HELLO! Thank you for waiting. I wanted to let you all know that I am still alive. A lot of things are on my plate recently but things will be looking up I hope. Here is the second chapter to Taming the Wild! Enjoy and please let me know what you think! mcc1089

Chapter 2 – Doors and Windows

"No…"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Dashner."

"Please… no…"

"You are a wonderful worker, when you are actually here. You seem to be distracted all the time and you are consistently late with your attendance as well as your tasks these days. The company has been gracious enough to put together a financial package plan."

"You don't understand. I NEED this job! I can't support my living situation and…"

"The company has also given you plenty to hold you off for a few months. In the time given, I would suggest finding alternative jobs that can support you." She sat down in the chair across from the fat CEO of a security company that she worked as a receptionist for. The pay she received already was ok. She was able to have the heat going, and have food in the fridge, but this was going to really put a damper in that.

"Please. I can be more focused. I'll put in extra hours. Please, I don't have many options at this point."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Dashner; I really am, but the company has already seen you as unfit for work here. Good luck on another job." The man turned his attention to a report that was on the side of the desk. The rustling of pages made her feel even more uncomfortable. She stood up and walked out without a sound, trying not to let it show that she was upset. Her desk was on the other side of the company's complex, and made for a long guilt walk past the other workers who either snickered or started to gossip like third graders.

She got to her desk and cleaned it out. Every item she put in reminded her of how well she did her job. Some company awards, certificates, even some love letters from some of the better looking guards started to fill up the box. She came across some pictures of Rich and her when they went to the beach. She remembered the hot Texan sun down there and how Rich preferred to stay in the shade at almost all times. She had to coax him out for that picture and she was very proud of it. Although they were still in Texas, She hadn't felt as much of a romantic connection since that trip, a few years ago. That's probably why the picture wasn't put up and why she would put on that she was single around work.

She was putting in some of the little trinkets she placed around her desk to make it a little more her style into the box, when the usual delivery man came in.

"I take it today is not a good day?" She looked up at the middle aged man with a small smile.

"As always, Robert, you know me well." He laid two items onto the desk and leaned forward so he could whisper.

"Did you get fired?" He asked with a little concern.

"Pretty much. I've just been having a lot on my mind and apparently I brought too much of home to work, and it's been taking over."

"I'm sorry to hear that, dear. Well I'm glad you are still here right now. I have two packages addressed…"

"Sorry Robert, but since I no longer work for the company…"

"They are addressed to you, Ms. Dashner."

"To me?"

"Yes. To you!"

"Well that's odd." She took the two packages, one a little thinner than the other.

"Well hopefully it's good news. I have to get going, but hope you have a better rest of the day. Guess I won't be seeing you around here anymore." He tipped his hat and left with a smile. He was a man that always brought a smile to her face even when she had bad days.

She observed the packages and opened the thin one first.

It was a small stack of forms to fill out. All forms like a teaching practice for English as a Second Language certification, change of address forms, W-2 forms, many other forms she didn't care to look at, and finally, a thin electronic tablet with her name engraved in it. The items confused her but she was curious as to what was in the bigger box. They both came from the same place. But this one was much lighter. Inside were two sheets of paper in a manila folder surrounded by packaging peanuts. The first paper was a letter, and the second was a bond. A $10,000 bond.

She read the first paper slowly to make sure she understood what she was reading.

"Good morning, Sarah. My name is Charles Xavier, head master of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. We have received your resume from a source that wishes to remain anonymous. We have a need for teachers that can teach elementary phonetics such as your training as an elementary teacher's aid has accomplished. This may be a school for the higher learning, but there are many in my school with many gifts that I believe only you are able to help them with. I have sent two of my associates down to set up an interview with you, if you so desire. I have sent all the information you will need in another package and I do hope they are enough to convince you to come teach with us. If you are still not convinced, I enclosed a little financial help for you. This is for you to keep even if you turn down my offer. If you want to set up an interview please call the number at the bottom of this page. We look forward to hearing from you."

"PS. One of my associates is very eager to meet with you, so do not delay. They have another package with them if you choose to accept."

Charles Xavier.

She looked at the clock to see it was indeed still morning. She gave a small chuckle. Getting fired from one job and getting a job offer before she could even step foot outside. She put the stuff in the car along with the rest of her things and made the trek home. She continued to think about it as she pulled in. Rich was home; probably still asleep after she put him to bed again this morning.

She opened the door and smacked her head.

"Dammit! I forgot the lint roller thing…" She went over to and knelt down at the couch. "You know, you could have stayed in my bed. Or at least have cleaned up after yourself."

It really smelled too. She heard the bedroom door open and heavy footsteps come to stand in front of her. His breath was heavy and hot on her ear and neck.

"Rich…" a long tongue snaked out and tasted her ear. "I had a bad day today."

She turned her head and locked eyes with his. His eyes were normally an icy blue, but they warmed up to a golden yellow. He yawned quietly, but his jaw still opened wide enough to engulf her head.

She pointed to the couch and sighed. He looked over and looked down. Gently, he rammed his head into her shoulder and rubbed up against it. She kissed the top of his head and sat in the same chair she was in last night. He came over and put his head in her lap. She put out her hand, and a massive paw was placed in it. She stroked the silky golden fur. He purred at her feather-like touch. She could see he was falling asleep, so she slid to the floor and he lay down across her legs. She stroked his back but not for too long before he rolled over and stretched. She was amazed at how well defined he was even under the massive winter coat. She could feel the muscles across his abdomen flex as she traced them. She pulled her cellphone out of her pocket and dialed the number since it was an easy number to remember.

"Hi! Is this Sarah Dashner?" The voice was very energetic.

"Uh… yeah."

"This is Kitty Pryde from the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. I want to interview you for the very unique position we have available. Would you mind if we came over or you can meet us for lunch somewhere? It would be on us!"

"Uh… sure. I'm kinda pinned down at the moment, but lunch sounds good."

"Great! How about we have lunch at the Lux Aria."

"Are you insane? There is like a three month waiting list for that place!"

"Oh, it's no issue at all. Call us whenever you get there. My partner is really excited to meet you. And bring a friend. Lunch is on us! Ok Bye!"

"Wait…" The line hung up before she could say anymore. Rich gave a look to her and, by the gestures he was making, demanded more rubbing. "Spoiled brat." She said to him. "You need to get cleaned up. We're going out to lunch." He moaned and yawned again. "Ok, five more minutes." She began to dig her nails into him as she scratched. His purring showed he was clearly enjoying it. Then again, what lion in their right mind, wouldn't?

A/N Thank you all for reading! Leave a review and let me know what you think of the story so far! Enjoy your day! mcc1089