Life According to Jubilee
Chapter 3
"Class, I have spoken with the headmaster about the trip I talked about two weeks ago." declared Mr. Gayan. "Since I have clearance to take you, we will go today. Pack your schoolbags and meet me in front of the main building. I WILL leave you behind if you are late."
The entire class moved with a speed that was usually uncommon to them first thing in the morning. In less than a minute, everyone was out of the door and on their way to the main building. Jubilee decided to grab a snack for the bus ride. She quickly made her way to the cafeteria where she came across a tray full of individually wrapped snack cakes. With deft fingers, she filled her school bag with at least twenty cakes. She took extra care in doing this quickly and quietly so as not to get caught. When she was satisfied with her rations, Jubilee made her way to the main building.
"Okay, look at the paper I gave you yesterday and find out who you are grouped with. If you were absent yesterday come get you assignments from me. If you lost your paper, too bad." Mr. Gayan marched on the bus and took his seat in the front.
"Whose in your group, J?" Angelo tried to look at her paper.
"Let's see...I'm stuck with Monet and Everett. Oh, that's cool." Jubilee mumbled. "MONET AND EVERETT??" The whole class turned and stared at her. "Uh, sorry."
"What about US, Lee? Oh, that's right you ARE in my group." Monet laughed.
"Really?" Everett beamed. "Just like old times, right Jubes?"
"Kinda, but plus one..." Jubilee grumbled.
"Can we all board the bus TODAY? I'll leave all of you right here. Get a move on!" Mr. Gayan yelled.
Everyone filed into the bus and took their desired seats. Jubilee opted to sit in a seat by herself. The morning was already proving to be aggravating and she expected it to get much worse. She leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes. She felt someone sit next to her and immediately faced them. It was Angelo.
"Tough luck, Jubecita." Angelo pat her on the shoulder.
"Aw, it's no big deal. I guess." Jubilee leaned back on the window. She closed her eyes once more in an attempt to alleviate her oncoming headache. "Of all the luck."
Angelo sat with her for several minutes. He knew there was nothing he could say to make the situation any better. He was more concerned of how thin Jubilee's patience was. He was well aware that she pretended not to have problems for the sake of everyone else. As far as he was concerned, it was unhealthy. Sooner or later, everything will come crashing down on her and he hoped would be there to save her.
After awhile, "Well, I'm gonna sit with my group now. I'll see ya later." He ruffled her hair. "Hang in there!"
"Okay." She said more to the window than to Angelo. As far as she was concerned, the day couldn't get any worse.
The bus ride was about a little over an hour to get to Boston. The destination was a historical museum. Because it was a political science class it was only fitting to go to a museum that displays American political history. Of course, Jubilee was in no mood to walk around a boring museum with information about dead men and their politics. Then again, the dead men were a lot better than dealing with Monet and Everett.
'Life... sucks... butt.' she grimaced.
Jubilee opened her eyes and discovered that they arrived at the museum. She wasn't exactly ready to deal with it yet.
"Alright you little brats, remember your groups, stick with them, and meet in the lobby at 1:30 sharp. Enjoy." Mr. Gayan gestured to the rest of the museum as if it was an amusement park. Unsurprisingly, he finds it to be the perfect amusement park. "Oh, by the way, I want all of you to write a paper about the information you collect as a group. You must settle on ONE topic and write about it. Due tomorrow." He received a collective groan from the class. He simply smiled.
Jubilee walked over to Everett and Monet. "Well, what should we do first?"
"I guess we can just look around and take notes. It can't be that hard." Everett suggested.
"You two go right on ahead. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to find the ladies room." Monet briskly walked in the direction of the information desk.
'Ha. For once, she doesn't know something.' Jubilee smirked.
Everett turned to Jubilee. "Hey, J, can I ask express something to you?"
"Shoot, Ev." Jubilee sighed. She knew perfectly well what he was going to express.
"Okay. Well, I think Monet's the one for me."
Jubilee looked at him incredulously. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. I think I'm in love with her. Do you think I'm getting in way over my head?"
Jubilee looked sullen. Everett didn't notice. "She feels the same way about you, right?" Jubilee sighed.
"Yeah."
"Well as long as you both share the same feelings, everything's cool." She suddenly became agitated. "Man, why are you asking me anyway? I thought I was considered too young by you guys." Deep down she knew that Everett would come to her before anyone else. Today, though, she wasn't feeling at all generous with advice.
"Jubilee, what's been up with you lately? It's not like you." Everett used to her being happy-go-lucky. So was everyone else.
