Chapter Thirteen
Sunday was an usual day at the institute; nothing really happened that was out of the ordinary. Mostly everyone more or less lounged around for the better part of they day, only doing what was necessary. It was a peaceful day.
Jean and Scott spent most of the time watching DVDs in Scott's room. They actually watched the movies, no matter how tempting other things were considering they were on his bed. But for them closeness was all they truly needed, for the most part.
Ororo and Logan had talked Laura into going to lunch with them. Logan established the idea for he figured that, since he was to be her father and Ororo was more than likely going to act as her mother, that they should do some family things. Surprisingly the event went quite well. However, they didn't really go too far. They picked a nice spot of land near the institute and had a picnic. It was extremely practical for all of them, which made it much nicer.
Rogue and Remy hung around in the rec room, until he convinced her that they shouldn't just sit around and waste the day. So he took her for a nice ride on his bike. They were out for hours. When they came back it was evening.
Kitty and Kurt spent most of the day picking at each other and such. Nothing new there. Tabitha got scolded by Hank for slipping one of her little explosives into a glass of water. She wanted to see what would happen and the result was that the whole glass blew up and water was everywhere on the table and some on the floor. The others thought it was hilarious. But of course most of them were just as crazy as her. Especially Jubilee, Ray, Samual, Alex and Evan. Those ones seemed to always get busted. Amara hung with Tabitha a lot but she didn't join with all of her craziness. Sometimes it was too over-the-top for her. Rahne and Roberto were near to being completely all goody-goody. They rarely ever got in to trouble. Jamie was good alone, but if he was with any of the daredevils or Laura he'd show off. Who wouldn't?
Professor X was away for half of the day on business. Nobody knew where he went, who he meet or what it was for. He kept his outings private. But he's always like that. Soon they'd find out what it was all about. He's thinking sooner than later because they all have a right to know about this. Their opinions would help, although they won't change his intentions. He said to himself that he'd inform them the next day before breakfast.
And that was now. Monday morning had crept up upon the mansion. Xavier thought hard about how he'd break the news on his whereabouts. It wasn't bad, however it could cause some friction. Quite frankly it would be more than likely that it would.
Before he changed his mind he gathered up everybody who resided there. "Listen up everyone. I have an announcement to make. And please hear me out before you voice your opinions. You'll have plenty of time to do so before you eat."
He paused to make sure they were all listening. Once he saw that they were he began to speak again. "Good. Well, I know all of you have been wondering about what I've been keeping so secretive, and I can't say that I blame you. Now this may come as a huge shock, but a while back I got a call from Wanda." Everyone's faces froze into shocked expressions. Some open-mouthed or wide-eyed and others both. "Yes, it took me by surprise too. She said she's tired of living with idiots, and those were her exact words. Though, she isn't saying she definitely is coming to our side she still said she's thinking about it. She's a tough person and she's quite rebellious, but we've dealt with those kinds of personalities and still are at times." The ones he was referring to ended up grinning. "Anyway, that's what I've been doing. She's been, from time to time, asking if we can meet and just go over things. Her mind is a mess and I've told her I could help. Her only worry is that if she sides with us that Magneto will be on our tales again. He's been hiding out for so long and that just may bring him back out. I told her it's her choice, not mine or anyone else's. She's her own person. And I have to say I believe that she's sincere, I would know otherwise." He paused again. "Now, if anyone would like to speak please do so."
Logan was the first. "Chuck, I don't know about this. I'm not sayin' I don't trust your judgment or anything, but it just doesn't sit well with me. 'Course, this wouldn't be the first time I felt this way." He looked at Remy. "Gumbo over there proved to be a good team member, but he isn't a sibling of one of the biggest enemies we have. I know I can't tell you how to run things, though if I were you I'd think more than twice about havin' her on our team."
As soon as Logan stopped talking then Scott began to talk. "Professor, I have to say that I'm with Logan on this one. It makes me uneasy, although, you know what you're doing I really don't think it's a good idea. We don't need to have someone like her here."
"I see where both of you are coming from, however, I can't just push her out. Wanda has no one, as far as I can see. She called me in dire need of help and I can't deny that I'm worried about her."
"But, this will definitely bring Magneto out of hiding. He'll blame you, or us, for talking her into coming here instead of seeing that she did so out of her free will." Scott stated firmly.
"Yeah, and how do we know she's going to stay true to us? She could very well come here and pretend to be one of us and stir up trouble." Logan retorted.
"Anyone else? Feel free to speak up." Xavier stated. He wanted to hear what they had to say. "I know this isn't going to be easy, but please bear with me."
"I don't see where it would be a huge problem. She isn't a bad person. She is only a confused young woman." Ororo said, despite the looks she received from Scott and Logan. They looked at her as if she were crazy. "She may need us. And we can't push her away just because her father is Magneto. What kind of people would we be if we did that" She knew from experience that not everyone was all good. Everyone had good and evil in them, what a person chose to be determined what they were.
"Good point." Jean said. "I am on edge about this, I have to be honest, but I really see no harm in giving her a chance. People change. She could be a great addition. We have to be more open-minded."
"We could use another girl, you know." Said Jubilee. "There's way more guys than girls."
Some of the girls agreed while others didn't know what to say or even think. It was huge and it would be quite weird if Wanda did join. But it could be a good thing.
Amara was one of the few who spoke up. "I have no idea what to really say. Having another girl here would be awesome. But can we trust her?"
"It sure would be nice t' see another fille." Remy said with a smirk.
Rogue swatted him, even though she knew he was picking. "You'd love that, wouldn't ya, swamp rat?"
He smirked more and then he became serious. "But Remy doesn't know what t' t'ink 'bout this whole situation. On one hand, she could be a great X-Man on the other she could be a back-stabber. I've dealt too much with them kinds of people."
Rogue said, "I'll just not place any real trust in tha girl until I know she's one of us. Ya know what I mean?"
"I understand completely." Xavier said. He didn't expect any of them to trust Wanda just like that. He knew she was sincere but still he wasn't going to put anything past her.
Piotr stayed quiet, as he usually did. Nonetheless he nodded when he agreed with someone and Charles picked up on his thoughts slightly. Warren finally jumped in.
"Hm, I know who she is, I just don't know much about her. So even though I trust you too I can't say much. If I knew about her more I'd be able to say more. As far as I know you've never lead us astray. If Wanda comes to us I won't be rude to her, I know what it's like to feel lost and alone, but nor will I trust her with my life or anything. Not until she proves herself."
"Well said Warren. I've known Charles for a long time and his judgment is usually accurate. " Hank retorted mainly to Warren at that moment. "He's always done what was best for us. Even if some are too stubborn to see it at the time." He said, referring to his own rejection of Professor Xavier's help years ago. Xavier gazed at Hank and smiled. Hank smiled back. Then Hank spoke his own opinion. "Even though I trust you, Professor, I have to say I do not feel the same about Wanda. It'll just take some time. As it did with others. Nonetheless, I will not be disrespectful towards her or her feelings. That would be inhuman."
Professor X nodded. This discussion was definitely getting somewhere. He only wished they had more time.
"I kind of like her. She was a great help when we were up against Apocalypse. So I don't mind. But she's not going to be like one of my best friends or anything." Kitty stated.
The only other person to speak up was Laura. "O.K., Wanda is someone I don't know that well. I won't protest this but I won't trust her easily. She'll have to prove she's entirely trustworthy." She spoke like Logan would . He had softened up partially but he was still gruff and harsh when he needed to be. Laura was distrustful. But that was a given. And she'll probably always be that way for even Logan remains distrustful. "She just had better not step out of line." She scowled.
"I understand that too. I knew no one would place trust in her right away. And you are all wise not to. I don't even trust her one-hundred percent. But I will give her a chance. I've seen how people can change and mold a new life. Many of you have done so." He stated. "But if she decides to join us no one's going to brush her off." Xavier asked.
They said they wouldn't. Some were excited, but unsure, only because it would be nice to have another member. Others were overly uneasy. They'd just have to give her a chance if she chose to join and see where things would go from that point on. Their suspicions were normal and who could blame them?
"Very well, then that will be all for now. If anyone has anything else they'd like to share you know where to find me. Feel free to come and tell me." With that he wheeled himself away from them. "Enjoy your breakfast." He had to go and get things ready for the two students he, Ororo and Hank taught. With the help of Jean and Scott at times and occasionally Logan.
At the Brotherhood house the atmostphere was about to become quite unbalanced. Wanda stayed in her bedroom most of the time, only leaving it to eat, drink, shower, use the bathroom or get out of the house. She had been behaving so differently and everyone had taken notice to it. The only ones who said nothing were Fred and Lance, they figured it wasn't any of their business. But Todd had questioned her from time to why she all of sudden was acting so oddly. She'd always say she just wanted to be left alone. So he'd do that, he'd leave her alone.
At this time Pietro was staying there again. A couple of months ago he had returned to the house and no one thought much of it. He had been with Magneto ever since the Apocalypse incident and for a while all was well between them and even Wanda. But lately things have changed. And within Pietro's stay there he had noticed a change in Wanda's habits; she'd sneak off to only God knows where to meet with only God knows who. This puzzled him and he could never get a straight answer from her. She told him it wasn't any of his damn business what she did or who she talked to, which she was right. Although Pietro wouldn't let it go. He eventually spoke to Magneto about Wanda's strange behavior and now he was following Magneto's orders to spy on her.
