No reviews yet (I'm really hoping you guys are just being lazy and not
trying to tell me something!!! *Laughs nervously*). Well, here's chapter
two anyway. Oh - And "Jim Bob" is what I call my brother (his name is
James), I know it sounds Hillbillyish, I do have worse names for him!!!
And AG is the name of his bear, which I bought for him, when he was small.
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A vulgar display of power.
Ellie sat down on her bed and, for the millionth time since she had agreed to go to Bayville, started to cry. Within seconds her mother appeared at the door with tears streaming down her face.
"Ellie, please, I know this is hard, but, you must try and control yourself, at least for now. I've cried so many times today, I have nothing left in me. James is the same. He doesn't understand."
Ellie composed herself and wiped her eyes. She looked at her mum's wet face and said, "I'm sorry. I just never imagined this. Having to leave my home and friends at the age of sixteen. It's hard."
"I know, honey, but you have to learn to control this. I mean you must be pretty powerful. James wont leave his room and I can't stop crying. Laura, from next door, just phoned. She said she feels terrible and she's been crying."
Ellie groaned and put her head in her hands, "Did you tell her why she felt like crap?"
"No, I told her to eat some chocolate and stop watching Oprah. She thinks she's pregnant." Said her mum, smiling. "Be strong, Baby. And when you can control it you can come home."
Ellie stood up and ran her hands through her hair, "OK, I'm good. I'll call Alex and Ronnie from Bayville. I just can't deal with that right now and I'll have the whole street crying."
It had been two days since Xavier had made his offer. Ellie's mother had to withdraw her from school with the official explanation being that she was attending a 'private boarding school'. Her friends had been told that she was ill and couldn't get out of bed. Her father had been informed and at Ellie's request was staying in Hong Kong. He had made Ellie promise to ring him.
'And within two hours, I'll be gone.' Ellie thought, looking around the room that had been her sanctuary for the past sixteen years. She badly wanted to call Alex, but, she was so scared that he would freak when she told him the truth.
There was a knock at the front door, she sighed and picked up her backpack. She stopped in the doorway and turned, "Bye, room!" She said, sadly. Ellie walked downstairs and saw her mother talking to the professor while the man, Logan, she remembered from the introductions that fateful day, carried her cases to the car.
"How are we getting to Bayville? I'm not good at long car trips and I don't think you guys want to be stuck in a car with someone who can make everyone around her feel like she does." Ellie asked.
Xavier smiled, "We have a jet. It's waiting at a nearby airfield. How are you with flying."
"OK, apart from storms. I get freaked out."
"Well, that's one worry you wont have. I can promise you." The woman, Ellie remembered as Ororo, said with a smile. At Ellie's confused look she went on, "I can control the weather."
"Cool! Man, I would love to do that!"
"I'm afraid it takes a great degree of control, my dear. It took me many years to learn how to prevent the heavens from opening when I became upset as a young woman." Said Ororo with a smile.
Ellie laughed and Logan appeared in the doorway. He nodded at Ellie and turned to the professor, "We're ready, Charles." Then he returned to the car. The Prof. And Ororo followed, giving Ellie a private moment to say goodbye.
"Be strong, and remember; we all love you. I'm only a phone call away." Said her mother, hugging her hard. Ellie fought hard to hold back the tears that were building in her eyes. Ellie broke away and looked behind her mother to see James stood in the doorway, clutching AG, his favourite bear. Ellie had saved her pocket money for weeks, when she was eight, to buy it for when he was born. She had always told him he would look out for him, when she wasn't there.
He held AG out towards Ellie and said, "You take him. So he can look after you, cause I wont be there to." He bit his bottom lip to stop it from wobbling.
Ellie took the bear and then hugged her brother hard. "I love you loads, Kid. You look after mum, OK? It's a really important job, Dad asked me to do it, so it's up to you now. I'll ring you tomorrow OK?"
James nodded. His big brown eyes, so like Ellie's, glistened with tears. Ellie ruffled his hair and said, "Hey, I'll be back, Jim Bob." She called him her personal nick-name. She turned and walked to the car. She opened the door and put her backpack on the seat next to Xavier and was just about to climb in when she heard someone say, "I thought you were ill."
She turned and saw Alex standing by the rear of the car, "Alex! Oh God. I was going to call you tomorrow and explain. I have to go away."
