DA Revelations

Episode 14 – Fancy Smancy

Chapter 1 – The Academy

When Kitty Pryde was called into Professor Xavier's office on that gloomy Friday morning, her first instinct was that something might be wrong. It was always the first instinct.

As she stepped through the door, pulling her hooded top tighter around herself, she glanced towards the desk where the Professor was seated, his eyes lifted to greet hers.

"Morning," he said.

"You sounded a bit worried when you called me down," Kitty said as she took a seat without being offered.

Professor Xavier moved some papers from his desk into a drawer, "I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No, of course not," Kitty shook her head, "I was feeding Caleb."

"Ah, how is he?" the Professor asked.

"He's great. His diaper was so bad this morning. It was like...Thai Green Curry...but with the worst smell...like the mens room at a really bad bar."

He smiled, "it's nice to have a baby in the mansion again; it's been the first time in many many years that an infant so young has been living beneath this roof."

"Yeah," said Kitty, she smoothed her hair and tucked it behind her ear. "So...is this just a general visit about Caleb, or is there something specific you wanted to talk about?" she asked.

"Ah," said the Professor, and he smiled, "yes, there is. First, I wanted to let you know that as there is now a baby in the house, I'm arranging for the place to be baby-proofed."

"Wow, that's awesome..." Kitty admitted, "I was worrying about how he's gonna get around when he's older without tearing the place apart."

"Not only will doors and drawers, cupboards and the fridges be proofed, but also, I'm arranging for anything valuable and on display such as ornaments and busts to be moved into the attic, where they can't be broken, or cause any accidents."

"Thank you. It's so thoughtful – and generous," Kitty nodded.

"Second...I wanted to discuss something with you about Jessie."

"What now?" Kitty asked, the threat of distress already making her neck tense.

"She's becoming very restless lately – the lack of children her own age in the institute is causing her a lot of loneliness and making her even more dependent on adults – notably Remy – for companionship."

Kitty sighed sadly, "that's true. I've noticed it more and more. And I think it's gonna make it harder for her to connect to other kids – especially when she gets older and starts attending classes with other students here."

"I'm glad you agree with that," said the Professor, smiling. "I wondered what you thought about perhaps us enrolling her in a mainstream school – at least until her teens."

It was a valid suggestion; Jessie needed kids her own age and she needed to participate with kids outside of the institute, learn how to make friends. She was a mutant. But it didn't mean she had to live her life like one trapped in the mansion – she needed to be with the other kids. Perhaps with some people who were a little more normal than the unorthodox family in the mansion.

"It's a good idea," Kitty agreed, finally, "you're thinking Bayville elementary?"

"Mathers Academy, actually," the Professor replied.

"That's kinda fancy smancy for Jessie, isn't it? And isn't it like, super expensive?"

"It's expensive, but...well, I believe we can make arrangements."

"Will they take her?"

"If I make a contribution...I doubt they can refuse her admission."

"I guess it would make things easier for us all. And I think she'd be happier in the company of other kids."

"Do you agree then?"

"Absolutely...but...why does my opinion matter? I mean, you always know what's best. Besides, she's not really my kid...so..." Kitty suddenly paused, remembering about Remy's say in this. He hadn't had a say.

"Isn't Remy gonna go mad if we stick his daughter in a private school without even asking?"

The Professor scratched his chin, "I want to have this settled as soon as possible, and the less he needs to think about Jessie while he's in recovery, the speedier his recovery will be. Besides, I know if Jessie were my own I would want her to be in the best school possible, to have the best education and Mathers is definitely the nearest place to do so."

"I just hope he agrees with that when he comes back."

"Jessie is still under my own legal guardianship and her education and upbringing are still my responsibility. Even if he didn't agree...he has no legal rights...yet."

"Yet?"

"Just something Jessie said to me last night," the Professor sighed, "She asked if it would be possible for Remy to adopt her."

"Wow...poor kid," said Kitty dully, "being Remy's daughter and not knowing she is...and still wanting to be his kid. It's kind of messed up..."

"Yes. I'm aware."

"Professor, is she...I mean...is there a chance she's gonna grow up like him...with this depression, being messed up, not knowing how to cope with things?"

"Not if we can help it."

"Are you going to tell Remy about what she asked when he gets back from Muir Island?"

Professor Xavier faltered, "I...don't know. Instinct tells me that it would only hinder his recovery and therapy if I reveal this to him too soon. Chances are, after a few weeks at school Jessie might adapt and forget all about her adoption request."

Kitty shook her head, "it's really messed up."

"Bizarrely, she also asked me if Remy is Caleb's."

She blinked in reaction to this rather odd news, "What?! Where the fu—I mean...where could she have come up with such a stupid..."

"I believe the older students are responsible – and I'll be reprimanding them later, I assure you."

"What did you tell her?"

"That Remy is not Caleb's father, and it was really not her place to ask."

"I can't believe she asked that."
"She's a little girl, Kitty. She's afraid of losing peoples love and attention – especially Remy's. And it's not surprising, given her previous upbringing. Six months here and she still hasn't quite realised that she's here for the rest of her life. She thinks it'll all disappear...she's clinging onto what she has."

"I guess then I can't blame her. Still, I wanna know who specifically said that."

"I'll be sure to ask her before I start handing out punishments," said the Professor.

"You're sure she's not lying and just made the idea up?"

"No...she was truthful. I sensed her honesty. By the way...keep a close eye on Jessie if you see her around...yesterday she zapped an elevator panel and got down into the hangar...she's seen everything we have down in there which – as you're aware – could cause problems if she should ever reveal this to anyone she meets in the outside world."

"That's true," Kitty nodded. "How are we going to play that off when she starts going to school?"

"I'm not sure yet, we may have to pre-warn teachers about an overactive imagination."

Kitty raised an eyebrow. "You really think she would tell everyone she meets that we have planes in our basement?"

"Who would even believe her?" the Professor noted.

"Good point," Kitty nodded. "What about the issue of her being mutant – endangering students?"

"I think she has enough control at the moment that she won't be a serious risk. I think this week we will extensively work on her powers with her just to be sure she's ready."

Kitty stood up, "I need to go back to Caleb; Hank's watching him."

"Thank you for your input, Kitty."