Gabby's Story

Chapter 4: The Long Day

Today was an exciting day; Auto Mechanics Skills had a field trip to the car museum for their new exhibit, "American Muscle Cars". Jamie got up late and walked into the bathroom.

"Get up Kess," she banged on her door. "Remember what day it is."

"What are you talking about?" Kess asked when she opened her door. She was in her pajamas, pink and black of course, and her hair was in two braids. "Today is just Friday."

"Don't be stupid, I know it's Friday but we're going into the city today, remember now?"

"Oh right car museum and Radio City Music Hall, got it. Thanks for getting me up, my alarm didn't go off."

"That's because you never set it," Jamie laughed.

"This is true," Kess said. They parted to get ready. Jamie put on her usual jeans and t-shirt. She brushed her hair and put on a baseball cap.

"Done yet?" she asked Kess.

"You try brushing out three feet of hair and then we'll talk," she replied. In a few minutes they were ready to leave and walked downstairs.

"I thought you got up at dawn, Kess," Jamie said laughing. It was already almost time for them to be downstairs and most of the time had been passed as Kess brushed her hair.

"Fridays don't count," she said. "I get up with the sun every other day except Friday and Saturday. It's a personal habit," she explained with an air of mock offense. "You know, Jamie, I don't think you dress well enough to be my friend," Kess said as they walked through the front hall. Kess wore jeans with a mini, black dress over them. The top half of her hair had a pink ribbon braided through it. "You look more like my boyfriend than my best friend," she laughed.

"Yeah but you love me anyways," Jamie said.

"For now."

After breakfast Jamie joined Peter and the other Auto students while Kess found John among the Music Appreciation crowd. They waved goodbye as their buses took off towards their destinations.

"Good morning, pretty girl," Peter said when they took their seats.

"Good morning Sunshine," Jamie said happily and she hugged him.

"Ok class, we're about to leave but I want to lay down a few rules," Scott said, "First, we are going into public. That means you absolutely may not use your powers. Anyone who does will be dealt with accordingly. Next, we are going to be in a big group to begin with but later you can break down and explore on your own. There isn't an assignment but I expect you to listen and learn because you never know what might turn up on a test. Oh, also, Logan is coming along for the trip so he'll be keeping and eye on all of you as well. Alright that's everything; you can talk until you get to the museum." Scott sat down and everyone began to talk.

"Well if it isn't my two favorite people," said a voice from behind Jamie and Peter.

"Matt," Peter said sternly, "don't start."

"I'm just having a pleasant conversation Peter. There's no need to get uptight," he said. His face appeared between them, "So Jamie, have any plans for this evening? There's a new movie at the cinema, we could go."

"I'd rather choke on my intestines," she replied and turned towards her window.

"Leave," Peter said and he pushed Matt's face back to his seat. "Some people just can't take a hint."

As the ride continued Jamie started a conversation, "Did I tell you I used to work in a garage?" she asked Peter.

"No, you worked in a garage? In Canada?"

"Yeah, I loved it too. I was only there for not even a year, but I learned so much."

"Well I guess you're pretty versed in mechanics then," Peter laughed. "You just get better and better."

"Thanks," Jamie giggled.

They arrived at the museum and Scott took role. After he finished they went inside and began their tour. At each exhibit Scott asked questions pertaining to the make or model, care, and maintenance. At first Jamie tried to stay quiet but it seemed like no one else knew the answers. Every time he asked something she was always able to answer correctly.

"Suck up," Matt muttered.

"Well if you did your work, you'd be able to say answers instead of excuses," Scott reprimanded. The rest of the class including Logan smiled or laughed, and Matt just rolled his eyes. The tour ended and they were allowed to separate. Jamie and Peter walked down the Hall of Mustangs, admiring each one.

Logan caught up to them, "Good choice," he said referring to the cars.

"Hey Logan," Jamie said. She was much more comfortable with him now.

"You seemed to be quite the pupil today," he said.

"That's because she used to work in a garage," Peter said.

"A garage huh? Sounds like your type of place."

"Yeah I liked it there. Even though I'm a girl they still treated my like I belonged."