Confusion shone from Alex's green eyes, "Go where? Why?"
Ellie sighed, "Do you remember all the girls attacking you the other day?"
Alex smiled slightly, "I'll never forget that!"
"It was because of me. I'm a ..." She paused, "I'm a mutant. They all felt what I felt. They all liked you because I do."
She looked at the ground and waited for him to say something, or at least run off screaming. She felt his hand stroke her cheek, she looked up. He smiled at her.
"Bummer! I thought I'd become a sex god!"
"You don't mind?" She asked, in shock.
"No, why should I? You're still Ellie. I don't really understand, but, I guess we can talk about in more detail later."
Ellie looked at Charles, and the turned back to Alex, "Lex, I have to go. I have to get on a plane. Can call you tomorrow?"
Alex nodded, understanding, "Will I be able to visit you? My feelings wont change. I promise."
Ellie hugged him and he caught her face with his hands and kissed her gently. She looked at him, "We'll talk everyday, either phone or email. And I'll arrange it so you can visit. I really care about you too."
She allowed herself one last embrace and then climbed in the car. As Logan started the engine and pulled away Ellie turned and looked out of the rear window, she waved to the three of them until the car turned the corner.
Turning in her seat, she saw Ororo smile at her. She gave a weak smile back and hugged AG to her chest.
'I'll be OK. I'm gonna control this and get my life back.' She thought, determinedly.
"That's the spirit." Said the Prof.
"I wish you wouldn't do that!" Laughed Ellie startled. She was beginning to become used to the idea of being around other mutants.
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Several hours later, Ellie looked around her new bedroom. It was light and spacious with beautiful furniture. She ran her hand over the carvings on her bed as someone tapped at the door.
"Come in." She said. Ororo opened the door and she and the Professor came in. Ororo placed a box on the desk.
"Do you like your new room, Ellie?" Asked Xavier.
"It's beautiful! Are you sure this is just mine? I imagined, well, dormitories."
Xavier laughed, "We do have those, but they are for the younger students. And with your powers not yet under control, I thought that this would be better. I would dread to think what would happen if you suffered a nightmare. We'd have a mass panic."
Ellie laughed and opened one of her suitcases. She began to hang up her clothes in the closet.
"We shall leave you now." Said Ororo, as the headed for the door, "The other students will be home from school in an hour or so, and we'd like for you to meet them."
Ellie nodded, "One hour! Right!"
As they left she turned her attention to the box Ororo had left. Curiosity got the better of her and she opened it. Inside lay a black and dark purple suit. She held it up and looked at it.
'Wonder what this is for.' She thought. Then she shrugged and, placing it on a hanger, hanged it in her closet.
An hour later, she made her way downstairs and went into the living room. No one was about so she sat on the sofa and waited.
She glanced at her watch, 'God! I feel so nervous! What if they don't like me?' She thought. She tapped her arms on the sofa arm to try and calm herself. Not that it did any good.
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Scott turned off the engine and five of the young x-men climbed out.
"Man, I'm beat. I can't believe all of the homework I have. And Danger Room sessions! I'm like a dead man walking!" Said Evan as they climbed the steps to the mansion.
Another car pulled up and Kitty, Lance and Pietro climbed out. Kitty held her back pack, expectantly, at Pietro, who sighed and took it from her.
Jean smiled, as he walked past her, "It's your own fault. If you are going to make a bet with your girlfriend, make sure she's not a computer genius and that the bet revolves around exam marks."
Pietro shot Jean a dirty look, and said, "How was I to know? Now I'm her slave for a week."
Evan sniggered, "Yeah, like you'll really hate that!" He put on a high voice and said, "Oh Pietro, please hold my towel while I get in the shower! There are worse punishments!"
"You try dating Kitty. Please!" Said Pietro.
Kitty mocked punched him in the arm and was drawn into his embrace, "I love you really, Pryde!" He said kissing her on the forehead.
Kurt, who had been watching with disgust on his face, pushed the door open and stormed in. He still wasn't over Kitty and Pietro being together. He stopped when he saw Xavier in the hall, apparently waiting for them.
"Vhatever it is, Professor. I didn't do it." He said.
