Hello everyone! Thanks to everyone who reviewed; you really boosted my confidence. So, in honor of that, here's chapter one! I hope you like it... and please review or e-mail me with your comments! Thanks!

Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men: Evolution or any of its characters.

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that happens to it." ~C.C. Scott

Title: Two sides of the same coin

Author: JupiterHalo

Rating: PG to PG-13

Part: 2/?

Date completed: June 5, 2003

Words between * mean telepathic thoughts

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The funeral was held on a bright, sunny, Saturday. April 6. Scott's 19th birthday. It took place under a tree on the Institute's property. Since there was no body, everyone just stood around a pile of yellow rose petals at the base of the tree.

"Scott Summers came to me alone, afraid, and angry at the world." Professor Xavier began talking after everyone had gathered together. "He was my best student; always eager to learn something new and always willing to help someone who was in need. It was a quality I always admired in him."

Jean stood next to the rose petals, head down, a lone tear sliding down her cheek here and there. Xavier laid a comforting hand on her arm, then began talking again. "He took the cards life had dealt him, and managed to turn them into something truly great. He will be missed."

With those words, everyone bowed their heads and began silent prayers for the man they had just lost.

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There was a hum of excitement in the air. Students ran around hugging each other, laughing, and talking. It was Graduation Day. The best day of their lives.

Jean stood with Duncan Matthews and their other friends, trying to listen to what they were talking about. It was hard, though, considering how much she had on her mind. Her parents wanted her to go to a nice East Coast school, but she knew that if she stayed here in New York for one more week, she would go crazy.

That's why she had decided to go to a college out west. Drake University in Iowa was a beautiful place, and Jean was sure that she would eventually heal.

"Graduates! Time to get into your places!" One of the teachers called out to them, and everyone scurried to get to their correct places for the march into the gym.

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Once everyone had been seated, the program began. There were the usual inspirational speeches, of course, in which all of the graduates took time to wave to their parents. Finally, it was Jean's turn to speak.

"And now, here we have a speech by Jean Grey, this year's valedictorian!" She stood up and made her way to the podium.

Jean could feel waves of support and comfort coming from the Professor, Logan, and even Rogue. She took a deep breath and steadied herself, then began to speak.

"Good afternoon graduates. This is a day we will all remember. This is a turning point in our lives, a new chapter in our stories. I have no speech to give you; instead I would like to read a poem to you." She unfolded a piece of paper and began to read:

"If I knew it would be the last time

That I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly

and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time

that I'd see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss

and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time

I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,

I would video tape each action and word,

so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,

I could spare an extra minute

to stop and say "I love you,"

instead of assuming you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time

I would be there to share your day,

Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,

so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow

to make up for an oversight,

and we always get a second chance

to make everything just right.

There will always be another day

to say "I love you,"

And certainly there's another chance

to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,

and today is all I get,

I'd like to say how much I love you

and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,

young or old alike,

And today may be the last chance

you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,

why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes,

you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time

for a smile, a hug, or a kiss

and you were too busy to grant someone,

what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,

and whisper in their ear,

Tell them how much you love them

and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"

"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."

And if tomorrow never comes,

you'll have no regrets about today."

By the time Jean had finished reading, she was crying silent tears over the person who should have been there to see her graduate. Scott... this is for you, she thought to herself.

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Like it? Hate it? Anything I can do better? Please tell me at SetsunaPuu21@cs.com! The poem isn't mine, so I claim nothing. And I know that Scott and Jean are going to probably graduate together in the series, but Scott graduates a year before Jean in this story. See you all next time!

Love always,

~JupiterHalo~