Chapter 19
Skye entered the house to yelling. She’d only been gone half an hour, thinking that leaving all the kids with Ward for that amount of time wouldn’t be a problem. She’d been wrong. It sounded like World War 3 had broken out. She’d nipped out to the shops to buy some personal things she didn’t think Ward would be comfortable buying. He’d said he would be fine minding the kids. Striding into the living room she found Leo and Mel sat playing computer games. A harassed Ward stood juggling Phil and food while trying to keep himself between Jemma and Tripp who were yelling at each other around Ward’s legs. Sighing Skye deposited her bags and went to help. The past week had been like this. Tripp’s arrival hadn’t gone down as well as they’d hoped. Mel had been happy; she finally had someone she could spar with as long as Ward watched. Leo had simply been glad for another boy, as Phil didn’t count, as he wasn’t old enough to play with yet. Jemma had been the one with the problem, she seemed to hate Tripp though couldn’t give anybody a reason why. It had led to them both being snippy and frequently fighting. She was getting fed up but still didn’t have a solution.
Handing Skye Phil, who was watching the fight with avid interest, Ward placed the food down and grabbed both children. Bending down so he was on their level he spoke.
“I’ve had enough of this fighting. Now what is this about?”
Both children began speaking at the same time.
“One at a time. Jemma?” He interjected.
She stared at the floor refusing to speak.
“OK. Jemma I want you to go to your room. I’ll come and speak to you in a minute. Tripp?”
“I don’t know she just started yelling at me. Then I got annoyed so I yelled back. She’s being a baby.”
“Tripp you need to keep your temper. I know you’re unhappy but you’re the oldest. She’s your sister. You don’t have to like it but you need to be nice to her.”
“Sorry Dad.”
“It’s not me you need to say sorry to. I want you to apologise to her when she comes back down.”
“But Dad…” He wined.
“No buts.” Ward stared him down until Tripp nodded sullenly.
“World War 3 averted?” Skye quipped as Ward moved towards her.
“God I hope so! I don’t think I can deal with anymore fights.”
“Maybe we should take them out? Being cooped up can’t help.”
“I suppose. I’d better go talk to Jemma.”
“I’ll go. You sort lunch. Try and think of somewhere where we can go while you’re at it.”
He grinned at her before scooping up Phil and heading to the kitchen. She waited a few seconds savouring the view of her SO from the back before heading upstairs. She entered the girl’s room finding Jemma lying facedown on her bed.
“What’s up Jemma?” She asked quietly sitting down on the bed beside her.
“Nothing.”
“Something must be up. You never fight. Why are you upset with Tripp?”
“It’s not fair.” Jemma wailed, beginning to cry. Flinging her arms around Skye she began to cry into her shoulder.
“What’s not fair?” Skye asked stroking the young girl’s hair gently.
“He’s taking Leo away from me. Leo promised to play with the science set Uncle Bruce gave me. But now Tripp’s here he doesn’t want to play anymore.”
“Sweetie I’m sure he does. Just ask him.”
“I did! He said he wanted to play with Tripp.”
“Why don’t you play with Tripp as well then? Maybe all three of you could use the science set?”
“He wouldn’t want to.”
“Have you asked him?”
“No.”
“Maybe ask him. I’m sure both Leo and Tripp would be happy to play if you asked them nicely.” Skye felt Jemma’s sobs subsiding and sighed slightly. Hopefully this would be the crisis adverted.
Ten minutes later, having dried Jemma’s tears they came downstairs to the smell of burgers. The rest of the kids were sat at the table about to tuck in to the food Ward had placed in front of them. Skye watched with pride as both Jemma and Tripp apologised to one another.
“Everything alright?” Ward questioned handing her a burger. Examining it she saw he’d done it exactly how she liked it, with crispy bacon and a small amount of ketchup.
“Yeah. Jemma was jealous of Tripp. Thought he was stealing Leo away from her. Hopefully its sorted now.” She informed him before taking a big bite of her burger, sauce dripping down the side of her mouth.
“Oh God! This is amazing!” She moaned taking another big bite.
Laughing Ward leaned forward and gently wiped away the sauce.
“Dear God Ward. I could kiss you.” God that man could cook.
“It’s that good?”
“Oh yeah.”
She watched him laugh as he took his own bite of burger.
“It’s just food Skye.”
“No it’s heaven.”
Shaking his head he moved to wipe Phil’s face and hands before ketchup ended up around the house. While he was distracted she considered stealing the rest of his burger but saw that he’d put some in reserve on the counter. Just as well otherwise his was a goner. For someone who hated junk food he couldn’t half cook it.
******************************************************
They’d decided to take them to an indoor play park as it had begun to rain. Maybe if they used up some of there energy. It was a short drive and they divided up the kids between them. That hadn’t lasted long, as soon as the kids had seen the play park they’d gone running off. Skye looked after the bags and drinks while keeping an eye on Leo and Tripp who were playing on some swings. Mel and Jemma were playing tag, running around the cushioned play area. Jumping into ball pits and through rollers. They’d even managed to get some other kids involved in it and seemed to be having a fantastic time.
Ward was with Phil as he was slightly too small to go and play on his own in the play area. She couldn’t help but laugh as Ward carried and climbed with him, having to contort himself to fit in the play area. Both were laughing as Ward went down the slide with Phil on his lap. Although the kids were happy, Skye couldn’t help but smile at Ward. He was clearly loving it as much, if not more than Phil. Using her phone she snapped a couple of pictures before sending them to Nat and Bruce. She knew it may have given them blackmail material but knew they would be happy to see the normally uptight agent enjoying himself.
A short while later Jemma had become tired playing tag and had joined her Dad and Phil in the ball pit. They were both throwing balls at each other, giggling even though they both had terrible aim. Ward had a quick conversation with both of them before heading over to where she was sitting.
“Ok their honey?” She grinned handing him a glass of coke. He was grinning like a little boy, which was totally adorable.
“Phil was having a good time.”
“Aha. Only Phil.”
He looked at her questionably.
“You’re grinning like an idiot sweetie.”
Before he could argue back a voice shouted from the top of the play area.
“I’m the king of the castle and you’re a dirty rascal!”
“Of course it was Mel.” Ward muttered as they watched Leo and Tripp race through the obstacles to try and catch her.
“I think it’s my turn to go in. If you try to get up there you’ll get stuck.”
“I’m not fat!”
“No but you’re over six foot, entering an area meant for under twelve’s. I don’t want to have to call Dad and explain that you’ve managed to get stuck.”
They’d agreed to call Fury Dad in public just in case anybody was listening. He nodded in agreement so she set off into the play area. She had to admit she knew why he had been grinning like an idiot. It was a lot of fun. It wasn’t as if she’d ever been in a place like this before. She could have sworn she saw a flash from where Ward was waiting but dismissed it. He wouldn’t dare take photos! A few minutes later she caught up with her children. A quick conversation later they’d got the message and agreed to be careful and not annoy other children. She was debating on how to get back down when she caught sight of the slide. It was the quickest way down. Nobody could argue with that. Checking to ensure there was no one nearby, she made her decision and threw herself down the slide. Giggling as she reached the bottom she looked up to see Ward beaming at her, his phone in his hand.
“You didn’t!” She gasped. He’d better not have filmed her.
“All’s fair in love and war! Nat is going to love this one!”