Behind Jamie and Peter two boys were fooling around. One was telekinetic and kept making the engine of one of the model cars rev each time someone passed it.

"Looks like I'm needed, I'll see you back on the bus," Logan said and he went to take care of the trouble makers. Jamie and Peter continued down the hall taking in the cars that marked the years of the past. Each style had a different story that was rooted deep in the history of not only the United States but the entire world. Jamie usually had something to say about each car and they talked pleasantly about whatever subject came to their minds.

"Well look who we keep running into," said Matt. He and his friends walked down the Hall of Mustangs. "So Jamie I'm sure you've heard about the Fall Formal coming up on a month. If you don't have a date I'd be willing to take you," he said suavely.

"Yes she already has a date," Peter said in an aggressive tone. "You better back off Matt."

"Ah ah ah now, no powers. If you get grounded or expelled you won't be able to see the little woman again."

"I'm not a little woman," Jamie said, it was her turn to be angry.

The conversation was not going as Matt had planned, so he decided to go out onto a dangerous topic. "Has Peter told you about all his other girlfriends yet?" he asked Jamie.

"What are you talked about, loser?" she replied. As much as she wanted to ignore him the words, 'other girlfriends' intrigued even Jamie.

"Leave out a few details Peter? Let's see, Tanya, oh she was gorgeous. Blonde hair and a killer tan, but she moved back to California a few weeks later. Juanita was a Mexican beauty. Flawless skin and dark brown hair, another hottie. Monique was a sweetheart wasn't she Peter? She went back to Africa as soon as her parent's work was taken care of. And who was the French number Pete? Oh her name was Manon. She was gorgeous too. Peter doesn't waste time you see, so many girls so little time. He jumps on it right from the start. In fact he even went for Kess, though, who wouldn't. But she almost bit his head off, literally. She was a handful when she first came here. Oh wait, we can't forget Allie. She was his latest breakup, it happened two days before you got here Jamie. You'd have thought he knew a cuter girl was on the way." Matt finished and he looked from Peter to Jamie. "Ever wonder why Allie never seemed to like you Jamie? Now you know."

Just then Scott called for Matt and his friend to come to him. They left and there was an awkward silence between Jamie and Peter.

"Jamie I…" Peter began, but Jamie just continued to stare at the ground. "I don't know what to say. They don't mean anything to me anymore. It's not because you're gorgeous, or smart, or funny. But because you're you, I don't know how to explain. I'm totally committed to you."

Jamie wanted his words to heal her, but she just couldn't get over what Matt had said. It's true Alli did seem to dislike her for no reason and Peter made a move to speak to her on the first day. All he said made total sense but no sense. Jamie couldn't even bring herself to look him in the eyes. Peter's face dropped to the floor as well.

"I'm sorry," he said faintly.

"Hey Peter, Jamie," yelled a friend of theirs from class, "time to go. Bus is here." Peter and Jamie walked outside to the bus. Only Logan noticed their change in personality from happy to somber. On the bus Jamie and Peter sat together but didn't talk. Peter stared at his hands and Jamie watched New York City pass by her window. When they passed Radio City Music Hall she saw Kess and John boarding their bus. John had his arm around Kess' neck and she they were laughing. She wished she was laughing at a joke Peter told her as his own strong arm found its place across her shoulders. She didn't know if she was mad at Peter, or frustrated, or what. Suddenly she couldn't figure anything out. Maybe Peter wasn't the perfect guy she had dreamed of.

"Oh but he is!" she thought, "He is so wonderful."

"Great Peter, you've messed up with possibly the greatest girl ever," Peter told himself. "Why didn't you just tell her about the other girls sooner? You knew you would have to eventually. Oh I guess I just hoped Kess would explain it to her, or that she would never find out. They honestly mean nothing anymore." He looked at Jamie as she stared into space. He thought of taking her hand and apologizing again. He was about to reach for her but the bus pulled into the driveway of the mansion.

Thunder clapped overhead and the clouds that had threatened to open finally did, pouring down waves of rain. Students ran inside and even more people were running when the Music Appreciation bus unloaded.

