A New Home
Chapter 7: Road Rage
"Whoa!" John said as Jamie's punch grazed the hairs of his chin. Each time she got closer and closer to his face. "Hey don't take it out on me. I can't help that Pete's been gone for two weeks on a mission." He ducked again to avoid another cut. Kess and Peter had left to go with the X-men and Jamie was restless. She missed Peter and felt lost without her best friend. Though she knew Peter could take care of himself she was still worried. She wasn't used to such a long absence; Peter had been gone before for this or that, but never for two weeks.
"Hey, I can't help that I miss him," Jamie replied. "I get nervous when he goes on a mission, I'm afraid that something could happen to him." Though her face was serious for the fight a hint of worry was evident in her deep eyes. They both stopped fighting, each panting. Though John was a telepath and had no added physical strength because of his mutation he was still quite a good fighter. His lean, slender frame was deceiving and often times it worked to his advantage. "Man, you're quite the workout," Jamie laughed as the left the training room.
John just gave her a sarcastic laugh. "I hope Peter doesn't ever leave again for this long," he said.
"Don't you go on the missions too John? Why not this time?" Jamie asked.
"I just wasn't selected, my telepathic abilities were not needed for this endeavor," he said with his eyes closed and his nose in the air.
Jamie laughed as they walked up the stairs to their dormitories. Suddenly Jamie stopped where she stood and turned to face John.
"What, what is it Jamie?" he asked, thinking something was wrong. However, instead of a frown a grin spread wide across Jamie's face. She ran full-speed down the hallway with John close in tow.
"Peter!" she shouted when she turned into John's room. She jumped into Peter's arms and hugged him as tightly as she could which was nothing compared to how tightly he hugged her. Peter laughed at her reaction and kissed her cheek as he held her.
John entered a moment later still panting after the race to his room. "Don't EVER leave again," he said. "I'm so glad you're back Pete. I don't think I could have taken anymore training sessions with her. She's too crazy for me." As he finished his sentence he was ambushed from behind by Kesskallome. "I spoke to soon," he laughed. He hugged her tightly as they lay on the floor. Though he didn't act like it, he always worried about Kess every time she went on a mission without him. He was always able to breathe easier when she was back safely in his arms. After they stood up, John went with Kess to her room to help her unpack and to leave Peter and Jamie alone to talk.
"I missed you so much," Jamie said. Peter put her down and she grabbed his suitcase. She began to put away his clean clothes and toss the dirty ones into a hamper. As she was lifting out a shirt when he took it from her and set it back in his bag. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Jamie stood in her short and tank and Peter in his black tee and jeans and he kissed her for what felt like an eternity. Her hair was messy and she had been sweating but he kissed her anyway. He had missed her as much as she had missed him. Even though Jamie was safe at the mansion Peter had been unable to stop worrying about her. All types of situation formed in his mind and it was almost hard for him to concentrate on the mission he thought about her so much. Jamie was finally satisfied that Peter was back. The past two weeks had been miserable for her, but now she could relax.
"I missed you more," Peter said quietly after he pulled away from her. He stared into her eyes that were black still but an invisible flame was present and Peter could sense it all the time.
Jamie smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. He let his great, muscular arms encompass her shoulders. They stood for a moment just rocking back and forth in their embrace. Peter thought about how much he loved being with her. The absence had made him realize how much she meant to him.
Jamie broke the silence saying, "I think John was getting a little annoyed with me. I don't think he could have taken many more training sessions." Jamie giggled and Peter laughed with her. He knew just how strong she was and just how much she put into a fight. Though it may only have been a training session she was determined to win with all her might. Jamie and Peter parted and she continued to unpack his bag. "So how did the mission go?" she asked Peter as he helped.
"Oh it went well," he replied. At times he was a little apprehensive about discussing missions because he knew how much Jamie worried. "Cyclops was a Nazi as usual. Jean was her usual flirty self with Scott and Logan. Wolverine was, well, Wolverine. Um…Storm blew up a building with a lightning bolt. That was awesome."
"And what did you do, my big strong man?" she asked girlishly with a smile.
"I stopped a tank, ran through a steel wall, stuff like that. Oh and I broke my…" Peter winced at the look on Jamie's face because he knew he was in for it now.
"You what!" she said. Peter tried not to tell Jamie about his injuries because she always got upset over them. She was like a worried mother sometimes and she never let a single problem go. "You broke something?"
"It's nothing. Really," Peter said. He tried to calm her down and brush the situation off. He fumbled over his words as Jamie lowered her head a bit and stared at him with her arms crossed. She tapped her foot a little to show her disappointment. "Look Jamie don't be mad…" he tried pathetically to ease her down. "Ok, I broke my collar bone…and a rib…or two. The guy just got lucky," he finished up quickly.
Jamie had on an expressionless face as she walked over to his side. She acted with a motherly air that made Peter want to smile. He kept his face serious however as she said, "Where?" She implied the breaks he had received.
Peter removed his shirt to reveal his ripped body. He pointed to the right half of his collar bone. Jamie lifted a cool hand and touched it tenderly. He drew his breath in quickly at her touch as she mended his body. Next he pointed to three different ribs, two on the left and one on the right.
"You just got lucky huh?" Jamie said. There was a small but distinct trace of anger in her voice. "See if I have been there this wouldn't have happened," she was clearly frustrated. She was still fairly new to the Institute compared to Kess, John, and Peter and she hadn't been allowed to go on any missions yet. She needed more training with her powers and the ways of the X-men before the Professor let her go on a mission. She was aggravated every time she had to watch her friends leave for adventure. Not only did she worry about and miss Peter, but she also wanted to satisfy her own need for battle. She wanted to prove herself to the others in a way she hadn't been allowed to yet. She frowned a little at her inner emotions and brooded for a moment while Peter thought of what to say.