Xavier gave him a suspicious look and said, "Team, we have a new student. The girl I went to see two days ago has arrived. I would like you all to come and meet her. I'll give you five minutes to put your things in your rooms and come into the living room."
The team walked towards the stairs. Kitty said, "I wonder what her powers are."
"I don't know, but, for some reason I feel really nervous." Said Scott.
"I know." Said Jean. "I've never felt like this before. Not about meeting a new student."
Trying to shrug off the feeling they stashed their stuff away and walked towards the lift. By this time the feeling had escalated. They all got in and pushed the button for downstairs.
Kitty was twisting her hands and Pietro had to grab them to stop her. Rogue was pacing like caged animal. Scott and Kurt kept adjusting their hair and clothes.
They walked into the living room and the feeling of panic washed over them. They all looked at Ellie, who was stood in the middle of the room, nervously twisting her hands.
"Sit down." Said Xavier, but everyone was too uncomfortable. He continued, "This is Ellie Ronnoco."
Everyone said hello, and the Professor introduced everyone.
"So, Ellie. What's your power?" Asked Jean kindly. The feeling had subsided slightly, and the x-men started to sit down.
Ellie looked at Xavier, who said, "Why not show them."
Ellie nodded and then scanned the room. Her eyes landed on Kurt. His hair was the same style as Alex's and he had the same cheeky smile. He really reminded her of him and she began to remember the feelings Alex gave her whenever she saw him. She concentrated on Kurt, who now felt extremely uncomfortable under the scrutiny and began to fidget.
Suddenly Jean turned and looked at Kurt, when he looked back she gave him a coy smile. She got up off of the sofa and walked over to him. Kitty left Pietro's side and started to head to him. He looked around in confusion and saw Rogue smiling at him.
"Guys? Are you OK?" He asked nervously. Jean stopped in front of him. She lifted her hand up and ran it through his silky black hair.
"You know, Kurt, I never noticed how cute you are." She said, smiling.
Kurt looked around the room again, Lance and Evan had grins on their faces, Scott looked furious. Pietro was watching Kitty, with his mouth open as she linked her arm in with Kurt's.
"I know you like me, Kurt. Do you want to come out with me tonight? Just me and you?"
"KITTY!!" Cried Pietro.
Rogue pulled Kitty out of the way and stood in front of Kurt. She raised a gloved hand and traced it over his lips.
"Ya don't have tah be afraid of me sugah. I wont hurt ya."
Kurt started to back up in panic. He hit the wall and stopped. Jean, Kitty and Rogue continued to advance.
"So? Are we going out tonight? I've always liked you." Said Jean. Rogue pushed her out of the way and said, "He's mine, ya tramp. Hands off."
Kitty phased through Rogue and threw her arms round him. "Quick, teleport us somewhere, so we can be alone."
Jean pushed Rogue back and telepathically pulled Kitty away from Kurt. She held her ten foot in the air and walked back up to Kurt.
"Don't you want to know what a real woman is? I can show you."
"Um, Jean, I like you. You are my friend. I just don't feel that vay about you." Said Kurt, trying to push Jean off.
By now Lance and Evan had given up any pretence and were laughing hysterically.
Pietro was stood under Kitty looking at her with a shocked expression, while she struggled and called Jean unrepeatable names. Scott had stood up, but looked unsure. He looked at Ellie, who was still staring at Kurt, to the Professor who looked vaguely amused, like someone who is in on the joke.
Kurt teleported and reappeared behind the sofa. Rogue ran over and lunged at him. She threw her arms round him and was pulled away by Jean, who threw her against the wall. Rogue lay on the floor for a moment, dazed. "He's mine!" Shouted Jean. She turned back to Kurt. "Don't worry I'll protect you, Baby!"
"Baby? Jean, this is seriously freaking me out. Stop it. Vhat's the matter vith you all?" Kurt looked at the other guys, "Help me!" He cried.
"Man, this is too funny! I couldn't if I wanted to!" Said Evan, through another fit of laughter. Lance just clutched his stomach, tears running down his face.
"Let me down, you Bitch!" Screamed Kitty.
Rogue stood up, "If ya wanna play that way, supah tramp, that's fine with me."
She removed her glove and ran at Jean. Before she could react, Scott grabbed Rogue from behind and pulled her off of the floor.
