Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of X-Men; I only claim ownership of Tara.

TARA:

I was lying down in my bed currently feeling like utter crap. It had been two years since I had last seen Tony making me now the age of 17. I was holding my cross in one hand but otherwise I was just spread out over the massive bed I have had for the past six years. All of a sudden there was a knock on my door.

"Come in." I said. Alex was the one to enter still in uniform. We had just come back from fighting the Brotherhood.

"You doing ok Tara? You were really quiet on the way back." He said in concern. I had to smile at his worry for me.

"I'm fine." I said sitting up. "In actuality I am just tired I believe." I told him. He gave me a look.

"Your never tired." He said. "Fighting Angel takes a lot out of you." I said but I went quiet remembering what happened back there. Alex looked to me.

"So Angel's the cause of this." He said. He was smart when he wanted to be. I did nod though and I fell back down onto the bed. I was usually never a vain person but at times…oh well.

"She's just a jerk." I said with a shrug, pretending not to care about the vain self-centered egotistical-…calm down Tara.

"I'll drop it for now but we will talk about it later." He said. I nodded.

"Ok Alex. Just not right now. I'm really worn out." I said closing my eyes. He left with a soft goodbye and closed the door quietly. I sighed and opened my eyes again.

"Good old Alex." I said getting up and changing into some pjs. They were black and white striped pants and a white tanktop. Nothing special but that suited me just fine.

I didn't go to bed though. I merely went into the kitchen. I was in desperate need for some ice cream. When I got to the kitchen I found some strawberry ice cream and immediately began eating.

I will always thank the Lord for a high metabolism with how much junk I eat sometimes. Soon though Hank found me in my melancholy state.

"Hey Tara." Hank said. I waved with my spoon before taking another bite.

"Alex said you're down?" he asked in concern, sitting beside me. I sighed. Of course Alex would tell the others about my issues. At least the students were all asleep since it was super late.

"I'm ok." I said trying to be sincere. He looked into the carton.

"Let's see…half a carton left and it was full this morning." Hank said. I sighed. "I really do not want to talk about it. Please Hank…" I said giving him by best puppy dog look.

I also thank the Lord for the baby face he gave me. Hank sighed and pulled me into a one armed hug.

"You're our little sister Tara. We're worried that's all." He said gently.

"I know you are and I appreciate it. Hank I am a big girl. I can handle my own problems." I told him. I pat his arm and was about to go back to my ice cream when Sean came in.

"Dang Tara you look like crap." He said. I glared at him. I took my ice cream and began to leave the room.

"Nice one Sean." Hank said before I completely left the room. I quickly rushed to my room and slammed the door before jumping on my bed.

I get it though! I look and feel like crap but why do they have to keep mentioning it.

All of a sudden I heard a knock on my door again.

"Who is it?" I asked almost to the point of annoyance.

"Your favorite dad bearing a spoon!" my father joked. I looked down and realized in my haste that I forgot the spoon. I smiled.

"Come in dad." I said.

I opened the door with my mind and he came rolling in with two spoons.

"Hi dad." I said with a smile. He rolled next to my bed. "Now, the boys and I are worried for you dear." He said. I sighed.

"It's just a stupid reason Dad. It's nothing. I'll get over it." I said taking some more ice cream.

"Come here my dear." He said holding out his arms. I climbed into his lap and he took some ice cream too.

"Tara please…" Dad said. I sighed. "If the boys didn't know me…and they saw me as I am now…would any of them date me?" I asked unknowing of the slight fear that was in his eyes.

"What brought this on?" he asked.

"Angel…" I said looking down.

FLASHBACK:

I dodged a punch from Angel as she tried to fight. With a flick of my wrist I sent her flying.

"Give up Angel!" I yelled at her. She just glared at me but that was old news with her. She spit at me but I thankfully dodged it.

"What is with you always trying to pull that on me?" I asked in exasperation.

She came at me but I tackled her to the ground. I was about to force her mind to sleep when she just smirked at me.

"How do you sleep at night?" she asked me. I looked to her confused.

"Knowing you're a freak" she sneered. I looked at her wide-eyed. "Sure you have powers but I have my beauty." She said with a triumphant smirk on her face. I looked down and started clenching my hands which were on her wrists.

"I am beautiful!" she gloated and let out a laugh. Tears were in my eyes. I did not like it when Angel made fun of me and usually I was able to block it out but not this time.

"I bet you haven't even had your first kiss! But who would want to kiss an ugly thing like you." She said but I could not take it anymore. I punched her in the face and knocked her out. I got up and wiped my tears. I then ran over and began to help Hank.

END FLASHBACK:

I was looking down to the carton of ice cream in my hands. Dad reached over and wiped a tear from my eye. I buried my face into his neck.

"I know its hard my dear. Let me tell you something. Angel is a liar and she always will be. You are beautiful. Just as beautiful as Raven." He said stroking my hair. I smiled. I thought Raven was really beautiful. She was like a mom to me after all or at least back then.

"Don't take Angel's words to heart. You are beautiful." He said kissing my head. I nodded.

"Now share!" he said with a laugh. I laughed and let him have some more.

My dad can always make me feel better…