Sweety8587: Lol. No, actually that wouldn't such a bad idea…. Anyway thanks for reviewing first, and hope you like this new installment. Chica De Los Ojos Cafe: Blame the holiday season for the lateness of this chapter. Oh, I wish I could tell you the answer to your question! But, I'll guess you'll have to read on… enchantedlight: Yay! I haven't heard from you since my last story! Update I did! Enjoy! TheDreamerLady: She's not his chere…yet, lol! That question made me laugh too, but thanks. I'm glad you like David; I think he's kinda like Bobby, in an AU sort of way. Again, sorry for taking extra time, in addition to everything I was suffering writer's block… Still, enjoy! ishandahalf: (winces) Okay, you guys are all making me feel so guilty for making you wait! So many questions, so little answers. I mean, what is Remy doing there?? Okay, I'm just teasing you, so read and don't forgot to review! Weapon X 61: They're not stupid questions, they made me think for one. So, anyway, I continued, so scroll down… willa. j: David is Cody. In the movie instead of calling Marie's 'boyfriend' Cody, they called him David. Common mistake, I just know 'cause I'm an X-Geek, lol. Love the compliments, try and review again! Girl number 1: I was writing this chapter when msn told me I got a review! And it kinda made me type faster. Great suggestion! And, I, for one, totally agree with you. While, Bobby is kind of cute he is no match for Remy (or Logan). And yeah, Remy so SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE MOVIE! Thanks; though, hope to hear more from you!

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COMPLEX: a. intricate, compound, involved - n. a psychological abnormality.

---

"How was school, sweetie?"

"Fine," Marie gave the standard answer, and opened the fridge door in search of something to consume.

"It's always fine," Sarah laughed, from where she was sitting at the kitchen table, doing a crossword. "So, nothing exciting happened?"

Marie pulled out a cold slice of pizza from its box, "It's the same as Ah remember."

That was a natural lie. So much had happened today, that wasn't supposed to happen. She was confused, lost and tired. But she did have one wild idea; one last faint shred of hope.

"Please tell you aren't going to eat that," Sarah's voice snapped her back to reality.

Marie in return took a huge bite, cheese strings dripping from her chin. She placidly wiped them away and grinned, "Mmmmm."

Sarah closed her eyes briefly, "You have any homework?"

"Non."

"You actually learnt something in French?" Sarah mocked. She penciled in an answer, then frowned, and quickly rubbed it out.

"Very funny," Marie grabbed a glass and poured Diet Coke into it, "Ah'm going on the internet."

"Why?" The question was second instinct to Sarah.

"Uh," It had been awhile since Marie had to give a reason to why she needed to use the computer, "Homework," she lied hopelessly.

"You just said you had no homework," Sarah reminded sharply.

"Well Ah do now!" snapped Marie, fed up with the questions. In truth, she was nearly twenty – far beyond the reaches of interrogations of such sort.

"Don't use that tone with me, young lady," Sarah said calmly, though her eyes were burning.

"What tone?" Marie rolled her eyes, "Listen, Mom, Ah don't need this right now, okay? Ah've just had the most fucked day in mah whole life! And-"

"Marie!" Sarah sounded shocked, as she interrupted, "We don't use words like that in this household. What has gotten into you?"

Her first response to that question was not very appropriate to the moment, so she made do by something straightforward, "Ah dunno."

And so she left one very confused mother sitting in the kitchen.

Marie walked into the study and rested her glass on the table, next to the keyboard. She switched on the computer, and turned the mouse over, laughing softly at the ball.

She had given up on the idea of trying to contact the mansion. Not completely, because she did want to land up at the mansion some time soon, of course. But until then, she wanted to live out this life, and see if she could answer some of the questions that had been annoying her. And if she couldn't, then she would get help. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was something to keep her focused; something to offer hope. Yet, however, she was willing to try one last option.

So, she settled herself in the leather chair and curled her legs up, tapping her nails on the desk as she patiently waited for the computer to load. When it did, she clicked on the Internet browser and headed off to google. She clicked on the empty search space.

Then she keyed in: Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Hitting go, she waited.

Nothing came up.

