The car stopped.
"Thanks again, Logan." The newest teacher told the X-man. The man smiled.
"No prob, kid-O." She frowned. How old was she. Everyone still treated her like a kid. Erika peeked out of the window before she opened the door. The mansion was beautiful. It was a perfect place to start her career as a teacher.
"Are you sure about this. This isn't a normal school, Erika." The woman smiled.
"I'm not normal as well. Besides both you and Xavier agreed that I would be a good match because of my own experience."The man didn't say anymore, but got out of the car and shut the door. Erika got out as well and followed the man. She stayed at his heels, not wanting to get lost on the first day. The hallways were so vast and around corners, people peeked at her, looking at the new girl. Those peeks were followed by whispers and mutters. It wasn't long before she reached the headmasters office. Behind the desk was two people. Xavier and Storm. The woman smiled widely.
"Hello Erika." Xavier greeted. Erika nodded, telling him that she was listening.
"It's good to see you. Professor." Storm smiled, giving a little chuckle, remembering the first meeting with her.
"I trust that you'll enjoy it here. Your room has been set up and Logan will take you to your room and as well as show you the classroom that you will now be working in. I thought over your offer of teaching both history and Japanese, and I think will agree with both."
"Thank you for allowing me to teach." Erika and Logan left the room. While walking towards the bedroom the two were stopped by a student. He wasn't bad looking and he had a wide smile on his face.
"Hey Logan, who's the new hotty student." Erika wanted to hit her head against the wall. She wasn't a kid anymore, why did she look like one?
"Back off. She's the new teacher." Logan warned him.
"What? She looks like she should be in high school." Logan walked off, Erika stayed at his heels. It wasn't long till the tour of campus was over and she found herself in her new classroom. She took a marker to the white board. Writing on it Erika Wynn, Comet. She took a step back to look at her work.
"You know you shouldn't write on the school boards." Erika jumped and turned to the door. Sticking his head in was another adult, most likely a teacher, he was also black-blue and had a tail.
"Please don't scare me." Erika placed a hand on her chest, acting like she almost had a heart attack.
"You wouldn't be scared if you weren't doing something that is not against the rules. The whiteboard is for the teacher not the student." There was another student comment. This time Erika notice his accent.
"I am the new teacher here." she informed him. There was a puff and he appeared closer to the history teacher.
"I'm Nightcrawler, but please call me Kurt." He placed out a hand. Erika grabbed it and shook.
"Comet, but Erika please." He smiled.
"Comet doesn't suit you, Miss. You should add something about your beauty, maybe Mademoiselle Comet." Erika blushed.
"Thank you. I'm honored. I really do like your idea. I was going to add something in Japanese, but your idea is way better." He chuckled.
"You speak Japanese?"
"Yes, I'm fluent and have a degree in it too. However my major was History."
"Really, not may people respect such a major. What made you interested in it?" Erika smiled.
"To me history is huge story that has really happened. So many magical things. What do you teach?"
"Drama."
"Really. That is really cool. I remember when I was little my papa would take me to the plays. I really enjoy it." Erika eyes lite up. The demonic looking teacher grinned.
"You seemed to have grown up well. What do you think of the circus then?" The girl smiled again and let her eyes wander.
"When I was little the first thing I wanted to do when I grew up was be an acrobat. However in the U.S., there is a lack of circus and they are always young pretty girls."
"Oh, don't say that. You are still pretty." What little blush Erika had before must have doubled.
"Hey Kurt, talking to the new teacher." A woman entered the room.
"I'm Jean." She lift her hand
for a shake and Erika gave her one.
"Erika." The woman
smiled and nodded.
"So how do you like it so far here?"
"I thought I would have a hard time fitting in. The only people that I knew was Xaviar, Logan and Storm. However I learn that Kurt and I have some similarities too." She seemed to grin.
"Good. If you need anything come and get me."
"I'll keep that in mind." The clock turned to noon. Jean looked at it then turned back to Erika.
"It's time for lunch. Come, I'm sure the others can't wait to meet you." Jean turned and Erika and Kurt started to walk behind her. The dinning hall was fairly large filled with both teachers and students. The teachers sat at a couple of tables and the students at all the rest. Erika grabbed a couple things for her plate before she sat down next to Nightcrawler. She slowly nibbled a roll. It wasn't long before a small group of teachers joined them. Three men, including Logan, and two woman.
