Marie had never spoken to Carol in her life, but had seen photographs and knew who it was, although Carol's appearance had changed dramatically. She didn't know what to say to the woman either for Carol looked very haggard and Marie didn't want to risk saying something even slightly upsetting. She also supposed that since Madeline knew Carol better, she would take care of things.
Marie slowly turned her eyes towards Madeline, keeping her peripheral vision on Carol. Madeline gave Marie a reassuring glance and began walking towards Carol, but Carol spoke up, and with more energy than one would expect from a being as frail looking as she.
"Don't come near me!" she warned, it was hard to believe she could do anything of harm to anyone in her condition, but Madeline stopped anyways. She might've not wanted to cause Carol any more stress than the girl would cause herself.
"Carol…" Madeline began in was meant to be a soothing voice, but Carol wouldn't have it.
"You heartless people…taking my baby from me…" Carol wheeled her chair along the tiled floor, a few more tiles towards Madeline. She narrowed her eyes, focusing on Marie for a moment then looked back up at Madeline. "Your son…is responsible for this…this devil's work. That's what it is…the devil…" Carol mumbled on a bit more to herself.
Marie cautiously approached the two, standing a bit behind Madeline. She was definitely feeling nervous, as she knew this lady severely hated mutants. Marie wanted to protest against what Carol was saying, but didn't want to risk her words straining the poor mother.
When Marie moved forward, Carol sneered. "Another one of them? I suppose you're the one taking my…" tears came to Carol's eyes, but it seemed she was trying to keep them down. "…my mistake."
Marie nodded, but had to add. "The baby is not a mistake. No child is a mistake, no matter what form they're born in." Marie felt sorry for Carol but wasn't appreciating her lack of understanding and caring for her own child. Marie thought about her own parents and how they reacted to her strange mutant powers.
When a person heard news like that, their first reaction would always be shock and fear. People always fear what they don't know, don't understand or perhaps don't want to understand.
"I don't expect you to understand," replied Carol. "You're a…m-mutant yourself." It seemed like even saying the word was difficult for her. "What came out of me…doesn't deserve to live…neither do you…"A perverted smiled appeared on her face.
Marie's jaw dropped and she started towards Carol. Madeline intervened and held Marie back. "No…Marie, don't. She doesn't know what she's talking about! She's had a long few past hours."
"I know what I'm talking about, Madeline!" said Carol. "I'm talking about mutants not deserving to live. Your son…both your sons…every mutant should be exterminated!"
"Stop that talk!" said Madeline, in defense of her sons. Madeline hadn't seen Carol since the first news of the baby, but she was beginning to realize there was something wrong with her.
"Carol!" cried a relieved voice.
Madeline, Marie and Carol looked down the hall and saw Mrs King and a nurse running towards them. Mrs King threw her arms around her daughter and seemed to be in tears. When she calmed down, she noticed Marie and Madeline looked a bit puzzled.
"I hope she wasn't causing you any trouble," said the nurse, grabbing hold of the handles on the back of Carol's wheelchair. "Let's get back to your room now, ma'am," said the nurse, leaning over to speak near Carol's ear. Then the nurse wheeled Carol down back the passage and around the corner.
Once gone, Mrs King looked at Madeline and Marie. There was still a slightly frantic look in her eyes. "All the stress has…gotten to her. She's not talking sensibly anymore. All she discusses is mutants and the devil's child."
"I'm so sorry," said Madeline, wrapping an arm around her in-law. Marie's mind was still in a whirl and she stayed put.
Mrs King continued. "I left her room…only for a moment to get some coffee. When I came back…she was gone. The nurse figured she might've wanted to see the baby."
Mrs King paused, and suddenly realized who the young woman with Madeline must be. She stared at Marie for awhile, who swallowed and braced herself for another verbal attack.
"You must be Bobby's wife…" she let out no sign of emotion be heard in her voice.
"Yes, I am," answered Marie, and then to her surprise Carol's mother smiled at her.
"Thank you," she said graciously. "It's not that I won't love the child but…I'm afraid that Carol will be more than I can take."
Marie nodded sympathetically, and was glad that the tension had passed. The three women stood in silence for a while, each collecting their thoughts, which were similar yet very different all the same.
"So…" said Mrs King, presently. "What do you think the child will grow up to be?" Both grandmothers looked to Marie.
"You mean his mutant abilities?" asked Marie, surprised that they'd be interested in that. "Well…" she grinned, "He has a tail…"
A/N: It's almost over.