~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When you feel all alone

And the world has turned it's back on you

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"No!!" Alice yelled. She collapsed onto the sidewalk.

Her best friend, Adam, stopped next to her. "Alice? What's wrong?" He kneeled next to her.

"Mama," she sobbed. Her next words were too soft to hear. Then her voice became full of anger. "Those bastards!"

Adam understood at once. "Oh, Lis." He gathered her in his arms and they sat rocking.

Around them, people continued about their business, not sparing a thought for the pair.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Professor Charles Xavier looked up from his work, distracted by someone's despair. He concentrated on the origin of the feeling for a moment, and traced it to a 16 year old mutant girl. He made a mental note to keep a watch on her, curious about her abilities.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you

It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Later, when Alice reached her home, she found the house surrounded by police and investigators. She came as close as she dared to listen to their conversation. Her entire family had been home, he entire family was now dead. They still didn't know where she was. She intended to keep it that way.

"That poor girl," said one of the spectators. "What will happen to her?"

"A foster home, probably," said another.

_As if._ She thought. _I'm not going to get stuck in a petting zoo for "children", and I know that's what you're planning._ She turned and walked away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When darkness is upon your door and you feel like you can't take anymore

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Six months later

Alice walked into a McDonalds for lunch. Probably the last full meal she'd get for awhile. Her stash of money was down to almost nothing from the time her family had died. She'd taken to the streets to avoid a foster home and had lived fairly well since then. It had been a little cold at first, but then Spring entered, and things became a little easier. Except for the money.

Shortly after she got in line, a red-headed woman walked in and stood behind her in line. Immediately, a familiar feeling flooded her mind, an overload of emotions. _Telepath,_ she groaned inwardly. She tried not to react, but the flood of emotions on her mind made her dizzy. A few seconds later, she collapsed.

Before anyone could react, everyone else froze. The red head picked up Alice and carried her out. As soon as the door closed, everyone snapped into motion again, not remembering the two women.