Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men.
Note: This is it, People. This is the last chapter for this installment. It is considerably longer than my usual chapters but I didn't see the need to break it up into separate postings since it deals exclusively with wrap up. In review of my account here, I have found that this is my longest story with the most reviews by far. My summer is ending on a pleasurably high note thanks to all of you. Your kindnesses with carry me through and inspire me to go on. I thank all who have read, review or not, and hope to see you all back for the next journey into my rose colored world.
Imaginary Friend
Chapter 37
Charles had been explaining everything when the library doors opened. Silence instantly blanketed the room as Brennan and Shalimar walked in.
She quickly glanced around and met everyone's eyes for only an instant each but finally came rest on one set. A set that looked more weary than she had seen in years. With a small smile and a squeeze to his hand she looked up quickly at Brennan then walked away from his side.
Adam and Jesse both stood from their places and slowly moved to meet her as she crossed the floor. Charles had explained that the fear was gone and her memories up to the day had been restored…but…this had been so hard…especially on them. Their hesitation was evident as they just stood there not really knowing what to say.
It broke her heart to see their hesitation. Shalimar looked first into Adam's eyes. He was the only real father she had. She knew he loved her and understood that sometimes that love can be painful. Stepping closer to him she lifted her arms over his shoulders and moved into his instant embrace. "I'm sorry, Adam," she whispered.
"Don't be, Sweetheart. I'm glad you're back." After an affectionate squeeze he released her as she stepped back.
For a long moment she just looked at the floor. Slowly, she raised her head and finally met those weary eyes. She saw the very small curve that touched the corners of his mouth as he slowly stretched out his arms to her. With tears in her eyes she moved into them and wrapped her arms under his and around his back. Silently she rested her head on his shoulder as he did the same and there they stood. What had she put him through,…again? "Oh, Jess…" she whispered.
"Don't," was all he breathed as he held her close.
It was that moment Bryan chose to wake up and remind everyone that he was there. Shalimar sniffed and giggled as she moved away and easily fell back into Brennan's arms.
"He's hungry," Kitty smiled as she stood, "again." Everyone laughed and looked to Jesse.
"Well, what do you expect? You saw Bryan in the future. He won't get to look like that by skipping meals." Jesse stood and took Kitty's arm to guide them out. "Maybe it has something to do with his massing," he said loud enough for all to hear.
"More like it has to do with who his father is," Logan called after them.
"Charles," Evie moved to his side. "You also missed lunch. Come into the kitchen. Jean and I saved you a plate."
"Thank you, My Dear. That was very thoughtful." He followed Evie as Jean fell in line behind him.
As Mutant X got ready to leave, the professor had his lunch and gave little resistance to the idea of an afternoon nap. When all was ready, the teams gathered for their goodbyes.
"I'll check the professor's schedule and let you know when to bring Shalimar back," Jean gently touched Brennan's arm. "For now, rest."
"Thanks," he smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Speaking of resting, I think I'll check on the professor. I want to make sure he's really resting and not working on something else. Sometimes he's worse than some of the kids around here." Jean smiled slyly.
"Jean, wait just a moment, please," Evie called gently. "Adam, can you handle getting Nadene away from Thomas and in her seat?" Evie asked.
"I think I can handle that. Why? Is there something we forgot?"
"No, Darling. I just think it might be a good idea if I went with Jean to check on Charles. He was very worn out after all his work. I wouldn't want to leave if there was something I could do for him." She smiled as she saw her husband nod.
"Of course. We'll wait for you on board."
Evie and Jean walked out listening as the others continued to talk and prepare to leave. Do you think anyone suspects anything?
No. Charles was quite thorough and very precise. You and I are the only ones who know anything.
Good. I hope we can keep it that way. Did you already check on him? He's really is asleep isn't he?
Yes, though it would not have surprised me if he were really up. He's the oldest kid in the house.
Evie began to giggle then quickly looked around to make sure they were alone. She didn't want to give away their communication.
They slowly opened the door to the professor's bedroom and stepped in. The room was dark and quiet. A lone figure lay flat on the bed, fully dressed, except his shoes.
"Are you ready?" Jean stood in her mind facing Evie.
"Yes." Evie reached as Jean took her hands.
