Title: A Friend in Need II: Sweet Child of Mine 13/22
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and some disturbing imagery
Summary: Jubilee is well on the way to recovery from the physical injuries she
sustained during "A Friend in Need," thanks to the help of Logan and Jean. The
psychic damage, however, has been slow to heal: she is still plagued by regular
nightmares and her memory has not yet returned. And while Jean's endless devotion
to Jubilee is helping her to recuperate, it is starting to put a strain on Jean's
marriage to Scott.
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 II: Sweet Child of Mine
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 13
"Here ya go," Logan said, tossing a towel to Jubilee.
"Thanks," she replied, using it to mop off her face.
"Ya did good today, kid," he said, sitting down on the floor next to where she
sat, having just concluded her morning meditation. "In fact, I think yer doin'
good enough to cut down these workout sessions to every other day."
"Really?" Excitement filled her eyes, her smile. "You really think so?"
"Yep. 'Nother week or so, you won't even need that cane anymore to get 'round.
You've made real progress, kid. You should be real proud of how much you've
achieved. I know I am."
"Y-You are?"
"'Course I am. Most kids yer age wouldn't have the determination or the strength
to work half as hard as you have. I doubt most people would have struggled the
way you did to get their lives back on track. I'm real proud of ya, kid," he
told her, ruffling her hair. "Ya did good. Don't you go letting anybody tell ya
otherwise, ya hear?"
"I won't. Thanks, Wolvie," she said, slipping her arm across his back to hug
him. "Thank you for believin' in me, for helpin' me."
"My pleasure, darlin'," he replied, kissing her temple, as he hugged her back.
"I can't wait to tell Jean."
Logan paused a moment, sniffing the air. "Don't have to wait any longer," he
told her, looking toward the doorway.
Jubilee followed his gaze, and watched as a moment later Jean walked into the
gym. "Jean, guess what?" Jubilee shouted, getting to her feet and running over
to her. "Wolvie says I'm doin' so well I can cut down my workout sessions to
every other day! Isn't that awesome?"
"That's great, sweetie," Jean replied, smiling at her. That small gesture seemed
to take tremendous effort. "That means you can start your lessons tomorrow."
"Lessons?" The grin immediately faded from Jubilee's face. "As in school
lessons?"
Jean nodded. "Ororo's already offered to be in charge of your tutoring. You've
got a couple of months of work to catch up on."
Jubilee turned back to Logan. "Hey, Wolvie, is it too late to change my mind an'
go back to daily workouts?"
"No can do, kiddo. Besides, you need to exercise yer mind, just like yer body.
You do want ta be all caught up so you can go back to school in the fall,
don'tcha?"
"I guess so."
"You ready to head back?" Jean asked her.
"Sure. We gonna wait till after lunch for our psychic session?"
"Yes. I think someone needs a shower," Jean replied, crinkling her nose.
"I'm not that ripe, am I?" Jubilee asked, lifting an arm and sniffing at her
pit. "Ah geez, I am. Sorry 'bout that."
"Hey, Jeanie, you feelin' okay?" Logan asked, walking closer. He did not like
the pallor of her skin, or the dark circles under her eyes.
"I'm just feeling a little under the weather," Jean replied.
"You want me ta go get Hank, let him give you the once-over?"
"No, that won't be necessary, Logan. But thank you. It's nothing a little rest
won't fix."
"Or tonight," Jubilee added. "Scott's comin' home."
Logan's eyebrows rose. "Is he now? That's good ta hear. Joint hasn't been the
same without him."
"C'mon, Jubilee, let's get you home," Jean said, ushering her toward the door.
"See you later, Logan."
"Yeah, bye, Wolvie."
"Later, ladies," he called after them.
Together, Jean and Jubilee made their way to the main floor of the mansion and
out onto the grounds, on the path that led back to the house. Their pace was
slow--though it was Jean, rather than Jubilee, who set it this morning.
"Looks like rain," Jean remarked, glancing up at the overcast sky. Dark clouds
were quickly approaching.
"You sure you're okay, Jean?" Jubilee asked, concerned by the other woman's
appearance and demeanor. "Mornin' sickness still botherin' you?"
Jean nodded. "It's a stupid name, you know, considering it lasts all day. I
haven't been able to keep anything down."
"Maybe you *should* let Hank take a look at you. He could probably give you
somethin'--"
"I can't take any medication for it. It's just going to have to run its course."
"But you've got to eat."
"I might try a little soup later, after the nausea's passed."
"Just let me know if you want me to make you anything, okay?"
Jean looked down at her and smiled. "Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate your
looking after me."
"Well, somebody's gotta. Especially since Scott's not around."