After following her every time she left, Pietro had finally found out what was going on by some very careful eavesdropping. Still, Professor Xavier knew he was nearby. He could sense him, but he never let on to it. He didn't want to discourage Wanda any or take his full concentration away from her. She sought him out because she needed someone to help her. Someone who wouldn't judge her for being Magneto's daughter and for being who she was in general. If he had mentioned that Pietro was nosing around then she'd have known it was due to Magneto and her main intention would have been put aside. She'd dwell upon that. Xavier knew how irritated her brother made her and how upset she was with her father. He just didn't understand how all of those harsh feelings were coming back.
Anyway, now that Pietro knows that Wanda's been secretly meeting Professor X he had informed Magneto of everything he overheard. This particular day was the day that she made up her mind that she's not staying at that house any longer. She's just had enough of it and believes that if she stays someone's going to get hurt. The only two that will make her leave hard is her brother and father.
She was in her room packing up her stuff, which she didn't have a lot so it made it fairly easy. Pietro popped his head around the corner of her doorway. "Whatcha doin'?" He asked, even though he had an idea.
"What's it to you?" She replied harshly.
He glared at her. "Look, I know what you've been up to. You've been meeting Xavier, our enemy, and you're actually talking about joining them. Are you completely insane?"
"So, they're not as bad as you'd think. He listens to me and he cares about what I say. Unlike my real family who only care about themselves." She retorted with anger rising in her voice.
"It seems as though you've made up your mind. Oh, but you won't get far." He said standing in her doorway with his arms crossed.
"Let me guess, you snitched on me."
"I wouldn't exactly call it that. I only did what I had to do." He stated.
"Yeah, what's that?" She knew but she wanted to see what he'd say.
He gave her a look of annoyance. "You know, look after you. Father . . . " She cut him off.
"I knew it! Our dear old father put you up to spying on me. You both make me sick. This is my life and I will live it the way I want. No one, not you or even he, can stop me."
"Really? I'd think twice before turning your back on him."
"Now you're trying to scare me. It won't work. I'm not a little girl anymore. He can't just lock me up in an asylum."
Pietro's stared at her in shock. "How does she remember that?" He was confused.
Just as if she had read his mind, she said, "Yes, Pietro, I remember. Apparently that little trick father pulled by having Mastermind replace my memories wore off somehow. I know the truth again. And me leaving is his fault, and yours. Neither of you care about me. You only care about my powers and what they can do for you. He even stooped so low to try and make me forget. Well, I have to say it worked wonders for a while. I was so dumbfounded." She slammed her suitcase shut and fastened it. Then she picked it up and made her way towards her doorway. "Get out of my way or I'll make you move." She said with great anger and resentment.
He remained where he was. "You're making a big mistake."
"No, I'm not. My mistake was staying here for as long as I did. Now move." She was getting extremely irritated with him.
"Fine, but you won't get far." He said in kind of a mumble.
"Why? Are you going to stop me? Please. I'll hex you if you even so much as try." She threatened.
"Well, you see, I kind of told father that you were acting weird, he knows everything and he'll be here any minute. I didn't know you were planning to bail out on us today. Hey, but what a great coincident." He spoke with a smug expression that she would have loved to wipe off of his face.
She gave him a look of pure hatred. "Out of my way!" She fumed.
Pietro moved for he knew Magneto would be there soon. He figured that maybe their father could talk some sense into her. He could only hope. He'd never admit it but he truly did care about her. In fact, he loved her. He didn't want to see her go to the X-Men.
Wanda hurried down the steps. Todd, Fred and Lance were watching her and they all gave her strange looks. Pietro sped down the steps and came to a halt right beside her. She glared at him. None of the others knew anything. Out of the three only Todd looked upset upon seeing her suitcase and realizing she was leaving. Usually he didn't pry as much as Pietro did though now he wanted nothing but for her to stay.
"You decided you'd come and see me off?" She said sarcastically.
"Not exactly." Was he said.
Todd felt nervous, as he always did when confronting Wanda, however he spoke anyway. "Wanda, where are you goin'?" His question was simple. And knew she was already mad so he decided not to call her any pet names.
She was so ticked that she scowled at him. But when she saw the hurt expression she softened up some. "Look, I have to leave. I can't take it here anymore. But to answer your question, let's just say that I'm going somewhere to start a new life. The one I have now isn't cutting it for me."
"We can change. Really." Todd stated. "I'll even take showers and brush my teeth regularly."
Wanda almost smiled. "It's not you. The only real problem I have is with my brother and father. This is something I must do."
Todd looked down at the floor. "Yo, I understand. I'll miss ya, that's all." He figured there was no point in trying to keep her there when it was so clear that she was unhappy. He only wanted her to be happy.
"I'll see you around guys. I'd prefer not to see you, Pietro." Her tone hardened on the last sentence.
"Too bad. You know, as soon as you leave this place you'll miss me. We're family and we should stick together." Pietro said with his smug attitude.
Wanda rolled her eyes and headed for the door. She opened it and standing right outside was Magneto. He was apparently just about to come in.
"Wanda. Where do you think you're going?" He said firmly when he saw the suitcase in her hand.
Even though he frightened her at times she stood her ground. "Away from here, that's where."
"I don't think so. No child of mine is going to go to them. I may have made slight amends with them since the whole Apocalypse ordeal, but that doesn't mean I'm going to settle for this. You are my daughter and you belong with me." His words were said unequivocal and even cruel.
Wanda stayed still momentarily searching for words to say. Soon she said, "I do not belong with you. I'm nothing like you. Besides, if you want one of your offspring to be your little stooge, you already have that. Pietro jumps at every command you give. He doesn't have the balls to stand up to you." She paused when she saw the look on her father's face.
"You are way out of line. What gives you the right to speak to me that way?" He voice sounded brutal.
She grimaced at him, no way was he going to stop her. "So what if I am. I'm tired of being treated like shit by you and him. I tried to deal with you but I can't. I'm done with you both. Now move out of my way, Father!" She was losing her cool very quickly.
"You are not leaving this house, young lady, and that is final!" He was furious with her.
"And what are you going to do to stop me? I'm not a helpless little child anymore. I am capable of making my own decisions. And one of them is to get the hell out of this place. With you I have nothing, and I am nothing. You're only using me and I won't put up with it, not anymore. I'm 18, so it doesn't look like you'll be sending me to that place you threw me in when I was a little girl. So I'd appreciate it if you'd let me go. Nothing you do or say will change my mind." She spoke clearly and didn't care how anyone reacted.
Magneto thought about what she said, only because the last part confused him. Finally he said, "What do you mean? How do you . . . ?" He trailed off.
She saw the confusion in his face and heard it in his voice. "Oh, Father, yes . . . I've regained my memories. I know what it was like before you had me brainwashed. You are so inhuman." She felt her eyes sting at the thought, but she refused to cry. Even though she hated how he was part of her still loved him.
"You know that was the best thing for you."
"No, it wasn't. You never did know what was best for me, now did you?"
She was right. He had messed up badly with her, but he wouldn't admit to it entirely. "Maybe so, but it still doesn't give you any right to disobey my orders. You aren't going to Charles Xavier, you are staying here."
"Over - my - dead - body!" She yelled with an icy undertone.
Magneto scowled. "If you leave us you'll be starting a war between the X-Men and my team. Is that what you want? More fighting?"
"No, but this is the only way. And Professor X knew this would happen. He's prepared." She retorted.
"Well, had better be highly prepared."
"He will be. He knows how crazy you are." She said but Magneto had had enough at that point.
He slapped her across the face, leaving her in a slight bit of shock. Pietro and the others watched with surprised expressions. "That's enough, Wanda."
Todd stepped over to Magneto and said what Pietro didn't have the guts to say. "Don't hit her!"
"If you value your life you'll back off." Magneto threatened.
"I value hers more." He said. However he knew if Magneto would hurt him, or even kill him, it more than likely wouldn't be quick so he backed down.
Before anything else was said and while Magneto wasn't looking, Wanda spun around and ran. That really got her. He may have been a horrible father to her but he had never struck her before. So much was running through her mind now.
Magneto just watched briefly. He was shaken a little from hitting her. He never wanted to resort to that, but he was extremely angry with her and she didn't make things any better.
Magneto realized what was taking place. "What are you waiting for?! Go after her!" He ordered Pietro.
Pietro didn't want to argue with that tone of voice so he went speeding. And he caught up to her and grabbed her. She struggled the whole way back to the house, knowing now that the only way to get away was to use her powers against them.
Once Pietro let her free she took in a deep breath. He and Magneto thought at first that she would go back inside and all would go the way they had wanted it to go. But they were so wrong. She glared at them both and lifted her arms so that her hands were towards them.
The only thing was that she didn't know that Mastermind was also with Magneto. He was just hiding where she couldn't see him and waiting for his cue. And that was now. Magneto had told him that if Wanda would not cooperate that he'd need his help. Magneto had also filled him in on all of the details that Pietro had given about her current behavior.
Before she could do anything Mastermind stepped up behind her. He appeared to come out of nowhere to those inside the house, though Pietro knew he'd be there. He was going to try to mess with her head again.
Mastermind began to enter Wanda's mind. As he did so everything to her became kind of blurry. Sort of topsy-turvy. She could see what was there but he was trying to alter her memories as he had done before. All kinds of stuff was running through her mind; real and fake. She was getting to the point where she was starting to get confused. "What's happening?"she thought as he went further into her mind. She could still see her real memories but they were getting cloudy. She began to feel kind of weak, as if she'd fall or perhaps faint. And it was beginning to even hurt a bit. Her head was spinning and aching. She closed her eyes tightly for a moment. She took a deep breath and focused, trying to summon her powers.