"How do you know what's like me or not? Ev, to be truthful, you've haven't been paying attention to me lately. You don't have a clue." Jubilee said harshly.
"How 'bout you give me one." Everett said with exasperation.
"Okay. Monet."
"What? What's wrong with her?" Everett suddenly sneered. "I get it. You're jealous. You're jealous of Monet. You can't deal with the fact that I love her. You can't deal with the fact that she's the best thing that's happened to me. You're supposed to be happy for me but you diss me instead!" Everett threw his hands in the air in a huff.
"You LOVE her?" she asked in disbelief. " And I'm jealous of HER? What the fuc--you know what? Later for you. I'm CONSTANTLY there for you. Now, all of a sudden, I'm the liver and onions and Monet's the five star meal." Jubilee shook her head. "But I ain't dissin' you, you're dissin' ME."
"How am I dissing you? You've been going at it with Monet for no reason, what did she even do to you?"
Jubilee's face darkened, full of rage. "Everett! She's been picking at me for the longest freakin' time and I'm getting sick of it! Shit, why am I even explaining myself to you? I don't owe you anything."
"Look, what do you expect me to do? My best friend and my girlfriend can't even get along. I have to do what's best for..."
"Your relationship. I get it, don't worry. Whatever man, I'm outta here."
Jubilee turned and walked in the other direction. Everett watched her and was surprised when she stopped. He figured that she came to her senses and that she was going to apologize. Instead of turning around completely she only turned her head.
"Even through all of this Everett, I'll STILL be there for you. Whenever you need some help, you can call on me. I won't let YOU down." Jubilee continued walking once more with no real destination in mind. She decided she would tour the museum, do her own research and then regroup later. Everett stood frozen in place as the reality of their encounter smacked him across the face. He desperately wanted to make amends with Jubilee but felt he would do more harm than good. For now, he figured he would let everything pass and prayed that Jubilee would forget. Monet returned from her journey to the ladies room and discovered Everett looking sullen.
"What happened, Everett?" she asked although she already knew.
"I'm not sure. Jubilee said I dissed her and I'm not sure how." Everett shrugged.
"I presume she went to do her own research then?" Monet looked down the hall Jubilee previously walked.
"I guess, but shouldn't we find her? You know, so we don't get in trouble." Everett found it easier to worry for his grades than Jubilee's feelings. He immediately headed in the general direction Jubilee previously walked. Monet grabbed his hand.
"Everett, leave her alone. Let HER get in trouble. We have work to do." Monet dragged him down the opposite hall.
Three hours had passed since Jubilee's troublesome confrontation with Everett. She now wished that she hadn't spoke her mind. Any other time, Jubilee expresses herself without a problem. She is a lot more careful with friends, taking extra care not to hurt their feelings. The situation, however, calls for more drastic measures in this case.
Jubilee completed the dull task of gathering information for the group paper. Her stomach was growling and she needed to find Monet and Everett. She opted to speak to Monet directly in her head.
- Monet, are you guys finished yet? -
After a moment which seemed like eternity, - Ah, Jubilee. Yes we're done. You realize if "Sergeant Asshole" found you wondering without your group your grade will get docked.-
Jubilee rolled her eyes. - Look, I don't care. Just come meet me at the gift shop. Okay? -
- Bien. Don't get lost or anything. Think you can handle that? - Before Jubilee could retaliate, Monet closed the link.
"Bitch." Jubilee huffed.
Jubilee waited for Monet and Everett to arrive. Just as she indicated, Monet arrived in five minutes flat.
"What took ya so long?" Jubilee popped her gum.
"We ran into a tour group. Jubilee, when will you stop running off like some immature child?" Monet groaned. "Oh, right. When you grow up."
"I got two words fer ya. What. Ever."
"Um, shouldn't we pool our resources now? We got a group paper to write." Everett cut in.
"Geez." Jubilee raked her hair. "Let's worry about the paper later. We gotta meet in the lobby."
"For once, Jubilee is right." Monet laughed lightly.
"Actually, it's been more than once."
"Alright, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. TWICE, then."
"You know what..."
"C'mon, we better hurry." Everett walked ahead.
The trio walked down a series of hallways almost getting turned completely around. The layout of the museum was almost irrational. Hallways turned into one another making the lobby impossible to find. Once at the lobby, Everett and Monet joined Angelo and all of the other students. Mr. Gayan arrived and, shortly after, everyone made their way to the buses with the exception of Jubilee. Jubilee's absence was not noticed.
