I know, I know, this chapter is ridiculously short, but it must be done. And I promise that the next chapter will be up by Friday! I beg for slack, as I have more majors than shoes and just as many part time jobs. I also beg for reviews, because they inspire me to keep writing for your pleasure :) So !review! 'cause you know i love it :D
And GS, I shared the same sick pleasure, remind me to type and send you the line i had originally written.
Chapter 9
"Talking" in Class
A few seconds later, Jean recovered and looked around the hall, thankful that class was in session and that she was not in her study hall, where her outburst certainly would have attracted attention. She quickly gathered her scattered possessions and tore down the hall, simultaneously scanning mentally for any authority figures that might catch her in the act. Grabbing her backpack out of her locker, she quickly threw her books inside and fished her cell phone out of the pocket. "Damn it," she swore softly under her breath, as the number for the mansion rang endlessly. Something was either wrong with the phone lines or with the mansion, because a machine should have picked up her call after five rings. Or a person, she thought darkly. Breathing deeply, she concentrated, seeking out the mental signatures of all of the Institute's students.
Everyone meet in the parking lot after school. Do not go home right away. This is very important, meet in the parking lot after school.
Instantly, the questioning voices began clamoring for her attention inside her head. Sorting through them, she shut them out one by one with bits of reassurance for each, until she found the one she was looking for.
…gonna ring in five minutes, and we only have one more class before the end of the day. What's happening Jean? I need—
Scott, she replied, talking over him a bit, I need you to cover for me in history. Make up whatever lie you have to, just give me the time. I have to reach Jamie over at the middle school and tell him to wait for us instead of catching a ride home, and I need to get a hold of the Professor or Logan and make sure it's safe to go home first.
I've got your back in history, he projected, but what's going on? Why wouldn't the mansion be safe?
Because—she stopped, mentally willing herself to suppress the panic that was threatening to well up inside of her. Because the phone lines at the mansion are down, and because Storm is in trouble.