"You worry too much," he finally said. He tried to hold her again but she suddenly remembered something she had been waiting to tell him.
Her frown disappeared and her face lit up with joy, "I just remembered I have a surprise for you!" she exclaimed, "Come on, follow me!"
She grabbed his hand and the couple left the room. She led him all the way down to the garage and stopped when she reached the front door. "Alright, close your eyes," she said to him. He did so without a question and a broad smile decorated his face. She took his large hand in her two small ones and opened the door. "Don't look," she warned again.
"I'm not, I'm not," Peter defended himself.
She turned on the light, "Ok, open your eyes now." Peter did so and Jamie yelled, "Surprise!" Her excitement was electric in the room and Peter saw why. In front of him was a Mazda RX-8. "Do you like it" Jamie asked anxiously.
Peter remained silent for a moment to take in the beauty before his eyes. "Oh…my…God…Yes!" he exclaimed.
"I knew you would," Jamie said. "Let me give you the rundown. Okay, inside you got a Cat Back exhaust system, high flow intake manifold, large diameter down-pipe, an engine management unit, fuel injectors, limited stopping differentiation, and a high performance differentiation. Only the best for my baby," she said referring to Peter. She gave him a girly look and continued, "There's also a coil over suspension system, large diameter sway bars, west shot of nitrous oxide, pro performance tires of course; light weight windows, light weight seats, and a Stage 2 Turbo Kit. I'll add upgrades when I get them." With that Jamie ended and Peter stared at her in open-mouthed disbelief. Just as Peter was about to say something Jamie started again. "Oh wait, there's more, she's got Sweeper ground effects, a Heckler spoiler, Trident Hood Northeast Hood Scoop, Xenon 8000 K Street Sack side mirrors, duel sonic exhaust tips, and a 20 inch Antares rims. "
Peter grinned and thought to himself, 'I love it when she talks mechanics to me.'
"Accessories include a white under glow, two 12 inch JL Audio Subs, two 8 inch JL Audio Subs, and the tint is dark black. She goes 0-60 in 4.45 seconds and 0-100 in just 10.21 seconds. Her top speed is 198, but that's just what the Dyno says. I know she can go faster, but I'll test it myself later when Scott will let me," Jamie concluded her break down of the new car and Peter's eyes were wide.
"I love you," he said in pure joy. He always loved to see the auto side of her. "How long did this take you?" he asked amazed. He knew from experience that it took a long time to do what she did and he didn't know how it all could have happened while he had been away.
"One week with a couple of all-nighters," Jamie said ironically. She opened her mouth wide and yawned.
Peter looked back at the car and walked over to its side. He began to examine everything for himself. "Thank you," he said faintly as he brushed his hands along the car frame. He inspected every piece he could. "I am in shock," he stated, "she's so beautiful. We'll definitely have to take her out later. I can't wait to drive this baby," he ended and moved in front of Jamie. "You are truly amazing," Peter said. He put his arms around her and hugged her long. He thought about the past years they had spent together and what a wonderful girl he had. He thought about how she was made for him, she fit perfectly in his arms and nothing he ever said to her sounded silly. He knew that he had more than a girlfriend.
"I know, you don't have to tell me," Jamie said sarcastically as they hugged.
"Well I have a surprise for you," Peter said when he let go of Jamie. He brushed one of her sandy bangs out of her face and smiled. "I had actually been working on it before but the mission came up and I didn't really have time to finish it. It's nothing as incredible as the car though," he admitted with a bashful grin. He took her by the hand and led her out of the garage. They walked through the garden no longer in any kind of a hurry. Neither of them spoke but they didn't need to. Jamie knew what Peter's thoughts were and Peter knew hers. Now that he had returned Jamie could think clearly again and she was happy. Peter was also content and he felt like he had grown when he was away from Jamie. He felt he had become more mature and that the relationship between himself and Jamie had become stronger.
They had walked for quite some time and they had gotten pretty far away from the mansion. "So this is where you were always going when said you had a 'project'," Jamie said laughing. Finally they came through an area of trees to a small opening to a clearing. Jamie looked around her in awe at the surroundings. "This place is breath taking," she said. All around them were trees; the leaves of the trees were vibrantly green and the bark was dark brown, almost black. Green vines hung low and attached each tree to the other. One tree was littered with bright blue blossoms and another with light pink flowers. Tall, raspberry colored foxglove grew up around the banks of the waterfall that was nestled between the trees. The water cascaded down large rocks and slipped quietly into a small, crystal clear pool. The pool was bordered by colorful rocks of different sizes and shapes and near the rocks grew some of the most colorful flowers Jamie had ever seen.
Peter placed a hand on Jamie's shoulder and turned her away from the beautiful nature and towards the surprise. To the left of them stood an easel with a painted canvas on it. Art supplies and paints were scattered on the ground next to the easel. Jamie walked over to the easel and looked at it. Peter had painted a perfect replica of the landscape she saw in front of her. Each flower was a different color and each leaf was distinguishable. It was like looking at a photograph or even the landscape itself. Jamie always loved looking at Peter's paintings. She admired his work and his eye for art. However in the middle of the painting there was a large, white, unfinished spot.
"This picture is missing something," Peter said to Jamie as he walked to her side he was holding a white box in his hands. Jamie turned and looked at him smiling. She was excited to see the beautiful scene before her and even more excited because she was able to share it with Peter. He looked deeply into her eyes, deeper than he had ever looked before. "Be my Mona Lisa?" he asked as he handed her the box. His voice was sincere and compassionate and his eyes were even more so. Peter was nervous about what she would say and how she would react to his request, but he still held her gaze until she looked down to the box that lay in her hands. She opened it carefully and removed a red silk dress.
"Oh Peter," Jamie whispered in an awestruck state.
"Change into that and let me paint you?" Peter asked. His voice was suave but his eyes were less so. He was unsure of how she would reply and he was anxious to paint her. He saw everything perfectly in his head…but her.