"All you have to do is add your power to mine. I'll walk us through everything. When we're done he won't remember anything. He'll have happy memories, just like everyone else." Jean saw Evie nod and they began. The first thing Jean did was to place them in a sort of shield. Evie wondered about it but when they moved into Charles mind, all question was gone. The strength of his power hit them like a huge wave crashing against rocks. "I've been here before," was all Jean had to say. When the wave had calmed, his power surrounded them as if they were immersed to the waist in still water. Jean released the shield and they could feel his power engulf them.
"Jean? Evie?" They looked and could see him standing a few feet away from them.
"Yes, Professor," Jean smiled and stepped toward him as Evie followed closely.
"Why are you here? Is there a problem? I didn't sense a disturbance."
"No, Charles," Evie countered. "We came to check on you. We know all your efforts have taken a toll on you. Before I leave, I wanted to be able to help strengthen you."
With their minds linked he would have been able to pick up on her lie before it left her lips but Jean held a wall securely around their true motive.
"That's very kind of you, My Dear Evie. I feel weak but I believe I'm just tired and need my rest. I will be fine."
Evie nodded smiling then moved to hug him and glanced at Jean over his shoulder. "Thank you, Charles, for all you've done. We'll leave and let you rest. I look forward to our next visit." She moved out of his arms and stepped back.
As the professor's eyes were on Evie, Jean stepped in quickly and touched his forehead with two fingers. Instantly, his eyes closed and he began to fall back as if floating on the waters of his powers. Jean worked, trying to be as precise as he was. Evie stood by as her power was flowing through Jean. When she was done Jean removed her fingers from Charles and turned to Evie. "It's done. He'll remember that we came here just as you said, to help. The last thing he'll remember is your hug. That was a nice touch."
"Thank you," Evie chirped.
A moment later they were standing, once more in his room, looking down on his sleeping form. "He really was weakened. I think it was more than just mere fatigue."
"He's getting older," Jean gently touched his shoulder. "I've noticed this when he uses his powers for extended periods of time."
"I really can help with this. I can't make him young again but I can take away some of the ravages of time." Evie whispered then placed her hands over his heart. Her powers began and for a few moments the room took on the glow of a fairy wonderland, shimmering and sparkling.
Jean watched and waited. When the light dimmed and finally went out, she loving covered the sleeping figure with the light blanket that was folded at the foot of his bed. Both women gently kissed his cheek then silently exited his room.
"Thank you for helping with this," Jean turned to Evie and hugged her.
"I'm honored to have been able to help. Charles is too good a man to be tormented unnecessarily." They turned and walked back to the Helix. "By the way," Evie smiled, brightly. "Remember the wonderful feeling you had when you looked into Scott's eyes, in the future?" Evie stopped and turned to her friend when she realized Jean had frozen in her step.
"You did it?" Jean asked just above a whisper.
"Talk to Hank. When he schedules the procedure, I'll be back." Evie smiled sensing someone approaching. She hugged her still shocked friend then turned to go to the Helix.
Jean blankly watched Evie turn the corner and heard her voice.
"Bye, Scott. I'll see you soon." Evie smiled and gave him a hug.
"Bye, Evie," Scott managed as she moved on down the hall. He turned the corner and was nearly knocked to the ground as his wife flew into his arms.
Kissing him deeply she appeared in his mind. As their bodies kissed, their minds met. "Is there something…I missed?" he wondered as Jean giggled and strengthened their bond.
Bobby held Jubilee close as they watched the Helix take off. "Don't worry, Babe. I'm sure Bryan won't forget you."
She smiled and nudged him with her shoulder. "How'd you know that's what I was thinking?"
"You're always thinking about him. It's a good thing I know he's only a baby." Bobby led her as they walked back toward the gardens. As they sat on the bench, he noticed that her mood was still falling. "Hey, Jubes, what is it?"
She fidgeted and shifted as she played with the diamond ring which still felt new on her finger. "I don't know. I just…"
"Just what?" Bobby turned to face her.
"I can't help but think…well…was she pretty?" Jubilee asked just loud enough for him to hear.
"Jubes, are you still thinking about Cassandra?"
She hesitantly nodded. "That's such a pretty name."
"Jubes…come on…don't."
