2. Halfway through the year.

Scott and Marie had just gotten back from a grueling couple months of noting but racing. Scott was still a few points shy of leading the Rookie standings. He was also about 80 points shy of leading the regular standings as well, after winning quite a few races already. The next race up is The Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen. Since it is in their home state, they are staying home to get some teaching done along with getting much needed rest and quality time with their son.

"I can't believe that in a month, I will stay in the top ten if I don't wreck out soon."

"Me neither sugah, me neither."

"Well, at least the Penske and Newman cars are in the top ten. Good job racing Scott. We may just make a lifetime contract with you. If you are up to it of course?"

"Ryan, all I want to think about now is seeing my son, and getting some rest, and then talking about it later, ok? I made sure that the room you two use in our suite is ready for you when we get home, if you still wish to use it of course?"

"What do you think Krissie? Want to stay in a hotel or the mansion?"

"How about the mansion?"

"There is your answer. I actually miss the talks I had with Logan about mechanics and the chats I had with Hank about the medicines and technology."

"Ah bet they would love to have you back for a week this time instead of a few days."

"Yes they would."

When they arrived there, Jubilee and Kitty were there to help with the luggage, since they stayed on to be teachers to help out Scott and Marie. Kitty became quite the horsewoman, and took over teaching Marie's equestrian course til she had time to be back and teach it herself. Kitty still had problems with phasing when her horse got spooked and she ended up standing on the ground while the horse ran away on her. Jubilee took over the English course, while Logan surprisingly started teaching American History and World History as well as Auto Mechanics with ease. Scott, when he was back, only took over the teaching of Auto Mechanics.

"It is pleasant to see you two again. I can't wait to go shopping with you in the morning."

"We can't wait either Krissie."

"Oh, before I forget, when they all get in, a few drivers are wanting to stay here as well, if that is alright with you guys? I will of course ask Xavier if he is willing to take on a few guests for the week."

"It should be fine, just let him know how many and who, so he can have our old rooms and a few others ready for them, they will of course have to put up with ogling girls and awestruck guys, along with a communal bathroom."

"Shouldn't be a problem. I think Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty, and maybe a couple others are wanting to stay here and get to know the place a bit, to see it, see the students, and the adults here, and meet the famous Charles Xavier that we talk about."

"Great, we need the publicity, this place isn't what it seems from the outside. When ah showed up, ah was scared, until a lot of people and Scott here befriended me. Ah love this place like it were my home then, and it is now. Everybody needs to know that us mutants are not bad people, but like everyone else, just a bit different, like African Americans are different than us, same with Laotians, Japanese, and Native Americans. They are different than us in their heritage, and ethnicity, but in body and soul, they are the same. Just like us, we are different in our heritage, but are the same in body. Since ah have a major in political science, ah may become a lawyer or politician on mutant rights."

"Great, I will be the first to back you up on this. I know that Kyle will back you as well. We will have to get you down to The Victory Junction Gang Camp, let you see the children that go there to be away from it all. Just like this place is to you guys."

"Why don't we get a good nights sleep, and have a lengthy chat about it in the mornin over breakfast, eh?"

"Good idea Marie. Good night you two and sleep well."

"Thanks and you too."

The next morning, everyone was abuzz as to the famous people in the mansion. When Scott, Marie, Ryan and Krissie walked into the kitchen to get their breakfast to eat, everybody quieted down instantly and stared. Alex ran up to his parents and hugged them both. Once the four got their meals and was about to walk outside to the patio to eat and talk, Charles piped up and said telepathically that visitors have arrived. The four instantly put their meals down on the table in the patio and went to the front door to welcome their friends. As said, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, and Kyle Petty were there, with Montgomery Lee Petty, Jaime McMurray, Elliot Sadler, Kasey Kahne, and Erin Crocker were amongst them.

"God this place is huge, didn't expect it to be this big."

"Looks can be deceiving Kasey. Lets get your luggage in, and then get you all somethin to eat. They are servin breakfast right now."

"Good, I am starved."

"We will eat all in due time Montgomery, all in due time."

Once their luggage was arranged in the rooms assigned to them, they all went to the kitchen. All the students and teachers were still in there eating when they arrived. The new guests got their food and went out to the patio to join Scott, Ryan, Marie and Krissie.

"My god, I never thought a room could be that quiet."

"Get used to it Jeff, it took them about a couple days to warm up to us. Once they do, it will be question city."

"Cool. Who were those two girls who helped us with our luggage?"