Jubilee slowed her walk as Everett and Monet greeted Angelo. She was putting her books in her schoolbag and decided to stop because she couldn't focus on both walking and packing her books. From time to time she looked up from her task in order to keep track of the class. Eventually she became completely distracted upon sensing a predator's presence.
'What the...?' She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to concentrate on her surroundings. 'Someone's here...' Relying solely on street smarts, Jubilee listened carefully for any sort of movement. Not satisfied with the results, she continued walking with the intent of luring the attacker out of hiding. The lurker didn't take any of her bait, which worried Jubilee a great deal. Her thoughts began racing.
'Shit. What if it's Sabertooth? He's got it out for me.' Jubilee readied a dagger that she keeps concealed for protection. 'Whoever it is, they picked the wrong day to fuck with me.'
She felt someone coming up behind her. At the last possible moment, Jubilee whipped around bringing the blade of the knife with her momentum. Her attacker was mildly surprised and amazed at the sharpness and speed of Jubilee's attack but the attack did not connect. The attacker grabbed Jubilee's wrist, turning loose the knife, and flipped her over. Jubilee immediately rose to her feet but was still spinning from the counter attack. She caught sight of a small object speeding in her direction. With the speed of an Olympic athlete, Jubilee dodged the offensive object. She caught the smell of what tipped the end of the object. Poison.
Jubilee suddenly smirked. She spoke, never dropping her guard.
"Well, hello to you too."
Angelo stared idly out of the window. He was not prepared for the long tedious ride to the academy. He decided to see where Jubilee was sitting on the bus. Turning almost completely around, Angelo looked about the bus. He couldn't locate her and opted for asking Everett or Monet, whichever one he wanted to deal with, where she was.
"Hey Ev, where's Jubecita?" Angelo asked across the aisle.
Everett, who had his eyes closed in a vain attempt to rest, turned and faced Angelo. "She's probably in the back of the bus. You know how she is." He closed his eyes once more.
"But I don't see her."
"Stop worrying, Ange. She's all right. Now, let me rest."
"..."
"Hey, Ev?"
"What?!" he growled.
"I don't think she's on the bus." Angelo snarled. "Don't that worry you?"
"It's no surprise that she got left, Angelo. Jubes is ALWAYS fooling around." Everett turned over. "Yo man, she'll get back all right."
Angelo folded his arms. "Shyeah. If you say so. Thanks for nuthin'". Angelo looked out of the window. 'J, I hope you're okay.'
"So, you remember me, child."
"Damn right, Viper. What d'ya want?" Jubilee was not in the mood to deal with Wolverine's wife. Actually, she had no idea if she should run or kill her.
"I see you and all of your friends were in Hightown and you didn't bother to visit me." Viper stepped closer to Jubilee. "I told Logan I would kill anyone who comes to Hightown without my permission. That includes you, little one."
"I ain't afraid of you or anybody else. So cut the shit." Jubilee took one step closer to Viper.
Viper laughed. "Are you challenging me, Jubilation?"
Jubilee's blue eyes pierced into Viper's. "No, just statin' a fact. You can TRY and kill me if ya want. But ya gotta...catch me first." Jubilee flashed a sample of her powers blinding Viper in the process. Using her newfound opening, Jubilee ran out of the museum. As she ran toward the door, she noticed security guards sprawled on the floor. It was then she realized that Viper was truly serious about killing her. Every guard in the vacinity, while still in one piece, was incompacitated.
'Oh my god...I gotta get outta here.' Once outside, Jubilee ducked down a series of alleyways. She knew she couldn't lose Viper but she could buy herself a very miniscule amount of time. Jubilee always believed that any time is good time no matter how small.
Once they arrived back at the academy, Angelo wasted no time and hastily strode toward Emma's office. Since Monet and Everett took no action about Jubilee's absence, Angelo took it upon himself to do so. Without so much as a knock, Angelo threw the door open to her office and rushed to Emma's desk.
"Miz Frost, we got a situation."
"Angelo, can't you see I'm busy? You should try knocking also. Since Sean is on his vacation, I have to do all of the paper work." Emma looked up from her work suddenly picking up his thoughts. "Jubilation is missing." It was more of a statement than a question.
"Sorta. I guess she's still at the museum. But that's not like her." He leaned on the desk. "Why would she wanna stay at a museum anyway?"
"I'll try to contact her mentally, that is, if she isn't already blocking me out." Emma stood up and walked over to Angelo. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know how you feel. I've been picking up your thoughts recently."
Angelo squirmed. "All of them?"
