Jade walked out of another therapy session. She felt certain her past was being unraveled, piece-by-piece. It was a niggling feeling in her mind, something she could almost touch but was just out of reach. However, this time Alan walked out with her.
"So how do you feel today, Jade?" Alan smiled.
"Not half bad, Sparky."
"Sparky?" Alan raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Yeah, you always looked like a 'Sparky' to me." Jade ran her hand through her hair. "Now the question is, what does that say about my deep seated-problems?"
"Sex."
"Sex?"
"Everything's about sex, Jade," Alan paused at Jade's door. Jade grinned, and walked in. She was in such high spirits that she didn't even notice Haley slumped over the bed, next to Erin, also slumped over the same bed.
"What is this, the angst association?" Jade ruffled Haley's hair, not observing the tears streaked across her face. "Alright, out with it. What the hell is wrong with the two of you? You're both so cheerful usually."
Erin snorted. "Your powers of observation astound me. You saw how angry they were at Haley!"
Haley gave a choked sob. "Everyone keeps looking at me weird. You think Ah don't get it? Ah have really strong powers. And Ah screwed up. But Jesus.it's not."
"Aw, kid, no one's looking at you weird. Hell, they're probably just jealous," Jade made a desperate attempt to console the girl. But Haley just looked away.
"So what's your problem, Erin?"
"Hmph. One that does not need mentioning," Erin said.
"Hey, c'mon. You can share. It'll be like two girls at a slumber party," Jade laughed, while Erin barely cracked a smile.
"Let's just say my past is something of a mixed blessing."
"Oh yeah," said Jade sarcastically. "That really clarifies things."

Meanwhile, in Xavier's study, a congregation was gathering. Magneto was wearing a surprisingly low-key black ensemble, Cyclops was radiating silent displeasure, and Charles was trying to prevent World War Three. Storm and Jean Grey watched laughingly from the sidelines, as Wolverine merely appeared bored.
"Professor," Cyclops said between clenched teeth. "I believe this was a private meeting."
Erik laughed. "Very private. But don't you think it would be rather silly for Charles to put so much time and effort in getting me here, and then leave me 'out of the loop'?"
Clearly, Wolverine was for once in agreement with Cyclops. "Just what do you hope to do here, Magneto?"
"Merely help my good friends The X-Men." Magneto appeared to be searching for the appropriate name for the dog-boy.
"Ahem." Charles had the uncanny ability to draw all attention toward himself. "If you all are done, there are more important things at hand. All we know of the threat to this school is that it is led by one person with several devoted assassins. They attacked us because they dislike our teachings, and appear to be mutants."
"Remarkable how so much information could be so vague," Erik's dry voice was dark.
Storm shot a dirty look at Erik. "So what do we do, Professor?"
"That's what I have to figure out." The Professor looked troubled. "I suppose we'll have to wait for more information."
"I don't like the sound of that," Wolverine growled. "We just sit here and wait for another attack?"
"Well, I'll have Forge work on electronic defenses, and perhaps I'll talk to Haley. We do have options." His words were optimistic, but his voice was not. "In the meantime, everyone keep your ears open." The group made for the door, but Erik held back. When the others had left, he began to speak.
"You've freed me, my old friend, for which I thank you." Erik smiled warmly, but his face turned dark. "Two small things. One: What exactly am I supposed to do with myself here? I feel like some caged beast, uncertain of my next meal. Make one comment about high school cafeterias and I will leave, promise or not. Two: Perhaps you noticed that Erin Harrolds is a student here. My telepathic blocking skills are rather good, but Erin's are abysmal. You weren't planning on being peacemaker, were you?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Besides," Charles frowned. "In no way would I condone your relationship with Erin. She's a fragile young girl. She needs no friends like you."
This brought a smile to his weathered face. "Friends like me? Why, Charles, you'll give an old man ideas." _Fragile? Erin was always quite a girl, anything but fragile. I wonder if I miss her. I wonder if she misses me_.
"Jealousy?" Charles asked. "Stay away from Erin, do the both of you a favor."
Erik paused on his way out, and gave a wry grin. "Well, we still haven't decided what I should do. Perhaps Erin can advise me."
Charles frowned. "Leave it alone, Erik. Keep yourself busy for a day or two, I'll find something. _And leave the girl alone_."