Luckily for her, she was still strong enough to ward him off this time before he dug too much deeper and completed the process. She turned around, raised her arms so that her hands were pointing at him and blasted him with her hex powers. His powers backfired on him and then he fell to the ground, unconscious, due to the extent of force she used upon him.
That little trick had caught Wanda off guard, however it didn't really surprise her too much. She figured that Magneto would try anything possible to stop her. But he wasn't having his way, not this time. She wasn't the weak child she used to be. Ever since her getaway from the psychiatric institution she had been stronger; physically and mentally. As time passed she has become even more so.
Magneto glared at her. Even Pietro gave her a harsh look. He was highly disappointed by her behavior as well. But nothing was going to stop her from getting away. She flashed her father and brother a murderous look and quickly lifted her arms with her hands pointed towards them and hexed both Magneto and Pietro with a high dose of her powers, causing them both to stumble backwards and a fall to the ground. They were now knocked unconscious.
That was her chance to escape. She took a glance around and saw that she nearly demolished the whole front of the Brotherhood house, but she didn't care. She wasn't staying there anymore. And if anyone there had any sense what-so-ever they wouldn't either. However, she knew they'd stay. They were too weak and afraid to stand up to Magneto, or even Mystique. She wasn't.
Once again she took off. This time she kept running as fast as she could. Not even looking back.
Fred and Lance watched everything, still in shock. Todd watched Wanda until he couldn't see her anymore.
"Goodbye, Wanda." He said to himself.
Magneto and Pietro were out and quite a few minutes had passed before they came back around. They slowly stood back up only to see that Wanda was totally out of sight. Mastermind was still out of it.
Magneto snarled. "Go find her, Pietro! Now!"
"Father, I could be searching forever. I have the slightest clue which way she went."
Magneto sighed, "Did any of you fools see which way she went?"
Lance said, "No. Sorry."
"She went over that way." Fred said, pointing to the direction he was referring to.
Todd said nothing what-so-ever.
"That doesn't help. No matter, we know where she's heading." He was infuriated. "This isn't over, not by a long shot." He added.
Wanda didn't stop running until she was far away from the Brotherhood house. She kept glancing back thinking that someone was following her. To her surprise no one was. But she knew that Magneto wasn't going to stay away. He'd interfere with her new life and the X-Men as much as possible. He'd try anything to bring her back, but she wasn't going to give in. She didn't belong with him and she knew it. She's known it for quite some time but she didn't know what to do. Her only bet was to leave the Brotherhood and join the X-Men. Otherwise she'd never be anything.
She eventually slowed down to a power walk, but she kept walking and walking. She didn't remember the institute being that far away. But after what seemed like forever she saw it in the distance. She ran again and it got closer and closer. Soon she was right outside of the huge metal gates. Just as she stopped the gates opened. She was confused, however she walked inside. They closed behind her, startling her some. Evidently Charles knew of her arrival . . . somehow. But she didn't doubt anything when it came to that man.
Wanda made her way up the pathway towards the front of the building. She felt so nervous that she thought she would throw up. Her heart was pounding and she even felt weak. Of course she was a little weak for she had ran and her head hurt from Mastermind's attempt to brainwash her again. As she stood there gazing at the steps and front door she knew that this was a challenge for her and she didn't know how they would take to her being there. Although she knew some would be against it, perhaps most would. To a point she didn't care, but she wanted more than anything to feel wanted and to feel like she belonged. But who wouldn't?
She stepped up to the doors and paused. She just froze in place as if her body wouldn't allow her to move. She had never felt that oddly. Shortly she snapped out of it and rang the door bell. She knew that somebody had known she was there. Why else would the gates open all of a sudden when no one was leaving through them or coming back inside through them?
In a matter of seconds the doors opened. Ororo stood there and left Wanda in. Luckily at this time most of the students had gone to school. Jamie and Laura were with Hank, so she'd only have to be around Ororo, Logan, Jean, Scott, Charles, Warren, Piotr and Remy for the time being. The Professor had those who were free to gather and have a little discussion. The others would get their chance to say what they wanted later that afternoon, if they chose to. And surely most would.
Ororo led Wanda into the rec room where the others waited. She treated Wanda kindly, but she was always like that. When they entered the room Wanda felt like turning around and hiding somewhere. Some of the looks she received weren't exactly kind or happy. Ororo and Xavier were the most friendly of them all. Jean didn't look at her unkindly, though she gave a look that said that she didn't trust her. Logan and Scott had the hardest expressions while Remy only paid a slight bit of attention to her. He mostly sat there and shuffled through his cards and played around with them. Warren eyed her suspiciously and there was a trace of bitterness. Warren knew how Magneto was so he'd be careful with her. Little does he know how extremely different the two are. Piotr appeared to have a more promising expression. Still, the only two Wanda felt thoroughly comfortable around was Charles and Ororo.
Ororo motioned for Wanda to take a seat. "You may sit anywhere you'd like, honey."
"Thanks." Wanda glanced around and went for a space nearest the Professor.
Jean and Scott sat right beside one another on the couch. Logan stood against a wall by Xavier. Remy sat in a chair, sideways with his legs dangled over the one arm. Ororo seated herself on a chair beside Professor X. Warren sat on the opposite side of the couch were Jean and Scott sat. And Piotr chose to stand behind the couch.
There was silence for a while, but Charles broke through it. "Wanda, I see you've made up your mind."
She swallowed hard. "Y-yes. It wasn't easy but I can't live there anymore. And my father doesn't make matters any better. Just to warn you, he threatened to start a war between you and his side. I'm sorry." She did feel bad that she's causing such a mess.
"Oh, don't be. You have a right to lead your own life. Magneto would have started something regardless. That's how he is, you should know this just as well as I do, or any of my X-Men for that matter. This only gave him an excuse to do so sooner." Professor Xavier said. "So don't be sorry. It's not your fault."
Scott couldn't help but throw in a slur remark. "Well, while all that's true, Professor, we would have been better off if she hadn't come here."
Jean turned and gave Scott a grim look. He looked at her and shrugged. "It's how I feel, Jean."
Wanda wasn't surprised. She knew there would be friction for it was only normal. She didn't get upset about the comment because he may have been right.
"Yes, Scott, but Magneto was just waiting for a reason to come at us again. We can't blame this all on her." Jean stated. "I'm not saying I'm okay with this just yet, I'm just saying we can't place all of the blame on to her if he attacks us."
"If he attacks us." Logan said. "It's more like when he attacks us. He definitely will now."
Ororo glanced back at him. He was right but she didn't like how he put it. "Logan, even though you make a good point, could you have said it more kindly?"
"No. Why should I? I'm not that friendly. I don't even know if we can trust her yet." He was harsh.
Remy stopped fiddling with his cards to say, "This doesn't happen too often but I have t' say I'm wit' Logan on this one. And even Scott. Although, I'm not goin' t' be as mean t' such a pretty fille. She very well may turn out O.K. Look at moi. Remy didn't do so bad now, non?"
Logan and Scott couldn't argue with that. They both hated the fact that Remy joined, but within the time he's been there they've come to like him. And even trust him partly. They're still not best pals but they get along better. As long as Remy doesn't hurt Rogue then Logan won't hurt him.
After a silent period Warren thought he'd say something directly to her. "Wanda, I apologize if I seem to be a total snob or jerk to you. Your father isn't really one of my best friends either. He ruined my cover a couple of years ago by causing me to knock a little girl into the freezing river from the side of the bridge. I was blamed for it, but it was he who did it. He used cables from the bridge to tangle my feet and I spread my wings trying to break free, bumping her, and she went falling. Of course I saved her, but that didn't matter anymore. He pointed out that I wasn't a real angel and that I was merely a mutant. I've greatly disliked him ever since. So, you have to prove you're not like him." That was all he said.
Wanda nodded but she glowered when she went over his words in her head. That definitely sounded like Magneto. He'd do anything to try and prove his side to be the right side. No matter how many he hurt or took down.
Piotr, as usual, stayed silent. Sometimes they forgot that he could talk. He just wasn't a very talkative man. He never was. Plus he had no idea what to even say.
Xavier said, "You all make very good points. Wanda, you haven't said a word. How do you feel right now? Especially after what Warren had told you?"
She didn't know what to say. She searched her mind for something and finally said, "To be truthful, I don't know how I feel. I'm glad to be away from there but being here is going to be a challenge. But at least I'm safe and I can be who I want to be. I don't have to feel like a puppet." She stopped briefly. "And I can't blame any of you for not trusting me or even hating me. My father's a terrible person. Warren, I'm sorry about how my father was with you."
Warren nodded but didn't say any more.
Logan broke in. "We don't hate you. We only don't trust you and it will take a long time for us to do so, some more than others."
"How could you not hate me?"
"Wanda, that's not what we're about. We may hate how people are but we never hate a person in general. If we did we'd be just like our foes." Scott stated.
That made her feel a little more at ease. Charles and Jean could both sense her thoughts and they noticed a difference when she found that no one actually hated her.
"Yes, and since you want to become one of us you'll have to learn to put hate aside. Cancel it out. I know it will be hard but it's not impossible." the Professor said. "At this moment, would any of you like to say anything else?" No one knew what else to say at that time. Xavier waited momentarily in case someone thought of something. When no one spoke he said, "Okay then, Jean, since Ororo's going to be teaching soon would you show Wanda to a room?"
"Sure." Jean said. "Where will I be taking her?"
Just then Hank came in to the room. His lessons were over. He had Laura and Jamie in the Danger Room for some activities. They were still with him now and they saw that Wanda was there.
"What were you all talking about?" Asked Hank curiously. He knew it dealt with Wanda. That was a no-brainer.