"Well, yes. Don't worry, it's only natural." Emma smiled then grew serious. "I've been worried about her lately, Angelo. It seems she's...detached and distracted."
"Detached? So you think she ran away? Angelo shook his head slowly. "Nah, Emma, she wouldn't just run away."
"Well, let me see if I can reach her." Emma closed her eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, Emma ceased her concentration and sighed. "Damn...she's closed her mind deliberately as if to prevent anyone from knowing where she is."
"Whoa. I didn't know Jubes could do that..."
"Start the Jeep, Angelo. I'll gather the others." Emma walked briskly out of the office.
- Children, meet behind the science hall. NOW. -
- Did you hear that? - Jonothan spoke directly into everyone's head.
- Yeah. I wonder what's going on. - Everett said as they all headed for the door.
- We better hurry. - Paige urged.
- Right. -
"Miss Frost, what's going on? Everett looked around. "Where's Jubilee?"
Emma rubbed her temple. "That's the situation. Come, I'll explain in the Jeep."
Everyone packed into the Jeep quickly and quietly. Everett was quieter than everyone else. He felt guilty about Jubilee's absence. He ignored the fact that she could've been in danger when Angelo pressed the issue earlier.
Everett buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry, Ange. I should've listen to you earlier. I should've done something."
"Too late now, amigo." Angelo fumed.
"Enough. It won't help if you obsess with what you didn't do." Monet interrupted.
"Children. You should concentrate on a plan." Emma advised.
"I wish Jubilee was here." Paige mumbled. "She would say 'when I was with the X-men' right about now."
Monet groaned. "Why are you acting like Lee is dead? I'm certain she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself to prevent that."
- Gel's got a point. I bet Jubilee's waiting for us to come right now. -
Jubilee had run herself to exhaustion. She decided to stop and let Viper find her. Less than five seconds later Viper stepped out of the shadows.
"I've been waiting, child. I'm tired of playing games with you." Viper secretly prepared a poison-tipped knife. "Poor Logan. He will be distraught about your demise."
"You couldn't have come here just ta kill me. Why are you really here?" Jubilee stalled in an attempt to break Viper's concentration.
Viper knew what she was trying to do. "It won't work, little one. You'll regret the day you were born." She lunged at Jubilee at lightning speed. Jubilee tried to dodge her attack but she was not fast enough. The knife that Viper concealed stabbed her arm. Shocked, Jubilee jumped back.
"Ugh...what a cheap trick and I fell for it." Jubilee held her arm, which was now leaking blood. Everything in Jubilee's vision began to swim. Determined not to let the poison overcome her, Jubilee steadied her footing and glared at Viper. "And YOUR tricks won't work either. You forget that your Logan trained me."
Viper regarded Jubilee impressed by her agility and knowledge of martial arts. "I see that he certainly has."
Jubilee glared at Viper defiantly.
"But why are you with those inexperienced children when you have so much more promise?"
"Someone's gotta teach 'em." Jubilee maintained an air of indifference.
"Jubilation," Viper said evenly, "You could do so much better. From what I gathered, you believe you don't receive the respect you deserve."
Jubilee rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Don't try ta tempt me. I know whatcha tryin' ta do and it ain't gonna work."
"Suit yourself, child. You know what the truth is." Viper turned away from Jubilee. I'll let you live...for now. But do you see your friends here? If they care so much, why didn't they come by now?"
Jubilee watched her walk away. She pondered what Viper had said. True, her friends had not arrived. Surely someone noticed her absence but maybe they didn't care. Jubilee absently touched her arm and soon regretted it. She was still poisoned and needed to treat her arm fast. She walked back to the museum and sat on the curb watching the police and EMT workers rush in. There was no drug store that sold an antitoxin for her arm.
'Maybe they'll show up.' She hoped. 'Ah, hell why would they? Maybe I should catch a bus.' Jubilee suddenly pitched forward and heaved. She felt as though she could throw up her breakfast. The poison was taking its effect with a vegeance and she struggled to keep herself stable. Jubilee was in no mood to faint in public and be robbed of her things.
The Jeep pulled in front of the museum. Emma parked the car and jumped out of the car. The other students followed suit. Emma looked around feverishly searching for Jubilee. She stopped in her tracks as she spotted her but quickly recovered. She noticed that her young charge had taken a few hits and looked ready to faint on the spot.
'Oh god.' Emma dashed toward Jubilee and quickly knelt beside her. Jubilee looked at her rescuer weakly but with relief before finally allowing herself to succumb to the poison.