At first Jamie didn't answer. Even though Peter made her feel beautiful she wasn't very confident about her appearance. She didn't feel like she was built in a feminine way and that she deserved to be painted. Though she was beautiful she let her thoughts get in her way. However, after a moment she realized that the only opinion that mattered was that of her and Peter, and Peter already loved her so there was no longer a problem. "I'd be honored," she said quietly and looked into his eyes. She took the dress and went behind a nearby area of thick bushes and trees to change.
Jamie began to undress and the bushes covered her but from her shoulders up. She changed into the dress and was thinking about how she would look during the painting. Peter sat at his easel and watched her. As he watched his mind began to wander and he found himself thinking about Jamie behind her bush. His mind almost went farther than he wanted it to go but out of sincere respect for Jamie he regained control of it. Though he couldn't help but feel a little shy around her while she was changing. He remembered how he had seen her the first time and physically she had taken his breath away. Then he talked to her for the first time and he had become smitten with her; the perfect girl for him.
Jamie came out from behind the bush and walked to Peter, "Hey Pete do you think you could zip this up for me?" she asked. She turned around and pulled her hair off her neck even though it wasn't in the way. He took the zipper and slowly zipped the dress up. His hands were warm as they touched the small of her back. He shook slightly because he was nervous. For some reason he felt self-conscious around her, not because he wasn't comfortable around Jamie, but because she looked so gorgeous he wasn't sure if he could paint all the beauty she gave off.
As Peter touched her back Jamie giggled, "Hey that tickles," she said.
Peter laughed with her and said, "Well I will have to make a note of that." He looked at her with a mischievous grin on his face.
"You better watch it big guy, don't forget, I know your ticklish spot too," she replied as she walked to the rocks. Peter watched her move as fluidly as the water that fell from the small spring on the other side of the rocks. All he could think about was how beautiful she looked. The red dress draped across her form like it was as much a part of her body as her skin was. It was sleeveless and extra fabric was gathered at the plunging neckline to add balance to the dress. There was a slit up the long skirt on the left side. It went high up her thigh and the seam pulled from the top of the slit to each hip. Her feminine curves were perfectly accented by the red; the shadows and highlights made for an aesthetic pleasure Peter had never witnessed before.
"Pete…Peter!" Jamie said loudly.
Peter snapped back to reality, "Huh? What?" he said.
"Peter, where do you want me to stand?" Jamie asked with a giggle. She had been calling his name for almost a minute while he had spaced out.
"Oh, um, just sit down near the waterfall and relax," he replied with a smile.
Jamie went over to one of the larger rocks that was situated higher up and closer to the small waterfall. "This okay?" she asked after she had sat down, making sure not to let anything happen to the gown.
"Yeah, that's perfect," Peter said. He gathered his paints and gazed at her for a moment. 'Perfect' he thought. He couldn't think of a better way to spend his time then where he was right now. Now that she was in her dress, next to waterfall, and near to him, Peter could paint Jamie without even looking at her. He knew ever curve of her body, every fold of the dress, and every line on her face. He knew the color of her eyes, he skin, her hair, and her lips. As their third Christmas together approached Peter thought about all the time they had spent together. He looked back as he painted and realized that he could honestly say he had loved the past few years and he would never trade them for anything in the world. They both realized that moment how much they had grown together and that, even though they were important to each other and at times all each other had, they both knew that they were separate people with separate ideas and dreams. However, in addition to knowing they were different they also knew that they would always be able work around the other and respect each other in order to be together happily. Their relationship was one that was so deep and so meaningful, no small argument could ever tear them apart.
Both Peter and Jamie had been day dreaming until Jamie finally said, "So where did you get this dress?" Once again bringing Peter back to the real world.
He peeked his head around the canvas to look at her and answered, "Oh I bought it. Kess told me what size you wear and I went to the mall before I left."
Three hours passed and Peter was still hard at work, concentrating on his painting. The effort he put into it was unlike anything he had ever done before. In order to accurately portray her appearance he had to put part of himself into the painting, because in reality Peter was very much a part of Jamie. She was so unique and so special to him that he couldn't bear the thought of drawing her incompletely. However, he didn't want her to get bored either so he asked, "Want to take a break?"
"Yeah sure," she replied. She was content to sit for Peter for however long he wanted her to, but a break was greatly appreciated. Jamie stood up and stretched her arms high above her head and walked about. IT felt good to move her limbs after sitting still for so long.
As she moved around Peter watched her intently. For some reason he was totally in awe of her. He looked at her in a way he had never looked at her in before. It was like he was seeing her in a whole different light. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her, she was so radiant. He laughed inwardly about how she was so rough and tumble when she worked on cars but she could turn around and be the most beautiful girl on earth. His heart skipped a beat when he realized that she was all his and he belonged to her. 'The reason she is so beautiful on the outside is because she is so beautiful on the inside' he said to himself.
"So can I look?" Jamie asked. She was anxious to see how Peter had painted her. One can tell a lot about themselves by looking at how other people see them.
"No," Peter said, "You have to wait until the art show just like everyone else." Jamie made a puppy dog face and Peter started to back down from what he said. He never could resist her cute face. "Oh no you don't. Hey now, come on, give a guy a break. You know what that face does to me. Oh fine." His resistance failed and Jamie won.
"Yay!" she said gleefully. Jamie skipped over to the painting and looked at it. She was speechless for a moment because his work was incredible. "Peter, it's so amazing," she said. He had painted Jamie with all the grace she owned. Her image was clear and lifelike. Almost as if she would stand up and walk right off the page just as Jamie had done a moment earlier. Everything he had wanted to show was on his canvas. Each stroke of paint showed a different personality trait she carried and in the light one could see beyond the paint and into the romance that was the painter and his subject.