"Let me down! Ah'm gonna teach her not to mess wi' my man!" Screamed Rogue, kicking and trying to break free.
"Professor?" Said Scott desperately.
"OK, Ellie, that's enough." Said Xavier.
Ellie dropped her gaze. She looked, embarrassed at the carpet.
Rogue stopped kicking and Scott let her go. Jean shook her head and Kitty screamed as she fell. Pietro caught her, and said, "What the hell was that then?" Kitty looked sheepish.
They all turned and looked at Ellie, who had become very interested in her shoes. She looked at Kurt and said, "Sorry."
"Let me explain." Said Xavier, "Ellie is an emapth, she can feel people's pain or strong emotion, but she can also reverse it and manipulate people's emotions, as you have just seen."
"So I'm not suddenly irresistible?" Asked Kurt, slightly disappointed.
"I'm afraid not. That is just a little of Ellie's powers. That's why she's here."
Ellie piped up, "Something like that happened to my friend at school one day. But it was hundreds of girls, not just three."
"Lucky him.", Said Kurt dryly. Everyone laughed and the ice broke completely.
"I think dinner's nearly ready. Shall we move this into the dining room." Asked Xavier. They all walked out. Ellie hung back and Kurt turned, "Do you vant to sit vith me?"
"Sure." Said Ellie smiling.
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Ellie realised that night that she would be OK at the institute. The other students, especially Kitty and Kurt were really nice to her. She had sat next to Kurt during dinner and he had made her laugh so hard she nearly choked.
Of course the downside was that everyone else started to laugh, and she had to calm down pretty quickly.
Ellie stood on the balcony outside of her room. She watched the sun set dreamily. She heard a knock and saw Kitty poke her head around the door.
"Hey, come in." Said Ellie, coming back into the room.
"I just wanted to see if you were settled in OK." Said Kitty, sitting down on the bed.
"Yeah, I seem to be. You guys are really nice here. When I knew you were home and coming to meet me I was so scared I thought I'd wet myself."
Kitty laughed, "So it was you! All of us felt it. Don't worry though," She said, as she noticed Ellie's face fall, "The professor is a really good teacher, I'm sure you'll learn some control soon."
Ellie looked at Kitty's earnest face, "Yeah, you're right!" She changed the subject, "So, Pietro looked really mad at you after my display! You guys been together long?"
Kitty looked dreamy, "About six months. I hated him at the start, he was rude, pig headed, conceited." She paused, thoughtfully, "Come to think of it, he hasn't changed much!"
They both laughed. Ellie continued, "Kurt doesn't think much of him does he?"
Kitty looked at her, "Did you sense that?"
"I didn't have to, you can tell by looking at his face."
"He liked me a lot when I arrived. And Kurt is a sweetie, but, you can't control who you fall in love with, whatever the circumstances."
Ellie thought of Alex, and said, "I guess not."
Kitty stood up, "Well, you'd better get some sleep. We've got school tomorrow."
"Oh joy, well at least I'll have people to sit with at lunch!"
Kitty smiled, "You're one of the x-men now! We look out for each other!"
She closed the door quietly behind her and Ellie lay down on the bed. She stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking.
After a while, she drifted off to sleep. She was in the meadow again. She looked around and heard hoof beats. A beautiful white horse came into view and stopped beside her. Ellie looked up and saw Kurt. He smiled at her as he got down and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
Ellie sat upright in bed, breathing hard. 'Did I just have a dream about Kurt? But, I love Alex!' She thought, rubbing her eyes. She stood up, stretching, and started getting changed into her night clothes.
"Maybe I'm just man mad!" She said to herself, laughing. She looked in the mirror and posed. 'Ellie Ronnoco, Sex goddess!' She thought, taking in her baggy T-shirt and old shorts, "Nope, I'm just delusional!" She said with a giggle.
She climbed back into bed, turned off the lamp and within seconds she was asleep again.
On the other side of the mansion, Kurt was staring at the ceiling. He had just woken up from an incredible dream. He was chasing a girl with brown hair through a maze. He had assumed it was Kitty at first, as she appeared in so many of his dreams, especially now that he couldn't have her.
'Don't think about Keety.' He thought turning onto his side. He continued to think about his dream. He had finally caught her and turned her around to face him, it was Ellie! He had kissed her, and then he woke up.