"Well Jamie if you must know, they are Jubilation Lee and Katherine Pryde, otherwise known as Jubilee and Kitty. When ah was a student here, they were my roommates. They will be joinin Krissie and ah later for shoppin, if you want to join us Montgomery, you are more than welcome to, along with you Erin."

"Maybe we will, I need a new wardrobe for when I get Rookie of The Year."

"Hey now, that is my trophy, not yours."

"Standings don't think so."

"Well I do."

"Want to bet on this?"

"Sure thing, if I win, you have to give me your car free and clear, I love that Viper and want it."

"Ok, deal, if I win, you have to give me your precious bike."

"Deal."

"Oh god, not the bike, please not the bike, ah love that thing to death."

"I can always modify another one for us, don't worry."

"That's not the point, the sentimental value of it is."

"Don't worry love, we won't loose it. When I do win, you will get yourself another car."

"Not goin to argue with you on this, no sense in doin so. Lets go girls, and have some fun at the mall?"

After they left in Marie's Top Banana Yellow 2010 Dodge Magnum R/T, the guys went on the tour of the mansion, and met a lot of the students in attendance. Each one of them stared and had to be poked in the ribs by Scott or Ryan to speak. Alex went to his classes of course. They still haven't found out if he will have a mutation or not, and what it would be. Scott then led them to the garage to show them what Charles and himself had amassed over the years.

"Oh my god, you have a 1969 Dodge Charger? I always wanted one of these, and look, it's even painted up like The General Lee? This is so cool."

"She is a beauty, isn't she Jamie? She is yours if you want her. I had bought her a while back from Warner Brothers when they were getting rid of a bunch of old classic cars. She was a little banged up, but a bunch of the kids here and myself fixed her right up. I installed the rollcage on her, since there wasn't one in there when I bought her. Had to make her original looking. I even welded the doors shut. When Marie and I drove her into town after the restorations, everybody stared. A lot of them couldn't believe that The General Lee was in town."

"Really, you will let me have her?"

"Sure, she is yours free and clear."

"Thanks Scott."

"No problem. Now lets see what else we have here."

Once they were all done in the garage, the guys walked around the mansion some more, marveling at the vastness of the estate and what could be done there. The girls returned shortly before lunch and everyone had lunch outside, since Storm made it possible that they all could. After lunch and a few question sessions later, Scott and the drivers went to the track to get their cars set up, and practice. Marie, Krissie and Montgomery, were in the rec room watching TV and chatting with Jubilee and Kitty. Charles pipped in with the usual telepathic message that all available X-Men were to report down the hanger for a routine pick-up.

"Ah am sorry you two, but we need to get goin for a pick-up. You are more than welcome to stay in the room here and watch TV or do somethin. Find my son and let him know what is goin on and keep him entertained?"

"Oh we will, be safe."

"Thanks Montgomery."

Storm, Bobby and Colossus were already down there waiting for the girls to arrive. When they did, everybody piled into the Blackbird to leave. They ballcourts immediately gave way for the plane to take off. Montgomery and Krissie went to the window in wonder at the massiveness and sleekness of the plane. Once it took off, the girls were in the process of suiting up, and waiting for instructions from Ororo.

"This pick-up will take place in Boston. Charles had heard of a mutant getting into trouble and we are to grab him and bring him back to the mansion."

"Aight. Any description on this person?"

"He is average height, athletic build, wears a black trenchcoat, and speaks with a cajun accent."

"Oh my, my kind of guy."

"Keep your hormones at bay Dushka, you are spoken for."

"Yes I am, aren't I love?"

"Well, I am like not spoken for, so I will take a whack at him since you can't."

Bobby was looking at her with disappointment apparent on his face. He wanted to let her know of his feelings for her. He was just to chicken to do so. Once they landed in an open field area, they got out and looked around the area Charles told them where he would be located. They went into the abandoned barn, and found him sure enough, bound and gagged. Marie instantly bolted outside to get away from it all. She never wanted to think of that day so long ago ever again. She then turned around to see Colossus carrying him outside to the plane, and setting him down on the floor while everyone else got back in. With a little coaxing, the person woke up, and looked around his new surroundings, and noticed Marie and said.

"Gambit be pleased to see you again Mon Amour."

Recognition flashed through Marie's face before she fainted dead away.

Thanks to a Canadian friend of mine for future chapters involving Gambit with his French. My muse hasn't left me yet, I have plenty in store for everybody. Especially a flashback love scene with Marie and Remy, before her powers manifested. I am still all about Scott and Marie. Please read and review, this story can't be read alone, have to read my first story, Shameless, to understand this one. Third chapter will be up soon.