Jean grew suddenly silent.
"Don't stress, Jean. It's gonna go just fine, just like I told you."
Jean nodded, even as she swiped at her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jean. I didn't mean to make you cry."
"It's not your fault. It doesn't take much these days. I start bawling at the
drop of a hat."
"Raging hormones, eh?"
She could not help but smile. "I guess so."
"I can't wait till you start getting weird cravings. Then you can try to gross
everyone out with all kinds of strange food combinations."
"I'd settle for having a decent appetite right now."
By then, they had reached the house. It seemed to be just in time, for the wind
had really picked up, buffeting their hair and clothes. The first few drops of
rain where already beginning to fall. They silently entered, making their way
towards the back of the house.
"I'm gonna go hit the shower," Jubilee said, already peeling off her sweatshirt.
"Will you be okay if I go lay down for a bit?"
"Sure, I'll be fine. Go get some sleep. And let *me* know if *you* need
anything, okay?"
"All right. Thanks, sweetie. Have a good shower." With a final wave, Jean headed
into her bedroom.
Jubilee walked into her own room, grabbed a change of clothes, and made her way
into the bathroom. She turned on the shower and then stripped off the rest of
her clothes. Adjusting the water, she stepped inside and let the spray massage
her tired muscles. She indulged a bit, letting the pulse of the water bear down
on her back for a few minutes before finally washing.
When she had finished drying and dressing, she deposited her dirty clothes in
the hamper in her room before heading to the kitchen. She prepared a sandwich,
grabbed a piece of fruit and a drink, and then took it all into the living room,
where she promptly plopped down on the floor in front of the couch and clicked
on the television.
After a leisurely lunch, and over an hour of the cartoon network, Jubilee
finally shut off the television and carried her dirty dishes into the kitchen.
She nearly jumped as a loud clap of thunder boomed in the distance. Shaking it
off, she deposited the plate and glass in the sink, and was about to leave them
there when she thought better of it. Since Jean was not feeling well, the least
she could do was pitch in and clean up after herself. She grabbed the dish
sponge and soap, and began to wash the dishes.
At first, she did not hear the voice above the sound of running water, her own
low humming, and the sound of rain falling outside. But as she finished rinsing
the glass and shut off the water, the call of her name was unmistakable.
"Jubilee. . . ."
"Hey, Jean, didn't realize you were up," Jubilee replied, glancing over and
seeing Jean standing in the kitchen doorway as she placed the glass in the
drying rack. She reached for the dishtowel to dry her hands. "Did you have a
nice nap?"
"Jubilee," Jean repeated. This time, there was no mistaking the urgency in her
tone.
As Jubilee turned around, she saw that Jean had since entered the room, and was
gripping the back of a chair on the far side of the table. She seemed slightly
hunched over. Her face was ashen, and drenched in perspiration.
"Jean, are you okay? What's wrong? Here, let me help you sit down," Jubilee
said, hurrying around the side of the table to reach her.
Jean managed to turn her body and took a shaky step toward Jubilee, still
grasping the chair. She was nearly doubled over now, her free arm across her
middle.
As Jubilee rounded the table and approached Jean, she finally got a good look at
her. She froze immediately in her tracks and gasped, hand flying to her mouth.
Below Jean's waist and above her knees, on the front of the pale blue fabric of
her skirt, was a crimson stain.
"Oh God!" Jubilee gasped. "Oh God oh God!"
"Jubilee," Jean said, her voice low and pain-laced, as she reached for her.
"Help me."
Jubilee hurried closer, and Jean grabbed onto her arm for support. "What can I
do? Oh God, Jean, tell me what I can do."
"I . . . I--nngh!" Jean bent over, arm still wrapped around her abdomen. Jubilee
looked down and watched in horror as a rivulet of blood trickled down the inside
of Jean's leg.
"Oh God," Jubilee cried again, panic filling her. "C'mon, Jean, let me help you
sit down."
Jean grasped tight to Jubilee's arm, fingers digging into the flesh, as the girl
tried to lead her to a chair. But then another pain assailed her, hammering her
to her knees.
"Jean!" Jubilee cried, seeing her go down and unable to hold her up. Instantly,
she was kneeling beside her. With a shaking hand, she reached for Jean's face,
softly touched her cheek.
"J-Jubilee," Jean managed, swallowing. She raised her head, and looked up at
Jubilee with shining, scared eyes. "H-Help me," she pleaded, even as the tears
spilled onto her cheeks. "Please, help me." She moaned as another spasm shot
across her middle.
