Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men. I created Evie and the rosy world she lives in.

A/N: Life must be busy out there. My reviews are way down. I decided to continue on with my postings. I hope it's not moving too slowly. I want to move on but not miss out on stuff I think sounds cute.

We're All Family

Chapter 7

Just then a young woman approached the podium and attempted to get everyone's attention. "Good afternoon. On behalf of Dr. Winslet, I would like to thank all of you for showing your support by coming out today. I'm sure you will find his ideas refreshing and very interesting. Dr. Winslet likes to keep his meetings a little less rigid and formal. He will be glad to entertain questions and comments but please keep them for the time after his lecture. Knowing that you have given your time during this holiday week to be here, the doctor would like to keep to the scheduled time table as closely as possible to be sensitive to those of you who need to leave to do all that last minute shopping." She paused as a chuckle circulated the room. "And now it is my honor to introduce to you, Dr. Nicholas Winslet." Everyone applauded as Dr. Winslet walked into the room and to his place at the podium. Another younger man walked by his side and sat in the chair set for him.

Jean and Evie sat in silence as they listened to the lecture. From their place, the view of the young man who had come in with the good doctor was obscured. Evie tried to concentrate on what Dr. Winslet was saying but by the break; she had only heard about half.

"Evie," Jean could sense the whirlwind of emotions coming from her friend. In an effort to distract her she now spoke with a smile. "Can you help the fat lady up? I think I need to take a walk, if you know what I mean."

Evie looked at her then smiled sympathetically. "I guess two hours is about your limit."

Jean nodded, "My back is getting stiff, too. Walking around will help. Can I ask you to get us something to drink at the refreshment table while I'm gone?"

"I would be happy to. I'll be right here when you get back." Evie watched her friend walk away with her hand over the small of her back. I'd forgotten about the stiff back. I guess there's a lot I have to look forward to. Evie smiled as she shook her head and turned to get their refreshments.

The computer beeping its completion brought Adam out of his thoughts. He turned in his chair to read the results now appearing on his monitor. He smiled as he raised his chin into the air, "Kitty, would you please come into the lab."

Kitty was sitting by Shalimar as they watched the boys playing one on one in the hangar since the Helix was gone. Play stopped as Jesse held back his throw when he heard Adam call Kitty. He didn't miss the way Kitty and Shalimar looked at each other. As they both got up to leave, he passed the ball to Brennan and stepped aside. "Kitty?"

"Um, it's ok, Jess. I asked Adam to check into something for me. I'll…be right back." She smiled and quickly followed Shal out of the bay.

Jesse turned to Brennan who had just put the ball in the basket. "No points," he complained.

"Not my fault…you gave up the ball," Brennan countered.

"Yeah, I know…Kitty's fault…What's going on?" Jesse looked back at the closed bay doors. "She's been acting weird for a couple of days. You don't think she's…"

"Hey, not by me. You're the one she sleeps with." Brennan walked up and punched Jesse's shoulder as he brushed off the glare Jesse turned on him. "Let's go find out."

As the boys walked into the lab; they found Kitty in the scan chair not at all looking happy as a scan was just finishing. Shalimar was by Adam's side as they waited for the monitor to relay the results. Jesse moved to her side. "Kitty, what's wrong?" His voice was soft and full of concern.

"Jesse, I was feeling so emotional lately that I thought maybe…well, I had Adam check to see if maybe we were gonna have another baby."

"And…" he looked up to Adam with a smile.

"I ran scan and blood. She's not pregnant," Adam turned and saw the joy disappear from the would-be father's face only to be replaced by concern.

"Then, is there something wrong?"

"No." Adam walked up to them and put his hand on Kitty's arm rubbing it gently. Brennan and Shalimar stood behind him. "I just matched this scan with her last full check up. They match. You're in perfect health."

"Then why all the tears?" Shalimar asked.

"I don't know." Adam looked at her as he considered the possibilities. Turning back to Kitty he smiled. "If it happens again, let me know."

After the break, Dr. Winslet came back to the podium, alone this time. He wrapped up his speech and asked for a few questions, promising to stay after the conference to allow for more. A few more minutes past and he closed the floor. "I would now like to introduce to you a young man with extraordinary talent and a very bright future. He is young but don't let that fool you. His brilliant work with pediatric and prenatal surgery is absolute cutting edge, blending technology and knowledge to produce repeated success. I have had the honor of sponsoring him through his internship and look forward to seeing where his genius leads the field. Please welcome, Dr. John Adam Kane."

Evie's heart stopped as the applause around her faded into the scenery. All she could see was the man walking up the aisle shaking hands with people he passed on his way to the risers. So absorbed in her own thoughts, she barely heard the gasp Jean let out. As the young man approached, her heart stopped. Evie was in an aisle seat and he turned in front of her and extended his hand. Without a thought she automatically followed suit of the people around her and shook his hand for the brief moment he was there as he continued on oblivious to her situation. Behind the microphone, he began to speak but Evie couldn't focus enough to understand his words. How he said them, though, was very clear to her. This young man was not raised in this country.