"Jamie, Peter!" Kess yelled. But Jamie wanted to be alone. In the bustle she had lost Peter and now found a chance to slip into the garden.

"Alone again," she said to no one. "Am I just over reacting? I mean if he says he's over them then I believe him. But two days after a break up. I hope this isn't just some rebound relationship. Oh I just can't think." She sat down on one of the marble benches and a few tears of frustration escaped. "I've got to get out of here for a bit," she told the lilies. They just swayed in the rain.

Rain had seeped to her skin and Jamie shivered in the garage. She found the keys she wanted, started up Logan's motorcycle, and drove off into the pouring rain. Thoughts raced through her mind and she grew more and more upset.

"It's funny how everything seems worse when you are upset," she thought.

"I can't find her any where and no one has seen her," Scott said when he came into Professor Xavier's office. He shook the rain off his coat and sat down. "I know she was on the bus when we came home because I saw her. I don't know what could have happened."

"Where the heck is my bike?" Logan yelled. He stormed into the office furious.

"Calm down Logan. I think I know what has happened," Professor Xavier said. Storm and Jean walked in after they heard Logan's shouts. "Good, now that you're all here I'll only have to say this once. Jamie has left the premises. I just saw the video security system and she was riding your motorcycle Logan. I can't tell you where she's going, her mind is so confused I can hardly find it."

"What could have happened to upset her so?" Jean asked. "She seemed so happy."

"Kid stuff," Logan said simply. "I think I know where she went. I'll be back." With that he left them in Xavier's study.

"I swear," Storm said, "that man could not be more secretive if he tried."

"A soon as Jamie returns I don't want anyone to approach her. We are not going to make a big deal out of this. I think it's best that the students learn to work though their problems on their own without the likes of us constantly breathing down their necks."

"Agreed Professor," Jean said.

"Whatever you say Charles," Storm replied.

Logan had borrowed Scott's bike because he loved to take advantage of a time when he could annoy Scott. He drove through the city looking for a certain sign. Then he saw his bike parked outside of a bar. The neon sign above it said, "Cage Fights for Money."

"Yup just as I thought," Logan said to himself. He parked Scott's bike and walked inside. "She could at least have chained it to something," he thought as he passed his bike. Inside the bar was crowded and smoky. Even Logan had to cough; it seemed as though everyone was smoking. It was dark and dingy and in the middle of the bar Logan saw the top of the cage they used for fights, a rectangular cage 10x12 feet. Room enough for two people to fight until one of them passed out. As he got closer he caught sight of Jamie. Her hair was a mess and she looked sweaty but hardly tired. She wore her jeans and boots along with her belt buckle. Her t-shirt was pushed halfway through the cage fence and she was in just a sports bra. She was much more muscular than he imagined and her toned body was ripped. She looked angry and aggressive. Logan recognized the rage that overtook her eyes; the rage that burned through to her heart from years of keeping everything inside; of letting it eat away at her.

"Well this isn't the best way, but at least she's getting her feelings out somehow," Logan said to himself while he made his way to the bar. "Red Dog," he said and the bartender poured him a pint of the amber delicacy.

"Haven't seen you here before," he said. "Most people here have been here for years. Not a soul I don't know; with the exception of you and that girl in the cage. Oddly enough, she looks more like she belongs here than you do." He was a large man, and had obviously tended the bar there for years, probably since it had opened. He was the kind of guy you could tell your whole life story to and not only would he remember all of it, but he would care; the perfect example of a Hell's Angel.

"Yeah about her," Logan said, "How long has she been in there?"

"Well I guess about two hours. I don't reckon she's taken one break either," he replied just realizing the fact.

"Has she lost any rounds?"

"Nope, not one."

Just then a huge, bald man covered in tattoos and who wore leather, fingerless gloves stood up. "Alright I'm taking this little girl out," he declared.

"Uh oh, she better watch out," remarked the bartender, "That's Stonehand Smith. Meanest man I've ever set eyes on. I'm going to cancel this fight, he'll hurt her something terrible."

"Wait," Logan said to him, taking another swig of his beer. "Let's see how this turns out, if it gets too bad you can call it."

"If you're sure."