Peter sighed as Jamie looked at his art work in total rapture. "What's the point of being a man of steel if I can't ever resist a puppy dog face?"
"Hey," Jamie replied, "You know you love the puppy dog face."
"No I love you, the face is just a bonus," Peter concluded.
Jamie laughed as Peter put his arms around her again, "Yeah well, you're grill isn't so bad either," she said and smiled wide looking up into his face. Peter looked down at her a chuckled too. When she looked at him, Jamie realized she had never laughed so lightly and as deeply as she had when she was with Peter. Before she met him, things had always been too serious for her to laugh; now though, she was always in good humor.
"Oh Jamie," Peter said, "I forgot to ask you before I left, but, well, would you like to spend Christmas with me and my family in Russia?" Every year during the winter, students went back to their homes if they had them to spend the holiday with their relatives. The past two years Peter had always brought something back for Jamie as a gift. The first year they were together he had brought her a porcelain doll. The doll had dark brown hair and hazel colored eyes. She wore a maroon dress with brown fur lining on the dress, coat, and hat upon her head. The tiny fingers were ornately sculpted and Jamie had fallen in love with the doll at first sight. The next year Peter had brought her a rich, white fur hat and scarf to match. For the rest of the winter season Jamie had worn them; the warm hat and scarf keeping her thoughts with Peter.
Jamie knew how much family meant to Peter and she was honored to be invited to spend time with them. Peter talked about his parents and sister all the time. In fact he had first discovered his mutant ability as he saved his sister, Illyana, from a tractor on their small family farm.
"Oh my God, Peter! I would love to. I can't wait to meet your family. I'm so excited!" She threw her arms around him with stars in her eyes. Christmas was a few short months away and she brimmed with anticipation at spending such carefree, happy time with Peter and his family. Though she could always see and talk to Peter at the Institute there was something about the stressful environment Jamie felt herself wanting to get away from. Though she knew she would never have an officially normal life, one without the constant threat of missions or attacks seemed very appealing at times. Another reason her skin virtually tingled with excitement was because of the thought of spending the holiday with a real family. Having always been on her own she missed out on the feeling that comes with being a family. A blood mother, father, and sibling were something the Institute just could not give her though the people there had most definitely become family. Kess often called her the sister she never had and Jamie returned the feeling.
"So I reckon you told her about Russia?" John called. Kess followed close behind him as they strode down the path to Peter's setup.
"Yeah he did," Jamie said in rapturous joy. Then her expression changed to one of worry, "But what about you guys?" The last thing she wanted to do was abandon her family-like friend on the holiday made for families.
Kess laughed, "Don't worry we are going to Egypt to have Christmas with the family in Cairo I stayed with." Though Jamie knew very little about Kess' past she did know that the girl had virtually no family left but for various people she lived with on her passage to the States.
"Jamie, we might have to drop them off on the way to Russia," Peter explained.
John chuckled a bit, "You'll be making snow angels while I get to make sand angels."
"Hey you're the one that wanted to travel," Kess reminded him.
"I know darlin', I'll make my angel look just like you," he put his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.
"How did you escape that mental hospital?" Kess said sarcastically though she didn't try to hide her smile. His crazy antics were one of her favorite qualities.
"Well don't forget," John said, "Next year is with my family. They have been bugging me about when you were coming back. Forget asking about when I'm coming home, they just want to see you." Jamie and Peter laughed and Peter gave Jamie a nod to verify the statement.
"Well that's completely understandable," Kess replied with a grin, "I mean, I'm such a good influence on you. Your mom said so. Oh I just love your family John. They are so close." Kess had never had much in the way of a family she could call hers but she had one in John's. They had practically adopted her as soon as the met her. John younger sister, Holly, looked up to her and John's dad was always asking about her. Calling her daughter-in-law already his mother routinely called her to chat. The strong bond between the Fullers was extended to Ms. Creed and for it she was grateful.
"Yeah," John laughed, "Plus they give good gifts."
The group of four began to walk back to the mansion as dinner time rolled around. The whole way John wore a mischievous grin until Peter finally asked him.
"What are you smiling about dude?" he inquired curiously.
"Oh nothing," he said enticingly nonchalantly.
"Come on John what is it?" Jamie asked.
John looked at Jamie then at Kess before he said, "Oh I just got tickets and backstage passes to the AFI/Godsmack concert tonight. Nothing really." He continued walking as the others stopped. He turned around, hands in his pockets, as he walked backwards and said, "Yeah I know, I'm he man. You don't have to say it. No applause necessary."
Peter was silent and Jamie was to the point of overflowing. She gave him a huge hug as Kess just leaned back and said, "AFI? I know there was a reason I stayed with you this long."
They all continued back to the mansion and chatted busily about the concert.
"You girls go get ready and we'll meet you in the garage in an hour. That was we can eat first," John said.
The girls ran upstairs to their adjoining room. Jamie thumbed through her closet looking for clothes to wear. "Hey Kess," she called from her room, "What are you wearing?"
"This," she replied. She had already changed into a black AFI tank and black pants. She turned around to reveal the thick pink stripes that spanned the width of the pants all the way down to the bottom. On her arm was a back, zip-up hoodie and a pair of black boots adorned her feet. She was still French braiding her hair into one long braid.
Jamie laughed a little, "You're so awesome," she said.
Kess smiled and shrugged her shoulders. She stared at Jamie for a moment then said, "Wait right here," she left her room and returned with a thin white box with a name on the top. "I was saving this for Christmas but I think you should have it now. Go on, open it."
Jamie took the box and looked at Kess with a big smile. She opened it and took out a Godsmack band shirt. "Oh Kess! You're shouldn't have!"
"Sure I should have! Sorry it's not wrapped. So you like it then?"
"Like it? I love it almost as much as I love you."
"Oh you love me? Really?" she said dramatically. "So you'll finally breakup with Peter so we can run away together?"
