The Avengers: A Change of Fate

Chapter 14

Stella regretted her decision as soon as she had to get up so early. Tony was way too happy to wake her up. She managed to get out of bed, brush her mangled hair, and pull on her school uniform before Tony was knocking on the door again. She went down for breakfast, and after scarfing down her meal, went back upstairs to brush her teeth. She had just pulled on her jacket and shoes when Tony came knocking at the door... Again.

"It's time to go!" he said on the other side of the door.

"I know!" Stella shouted back, grabbing her bag.

She opened her door to find Tony waiting for her. He wore a black leather jacket too with a blue-gray partial button up shirt.

"You look like crap," Tony said looking her over.

Stella glared at him before walking down the stairs, "Are you sure you're up for this?" he asked as he followed her.

"What I'm not up for is dealing with you," Stella snapped.

"I could be more annoying," Tony piped up.

Stella let out a huff of air, "Maybe some coffee would help?" Tony suggested.

"I'll be fine," Stella growled.

Tony drove her to school in his silver Infiniti Halo. He stopped at the drop off ramp in front of the office. He looked at Stella for moment as she gathered her things to leave.

"Here, I brought you this," Tony said, handing her a thermos.

Stella gave him a surprised look as she took it, "It's your favorite."

Stella took a sip and almost spit it out, "That is not my favorite."

Tony cracked a smile, "Well, my favorite."

Stella threw the thermos at him and climbed out of the car. She walked into the front office where fall decor was starting to take over. The secretary smiled at her as she approached the desk.

"Welcome back, Stella," she greeted.

Stella ignored her and signed in, "Your father won't be coming in?"

"No," Stella growled, walking away from the reception desk.

"Mrs. Henderson wanted to see you," the receptionist called after her.

Stella sighed and turned around. She went to the principal's office and knocked on the door before opening it.

"Hello, Stella, it's nice to have you back," Mrs. Henderson greeted.

"Good morning, Mrs. Henderson."

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better from Tuesday, thank you."

"I wanted to apologize to you personally for the incident on Tuesday. Behavior isn't usually an issue here."

"It's a bigger issue than you realize," Stella remarked.

"Excuse me?"

Stella rolled her eyes, "Nothing."

Mrs. Henderson gave her a skeptical look, "Anyway, I've taken a few precautionary measures to prevent another fight. You're going to be leaving your classes earlier to avoid the crowds, and I've assigned security to escort you."

"I don't need security."

"Tuesday proved otherwise."

"He caught me off guard."

"And what are you going to do if that is to happen again?"

"I won't be so nice."

"I think you should allow me to provide you with security," Mrs. Henderson said in a stricter tone.