Merry Christmas All! Thank you for your patience


After only one night of sleeping outside and I feel so dirty, I wonder if Logan feels the same. After coming in, I went up to my room and quickly washed up. I take a quick warm relaxing shower and dress. Today, I'm off to meet with the Professor to speak to him about Wolverine.

I walk with quick steps toward his large office, I know today may be the day for Wolverine to be able to be free. I know he is ready, and I will do all I can to convince the Professor that it's right choice to make.

I arrive at his large mahogany door and let out a light swift knock and enter as I hear the Professor call me in. I slip a lock of my hair behind my ear and eye the Professor with a small hopeful smile.

"Please." He gestured to the comfy chair seated in front of his desk. He rests his hands comfortably on the table and begins to speak his opinions of the situation.

"Wolverine seems to be very comfortable with you, Rogue. When I scanned his mind, I saw that he was at war with the animal inside him. The man inside is trying to break through the shield of the Wolverine's psyche."

My gloved hands twitch within their confines as they rest against my lap. Not sure if that was good or bad on Logan's part.

"That's great. Isn't that what you where trying to accomplish before Professor?" I spoke with great hope.

The Professor straightens a bit. "Yes, indeed it is, and it's working out well. I also obtained several deep feelings for you, Rogue. He has bonded with you, he is protective of you and he cares about you deeply." His brows furrowed a bit. "He would kill for you." He spoke truthfully and sincerely.

A breath of warm air escapes my lungs as his last confession startles me. My eyes open wider and my mouth drops open before I can control my reaction.

Quickly, I regain control and spoke in a sure voice. "I know he cares about me. I care about him deeply too."

The Professor studies my face for a long moment and I can't help but feel a bit self-conscious of what he could be thinking. I want to speak, demand that he be released. I want to give the reasons as to why, argue, fight for his freedom, but I know what I say won't make a difference anymore. All I can do is wait for his decision.

With small shift behind his desk, The Professor reaches for something in the lower drawer. I crane my neck a bit curious to catch a glimpse. It's small and fit in the palm of his hand. I was not yet able to see what the item is until he opens his palm. I want to smile widely. Instead I wait in anticipation as his eyes glaze over the small item resting in his palm, he let's out a small sigh bringing his bright eyes to mine I see nothing but hope.

The nervous energy steaming from me ceases to exist and I relax back into the chair when I hear the next words spoken. "Here is the key", he presents with a small curved smile on his lips.

I can't control the pounding in my chest. I can barely contain the joy as my face lights up with happiness. I watch him stretch out his palm towards me in a gesture of trust.

"I will allow you to release Logan, the Professor proclaimed in a sure voice. "I don't think he will come close enough to the mansion to harm anyone. He seems to prefer to stay away."

I reach my gloved hand as the silk of my gloves slides across his warm palm. I snatch up the key and hold it close to my heart before he could even think of changing his mind. I cannot express how grateful I am at this moment. The Professor can see my point of view. I know in his heart he also understands the pain that Logan's soul has gone through and his intention was never to hurt anybody

My voice caught in my throat as I watch the Professor cast me a sure look. "Winter is soon coming though," he said. "If you can get Wolverine trusting and able to come inside, it would be for everyone's benefit. I have no doubt he can survive outside in the blistering winter, but he would be much more comfortable inside."

His thin lips tilt up in a small encouraging smile. He is leaving me with a responsibility to make sure he is Logan was is going to be taken care of. And at that moment, I feel myself being useful. Wolverine only trusts me and I know I can get him to understand what has happened to him. I can help him understand what it feels like to be an outcast and still be able to move on in life. He needs someone to show him guidance and that I can do, for a friend. I feel even more determined than before. I want to show everyone who doubted Wolverine that they are all wrong.

"Ok, Professor I'll try," I stuttered, "but it's taken a while to get where I'm at now. I'm not sure if I can get him to trust the mansion by wintertime." I am thinking of how I can get him inside. It is going to be a challenge, that's for sure.

The Professor gives me a nod of confidence. "That's ok. Just do the best you can. You have already done more than anyone can ask. I am very proud of you."

My insides tingle knowing I have the Professor's approval in this matter. His eyes grew more thoughtful as he gazed into my eyes encouragingly. I silently return another slight smile.

The Professor shifts his hands and rests them on the table, tilts his head and gives me another thoughtful look. "One more thing Rogue." He expresses in a small sigh as if he is not sure of the subject. "I also have plans for Wolverine to join the team when he is ready of course. I confidence he will be a great asset.

My gloved hands twitch again. I can't help the racing of my heartbeat, thinking that it was unexpected. I glance up with large eyes and say in a tone of awe, "Really Professor? You would offer him a spot on the team?"

I knew I could always count on the Professor! He is simply showing me the truth behind this assumption with his actions.

"Yes, I indeed will, but that's in the future, Rogue. Let's start with getting him up on his feet again" The Professor sits back slightly into a more relaxed position. With a slight touch to the dark knob on his wheelchair, he whirls around the desk and glances at the door. "Now, if you may excuse me, I must attend a very important meeting."

He lifts his hand, offering me the door. I pushed my chair back. As I briskly stated a farewell to the Professor, I glance back, my face slightly hidden behind my hair as I express my gratitude. "Thank you so much, Professor. If you don't mind, I'm going to head out again."

I brush past a few students lingering the halls with my head held high. Everyone doubted Logan but me, and now I'm out to prove them all wrong. He can be just like any one of us, he is not a violent animal only misunderstood, but nobody wanted to give him a chance just as they did to me. I pushed a lock of my hair back with a silk covered hand and gave a look of confidence and determination.