Chapter Eight
There was a long line of cars before they made it to the steps of the mansion. 'This must be one hell of a party,' thought Anne.
"Remy are you sure you have no idea what is going on?" she asked.
"Nope, haven't seen this many people here since Scott and Jean got married the first time."
"Well come on let's get out and see what's going on," Anne said as she stepped out of the van.
"Here take your dresses and go find the Professor," Remy told Anne. "I'll get one of the valets to help me take our things upstairs. Then I'll find you."
"Okay," said Anne as she took the dresses and kissed him on the cheek. "Come on Becca this won't take long."
'Professor, where are you? I'll meet you in the front hall.' Anne projected this thought over and over as she and Becca climbed the front stairs of the mansion.
As she topped the stairs a voice in her head simply said, 'I'm waiting.'
As Anne walked though the opened door into the grand entry hall she knew she was home. She was happier than she ever remembered being before. She couldn't keep the smile off her face.
"Momma this place is huge," Becca said in awe of her new surroundings.
"Remember, baby girl, I told you that lots of people live here. It is a school for children and teenagers who have gifts like mine and yours," Anne reminded her precious daughter.
"Can I meet your friends now? I'm still hungry. Does this place have a kitchen?"
"First I want you to meet Professor Xavier; he is that man right over there sitting in that chair. See," Anne said making her way through the small crowd to greet the Professor.
"Professor Charles Xavier this is my daughter Rebecca. Rebecca this is Professor Xavier. Go ahead shake his hand. He won't hurt you. He is a very kind man. He helps people help themselves."
The Professor almost laughed as he reached his hand out to the little girl. She had looked very frightened for just a moment. Then as if she had realized what he must see she set her jaw and looked him straight in the eye. There was lots of bravado in this one, just like her parents.
"Nice to meet you at last. Your mother and I have spent many years searching for you. You're a very lucky girl to have a mother as determined as Rebel always is," he told the girl.
Anne bent down and hugged him tight.
"And you, young lady, are a most welcomed sight," said the Professor as he patted her arm. "Though you could have used better timing."
"This is a bad time isn't it? I was afraid of that when we pulled up outside. But, it was too late to turn back when you called. I mean, the plane was practically landing. I'm sorry but we didn't have enough money left to get a room anywhere. What is going on?" Anne asked, finally stopping to draw breath.
"We're having a wedding."
"Who's?" Anne asked pleasantly surprised.
"Rogue and Joseph. Don't worry. I was as shock as you are when I arrived back here and found out. But everything seems okay."
"When did you get back? I have been very worried."
"Almost a week now."
"Where have you been all this time?"
"It is quite a story, but we will have to save it for latter. You two need to get changed. I am assuming you have something to wear. I would hate to have to search in storage tonight for your things dear."
"Of course we have something to wear. We just need a place to change."
Thinking for a second the Professor said, "Just use an empty room in the east wing. The bridal party will be on the opposite end and that should keep you from being seen. We wouldn't want a commotion before the ceremony. I will see you soon. Right now I believe I should go have a talk with Remy."
"Do you want me to do it?" Anne asked.
"No, I will. It will be best if it comes from me."
"Latter then," Anne said then kissed him on the head before taking Becca's hand and heading upstairs.
As Anne and Becca topped the staircase Anne saw a pretty young Asian girl dashing down the hall in a mad frenzy. Anne did not know her, but still she quickly stopped her.
"Miss, can you tell me where an empty room we can change in is?"
"Yeah, sure lady. Just a minute. I lost the veil and we kind of needed it like two minutes ago," Rapidly spat the young woman.
Anne felt sorry for her, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders she said, "Okay, sweetie, let us help. Now just calm down, clear your head and then think back."
The Asian girl took a deep breath then closed her eyes and concentrated. Anne withdrew her force field and let the girl's memories flow through her.
"You left the veil in your room when you went back to get your shoes, Jubilee."
Jubilee looked at the lady stunned. 'How did she do that? How did she know my name? Who is she and why is she here? I definitely don't know her.'
Just as Jubilee was about to voice her concerns she remembered the veil and how Rogue was probably a nervous wreck by now.
"Miss, that was very nice of you. If you follow me you can change in my room," said Jubilee.
Anne and Becca followed as Jubilee made her way back to her room for the veil. Anne knew by the look on young lady's face that she was confused. Anne thought it best to introduce herself and Becca.
"My name is Anne Logan and this is my daughter Rebecca. We have come for a surprise visit to see the Professor."
"Well Ms. Logan you picked one hectic of a time to just drop in."
"I had been unable to contact the Professor and was worried. So as soon as we could we packed up and headed out. You know it's been awhile but this place still looks the same. You like it here, sweetie?" Asked Anne.