'I don't even know her. She is pretty though. Maybe I do like her.'
He thought about it for a while and then eventually fell back to sleep. ****************************************************************
To be continued!
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A vulgar display of power.
Ellie sat down on her bed and, for the millionth time since she had agreed to go to Bayville, started to cry. Within seconds her mother appeared at the door with tears streaming down her face.
"Ellie, please, I know this is hard, but, you must try and control yourself, at least for now. I've cried so many times today, I have nothing left in me. James is the same. He doesn't understand."
Ellie composed herself and wiped her eyes. She looked at her mum's wet face and said, "I'm sorry. I just never imagined this. Having to leave my home and friends at the age of sixteen. It's hard."
"I know, honey, but you have to learn to control this. I mean you must be pretty powerful. James wont leave his room and I can't stop crying. Laura, from next door, just phoned. She said she feels terrible and she's been crying."
Ellie groaned and put her head in her hands, "Did you tell her why she felt like crap?"
"No, I told her to eat some chocolate and stop watching Oprah. She thinks she's pregnant." Said her mum, smiling. "Be strong, Baby. And when you can control it you can come home."
Ellie stood up and ran her hands through her hair, "OK, I'm good. I'll call Alex and Ronnie from Bayville. I just can't deal with that right now and I'll have the whole street crying."
It had been two days since Xavier had made his offer. Ellie's mother had to withdraw her from school with the official explanation being that she was attending a 'private boarding school'. Her friends had been told that she was ill and couldn't get out of bed. Her father had been informed and at Ellie's request was staying in Hong Kong. He had made Ellie promise to ring him.
'And within two hours, I'll be gone.' Ellie thought, looking around the room that had been her sanctuary for the past sixteen years. She badly wanted to call Alex, but, she was so scared that he would freak when she told him the truth.
There was a knock at the front door, she sighed and picked up her backpack. She stopped in the doorway and turned, "Bye, room!" She said, sadly. Ellie walked downstairs and saw her mother talking to the professor while the man, Logan, she remembered from the introductions that fateful day, carried her cases to the car.
"How are we getting to Bayville? I'm not good at long car trips and I don't think you guys want to be stuck in a car with someone who can make everyone around her feel like she does." Ellie asked.
Xavier smiled, "We have a jet. It's waiting at a nearby airfield. How are you with flying."
"OK, apart from storms. I get freaked out."
"Well, that's one worry you wont have. I can promise you." The woman, Ellie remembered as Ororo, said with a smile. At Ellie's confused look she went on, "I can control the weather."
"Cool! Man, I would love to do that!"
"I'm afraid it takes a great degree of control, my dear. It took me many years to learn how to prevent the heavens from opening when I became upset as a young woman." Said Ororo with a smile.
Ellie laughed and Logan appeared in the doorway. He nodded at Ellie and turned to the professor, "We're ready, Charles." Then he returned to the car. The Prof. And Ororo followed, giving Ellie a private moment to say goodbye.
"Be strong, and remember; we all love you. I'm only a phone call away." Said her mother, hugging her hard. Ellie fought hard to hold back the tears that were building in her eyes. Ellie broke away and looked behind her mother to see James stood in the doorway, clutching AG, his favourite bear. Ellie had saved her pocket money for weeks, when she was eight, to buy it for when he was born. She had always told him he would look out for him, when she wasn't there.
He held AG out towards Ellie and said, "You take him. So he can look after you, cause I wont be there to." He bit his bottom lip to stop it from wobbling.
Ellie took the bear and then hugged her brother hard. "I love you loads, Kid. You look after mum, OK? It's a really important job, Dad asked me to do it, so it's up to you now. I'll ring you tomorrow OK?"
James nodded. His big brown eyes, so like Ellie's, glistened with tears. Ellie ruffled his hair and said, "Hey, I'll be back, Jim Bob." She called him her personal nick-name. She turned and walked to the car. She opened the door and put her backpack on the seat next to Xavier and was just about to climb in when she heard someone say, "I thought you were ill."
She turned and saw Alex standing by the rear of the car, "Alex! Oh God. I was going to call you tomorrow and explain. I have to go away."
Confusion shone from Alex's green eyes, "Go where? Why?"
Ellie sighed, "Do you remember all the girls attacking you the other day?"