Jubilee nodded, feeling her own eyes stinging. She wracked her brain trying to
think of what to do. This was way beyond her league. "I-I'll call for help," she
said aloud, already getting to her feet. She stumbled on the leg of a kitchen
chair, nearly falling, as she made her way to the phone on the wall. She picked
up the receiver, trying to remember the number for the mansion. But there was no
dial tone. She frantically pressed down on the button, but was still answered by
silence. "The line's dead," she muttered.
Just then, thunder boomed, and lightning flashed outside the window.
"Dammit! The storm must have affected the phone lines. What am I gonna do now?"
Hearing a whimper, she looked over to see Jean sitting on the floor, bent over
at the waist, both arms wrapped around her middle. Jean needed help, and she
needed it now. Only one course of action remained.
Jubilee hurried back over to her. She took Jean's head in her hands, brushing
the hair out of her eyes. "Jean?"
Jean looked up at her. She was biting her bottom lip, trying to hold back her
cries of pain.
"Jean, I'm gonna go to the mansion. I'm gonna go get help. I need you to hold
on, okay? I'll be right back with help. You hold on just a few more minutes."
She felt Jean nod in her hands. "Hurry," she murmured. "Please hurry."
"I will. I'll be right back with help. I promise." With that, Jubilee got to her
feet and hurried out of the room.
Jean watched her leave through a tear- and pain-filled haze. She could not help
but cry out as another agonizing spasm shot across her abdomen. She looked down
at her skirt, saw that the pool of blood had grown larger than it had been when
she had woken up several minutes earlier. God, this was not good. Not good at
all.
She tried to focus her mind enough to send out a thought projection, but to no
avail. Her head had been pounding since she had woken up a short while ago. When
she attempted to use her telepathic powers then, the resulting sensation felt
like someone had taken a sledgehammer to her brain, and made her want to vomit.
As weak as she felt now, she dared not attempt it again.
Her mind was growing fuzzy, the room looked darker. She was so tired. Seeing the
counter about a yard away, she moved her arms from around her middle to the
floor, and began to slide herself in that direction. Hand over agonizing hand,
she somehow managed to drag herself to the counter, her back coming into contact
with the bottom door. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, even as
another throe hit her.
"Oh God," she gasped, panic making it difficult to draw a full breath. "Help
me!" she cried desperately, pleadingly. "Scott! Please, help me!"
End Chapter 13
*****
Author: Somogyi
Email: somogyi02@yahoo.com
Archive: Sure, just please ask first
Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and some disturbing imagery
Summary: Jubilee is well on the way to recovery from the physical injuries she
sustained during "A Friend in Need," thanks to the help of Logan and Jean. The
psychic damage, however, has been slow to heal: she is still plagued by regular
nightmares and her memory has not yet returned. And while Jean's endless devotion
to Jubilee is helping her to recuperate, it is starting to put a strain on Jean's
marriage to Scott.
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 II: Sweet Child of Mine
by Somogyi
somogyi02@yahoo.com
Chapter 13
"Here ya go," Logan said, tossing a towel to Jubilee.
"Thanks," she replied, using it to mop off her face.
"Ya did good today, kid," he said, sitting down on the floor next to where she
sat, having just concluded her morning meditation. "In fact, I think yer doin'
good enough to cut down these workout sessions to every other day."
"Really?" Excitement filled her eyes, her smile. "You really think so?"
"Yep. 'Nother week or so, you won't even need that cane anymore to get 'round.
You've made real progress, kid. You should be real proud of how much you've
achieved. I know I am."
"Y-You are?"
"'Course I am. Most kids yer age wouldn't have the determination or the strength
to work half as hard as you have. I doubt most people would have struggled the
way you did to get their lives back on track. I'm real proud of ya, kid," he
told her, ruffling her hair. "Ya did good. Don't you go letting anybody tell ya
otherwise, ya hear?"
"I won't. Thanks, Wolvie," she said, slipping her arm across his back to hug
him. "Thank you for believin' in me, for helpin' me."
"My pleasure, darlin'," he replied, kissing her temple, as he hugged her back.
"I can't wait to tell Jean."
Logan paused a moment, sniffing the air. "Don't have to wait any longer," he
told her, looking toward the doorway.
Jubilee followed his gaze, and watched as a moment later Jean walked into the
gym. "Jean, guess what?" Jubilee shouted, getting to her feet and running over
to her. "Wolvie says I'm doin' so well I can cut down my workout sessions to
every other day! Isn't that awesome?"
"That's great, sweetie," Jean replied, smiling at her. That small gesture seemed
to take tremendous effort. "That means you can start your lessons tomorrow."
"Lessons?" The grin immediately faded from Jubilee's face. "As in school
lessons?"