"We were just talking, nothing major. But if you'd like to say something go right ahead." Xavier said.
"No, I'm good. I just hope we make her stay pleasant." He said smiling at Wanda and then looking particularly at Scott and Logan. He himself knew it would be hard for all of them, but they'd get through it with time.
Professor Xavier turned back to Jean. "Well, to answer your question Jean. I'll probably have to put her with the other girls because we currently do not have an extra room. I have to add on soon."
Laura gave a slight grin, but nobody took notice. "Professor, perhaps she could stay with me. I have my own room, so there will be plenty of space for her. Plus, I can keep an eye on her."
He thought about it and it was a good idea. It would definitely make the others feel better. "Very well. Jean show Wanda where Laura's room is."
Everyone got up and slowly made their way to where they had to be. Warren and Piotr said nothing to Wanda as they left. Remy winked as he walked by, he couldn't resist and it was only clean fun.
Scott said, "I'll be watching you. I hope you can authenticate that you can be trusted." And he walked past her.
Logan only lifted his right hand, pointed to his eyes with his index finger and middle finger and pointed to her with only his index finger. It was clear that he meant "I'm keeping my eyes on you". Practically the same thing Scott said only Logan used body language.
Ororo smiled at Wanda. "I hope you enjoy being here. Just bear with us. Once we know you are trustworthy things will be much more easier for you and all of us." She patted Wanda on the shoulder and left the room.
Jamie and Laura followed Ororo out. Jamie glanced to Wanda and tilted his head, as if studying her slightly, but he just moved on. Laura gave Wanda the same looks that Logan did, however she said nothing either. Her expression said enough.
Jean came up to her. "Follow me." Was all she said, mainly for lack of what else to say.
Hank looked at her curiously as she followed Jean out of the room. He was uncertain of what to think about all of this. "She will be a great addition to the team, once and if she can be trusted", he thought.
"Jean, things are only going to get worse, aren't they?" Wanda couldn't help but ask. Especially when they exited the rec room to find that Scott and Logan were hanging around the corner. They weren't kidding when they said they were watching her.
"I really can't say. Some of us, as you saw, will be very critical to you while others will be less. But when you prove yourself all will be well. For the most part. I know that coming here was the best thing for you to do though. You made a good choice." Jean told her as they walked up the stairs.
Scott and Logan spoke amongst themselves. They wanted to follow Jean upstairs with Wanda, but they surely couldn't both do it. So Scott gave in and told Logan to do so. He smirked as Scott walked off.
After walking a little more Jean and Wanda were at Laura's door. "Well, here you go. Make yourself at home. And if you need me I'll be here until around noon. Of course you could always see Professor X or even Ororo. You seem to be most comfortable around them. I have to say I don't blame you." Jean joked. But it was true.
"Okay, thanks." Wanda said trying to smile.
Jean slowly left, glancing back every so often. And she wasn't watching where she was going and she bumped right in to Logan.
"Watch where you're goin', Red." He said in his deep, gruff voice.
"Sorry. I was seeing if she was staying in the room. I like her but I'm wary of her." She explained.
"Can't say I blame ya. But I got that covered."
Jean cocked an eyebrow. "How? Are you going to stand outside of the room and spy. Or are you going to sneak in and hide in the closet."
He grinned. "Actually, I was goin' to just stay up here for a bit to see what she'd do. Listen to see if she makes any phone calls or whichever. But your ideas are better. Particularly the second one."
"You are despicable." She said laughing.
"Hey, you're the one who came up with the idea." He reminded her.
Jean smiled. "I know. Well, good luck in whatever you choose to do. I have some things to do."
Logan gave her a dirty grin. "Is Scott on that 'to do' list?"
"Logan!" She exclaimed. "No. Not today at least." She decided she'd pick back.
He smirked again. "O.K. Well I better let ya go. I have some business of my own."
The two parted, Jean went downstairs and Logan remained upstairs to keep watch on Wanda. He was no way leaving her alone. He had very little trust for her. To be honest he had not one ounce of it.
Wanda had went into the room as Jean left just moments ago. There was another bed in there, for most of the dorms had two beds in case there was new recruits. She laid her suitcase down on the spare one, which would now be hers, and after looking around a bit she sighed and flopped down on the bed. She laid back and stretched out. Soon she ended up falling asleep. That was something she lacked while living at the Brotherhood house. She was exhausted from everything from the past weeks, including that day, so it came easy. She never even took notice that Logan had peeked in to the room and then walked down the hall past the doorway.
Time had passed by and it was nearly lunch time. Jean had left for school. Scott had no idea what he'd do until she came back home, so he had some lunch and went up to his room for the time being. Logan decided to challenge Remy to a motorcycle race. Of course, Remy was all for it. So they went outside. Piotr and Warren went to watch for they were sure it would be quite amusing to see. Professor Xavier and Hank had went down to the lab. Hank had been working on something that may be of great use to Scott, if it worked as planned. So they've been going over the details. Ororo had finished up with Laura's tutoring and went to the kitchen to make something for herself, Laura, Jamie and whoever else who'd be interested in eating at that moment.
In the kitchen Ororo was almost finished with making lunch. Laura and Jamie acted as if they were starving. She couldn't help but laugh to herself. Those two were always silly together. Even Laura would end up smiling or sometimes letting out a small laugh. It was nice that she found someone she could hang with. And it gave Jamie someone he could hang with as well. So they both won.
Once lunch was done Ororo told them they could get what they wanted, however she told them to save some. She would eat shortly but first she wanted to go upstairs and check on Wanda. Logan had spent most of the morning keeping a close watch on her. To his surprise she didn't give any reasons for suspicion. Either way, he still didn't trust her.
Ororo left the kitchen and headed towards the stairs. It didn't take her long to walk up and make her way to the room. Once there she poked her head inside. Wanda was lying on the bed still but she appeared to be awake.
"Wanda, are you hungry?"
Wanda glanced up at her. "No, I'm fine. But thanks. Besides nobody wants me here anyway. I already feel like an intruder."
Ororo came into the room and walked over towards Wanda's bed. "Honey, it's just a big change. It's not that we don't want you here."
Wanda sat up and stared at Ororo. "Oh come on, mostly everybody here would rather me leave."
"Perhaps a lot of the students and some teachers, mainly Logan, would want that. But I don't. Neither does Professor Xavier. I'm sure there are others who would not want that either. And you're not intruding. We only have to get used to the fact that you're becoming one of us. No pressure."
"I feel absolutely none." Wanda said sarcastically.
Ororo smiled, she was used to sarcasm. "I understand how you feel."
"No offense, but no you don't."
"Well maybe not to the full extent but I do to a point." Ororo stated.
Wanda looked at the floor for a moment and then back to Ororo. "I am sorry for being such a bitch, pardon me for that. This is just so hard. I don't think I'll ever fit in here."
"Sweetheart, give it time. Many never thought that Remy would but he did. And there were others that didn't think they'd fit in and they did as well. This is only your first day, after a few months things will get better. Believe me." Ororo explained.
"Hopefully you're right."
Ororo decided to go back to the reason she came upstairs. "But are you sure you're not hungry, because I made lunch and you are more than welcome to come down and join us."
"Us? Who's all down there?"
"Oh, just Laura, Jamie and me." Ororo stated. She noticed that Wanda made a strange face when she said Laura's name. She laughed and said, "I'll be there the whole time. But still you'll have to get used to Laura since you'll be staying here. And you are sharing a room with her."
Wanda sighed. She knew Ororo probably wouldn't give up until she went downstairs and got something to eat. She was happy to know that Scott and/or Logan weren't in the kitchen. Not to mention she was pretty hungry since she hadn't eaten all day. "Okay. Maybe I'm a little hungry."
"I thought so." As soon as Wanda got up and came towards the doorway Ororo turned and walked towards the stairs. She kept cautious however, for even though she was more kindly it didn't mean she trusted her.
Wanda did nothing but follow behind her. She knew everyone would be nervous or extremely careful when around her. It was a given.
As they walked Ororo looked back. "You know, you could walk beside me."
"Are you sure?" Wanda said.
"Yes. I don't bite. Now I'd keep a close watch on Logan, Laura and maybe even Rahne." Ororo joked.
Wanda smiled and moved up so that they were walking beside one another. It felt awkward. But what at that time in her life didn't? This was all new territory for her.
Once they were in the kitchen Ororo looked at Wanda and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go ahead and get whatever you want." She showed Wanda where the dishes were and so forth. "I'll be right over there." She added and she pointed at the table.
Wanda said, "Alright." She then glanced over and saw Jamie and Laura. Jamie looked at her briefly but then went back to eating. Though Laura seemed to be staring at her. It kind of freaked Wanda out. But she went and got a bowl and spoon. She figured she'd get the food first.
After Wanda got the amount she wanted to eat she went to get a glass. When she opened the fridge she was amazed to see it was pretty full. She was used to seeing nearly everything gone. Fred could eat all of the food they had at the Brotherhood house in one day.
She soon settled on some iced tea and went to the table. She wasn't sure where to sit just yet, but she chose to sit by Ororo. Nevertheless, she was across from Laura. The four ate quietly for the most part. Jamie and Laura were about finished so Wanda was sort of hoping they'd be leaving the table any moment. She didn't mind Jamie but Laura was too much like Logan and it creeped her out to be that close.
When Laura and Jamie finished they got up and took their dirty dishes to the sink. They each rinsed off their own and placed them neatly into the sink to be washed. Fortunately for Wanda they were leaving the kitchen. But as they left Laura gave her a strange look.