"Evie, now don't jump to any conclusions without all the facts." Jean leaned toward her with a whisper.

Evie looked dumbly at her then turned back to stare at the Kane before her. She sat unmoving, listening to his voice as it rang familiar enough to her to stun her now racing heart. It wasn't until she heard his next words that she actually gasped in her next needed breath.

"My mother and I have decided to make our home here. I look forward to working in the area and to helping as many…,"

The rest was lost.

But it wasn't lost to the man who sat in the back. He heard everything he wanted to hear.

The conference ended shortly after that. Evie opened the hatch and stepped aside for Jean to enter first. Without a word she sat in the pilot's seat and began the preflight.

Concern led Jean to try and read the woman at her side. She noticed Evie was whispering procedure to herself as she was preparing the Helix for lift off. She had a feeling Evie's conscious mind must have been spinning faster than a top. Worry led her to speak when her reading was met by a brick wall. "Evie, talk to me."

"Not now, Jean. I have to get you home. I have to concentrate." Evie went back to walking herself through the process.

Once the craft was in the air and the destination was set Jean tried again. "Evie?"

"No, Jean, I have to fly this thing." Evie suddenly let out a small chuckle. "Do you know what Brennan and Jesse will do to me if I get one little scratch on her?" Tears began pooling in her eyes. "They really baby this thing." She sniffed. "It's as if she was their first…child." She quickly wiped the tears that fell now as she strangled a sob.

"Put this bird on autopilot, now!" Jean's voice was low and commanding. She watched as Evie followed her direction then she turned both their seats to face each other. "Now, listen to me. You're pregnant and overreacting. You have to calm down."

"Calm down? You want me to calm down? You saw him, Jean." She began to cry into her hands. "His voice, his features; he's Adam, all over, even his genius. He's so young…and…his mother…that's who Adam went to…see." Sobs now broke all control.

"Evie, we don't know anything yet. And even if it is what you think…Adam wouldn't hurt you. You and Nadene are his life." Jean reached to touch Evie's quaking shoulders.

"But what if…" she tried. Just then the Helix beeped its approach to the mansion. Evie wiped her tears and professionally took control of the craft bringing it to a soft landing. Turning back she looked in Jean's face and the tears began again.

"No!" Jean's stern voice shook her from her tears. "That's enough of this wallowing. You're stronger than this." She stood as she grasped Evie's shoulders bringing them both to their feet. "Now, you're going to calm down and come inside with me. I'm not sending you home like this."

"Jean, I have to get home. I have a lot to do and Adam…if he's home…" she couldn't continue as the tears began again.

Jean? Is everything alright? I'm suddenly sensing great sadness through out the house. It began after you landed.

It's Evie, Charles. Can you shield her? We'll be right in. Jean looked back up and shook her head. "See, there's no doubt about it."

Evie looked up confused.

"You're definitely pregnant," she smiled at her friend. "You just made everyone inside want to cry." Seeing Evie's horror stricken face she continued, "It's ok. Charles is shielding you now. Let's go inside."

Adam got a call shortly after clearing Kitty. He wasted no time in gathering a med bag. Anger gripped his mind and heart again as he thought of what that man put his Dria through. He couldn't go to her like this. Last night, he upset her when he showed these feelings. She can't be upset like this. I've got to keep her calm. It will only worsen her condition…a condition she wouldn't even have if it weren't for that…

Adam walked into the house. He had only just arrived and he could already feel the difference. Dria was gone. Christmas that year was quieter than he was used to; a quiet that would forever haunt him.

"Adam, please," his mother begged, "You have to put this behind you. Dria's made her own choices. She wouldn't want you to be moping like this."

"I know but I can't help it. I'm worried about her. All my letters get returned unopened. I even got a call from Andrew, threatening me if I didn't stop trying to contact her." That first lonely Christmas widened the gap he felt in his heart when she was taken from him. Andrew wasn't what he appeared to be. Why could no one see that?

Needing to calm down he left the lab and put his bag in the hall. As he entered the kitchen he found Shalimar and Kitty watching as the kids were 'eating.' He smiled as he moved closer to the children and kissed the tops of their heads. Moving in front of Nadene he cooed, "There you are. Daddy was looking for you."

Nadene smiled and held up a piece of carrot. "Cawwat, Daddy?" She giggled as he took the piece and her fingers into his mouth.

"Umm, yummy. I especially liked the buttery fingers." He smiled and licked his lips.

"Daddies love to do that," Shalimar smiled and shook her head.

"Hey, don't knock it. He's training her to have her man eat from her hands." Kitty smiled as he looked back at her with a slight blush.

"Nothing but the best for my girl," was his try at recovery. Standing up and reaching for a napkin he kissed Nadene again and turned back to the girls. "Did Evie call in? I expected her back before dinner."

