Author's note: see ch 1 for disclaimer
Warning: mention of sexual situations
Author's Rant ahead: Feel free to skip to the story!
I had a review left, since deleted, about how a guest was "not sure if others are following this story, but I'm sure not." I just wanted to say that's fine, and I'm really glad you're letting the internet hide you so you can be mean. As for me, I've been a member of since I was about 15 and it wasn't until I was 27 that I finally felt comfortable enough to post a story. I'd review on other stories, I've followed dozens, and I've favorited a few as well, but I never thought someone would read what I wrote (and for those of you who do, I'm beyond grateful).
And then my uncle, who was an aspiring artist (an AMAZING one at that) suddenly died. I didn't want to have the same regrets he did about waiting too long, so my wonderful husband encouraged me to finally post this series.
I have clinical depression and anxiety, on top of being a mom to a toddler who is being potty trained, being 20 weeks pregnant, and my husband got a story in my head that I've been working on as well that for the first time in my life isn't fanfiction (which is scary, because you have to create EVERYTHING instead of relying on people to know the show/movie/book).
I'm busy. So for me to sit down and write this series takes a lot of effort because I have a family who needs me. If you're just going to leave a rude review, please don't bother because I don't have time. Feel free to tell me you like the story because that always makes me feel good, offer constructive criticism (because my Bachelor's in English and history as an English teacher sometimes get overlooked when I get excited), and/or tell me if you're wanting to see something specific. If it's not coming up IN the story, I'd be happy to write a one-shot.
Thank you for allowing me to vent, and a double thank you to those who actually read the rant.
Now, for the reason you all clicked on this link, I present the 19th chapter.
"Sorry, Mister…?"
"Bocklin. Mr. Bocklin. And good morning, class. I'm sure most of you remember me from yesterday's warm introduction, but if you happened to miss it, I'm Mr. Bocklin. I'm the new counselor." Sinister looked right at Scott, and then back to the class. "Your principal also asked me to take over this class, so here I am. Now I know your previous teacher allowed you to do what you wanted, but that will not be the case for this class. You will come in and do your work. This is study hall, not do nothing hall. But before we get started, I'd like to get to know all of you. I'd ask that you stand and state your name, your grade, and your favorite pastime." Scott partially ignored his classmates getting up and introducing themselves until it started getting closer to his turn. Finally, he stood.
"Scott Summers, senior." Scott sat back down.
"And your favorite pastime, Mr. Summers?" The class chuckled.
"Sorry, Mr. Bocklin, but all Summers does is come to school and go home," a classmate said, still smiling.
"No, he's on the track team. And something on the student council, I think," another argued.
"Well, whatever. He just hangs out at that Xavier house with his weirdo friends."
"Surely you must have something you enjoy doing, Mr. Summers."
"I like building cars," Scott said, rolling his eyes.
"And is there a reason you're wearing sunglasses in class? There's no sun in here, you know." Several of the students turned and looked at him as they thought he wore the glasses just to wear them. Scott frowned.
"I was in an accident as a child. It left me with a condition where I have a sensitivity to light, both real and artificial. Anything else you'd like for me to announce to the class that can be found in my files?"
"Relax son. I don't quite have access to the system yet so I'm just… learning as I wait." He gave Scott what Scott assumed was supposed to be a reassuring smile, but Scott just felt sickened. The class continued on, but Scott refused to take his eyes off of his new 'teacher.' Once all of the students had introduced themselves, Sinister, as Mr. Bocklin, told them to study or do classwork for other classes. Scott got his math homework back out and began working on it. When he finished it, he put his things away and got out his lines for his drama class' presentation the following week. He was on the third page when he overheard several of his female classmates discussing men they wanted to date.
"Did you see that dad leaving the office this morning?" One of his female classmates asked.
"You mean dream bod dad? So hot," Taryn responded.
"Does anyone know who he is?"
"No, but I'd love to be friends with his kid just to see him again."
"He had to have had kids young. He couldn't have been more than thirty-five."
"And that hair! Ugh. So-" Scott looked over at them.
"Can you ladies please stop talking about that?"
"You don't even know what we're talking about."
"You're talking about someone's dad. Probably someone's husband."
"I'd happily be wife number two. Especially if he keeps that leather jacket with that flag. Everyone knows military dads are the best in, well, you know. Actually, you probably don't."
"You mean the black leather jacket that says USAF vet over a plane with a flag?"
"Yes, that one! Did you see him too? Do you know who he is?"
"Yep. Know his kids, too." Scott looked back at his lines.
"Can you introduce us?"
"To his kids?"
"No, to him!"
