TURNABOUT CHAPTER 5: TIME TO GET A LIFE

I couldn't believe I was sitting in the backseat of one of the rarest cars in the world with the strongest telepath in the world and Scooter was driving. We were going to New York City. I didn't like the big cities, but we were going anyway. To meet a son I didn't remember.

"Logan, try to relax, it's going to be just fine. You'll like Michael, he's a good fellow." Chuck said, looking at me with something akin to pity. Why was he feeling sorry for me? Was because I couldn't remember or because I was nervous about meeting a son I don't remember for the first time. "You really did a good job of raising him, if you must know. He's a good man, but he's also a cutthroat business man as well. He is not a push over."

"Look, Chuck. I'm not really sure this is the truth. I'm not all that certain it isn't a elaborate hoax to get at me. We got some thorough and cutthroat enemies ourselves that wouldn't stop at a little thing like using something like family to get what they want out of us." I said testily.

"Unfortunately, Logan; you are correct about that. But I have known Michael too many years for it to be a plot." He looked at me with an air of patience worthy of Buddha.

"So, do you know why my son calls himself Michael Winters?" I asked, wondering if I was such a good father why he wouldn't take my last name, whatever it was.

"Howlett, your last name was Howlett." Chuck said. I narrowed my eyes.

"I hate it when you do that." I said, testily.

"Then you shouldn't think so loud." Chuck said, chuckling lightly.

"Then why haven't you been able to get to my last name, or anything of my past?" I asked, curious.

"Because you've guarded yourself so well, the blocks you've built are some of the strongest I've come across." He said in a conversational tone.

"I'm not a telepath." I said simply.

"No, but you've natural shields allow me to only see and hear your public thoughts. You've kept yourself from knowing who you are for a reason."

"What reason could that be?" I asked.

"From keeping from knowing what a jerk you really are," Scooter's voice came from the front seat. I don't know whither or not he was teasing me or just being mean. It was hard to tell sometimes, even with my nose.

"Scott." The professor admonished.

"Sorry, Professor it was too good an opportunity to pass up." He giggled at me. I never realized until then how much like a little girl he sounded when he giggled.

"Ya know, Scooter. I could do Red a big favor and skewer you right here and now, but seeing how you are driving the car, I'll wait." I growled.

"Thanks, that means so much to me." Scooter said in a very droll voice. We drove in silence for about an hour after our conversation and hit the big city. Scooter drove to the main section of town where all the big companies have their main offices.

We pulled up into the entrance of one large building. The company name and logo were very much in evidence. THE WINTERS' COPERATION was on big bold letters on both the building and on the sign outside the entrance. Scooter parked at the entrance. I got out and helped Chuck get into his chair and into the building.

"I'll go park the car and wait for you in the lobby." Scott said quietly. "Good luck." He said that without a hint of nastiness or sarcasm.

"Uh, thanks." I said unable to retort. Man was I ever nervous. I could face many enemies, dangerous and situations, but this was a little overwhelming.

"Take a deep breath, Logan and follow me." He turned on his chair and it whizzed towards the door which opened. He rolled himself to the front desk and approached the security guard.

"I'm Professor Charles Xavier. I believe we are expected." He said to the man in the blue security uniform. He looked at the professor and then at me and kind of gasped. He quickly recovered and looked at the computer screen.

"Oh, yes, Professor. You are expected. Just take the center elevator to the top floor. Good day." He nodded at the Professor and stared at me.

"What, do I have something on my face?" I asked the guard.

"Oh, no sir, it's just you look familiar. That's all." He said.

"We've never met to my knowledge." I said walking away behind the Professor. I shrugged at the guy as we got on the elevator. I turned to the Professor as the door closed. "What's his problem?"

"You know I should have seen it myself. But because of how we first met and how you presented yourself….well, I didn't really see it. But now that you're all cleaned up and I can." He smiled and turned away. He wasn't going to say anymore. I knew that. The ride up was a quiet one. I had nothing more to say and Chuck wasn't offering to say anything either. The door binged open and Chuck steered his chair out of the elevator and I followed meekly behind.

We approached the main office. The doors were huge, double and very elegantly patterned. Outside of the office was a large reception desk with an older looking woman sitting at it. She was typing quickly. She looked up when she heard Chuck's motorized chair roll to her desk.

"Professor Xavier? We've been expecting you and your companion. Mr. Winters is free and you are to go right in." She said in an efficient manner. She got up and opened to doors for us. We entered the office and she closed the doors behind her. We were alone in the office. No one was sitting at the desk.

"Hey, I thought she said he was free and expecting us?" I said a bit put off. The office was huge, and it was decorated much like Chuck's office. With everything saying, CLASS on it. I took a sniff. What?! I took another sniff. What! I heard someone coming to a side door of the office and open it and charge into the large empty office.

"Oh my god, you're here, you're actually here!!!!" He charged up to us and stood only a few feet away as he simply glowed with happiness. My mouth dropped open. His scent was invading my nose with vengeance. I stared at him.

"Of course, you did invite me here, Michael." Chuck said smiling. He was probably aware that the man in front of us meant me. Because, he was me……….!!!