CHAPTER TEN: FLIGHT
The members of X-Men and Generation X whom Jubilee cared about were gathered in the living room.
Jubilee nervously paced around Emma, who watched the assembly. She nudged Jubilee, who started.
"Umm, well I guess you're wandering why I asked you here." Rubbing her neck Jubilee wandered how she could put this in such a way that would allow no argument. Bluntness was the only recourse she could find. "I've decided to leave GenX." Quickly before they could respond Jubilee continued. "I'm only sixteen and I don't want to spend my teenage-hood worrying fighting for my life, for my friends lives. I especially don't want to watch my friends die. I've seen what being a hero can cost a person and I'm not willing to pay that price. Not yet."
No one seemed to know how to respond.
Emma finally spoke. "I've contacted a woman named Joline Ogden in Mist, South Dakota about taking Jubilee on. She agreed. If any of you want to do a background check you will find the closest connection she has to me is through legit business, not part of my shady past. I'd trust her with my life." Emma paused. "She has no prejudices against mutants, though she herself is not one."
Logan finally spoke. "If you think this is the best thing, darlin', then I'll back you." He looked at Jubilee closely. "But if you ever need me, I'll be there." Roughly he pulled her into his arms, letting her know how much he cared.
Everett looked confused, "We're your friends, Jubilee. Why do you want to leave?"
"Cause I don't want to see you die." The statement, so simple, quieted everyone's thoughts. They knew no way to respond. Jubilee quickly left the room.
Mentally she told Emma that she wanted to leave before she could regret her decision. Emma agreed to make the arrangements. Upstairs Jubilee packed the little she had brought, knowing the rest would be sent behind her.
Leaving her bag in the hall, Jubilee hurried to the MedLab. Inside Hank was running a scan over Paige. "Uh, hi Hankster. How's Paige doing?"
Hank smiled at Jubilee. "She's doing much better." He put his furry hand on her shoulder. "I understand why you want to leave, but please keep in touch." A tear gathered in his eye. "I'm going to miss my second favorite prankster."
Jubilee gave a hiccupy giggle. "I'm gonna miss you too." Awkwardly they hugged, with Jubilee sniffling in Hanks fur.
By the time she made it back a cab was waiting.
A mass of people was waiting outside to say goodbye.
Jubilee almost decided to stay, but when Monet hugged her she knew she would rather leave now, before it was too late, before her friends were all gone. It was better to leave first.
Jubilee got into the cab. Twisting in her seat she watched the people who had define her life for so long fade into the distance. Then they were gone.