Title: A Friend in Need 18/18
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no
infringement on copyright is intended.
All comments and criticisms are welcomed. I'd love to know what you think.
Chapter 18
"You just about ready, sweetie?" Jean asked, walking into Jubilee's room.
"Yeah, I think I've had my fill of hospitals," Jubilee said. Wearing garnet-
colored sweats, she was now struggling to tie the shoelaces of her sneakers. As
it were, her legs were still not doing everything she willed them to, and her
sore ribs made it painful to lean forward for long periods of time.
"Here, let me," Jean offered, sitting beside Jubilee on the bed and helping her
with the laces.
"God, I feel like a three-year-old!"
Jean looked at Jubilee's face, and saw the frustrated tears that were welling in
her eyes. "Sweetie, it's going to take time. Your injuries are going to need a
while to heal. Besides, I'm sure as soon as the cast comes off, things will be a
little easier.
"You know, when I was eight, I broke my arm when I fell off my bike. I had to
wear a cast for eight weeks. I was lucky it was my left arm, but it still made
it incredibly difficult to do little things, like tie my shoelaces. My sister,
Sara, and my parents did all they could to help me, but it was frustrating--I
wanted to be able to do things by myself.
"I remember one Saturday afternoon, some friends called me to go with them to
the park. I tried to tie my hair back in a ponytail, so it wouldn't get in the
way when we played ball. But with the cast, I just didn't have the dexterity to
do it. I remember standing in front of that mirror for nearly an hour, trying to
put my hair up. I finally gave up, threw down the brush in frustration, and
burst into tears. That's when Sara came in. She had been watching me for a
while, but didn't say anything, because she knew I had to try to do it myself.
She came in, and gently stroked my head. I looked at her, and asked her for
help. She smiled, and did my hair for me. Then she dried my tears and told me to
go have fun."
Jean's voice became thick with emotion as she thought about her dead sister.
Jubilee's own heart ached for Jean's loss, and her own, as it made her think of
her parents. "I realized that there comes a time when you have to swallow your
pride, and accept the help that you're offered. They only loved me, and wanted
to help me." She placed her hand on Jubilee's. "We'll get through this, Jubilee.
Together."
Sniffling, Jubilee nodded.
There was a knock on the door, and they looked up as Sean and Paige entered the
room.
"How ya doin', lass?"
"All right."
"Yer bags are all loaded in the car."
"I helped Jean pack the stuff I thought you'd need," Paige told her. She walked
over to the bed. "I thought you might like to have this with you--for the ride."
She held out a small velveteen rabbit.
"Mr. Bun? Thanks, Hayseed." She took the toy.
Paige's eyes widened. "You know his name?"
Jubilee shrugged. "Sure. He *is* my favorite stuffed animal, isn't he?"
"Yeah, but. . . ." Paige looked from Jubilee to Jean to Sean. "You only got him
about a year ago. Ev won him for you at a carnival."
Jubilee looked down at the toy in her lap, and gently reached for it, her hand
trembling. She looked up at Paige, smiling through the tears in her eyes.
"Looks like yer memories're comin' back, one piece at a time," Sean said, face
beaming.
Jean got to her feet. "I'm going to go make sure all the forms are in order for
your release."
"I'll go with ye, Jean." Sean held the door for her, and walked with her to the
nurse's station.
Paige looked at Jubilee and shrugged. "So, I guess this is good-bye."
"I guess so."
"Don't forget this," Paige said, picking up the hat from the bedside table.
"Yeah, I'll be needing it 'till my hair grows back," Jubilee said, placing the
cap on her head backwards. "So much for letting it grow. So, how does it look?"
Paige looked at her in surprise.
"What, that bad?" Then Jubilee realized what she had just said. "My hair was
short when I was with the X-Men," she said simply.
Paige nodded happily.
"Well, if this keeps up, my memory should be back in no time."
"I hope so."
They sat in silence, neither one knowing what to say.
"Listen, Paige, I realize that right now for me it's like we've just met, but
for you we've known one another for a while." She sighed in frustration. "This
isn't coming out like I want it to."
Paige sat down beside her. "Take your time."
"What I'm trying to say is, I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with.
And, being my roommate, I'm sure you've had to put up with a lot of crap from
me."
Paige smirked, remembering the countless times Jubilee complained to her about
the husked pieces of skin she left lying around their room. "Well, I'm not the
perfect roomie, either. But we did all right, I think."
