Zack threw two large bags into his truck and whistled whilst walking round to the driver's side

"Ya real cheery for someone who owes me money" Reed materialized on the hood sitting with his knees up to his chest he laughed as Zack had a heart attack "You got it yet?" his coy grin shone in the sunlight as he stepped down and then into the passenger seat

"No, not yet, I'm on my way to get it, Shadow hasn't paid up she's being tracked"

"Who by?"

"Mystique as well as Grey and Summers that girl's in it up to her neck"

"That's her problem not mine"

"Wrong," Zack lit a cigarette, opened the truck window and blew out smoke "it could cause hassle for us all if she's tagged" Starting the engine he pulled out of the driveway of a large white house in downtown New York.

"She isn't tagged that girl can't be tagged, she's too much of a commodity to us. Without her half those students wouldn't be open to us"

"Cut her some slack Reed the kid's been through a lot, she's not doing us bad" The open highway spun out before them

"Where we going?"

"The Warehouse I got stuff to pick up" Reed leant forward and turned the stereo full blast before putting his feet on the dashboard and smiling. Oh yes, Shadow would pay back what she owed soon enough.

This was ridiculous I mean how was anyone meant to concentrate on class? Didn't these teachers know that education was for those with nothing better? Flick leaned hopelessly across the desk, it was hot and she was bored of English. She was a mutant capable of creating mirrors, making people see reflections and stuff English would never help her in a choice of career. Her black hair sat straight on her shoulders and she made her violet eyes flicker back and forth mirroring the pencil on her desk. If only it'd rain.if only the bell would ring.if only she'd kept her mind focused for the sound of Mr Harrows voice boomed through her daydream.

"Miss Gunning I said, answer my question" he looked just as frustrated as her she had to give him credit that he hadn't passed out yet he was the biggest built man she'd ever seen and the heat still hadn't killed him off. Resting her head in her hands she heard Shelly mentally whisper the answer and without thought of her own she repeated it. Mr Harrows huffed at her and turned his attention to the board again. She smiled across at Shelly and that's when she saw him. Ash was leaning up the wall outside of the classroom and peering in towards her. That meant trouble, big trouble. In the past few months they'd learnt how to watch their step so not to get caught in their 'activities' She smiled leave it to mutant kids to learn the 'best' behaviour from their mutant parents. Now, things were getting harder. Maria was a paranoid freak, Reed and Zack were on their backs more and Harls?... Shadow had run off. 'Leave it to a Le Beau to go dramatic' she thought picking up a pencil but she knew, Harley had to run she had more to lose then any of them and she was more at risk. With her parents now both missing she had no where to turn, no where but.

The bell rang as she was looking at Ash and she got up and quickly made a very sharp exit.

"What's up?" Ash didn't stop her, just caught up with her pace.

"You ready for tonight?" She loved his coolness how he could maintain it she knew he was freaking about Shadow they all were

"It's still going ahead? I thought what with the 'disappearing Shadow' and dumb and dumber on her case we would."

"Reed and Zack? Why are they involved?" Flick's shock could have knocked him out like a locker door in his face, which she moved him out of the way of.

"You didn't know?" she put her books away "Shadow owes them money for this little venture of ours" she saw the disappointment on his face "You really care bout her don't ya?"

"How much?"

"Zack didn't say but I got the impression it was extensive coz he told me he'd borrowed from Reed"

"Damn you Shadow!" he slammed Flick's locker shut "She's playing the wrong cards here you know that right? If she hadn't got the money to set this up she should have said"

"What and risk losing her pride in front of y'all? She'd never do that and you know it. Seriously you two have some major issues here I mean it's not just about what the gang wants from this it's about."

"Hi!" Maria's voice chimed in with beautiful discord and she pushed her way between the conspiring pair and hugged Flick before kissing Ash's cheek

"You have a habit of that" Flick laughed at Maria and winked at a blushing Ash

"We still going out tonight?" she asked with an innocent expression

"Hell yes!" Flick laughed and they set off down the corridor.