"Absolutely" Jamie said, "Well can he come too?"
"I guess so, I might bring John as well." The girls laughed and Jamie changed into her shirt and a pair of jeans and her bright green chucks. "Grab a jacket too, it might get chilly and the concert is in the amphitheater downtown." Jamie did so and they hurried down to the garage.
The guys were waiting as Peter finished up giving an excited tour of the new car. John looked up and smiled, "You gave it to her already?" he asked Kess referring to the Godsmack shirt.
"Yes she did," Jamie answered.
"Well we're off then I guess," Peter said. "Everybody in and I'll drive us to dinner."
Jamie sat in front with Peter while they drove and he promised to let her drive the car home, "You're such a softie," John said, "You'd let her do anything."
"Oh please," Peter retorted. "It's not like Kess doesn't have you wrapped around her finger."
"Hey he wrapped himself there, I wasn't a part of it at all," Kess said in defense of herself.
Once they arrived at the little diner they were eating at they ordered quickly. After a short supper of cheeseburgers and peanut butter pie they headed out again making their way to the downtown amphitheater. John had truly out done himself with floor tickets. There was already a huge crowd outside the doors. Only floor and first lever seating was being allowed in because of the unmanageable crowd.
Once they got inside they found places near the stage and waited for the show to begin. Kess and Peter talked about the mission they had gone on which had turned out to be a fairly minor deal, at least compared to what they done before. Jamie was greatly intrigued and interested in their stories and she itched for her own chance at action which seemed so far away still. Before they knew it the place had filled up and AFI had taken the stage. Everyone went wild with screams and rock fists as soon as they started the "The Leaving Song Pt II". Jamie looked over as John and Kess danced and sang along with the words. Everyone around her was moving, jumping, and screaming. It was then that she realized the building was very dark; she started to get a little nervous until Peter put his hand on her shoulder. "Can you see?" he asked, but before she could answer he had lifted her onto his shoulders. Jamie was surprised at first but as soon as she got used to the height she started singing along and shouting too. After a set of "Silver and Cold", "Bleed Black", and "This Celluloid Dream" in addition to many others AFI said they farewell and the fans screaming escorted them offstage.
"I can't wait to see them backstage," Kess said while the roadies set up equipment for Godsmack, "They are my absolute favorite band."
"And don't we all know it," John commented, earning him an elbow in the stomach from his girl friend.
Before they knew it the whole place went entirely black. Frightened Jamie searched for Peter's hand. She couldn't stop thinking about what had happened the last time she was in total darkness. A spot light came on and Sully Erna looked out on the crowd. With a "Hello New York" he began the main part of the show with the song "Keep Away". After a well loved blast from Godsmack past set including "Bad Religion" and "Whatever" he moved on to the blood pumping "Vampires". After another half hour of screams, rock fists, dancing, and moshing he came to a close with the infamous "I Stand Alone".
Disturbing memories surged in Jamie's mind and she said to Peter in a worried voice, "This is the song that was playing when I, when I, when I went crazy."
Peter lifted her back to his shoulders ad said comfortingly, "Don't worry Jamie, nothing will happen while I'm here. Don't let it get you down, this is your favorite song."
Jamie smiled, "You're right, thanks," she said and screamed her heart out for the rest of the song.
After the concert ended and the band left the stage people began slowly filing to the doors. Kess, John, Peter, and Jamie all walked to the door below the stage with their backstage passes showing. They were led to a room where they waited for the bands to come out.
They had only sat there for a little bit when a second pair of doors opened and the band members of AFI and Godsmack came into the room. "Jamie?" Sully Erna of Godsmack said.
Jamie's face lit up and she ran to hug the front man of her favorite band. Who was also the man who had taught her how to play poker. "It's so great to see you all!" she said. "I want you to meet my friends."
Kess, John, and Peter all stared with their mouths open. "You know each other?" Peter asked confused.
"Know each other?" Robbie Merrill, bass player for the band asked, "We're practically family."
"But how, wait what didn't you tell us Jamie?" Kess said.
"Well for a while I worked as a roadie for these guys," she replied, "That was when I first got into good music. I got to listen to them all the time as they practiced before shows. It was neat being on the other side of the stage this time," she said. Sully still had an arm around her shoulders. Jamie and the band reminisced about their past and Peter listen intently while Kess and John spent most of their time with the members of AFI. All too soon the night was coming to an end and the kids were needing to get back to the mansion.
"We'll come back soon sometime," Tony Rombola said, "Now that we know where you are, we'll have to visit, see how many concerts New York can take." He winked at her and she smiled.
"I'll miss you guys, keep in touch okay?" she said. They agreed to and eventually the two groups parted. They left the amphitheater as midnight came around, "That was such a great concert," Jamie said.
"It was amazing," Kess agreed. She still sat in the back with John while Peter let Jamie take the wheel on the way home.
They rode through town with the music blaring until they came to a stop light, "We're being followed," Jamie said coolly. Before the words had left her lips a gang of bullet bikers surrounded them. They all carried guns visibly and Kess' eyes narrowed when she saw them.
"I don't like guns," she whispered venomously.
"Keep it cool Kess," John said and rubbed her shoulder. "Nothing's going to happen."
One of the bikers pulled close up to Jamie's side of the car and Peter made himself clearly visible to him with one hand on Jamie's shoulder. "Moses requests your presence at tonight's drag by the warehouses," he said.
"Lead the way," Jamie said just as cool as ever. Peter still had a glare on his face and Kess began to take on a more and more reptilian form. Easy going as he was John focused on keeping Kess calm. "Don't worry guys, everything will be alright."
The bikers still surrounded the car and they made their around town. "We're going to get in some serious trouble Jamie," John said, "We have a curfew and believe me, the Professor doesn't go to easy on people who break curfew, especially for something like this."