"Anyway, I just want to let you know that I appreciate how nice you've been to
me these past few days. From the time we've spent together, I can tell you're
one of those toe-the-line, straight-laced types. An' I remember enough to know
that me an' goody-two-shoes--just like me an' authority figures--tend to not get
on so well. So, I thought we might, like, forget about any differences we may
have had. I'm hoping we can, like, start over or something. Clean slate and all
that. You're all right, Paige. I'm glad to have you for a friend. Thanks for
everything."
Paige simply stared at Jubilee in disbelief. Never in a million years would she
have expected to hear such heart-felt words from Jubilation Lee. At least, not
the Jubilee who had been her roommate. This near-death experience must have had
a greater affect on her than she first realized. This new sincerity was going to
take some getting used to.
"I-I can't. . . . I don't. . . ." She took a shaky breath, feeling the tears
threatening to fall. "I'm gonna miss you, Lee," Paige said finally, embracing
her.
"Yeah, me, too, Guthrie. Me, too."
They clung to each other, quietly weeping in joy for the closeness they felt
toward one another, and in sorrow for being separated after renewing that
friendship.
Slowly, Paige pulled away, drying her eyes with her sleeve. "I'll call you,
okay?"
"You'd better," Jubilee told her, drying her own cheeks. "You'll say good-bye to
everyone for me?"
"Of course."
"So, how's me favorite patient doin'?"
Jubilee looked up to see the sweet old nurse wheeling an empty wheelchair into
the room, Jean and Sean behind her. "Hiya, Peachy. I'm doing pretty good, I
think. Glad to be leaving, but sorry to say good-bye."
"Oi'm sure you'll be happy t' get home."
"Thanks for taking such good care of me, Peachy," Jubilee said, hugging her.
"My pleasure, luv. The road ahead's goin' t' be tough, but you've come so far
already. With such wonderful people standin' by you, lovin' an' supportin' you,
Oi know you'll make it through this."
Jubilee looked up at Jean. "Yeah, I think so, too."
"You ready, luv?"
"As I'll ever be. Let's do it."
Peachy and Sean helped her into the chair. Paige handed Mr. Bun to Jean, and she
took it with a smile.
"So, Logan flew home already?" Jubilee asked as Peachy wheeled her down the
hallway and toward the elevator.
"Yes, he went on ahead to get things in order," Jean replied. "That way, your
room will be all set by the time we get back."
"How long a drive do you think it'll be?"
"Depending on traffic, four, maybe five hours."
"Ye'll probably sleep the whole way," Sean said with a teasing smile.
"We thought a drive would be easier on you," Jean explained. "And Dr. Knight
agreed that flying would not be such a good idea after your concussion and the
surgery."
They came to the hospital lobby, and found Scott waiting for them. He walked
over and put an arm around Jean's waist. "I've got the car parked out front.
Whenever you're ready, Jubilee."
"You'll be in me prayers, luv," Peachy said, giving her shoulder a gentle
squeeze before stepping back to give Jubilee some time to say good-bye.
Jubilee looked up at Paige. "Try not to miss me too much, Hayseed."
"Can't make any promises there," she replied, taking her hand and giving it a
squeeze. "If you ever need to talk, or anything--"
"I know. Thanks."
Paige stepped back, allowing Sean to approach. He knelt down in front of
Jubilee. "Ye rest up, lass. I expect t' see ye back here by this time next
year."
Jubilee looked into his kind, gentle face, and felt the tears threatening again.
"Thanks for everything, Mr. Cassidy," she whispered, circling his neck with her
arms.
He held her tightly in his arms, offering a silent prayer that this wonderful
young woman was granted a second chance. And even though a part of him knew he
was losing her, he felt confident that one day soon she would be back. Slowly,
he released her and stood up. "Ye take care and be well, Jubilee."
"You, too."
"Are you ready, sweetie?" Jean asked.
Silently, Jubilee nodded.
Scott bent down in front of her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he
gently lifted her in his arms. He was surprised at how light and fragile she
felt. It made him think about his son, Nate, and how weak he had been when the
techno-organic virus came out of remission and ravaged the young boy's body. He
suddenly felt an overwhelming need to protect the girl in his arms, to ensure
that she was kept safe and warm and loved. At that moment, he knew that Jean and
he had made the right decision when they chose to take her in--to their home,
and their hearts.
He gently carried her out to the car and placed her in the back seat. Then Jean
began to help her get settled, making sure she was comfortable.
Scott walked over to Sean and Paige. They heard Jean ask Jubilee if she was warm
enough, and watched as she tucked a blanket around the protesting girl.
"I see she's fussin' over her already," Sean remarked with a grin.
"Well, I'm sure Jubilee will enjoy being mothered for a while."
"All set," Jean said, walking over to them.
"Well, take care of yourself, Sean," Scott said, shaking his hand.
