"I've got this one, Scott," I said, kissing his cheek. "Wait here."
I got out of the rental, and looked up at the house. It was white, with a garden and two port garage. I looked at the mailbox. It said LeBeau in pretty, cursive letters.
Walking up the porch steps, I rang the doorbell. A moment later, a little girl opened the door.
"Um, hi, there," I said with a smile, leaning down. "What's your name, sweetie?"
"Annalisa. Are you looking for someone?"
"Um, yeah. I'm looking for Rouge?"
Her brow creased. "Who?"
"Anna?"
She turned. "Auntie Anna! There's a lady here to see you!"
A moment later, she appeared. She wore grey slacks and a stylish shirt and scarf, and tall heels. Her long, brown hair was pulled back, streak free. She smiled politely. "Can I help you?" She asked with no accent whatsoever.
"Anna, right? Anna Darkholme?"
"Yes. Who are you?"
I tilted my head. "Jean? Jean Grey."
"What can I do for you, Ms. Grey?"
"I, uh. Is your husband home?"
She nodded, turning. "Come on it. Would you like something to drink?"
"Oh, please," I said.
I followed her into the kitchen. "Annalisa, go get your uncle, please," Rouge – Anna? – said.
She handed me a glass of lemonade, and we sat down. A moment later, Remy came into the kitchen, looking very neat and unlike himself. "Can I help you?"
"Neither one of you recognize me?" I asked.
They looked at each other, then back at me. "I'm sorry," Rouge/Anna said politely. "But no."
I sighed; I was going to have to do this the hard way.
Reaching out with my mind, I used my telepathy to project memeories into their heads. They gasped, and Rouge lashed out, falling to the floor. I crouched beside her.
"Ah, hell nah!" she snapped, sitting up. "What is this bull? I got memories over memories! Is this like . . ." She looked at me, her eyes wide. "Jean, is this like M Day?"
"No," I said. "I don't think so. Something else is going on." I looked around. "Remy?"
"'Dis init how I thought I'd be startin out my day," he groaned.
"At least you two are already married anyway," I said. "I was married to Logan."
Rouge gave a dry laugh. "Oh, I bet Scottie looooooved that."
"He hit him full blast."
I quickly explained everything that had happened, and Remy stood. "Some 'ow, we got ourselves a niece."
"Well, call up your imaginary sista, suga," Rouge said, taking the scarf off. "Lets get back to the mansion so I can dye ma damn hair."
