Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X Men.
Imaginary Friend
Chapter 23
The next morning, Adam decided he wasn't going to let her suffer any longer than absolutely necessary. He called Charles and arranged their trip to the mansion. As soon as they could get there, Charles and Jean would be waiting. He laid out the plan as everyone was in the kitchen. "We have to go separately. Scott's bringing the Blackbird. Jesse and Shalimar will have to travel alone."
"But why do we have to wake her up at all?" Brennan tried. "Can't you sedate her and leave her in peace?" He was happy to know that she'd gotten more rest than he had. At least unconscious she wasn't in constant fear…and not afraid of him.
"I don't think that's a good idea." Evie tried to be gentle. "It may scare her more to suddenly wake up and realize she's not at home."
"This is the best way," Adam concluded. "I want to at least try to give her the chance to willingly allow us to help her. I don't want Charles to have to force his way into her mind."
"What if she panics while on the Helix?" Kitty asked quietly.
"Don't worry, Baby. I'll put the Helix on autopilot and concentrate on keeping her calm." Jesse turned to see the distance in Brennan's eyes.
"Scott will be here in about an hour," Adam checked his watch. "Pack light. We all go and we all come home." He looked around the kitchen and waited just a moment for any last minute questions then turned and walked out.
Everyone went to their rooms to pack and get ready to go. Brennan packed a bag for Shalimar. He made sure to put in her favorite perfume and most comfortable nightgown. Having a few special things, he hoped, would bring her a little comfort…even if he couldn't.
Forty-five minutes later, Adam passed the lab and noticed Brennan standing beside Shalimar. He watched for a moment then silently passed on.
Brennan couldn't stay away from her. He had to touch her…hold her hand…just be near her. It was killing him to have to keep his distance. He hoped that Evie had her out well enough that she wouldn't sense him. She didn't seem to react when he walked to her side. She didn't flinch when his fingers feathered over her cheeks and lips. "Shalimar,…" he whispered. "Shalimar, Baby, I miss you so much." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently then held it to his cheek. Tears began again. "I need you. Baby, don't stay away from me. I love you. Please…please, don't be afraid of me. You know I'd die before I would ever hurt you. Come back to me." As he stood by her, Jesse and Evie walked in. Sensing their presence he tried to stifle his tears. He took a deep breath and stood tall.
"Brennan," Evie came to his side. "Scott's here. Adam wants you to head to the Blackbird."
"Don't worry, Bro. I'll take care of her." Jesse winced when Brennan pulled away from the hand on his shoulder. In an instant it was there. Jesse could feel the heat of anger burning from Brennan's eyes when he turned a hard stare at him.
Evie was immediately aware of the tension. With wide and concerned eyes she slowly took one step back.
Jesse lowered his hand and tried to bear the glare his best friend and brother had trained on him. Without reacting or backing down he just stood…waiting…ready to take whatever form Brennan's release would come in.
It seemed an eternity to both Jesse and Evie as they stood with baited breath. In actuality it was only a short moment. Brennan realized what was happening and what he was doing and immediately looked away. "I'm sorry. I just…"
"Hey, I know," Jesse really understood. He had been expecting this reaction from the beginning and was proud of Brennan's control. He watched with regret as Brennan silently left the lab.
Evie let out a slow breath and turned to meet Jesse's eyes. Without a word she turned to check Shalimar. When she was satisfied that her friend was physically fine, she went into her mind and released her. Nodding to Jesse, she, too, left for the Blackbird.
Not wanting to frighten her, Jesse stood at a slight distance and watched as Shalimar began to stir.
Images once again began to swirl in her mind. Faces and feelings mixed. Instincts and emotions clashed as she began to have more of a sense of where she was. Smells came alive as she opened her eyes in panic. Jumping from the bed she landed gracefully on the floor about 12 feet from Jesse. Her eyes darted around the lab, searching. She could smell him everywhere…but… not here Shalimar looked at Jesse warily for a moment as she reconciled his presence with her instincts. different…not him…
Jesse stood perfectly still as Shalimar stalked closer to him. He held her feral eyes, knowing she was trying to decide her reaction to him. He was glad it wasn't instant fear. The closer she got the better he felt. She's not running…that's good. Gentle…soft…non-threatening… he reminded himself.
