Chapter Two

Vindicated

Hope dangles on a string

Like slow spinning redemption

Winding in, and winding out

The shine of it has caught my eye

And roped me in so mesmerizing

So hypnotizing

I am captivated

I am vindicated
I am selfish

I am wrong

I am right

I swear I'm right

Swear I knew it all along

I am flawed

But I am cleaning up so well

I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself

So clear

Like the diamond in your ring

Cut to mirror your intention

Oversized and overwhelmed

The shine of which has caught my eye

And rendered me so isolated

So motivated
I am certain now that I am

Vindicated

I am selfish

I am wrong

I am right

I swear I'm right

Swear I knew it all along

And I am flawed

But I am cleaning up so well

I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself

So turn up the corners of your lips

Part them, and feel my fingertips

Trace this moment for forever

Defense is paper thin

One touch and I'll be in

Too deep to ever swim against the current

So let me slip away

So let me slip away
So let me slip away

So let me slip

Against the current

So let me slip away

So let slip away

So let me slip away

So let me slip away

I am vindicated

I am selfish

I am wrong

I am right

I swear I'm right

Swear I knew it all along

I am flawed

But I am cleaning up so well

I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself

Slight hope

Dangles on a string

Like slow spinning redemption

Jumping up, Phoenix looked around her. Looking down, she smiled, shaking her head. Colin was still asleep beside her, snoring lightly. His hand had fallen into her lap, and was twitching slightly. Gently taking his hand, she placed it on the bed, immediately waking him. His soft red hair was messy from sleep, dark eyes blurred with alarm. He was looking around wildly, as if looking for danger. Tilting her head, Phoenix lightly tapped his shoulder, causing him to jump about a foot in the air.

"'Tis it, Fi?"

"Nothin'.....but you seem to have something wrong...."

"Habit...what time is it?" Colin asked, rubbing his eyes. Looking over, her eyes widened. Ten thirty? They'd slept through the day......wow. Time flies.

"Ten thirty....hungry?"

"Nah...just tired" he muttered, laying back down. Smiling, she leaned back on her forearm, gently stroking her fingers along the side of his face. He smiled back up at her, leaning into her touch.

"Ah missed this...."

"I missed your accent."

"What about my accent?" she asked, lightly smacking his arm. He laughed, holding his hands up.

"Nothing! It's sexy..."

"Sexy? What the hell?" she asked laughing. He grinned up at her, leaning up to kiss her nose. She laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he placed his free hand on the back of her head. Opening the door, Jenni snuck in, the couple completely oblivious to the fact that she was there. Sighing, she stomped her foot on the ground, frowning. THAT made them notice her.

"What Jen?" Phoenix asked, frowning slightly.

"Sorry you guys....but we have a situation. Now then, get UP."

A few minutes later, the three appeared in the library. Connie, Asia, Jubilee, Kitty, Rogue and Bobby were there waiting for them.

"Now...what's so important?" Phoenix asked, gently tugging Colin's hand.

"You're a telepath, aren't you Fi?" Asia asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah...it's not really my strength, but yeah...."

"Can you use Cerebro?"

"Yeah, but the last time Ah tried I got hurt."

"Would you be willing to try again?"

"For what reason?"

The girls looked around, uneasily, before staring straight at Bobby. He stared pointedly at them, Connie shaking her head slightly. Looking around, the young man crossed his arms.

"Well....."