Ororo had taken notice. "Laura, please be nice."
"Ororo, I am being as nice as I can. I just don't know about her yet." Laura said being honest.
Wanda finally decided she should speak up. "Laura, look. I know you don't trust me and I can't say that I blame you. But could you stop looking at me like that. It's freaky. And I do have to share a room with you."
"Sorry, but it's just how I am, Wanda. Get used to it." She sounded rude even though she wasn't really trying to be. She added, "Oh, but don't worry, I won't kill you when you're sleeping. I prefer my prey to be awake when I attack." She grinned.
Wanda didn't know what to take from that. Surely she was joking. She had to be.
Ororo scolded her. "Laura, that's enough." She didn't like what she had just said.
Laura gave Ororo a look that said "Sorry" and she left the room with Jamie. Ororo shook her head. "I'm sure she was messing around with you." She said to Wanda.
"I surely hope so." Wanda said back.
They went back to eating. And they even talked some afterwards. Only about how different life at the mansion was going to be for Wanda and things along those lines. Ororo even told her that if she ever needed someone to talk to that she could always come to her, for anything.
After they ended their conversation Wanda went back upstairs. She just sat on her bed thinking. Being there was a huge step but she wasn't turning back. She had nowhere else to go. And she was certain she'd be treated differently as the time passed on. The only thing she was somewhat worried about now was what the other students would say when they came home. Of course Laura still creeped her out some, but she only hoped that their relationship would change over time too. And maybe they'd become more like sisters or something. After-all, they were sharing a room.
The school day was closing at Bayville High and the halls were filled with students who couldn't wait to get home. Among them were those from the institute. Most of them had went to their lockers and headed out of the building. Kitty, Kurt and Rogue used to walk together but now they just walk until they get outside. They were about to leave the building when Kurt remembered he had to stay behind for a bit.
"Darn!" He exclaimed as they were about to exit the building.
Kitty and Rogue both looked at him and said, "What." They had no idea what that was about.
"Oh, I just remembered that I have to stay after school today."
"Why? Did you get detention?" Kitty asked with shock.
"Hello, this is Kurt we're talkin' about. Maybe he volunteered to help with something." Rogue suggested.
"Actually you're both wrong. My history teacher wants me to stay after. It's about my test. I totally flunked it."
Rogue glanced at him. "I thought ya were gettin' A's and B's in that class?"
"Usually I am but for some reason I did horribly on this test."
"Well, if you need any help you can always come to me." Kitty said.
"Yeah, it's just that I'm usually giving the help on this." Kurt said back.
"He's right. I would have never gotten my grades up if not for him." Rogue said. "We could still help ya though, Kurt. Everyone needs help every now and again."
"True. I'll definitely take you both up on that offer, but for now I had better get going." Kurt said.
Kitty asked, "Would you like us to wait for you?"
He had to think a bit. "Sure. If Remy comes to meet you, Rogue, then take Kitty home with you. I don't want her to have to wait by herself."
"Okay. What if he doesn't show up?" Asked Kitty.
"I don't know, just wait I guess. It shouldn't take that long to see my teacher. At least I hope not." He then turned and headed off to his destination.
Kitty and Rogue went outside to wait. There were still students outside but not too many. Lucky for them because they didn't feel like dealing with a bunch of morons. The two friends went to a bench and sat down and talked.
Inside the school Kurt made it to the classroom to meet his teacher. When he arrived to the room his teacher was seated behind his desk working on some papers. Kurt walked in.
"Mr. Lee, sorry I'm late. It almost slipped my mind. I'm not used to staying after school."
Mr. Lee looked up from his work. "That's fine, Kurt. I had work to do, as you can see." He said and then he added, "You may take a seat here in front of me so we can discuss your test."
Kurt walked further into the room and seated himself. "I don't know why I failed that test. I studied like crazy."
"Sometimes things like that happen. But I wanted to see you about it because it's one of the big tests of the marking period which affects your overall grade point average. Failing this is nearly as bad as failing your benchmark." Mr. Lee explained.
"Man. Am I going to pass?"
"Considering how well you've done on past tests and such you should. If you do poorly on the benchmark next week then you may just pass from this marking period."
Kurt sighed. "Is there any way I can make up for that test? I'd really like to do better."
"Yes. If you'd like I could give you some extra credit assignments. Now they won't be worth as many points but they'll at least bring you to a high C or a low B, depending on how well you do on them. And that depends on your benchmark grade."
"Sure. I can do that. When will you be giving them to me?" Kurt asked.
"I'll get them ready tomorrow morning when I come in and I'll give them to you during class. Unless you just want to stop by after school tomorrow and pick them up. Either way it doesn't matter." Mr. Lee told him.
"I could get them in class. It would be easier for me."
"Okay." Mr. Lee said. Then he thought of something. "But, if you'd like a head start you can do a small essay. If you want go on back and look through the books and pick any topic you want. This won't be anything huge but at least a page. Typed if possible."
"That's good for me." Kurt got up and went towards the back of the room.
Mr. Lee stood up. "I'll be back. I have to go out to my car. I remembered I left some papers there that I need to look over. If you find something before I return get a small piece of paper, write the title down and place the paper on my desk. Then you may leave."
"Thank you." Kurt said.
"You're welcome."
Kurt's teacher left the room as he scanned through the books. At first he thought nothing would catch his interest, but then he saw a book on ancient Egypt. That was always pretty fascinating stuff to read about so he picked up the book and headed towards the front of the room. He did as he was told, he wrote down the information from the book and even placed his name on the paper. Then he laid it on Mr. Lee's desk and headed for the door.
As Kurt was about to exit the room Mr. Lee appeared in the doorway, almost startling him. "Sorry, Kurt. I forgot something. May I have a private word with you?"
Kurt looked at him strangely, however he said, "I suppose so."
They went into the room and Mr. Lee shut the door. The door had a blind on it so that when class was in progress no one in the halls could peak into the room and disturb the class. So nobody would see in there now either.
"You may seat yourself again."
"No, that's fine. I can stand this time. I was about to leave anyway." Kurt said. "So what is it you need to speak to me privately about? Is it something regarding my test?"
Mr. Lee stood in front of him. "Not really." His teacher's form changed.
Kurt's eyes widened. "Mother?!"
"Shh . . . yes."
"Was that you before?" He asked puzzled.
"No, that was your teacher. I've been disguising myself as teachers and other staff members for a while. I wanted to talk to you . . . alone. But it's got to be kind of quick for your real teacher will be back soon. And I know that Rogue and Kitty are outside waiting for you."
Kurt thought about what she said and then he said, "Have you been spying on me?"
She nodded. "And Rogue." He gave her a look of disapproval. She acted fast by saying, "It was the only way I could know what's going on with you two."
"Why don't you just talk to me?"
She looked at him and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Kurt, this was the best way I could get to you. Rogue is hard-headed and I doubt she'll ever come around, but I gave her my phone number and told her to call me. Or to have you call. Anything. Neither of you have contacted me so I figured that she didn't deliver the message to you. Son, I would like for us to get together, for lunch or something. I'd like to get to know you. I know you'd love that."
He couldn't tell if she was up to something or not. "She did say something but . . . "
"But what? You didn't want to see me?" She said.
"It's not that. I'd like for her to come too. I'd prefer it to be like we're a family." Kurt said with some emotion.
"Well, she doesn't. So if you want you can call me." She wrote her number down for him. "Call me at any time, day or night. It's my cell phone number."
He gave good thought to what she had said as she wrote down her number. When she handed it to him he asked, "But how do I know you're being true? How do I know this isn't just another one of your schemes?"
She stared into his eyes. "Excuse me? Apparently you've been hanging around Rogue a tad too much."
"Yeah, I hang around her. But that's not why I question your intentions. You haven't exactly been the best mother." He said staring back.
"Kurt, not you too. Listen, I know I haven't been and I don't expect any 'Greatest Mother in the World' awards either. I'd only like to make amends with you and her. Would you please trust me here?"
"That's kind of hard considering your last stunt." Kurt said with a hint of anger and hurt mingled together in his voice.
She looked away briefly. She had to. When she looked back she said, "That wasn't all my fault. Things may have worked out differently if not for the whole Apocalypse thing. I really didn't have a mind of my own. I'm not trying to make up excuses for my past behavior, I'm only saying that the last time wasn't me. Not entirely. Even Rogue was used momentarily. And Magneto, Xavier and Storm were also made Apocalypse's Horsemen. You do know this, right?"
"Of course I do, Mother. I had witnessed a good bit of it, either in person or in some form."
Before he could say any more she spoke again. "And, do you believe I'd be that horrible?"
He turned his eyes away from hers and then he looked back. "You have been quite bad. The only credit I can give you is that Rogue and I aren't dead. You did make sure I was safe and you gave her a nice home. Everything else is questionable. I still recall when you wrote me a note telling me to meet you. I did and the Brotherhood attacked me, and the X-Men when they came to help."
"That wasn't my doing, Kurt. I honestly wanted to see you. Magneto was behind that. He had Pietro spy and he found out about my wanting to meet with you and he told Magneto. It was set up by Magneto and his sneaky son, not me. I was just as surprised as you were to see those imbeciles." She appeared to be truthful.
Kurt sighed. "I still don't know."
"What else can I say? Would you please give me a chance to prove I'm being true? I would never dream of hurting you." She brushed the back of her hand against his face affectionately.
"Mother, this is so hard." He said and he gazed into her eyes searching them for any traces of mendaciousness. To his surprise he couldn't find any. However, he did glimpse what may have been tears forming. He wasn't positive. "Okay, fine, I'll meet you. But if you try anything I won't ever forgive you."
