2001, Paris

I was sitting in bed flicking through the channels when I stumbled across the news. I did a double take as I watched footage of the golden gate bridge being lifted up out of the sky. In a couple of seconds I was out of bed and packing our things. "Fuck Erik, what have you done this time?" I mumbled as I stuffed everything into bags. I ran into Lorna's room. "Honey get up we have to leave now." I kept my voice calm as I stroked her hair and helped her out of bed. By the time we were ready to go, I was on the phone getting us plane tickets to San Francisco. I got a bleary eyes Lorna already in the backseat and as we boarded the plane I hoped we weren't too late.

I found him in a park, sitting in front of a chess set. I watched in intrigue as he stretched his hand out to the pieces. "You'll be up to satellite dishes in no time." I joked as I strolled up and sat myself down across from him. Lorna held my hand tightly, while Erik stared at her. "Lorna say hello to your father." I told her and she complied.

A smile spread across Erik's face. "Hello Lorna it's very nice to meet you." His words were kind as he outstretched his hand to her. She took it a little hesitant.

"Lorna go play on the swings, the grown-ups need to talk." She went bouncing off, the brown curls jostling up and down. "I hate do that to her, but were not exactly well received anywhere in the world. I wonder why that is?" I huffed as I moved a piece.

"Why are you here Vivienne?"

I smirked. "Because you need me. You could have tried calling or finding me." I pulled out my ring.

"I remember you distinctly telling me not to involve you in my plans." He moved his piece.

"I didn't think you'd try something suicidal for a few more years." I moved my next piece, taking one of his pawns.

Erik nodded. "So why do you think I need you now? I needed you before but not enough apparently what makes this different?"

I looked over my shoulder at Lorna on the swings. "Because I saw you pick up the golden gate bridge and I thought I was going to lose you again. I couldn't do that, not to me and not to her. Then when I get here, things are worse than I imagined; Charles is dead, you've lost your powers, your war and your cause. Erik, I was worried you might jump or something. I wasn't going to let a bad day kill you, so I decided to give you something. Erik I told you my offer still stands and I want you to take it. I can make you young if you prefer or you can live out the rest of your life with us. I've told you before you are a damsel in distress without your powers and I'm sorry you lost them and so much else."

Erik nodded. "What would we do?"

I shrugged. "We could try living." I turned to look at Lorna once more. "Lorna come here." She came bounding over to me and sat in my lap. I kissed her cheek. "Why don't you show your father how good your French has gotten in the past year and I'll show you how to play chess."

Author's Note: I'd like to thank everyone who has stuck with this story and read it all. A special thanks to Beast of Bird Fowl with the great reviews and all those who reviewed. If you have anything you'd like to say you're more than welcome, I love to hear from readers. I forgot to add at the start of this story that all the chapters are Avril Lavigne songs. Once again thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the story.