"I'm sorry, it's just that when you came home you seemed so…I don't know…distracted. You said she had powers. Did she try to do anything to you? What did you really have to do to get her to talk?"
Bobby turned and looked at his hands in his lap. He took a deep breath and slowly looked back up. His heart nearly broke to see Jubilee at that moment. The vulnerability in her eyes cut into him like a knife. How would he ever get her to truly believe him? With determined strength he took her hands and held them firmly. "Jubilee, listen to me. I love you. I've loved you from the moment I set eyes on you, though I was too young to understand it. I love you now and I will always love only you."
"But…"
Bobby cut her off right away. "This was a mission. That's all. She was pretty but you are beautiful. She doesn't hold a candle to you. I played up to her only to get her to tell us what she was doing to Shalimar. As soon as she released her, she left the room and I haven't seen her since."
"I'm sorry, Bobby. This has been driving me crazy. I can't help but imagine you with your arms around someone else and wondering if…if you liked it better." Jubes sniffed as she shamefully admitted.
Bobby took her into his arms and held her head to his shoulder. "Hey, stop this. I did not like it better. Nothing is better than this. Nothing could ever be better. You want to know what I did? Ok, I'll tell you if it makes you feel better. I flirted with her in the bar. We danced a couple of times. Then the next day, I took her to lunch. We walked in the park. That's when Adam found Shalimar and asked me to stall her. We sat by a tree and I kissed her a few times. When he told me to bring her in, we went back to her room above the bar and I kissed her a few more times. I made up a story about how Shalimar was mean to people and seemed to manipulate Jesse. I told her that I was Jesse's cousin and acted as if I was mad at Shalimar for always hurting his wife's feelings. That convinced her that I was on her side and she agreed to let me see Shalimar. She led me to where she had been keeping her and we met up with Adam. After convincing her to give up her game, I didn't see her again. That's all, I swear it. I love you, Jubes and I would never let any mission jeopardize that." He watched her carefully as he spoke. She had to believe him. He knew her trust had to be won or their future would be at stake.
Jubilee hung on every word. She was feeling guilty for her weakness. His confession of love for her brought tears to her eyes. When he finally stopped she was speechless.
Slowly, Bobby moved closer. His eyes stared into hers until they were too close to focus. Gently, he laid his lips against hers and waited for her to respond. When finally he felt her lips purse under his he turned and embraced her solidly in his arms, kissing her with all that was in him.
Jubilee was breathless when she was finally released. "Bobby, I'm sorry," she said as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Don't be, Jubes. I just want you to believe in us," he whispered.
"I do. I'll never doubt you again." She pulled closer to him.
"Marry me?"
Jubilee pulled away and looked up into his face with pure confusion. "What?"
"Marry me."
"Bobby, you already asked me that." She chuckled and waved her ring before him.
"No, I mean soon. I don't want to wait. Let's get married for Christmas."
"Christmas?"
"Yeah. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays."
Jubilee stared at him for a moment more in thought then moved in quickly and kissed him again.
"Does that mean, yes?"
"Can I wear a red velvet gown?"
"You can wear whatever you want." Bobby stood and locked his arm around her as he led her back into the house.
The ride back home was pleasant. Adam and Jesse piloted the craft as Shalimar sat close to Brennan, her fingers laced with his. She spoke to Kitty about Bryan. She remembered every moment, just as the professor had said. Right now she was grateful for her family and tried to keep the mood light and focus on the best of those memories. She was fond of meeting Kitty and Bryan in the library. She spoke of her amazement at finding out that Jesse had married. Of course now she also had the memories of sharing that wedding with him. She remembered how much Bryan felt like Jesse when she reached out to him with her senses. She smiled knowing what a strong man he would grow up to be…just like his father.
Evie quietly read a story for Nadine. When the story was over, Shalimar had moved to sit by her. Silently she just looked into Evie's eyes.
When Shalimar didn't speak, Evie took it as an invitation and entered her mind. The two women just stood there for a moment as Shalimar let her feelings of gratefulness wash over them. They hugged and words were unnecessary. Evie could feel the regret and smoothed it away. Before she left her mind she made sure Shalimar understood there was no room for regrets in their family. There never would be, no matter what happens.