His words sounded somewhat harsh. She understood where he was coming from though. "That's all I ask. And if you would like to tell Rogue then fine. But I know she won't join us. She's complicated. I can't say that I blame her, but still." She didn't say anything too mean because she was trying to reel him in, but she had no desires to harm him, or even Rogue.
"Yeah, I think I will tell her. You know, only in-case she changed her mind and would like to come with me." He was nervous about seeing Mystique on his own. He cared about her, obviously, but given his past and her doings he was still suspicious.
"Good. I must go now. Please, call me. Even if you don't want to meet me I'd like to hear from you."
"Sure. See you around."
"Promise me you'll at least call."
Kurt smiled a little. "I promise, Mother." He wanted, in a way, to hug her before she left but he talked himself out of it.
"I'll be looking forward to hearing from you, Kurt." She wanted to say "I love you" but that just wasn't her. She really wanted to feel like she had a family. She even wanted Rogue to agree on meeting, but that most likely wasn't going to happen. She wasn't going soft, she just wanted to get closer to her children. And as she turned to leave a single tear rolled down her cheek, unnoticed.
Mystique left Kurt alone in the classroom. He was there for a while. Everything she had said kept running through his mind like he was replaying it over and over again. He didn't know what to do: part of him wanted to meet her and do something, while another part felt it was all a setup. He surely would tell Rogue and he'll feel better if she would go along with it. But either way, he would call Mystique. He did promise and he didn't want to go back on his word.
Mr. Lee had came back as Kurt was standing there. "Kurt? I thought you'd be gone by now."
"Yeah, well, I found a book and wrote down the title but I was looking through the pages and I guess I lost track of time."
"Are you're friends waiting for you?"
"Yes, why?" Kurt asked.
"Because I think they are about to leave. You'd better hurry if you want to catch them. A young man on a motorcycle showed up and joined them. But it looked like they were still waiting."
"Okay, thanks." Kurt headed for the door quickly.
"No problem. Have a great evening."
"You too, Mr. Lee."
Kurt was off. He made sure no one was watching and he teleported outside of the school. He really didn't want to miss them. Fortunately for him they weren't gone just yet. Though they were close to leaving.
"Damn Kurt. Took ya long enough." Rogue said as he made his way towards them.
"My apologies. Something held me up. I'll tell you when we get home, okay."
"Yeah, sure." Rogue said and she looked at him oddly.
Kurt looked at Rogue and said in a whisper, "It's about our mother."
"Now what?!" She exclaimed.
Kitty and Remy gave her a strange look. Kurt gave her a look and said softly, "After I tell you then you can fill them in. Right now I want to get home."
"Alright. How about you ride with me and Kitty rides with Remy?" She suggested so they didn't have to walk.
Remy smirked. "Ooh, Remy gets t' have Kitty."
"Ya pervert." Rogue said and she swatted him on the arm.
He laughed. "Y' know what I meant."
"Maybe, but I just wanted ta hit ya, swamp rat."
"River rat."
"Come on you two. You have most of the evening to tease each other." Kitty said with a smile.
After that Kitty and Remy got on his bike and Kurt and Rogue got onto hers. It didn't take long for them to get moving. Soon they'd be home.
As Rogue, Remy, Kitty and Kurt came up to the front of the mansion they ran into Amara, Tabitha, Jubilee and Bobby. They were sitting on the steps and it seemed as if they had been waiting on them or something.
Tabitha said, "What took you all so long? We've been home for a little over an hour?"
"I held them up." Kurt said. "I needed to speak to my history teacher." He added.
"Well, you better hurry up and get inside, we've all been waiting on you." Said Amara.
Bobby stood up and said, "Especially you three." He pointed to Kitty, Kurt and Rogue.
"Why us?" Asked Kitty.
Jubilee took the chance to jump in. "Wanda's here. She arrived this morning shortly after we all went to school."
"So, why is everyone waitin' on us b'cause of her?" Rogue asked.
"The Professor wants to hear our opinions on her joining us. And he didn't want to continue without you three." Amara stated.
"Oui, he did say this mornin' that he'd like t' hear everybody else's opinions on it. He called most of us to the rec room." Remy remembered.
Rogue shook her head. "I don't even know what ta think about her."
"Let's get inside." Said Kurt. "We don't want to keep them waiting any longer."
"What's the hurry?" Asked Kitty.
"I just want to get this over with." He answered.
Jubilee got up. "Me too."
"Don't we all." Bobby said.
Amara and Tabitha stood up and all of them entered the institute. It was very awkward when they reached the rec room because all of the residents were gathered in there, waiting. That included Wanda.
Alex saw them in the doorway. "Finally, I thought you weren't coming home." He joked.
"We had to wait on Kurt. Okay, let's do this." Said Kitty.
"This'll be fun." Muttered Rogue with sarcasm.
Remy who was standing right beside her heard what she said. "Chere, it won't be that bad."
She looked at him. "I just don't feel like doin' this now."
Kurt gazed at her. "Me neither. I would rather fill you in on some things."
She knew what he meant. "I know, but that'll have ta wait."
Remy raised an eyebrow. "Huh, is Remy missin' somt'ing here?"
"I'll tell ya later." Rogue told him. He nodded.
Professor Xavier told them all to get comfortable. So they found places to sit. There was almost not enough space but Rogue chose to sit on Remy's lap. And he didn't complain about that one bit.
"Is everyone ready?" Charles said after everyone seemed to be situated. He received some responses but others only groaned and he smiled. "I'll take that as a yes. I know you would prefer to be elsewhere, but I would really like to know what all of you think about our new member. Be honest." He said with a bit of a smile towards the end. He wasn't too sure where this would go. He figured that the worst part was over, but when it comes to teenagers it's hard to be sure.
The first two to speak up were Tabitha and Kurt. Tabitha went first. She glanced over to Wanda. "I really have no right to judge you. But I know we have a few things in common. One is that we both have idiots for fathers. They don't really care about us, they only care about what we can do for them. I suppose I turned out okay, but that wouldn't have even been possible if I hadn't came back here. I realized, after being at the Brotherhood and on my own again, that this place was the best thing for me. I hope that helped you. To get to the point, parents don't have anything to do with who you are. If so I'd be a complete moron. I believe you'll make a great addition to the X-Men. You are nothing like Magneto, as far I can tell. You're alright, girl."
Wanda sat there and listened. She looked at Tabitha from time to time while she spoke, to be polite and to make sure she was truthful. "I guess we do have some things in common, for sure. And you're so right, I am nothing like that bigoted fool."
After Kurt saw that Tabitha and Wanda were done he broke in. "Wanda, even I have some similarities with you, so does Rogue. Our mother isn't the nicest person on the planet. I think she may be trying to change but it's unclear after all she's done. But my point is that we all came here from different walks of life. Tabitha was right, our parents can't make you who you are. The person you become is all up to you. I'm not saying I trust you with my life just yet, I'm only saying that I'll give you a chance. You never seemed to be a bad person. You were only misled and life itself got to you. I know how that feels." He paused for a bit then said, "I don't know what else to say."
Wanda nodded. "Yeah. Life can suck. Thank both of you for you kind words." She was grateful that so far no one else had gotten bitter.
Rogue thought about what Tabitha and Kurt said and she was thinking that maybe she should jump in next. Since they were along the lines of family. "Okay, I just wanna say that I agree on tha things they said. I don't even have room ta speak when it comes ta bein' on tha wrong side. I used ta be with tha Brotherhood, even if it was an extremely short period of time. Though, I was only there 'cause of Mystique messin' with my head. Makin' me think tha X-Men were my enemies when they weren't. Even though she's not my real mama, she's tha only one I have. Anyway, after I came here I still wasn't tha best person ta be around. I was a total bitch. If someone rubs me tha wrong way I can still be that way. So don't. I know you and I are kind of alike with tha gothic look and all. And we both have tempers, although yours seems ta beat mine." Rogue grinned slightly.
Wanda did too for she knew exactly what she was referring to. They did have some things in common, mainly just the gothic looks and they could be quite bitchy, but that was better than nothing.
Rogue went on. "I think ya see where I'm goin' here so I'll just say that I don't trust you. Not yet. Right now I feel that you're either bein' honest and really want ta be here or ya could end up betrayin' us." Rogue said. Then she added, "I'm not easy on trustin' people either, so you'll have ta work hard ta earn it from me."
"I understand what you mean. I don't want to betray you guys though. I really do want to be here. But I know only time will prove that. I think I'd feel the same if I were in your position." Wanda said. She was glad that Rogue wasn't too harsh. "And to be frank, I'm not quick to trust myself."
Once Wanda finished her last sentence the room was silent for a while. Xavier broke through the silence by saying, "Does anyone else want to speak up?"
Jubilee took that opportunity. "Sure. I guess I'll go." She looked over at Wanda. "I can't really relate to you in any way as the others so far have, but having Magneto for a father has to be tough. Just don't blow your chances here. If you're really looking to change then this is the best option you have."
"I know. I'm not planning on messing up either. If I do make a mistake then I'm sorry. But don't we all make mistakes?" Wanda stated.
"Yeah, we sure do." Said Alex. He felt he should get his thoughts out there. "I haven't made any huge mistakes, lately. But I did almost screwed up everything because your father talked me into going with him. It made sense at the time when I had no idea what to do with my powers. I'm glad my big bro and the X-Men were around. Even though I got him into the same predicament. Thankfully, everything turned out well in the end."
"Funny, most of the bad things that happened to you all was because of my father." Her words were oozing with sarcasm. "Even some of the things Mystique did was because of him. He's insane. But for some reason I still do love him."