"Ye, too. She's gonna be quite a handful, ye know."
Scott smiled. "We've handled Sentinels, evil mutants, and would-be world
conquerors. How difficult could one teenaged girl be?"
"She'll be fine, Sean," Jean said, embracing him. "And don't hesitate to call
and check on her as often as you want."
"I will, lass. Thank ye, f'r all that ye've done. I don't think I could've made
it through this past week if not f'r yer support."
"Cuts both ways, Sean," she replied with a smile. "Send our regards to Emma."
"Will do."
Jean turned to Paige. "You going to be okay, sweetie?"
The girl nodded.
Before Jean could take a step closer, Paige launched herself into Jean's arms.
"Thank you, Paige," she whispered, gently stroking her head. "You helped get me
through this. I won't forget how you reached out to me."
Paige said nothing, but simply nodded.
Jean pulled back, and took her by the shoulders. "She won't be gone forever.
Before you know it, you'll have a roommate to annoy you again."
"I can't wait," Paige said with a smile.
"That's better. Now, you take care. And be strong. There are people who'll need
that shoulder of yours," Jean said, turning her gaze to Sean.
"Ready?" Scott asked.
Jean nodded, and walked with him back to the car.
"How ye holdin' up, lass?" Sean asked, standing beside Paige.
"I'm doing all right," she replied, looking up at his face. It was no longer
marred by the worry that had filled it since they found Jubilee and Everett that
terrible night in the warehouse. And though she could still see the sadness in
his eyes, she knew that he was going to be okay. "You?"
"I'm fine."
They watched as the car began to pull away. Jubilee peered out through the
window and waved to them.
Smiling, they waved back, watching as the car pulled out of the parking lot and
disappeared from sight down the street. They stood several minutes longer,
gazing out into the distance.
Sean felt her place her hand in his.
"She's gonna be all right, isn't she, Mr. Cassidy." It was not a question.
Sean looked down at the young woman, saw the faith lighting her eyes, her face,
her very bearing. "Aye, that she is," he replied, feeling her confidence wash
over his mind and heart, and fill his soul. "C'mon," he said, wrapping his arm
around her shoulders, "let's go home."
The End
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and disturbing imagery
Summary: Synch and Jubilee are captured by Tessa and Shaw. A thoughtful look at how
the resulting scars have lasting effects on the whole GenX team.
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no infringement
on copyright is intended.
*****
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
A Friend In Need
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: The X-Men and Generation X are property of Marvel Entertainment.
Characters are used without permission, no profit is being made, and no
infringement on copyright is intended.
All comments and criticisms are welcomed. I'd love to know what you think.
Chapter 18
"You just about ready, sweetie?" Jean asked, walking into Jubilee's room.
"Yeah, I think I've had my fill of hospitals," Jubilee said. Wearing garnet-
colored sweats, she was now struggling to tie the shoelaces of her sneakers. As
it were, her legs were still not doing everything she willed them to, and her
sore ribs made it painful to lean forward for long periods of time.
"Here, let me," Jean offered, sitting beside Jubilee on the bed and helping her
with the laces.
"God, I feel like a three-year-old!"
Jean looked at Jubilee's face, and saw the frustrated tears that were welling in
her eyes. "Sweetie, it's going to take time. Your injuries are going to need a
while to heal. Besides, I'm sure as soon as the cast comes off, things will be a
little easier.
"You know, when I was eight, I broke my arm when I fell off my bike. I had to
wear a cast for eight weeks. I was lucky it was my left arm, but it still made
it incredibly difficult to do little things, like tie my shoelaces. My sister,
Sara, and my parents did all they could to help me, but it was frustrating--I
wanted to be able to do things by myself.
"I remember one Saturday afternoon, some friends called me to go with them to
the park. I tried to tie my hair back in a ponytail, so it wouldn't get in the
way when we played ball. But with the cast, I just didn't have the dexterity to
do it. I remember standing in front of that mirror for nearly an hour, trying to
put my hair up. I finally gave up, threw down the brush in frustration, and
burst into tears. That's when Sara came in. She had been watching me for a
while, but didn't say anything, because she knew I had to try to do it myself.
She came in, and gently stroked my head. I looked at her, and asked her for
help. She smiled, and did my hair for me. Then she dried my tears and told me to
go have fun."
Jean's voice became thick with emotion as she thought about her dead sister.
Jubilee's own heart ached for Jean's loss, and her own, as it made her think of
her parents. "I realized that there comes a time when you have to swallow your
pride, and accept the help that you're offered. They only loved me, and wanted
to help me." She placed her hand on Jubilee's. "We'll get through this, Jubilee.