Once home, Adam insisted upon scanning Shalimar just once before dinner. He had to promise that if he was satisfied with the scan he wouldn't bother her again for a week. After agreeing, she let him proceed. While Adam worked, the rest settled in.
Brennan took their bags to their room and changed. He also took the time to fix the room just right. Once he got her up there and behind a locked door he had no intention of letting her out for a good long while.
"Adam," Shalimar whispered over his shoulder as he read her scans.
He turned at the voice he heard so close to him. She was back and his heart ached once more. The unsure little girl he had worked with so long ago, who had to learn to trust him, was once again standing in front of him. "Oh, Shalimar…;" instinct took him over and she was pulled into his arms." He knew that look but hadn't seen it in years. "It's ok. It won't happen again."
"But I was so lost," she cried softly into his shoulder.
"I know, Sweetheart."
"I thought I was past all that."
"It was my fault. I left too much hidden. I'm so sorry."
"No, Adam, it was me. I was so wild." Shalimar clung to him. He was her father. This was how he would comfort her back when she first came to live with him, after the other psionic masked her fear. The strength of her powers would frighten her and she would run into his arms and feel safe.
"Charles showed you, didn't he? He helped you get back." He felt her nod against him. This was a part of her that was left behind years ago. Though he did on occasion wistfully long for the little girl to need him again, he was proud of the woman she had become and was pleased to know that he had been there to help her emerge. This rollercoaster they were all on had to end. She needed to regain her confidence. "This happened because of the past and what was hidden from you. We won't let that happen again. Charles will help you to deal with the memories that are there and the ones that are still hidden. This won't happen again. You're strong enough to handle it. You've become a remarkable young woman. I'm so proud of you."
She slowly lifted her head from his shoulder and looked into his eyes. "You really think…I mean…you're…"
He smiled as he kissed her forehead. "Nadene is my daughter but you'll always be my little girl." He felt her breath catch. In only a moment he felt her arms tighten then begin to release him. When she moved away she stood tall and looked at him with a smile. Yes, there she is. His strong, confident, secure daughter was back. He smiled as she winked at him and he watched her leave the lab.
"Hi, Evie," Shalimar said brightly as she passed her at the doorway.
Looking amazed, back over her shoulder, Evie walked toward Adam. "Wow, what happened? She looks wonderful." Evie saw Adam smile and look away at his computer.
He looked back up at her and smiled. "She's going to be ok."
"I knew that before. What made the difference now?" Evie asked as she moved onto the chair. Seeing his hesitance she pressed, "Adam?"
He stepped toward her as she touched his arm. "I hugged her."
Evie saw the twinkle in his eye and knew there was more to it than he was stating. She didn't need for him to say anymore. She smiled and reclined in the chair as he turned back to the computer. "Well, I could have told her that one of your hugs would have solved the whole problem. Nadene already knows that, too." She smiled as she felt him stop for only a moment and the warmth of pride washed over them both.
Adam took a deep breath then turned back to his wife. "I think you're genes mutated and you didn't tell me. Are you feeling ok?" He watched the scan roam over her body.
"I feel fine," she answered as the lights left her.
"Hmm," Adam stood reading as Evie moved to stand beside him.
"What is it?"
He turned and pulled her to his side with his arms about her waist as they both looked at the results. "You're more than 'fine', it would seem. Your alignment is perfect. But…look at the psionic readings. They're 80 stronger than your last scan. No wonder you recovered so quickly after healing Logan…and Brennan's healing barely winded you."
So that's why Charles' blanket didn't affect me, she thought.
Adam looked at her as she seemed to be lost in thought. "What is it? Why do you look confused?"
She lightly laughed off his question and pushed on with a side thought. "No, I'm fine. I was just thinking about the increase. 80 is a big jump. Thomas told us that Nadene will be a very powerful psionic. I guess that will be true."
"Every day brings new challenges and new changes. We can only wait and see what the future brings." Adam pulled her into his embrace and rested his head against hers on his shoulder, silently resting in the calm of their home.
Shalimar left the lab and headed for the kitchen. She didn't need her senses to help her find him. Years of living together had gotten her well used to his routines. Right about now was snack time. It didn't matter that dinner would be just around the corner. Sure as shootin', there he was, top half in the fridge, bottom half sticking out past the door. "Nice to know some things never change," her voice carried more admiration than humor.