---

"Pick a card, 'nyone."

"Remy, Ah really don't have time for this."

It was the next day, Tuesday. It was the period before lunch and Marie's stomach grumbled, as she wished she had eaten breakfast. Today was better than yesterday, as she was slowly getting accustomed to her situation. Everything was frighteningly familiar, and all she needed was time, before she could begin to blend in. Acceptance however, was another story.

In any case, once again, he had settled himself next to her in French and once again was she distracted. They had a substitute teacher and the result was one very noisy, uncontrolled classroom. Marie was probably the only person actually doing her work. But she didn't care.

The Cajun sighed and placed his deck of cards onto the desk, "Remy t'ought y'didn' like dis class."

"Ah don't."

"Den?"

"Well Ah want tah learn it. You never know when you'll need French!" She ended lamely.

"Dat's why y'ave Remy."

Marie looked at him for one moment, "Ah don't have you."

"Oh yeah," Remy rolled his eyes, sounding for one moment quite true American, "Y'ave dat David fellow."

Marie looked at him, a faint smile playing on her lips, "Do Ah sense a bit of jealously?"

"Non," Remy answered truthfully, "But Remy feels you're wastin' y'time. It ain't goin' t'last, petite."

"What are you now?" Marie demanded.

Remy shrugged, "Handsome, smart, funny…" He ticked off his fingers, "Remy does not 'ave all day, chere."

She hit him on the head with her French book.

"Ow!" He suddenly grinned, "Are y'one of 'em closes' dominatrixes?"

She skillfully ignored him, " No, before. You said mah relationship wouldn't last. Do, you think you're psychic? Is that your power?"

"Remy 'as no powers." He leant back.

"Oh yes, he does. Ah saw your eyes. Ah know what you are!" She spoke without thinking, and promptly held a hand to her mouth, horrified.

For the next few moments, the Cajun did not say anything. He just sat there, lips solid, sunglasses focused on her, as his hands calmly tore a piece of paper into shreds.

Then he got up, "I'm movin'."

"Ah suggest Antarctica," Marie commented warily, ignoring the burning urge inside her to question if she had upset him.

"W'at's 'er name?" He pointed to a blonde girl, several seats across, by the door.

"Erica." Marie scorned, "Y'don't know half the girls y'talk with!"

Her southern accent increased, then, and he gave her a mildly surprised look.

"Oh, bu' Remy knows yours, fo' sure," he flashed his teeth, "Rogue."

Then he walked off.

She let her eyes fall back.

He had stupidly left his deck of cards. She picked them up, and moved to return them, when she got sight of him, laughing, joking, flirting, like he owned the fucking place. Arrogant jerk.

So, instead, she sat and pocketed the cards.

---

"So, I actually got his number!" Aimee rolled her eyes, "Took him long enough."

"Whoa," Katie nodded her head, "Craig is so hot!"

"Tell me about it. Marie, are you okay?"

"Why are you being so nice?" Marie mockingly held a hand to Aimee's forehead.

"It's because of Craig," Katie giggled, prodding her fork at the 'mystery meat' that served as her 'lunch'.

"Well then, Ah'd love to see you after you two have slept together! Oh, but wait, Ah don't think he likes unsuccessful prostitutes!" Marie beamed, biting into a carrot.

"Marie!" scolded Katie, scandalized.

Aimee waved it off, "The bitch is back. Just… in Marie's body."

'Whatever," Marie turned back to her salad.

"It's good you're trying to slim down," Aimee said, noticing her menu choice. She took a long swing of her orange juice and winked, in an effort to provoke.

Before Marie could retaliate, a shadow fell over her. A stray hair tickled her elbow.

"Marie?"

A sweet voice, with a slight edge.

"Erica?" Marie swiveled around and looked upwards.

"Yeah, um, can we speak?" Erica twitched slightly.

Katie and Aimee exchanged looks.

Marie swallowed, and placed down her fork, "Okay."

They walked over to a corner of the cafeteria, by the bins. Marie looked at Erica squarely. She was a pretty girl, with long pale blonde hair, high cheekbones and gray eyes. Yes, if she eased on the eyeliner, she could be quite striking.