Together."
Sniffling, Jubilee nodded.
There was a knock on the door, and they looked up as Sean and Paige entered the
room.
"How ya doin', lass?"
"All right."
"Yer bags are all loaded in the car."
"I helped Jean pack the stuff I thought you'd need," Paige told her. She walked
over to the bed. "I thought you might like to have this with you--for the ride."
She held out a small velveteen rabbit.
"Mr. Bun? Thanks, Hayseed." She took the toy.
Paige's eyes widened. "You know his name?"
Jubilee shrugged. "Sure. He *is* my favorite stuffed animal, isn't he?"
"Yeah, but. . . ." Paige looked from Jubilee to Jean to Sean. "You only got him
about a year ago. Ev won him for you at a carnival."
Jubilee looked down at the toy in her lap, and gently reached for it, her hand
trembling. She looked up at Paige, smiling through the tears in her eyes.
"Looks like yer memories're comin' back, one piece at a time," Sean said, face
beaming.
Jean got to her feet. "I'm going to go make sure all the forms are in order for
your release."
"I'll go with ye, Jean." Sean held the door for her, and walked with her to the
nurse's station.
Paige looked at Jubilee and shrugged. "So, I guess this is good-bye."
"I guess so."
"Don't forget this," Paige said, picking up the hat from the bedside table.
"Yeah, I'll be needing it 'till my hair grows back," Jubilee said, placing the
cap on her head backwards. "So much for letting it grow. So, how does it look?"
Paige looked at her in surprise.
"What, that bad?" Then Jubilee realized what she had just said. "My hair was
short when I was with the X-Men," she said simply.
Paige nodded happily.
"Well, if this keeps up, my memory should be back in no time."
"I hope so."
They sat in silence, neither one knowing what to say.
"Listen, Paige, I realize that right now for me it's like we've just met, but
for you we've known one another for a while." She sighed in frustration. "This
isn't coming out like I want it to."
Paige sat down beside her. "Take your time."
"What I'm trying to say is, I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with.
And, being my roommate, I'm sure you've had to put up with a lot of crap from
me."
Paige smirked, remembering the countless times Jubilee complained to her about
the husked pieces of skin she left lying around their room. "Well, I'm not the
perfect roomie, either. But we did all right, I think."
"Anyway, I just want to let you know that I appreciate how nice you've been to
me these past few days. From the time we've spent together, I can tell you're
one of those toe-the-line, straight-laced types. An' I remember enough to know
that me an' goody-two-shoes--just like me an' authority figures--tend to not get
on so well. So, I thought we might, like, forget about any differences we may
have had. I'm hoping we can, like, start over or something. Clean slate and all
that. You're all right, Paige. I'm glad to have you for a friend. Thanks for
everything."
Paige simply stared at Jubilee in disbelief. Never in a million years would she
have expected to hear such heart-felt words from Jubilation Lee. At least, not
the Jubilee who had been her roommate. This near-death experience must have had
a greater affect on her than she first realized. This new sincerity was going to
take some getting used to.
"I-I can't. . . . I don't. . . ." She took a shaky breath, feeling the tears
threatening to fall. "I'm gonna miss you, Lee," Paige said finally, embracing
her.
"Yeah, me, too, Guthrie. Me, too."
They clung to each other, quietly weeping in joy for the closeness they felt
toward one another, and in sorrow for being separated after renewing that
friendship.
Slowly, Paige pulled away, drying her eyes with her sleeve. "I'll call you,
okay?"
"You'd better," Jubilee told her, drying her own cheeks. "You'll say good-bye to
everyone for me?"
"Of course."
"So, how's me favorite patient doin'?"
Jubilee looked up to see the sweet old nurse wheeling an empty wheelchair into
the room, Jean and Sean behind her. "Hiya, Peachy. I'm doing pretty good, I
think. Glad to be leaving, but sorry to say good-bye."
"Oi'm sure you'll be happy t' get home."
"Thanks for taking such good care of me, Peachy," Jubilee said, hugging her.
"My pleasure, luv. The road ahead's goin' t' be tough, but you've come so far
already. With such wonderful people standin' by you, lovin' an' supportin' you,
Oi know you'll make it through this."
Jubilee looked up at Jean. "Yeah, I think so, too."
"You ready, luv?"
"As I'll ever be. Let's do it."
Peachy and Sean helped her into the chair. Paige handed Mr. Bun to Jean, and she
took it with a smile.
"So, Logan flew home already?" Jubilee asked as Peachy wheeled her down the
hallway and toward the elevator.
"Yes, he went on ahead to get things in order," Jean replied. "That way, your
room will be all set by the time we get back."