Tabitha, Kurt and Rogue nodded in agreement. They knew what she meant about loving someone regardless of how they were treated by that person. Wanda had a feeling they could relate there.
Even though Rogue agreed on the fact that Magneto has caused the X-Men loads of grief she wasn't as forgiving towards Mystique. And she recalled some of the things that Wanda had done as well. She had to speak her mind. "I have to say somethin' else, while I agree on Magneto bein' a huge problem for us, I don't agree that allof Mystique's deranged plans were his fault. She has her own mind. Plus, now that I think about it, you weren't really much help. You could have murdered us all at tha mall! Or have ya forgotten that?"
Wanda sighed, she thought things were looking up. "Yeah, but my father's a lunatic. He probably threatened her. As for me, I was angry. I didn't know what the hell to do, Rogue. You should get some of this. You did bad things for Mystique, maybe not nearly as bad. But she's not as evil. It appears she has a soft spot here and there, mainly when it comes to you and Kurt. With Magneto, there's no such thing. Unless it's Pietro. Or if he can control me."
"Whatever." Rogue said. She didn't feel like saying any more. Only time would reveal how Wanda was going to be. Until then she was going to be careful with being around her, whether or not they had some common ground.
Samual wasn't sure what to say at that point, but he wanted to join the conversation so he said, "Wanda, all I'm gonna say is that I hope this turns out well for all of us. I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Thanks." That was all Wanda could get out. She was still thinking about what Rogue had brought up. She really could have killed them.
"As long as Scott cuts you some slack." Ray added to Sam's comment. Scott gave him a look that said "Watch it". "I'm just saying . . . " Ray added and then he was quiet.
The room fell silent again. But this time before the Professor said anything Amara broke the silence. "I'm excited that we'll have another girl on the team. So don't disappoint us. We need you." Her words weren't mean, they were actually on a humorous note. She really was happy to have another girl on the team. Most of the girls agreed with her.
Rahne commented, "Yeah, there's more guys. Another girl is a good thing."
"Hopefully." Kitty said. "I've been trying to find something to say but mostly everyone's covered it. But here goes . . . I'm not going to be your best friend and I'm not going to treat you like an enemy either, so don't worry. If I get to know you then maybe we could be closer. I'm not too hard on trusting people, but I'm still not stupid."
Wanda spoke: "I'm glad most of the girls are happy that I'm here since I'm a girl. I don't expect any of you to trust me or be best pals with me. You already know how I feel about trusting. All I would like is to be treated with respect."
Roberto said, "I'll respect you, but you have to respect us as well. That's how it should be."
"Of course, it should go both ways." She then explained, "At the Brotherhood no one respected anyone. It was irritating and it got under my skin so damn much. I didn't exactly respect them either, but why should I when they had not even an ounce of respect for me and my personal space. This place will be different, I know. And thank God."
Rogue and Tabitha knew very well what she meant about respect at the Brotherhood house. It didn't really mean a thing there. And that sure did get annoying at times. Especially when you're pretty much the only girl.
Once more, nobody said a thing. This time it seemed that they were finished. Everyone who could think of anything said it. Those who already spoke that morning didn't feel like repeating themselves. And whoever didn't speak just didn't know what to say or didn't feel up to it.
Charles glanced at everyone. "Would anyone else like to share their opinion before I dismiss you?"
There was silence. It was so quiet this time that if a pin had fallen it would have been heard. After a few seconds Professor X was about to start talking when Bobby broke in.
"I have something quick to say." Stated Bobby.
Xavier glanced at him. "Go ahead, Bobby."
He stood up. "Okay, Um, I just want to say good luck. This place can be loco and even quite difficult. Just wait until you start training. Logan will work you like cray." Bobby looked over to where Logan was and when he saw the expression upon his face he said, "But it pays off in the long run. Also, don't expect me to take a bullet for you yet. You have to be willing to take one for me, or any of us, if that would happen to come up." Bobby looked around the room and added, "That will be all." He was being silly at that moment and he bowed. Then he sat back down.
Some laughed at him. It was like him to be a goof, even at a time like this. But that was Bobby.
Wanda smiled slightly. "Yeah, thanks. And I know what you mean. It's all about the trust thing."
Jubilee looked over to Bobby. "Seriously, if someone was going to shoot her you wouldn't save her?"
Bobby said, "I didn't mean it that way. I just meant I'm not going to die for her." He grinned, "I'm not taking a bullet for any of you." They knew he was kidding around again.
Professor Xavier was smiling and shaking his head. "Thank you, Bobby. Now, would anyone else like to speak?" Nobody said a single word. "Okay then, I would say that this meeting went well. It's clear that trust will be the biggest issue. But that's understandable. I'm certain that as time passes on things will get better. This is just a big step for all of us." He paused for a moment in-case anyone else wanted to jump in as Bobby had.
Evan decided he'd throw something out there. "Wanda, at least you have one really good advantage of being here."
"And what would that be?" She asked.
"If you screw up badly none of the teachers will want to have a parent/teacher conference." He actually made a joke. Lately he wasn't the jokester he used to be, but every so often he'd lay one down.
Others laughed. Bobby chuckled and high-fived him. "Good one Evan. Why didn't I say that?"
"That's real mature guys." Said Kitty with a grin.
Wanda couldn't help but smile. She almost laughed. "I guess that's true though." She said.
When no one else said anything after a long pause, Xavier continued, "Well, if no one else has anything more to say then I suppose this is over." He waited. "Is this really the end this time? No more last minute comments?" He smiled.
Some of them laughed. Others smiled. The rest just sat there waiting to clear out of the room.
"Very well then, you are dismissed."
Wanda was glad that none of the comments that afternoon were that harsh. This was a far better meeting than the one from that morning. The harshest people still remained to be Logan, Scott and Laura. That was a known fact and they'd be the hardest to persuade.
Everyone started to exit the room. Most of the students were gone. All that remained were the teachers, Jean, Scott and Wanda. Kurt and Rogue hurried to get somewhere private for he really wanted to talk to her about what Mystique had said. Others would be filled in at some point, but for now they wanted to keep it amongst themselves.
Jean and Scott walked towards the exit. As they did Jean turned to Wanda. "All went well this round."
"Yeah. I'm grateful there were no more repeats of this morning." Wanda stated.
Jean smiled but Scott flashed Wanda a cold look. Jean picked up on his vibe. "Scott, let it go. Come on." She grabbed his hand and they left the room.
Wanda got up and faced the few that remained which were Hank, Ororo, Logan and Charles. "Well, I'm going up to my room. Even though I took that nap this morning I'm still bushed."
Hank nodded. "You had a tough first day, I suppose."
"Yep. I sure did." She admitted.
Xavier said, "Make certain that you downstairs before 6:30."
"Why?" She was confused.
"That's when we're having dinner." Professor X told her.
"Oh, okay. I will."
Ororo walked up to her. "I'll check in with you if you're not down her by at least 6:20. You know, incase you'd happen to fall asleep. You look very tired."
Wanda smiled a bit. "I am. Thanks."
"No problem. I've done it for other students here. Sometimes they come home from school and fall asleep."
"Can't say I blame them." Wanda said sarcastically.
Ororo laughed. "Well, see you around dinner."
Wanda was heading towards the exit and she passed Logan. He didn't say anything. He only looked at her and did the same thing he did earlier that day. With his index and middle finger he pointed to his eyes and then with his index finger he pointed to her.
She said, "I know, I know. You'll be watching me."
After she left he smirked. "Smart one. She catches on easily."
Hank and Charles shook their heads. Ororo rolled her eyes and grinned. "Well, hon, it's kind of hard for her not to. You remind her every time you two run across one another."
He shrugged. "I'm headin' outta here, Chuck. See ya at dinner."
Before Ororo left the room she said, "Yes, and I had better go and get things together for dinner."
They left the room. Only Xavier and Hank remained and they talked. Since they were alone they discussed more on what they were trying to do for Scott.
Meanwhile, Kurt and Rogue were upstairs in his room. He had closed the door because he wanted what he had to say about Mystique kept on the down-low, at least for the time being. He didn't care if she told Remy at some point for he knew he'd keep quiet, but he didn't want the whole mansion to know. He figured that some of them would try to stop him from contacting Mystique and most certainly meeting her. However, if he chose to meet her he did not want to go alone.
Rogue stood over by Kurt's window for a moment. He pulled the chair to his desk out and slid it over towards his bed and motioned for her to sit down on it. Once she sat down he sat on the edge of his bed across from her so that they were facing each other.
"So, Kurt, what's up with Mystique?" She was curious to find out what they had talked about.
Kurt didn't know where to start. He was afraid that Rogue would flip out and act vindictive. He also feared she would find it stupid and foolish for him to even consider seeing the shape-shifter.
"I'll start at the beginning." He said and then continued on. "After Mr. Lee left the classroom it appeared that he came back. I thought he forgot something. But soon it was revealed that our mother was disguised as him. She mentioned that she gave you her cell number." He explained.
"Yeah, I told ya all about my run-in with her." She cut in.
Kurt shot her a look of annoyance. "Let me finish, please." She crossed her arms and scowled but allowed him to go on. "Since neither of us had called her it seems that she was kind of distraught about it. I don't know why, but somehow she was bothered that one of us didn't call her. She assumed I'd definitely call."
"I told ya ta go ahead and call her. I'm not stoppin' ya." Rogue retorted, uncrossing her arms.
Kurt bit his lip. "I don't just want to call her. I want to see her as well."
