-Bobby and Sam's room later that day-

Bobby had tossed and turned most of the night. He had finally gotten to sleep after his roommate, Sam, had gotten up for a New Mutant DR session.

He was soon awakened by the cheerful sound of singing birds. Bobby rolled over and threw the comforter off his body, "Stupid birds." He lied in bed for a few minutes longer trying to allow sleep to claim his tired body once more.

He finally swung his legs off the bed in defeat and proceeded to get up. He opened his dresser and grabbed a change of clothes. He then walked out of his room and down the hall into the bathroom.

He was thankful that none of the other people who lived in the mansion were around to ask him what it had felt like to be knocking on heaven's door. He removed all of his clothes and made his way to the shower. As he walked passed the mirror he took a quick glance at himself. When he made it to the shower he turned it on and suddenly realized something. He jumped back in front of the mirror and soon noticed that the right side of his chest was solid ice. He spun around and tried to look at his back, his right shoulder blade was also composed of solid ice.

He closed his eyes, "Calm down Bobby. It's just a new power. Just concentrate and you'll be fine." He took a few deep breaths and began to concentrate.

He waited for what seemed like an eternity and opened his eyes, "Now or never Bobby." He turned around and dropped his head in depression. His chest was still iced all the way through his back. He looked at it one last time and almost laughed at the fact that he could see the towel rack through his chest.

Bobby stepped into the shower and sat on the floor with his knees against his chest and his arms wrapped around his legs, "It isn't bad enough I almost died… now I'm losing control."

He immediately shook his head and stood up. He turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. He dried himself off and put on his clothes. He stared in the mirror one last time before he put on his shirt.

-Several minutes later in the kitchen-

Bobby sat at the kitchen table with a few pieces of fruit. He picked up an apple and slowly bit into it. He chewed rather slowly and started off into space apparently deep in thought, until a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder, completely frightening him.

He turned around in shock and looked into Ororo's eyes, "You scared me."

Ororo cocked her head to the side and examined the boy, "I apologize Bobby. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I called your name twice."

Bobby looked back at his apple, "Sorry. I'm just… distracted."

Ororo smiled down at him, "May I ask what's distracting you?"

Bobby set the apple down and sighed, "Just…" he paused for a second, 'Should I tell her? No I just need some time and everything will be fine.' He turned his attention back to his half eaten apple, "Never mind, I'm fine."

Ororo walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, "Are you sure Bobby? We're all here if you need to talk."

Bobby got up, apple still in hand, and walked towards the door, "Thanks."

-The boy's bathroom several minutes later-

Bobby walked into the bathroom, closed and locked the door, and threw the apple core into the trash. He then proceeded to walk towards mirror and stared into it. After a few minutes of staring he finally removed his shirt and stared at his icy chest with a tear in his eye.

He rubbed his eye and looked back into the mirror, "I can feel it spreading." Indeed the ice had begun to spread across his chest, not by much, but Bobby definitely noticed it. He closed his eyes and tried to will it all away, but no matter how much he tried it just would not go away.

Suddenly a knock came at the door, "Hey frosty you okay? 'Ro said you were acting funny."

Bobby pulled down his shirt and opened the door. He looked at the gruff Canadian and did his best to smile, "I'm fine mister Logan. I just had a lot on my mind."

Logan looked over the boy skeptically, "Come on kid I know what its like to catch a bullet."

Bobby hung his head and began to whisper, "I'm supposed to be dead."

Logan put a hand on his shoulder, "Well look at it this way frosty, some people beg and pray for a second chance and never get it." He began walking away, "Don't waste yours."

-Later that night in the back yard-

Bobby snuck out of the mansion and into the back yard, passed the enormous pool, over the small hill, and into the gazebo at the edge of the lavish estate. He leaned against the railing and looked out into the bay. The water was calm and peaceful, not quite placid but more like the water was resting. Much like he should have been doing.

He was suddenly pulled from the scene, "You've been avoiding me all day," Jubilation said with a hint of sorrow dripping from her voice.

Bobby didn't need to turn around to know how upset Jubilation was. He merely sighed, "I have not."

She put her hands on her hips, "You didn't talk to me at dinner, and you haven't come within ten feet of me all day. So what do you mean 'I have not'?" worry was evident in her accusation.

He still didn't turn around, "I meant that I've been avoiding everyone."

She cocked her head to the side and took a step closer to him, "But why?"

He stood up straight and hesitated for a moment. After a minute or two of waiting he finally removed his shirt, "I… don't know what's happening."

She took a step forward, "Why didn't you tell me?"

He dropped his shirt and sighed, "I guess I thought that it would just go away."

She placed the palms of her hands on his chest. She immediately felt the cold radiating from his body, "Have you tried to transform?"

Bobby shook his head slowly, "I'm afraid I won't be able to turn back."

She looked into his sad brown eyes, "Why?"

He pulled her into a loving hug and she shivered, "That's why… I'm too cold for you to touch now." As he finished his statement he took a step back.

She closed the gap and began speaking assertively, "Bobby I lost you once and I have no intentions of losing you again. It'll just take some getting used to."

He turned his back to her and looked towards the horizon, "I don't want to get used to it."

Jubilation peeked an eyebrow in confusion, "Why not? Kurt seems fine with being physically different."

Bobby turned to face her, "He grew up like that. He doesn't know what life…"

She immediately cut him off, "I understand now Bobby."

He cocked his head to the side in confusion, "You do?"

Her eyes became filled with sorrow, "You're a racist."

He was shocked by her accusation, "What are you talking about?"

She shook her head, "You always felt comfortable as a mutant who could pass for human, but now that you're losing that, you have no idea what to do."

He allowed the words to sink in, "It's true." He dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around Jubilation's legs and pulled them close to his body. Tears began to stream from his tightly closed eyes, "I just don't want to become a big block of ice… that no one will ever want to kiss... because kissing is about warmth… and I'm just afraid of losing that."

She looked down at him and patted him on the head, "It's okay Bobby. I'll keep your secret for you. At least until you're ready to share it."

She helped him to his feet, "You'd… you'd really do that for me?"

She looked longingly into his puffy eyes, "Of course Bobby. I'd do anything I could to help you, because I know you'd do the same thing for me."