Chapter 5 - Italy

The helicopter flight from Madrid to Florence was relatively short. As soon as they landed at the Florence House a medical team was helping with Emma. Emma was placed on a gurney and rushed into the House. Adam, Shalimar, and Brennan just stayed back. A man approached them, "greetings.I am Antonio Tace and I run the Florence House. Juan informed me of your situation and we would be more than glad to help."

"Thank you," Adam said.

"They'll take good care of your friend. Please let me show you to your rooms."

"Thank you," Adam said pulling Shalimar with him as they followed Antonio into the House. He knew that they were all upset. Shalimar's best friend was missing and her other friend was sick. And he knew that Brennan was worried about Shalimar and the others. While Adam.he was worried about all of his children.



A While Later. Library - Florence House

Brennan found Adam in the library. Adam looked up at Brennan, "how is she?"

"She's sleeping," Brennan told Adam. "How's Emma?"

"They say it's poison.and that she doesn't have much time unless she gets the antidote."

Brennan was shocked; he sat down in the closest chair. "Will.can they help her?"

"I don't know."

"You don't think Jesse.he wouldn't have."

"No.I highly doubt Jesse would hurt Emma."

"Then who?"

"I don't know, but whoever poisoned Emma probably has Jesse."

Brennan looked over at Adam and noticed that he looked tired and pale. "Adam, why don't you go lay down for awhile? I'll get you if anything happens."

"Thanks Brennan."





Somewhere in Madrid

Jesse had done what his father had asked and Noah had given Jesse the antidote. Noah dropped Jesse off on a random street corner and left. Jesse looked around and hoped he was right about where he was. Jesse started off in the direction he hoped the Madrid House was.





Library - Florence House

While Adam and Shalimar were resting, Brennan sat in the library reading a book of poetry. Antonio walked in, which immediately pulled Brennan's attention from his book to Antonio. "Good news?" Brennan asked hopefully.

"I'm afraid not.your friend only has a few hours left.I'm sorry."

"Can we see her?"

"Of course, but she's not conscious."

"I understand, thank you."



A Couple of Hours Later. Infirmary - Florence House

Adam, Brennan, and Shalimar had been sitting quietly by Emma's bedside. Adam had his head in his hands and Brennan was holding a now asleep Shalimar, she had cried herself to sleep. Just then, there was arguing which got Adam and Brennan's attention. Jesse ran in with Antonio right behind him. "Jesse!" Adam said surprised.

"Adam, I'll explain later, but you've got to give this to Emma," Jesse said handing Adam a vial.

Adam injected Emma's IV line with the fluid that was in the vial. "Okay, explain," Adam said turning back to Jesse.

"The short or long version?"

"The short will be fine for now."

"My dad poisoned Emma so that I'd cooperate."

"Where's your ring?" Shalimar asked, she had been awakened by the arguing.

"I put it in Emma's coat pocket," Jesse explained. Jesse looked over at Emma and then to Adam, "she'll be alright?"

"We can only hope."





The Next Morning. Infirmary - Florence House

Adam, Jesse, Brennan, and Shalimar had spent the night in the infirmary waiting for Emma to wake up and in the process feel asleep. Shalimar was the first one awake, she looked around to see that the guys were still sound asleep and Emma was sitting up in bed, "Emma!" Shalimar shouted happily and ran over and hugged Emma. Shalimar had instantly woken the guys with her outburst.

"Emma?" Brennan asked looking around and then noticed that Shalimar was hugging the life out of someone, who was probably Emma.

"How ya feeling?" Adam asked sitting on Emma's bed.

"Better. What happened?"

"You don't remember?" Adam asked and Emma shook her head.

"My dad poisoned you when we were at the club in Madrid," Jesse told Emma.

"Why?" Emma asked curiously.

"Because he wanted me."

"For what?"

"For something I wouldn't normally volunteer for."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, but are you?"

"I think so."

"Well, Brennan, Adam, and I are going to see if breakfast is ready," Shalimar said pulling Adam and Brennan with her.

"So, why am I better? I thought I was poisoned."

"You were, I brought the antidote, but it doesn't help when you've been moved to another country."

"Really? Where are we?" Emma asked looking around at her surroundings.

"Florence."

"Italy?"

"Exactly."

"Jesse."

"Yeah?"

"Why'd you do whatever you did you help save me?"

"Because.Emma.I.and.well I love you," he finally blurted out.

"I love you too!" she told him and kissed him. "Thank you for saving my life."



Shalimar's Room - Florence House

After they had left Emma and Jesse alone, they had gotten a small snack for breakfast. Adam had gone to the library, and Shalimar and Brennan had gone to her room. They were all tired. So, Brennan held Shalimar until she fell asleep. They were still in their clothes from the day before and laying on top of the comforter. Brennan kissed Shalimar's head and then carefully laid her across the bed. He pulled off her shoes and covered her up with a light weight blanket. He took off his shoes and put both sets of shoes under the bed. He laid down next to Shalimar and draped his arm over her. And after a few minutes he fell asleep too.





A Week Later. Restaurant in Florence

Emma had checked out fine after having the antidote and the Mutant X team had tried to spend as much time taking in Italy as they could.and now it was their last night there. The Mutant X team had traveled into the city for dinner. Emma and Jesse had wandered off leaving Shalimar, Brennan, and Adam at the table. "Is it just me, or are you all pairing off on me?" Adam asked.

Shalimar smiled, "are you afraid we'll leave you Adam?"

"Maybe," Adam admitted. "I mean you two are together and it seems that that's where Emma and Jesse are headed."

"I think it's cute."

"They're happy, Adam," Brennan told him.

"Don't worry, Adam, I won't leave you."

Adam smiled more, "thank you Shalimar, but I know you have to grow up and leave me sooner or later."

"Later then, okay?"

Adam nodded, "that sounds very good to me."

"So, where are we off to next?" Brennan asked.

"Macedonia, and then Greece."



Somewhere in Florence

Emma and Jesse were walking together. "So, do you still have my comm ring?"

"Comm ring?" Emma asked confused.

"When I had to leave you in the club in Madrid I put my ring in the pocket of that jacket," Jesse told Emma pointing to her jacket.

Emma reached into the jacket pocket and pulled out Jesse's comm ring, and she held it up, "this ring?"

Jesse smiled, "yes that's the one." Jesse held out his hand, and Emma took his hand, turned it over, and slid the ring back onto his finger.

"So.do you think your father will come back again?"

"I hope not, and if he does he's not going anywhere near you."

Emma smiled, "awww Jess, I feel so protected!"

"You should! I love you Emma," Jesse said putting his arm around Emma.

"I love you, too, Jess."

"So.will you miss Florence?"

"Ahh no, I'll look forward to us being together," Emma stopped and turned and kissed Jesse.