"No. I know his wife pretty well, too. I wouldn't introduce him to anyone looking to take her place. And you guys realize that if he has kids here, he's old enough to be your dad, right? How would you feel if you were in a class and start hearing people talk about how they want to do your dad?"
"Geez, Scott, calm down. We'll stop."
"I just hope I see him again." Taryn said, dreamily. Scott made a disgusted face. The bell soon rang and Scott grabbed his things to leave as fast as he could. He got to his drama class and slid in his seat. He knew Rogue and Madelyne would be there shortly and he rubbed his eyes. The two arrived and Madelyne sat in the seat in front of Scott and turned to him.
"Hey. You doing ok?"
"Girls from study hall saw Dad and are now plotting on how to become my next stepmother. Definitely been better."
"Ew."
"My thoughts exactly. How are you doing?"
*I'm doing ok. It's a better day today,* Madelyne sent him telepathically as the bell rang and she turned to look at the front of the class.
*I'm glad.* They waited for their teacher to take roll and then they split up to work with their groups. Scott, Madelyne, Rogue, and Paul turned their desks around and started practicing. Soon the bell rang dismissing them for lunch. Scott took Madelyne's hand and they headed towards the cafeteria.
"What do you feel like for lunch, love?" Madelyne sighed.
"I don't feel up for it right now."
"Maddie, you've got to eat."
"I know, but nothing sounds… good. I'm worried I'll see something or eat something and then get sick." Scott nodded and put his arm around her waist.
"Would you prefer the library?" Madelyne nodded.
"Ok. Let me check on Alex and Gabe and I'll meet you there." Madelyne nodded, kissed his cheek, and turned to go the other direction.
"Scotty?"
"Yeah, Rogue?"
"Is there somethin' you and Madelyne need ta announce?" Scott looked around and saw they were the only two in the hall.
"It's not… Rogue, it's not that I don't want to. It's just, it's not something I'm ready to tell a lot of people."
"We'd protect her, ya know. It's not lach we'd look down on ya."
"I know that. It's not just my decision." Rogue nodded.
"I'm gonna go run some mo' lahnes with her. Corsair was clear abou' you eatin'. I don' thank we want ta have him get mad again." Scott blushed.
"No, you're right. Thank you." Rogue nodded and left to follow Madelyne. Scott went into the cafeteria and saw his brothers and Kurt waiting for him at their usual table.
"Hey. Where's Maddie?"
"Library," Scott said, pulling out his bagged lunch. "Rogue, too."
"Ah. So, apparently Dad's famous around school. All the girls in my classes have been talking about seeing him." Scott groaned.
"Mine too."
"And mine," Gabriel said. "I don't understand what they mean by riding him. Dad's a man, not a horse." Scott and Alex choked on their food and Kurt started laughing. "What did I say?"
"Um, I think it's time Dad talked to you, Gabe," Scott said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"He talks to me every day."
"Yep. But today it'll be a special talk." Gabriel tilted his head.
"Did he not give you this talk? Is that why Maddie is-" Alex kicked Gabriel under the table. "Ow!"
"Alex, don't kick him. Kurt knows. But Gabe, that's something we're not talking about until after Christmas, ok?"
"Why not?"
"Because, that's just how… that's just how things are done."
"I don't understand."
"People wait a certain amount of time because the first few weeks are… tricky. And because it's a time for just family to know and be happy."
"But then why haven't you told everyone at the house? Aren't we all a family?"
"In a way, but I meant-"
"If they're supposed to have your back, you can't keep secrets. It's not like we're not discussing how Dad punishes us. This will impact everyone." Scott blushed again as Kurt averted his eyes.
"You're right, but it isn't just my news, Gabe. It's Maddie's, too, and I have to take how she wants to do things into account."
"Ok," Gabriel shrugged. The four finished their lunch and Scott took their trash to the trash can and then stood by the table.
"I'm going to go meet up with Maddie in the library. Make sure you get to class on time. And don't forget, we should have some visitors at the mansion today."
"Vat visitors?" Kurt asked.
"Dad talked to Raza last night. They offered to help with security and they should be there," Scott checked his watch, "now, actually." Scott waved goodbye to them and left the cafeteria.
"Mr. Summers," Mr. Bocklin said, passing him. "It was very nice meeting you today. I'm looking forward to having you in class." Scott frowned and went back into the cafeteria.
"What are you-"
"Go out the other door and either go to the library or go to class," he told his brothers.
"Why?"
"Because I'm your big brother and I told you so. Now hurry." Gabriel and Alex got up and left the cafeteria. Scott went back out the main door, passing Sinister again.