Alex smiled slightly, "I'll never forget that!"
"It was because of me. I'm a ..." She paused, "I'm a mutant. They all felt what I felt. They all liked you because I do."
She looked at the ground and waited for him to say something, or at least run off screaming. She felt his hand stroke her cheek, she looked up. He smiled at her.
"Bummer! I thought I'd become a sex god!"
"You don't mind?" She asked, in shock.
"No, why should I? You're still Ellie. I don't really understand, but, I guess we can talk about in more detail later."
Ellie looked at Charles, and the turned back to Alex, "Lex, I have to go. I have to get on a plane. Can call you tomorrow?"
Alex nodded, understanding, "Will I be able to visit you? My feelings wont change. I promise."
Ellie hugged him and he caught her face with his hands and kissed her gently. She looked at him, "We'll talk everyday, either phone or email. And I'll arrange it so you can visit. I really care about you too."
She allowed herself one last embrace and then climbed in the car. As Logan started the engine and pulled away Ellie turned and looked out of the rear window, she waved to the three of them until the car turned the corner.
Turning in her seat, she saw Ororo smile at her. She gave a weak smile back and hugged AG to her chest.
'I'll be OK. I'm gonna control this and get my life back.' She thought, determinedly.
"That's the spirit." Said the Prof.
"I wish you wouldn't do that!" Laughed Ellie startled. She was beginning to become used to the idea of being around other mutants.
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Several hours later, Ellie looked around her new bedroom. It was light and spacious with beautiful furniture. She ran her hand over the carvings on her bed as someone tapped at the door.
"Come in." She said. Ororo opened the door and she and the Professor came in. Ororo placed a box on the desk.
"Do you like your new room, Ellie?" Asked Xavier.
"It's beautiful! Are you sure this is just mine? I imagined, well, dormitories."
Xavier laughed, "We do have those, but they are for the younger students. And with your powers not yet under control, I thought that this would be better. I would dread to think what would happen if you suffered a nightmare. We'd have a mass panic."
Ellie laughed and opened one of her suitcases. She began to hang up her clothes in the closet.
"We shall leave you now." Said Ororo, as the headed for the door, "The other students will be home from school in an hour or so, and we'd like for you to meet them."
Ellie nodded, "One hour! Right!"
As they left she turned her attention to the box Ororo had left. Curiosity got the better of her and she opened it. Inside lay a black and dark purple suit. She held it up and looked at it.
'Wonder what this is for.' She thought. Then she shrugged and, placing it on a hanger, hanged it in her closet.
An hour later, she made her way downstairs and went into the living room. No one was about so she sat on the sofa and waited.
She glanced at her watch, 'God! I feel so nervous! What if they don't like me?' She thought. She tapped her arms on the sofa arm to try and calm herself. Not that it did any good.
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Scott turned off the engine and five of the young x-men climbed out.
"Man, I'm beat. I can't believe all of the homework I have. And Danger Room sessions! I'm like a dead man walking!" Said Evan as they climbed the steps to the mansion.
Another car pulled up and Kitty, Lance and Pietro climbed out. Kitty held her back pack, expectantly, at Pietro, who sighed and took it from her.
Jean smiled, as he walked past her, "It's your own fault. If you are going to make a bet with your girlfriend, make sure she's not a computer genius and that the bet revolves around exam marks."
Pietro shot Jean a dirty look, and said, "How was I to know? Now I'm her slave for a week."
Evan sniggered, "Yeah, like you'll really hate that!" He put on a high voice and said, "Oh Pietro, please hold my towel while I get in the shower! There are worse punishments!"
"You try dating Kitty. Please!" Said Pietro.
Kitty mocked punched him in the arm and was drawn into his embrace, "I love you really, Pryde!" He said kissing her on the forehead.
Kurt, who had been watching with disgust on his face, pushed the door open and stormed in. He still wasn't over Kitty and Pietro being together. He stopped when he saw Xavier in the hall, apparently waiting for them.
"Vhatever it is, Professor. I didn't do it." He said.
Xavier gave him a suspicious look and said, "Team, we have a new student. The girl I went to see two days ago has arrived. I would like you all to come and meet her. I'll give you five minutes to put your things in your rooms and come into the living room."
The team walked towards the stairs. Kitty said, "I wonder what her powers are."
