"Hi Logan," said Rogue.
"Where have you been, kid?"
"Out."
"Out where?"
"Just out."
"Yeah, right," said Logan, "I can smell the Cajun on you. Is that where you were, yesterday, too?"
"No. I was just shopping yesterday."
"You haven't been yourself lately. What's going on with you?"
"Nothing," said Rogue. Wolverine sighed and took a swig of a beer bottle.
"Listen to me, kid, whatever's going on with you, you can tell me or Storm or Beast, the Professor, anyone."
"I'm okay, Logan, I'm gonna go to bed now."
"It's early."
"Well, you know, school tomorrow."
"Right. Just promise me you'll stop disappearing on us."
"Good night, Logan," said Rogue as she headed to her room. She felt bad about blowing off Logan, but she couldn't promise him she'd stop disappearing when she intended to disappear. I'll make it up to Logan. By the end of the weekend I'll have told off Destiny and spent a whole weekend with Gambit . . . I mean Remy. For once things are looking up.
Rogue woke up early and packed a weekend bag. She went to school early so no one saw her sneaking out with her bag. Rogue stuffed the bag in her locker and tried to get through the day as best she could. For the first time in a long time, she was actually excited. I don't know why I'm so happy. I'm not exactly looking forward to seeing Destiny, am I? I know I'm kinda excited about going with Gambit, but should I be? I mean, Logan doesn't trust him, but I like him. And Logan is kinda overprotective. And why aren't I more concerned about seeing Destiny? What am I supposed to say to her?
Finally, the day ended and Rogue was idling by her locker. She didn't want to run into any of the X-men, but she didn't know which exit Gambit would pick her up. She didn't want to be walking out with her overnight bag and get confronted by Kurt or Kitty or worse, Jean and Scott. Yes, Jean and Scott do count as one person. Hollywood has Beniffer and Bayville has Jott. Rogue was deciding what to do when her thoughts were interrupted.
"You painted the nails," said Wanda.
"Huh?" said a confused Rogue.
"You painted the nails on the gloves I saw you buy."
"Oh yeah, they match better now."
"They look good. Umm . . . Rogue . . . I . . . uh . . . I saw you in town yesterday and you looked pretty upset."
"Oh yeah, I was having a bad day."
"Yeah, I know what that's like. I was going to say something but, I saw you go off with Gambit. So . . . are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I think I'll be even better after this weekend."
"Oh. Well, that's good. If you ever need anything . . . I mean, I've always liked your style . . . and I thought . . . umm . . . maybe we could hang out sometime?"
Whoa, Wanda's being nice to me. Does she want something?
"That would be great, but I'm gonna be away all weekend. We could hang out on Monday, if I'm not grounded by then."
"Why would you be grounded?"
"'Cause I'm gonna disappear for the weekend."
"Where you going?"
"Down South. Actually, Wanda can you do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Could you carry this bag outside? I don't want any of the other X-men to see me walking out with luggage. They already think I'm cracked. I don't want them to think I'm running away."
"Aren't you?"
"It's not running away if you plan on coming back."
"Okay," said Wanda as she took Rogue's bag. The two girls walked off together with Wanda carrying Rogue's bag. When they went outside there was Gambit on his motorcycle waiting for Rogue. Rogue looked around, but most of the X-men had already headed home.
"Thanks, Wanda. I'll see you Monday," said Rogue as she moved to take her bag. But Wanda held onto it for a moment.
"Rogue, be careful. I don't know Gambit, but my dad doesn't hire guys because they're gentlemen."
"Thanks Wanda, but I'll be fine. We all know what will happen if he tries to put the moves on me."
"Yeah well, just be careful," said Wanda. Rogue walked off with her bag and climbed onto Gambit's motorcycle. Wanda watched as the two of them rode off.
