Stark's Daughter

Chapter 11 :

(First day of 6th grade)

I really wanted to be home schooled by the Avengers, but Dad insists that I need to make some friends my own age. He also insists that I need to get out of the tower once in a while. That once in a while is turning into Monday through Friday, eight a.m to three p.m. Steve took the bullet today and drove me to school. He's a big believer in being early, so now we sit in his sports car, waiting for the school doors to unlock.

I'm not one to get anxious on the first day of school, but I'm in a new school with new people... and that terrifies me. I have to learn the layout of the school, where all my classes are, who my teachers are, and where to sit at lunch. On top of all of that, I have to make new friends. Normally, I'd have the same teachers, classmates, and classes. This is a whole new ball-field for me. I keep taking deep breaths to stop my heart from exploding in my chest.

I tap my finger, timidly, on the center console. My leg bounces up and down, causing the whole car to shake. My mind is racing too much for me to notice Steve getting annoyed.

"Hey, Steph. It's going to be okay. You've got this. You have nothing to worry about" Steve says calmly; "I'll be right here after school, I promise. Just breathe and stay confident. You'll pass this year with flying colors."

I pause my tapping and bouncing, then look over at him, "nothing to worry about? Steve, I'll be the new girl- an outcast. I've never had to be the new girl at school. I don't even know what 'flying colors' means. Is it a flag or a rainbow? How is that supposed to help me pass?"

Steve chuckles, "it means you'll do great. Stephanie, you're going to be okay."

"That's easy for you to say. You're famous, Steve. You're known around the world. I, on the other hand, will always be some sort of outcast. Even when I was at the foster home, I was an outcast." I slide down in the seat a little.

"I understand more than you think. I was an outcast too. It's just a phase, and like all things, it will pass. You have to hang in there and be yourself. I know you're stressed, but be easy on yourself. You need to stop thinking so negatively." Steve replies easily.

I take a deep breath, "you're right. I'm sorry, Steve. I'm just really nervous."

"You've got this, kiddo. Don't think too much about it." He smiles, "I think the doors are open now. Get in there and have a good day. I'll see you after school."

I open the car door and get out. Before I close it, I peek my head back in the door to say 'thanks, Steve'. I'm honestly surprised Steve stayed calm. Not once did he raise his voice at me. If I had been smarting off to anyone else, I probably would've gotten my mouth busted. I'm lucky to have him in my life. He never fails to give me good advice when I need it the most.

As I walk into the middle school, I feel my nerves soothe a tiny bit. I can't be the only new girl here. I wonder how many other people are nervous... Within two minutes of being inside, I lock eyes with someone. My heart stops. No thudding, no tapping, no heartbeat. My feet are locked in place, as I stare at the face of Mary Collins. She walks with her two goons at her side. This can't be real. This is just a dream. Walk out of here, Stephanie. You've got crazy dreams, but this one is a little too real for my liking.

I break eye contact as soon as I can. It takes everything in me to pick up my feet and walk. The three of them walk down the hallway towards me, locking arms. I could turn around and walk out of the school, but that'd be rolling over on my belly... and I just can't do that. I basically hug the wall and keep my head down, desperately hoping she doesn't choose me as her next victim. Why are they here?! They begin to pass me. Quickly, Mary's arm shoots out in front of me, preventing me from going any further. Her two puppets corner me.