"What did you want tah talk about?" Marie quit profiling and toyed with her hands.

"Remy," Erica took a deep breath.

"Remy?" Marie laughed, and then quickly stopped as she caught the look on Erica's face, "You- you like LeBeau?"

"Who wouldn't?" Erica answered, "Me and Remy? We have a connection, a deep one, something Ah don't think you'd understand. Sure, he may flirt a lot, but when he's with me, he's just- " Here Erica sighed happily. Marie resisted the urge to throw up.

"Anyway," Erica continued, pushing her aside her hair, slightly flustered, "There's a slight problem, D'Antanco. You see, it could just be me, but it seems you're always hanging around him. Now, Ah'm sure…"

"Wait," Marie interrupted, "You think Ah like Remy?"

"No, well, but…"

Marie laughed, "That's the most idiotic thing you've ever said!"

Erica gawked at her; "Well obviously you've been spending way tah much time with Aimee. But, anyway…"

"Ah have a boyfriend."

"You – you do?" Erica blinked.

"David. Well, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend, but he did ask me out yesterday…"

"That's great," A pink tinge appeared on her cheeks, "Ah can so see things working out for you tah!"

"Yeah…" Marie said slowly, her eyes distant, "So can Ah…"

"Now, please, could you just keep away from Remy?" She ran a hand through her hair.

"Excuse me?"

"See, Marie, when you love someone, you can't get them out you're head. You see them everywhere; every second word you speak is their name. You can stare at them for hours and never be bored," Erica rambled, bringing the conversation to a new direction.

"That's lust," Marie couldn't help quipping.

"Sorry?"

"Love, chere, is complex. It takes work and commitment from both people involved! It means a different thing to each and every person on this planet. It's - It's one of those things that you can't describe unless you've experienced it yourself. And Ah know, so spare me the crap!"

Her crafted words opened up self-wounds. Her feelings for Remy up until now had clearly seemed like lust, but how did she know what love was? She could easily lie to Erica, but lying to herself was an impossible task.

"What?" Erica in the meantime was staring at her, eyes wide, "Ah can't tell if Ah love him! He only arrived at school yesterday!"

"But you just said so." Marie frowned as Erica's words sunk in. She herself, had also only know Remy for little more than a day. Love at first sight? She hoped not.

"Whatever," Erica sighed, "Just go."

Marie didn't budge. She had always thought Erica was a friend. And a true one never let a boy come before a friendship. It wasn't that she felt about Remy in that way. It was just that only now was she beginning to understand just how fake her past life had been.

"Good-bye." Erica waved a hand in her face. Angered, Marie slapped it aside. Around them, a few people turned, interested.

"Fuck…" Erica rubbed her hand.

Marie spun on her heel, "And Ah don't care if you like him! Ah don't care if he asks you out! Ah don't even care if you marry him and have his triplets! Just – just…"

"Just what?"

"Just don't invite me tah the wedding!"

Erica gave her a confused look, "Why would Ah?"

---

"You look slightly distracted," David gave her a puzzled look.

"Oh no," Marie smiled, "It's nothing."

"Oh yes it is."

They were sitting at a local diner, a far cry from the last date she had. The seats were uncomfortable, shabby. The tables were dirty with crumbs scattered across them. Behind them two kids squabbled. The waitresses chewed gum, their skirts shorter than Aimee's.

It was, at last, Friday evening. Marie didn't know how she had lasted all this time. Everyday was a constant reminder that she had a less chance of ever returning home. She missed it so badly; Kitty, Logan, Bobby, Scott everyone. Even the mansion, itself. The pain inside rose and swelled, but she knew, deep inside her, that there was nothing she could do but to concentrate on present matters. Like Remy LeBeau, for instance, that beautiful stranger, who was fast becoming anything but one. After all, there had to be a reason for his sudden existence. But what was it? Because, for the last few days Remy had been avoiding her. But there was something about him that refused to leave her mind, a scar on her fragile thoughts. Some days she wished it was all over, and this was all a horrid dream; one that was all but a faint memory when she woke up the next morning.

"Marie?"