"No, she hasn't called. But she should be home soon." Shalimar watched Kitty nod in agreement.

"Listen; give her a message for me. I have to go out. I'm not sure when I'll be home but I'll talk to her when I get in." Adam spoke as he wiped Nadene's hands and face. He missed the concerned look that passed between Shalimar and Kitty.

"Um, ok," Kitty granted. "I'll put a plate aside for when you get back."

"No, thank you. I'll be having dinner out." Adam leaned down and kissed his daughter again then Bryan and Shawna. "I needed to see the kids," he murmured to himself as he walked out.

Evie and Jean sat in Charles office as Jean explained. "Evie's pregnant."

"Congratulations, My Dear. That's wonderful news."

"Thank you, Charles." Evie looked down at her hands and fiddled with her wedding ring.

"There's more," Charles stated the obvious.

Jean looked at Evie. Seeing that she wasn't going to explain Jean did. "We went to see Dr. Winslet speak this afternoon."

"Yes. You told me. Did you get the chance to speak to him?"

"No. He had someone with him. Another doctor; a young man named…John Adam Kane."

"Oh?"

Jean closed her eyes and sent a mental picture of the young man into Charles' mind.

"Oh, I see. Evie, I can only shield you while you are here. You know you need to go back and talk to Adam."

"Yes, Charles. Jean was right. The baby is making me…irrational. Thank you for the shield. It's helping me to think a little clearer."

"Stay here for a while and rest. You can still be home before evening."

"Thank you."

"Yes, what is it?" the man on the phone snapped.

"You told me to keep a look out for Adam Kane…well, I think I have something for you. About time, too. I'm tired of all this medical text book rhetoric. I've been to so many now I feel like I could pass the medical boards."

"You're being well paid. Did you find him?"

"Well, no. He wasn't at the conference but his son was."

"Kane doesn't have a son."

"Are you sure? There's a Dr. John Adam Kane across the lobby right now. He looks a lot like the picture you gave me."

"A son. This could work. Follow him. See what you can find out."

Rest is just what Evie needed. After a short, telepathically induced nap, Evie was thinking clearer and in much better control of her emotions. She thanked the professor and said her goodbyes, focusing on reminding everyone of their anticipated arrival at Sanctuary.

Within an hour she was landing the Helix in its bay. Inside, she sensed everyone gathered in the kitchen and headed straight there. As she walked in the first thing she noticed was Adam…missing. As she greeted everyone with a smile she reached out to her husband. Sadness and fear began to scratch at her already sore heart. Turning a sad look toward Shalimar, her eyes held all her questions.

"He went out," was Shalimar's melancholy answer. "He said he wasn't sure when he'd be back but he'd talk to you then."

As Evie's heart constricted, Shalimar and Kitty gasped as tears welled in their eyes. Their reaction was so obvious that Brennan and Jesse looked at each other in shock before moving to their sides.

"What's going on?" Brennan reached out and pulled Shalimar into his arms as he saw Jesse do the same thing with Kitty.

"Oh,…" Evie gasped and put her hands to her face. "I'm so sorry."

Shalimar and Kitty pulled free of their clueless men and went to her side. "Evie, what's going on?" Shalimar guided her to a seat at the table as Kitty went to get her a glass of water.

"Evie?" Brennan moved back to his seat. "You're doing this?" Suddenly his eyes widened in remembrance as he looked at Jesse and saw the same reaction.

"You're the one who's…" Jesse began.

"Yes," Evie put her head down. Confusion reigned around her and through her sadness she felt it. Taking a deep breath and trying to regain her control she looked up at her family but couldn't speak.

Shalimar understood. "Adam and Evie haven't been connecting very well this last week or so and…well…he keeps disappearing."

"Then he doesn't know," Brennan recognized.

"There's more," Evie managed a whisper. She closed her eyes and sent to them an image and a name. That was all she could get out before the control she tried to hold shattered and she collapsed into tears.

Everyone was shocked at the image…and the implication. Kitty moved closer and wrapped an arm around her. "It's ok, Evie. He'll be home and then you can talk. There's nothing else you can do now but wait. Come on, Shal and I'll help you upstairs." They helped her rise. "You rest for a while and…" Before Kitty could finish, Evie passed out and fell against Shalimar.

Jesse was closest and immediately took her into his arms. Carrying her into the lab he ran a scan and waited for the results. Brennan and Shalimar had followed leaving Kitty with the children in the kitchen. "She's clear," he reported as he read the screen. "Definitely pregnant; looks like under 3 weeks. This explains Kitty crying…Evie's stress levels are way up. That's why she fainted."

"As long as there's nothing seriously wrong,…" Brennan reached for a blanket and covered Evie as Shalimar cut him off.

"Nothing wrong? That's not exactly the way I would describe it."

"No, but…there's nothing we can do." Jesse interjected. "This is for Adam to fix. She's sleeping now. Let's let her alone." He led the way as he turned out the lab lights.

TBC