"I don't know, but, for some reason I feel really nervous." Said Scott.
"I know." Said Jean. "I've never felt like this before. Not about meeting a new student."
Trying to shrug off the feeling they stashed their stuff away and walked towards the lift. By this time the feeling had escalated. They all got in and pushed the button for downstairs.
Kitty was twisting her hands and Pietro had to grab them to stop her. Rogue was pacing like caged animal. Scott and Kurt kept adjusting their hair and clothes.
They walked into the living room and the feeling of panic washed over them. They all looked at Ellie, who was stood in the middle of the room, nervously twisting her hands.
"Sit down." Said Xavier, but everyone was too uncomfortable. He continued, "This is Ellie Ronnoco."
Everyone said hello, and the Professor introduced everyone.
"So, Ellie. What's your power?" Asked Jean kindly. The feeling had subsided slightly, and the x-men started to sit down.
Ellie looked at Xavier, who said, "Why not show them."
Ellie nodded and then scanned the room. Her eyes landed on Kurt. His hair was the same style as Alex's and he had the same cheeky smile. He really reminded her of him and she began to remember the feelings Alex gave her whenever she saw him. She concentrated on Kurt, who now felt extremely uncomfortable under the scrutiny and began to fidget.
Suddenly Jean turned and looked at Kurt, when he looked back she gave him a coy smile. She got up off of the sofa and walked over to him. Kitty left Pietro's side and started to head to him. He looked around in confusion and saw Rogue smiling at him.
"Guys? Are you OK?" He asked nervously. Jean stopped in front of him. She lifted her hand up and ran it through his silky black hair.
"You know, Kurt, I never noticed how cute you are." She said, smiling.
Kurt looked around the room again, Lance and Evan had grins on their faces, Scott looked furious. Pietro was watching Kitty, with his mouth open as she linked her arm in with Kurt's.
"I know you like me, Kurt. Do you want to come out with me tonight? Just me and you?"
"KITTY!!" Cried Pietro.
Rogue pulled Kitty out of the way and stood in front of Kurt. She raised a gloved hand and traced it over his lips.
"Ya don't have tah be afraid of me sugah. I wont hurt ya."
Kurt started to back up in panic. He hit the wall and stopped. Jean, Kitty and Rogue continued to advance.
"So? Are we going out tonight? I've always liked you." Said Jean. Rogue pushed her out of the way and said, "He's mine, ya tramp. Hands off."
Kitty phased through Rogue and threw her arms round him. "Quick, teleport us somewhere, so we can be alone."
Jean pushed Rogue back and telepathically pulled Kitty away from Kurt. She held her ten foot in the air and walked back up to Kurt.
"Don't you want to know what a real woman is? I can show you."
"Um, Jean, I like you. You are my friend. I just don't feel that vay about you." Said Kurt, trying to push Jean off.
By now Lance and Evan had given up any pretence and were laughing hysterically.
Pietro was stood under Kitty looking at her with a shocked expression, while she struggled and called Jean unrepeatable names. Scott had stood up, but looked unsure. He looked at Ellie, who was still staring at Kurt, to the Professor who looked vaguely amused, like someone who is in on the joke.
Kurt teleported and reappeared behind the sofa. Rogue ran over and lunged at him. She threw her arms round him and was pulled away by Jean, who threw her against the wall. Rogue lay on the floor for a moment, dazed. "He's mine!" Shouted Jean. She turned back to Kurt. "Don't worry I'll protect you, Baby!"
"Baby? Jean, this is seriously freaking me out. Stop it. Vhat's the matter vith you all?" Kurt looked at the other guys, "Help me!" He cried.
"Man, this is too funny! I couldn't if I wanted to!" Said Evan, through another fit of laughter. Lance just clutched his stomach, tears running down his face.
"Let me down, you Bitch!" Screamed Kitty.
Rogue stood up, "If ya wanna play that way, supah tramp, that's fine with me."
She removed her glove and ran at Jean. Before she could react, Scott grabbed Rogue from behind and pulled her off of the floor.
"Let me down! Ah'm gonna teach her not to mess wi' my man!" Screamed Rogue, kicking and trying to break free.
"Professor?" Said Scott desperately.
"OK, Ellie, that's enough." Said Xavier.