"I'll take the wrap for it," Jamie tried to reassure him, "Besides if we don't go then we would have to use our powers and that's not an option now is it? Chill out, we're just going for a test drive." She had everything figured out in her head though John still regarded her with an unsure look.
They pulled up to the warehouse where five other cars were parked outside and Jamie pulled the RX in front of the middle one and got out. After she did the other got out as well and a large man exited the car she was in front of. As men go he was enormous, weighing at least 300 pounds. Other men got out of the four remaining cars and sat on the hoods of their respective automobiles.
"Jamie girl!" the large man exclaimed.
"Yo what's up Moses?" Jamie replied as she walked to where he stood in front of his car.
"Not much girl, I heard you were in town with a new ride, news travels fast you know, and I thought you might want in on some action," he explained. "Come on honey, give me some sugar!"
Jamie gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, it was clear they were old friends. "So what's the game?" she asked.
"Quarter mile drag down the railroad behind the warehouse, then a sprint through down town and back," he replied.
"Skip the sprint Mose, How about a drag eliminator?" she questioned.
"Hey sounds good to me girl. Too much fuzz down town anyway," he replied.
While they spoke Kess cast a suspicious glare at all the other people around them. John kept a cautious eye on his girlfriend and Peter did the same on Jamie. The three stood next to Peter's car while she talked wondering when she had time to street race and why they had never heard about it. It disturbed Peter some because he liked to think he knew everything about Jamie but he kept being proved wrong.
"While we wait for an audience why don't you introduce me to your crew," Moses said.
"Oh yeah Moses this is Kess." Kess nodded to him and he returned it. "This is John, Kess' boyfriend."
"What up playa?" Moses asked. John said nothing back and his grip on Kess' shoulder tightened.
"And this is Peter," Jamie said with a big smile.
"This your boo?" Moses said. "You have quite a girl on your hands," he said and offered Peter a hand to shake.
Peter took it firmly and shook it stiffly, "Yeah I keep noticing," he said with a somewhat angry look directed at Jamie. Why didn't she tell me about this? He wondered, What else is she keeping from me?"
"Oh here comes your public," Moses said breaking Peter's thoughts. From every direction dozens of cars pulled into o lines making the boundaries of the quarter mile track. Cars of all colors swarmed around reminding Jamie of a rainbow. "Alright shortie, time to meet your prey." Moses led her away from her friends. She was excited and entirely comfortable with the situation though her friends were not. Kess was used to the street crowd and John had no problem with new situations, but Peter was practically livid.
"Alrighty boys!" Moses called to the four guys standing in a group talking. "This is James Logan. She's gonna be racing with you tonight. Jamie this is Rusty," he said pointing at a red haired guy.
"How you doing sweet thing?" he said looking her up and down.
"Hey she's out of your league dork," said the guys to his right. "Name's Dean. Lose your ride. Who tweaked it?"
"I did," Jamie replied with a smirk. In front of the guys she and Moses kept a professional relationship instead of their friendly one.
"That's Nitro," Moses said pointing to another man.
Nitro was a dark looking guy with plenty of attitude. He walked up and got in Jamie's face, "We're supposed to race this amateur? Why don't you stand on the side and watch bitch."
Jamie grinned chillingly, "You know I'm glad I'm racing you, your car is a piece of junk. We'll see how cocky you are after I beat your ass into the ground punk. What are the stakes Moses?" she asked without taking her eyes from Nitro.
"We race for slips, but that's the final round. The pots at a thousand. The odds on that you'll win," he replied also keeping a steady eye on Nitro.
"What do you think they're talking about?" John asked as they watched.
"Hey you okay Peter?" Kess asked noticing the expression on Peter's face.
"I'm fine," he said as if it took effort. Only a fool wouldn't be able to see his anger.
"Don't worry big guy, she's fine," John tried to comfort. Peter's face remained mad but his eyes were sad.
"I don't even know her," he replied softly without taking his eyes from her. His usually happy and bright eyes were clouded by something that resembled the hurt feeling caused when one is betrayed by the person they love most. Though Peter knew Jamie would always be everything to him he wished she would at least share some of her life with him. He felt like a dead weight to her, as if he were unimportant. His shoulders sagged a little as these thoughts ran though his mind.
The meeting broke up and Jamie approached the others keeping her business face on until she got closer to them and loosened up. "Well we're all ready to go. This should be easy as pie," she said rubbing her hands together. Peter still had a look of betrayal on still and Jamie walked over to him, "What's wrong babe?" she asked.
"I'm fine," he replied, jerking his arm away from her touch. His voice said 'go away' and Jamie was confused as to why he was acting the way he was.
"James, time to get fast girl," Moses called. She walked away looking back at Peter with a thoughtful look on her face.
"Good luck," John and Kess said.
"Thanks…"Jamie replied as she got into the Mazda and pulled off to the starting line.
"Good luck pretty girl," Peter said to himself sadly.
Jamie pulled up to the starting line and put on her sunglasses. Ever since the situation in the Danger Room her eyes had become extremely sensitive and the light from all the cars irritated them. She was also upset from what Peter had said and she could feel her eyes tears up. "Gotta focus," she said to herself. She turned her head and peered over her sunglasses to see Nitro glaring at her 4 cars down. He revved his engine trying to look intimidating. She raised her eyebrow and gave him a look that said 'you are messing with the wrong girl, jackass'. She shook off his act of male ego easily and turned her eyes to the track. She turned on the CD player in the car and heard the song "Burn, Burn" by Lostprophets. Kess had put her cd in the car before they left and Jamie was thankful for the good music. She turned up the radio because she didn't need to hear the engine; somehow she just knew it inside and out. She was so in-tune with it it was like a part of her.