She stared at him and raised an eyebrow. "Kurt, I hope you're not positively takin' this inta consideration. Look what she's done."
He hesitated but said, "Yeah, I know. But I am taking it into consideration." And that was all he said for he already could see the fury building up in Rogue's eyes and all over her face.
"Are ya crazy?! This is foolish. No Kurt, I would rather ya not see her. She's a complete psychopath. She doesn't love us." She exclaimed, almost screaming at times.
"Calm down, Rogue. I know all about the way she is. But people change and I'm willing to give her another chance." He stated trying to stay calm himself.
Rogue glared at him and shook her head. "You are crazy. She's not gonna change - never. People like that don't."
Kurt gazed into her eyes. "You don't know that. Neither do I." He waited before going on. She was looking back at him. "I just have to try this."
"I don't know. I think you're bein' dumb."
"I need this. Please. No offense, but she is my blooded mother. I'd like for this to work out."
"None taken. I'm glad she's not my real mother, no offense to you either. But I'm grateful to have you as a brother, even if it's not through blood ties." She thought about what she had said and started to cave in some. "This is only gonna turn out badly."
"I have to do this." He paused again then went on. "I'm not sure what her true plans are. She looked sincere, but I don't know." Kurt said.
She placed her hands on her lap and locked her fingers together, sort of nervously. The thought of Kurt going to see Mystique didn't settle well with her, no matter how she tried to assure herself. "So, you're definitely serious? You're really wantin' ta meet up with her? This is so messed up."
"Rogue, I know. You think I don't? But maybe, just maybe, she's trying to change. It's possible. Anything's possible in the world we live in. We're a living proof." He sounded upset and he was. He knew Rogue wouldn't be rational. He did understand her point, he only wished she'd understand.
"True. But what if she's settin' ya up - again?" She was calmer.
Kurt sighed and looked her directly in the eyes. "That's why I want you to come with me."
The calmness washed away and Rogue stood up. "Hell no! I've already told ya that I want nothin' ta do with her. She fucked up my life enough."
Kurt stood up too. "Come on, Rogue. I don't trust her either. But we can't push her away completely. I'd love to have a real family. Sure, you're not my biological sister, but I see you as if you were. I really want this to work." He was torn. He felt hurt and angry.
"That's exactly why I think this is a bad idea. What if she's up ta somethin'? Ya want this so bad that if you're let down it could really crush ya. I don't wanna see ya get hurt. You're the only brother I have. I don't want anything ta happen to ya." She was getting somewhat emotional. She could feel her eyes swell with tears.
"Just give her a chance. If she's trying to fool us again then I'm done. I even made it clear to her that this was her last chance to make things right. If her wanting to see us isn't only because she wants us around then it's her loss. At least we'd still have each other. And everyone here. I just want to try. Please, Rogue." His emotions were coming through as well.
Rogue choked back her tears. "I don't know, Kurt. I just don't know." She was shaking her head, slowly.
Kurt grabbed her hands. "Please. I want to see her. I have to at least give her one last chance. But I don't want to go by myself. I need you. It would mean so much to me."
She felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. This was one of the hardest decision she ever had to make, and it surely would not be the last or even the hardest. But that didn't make it any easier. She gazed into her brother's eyes and she could see that he too was on the verge of crying. "Since when do I get so damn emotional?" she asked herself mentally. She hated to see him like this. So she decided that this one time she'd give in to her insecurities about what their mother may be up to. It was mostly for his protection.
Rogue closed her eyes tightly trying to keep the tears from falling, but it was a lost attempt for they trickled down anyways. When she opened her eyes she saw that Kurt hadn't any luck at keeping his from falling either. She squeezed his hands.
"Fine. I'll go with ya." She said halfheartedly. She didn't actually want to, but she had to.
Kurt's face lit up some. "Oh thank you so much. I love you. I know you know that but still . . . ." He threw his arms around her.
Seeing him happy made her smile. She embraced him back. "I'm only doin' it for you. Not for her."
He pulled away some. "That's good enough for me. And try not to be rude to her though."
"I'll try. But if she does even one thing that's outta line I'm gonna snap and let her know." She wanted to make that clear.
"I won't stop you." He said back.
"Good." She hugged him again. It felt nice to hug without worrying about hurting someone. "I love ya too ya blue fuzz-ball."
Kurt smiled as he returned her embrace this time. After they pulled away they began to head towards his door. He opened it and they walked into the hall.
Kurt said, "It's a good thing no one was out here."
"Why? In-case they would have heard us talkin'?" She asked in puzzlement.
"No, they may have thought we were messing around." He joked.
Rogue swatted him on the arm. "You're sick. Have ya been hangin' around that Cajun?"
He grinned. "Not that much. I just had to say something funny. A time like this needs some humor."
"Well, that humored things up alright." She said and she playfully pushed as she left his words run through her head.
He grinned and pushed her back in the same manner, then he went back to a more serious note. "When do you want to do this?"
"What?" She said and then it clicked. "Um, duh! The thing with our mama. Right. I don't care."
"Are you busy after school tomorrow?"
"Nope. Except for some possible homework, I'm free."
"Do you just want to get it over then?" He asked. He knew he did.
She contemplated it a second or so. "Hm, I guess the sooner tha better. So why not?"
"Okay, I'll call her then." Kurt stated. "I'll tell you what she says as soon as possible."
"Peachy." Rogue said sarcastically.
They then parted. He went back into his room to get his extra credit assignment started. She went to hers and Kitty's room just to chill a bit.
Kurt was glad Rogue gave in and was going to meet Mystique with him. He still felt nervous about the whole thing but having her with him would ease that some. He was hoping that it would go well. But he was serious when he said it was the final attempt in placing any trust in their mother. He didn't have any for her as of now.
Rogue couldn't believe she agreed to tag along with Kurt, but she was by no means allowing him to see their mother alone. If it was a trap she wanted to be there. Hopefully they didn't both get caught in it though. If so they were both screwed badly. This is something she feared greatly.
Kurt was in his room at his desk and he couldn't concentrate on his homework. He wanted to finish it then call Mystique, however his mind wasn't on homework. He glanced over to his phone several times within a half hour.
"What the heck." He said to himself. He pulled out the paper with the cell phone number and he reached over and picked up the phone.
As he began to dial the number his stomach began to do flip-flops. He wanted this so badly, but at the same time he was a little terrified. He put the phone back before he completed dialing the number and stared at the paper. Then he was looking back and forth from the paper to the phone.
"Oh, stop being a coward." He told himself.
He picked up the phone again and dialed the number all the way. He heard it ringing and he took in a deep breath. It didn't take long for the call to be answered.
On the other end came a voice: "Hello."
Kurt almost froze but he snapped out of it. "Mother. It's Kurt."
Mystique was happy to be getting a call from him, although she didn't allow it to sound too prominent over the phone. She was Mystique after-all. "Kurt . . . you actually called me?"
"Yeah. And I did talk to Rogue. We're both going to see you after school tomorrow." He said with happiness and nervousness all tied together.
"Really? I'm not surprised that you are. But how did you get her to?" She had a feeling Rogue wasn't tagging along just for kicks or because she wanted to see her.
Kurt had to ponder it momentarily. "Um, I don't know. I told her that it would mean a lot to me if she'd come along. I want it to feel like we're a family and that would make it feel that way. I hope."
"I'm not sure that it will, nevertheless she's more than welcome to come. I too want this to work, Son. I do care about both of you. Whether you believe it or not. I was never one to express my feelings well. It's hard for me to even say this much." Said Mystique.
"It helps though. Anyway, I have to get back to my homework. I just had to call you."
"Sure. School is important. So I will see you both after school tomorrow?" She said with uncertainty in her voice.
"Yep. We'll meet you in the parking lot."
"I'll be waiting in the disguise of my new identity, Saphira Richards. Rogue knows what to look for." She explained.
"Okay. I do have to go now. See you tomorrow." He said to her.
She said, "I'll see you." She had an odd feeling. Only time would tell how this would all turn out.
Kurt hung up the phone and sat there for a while. He couldn't believe what he was doing, but if he didn't do it he'd wonder forever if Mystique was really trying to change or if she was just trying to feed him and Rogue more garbage. Shortly he went back to his homework. He'd tell Rogue when he got to see her again, which probably wouldn't be until the following morning. The prom was getting so close and her and Kitty have been going over makeup and hair ideas. He knew that wasn't like Rogue but he loved to see her act more like a girl.
Back at her apartment Mystique had been sitting on her couch. After she hung up with Kurt some emotion started to hit her. She's never felt like this before. It was odd, she was happy in a way. And she was worried that things wouldn't go the way she wanted them to. She knew, for the most part, that Kurt wouldn't be a problem. He's more reasonable. She had doubts with Rogue. She was afraid she'd make the whole gathering miserable. But she could be wrong. Rogue's just lost and confused and mostly from being misled so many times.
Mystique said to herself, "I honestly want to make things right. I only hope that Rogue and I don't have a dispute."
With that said she remained seated on her couch. She kept thinking about everything that her and Kurt had talked about just moments ago and their conversation from earlier that day. She was surprised that he had called her so soon. She thought it would have taken longer. But she was glad it didn't.
I know that this chapter took a long, long time - sorry. I had some writers block. But now it's finished and up, so I hope y'all liked it:) I did put lots of work into this though. And I'll try to have the next chapter completed and posted much sooner:) A lot of the time I know what I want to do but I can't figure out how to piece it all together. Hopefully I do not have any of those problems this time around:) Anyway, I can't wait to see what you think:) Another big thank you to Slickboy444 - you're awesome! Well, take care everyone:)