Shalimar moved closer. When she finally was in front of him she reached out slowly and touched his face with her fingertips. She could hear his heartbeat but didn't smell fear on him. She spread her hand against his cheek as he smiled at her. Closing her eyes she fought the images for clarity. When she opened them again they were brown and shining with tears. "Jesse," she whispered.
He slowly opened his arms to her. "Yeah, Shal…it's ok…you're safe." When she fell against him trembling he securely embraced her, letting her feel she could rely on her trust of him. After a few moments, her trembling stopped and she sighed in comfort. "Shalimar, do you remember when we used to go for walks just to get out for a while?" He almost chuckled at the way she nodded against him. For a moment he felt as if he was holding an excited child. "How would you like to go out with me again, only this time we're not going to walk?" Jesse released his hold slightly when he felt her pull away. The look of confusion she gave him was comical and he smiled brightly. "We're older now, remember. I can fly us anywhere. Do you want to go for a ride? It'll be fun." When he saw Shalimar nod and reward his efforts with a small smile, he was so happy he pulled her into a hug and led her out of the lab.
Once out in the halls she clung to him tightly. She could smell him but having Jesse close was enough to help her push on. The closer they got to the hangar the tighter her arm curled around Jesse's waist. "It's ok, Shal. I'm here. No one will hurt you."
"He…was here. I can almost feel him." Shalimar's eyes turned and she scanned the bay as she whispered.
He knew she was talking about Brennan and was glad Scott had already taken off. It pained Jesse to hear her in such fear of the man he knew meant more to her than her own life. "I'm here. We're alone. Don't worry."
They boarded the Helix and Jesse got the craft into the air. In moments he had the autopilot on and he went to sit with Shalimar. It was only a 45 minute flight so he set the computer to alert him 3 minutes before landing. He spent the time working the conversation around to the fact that they were headed to the mansion. She was nervous but didn't reject the idea.
The Blackbird arrived and Adam immediately went to talk to Charles on the far side of the bay. The teachers had rearranged the schedule and planned an impromptu field trip for the elementary students. Marie and Remy took the children out and weren't expected back until dinner. This year there were only 8 young adults at the high school level. Most had been with the professor for many years and were accustomed to sudden schedule changes. Theirs, however, didn't change much today. They found out that they would just have the company of Mrs. Logan for most all their classes. Important testing had been planned. Ororo decided that she could administer the tests in all the subject areas, until Scott returned. Then the two of them could handle the teens, leaving Jean and the professor to help with Shalimar.
Jubilee waited as the Bird powered down. She had Thomas beside her as he watched for his daddy.
Bobby came out and caught Jubilee as she ran to him. He just hugged her and let his head rest against her neck. "I missed you," was all he could muffle into her hair.
Still in his seat, Brennan turned a worn and haggard look up at the man standing in front of him.
"I'm here," was all Scott said as he placed a warm hand on his shoulder then turned and went to the back of the aircraft.
When Brennan finally had the energy to stand he saw Kitty walking toward the exit. Kitty held Bryan as Brennan dutifully helped her down the ramp. Somewhere low in the back of his mind he bitterly laughed at the idea. Well, I guess it's only fair. He has to take care of my wife, so I can at least take care of his. The thought stabbed like ice in his heart.
Jubilee stepped away from Bobby when Kitty came closer to her. She happily took Bryan into her arms. Turning up to acknowledge the man beside her, the greeting caught in her throat when she saw the pain in his eyes. "Brennan, I…"
"My room ok, Jube…" he asked, detached and distant. When he saw her nod slowly he made haste to exit and find the solitude of a familiar place.
Scott and Evie were the last out. Thomas ran to his aunt Evie as she carried Nadene down the ramp. Scott happily picked up his son and let him welcome his playmate back. "What are we going to do with these two?" Scott laughed as he saw the children pulling on each other.
Adam's com signaled him that the Helix was approaching as he and Charles joined them. "Keep as many eyes on them as possible," came the fatherly response. Adam smiled as he watched them play.
Jean entered the bay and went to welcome her friends. "I hope I haven't missed anything," she smiled as she kissed Nadene.
"Just in time, actually." Charles turned to all. "You had better clear the bay. I do not want Shalimar to react to a crowd upon her arrival."
Within minutes the only ones left waiting were Jean and Evie, sans children, in the open and Charles waiting in the shadows.
TBC