"Have I done something to upset you, Scott?"
"No, Mr. Bocklin. I'd forgotten to push my chair in and wanted to make sure I left my area how I found it."
"Your mother must be proud to know you take her words to heart, even away at school." Scott clenched his fist.
"Read your files, Mr. Bocklin. My mother is dead." Scott walked away and stormed into the library. He quietly stalked over to Madelyne's table and sat.
"What's wrong?" Scott shook his head.
"I'm just having a rough day."
"Do you want me to text your dad?"
"No, that would just complicate things right now."
"Is it tha' creepy new counselor? I saw he was yer new study hall guy."
"Yeah, you and Chris have been jumpy since Nathan showed that picture last night. What's going on?"
"What's going on is upper level stuff that I can't talk about right now. Hopefully by tonight, but I can't right now."
"Even though we're-"
"I can't, Maddie. Not until Xavier clears the information."
"That doesn't seem very fair."
"Then just assume it's stuff Dad said I can't talk about, and that he'll kick my ass if I do." Madelyne turned her head away and Scott put his head in his hands. "I'm sorry, Maddie. If.. if I could, I would. But I can't even tell Alex and Gabe what's going on, and it's killing me."
"Figures you'd pick now ta listen to Corsair," Rogue said, shaking her head.
"Not helping." Scott looked at the time. "We've got to get back to class. Maddie, please don't be mad at me." Madelyne stood up.
"Rogue, would you like to walk with me back to class?"
"Sure, Maddie." Rogue stood up and the two girls left Scott at the table. Scott shook his head and quickly followed after them. They were almost to their class when Madelyne stopped and stared.
"M-Michael?" She whipped her head to Scott and stared at him, all color drained from her face.
"I wasn't allowed to start a mansion wide panic."
"I don' undastan'. Wha's goin' on?" Madelyne gripped his arms.
"I can't- Scott I can't be here! He'll-"
"We can't let him know we know!" He whispered harshly. "Please Maddie. This is the only way I can protect you right now. We can't tell him we're onto him." Madelyne's hand went to her lower abdomen.
"What if he knows?"
"We haven't told anyone who would spread it."
"I cannot believe you didn't tell me!"
"Don't yell at me. I'm following orders."
"At the expense of your family," she spat. Rogue shook her head and gently pushed Madelyne into the classroom. Scott took a breath and went in as well. His heart ached seeing Rogue and Madelyne had switched seats so that he was sitting across from her instead of beside her.
"I love you," he said as the class filed in.
"I love you, too. I just don't like you very much right now, Scott." Scott looked away and hardly participated for the rest of their class. When the bell rang, he stood up and grabbed his bag.
"I'll see you after class," he tried.
"Don't count on it, Summers." Madelyne grabbed her things and walked out of the class.
"Damn, Scott. Talk about trouble in paradise." Scott frowned at Paul and shook his head.
"She's just a little… touchy right now. She'll be fine when she actually has a chance to yell at me and make me grovel." Scott walked out and went to his English class with Paul. He saw Taryn sitting on his desk and he sighed.
"Hi Scott. I was hoping to talk to you about our mystery hot dad again."
"I'd rather not."
"Can you at least tell us whose dad he is?"
"If they wanted you to know, they'd tell you. Now please get off my desk." Scott sat down and Taryn sat in her own seat. The teacher came in and began his lesson on Shakespeare to prepare for their reading after Thanksgiving. Scott sat bored, waiting for the end of class. Finally, the announcements came on and the bell rang, dismissing them for the day. Scott left his class, went to his locker to change out his books, and walked out to where he knew the X-Van would be parked. He wasn't too surprised to see Nathan instead of Chris, since he knew Chris was meeting with Raza and Ch'od.
"Hey," Nathan greeted. "What's wrong?"
"Maddie saw Milbury. It blew up in my face and now, well, you're looking less likely to be here." Nathan rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"Just hormones. She'll be fine." Scott climbed into the car and waited for everyone else to arrive. Soon, they were on their way back to the Institute. When they parked, Scott got out and attempted to help Madelyne, but she threw her nose in the air and ignored him.
"What was that you said about her being fine?" Nathan shrugged. "Where's Dad?"
"Showing Ch'od and Raza around the grounds." Scott nodded and left the garage to find him. When he did, he saw Chris laughing with his friends and once again felt guilty for being part of the reason Chris didn't get to see them often anymore.
"Hello, Scott-boy," Hepzibah greeted.
"Hi Mom. Dad, can we…?"
"Of course. We were just about to head in anyways." Chris put his arm around Scott's shoulders as they started walking to the doors. "What's up?"