a/n: Well, here is the conclusion to this long journey. Thank you to all of those that have waited patiently.
This chapter takes place in the present day. I wanted to end the story the way I began it. :)
Chapter 35: Visitor
The Professor idly flipped through the calendar that lay on his desk coming to a stop at the current month, December.
After all these long years, it was this month that the memories of Emily and Evelyn plagued him the worst. He got joy out of seeing the students' bright happy faces at this time of year, but it was not the same as seeing his own family's happiness.
He could sense that Scott and Jean had become concerned about him. This year it was different. He did not know how to soothe their concerns when he did not know how to soothe his own aching heart.
Charles pushed the calendar aside and backed away from his desk. He glided over to the door and down the hall way towards the living room.
The room was lavished in decorations. Each child had made their own ornament which now hung from the copious wreathes, garland, and massive tree. Charles smiled to himself and gently touched the delicate snowflakes that Rogue had spent hours working on.
He crossed to the window over looking the yard and stopped. He gazed out to see the children playing in the fresh snow that had fallen the night before.
His mind wandered to images of Raven and Erik teaching Noelle how to make a snowman. He could see Hank, Alex, and Sean hosting a massive snowball fight with the younger boys. He could hear Emily's voice in his head scolding the dripping wet boys as they ran for shelter in the house.
"NO! Not in the house! You boys are getting water everywhere!"
"They're boys, Em." Charles laughed ruffling their hair as they passed.
"Well, I'm not mopping this up. You, Charles Xavier, can do that yourself," Emily huffed putting her hands on her hips.
Charles pulled her close to his body and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Whatever you say, dear," he murmured against her lips.
Charles shook his head as screeches reached his ears. Three of the younger students ran into the room and stopped suddenly when they caught sight of him.
"Oh, sorry Professor. The boys were chasing us and…" one of the girls began.
"It is not a problem girls. Just be careful," Charles finished with a warm smile.
The girls beamed. Two turned around and started off again. One of the girls, however, hung back.
"Professor," she said in a small voice.
"Yes, my dear?"
The little girl quickly shuffled over to him and flung herself up to where her arms wrapped around his neck briefly, then she pulled away. "Merry Christmas." She said smiling sweetly.
Charles sat in silence as the little girl scampered away after her friends.
It was Christmas.
How could he have lost track of time this much? He glanced back out the window to see the sun begin to dip down below the tree line.
Everyone would be heading inside now for dinner.
Charles sighed. He wasn't sure if he could make it through Christmas dinner.
There was a light knock on the frame work of the entry way.
Charles turned to find Scott standing there dressed in a hideous sweater.
"Lost a bet a see," Charles said motioning to the sweater.
Scott rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah to Logan."
Charles chuckled, "What can I do for you?"
"You have a visitor in the study, sir." Scott said smiling slightly. "I can't say I know who it is though."
"If you do not know who it is then why let them in?" Charles questioned moving closer.
"I didn't let them in! That was all Logan." Scott said in defense.
"Well then," Charles mumbled. He began towards the hall way and paused. "Scott?"
"Yes?"
"Are you following me?"
"Um, yes, sir. Just in case." Scott replied.
Charles nodded and continued on. As he approached the study, he began to become anxious. He could not read who ever was in the room.
'Erik wouldn't make an appearance on Christmas.' Charles thought.
Scott quickened his pace ahead of the Professor and pushed open the door for him.
Charles heart stopped.
"Scott, I will be just fine. Thank you." Charles managed to say. He could see Scott nod before the door shut behind him.
"How?" Charles whispered.
The woman before him chuckled. "What?" she asked in soft voice.
For once, Charles Xavier had run out of things to say. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came.
The woman crossed over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her soft curly hair brushed up against the side of his face as she leaned in close.
Charles began to relax as he breathed in the family scent and wrapped his arms around her slender frame.
'Merry Christmas, Father.' The woman said in his mind, bringing the tears that had developed in his eyes crashing down.
Charles squeezed his daughter tight in disbelief that she stood before him. He held her for what seemed like ages, but neither minded.
Father and daughter silently wept each praying that this was not a cruel joke.
Each praying that there was a little bit of hope after all.