"You must be a new student. Don't worry the other students don't bite. You can sit with them." Kurt chuckled.
"I'm afraid she is the newest teacher." One girl leaned in and took a good look at Erika's face.
"She looks like a kid." she muttered out. Logan grinned. It was well noticed that he was laughing inside.
"I'm Kitty, AKA Shadow Cat."
"Erika Wynn, AKA Mademoiselle Comet."
"Mademoiselle Comet." Logan chuckled.
"Sounds like something Kurt would pick."
"It is." Erika answered with a smile.
"Comet did sound boring." Logan added.
"You're so mean. You know my father gave me the name." Logan had know Erika for a while. He had met her father while he was still alive. Erika's family was a family of mutants. On her father side there was her grandmother and a cousin, her mothers side everyone was a mutant. Finally her parents and siblings were mutants. Erika grew up in a place that outsiders would call Redneckville. There were always a few people who didn't fill the requirements to be a redneck. Erika was on of them. Not that she wasn't willing to get down in the dirt, but her family treated her and her siblings with a high education and a knowledge of fine arts. Logan's phone rang and he turned to the side to answer. He soon closed it.
"I have to go. Erika, your stuff and little pet are here, I'll take it to your room." He seemed to almost spit at the words 'little pet'. Midnight didn't get along with many people.
"I'm sure Midnight would love to see you Logan." With a growl the man walked away.
"Who's Midnight?" Kitty asked.
"Oh, my pet wolf." Erika took a drink. The bell rang and students got up.
"Classes start tomorrow for you, right, I wish you luck." Kitty told the new teacher before leaving. The others left without saying their names, but it seemed that Erika passed their test on being a teacher.
"I'm sorry, but I must leave. I have classes as well. I hope that you'll be okay by yourself." Kurt said.
"I'm sure I'll be find. I think I'll explore the mansion." The man nodded before disappearing into a puff of smoke. It wasn't long before Erika walked alone in the hallways. Not totally sure where she was, but guessing by the noise, there was classrooms nearby. She then walked into a room that she thought was the gym, really it wasn't and was a drama class. Remembering that Kurt was the teacher of this class.
"You did it wrong again, Jeffery, please try again." Kurt's calm voice told the boy.
"I'm sorry, could you please show me how it's done again, would you find someone to do Juliet, that way I know how it's done." Erika loved this play, she had done it herself in high school.
"But Alani is our Juliet and she is sick today." Kurt moved his head and finally spotted Erika.
"Erika, what surprise. Welcome to my class." The woman smiled. "It looks like you need some help." Erika used her powers to lift herself in the air and onto the balcony.
"I think I can help." He only smiled and stood under the balcony. Erika moved back so no one could see her at first. Kurt stepped back behind the curtain before stepping onto the stage. He put on his best moppy face.
"He jests at scars that never felt a wound." He began. Erika stepped out onto the balcony, now the children could she her. Kurt smiled and began his speech as Erika relaxed her hands at the edge of the ledge then looked out like it was a beautiful night and the stars shown bright.
"But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.
It is my lady, O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!"
Erika smiled. "Ay me!" She spoke. Kurt smile widen.
"She speaks:
O, speak again, bright angel! for thou art
As glorious to this night, being o'er my head
As is a winged messenger of heaven
Unto the white-upturned wondering eyes
Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him
When he bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds
And sails upon the bosom of the air."
Erika:
O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.
Kurt Moved to the side.
"Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?"
Erika:
"'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself."
Kurt:
I take thee at thy word:
Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized;
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
Erika then allowed her face be come a bit scared.
What man art thou that thus bescreen'd in night
So stumblest on my counsel?
Kurt:
By a name
I know not how to tell thee who I am:
My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself,
Because it is an enemy to thee;
Had I it written, I would tear the word.
Erika:
My ears have not yet drunk a hundred words
Of that tongue's utterance, yet I know the sound:
Art thou not Romeo and a Montague?
Kurt:
Neither, fair saint, if either thee dislike.
Erika:
How camest thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?
The orchard walls are high and hard to climb,
And the place death, considering who thou art,
If any of my kinsmen find thee here.
Kurt:
With love's light wings did I o'er-perch these walls;
For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do that dares love attempt;
Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me.
Erika:
If they do see thee, they will murder thee.
Kurt:
Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye
Than twenty of their swords: look thou but sweet,
And I am proof against their enmity.