Jesse stood up and looked at her. He was a little shocked to hear her voice…but he should have known she'd be looking for him. Without saying anything he closed the fridge and stepped back, hopping up on the counter. There he sat, just waiting for her to continue.
"Jesse…," she stepped closer and began to shake her head slowly. "I don't even know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. You don't have to, Shal."
"Yes, I do." She moved closer and stepped between his knees, looking up into his face. "I need to tell you how much you mean to me."
"Shal…," he tried to protest.
"No, Jess, I have to. Let me finish. I remember everything that happened in this last week. I was so happy and proud for you when Bryan was born. I swear I'll do everything I can to help protect him. Then when all this business started, it really seemed like I completely lost it."
"No, Shal…"
"Yes, I was lost. I was so lost behind the feral that I couldn't think much less do anything right. I know how much trouble I caused." She looked at her hands as they played with the buttons on his shirt. "I know the professor helped to straighten me out but…" she looked back up into his eyes. "Jess," she whispered, "if you hadn't been here for me…I would have been completely lost. No one could have done what you did." She reached around as he leaned in and hugged her. "I can't ever lose you, Jess. You mean the world to me."
Jesse nudged her back as he slid off the counter. Holding her close he whispered back in her hair, "I love you, too. I'll always be here for you and you'll never ever lose me." They stood for many minutes, in each other's embrace, letting their strength and love wash over them and make them feel finally at peace.
Shalimar finally moved and looked up into his eyes again. With a small chuckle she asked, "I wonder what Kitty thinks after all this."
"She understands. I'm more concerned about Brennan."
Shalimar looked away ashamed of her actions. "I just couldn't help it. He says he understands but I don't know."
"He does."
Jesse and Shalimar both turned to see Brennan standing in the doorway with his hand up on the jam. They froze as he walked toward them.
"You don't have to be afraid of my misunderstanding. I've always known how close you two are." He smiled and extended his hand as Jesse released Shalimar. "There aren't words for how much you've done." Their hands grasped and held tight as they just looked at one another.
Shalimar stepped back and held her breath to hold back the tears which threatened as she watched her men embrace then move away. Finally needing air, she gasped in and moved under Brennan's arm as he pulled her closer.
"Come on," he kissed her head. "The scans are done and you don't have anything else to do. It's time for the rest I promised you." Nodding to an understanding Jesse, he led his wife out of the kitchen and up to their room.
Silently, he watched as she moved around their room getting ready for bed. Again, he thanked God that she was there…in the same room with him…calm…not struggling to break free. His heart caught in his throat when she turned and smiled at him.
She was really more tired than she had thought. All she wanted was her bed and Brennan's arms to keep her safe. After everything that's happened would he understand that? She turned and saw him looking at her. God, what have I put him through? Slowly, she moved toward the bed. She smiled when she saw him move the covers aside for her to get in. Instead of reclining she turned and sat facing him. "Brennan, we have to talk about this," she began nervously.
"Baby, there's nothing to talk about. It's over."
"No, I want you to understand."
"I do. There's no more to say."
"Yes, there is. I know I hurt you. I treated you like the plague. I'm so sorry. I truly never want us to be apart. I was just so confused."
"Shalimar,…"
"No, just let me get it out." She stood and began to pace the room. "I can only imagine how you felt when I wouldn't let you near me but turned into Jesse's arms. You can't know how relieved I am to know you didn't get jealous. You both are so close and I almost drove a wedge between you. I couldn't live with that."
"I've always understood about you and Jesse. I was jealous of your bond for about 3 days…right after I moved in here. Once I saw the way it was…I was ok with it. I was glad you had someone care for you almost as much as I wanted to."
"You really do understand, don't you?" she whispered as she moved back to the bed.
"This is over, Shal." Brennan reached for her hand and gently pulled her onto the bed. "You need to rest and I need to hold you. We'll be ok. I promised you, long ago…our hearts would never be separated. All this has done is prove just how strong we are…together." He turned her around, reclined them in bed and covered her with the sheet. "I love you more today than ever before." He wrapped her in his arms and…felt her relax. "Our love will only get stronger."
