Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the Marvel characters…

Chapter 8

"Can you believe he said that to me?" Rogue asked as she peered into the open refrigerator, searching for something to eat, but settling on a bottled water.

"Well, you and Remy certainly have a way with saying things you don't mean to each other." Ororo replied on the other end of the phone conversation as she hung newly laundered clothes, "Remy is going down to New Orleans? How long will he be gone this time?"

"Who knows…" Rogue said flatly, then sipped her water, "He said it could be months."

"Months? What about the Guthrie case?" asked Ororo, genuinely surprised.

"Well, it's just paper work and stuff… if they even go on to trial it'll be at least six months from now." replied Rogue as she plopped herself on her couch and hugged a pillow. Just then her cell phone began to ring… it was Remy. "Remy is calling me on my cell… I'm not answering."

"I'm surprised he is calling you so soon… he should know you better." Ororo laughed along with her friend. Ororo then asked why she didn't tell Remy about the baby, and Rogue explained that it just didn't feel like the right time. Deep down she didn't mind if he went to help his father… she didn't want to give him more things to worry about.

"But don't you have an appointment this week?" Ororo asked, merely hinting that he would want to be there.

"Yes. But I don't think I'm going to have an ultra-sound… it's just an exam and confirmation." Rogue shrugged to herself, but silently wishing Remy would be there with her.

"Oh I see… Oh, hang on a moment, someone is calling on the other line…" Ororo said.

"Alraght." Rogue said as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back lazily. She waited a few moments in silence, recalling all that happened earlier that night. She then heard the phone click back over to her line.

"Rogue… that was Remy." Ororo sounded calm but there was a hint of anxiety in her tone that she couldn't hide.

"Ah don't want to talk to him, and Ah don't want to hear anyth-" She was interrupted.

"Rogue...There's been an accident." Ororo now sounded like she was holding back tears, there was keys jingling in the background, "Jean is in the hospital."

"Oh mah God. Is she alright?" Rogue's heart was pounding as she jumped up to get her purse.

"I don't know… Remy didn't know all the details…" Ororo was halfway out the door already, "I'll meet you there."

"Right." The two women hung up and started for their cars. They were both worried sick about their mutual friend.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

Scott Summers was usually a relaxed and calm individual. But not tonight. He paced the small room, moving around the rows of chairs. Remy sat off to the side silently, elbows rested on his knees. He appeared to be doing nothing, folding a pamphlet about the health risks of smoking, but to him and Scott, just being there was a form of support. Strange thing about men, they don't always need to say or do anything to do something.

Rogue sat in her car waiting for Ororo to arrive at the hospital. She stared aimlessly past the moving wind shield wipers wondering what was going on inside. Rogue couldn't bring herself to go in alone. A part of her didn't want to be there at all. The thought of being that selfish made her more upset and she started to cry uncontrollably. Her body was shivering and her stomach turning. Rogue prayed to God and Jesus and whoever else might be up there to let Jean be okay. She noticed Ororo's car pull into the parking lot and stop abruptly in a space. She wiped her tears away as much as she could, turned her car off, and made her way over to her approaching friend.

The two women looked at one another but said nothing. They held each others hands firmly to give the other strength. For some reason Rogue felt better. Whether it was the release of tears from a stressful night or the support a wonderful friend, she couldn't tell. Maybe it was both. Maybe it was the feeling of having to be strong for Ororo that gave her strength and bravery. Perhaps it was all three.

As Rogue and Ororo entered the hospital they both shivered. Hospitals are always cold, but it didn't help that they were both damp from the short walk in the rain from their cars into the building. They stopped a moment and looked in which direction they should go. Turning left they walked for what seemed forever. Until they saw the nearly empty waiting room, save but Remy and Scott. They both feared going in, dreading what they might hear. One last hand squeeze and the women regained their courage.

Remy glanced up to see Ororo pushing the door open. Rogue following closely. She looked pale. He stood up as Ororo hugged Scott. He looked at Rogue who was watching them and could tell that she wasn't okay. He took a step towards her just as she went to hug Scott herself. He didn't take it personally. Ororo looked at him tearfully and gave him a firm hug which he returned.

"I don't know much…" Scott broke the silence, "Just that she's in the E.R. still."

"The nurses think she's gonna be okay." Remy said quietly.

"Oh thank God." Rogue said to herself as she exhaled.

The four friends then sat silently for what seemed like a lifetime, waiting for some news. Remy kept his gaze mainly on Rogue. She was so beautiful, so delicate. He was thankful that it wasn't Rogue in the hospital. He thanked God endlessly that night. Rogue looked up to catch his eye that she had been feeling since the time she walked in. She gave him a weak smile. He tried to return it but it felt strange, forced. They heard the door open and they all stood as they saw the doctor approaching. Ororo held on to Scott's arm to give support, and to receive some herself. They all held their breath.

"Jean is going to be just fine." the doctor reassured them. After their quiet celebration he went on, "She suffered minor injuries, scrapes… some bruising. It's amazing that no bones were broken. The nurses and I can't believe she could be so lucky." He finished with a smile and surprised look on face.

"Thank you, Doctor." Scott shook the man's hand, "Thank you so much."

"Of course… You can go in and see her now." He lead Scott out the room and their talking was murmured as the doors shut.

Rogue grabbed Ororo and they both cried tears of joy and relief.

"I'm going to call Logan." Ororo smiled at her two friends. She left the room slowly and gracefully.

There was an awkward silence, but just for a second. Remy took Rogue into his arms and held her tightly. She couldn't help but hug him back. Though she was angry with him earlier that night, it didn't seem to matter anymore. They held each other closely. Remy whispered how sorry he was, over and over again. She apologized, but he told her not to, that she had nothing to apologize for.

♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠

Wow! It's been so long! Sorry about that. Well, I hope you enjoyed!