Erika:
I would not for the world they saw thee here.
Kurt:
I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight;
And but thou love me, let them find me here:
My life were better ended by their hate,
Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.
Erika:
By whose direction found'st thou out this place?
Kurt:
By love, who first did prompt me to inquire;
He lent me counsel and I lent him eyes.
I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far
As that vast shore wash'd with the farthest sea,
I would adventure for such merchandise.
Erika:
Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,
Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night
Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny
What I have spoke: but farewell compliment!
Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say 'Ay,'
And I will take thy word: yet if thou swear'st,
Thou mayst prove false; at lovers' perjuries
Then say, Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo,
If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully:
Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won,
I'll frown and be perverse an say thee nay,
So thou wilt woo; but else, not for the world.
In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond,
And therefore thou mayst think my 'havior light:
But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true
Than those that have more cunning to be strange.
I should have been more strange, I must confess,
But that thou overheard'st, ere I was ware,
My true love's passion: therefore pardon me,
And not impute this yielding to light love,
Which the dark night hath so discovered.
Kurt:
Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear
That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops--
Erika
O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
Kurt:
What shall I swear by?
Erika:
Do not swear at all;
Or, if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self,
Which is the god of my idolatry,
And I'll believe thee.
Kurt:
If my heart's dear love--
Erika:
Well, do not swear: although I joy in thee,
I have no joy of this contract to-night:
It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden;
Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be
Ere one can say 'It lightens.' Sweet, good night!
This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath,
May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.
Good night, good night! as sweet repose and rest
Come to thy heart as that within my breast!
Kurt:
O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?
Erika:
What satisfaction canst thou have to-night?
Kurt:
The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.
Erika:
I gave thee mine before thou didst request it:
And yet I would it were to give again.
Kurt:
Wouldst thou withdraw it? for what purpose, love?
Erika:
But to be frank, and give it thee again.
And yet I wish but for the thing I have:
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.
Nurse calls within
I hear some noise within; dear love, adieu!
Anon, good nurse! Sweet Montague, be true.
Stay but a little, I will come again.
Erika moved out of sight again.
Kurt:
O blessed, blessed night! I am afeard.
Being in night, all this is but a dream,
Too flattering-sweet to be substantial.
Erika appeared again.
Erika:
Three words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed.
If that thy bent of love be honourable,
Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow,
By one that I'll procure to come to thee,
Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite;
And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay
And follow thee my lord throughout the world.
A student who must have been the nurse called out.
Madam!
Erika:
I come, anon.--But if thou mean'st not well,
I do beseech thee--
The student called out again.
Madam!
Erika:
By and by, I come:--
To cease thy suit, and leave me to my grief:
To-morrow will I send.
Kurt:
So thrive my soul--
Erika:
A thousand times good night!
Again Erika moved out of sight.
Kurt:
A thousand times the worse, to want thy light.
Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from
their books,
But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.
Kurt stepped back and Erika re-entered the stage.
Erika:
Hist! Romeo, hist! O, for a falconer's voice,
To lure this tassel-gentle back again!
Bondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud;
Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies,
And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine,
With repetition of my Romeo's name.
Kurt:
It is my soul that calls upon my name:
How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues by night,
Like softest music to attending ears!
Erika:
Romeo!
Kurt:
My dear?
Erika:
At what o'clock to-morrow
Shall I send to thee?
Kurt:
At the hour of nine.
Erika:
I will not fail: 'tis twenty years till then.
I have forgot why I did call thee back.
Kurt:
Let me stand here till thou remember it.
Erika:
I shall forget, to have thee still stand there,
Remembering how I love thy company.
Kurt:
And I'll still stay, to have thee still forget,
Forgetting any other home but this.
Erika:
'Tis almost morning; I would have thee gone:
And yet no further than a wanton's bird;
Who lets it hop a little from her hand,
Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
And with a silk thread plucks it back again,
So loving-jealous of his liberty.
Kurt:
I would I were thy bird.
Erika:
Sweet, so would I:
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
Good night, good night! parting is such
sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.
Erika hid from view again.
Kurt:
Sleep dwell upon thine eyes, peace in thy breast!
Would I were sleep and peace, so sweet to rest!
Hence will I to my ghostly father's cell,
His help to crave, and my dear hap to tell.
He then exited the room again.
(FYI:Shakespeare homepage | Romeo and Juliet | Act 2, Scene 2)