One of the women on the sidelines walked out in front of the cars. She was skimpily clad and raised her arms to get the adrenaline of the men going. She smirked to herself and the cars revved their engines. Fire burst out of Nitro's car with each rev. Jamie had her hands tight on the wheel and stick and she felt her body become one with the automobile as she watched the woman. She dropped her arms and they were off. There wasn't much competition with Jamie in the lead followed by Nitro. She crossed the finish line in 31.2 seconds. Wayne was out of that one. The other three races went by in almost no time at all until all that was left was Nitro and Jamie. They pulled their cars up to the line. "You ready to lose" Nitro asked Jamie.
She turned her head to look at him, "Not really, no, you?" she said venomously. Kess had been chosen as the starting girl for this race and she walked confidently out in front of the cars. A few guys whistled and she gave them a truly reptilian glare and John punched the arm of one guy next to him that whistled. She stood between the two cars and raised her arms and looked at Nitro and Jamie. She dropped her arms and the cars blew past her, Jamie well ahead of Nitro. She crossed the finish line in 28.3 seconds making her the winner.
She got out of the car as did Nitro who was livid, "You cheated bitch!" he exclaimed. "Your friend gave you a signal and you cheated!"
Jamie looked at him coolly but her anger was starting to flare. She was getting tired of dealing with this idiot, "No I didn't" she said calmly but a hint of warning was in her voice.
"I want a redo you cheating bitch," he concluded.
"Boy I could beat you with my eyes closed and blindfolded," she said angrily with no sarcasm in her voice.
Nitro grinned, "Fine, if you beat me blindfolded I admit defeat," he offered.
"Fine by me moron," Jamie replied and walked to the car and got out a black scarf Kess had been wearing that night. She turned the car around and on the line. She got out and said, "Do you want to tie it on so it's not questionable?" she asked with mock seriousness.
Nitro walked over and took the scarf from her and she turned around so he could tie it on. As he tied it he put his mouth next to her ear and spoke so only she could hear, "You know, if you weren't a threat you could be worth something to me. Hot girls like you…" he paused as his body got closer behind hers.
Jamie turned around, the blindfold on her eyes, "You have three seconds to get off me you dumb-ass," she said the most frightening tone Nitro had ever heard. Even with the blindfold on she could tell how much she had intimidated him and fury coursed through her like blood. He backed away and got into his car. Jamie did the same as if she didn't have anything obstructing her view. Once inside the car she closed the doors and let herself adjust to having no sight. Her other senses took over instantly and her touch, taste, sound, and scent became her eyes. She caught the scent of a cigar, A cheap one at that, she laughed to herself.
Moses walked in between the cars, "Everybody ready?" he shouted. The two racers revved their engines, "1…2…3…Go!" As he spoke the cars zoomed past him and Jamie could feel each sensation as she shifted. She listened to the car and felt her body become one with it. She counted in her head how long to drive because she knew the length of the previous races and was surprised to find that she could no longer sense Nitro's car near her. Once she crossed the finish line she knew she had won from all the screams and cheers. She slammed on the breaks and turned the wheel making the car spin 180 degrees to face the finish line. She sat for a minute letting this event sink into her mind. She noticed the smell of the cigar again and then it was gone. She took off the blindfold and got out of the car. Everyone surrounded her and congratulated her on her victory. Jamie learned that Nitro used his nose too early and his engine was blown.
An obviously frustrated Nitro got out of his car and walked slowly over to where Jamie stood. "That doesn't mean a thing," he started.
Jamie put her hand up, "Keep your car you idiot, I don't want a piece of crap with a blown engine on my hands."
"Bitch," he muttered again under his breath.
Jamie snickered, "Call me next time you want to lose again," she called as he walked away with his head down.
Moses pushed through the crowd that had begun to form and handed her a nice pile of cash, "Here you go," he said, "You deserve it. That was some of the best driving I've seen in my whole James. Promise me you won't let it go. We need a good driver like you out there. Make the races worth watching." He winked at her and she smiled back.
Without counting the money Jamie got back in the car where Kess, John, and Peter already sat. "Damn Jamie," Kess said, "That was awesome, you put that jerk in his place."
"I must say, you are the guru of driving," John added as he and Kess cuddled in the back.
Peter sat in the passenger seat his eyes staring out the window seeing nothing in particular. The look of anger and betrayal was still clearly written on his face. Sensing the tension between them Kess said, "Don't you think she did great Pete?"
"Yeah fantastic," he replied with a voice that made his feelings obvious. Jamie frowned and they road in silence.
It was about 2:30 in the morning when Jamie pulled the car back into the garage and Scott turned on the lights. "You're late, the professor wants to see you in his office," he said in his usual commanding voice.
Jamie, without even looking at her friends, got out of the car and started inside towards the office. John, Kess, and Peter lagged behind because even though Jamie had never seen the professor that mad they had and were nervous about seeing him again under such bad conditions.
Jamie entered Xavier's office before her friends. The Professor sat in his robe at his desk with Logan behind him against the wall. "Before you say anything Professor I take full responsibility for all of this. They had nothing to do with it, it's my fault." Logan noticed the same look of maturity on her face that he saw the day of Peter's accident. Kess and John entered a moment after that thankful that Jamie was taking responsibility. Peter was a moment longer and he lingered in the background watching. His heart ached for Jamie but he was still upset over the events of the night.
Scott came in as Jamie finished her confession and said, "How could you have been so irresponsible Jamie? Did you plan to meet those guys? Make it look like an accident? Just so you could have some kicks? You didn't - "
"Scott! Shut the hell up!" Jamie exclaimed, tired of being accused of things. "No I didn't plan to meet up with Moses. A few years ago I came to New York for a job and I met Moses when he brought his car into the garage I was working in. He needed some new shocks and rims. When he saw how interested I was in cars he asked me to a race. And from then on it's nothing. Drag racing isn't that big of a deal when you know what you're doing. I was in complete control of the situation. Would you rather I kill them all? I highly doubt that would be a good idea so back off me Bub," she concluded.