"Yes, I can't image being anywhere else. This is my home and the people here are my family," confessed Jubilee.
They reached Jubilee's bedroom.
"You can change in here. I'm sorry, but I have to hurry back to the bride. If you need anything just stick your head out the door and yell somebody will help you."
"Jubilee," Anne said just as they reached the door, "Will you do me a huge favor and not tell anyone that I'm here. It will come as quite a surprise and I don't want to take away from Rogue's big night. Okay?"
"Sure, Lady, but I'm gonna have lots of questions for you latter. There's gonna be lots of explaining."
The door closed behind Jubilee.
"Yeah," said Anne, "I was afraid of that. Well kiddo lets get changed so we can find Remy."
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Jubilee took off at a full run back to Rogue's room. She had already wasted too much time and Jean was probably mad at her by now.
Just as she rounded the corner she thought she saw Remy's door close. 'Boy I am stressed,' she thought, 'now I'm seeing things. First that strange mutant and her kid had showed up and now she thought Remy was back.'
It was just wishful thinking Remy wouldn't be back. He'd let her now if he was coming. Besides no one had heard from him since Rogue left him behind. No one had even known he had survived for sure until the Professor had returned.
Jubilee opened the door to Rogue's room.
"There you are. We were just about to send out a search party," said Jean with a sigh of relief. "Maybe you can help me calm Rogue down. We just found out that the flower girl isn't coming."
"Why?" asked Jubilee.
"She woke up from her nap with chicken pox. Her mother just called from the hospital emergency room to confirm her absence. Rogue is a wreck. She said she can not get married unless she has a flower girl. She says the wedding has to be perfect."
Jean looked tired. Rogue was driving her crazy. At this stage that wasn't hard.
"Maybe we can find another girl," suggested Jubilee.
"That would work, but do you know of any guest with a child that would fit into this dress," Jean said as she held up the little blue dress.
"Actually I think I saw the perfect replacement as I was looking for the veil."
"Really where is she. I'll go get her and talk to her parents. Surely they would let her help out. This is an emergency. You help Rogue with her veil and get her train ready," said Jean desperately trying to escape the room.
"Wait," said Jubilee, "Let me go I know exactly where she is and I have already met her mother. Any ways your better at this whole wedding thing."
"All right, but hurry," Jean sighed.
Jubilee ran back to her room and burst through her door. Anne looked up.
"Do you ever slow down?" Anne asked Jubilee, "I promise we will be done in just a few moments."
"I just want to ask you to do me a favor," replied Jubilee.
"Sure, sweetie, I owe you one but first I have to get Rebecca out of the bathroom," Anne turned and talked to the bathroom door, "Honey I'm sorry I left the blue one back at the house. But it will be here in a few days."
"I don't care," said a little voice from the other side, "I want it now, not latter."
"Just put the yellow one on and come out."
"NO!"
"Don't you 'No' me young lady. You do as I said and get your little butt out here, now!"
"NO!"
"Don't you make me come in there!"
"WAIT!" yelled Jubilee, "What's a matter?"
"I packed the wrong dress," said Anne, "She wanted the blue dress. Like I'm supposed to read her mind."
"Well, Duh!" said the door.
"You had better get that dress on and get out here before we're late," snapped Anne.
"NO! NO! NO!" screamed Becca.
Anne turned, "I'm sorry for this, she's just tired and hungry. It was a long flight. She normally is a very good little girl."
"That's okay," said Jubilee, "I think I can solve this one. See."
Jubilee held up the pretty little blue dress. "We need her help. Rogue won't get married without a flower girl. Think it will fit?"
"I'm sure. Think you can get her out and dressed. I still need to put my hair up."
"Sure thing, boss Lady," Jubilee grinned.
Anne went to the dresser mirror and Jubilee went to work.
Anne braided part of her hair and twisted it around her head. She pinned it into place as she listened to Jubilee talk Becca out of the bathroom and into the flower girl dress. Anne knew it was kind of giving into the child but Jubilee needed the help and she would owe her big time before the night was over.
By the time Anne had braided, twisted, and pinned her hair into place Becca was ready to go.
"Jubilee, before you two go can I have a minute with Rebecca alone?"
"Sure. I'll wait outside."
"Thank you."
Jubilee stood outside the door. Curiosity gave in and she listened in on Anne and Becca.
"Now remember, Becca, Jean Grey can read minds even better than I can, and she doesn't have to touch you. You will need to keep your defenses up at all times. If she ask you about your mom play dumb. Okay?"
"All right." Promised Becca.
Jubilee thought that making the little girl lie was very strange. This worried her. She would need to talk to the professor.
The door opened breaking Jubilee's train of thought. Becca reached out and took her hand. She looked up with her big blue eyes, smiled, and said, "Can we go now? I want to see the bride."
