"What are you laughing at?"
"Mama tagged me in this Facebook post, and it just-ah."
"Really Marie? Facebook? I thought we agreed that was a bad idea."
"No John, YOU decided it was a bad idea. I think you're dumb," I shot back with my southern accent coming on thick.
"I'm just saying, if we disappeared then why the HELL would we be on facebook? They are going to find us because of you two."
I closed the computer and looked at him, "John, as far as anyone is concerned you; I got the cure and ran off; Mama got betrayed and ran off. We are seriously over fourteen hours away from that town. We changed our names. We keep a low profile. Fuck, we are in one of the SMALLEST towns in Alabama, shit, maybe the world!"
"Don't remind me," he scoffed.
"Excuse you?" I retorted.
He hated being in the South. He hated the South, which made it all the more confusing as to why he was with me.
"Oh, come on. Everyone is so phony. They all smile and wave at you for no reason. It's weird, and there is no such thing as privacy."
"John, you need to learn what hospitality is," I sighed as I picked the computer back up.
"Whatever. I'm just saying your little social networking with mommy, who will be home in like two hours by the way, will be the downfall of us all."
I rolled my eyes as he started flipping through TV channels. I know he hates the South. I know he hates having to act like a human. I know he hates my mother, and I know he is just afraid that something will happen to me. It still doesn't excuse how rude he is sometimes. I mean, geeze, we have been here for a year and a half now; everyone knows us. Everyone likes us. He just needs to realize we can relax now.
"I like this town," I said taking a big drink of sweet tea.
"It is quaint," Mama responded picking at her eggs.
John scoffed, jamming food into his mouth. I observed the two closely. This seemed so crazy. I was in a tiny town in Alabama with Mystique and Pyro. Mystique..My mom. At first, I was so angry at her, but that slowly faded. I was just happy to have my mother back. She was exactly what I remembered as a child. Her hair a dark brown, stopping just below her chin. Her eyes a calming blue grey. She didn't look any older than she had twelve years ago.
John? Well, I was just glad to finally have him. His hair was getting long, and, thankfully, the frosted tips were almost gone. I love his dirty blonde hair without the bleach. He looks rough, scorned, but still like John.
"I think we should stay here," I finally spat out.
John dropped his fork, "Here?"
"It reminds me of my hometown."
"Oh, please, this is nothing like that commune."
"I didn't mean that one. I meant where I went after you vanished," I said angrily.
You could see on her face that had hurt. I almost felt bad. She was silent for a second before turning to a passing waitress and grabbing her arm.
"I am sorry, ma'am, but is there any chance you would know of any places for rent or sale here?" she asked politely.
John snorted, "Seriously, here we go."
I pinched his arm,"Hush now."
The waitress looked over at us and smiled before turning back to Mama. She placed a hand on her hip and thought for a moment before responding, "Ya know, I think there are some houses for rent out toward Millen Road, but rentin' will add up."
"Thank you," John spat before either of us could respond. I hit him lightly.
"Really, thank you."I stopped to read her name tag, "Hayley."
"It's no problem, doll," she smiled, walking away.
"So what? We just- we live here? In this town? People are looking for you Mystique and me!"
"That's why we make those aliases disappear," she said quietly as she finished her meal.
I was getting excited. I giggled and hugged John. I could feel his body loosen up once I clung to him.
"You really want this?" he asked me.
"I really do," I said calmly.
"Then pick my damn name, and make it something good."
I sat for a second, pondering through names, "How about you be James Alexander Jones. Mama, you can be Charollete Katherine- with a K of course- Adams, and I will be Victoria Claire Adams," I sighed satisfied.
It was quiet for a good moment before I realized they were staring at me awkwardly.
"How long were you thinking about this?" John asked dumbfounded.
I shrugged, "Since we decided to run away together."
Mama began to laugh, causing me to laugh, which in turn made John laugh.
"Marie, Marie get off the computer NOW!" I heard John yell causing me to come back to the present.
"Huh? What? Why?"
"The cure, it isn't- we need to get Mystique home now!" he jumped up, throwing on his jacket and began to walk away.
My mind suddenly flashed back to him walking away from me on the blackbird. "John! Don't leave me!" I pleaded. "I- I'll get off the damn computer! I mean, it's not important. It's dumb. Please don't leave me again!" I cried, now standing beside him.
He turned around, confusion on his face. I had tears staining my face, and I couldn't stop sobbing. He wrapped his arms around me, realizing what I meant.
"Marie, I'm not leaving you. I'm going to get your mom because you want her safe. Weren't you paying attention to the news?"
I pulled away looking at him," No, what- what are you talking about?"
He ran his hand through his hair, "Rogue, the cure, it's wearing off. There's been reports all over. I have to get Mystique before she changes in front of humans, and we get chased out of town."
"Wearing off? It's called a cure. How can a cure just wear off? This can't be happening,: I kept rambling as John walked off," Hey! Wait! I'm coming too!" I shouted, grabbing my jacket and following him out of the door.