"You are out of control Jamie! And your attitude is not helping the situation," Scott continued, "I am suspending you from the garage for two months," he stated.
"What! You can't do that!" Jamie cried. "Professor can he do that?" she asked, knowing the professor was the one in charge not Scott. Peter knew that banning her from the garage was like tearing a piece of her soul out and he felt sympathetic to her.
"I think it would be best to spend some time out of the garage Jamie, but only for a month," he replied calmly.
"This is friggin' ridiculous. Professor you knew what was going on. You're whole psychic thing told you where we were. Plus you knew too!" she said turning to Logan. "I could smell those cheap ass cigars you smoke! I knew it was you! So I don't see what the big deal is. I didn't use my powers and no one got hurt. I am assuming total responsibility; I didn't lie about where we were. What the hell do you want from me?" Jamie turned and started out the door.
"Where do you think you're going?" Scott asked as is if Jamie was a convict.
Jamie turned around and threw something to the professor. Her eyes blackened over as she spoke, "For a walk," she said and walked out the door slamming it so hard it broke in half.
"What did she give you professor?" Scott asked.
The professor raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Twenty thousand dollars," he said. Kess' mouth dropped and John whistled. "She wants me to give it to the children's home down the street." Xavier had heard her request telepathically when she had tossed the money. He put the money in his desk drawer and thought silently for a few minutes. When he spoke he was serious, "So what is your opinion on what happened tonight?" he asked the remaining people in the room.
"Honestly sir, I trust Jamie with my life," John said.
Kess nodded in agreement, "As do I. She would never let us be in harm's way."
The professor looked at Peter, "What's on your mind Peter?" he asked him and sat back in his chair. Why are you so angry? he added telepathically.
When Peter gave no reply but his consistent frustrated look Kess spoke up, "Pete, are you honestly still mad at her for tonight?" she asked astonished. Peter looked her square in the eyes and her gaze never wavered. "You are such a jerk," she said with disbelief. Then she walked out of the room to follow Jamie. John looked at the professor then to Peter then, without a word, left as well for his room.
Peter punched the wall and left without an answer to the Professor's question. Only Xavier, Logan and Scott were left in the room. "You were too easy on her Professor," Scott said in his opinion.
"Scott I must say that you handled that situation in a less than professional manner," the Professor replied coolly.
Logan snickered, "I think someone is a little jealous that he's the third best driver in the school. Professor I saw her, she knows what she's doing," he said as he turned to leave.
"Who's number one? You?" Scott said knowing how highly Logan thought of himself in the field of cars.
"No Shades, I'm number two," he said over his should and walked out.
Logan found Peter on the roof just a little bit later looking at the stars, "Hey Russkie," he said as he approached Peter from behind.
"Go away Logan," Peter said in a monotone without moving.
"Sorry kid, I have to keep you from making the biggest mistake of your life," he replied as he sat down next to Peter.
"What do you know?" Peter asked annoyed, "I feel like I don't even know her anymore. The whole drag racing thing. It's like she had a whole life that I didn't know about, that I wasn't a part of."
"Well kid, you have secrets that you are still waiting for the right moment to tell her. I'm sure she was going to tell you. Just the opportunity came before she could tell you verbally. How do you think she knows the acceleration speed for almost anything with wheels?" he concluded.
"She could have gotten hurt Logan," Peter said quietly.
"Kid, she's invincible, and well, she's Jamie. You know as well as I do that nothing bad will happen to her, cause we're here. Me because she's like a sister to me, and you because you care for her more than anything in the world," Logan stopped as he saw the flicker of a confident smile creep across Peter's face as he realize the wisdom and truth in Logan's words. "So don't be crazy comrade." He stood up and walked back to the door that led inside leaving Peter to think about his words.
"Well, he's right," Peter said to the stars, "I love her too much to let this bother me."
Jamie sat on the hill under the oak that overlooked the mansion. She had thought long about what happened that night. Kess had gone outside to console her but left when Jamie told her she was staying outside for a while. Scott had come by to apologize for the way he acted and getting the apology out was like pulling teeth. Jamie laughed as she thought about it and was relieved that her punishment was now only limited to a single week with no garage access.
"I'm going to buy you better cigars for Christmas," she said over her shoulder, "Those things smell like shit."
Logan walked out from the edge of the woods, "You can get me some from Russia when you go with Colossus," he replied as he leaned against the tree she sat under.
"I don't think he'll want me to go now. I was going to tell him when we were alone but I didn't get the chance. It just never came up," she sighed, "He probably hates me now. I don't blame him," she ended as she looked up to the sky. The same sky Peter was watching up on the roof. "What time is it by the way" she asked Logan.
"Quarter till five," he replied after consulting his watch.
"Great, now I can watch the sun come up. Might as well, I've been sitting here so long.
Peter looked over his shoulder as he sensed someone familiar, "You have a visitor," he said when he saw Peter's large form emerge from the woods.
"I know," she said without taking her eyes away from where the sun was going to come up. Logan started to walk away when she said, "Thanks Logan."
"Anytime kid," he called back as he passed Peter.
Peter walked up behind Jamie, "I'm sorry for not telling you about Moses and everything. I meant to," she said as she continued to stare at the horizon that was beginning to lighten from midnight black to navy blue.
Peter looked down at her to see a tear slowly descend down her cheek. He knelt down and wiped it away with his thumb. She still didn't look at him and he could see that she was ashamed. As he knelt by her he sighed, "I should just know by now that you are full of surprises," he informed her.
"I don't mean to be, there's just a lot of things that have happened to me. I don't want to overwhelm you," she finished.
"Well I'm not going anywhere so you've got my whole life to tell me," he told her. He slid his arms around her shoulders in a warm, tight embrace. They didn't talk; they just watched the sun come up. Like two lovers in an angelic painting the sky illuminated them like fire. A fire that matched their love.