"I am," Logan finished. "This won't be long," he thought to himself. "That poor guy has no idea what he's in for. After tonight they won't be calling him Stonehand Smith any longer."

Stonehand entered the cage and Jamie, who had been squatting down, stood up. The overseer hit the bell and the fight started.

"Well I know who's coming out of here with 300 dollars," Stonehand said.

"Yeah…me," Jamie replied and blocked his first punch, replacing it with one of her own. Being hit by what was practically a child surprised Stonehand and before he regained himself Jamie delivered another fist to the left of his head. He grabbed her neck and put her in a head lock. Jamie elbowed his chest and when he let go she turned around and kicked him into the fence. The crowd cheered and booed. Stonehand started toward her but she head butted him backwards again. He was mad now.

"Little girls don't beat me, no one does," he shouted.

"Times have changed old man. Keep up with it," Jamie replied.

Stonehand growled and ran towards her. This time he caught her square in her face. Much of the crowd gasped and booed. Jamie wiped the blood off her face and took a right up-hook. She hit him so hard she busted her knuckles open.

"Ouch," Logan said.

"She's incredible. No one's lasted longer than 30 second against Stonehand," the bartender said amazed.

"Well Jamie isn't just anyone," Logan thought.

They continued fighting and by the end Jamie had a black eye and a busted lip in addition to her nose and knuckles. However, compared to Stonehand, she was in good shape. When he woke up he would find three broken fingers, a fractured rib, and half his body covered in bruises and cuts. Needless to say he wouldn't fight again for a long time. He would also become oddly apprehensive of any young girl. Jamie spat out blood and checked to make sure all her teeth were present. Once she was sure of this she stepped over the unconscious Stonehand and gathered her things. Most of the crowd cheered her as she put her shirt back on and collected her prize money. Logan had left as soon as she had won and had gotten himself lost in the crowd. Jamie left with her 500 dollars; 200 from her previous fights and 300 from her final victory. She walked outside and breathed semi-clean air. Logan watched her as she gave her prize money to the homeless man outside the door.

"God bless you angel," he said.

"No God bless you," she replied.

"Hey kid," said a voice behind her.

"I knew you were here," she said without turning around. "First I could smell you as you came in. You had pizza for lunch. Second, I saw you at the bar while I was fighting. And then I saw Scott's bike, I figured you would come looking for me. I did steel your motorcycle." She turned to face Logan. In the dim light she looked no longer happy nor mature and wise. She looked only worn. Like she had been pushed too far and all the layers protecting her inside feelings had been peeled away.

"Nice job in there. Buy you some coffee? You're out of prize money," Logan observed.

"Sure, I've got no where else to go."

They walked across the street to a diner and got a table in the back. Here the few people that occupied the restaurant with them could not hear them.

"So who were you really fighting in that ring kid?" Logan asked while the sipped their coffees.

"I don't want tot talk about it, Logan," Jamie said plainly. She was still upset and confused. Fighting had not helped clear her mind very much.

"It's about what that kid said to you about Peter, isn't it?" he said. He looked her square in the face, cards laid out, and no secrets.

"How'd you know?" she asked.

"I could smell him coming so after I left I stayed within listening distance. I heard everything he said."

Jamie's eyes welled up in tears again, "I know it shouldn't change things between Peter and I, but…I just don't want to think about it anymore, I don't want to think about anything," her voice faded away.

Logan sipped more coffee and said in a sincere voice, "Well kid, I have known Peter a lot longer that you have so listen closely. Yeah he dated other girls. A lot of boys your age do. But never once have I seen him look at any of them, any other girl, the way he looks at you. He truly cares for you with his whole heart. You are the only thing that can move that boy to tears and believe me, because I have seen him get the crap knocked out of him numerous times. You are his world, sorrow, joy, and passion. Don't let his past get in the way of your future together."

Jamie looked at him, "I won't," was the only thing she could say. Her worn look was gone and a new, refreshing persona took over. Jamie smiled and Logan returned it.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Very," she replied.

By the time they arrived back at the Institute it was half past midnight.

"You go on to bed," Logan said. "I'll tell Xavier you're back home safe and sound."