Ellie dropped her gaze. She looked, embarrassed at the carpet.
Rogue stopped kicking and Scott let her go. Jean shook her head and Kitty screamed as she fell. Pietro caught her, and said, "What the hell was that then?" Kitty looked sheepish.
They all turned and looked at Ellie, who had become very interested in her shoes. She looked at Kurt and said, "Sorry."
"Let me explain." Said Xavier, "Ellie is an emapth, she can feel people's pain or strong emotion, but she can also reverse it and manipulate people's emotions, as you have just seen."
"So I'm not suddenly irresistible?" Asked Kurt, slightly disappointed.
"I'm afraid not. That is just a little of Ellie's powers. That's why she's here."
Ellie piped up, "Something like that happened to my friend at school one day. But it was hundreds of girls, not just three."
"Lucky him.", Said Kurt dryly. Everyone laughed and the ice broke completely.
"I think dinner's nearly ready. Shall we move this into the dining room." Asked Xavier. They all walked out. Ellie hung back and Kurt turned, "Do you vant to sit vith me?"
"Sure." Said Ellie smiling.
***************************************************************
Ellie realised that night that she would be OK at the institute. The other students, especially Kitty and Kurt were really nice to her. She had sat next to Kurt during dinner and he had made her laugh so hard she nearly choked.
Of course the downside was that everyone else started to laugh, and she had to calm down pretty quickly.
Ellie stood on the balcony outside of her room. She watched the sun set dreamily. She heard a knock and saw Kitty poke her head around the door.
"Hey, come in." Said Ellie, coming back into the room.
"I just wanted to see if you were settled in OK." Said Kitty, sitting down on the bed.
"Yeah, I seem to be. You guys are really nice here. When I knew you were home and coming to meet me I was so scared I thought I'd wet myself."
Kitty laughed, "So it was you! All of us felt it. Don't worry though," She said, as she noticed Ellie's face fall, "The professor is a really good teacher, I'm sure you'll learn some control soon."
Ellie looked at Kitty's earnest face, "Yeah, you're right!" She changed the subject, "So, Pietro looked really mad at you after my display! You guys been together long?"
Kitty looked dreamy, "About six months. I hated him at the start, he was rude, pig headed, conceited." She paused, thoughtfully, "Come to think of it, he hasn't changed much!"
They both laughed. Ellie continued, "Kurt doesn't think much of him does he?"
Kitty looked at her, "Did you sense that?"
"I didn't have to, you can tell by looking at his face."
"He liked me a lot when I arrived. And Kurt is a sweetie, but, you can't control who you fall in love with, whatever the circumstances."
Ellie thought of Alex, and said, "I guess not."
Kitty stood up, "Well, you'd better get some sleep. We've got school tomorrow."
"Oh joy, well at least I'll have people to sit with at lunch!"
Kitty smiled, "You're one of the x-men now! We look out for each other!"
She closed the door quietly behind her and Ellie lay down on the bed. She stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking.
After a while, she drifted off to sleep. She was in the meadow again. She looked around and heard hoof beats. A beautiful white horse came into view and stopped beside her. Ellie looked up and saw Kurt. He smiled at her as he got down and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
Ellie sat upright in bed, breathing hard. 'Did I just have a dream about Kurt? But, I love Alex!' She thought, rubbing her eyes. She stood up, stretching, and started getting changed into her night clothes.
"Maybe I'm just man mad!" She said to herself, laughing. She looked in the mirror and posed. 'Ellie Ronnoco, Sex goddess!' She thought, taking in her baggy T-shirt and old shorts, "Nope, I'm just delusional!" She said with a giggle.
She climbed back into bed, turned off the lamp and within seconds she was asleep again.
On the other side of the mansion, Kurt was staring at the ceiling. He had just woken up from an incredible dream. He was chasing a girl with brown hair through a maze. He had assumed it was Kitty at first, as she appeared in so many of his dreams, especially now that he couldn't have her.
'Don't think about Keety.' He thought turning onto his side. He continued to think about his dream. He had finally caught her and turned her around to face him, it was Ellie! He had kissed her, and then he woke up.
'I don't even know her. She is pretty though. Maybe I do like her.'
He thought about it for a while and then eventually fell back to sleep. ****************************************************************
To be continued!