Jean nodded. "Ororo's already offered to be in charge of your tutoring. You've
got a couple of months of work to catch up on."
Jubilee turned back to Logan. "Hey, Wolvie, is it too late to change my mind an'
go back to daily workouts?"
"No can do, kiddo. Besides, you need to exercise yer mind, just like yer body.
You do want ta be all caught up so you can go back to school in the fall,
don'tcha?"
"I guess so."
"You ready to head back?" Jean asked her.
"Sure. We gonna wait till after lunch for our psychic session?"
"Yes. I think someone needs a shower," Jean replied, crinkling her nose.
"I'm not that ripe, am I?" Jubilee asked, lifting an arm and sniffing at her
pit. "Ah geez, I am. Sorry 'bout that."
"Hey, Jeanie, you feelin' okay?" Logan asked, walking closer. He did not like
the pallor of her skin, or the dark circles under her eyes.
"I'm just feeling a little under the weather," Jean replied.
"You want me ta go get Hank, let him give you the once-over?"
"No, that won't be necessary, Logan. But thank you. It's nothing a little rest
won't fix."
"Or tonight," Jubilee added. "Scott's comin' home."
Logan's eyebrows rose. "Is he now? That's good ta hear. Joint hasn't been the
same without him."
"C'mon, Jubilee, let's get you home," Jean said, ushering her toward the door.
"See you later, Logan."
"Yeah, bye, Wolvie."
"Later, ladies," he called after them.
Together, Jean and Jubilee made their way to the main floor of the mansion and
out onto the grounds, on the path that led back to the house. Their pace was
slow--though it was Jean, rather than Jubilee, who set it this morning.
"Looks like rain," Jean remarked, glancing up at the overcast sky. Dark clouds
were quickly approaching.
"You sure you're okay, Jean?" Jubilee asked, concerned by the other woman's
appearance and demeanor. "Mornin' sickness still botherin' you?"
Jean nodded. "It's a stupid name, you know, considering it lasts all day. I
haven't been able to keep anything down."
"Maybe you *should* let Hank take a look at you. He could probably give you
somethin'--"
"I can't take any medication for it. It's just going to have to run its course."
"But you've got to eat."
"I might try a little soup later, after the nausea's passed."
"Just let me know if you want me to make you anything, okay?"
Jean looked down at her and smiled. "Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate your
looking after me."
"Well, somebody's gotta. Especially since Scott's not around."
Jean grew suddenly silent.
"Don't stress, Jean. It's gonna go just fine, just like I told you."
Jean nodded, even as she swiped at her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jean. I didn't mean to make you cry."
"It's not your fault. It doesn't take much these days. I start bawling at the
drop of a hat."
"Raging hormones, eh?"
She could not help but smile. "I guess so."
"I can't wait till you start getting weird cravings. Then you can try to gross
everyone out with all kinds of strange food combinations."
"I'd settle for having a decent appetite right now."
By then, they had reached the house. It seemed to be just in time, for the wind
had really picked up, buffeting their hair and clothes. The first few drops of
rain where already beginning to fall. They silently entered, making their way
towards the back of the house.
"I'm gonna go hit the shower," Jubilee said, already peeling off her sweatshirt.
"Will you be okay if I go lay down for a bit?"
"Sure, I'll be fine. Go get some sleep. And let *me* know if *you* need
anything, okay?"
"All right. Thanks, sweetie. Have a good shower." With a final wave, Jean headed
into her bedroom.
Jubilee walked into her own room, grabbed a change of clothes, and made her way
into the bathroom. She turned on the shower and then stripped off the rest of
her clothes. Adjusting the water, she stepped inside and let the spray massage
her tired muscles. She indulged a bit, letting the pulse of the water bear down
on her back for a few minutes before finally washing.
When she had finished drying and dressing, she deposited her dirty clothes in
the hamper in her room before heading to the kitchen. She prepared a sandwich,
grabbed a piece of fruit and a drink, and then took it all into the living room,
where she promptly plopped down on the floor in front of the couch and clicked
on the television.
After a leisurely lunch, and over an hour of the cartoon network, Jubilee
finally shut off the television and carried her dirty dishes into the kitchen.
She nearly jumped as a loud clap of thunder boomed in the distance. Shaking it
off, she deposited the plate and glass in the sink, and was about to leave them
there when she thought better of it. Since Jean was not feeling well, the least
she could do was pitch in and clean up after herself. She grabbed the dish
sponge and soap, and began to wash the dishes.
At first, she did not hear the voice above the sound of running water, her own
low humming, and the sound of rain falling outside. But as she finished rinsing
the glass and shut off the water, the call of her name was unmistakable.