Her name itself, however, was a constant reminder that this was anything but. David looked her expectantly. He had the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, she could give him that, but he reminded her of Bobby, and that was the last thing she needed. In any case, she wasn't sure what her feelings were towards David. She did like him, but not in the way that she used to. However she was trapped. She needed to act like Marie to get by, and it just so happened that this Marie had a crush on a certain guy named David.

"Well, the last date Ah went on, this guy gave me this pendant. Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful. The pendant was of an initial, but he had the wrong letter." She threw caution to the wind, and tried to explain her problems in terms she hoped David would understand.

"He forgot your name?" David sounded surprised. She didn't bother telling him that some days, in her old life, sometimes even she forgot it.

"No, it stood for a name Ah don't use," she reasoned, crossing her legs and leaning back, trying to distract him.

"That makes sense," he remarked sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

Marie rested her hands on top of his, "It's not important. Let's talk about, you okay?"

One of the bad things about being a nineteen-year-old woman, stuck in a sixteen-year-old girl's body, was the fact that you had to date sixteen-year-old guys. It felt as if at any moment given, someone was going to stand up and yell, 'pedophile!' Or maybe she was just being a tad melodramatic...

"What happened to the guy?" He was stubborn and there was a slightly envious tone to his words. It seemed David did really like her. But then that was expected, right?

"We didn't see each for awhile," Marie sighed, and nibbled on a chip, "And when we did, things had changed."

"What happened to the pendant?" He wiped ketchup from his shirt with a napkin, speaking slightly louder, as the noise inside the establishment increased.

"Ah lost it," she said simply. It really was not that a big of a lie.

He just nodded sagely, taking a large bite of his burger.

She was about to follow suit, when her eyes widened, her hands dropping the burger onto the plate, the contents spilling all over it.

"Oh mah gawd," Marie whispered softly.

It was that woman. Her light brown skin contrasted beautifully with her deep red hair. She was sitting at by herself, eating a burger of some sort, her eyes scanning a newspaper. Suddenly, she stopped and looked up at Marie, as if surprised.

"Marie?" David followed her gaze, "Do you know that woman?"

"Oh no," Marie reassured him, putting on a fake smile, "Not at all."

Who the hell was that woman? Her stalker? Mystique? An axe-murderer? The woman's mere presence had her acting strange, like, she, Marie, had something to prove to her.

Marie narrowed her eyes at the woman.

But, surprisingly, the woman smiled back.

--

Ding-dong!

It was a fresh Saturday afternoon and Marie was in her room, reading, when she heard the doorbell. She stretched her legs and placed down her book, curious, her solitary interrupted.

"Ah'll get it," Jack's voice carried up the stairs, feet thudding. There was the sound of the door being opened and a few words exchanged, then-

"Marie! It's for you!"

Marie frowned, and opened the door, plodding down the stairs dutifully. If it were Katie or Aimee, Jack would have just sent them up.

"Remy? What the hell are you doing at mah house?" she stopped short at the door, blinking her eyes, as the cool breeze swept in. They had not spoken for three days straight, and now, here he was, at her front door as if nothing had changed. He, as usual,was looking good, but slightly out of place with a large trench coatover his normal attire . The dark glasses, of course, remained, and she felt a stab of guilt as she remembered their last conversation.

"Chere," Remy greeted, smiling, "Nice t'see y'too."

Despite herself she blushed.

Someone next to the doorway cleared their throat. She looked to see Jack, still standing there, a frown etched on his face.

"Funny, you've never mentioned this kid before. David, yes. But him?" He rudely indicated his head towards Remy.

"Dad! Honestly, you're – you're worse than Logan!"

"Logan," Remy repeated faintly as if the name was oddly familiar.

"Logan," Jack repeated, but stronger, "Who's Logan?"

Marie purposefully didn't answer and instead turned to Remy, "Why did you come?"

"Y'ave Remy's cards," Remy answered bluntly.

"It took you a whole week tah figure that out? And it took you that long tah come and retrieve them? "

"Well Remy 'ad to track y'down," he paused, "Y'need more friends, chere."