"How long a drive do you think it'll be?"
"Depending on traffic, four, maybe five hours."
"Ye'll probably sleep the whole way," Sean said with a teasing smile.
"We thought a drive would be easier on you," Jean explained. "And Dr. Knight
agreed that flying would not be such a good idea after your concussion and the
surgery."
They came to the hospital lobby, and found Scott waiting for them. He walked
over and put an arm around Jean's waist. "I've got the car parked out front.
Whenever you're ready, Jubilee."
"You'll be in me prayers, luv," Peachy said, giving her shoulder a gentle
squeeze before stepping back to give Jubilee some time to say good-bye.
Jubilee looked up at Paige. "Try not to miss me too much, Hayseed."
"Can't make any promises there," she replied, taking her hand and giving it a
squeeze. "If you ever need to talk, or anything--"
"I know. Thanks."
Paige stepped back, allowing Sean to approach. He knelt down in front of
Jubilee. "Ye rest up, lass. I expect t' see ye back here by this time next
year."
Jubilee looked into his kind, gentle face, and felt the tears threatening again.
"Thanks for everything, Mr. Cassidy," she whispered, circling his neck with her
arms.
He held her tightly in his arms, offering a silent prayer that this wonderful
young woman was granted a second chance. And even though a part of him knew he
was losing her, he felt confident that one day soon she would be back. Slowly,
he released her and stood up. "Ye take care and be well, Jubilee."
"You, too."
"Are you ready, sweetie?" Jean asked.
Silently, Jubilee nodded.
Scott bent down in front of her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he
gently lifted her in his arms. He was surprised at how light and fragile she
felt. It made him think about his son, Nate, and how weak he had been when the
techno-organic virus came out of remission and ravaged the young boy's body. He
suddenly felt an overwhelming need to protect the girl in his arms, to ensure
that she was kept safe and warm and loved. At that moment, he knew that Jean and
he had made the right decision when they chose to take her in--to their home,
and their hearts.
He gently carried her out to the car and placed her in the back seat. Then Jean
began to help her get settled, making sure she was comfortable.
Scott walked over to Sean and Paige. They heard Jean ask Jubilee if she was warm
enough, and watched as she tucked a blanket around the protesting girl.
"I see she's fussin' over her already," Sean remarked with a grin.
"Well, I'm sure Jubilee will enjoy being mothered for a while."
"All set," Jean said, walking over to them.
"Well, take care of yourself, Sean," Scott said, shaking his hand.
"Ye, too. She's gonna be quite a handful, ye know."
Scott smiled. "We've handled Sentinels, evil mutants, and would-be world
conquerors. How difficult could one teenaged girl be?"
"She'll be fine, Sean," Jean said, embracing him. "And don't hesitate to call
and check on her as often as you want."
"I will, lass. Thank ye, f'r all that ye've done. I don't think I could've made
it through this past week if not f'r yer support."
"Cuts both ways, Sean," she replied with a smile. "Send our regards to Emma."
"Will do."
Jean turned to Paige. "You going to be okay, sweetie?"
The girl nodded.
Before Jean could take a step closer, Paige launched herself into Jean's arms.
"Thank you, Paige," she whispered, gently stroking her head. "You helped get me
through this. I won't forget how you reached out to me."
Paige said nothing, but simply nodded.
Jean pulled back, and took her by the shoulders. "She won't be gone forever.
Before you know it, you'll have a roommate to annoy you again."
"I can't wait," Paige said with a smile.
"That's better. Now, you take care. And be strong. There are people who'll need
that shoulder of yours," Jean said, turning her gaze to Sean.
"Ready?" Scott asked.
Jean nodded, and walked with him back to the car.
"How ye holdin' up, lass?" Sean asked, standing beside Paige.
"I'm doing all right," she replied, looking up at his face. It was no longer
marred by the worry that had filled it since they found Jubilee and Everett that
terrible night in the warehouse. And though she could still see the sadness in
his eyes, she knew that he was going to be okay. "You?"
"I'm fine."
They watched as the car began to pull away. Jubilee peered out through the
window and waved to them.
Smiling, they waved back, watching as the car pulled out of the parking lot and
disappeared from sight down the street. They stood several minutes longer,
gazing out into the distance.
Sean felt her place her hand in his.
"She's gonna be all right, isn't she, Mr. Cassidy." It was not a question.
Sean looked down at the young woman, saw the faith lighting her eyes, her face,
her very bearing. "Aye, that she is," he replied, feeling her confidence wash
over his mind and heart, and fill his soul. "C'mon," he said, wrapping his arm
around her shoulders, "let's go home."
The End