"Jubilee. . . ."
"Hey, Jean, didn't realize you were up," Jubilee replied, glancing over and
seeing Jean standing in the kitchen doorway as she placed the glass in the
drying rack. She reached for the dishtowel to dry her hands. "Did you have a
nice nap?"
"Jubilee," Jean repeated. This time, there was no mistaking the urgency in her
tone.
As Jubilee turned around, she saw that Jean had since entered the room, and was
gripping the back of a chair on the far side of the table. She seemed slightly
hunched over. Her face was ashen, and drenched in perspiration.
"Jean, are you okay? What's wrong? Here, let me help you sit down," Jubilee
said, hurrying around the side of the table to reach her.
Jean managed to turn her body and took a shaky step toward Jubilee, still
grasping the chair. She was nearly doubled over now, her free arm across her
middle.
As Jubilee rounded the table and approached Jean, she finally got a good look at
her. She froze immediately in her tracks and gasped, hand flying to her mouth.
Below Jean's waist and above her knees, on the front of the pale blue fabric of
her skirt, was a crimson stain.
"Oh God!" Jubilee gasped. "Oh God oh God!"
"Jubilee," Jean said, her voice low and pain-laced, as she reached for her.
"Help me."
Jubilee hurried closer, and Jean grabbed onto her arm for support. "What can I
do? Oh God, Jean, tell me what I can do."
"I . . . I--nngh!" Jean bent over, arm still wrapped around her abdomen. Jubilee
looked down and watched in horror as a rivulet of blood trickled down the inside
of Jean's leg.
"Oh God," Jubilee cried again, panic filling her. "C'mon, Jean, let me help you
sit down."
Jean grasped tight to Jubilee's arm, fingers digging into the flesh, as the girl
tried to lead her to a chair. But then another pain assailed her, hammering her
to her knees.
"Jean!" Jubilee cried, seeing her go down and unable to hold her up. Instantly,
she was kneeling beside her. With a shaking hand, she reached for Jean's face,
softly touched her cheek.
"J-Jubilee," Jean managed, swallowing. She raised her head, and looked up at
Jubilee with shining, scared eyes. "H-Help me," she pleaded, even as the tears
spilled onto her cheeks. "Please, help me." She moaned as another spasm shot
across her middle.
Jubilee nodded, feeling her own eyes stinging. She wracked her brain trying to
think of what to do. This was way beyond her league. "I-I'll call for help," she
said aloud, already getting to her feet. She stumbled on the leg of a kitchen
chair, nearly falling, as she made her way to the phone on the wall. She picked
up the receiver, trying to remember the number for the mansion. But there was no
dial tone. She frantically pressed down on the button, but was still answered by
silence. "The line's dead," she muttered.
Just then, thunder boomed, and lightning flashed outside the window.
"Dammit! The storm must have affected the phone lines. What am I gonna do now?"
Hearing a whimper, she looked over to see Jean sitting on the floor, bent over
at the waist, both arms wrapped around her middle. Jean needed help, and she
needed it now. Only one course of action remained.
Jubilee hurried back over to her. She took Jean's head in her hands, brushing
the hair out of her eyes. "Jean?"
Jean looked up at her. She was biting her bottom lip, trying to hold back her
cries of pain.
"Jean, I'm gonna go to the mansion. I'm gonna go get help. I need you to hold
on, okay? I'll be right back with help. You hold on just a few more minutes."
She felt Jean nod in her hands. "Hurry," she murmured. "Please hurry."
"I will. I'll be right back with help. I promise." With that, Jubilee got to her
feet and hurried out of the room.
Jean watched her leave through a tear- and pain-filled haze. She could not help
but cry out as another agonizing spasm shot across her abdomen. She looked down
at her skirt, saw that the pool of blood had grown larger than it had been when
she had woken up several minutes earlier. God, this was not good. Not good at
all.
She tried to focus her mind enough to send out a thought projection, but to no
avail. Her head had been pounding since she had woken up a short while ago. When
she attempted to use her telepathic powers then, the resulting sensation felt
like someone had taken a sledgehammer to her brain, and made her want to vomit.
As weak as she felt now, she dared not attempt it again.
Her mind was growing fuzzy, the room looked darker. She was so tired. Seeing the
counter about a yard away, she moved her arms from around her middle to the
floor, and began to slide herself in that direction. Hand over agonizing hand,
she somehow managed to drag herself to the counter, her back coming into contact
with the bottom door. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, even as
another throe hit her.
"Oh God," she gasped, panic making it difficult to draw a full breath. "Help
me!" she cried desperately, pleadingly. "Scott! Please, help me!"
End Chapter 13
*****