medium (Season 3, Episode 7 "Mother's Little Helper")

Paisley Dunning and Ms. Amberson's names are references from the 11/22/63 novel by Stephen King.

Paige McCallister's name is a reference to the McCallister family from the Home Alone movie from 1990.

Since Quentin Beck (Mysterio) already made his debut in Spider Man: Far From Home. I decided to write him all the way back in the first Iron Man, so we can see his character evolve to that (magical, technical) supervillain we all love and hate at the same time.

The scene with Lucy having a panic attack in her car is similar to Tony's panic attack in Iron Man 3.

When Liv talks about Howard Stark being accused of selling his weapons to enemies of the state after WW2, is a reference to Season 1 of the Agent Carter TV series.

UPDATE: I rewrote Chapter 3 after I had a talk with HistoryGirl22. And I changed the portrayals of three characters in the story.

Wyatt Johnson's actor changed from Jesse McCartney to Lucas Till (who portrayed Alex Summers in the X-Men films).

Kennedy Ross' actor changed from Selena Gomez to Andi Eystad.

Rachel Chase's actor changed from Kristen Drust to Alexia Fast.

The gender of Mr. Amberson was changed from a man to a woman, and she's portrayed by Ali Hillis.

I added a new character to the story, Paige McCallister, Lucy's another best friend. And as her father, Mr. McCallister, he'll probably make an appearance in this story.

And lastly, I added Nigel, a minor character to this story (he'll probably only be seen in the first Iron Man film).

UPDATE 2: I rewrote Chapter 3 a little bit. I changed Chelsea Cooper to a new character; now her name is Olivia "Liv" Hammer, the niece of Justin Hammer (who was played by Sam Rockwell in Iron Man 2), is Lucy's 'arch-nemesis'. And she's portrayed by Alexandra Daddario.

NOTE: Here's the cast of the characters that were in this chapter.

Nigel is portrayed by Brendan Fraser in this saga.

Rachel Chase is portrayed by Alexia Fast in this saga.

Paige McCallister is portrayed by Bailey Noble in this saga.

Wyatt Johnson is portrayed by Lucas Till in this saga.

Olivia "Liv" Hammer is portrayed by Alexandra Daddario in this saga.

Paisley Dunning is portrayed by Amanda Seyfried in this saga.

Kennedy Ross is portrayed by Andi Eystad in this saga.

Quentin Beck is portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal in this saga.

Ms. Amberson is portrayed by Ali Hillis in this saga.

I hope that you enjoy this new chapter! Please read and review!