"Goodnight Logan, and thanks again."

He nodded and they went their separate ways. "Well I've done my good deed for the day," Logan thought and went to see Charles.

When Jamie got to her room she saw Peter leaning next to her door, snoring lightly. He looked so innocent. All the terrible stories she told herself in her confusion left her mind as she watched him sleep. Jamie bent down and kneeled next to him. She watched him sleep and listened to his rhythmic breathing. His chest rose and fell slowly.

"How could I ever have been mad at you?" she thought. "You are so adorable when you sleep." She leaned over and gave him a light peck on the cheek. "Wake up sleepy," she whispered. Peter woke up slowly but as soon as Jamie's face registered with his brain he sprang to his feet.

"I'm so sorry Jamie. I wanted to tell you about the other girls but I was so happy with you, I totally forgot about them. Please forgive me. I…Jamie!" he exclaimed. "What happened to you?" He held her bloody hands in his and gently kissed her wounded knuckles. His light brown eyes searched her face for the answer, examining all her cuts and bruises. His fingers moved to her busted lip and she closed her eyes. His cold hands felt good and soothing to her throbbing lip. He changed to her black eye and touched it gently. Unfortunately gently for Peter was not gentle enough for Jamie. She winced and he shhh'd her softly. "Who did this to you?" Concern filled his voice and his eye.

"Don't' worry," Jamie said, "You should see the other guy." She grinned.

"I'm glad I'm not him, or what's left of him," Peter replied. "I thought you said you had healing powers though. Why are you still bruised?"

"Only when I want to use them do I heal myself," she said. "I don't want these marks to go away yet. They will remind me of my stupidity."

"You aren't the stupid…" Peter tried to say but Jamie put her finger to his mouth.

"I'll forgive you on one condition," she said.

"What? Anything," his eyes asked for him.

Jamie softly continued, "You have to take me to the dance."

Peter nodded and Jamie removed her finger and moved into his arms. He held her close for several minutes, unwilling to let go.

"We have to go to sleep now," Jamie said and Peter let go. He kissed her goodnight and she became sure about what Logan said. She was his world, sorrow, joy, and only passion. They pulled apart and Peter went to his room. Jamie opened her door and standing right in front of her was Kess.

"I knew you two would make up," she stated seriously. "I knew it. John said you two wouldn't be back together for at least a week. I bet him movie tickets you would be back in each other's arms by tomorrow morning. Now he has to take me to the movies," she finished excitedly. "I love going to the movies with John, not that we watch anything," she winked.

"Does everyone here eavesdrop and bet on my relationship?" Jamie laughed.

"Well can you blame me? You guys are better than any romance movie." They both laughed until their sides hurt.

"It feels good to laugh again," Jamie thought. "Things aren't as bad when you laugh."

"Alright, I'm going to shower now. I waited all night for you to get home. Believe it or not I was worried sick about you," Kess said and she left to shower. After Kess finished Jamie took her own shower and decided to heal herself. Kess re-entered Jamie's room while she brushed her teeth. "You know this means we have to go shopping for dresses, don't you?" she said when she finished.

"Definitely," Jamie smiled. They said goodnight and went to bed. The long day was done.

In Xavier's study, Logan was explaining the fight to Charles. "I'll be surprised if he ever fights someone again," Logan said. "She knocked the crap out of him. It was such a joy to watch."

"Well I'm glad she can defend herself," Charles chuckled. "But I want to make sure she doesn't use her powers for fighting. That's not what they are meant for."

"I know, don't worry she's smarter than that. She just had a lot of anger she had to get out. You understand."

"Yes I do, and I'm glad she is back here safely. You've done well Logan. It's good to have you back here."

"It's good to be here."

"The students are glad to have you as well, you know. All of them."

"Yeah well I'll fix that. Soon they'll be asking me if I am leaving anytime soon." Charles and Logan laughed at this and then decided to head to bed themselves.

"Jamie especially, is glad for your presence," Xavier said.

"Well I just try to do what seems right at the moment. I'm no saint."

"No you aren't but you are more than you think. Goodnight Logan."

"Goodnight Charles."