She glared at him, "Well Ah don't know if Ah have your stupid cards anymore!"

"Oh, but y'do."

"Get a life, LeBeau," she snarled, her tone low.

"Yours looks très beau," Remy nodded appreciably at the front hall, "J'adore the wallpaper."

Marie didn't know whether to laugh or punch him.

"Well come on up, Ah'll give them tah you," She turned around, and grabbed the rail of the stairs.

"Oh no, he doesn't," Jack spoke up again. He looked slighty perplexed by the conversation that Marie and Remy had just exchanged, "No smooth talking French boy is going up tah my daughter's bedroom!"

Marie gave Remy an apologetic look. Three years ago she would have died on the spot. In fact, even now, she could feel her face heating up. But life with Logan had taught her lessons.

"You'll have to ignore mah father. He thinks that there might be a small chance Ah like you."

Remy looked at Jack, "Now we 'ave somethin' in common."

Jack glowered.

Remy leant forward and whispered into Marie's ear delicately, "Not t'e friendly type, non?"

She pushed him away, "One moment. Wait here."

She shot Jack an angry look, before charging up the stairs and into her room. Remy was right; she knew exactly where his playing cards were.

Next to her bed.

She looked at them and held them, running her hand around the edges. She didn't want to part with them. Then she shook her head, and gently slapped herself. How stupid was she being?

She returned to a deadly silent area. Remy was leaning against the wall. Jack was staring right at him. It occurred to Marie that she did not want her father there, watching like a hawk, waiting to relay the conversation, word by word, to her mother.

"Dad, you can leave now," she hinted.

"Marie!" he snapped in response.

"Please?" She pouted. Jack sighed, as her charms broke through his tough front.

"Ah'll be back," He promised, throwing a dirty look at Remy.

Remy, in return, smiled winningly.

Logan would hate him, Marie thought absentmindedly. Then she smiled. For some reason that struck her as funny.

Jack left, and Marie waited until the kitchen door was closed behind him, before speaking.

"Here," she held out the scuffed pack, "Now you can return tah your gambling addiction!"

"Danks." He took them. For one brief moment, their hands met. She basked in the silky feeling of his touch. Never had physical contact felt so good and never it had felt so right.

"Well Remy 'as t'go." He let go, his simple words killing her perfect moment.

"Wait!" The shrill words left her lips before she could stop them.

He turned, slowly, and stopped, his face emotionless.

"Why did you really come here? Ah mean, seriously, you could have just bought a new deck. You could have even gotten Erica to come and retrieve them."

He walked slowly back towards her, and lightly ran a finger down her cheek, "I don' dink I could las' a day wit'out yer chere."

"Ah think you could." She pushed his hand away roughly, an eerie feeling overcoming her. His behavior was scaring her. They had not even known each other for a week, and already the deepness of his words was frightening. He must be joking...or on drugs.

Remy shook his head, "It's-" he searched for a word.

"A complex issue?" suggested Marie.

"Oui. Complex," he nodded, "Remy should b'leavin."

"Goodbye," Marie's voice was low, "Ah'll see you around."

Remy didn't answer. It could just be her imagination, but it seemed as if he enjoyed her getting the last word. But to her, it just added a sense of mystery to the boy that had just stepped out her front door and down her front path.

As soon as the door was closed and safely latched, Sarah magically entered – appeared at - the scene, followed by Jack

"Who was that?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Oh for god's sake!" Marie shouted, "Y'get more privacy in the mansion!"

She stormed up the stairs again and slammed her bedroom door shut, the sound echoing throughout the house.

Sarah turned to Jack, mystified, "What mansion?"

"What Logan?" Jack answered.

---

A/N: I strongly advice you guys to read Love is Hell by Pisces411. It's an OC story, and I know many people don't like them, but it is pretty well written and is totally not that stereotypical. In fact, it's kind of a relief to read a mutant high story that doesn't involve Rogue, and instead has some well rounded original characters. So, try and drop it a line, kk? And it does get better as you go along.

But, first though, review this! I know this chapter may have been slightly uneventful, not to mention kinda bad, but it WILL pick up. Trust me. Well actually don't, but believe me….