Scene 1

Xavier Institute

The bus engine roared to life as the tail pipe spurted out exhaust. A warm breeze tugged a few strands of hair loose from Rogue's ponytail. She tucked them behind her ear.

"Rogue!" Kitty called out of breath as she ran over to the side of the bus where Rogue was standing.

"Jason can't come."

"Is he alright?" The alright in her voice held a faint southern accent.

"Dr. McCoy's got him, something about shell fish, cherries and expired milk."

Rogue wrinkled her nose and grimaced.

"I know, exactly!" Kitty mimicked her face.

"So we've got an extra seat. Ok, that settled let's get going before we hit all of the bad traffic." Called an annoyed voice, half muffled by the cigar dangling from his lips.

"Logan," Storm smiled, as she led a flock of teenage children and motioned for them to get onto the bus, "You're going to New York City, there is always traffic."

The man just frowned, grinding his teeth into the cigar.

Kitty hopped on the bus, clipboard in hand, as she counted off tiny figures squirming in their seats.

"Now don't let them get too rowdy, this is an art field trip after all." Storm smiled and walked over to the bus entrance.

Logan sat in the driver's seat pounding his hands against the steering wheel impatiently.

"Logan," Storm said, "Remember you're a teacher, so act like one."

He snorted.

"Let's go kid!" Logan shouted.

Rouge smiled, "I'll see you in four days."

She gave Bobby a light kiss, and turned to walk to the bus when he grabbed her arm, "Be careful."

"Of course," her smile broadened and he released her arm.

"And Logan," Storm called after Rogue had entered the bus, "remember that there are speed limits when driving a school bus."

He slammed the door in her face.