X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Ninety Five
Author's Word: I honestly did not believe this chapter would get posted today, due entirely to the fact that I've been feeling strange. So, I'm going to go rest but first say thank you to all of you for the reviews. Please welcome Priscilla Diana as well as Amber-Chick to our ever growing family. Thank you both so much for your support and encouragement. Please enjoy and review!
At the horn blowing, Maya called towards the kitchen with, "Mom, Sean's here! I'll see you next week."
"Alright, honey!" Lauren responded.
Starting towards their front door, Maya noticed Lauren's purse opened with contents spilled out across the living room floor. Shaking her head, she picked it up and started repacking the bag. Then she noticed the package of Camel and discreetly slipped it into her jacket pocket before getting up to leave out.
IIIIIII
Sunlight radiating from above reflected off the massive structures, giving the New York City high-rises a mirror like mirage. Outside one apartment house, the two headmasters stooped to admire a box of puppies for sale.
"Were my small son here," Charles nuzzled noses with a golden furred yapper, "you'd most certainly be bought and paid for."
"He can't resist his little one," Erik told the fur ball in his arms.
Charles looked over at him. "And just what would you say to Becky?"
Erik replied, "I'd be a little too busy having a staring contest with the sun to avoid her eyes."
After they returned the small dogs, Charles put forth, "Where to next?"
"Central Park isn't far from here, is it?"
Charles concurred with the suggestion and off they started.
A few blocks later they arrived at their packed destination. Finding an empty bench, they stopped to watch a clown's bottle juggling act.
Once the performance ended, Erik noticed something and tapped Charles' shoulder.
The Professor looked towards the seesaw, unable to mask his delight. "Are you serious?"
Erik answered by getting up. Charles did not hesitate to go along with him. When they each acquired an end, Charles lifted them off.
With a particular gesture of his head, Erik made the iron device do the work for them.
"Erik," Charles laughed, latching onto the hand grip to help the authenticity.
The wizard of metal gave off a half smile. "Joey's been asking about that barn for Xander you promised him. I also thought I could install some playground equipment; give the children more activity during recess."
"And less and less reason to venture beyond the grounds," Charles added knowingly.
"How else are we to ensure their safety?" Erik raised.
Charles countered, "How can we give them the world if they only know our marginal part of it?"
Flicking his wrist, Erik stopped the seesaw suddenly, making Charles topple back with a startled outcry. Before he could fully hit the ground, Erik suspended him by his belt buckle.
Going around, Erik smirked down at him then helped Charles to his feet.
Charles gave him a look. If I have a point, you could simply say so.
IIIIIII
Wooden beam acting as a steady tightrope for her, Cordelia steadied herself before running ahead. When she reached the tip of the plank, she performed a frontal flip onto the mat below her legs together.
"Getting better, Glim," Alex commended. "You're still a little wobbly, though. Did you want to take five?"
She shook her head hard. "Not yet. Let's go for a dozen."
"Half," Alex negotiated.
"Half," she accepted.
Returning to the balance beam, the young gymnast redid the previous move twice, but proved far more than wobbly by the third attempt.
Alex quickly went to help steady her. "Hey, easy. You okay?"
Cordelia nodded, squeezing his strong arms. "I really misjudged it."
"Definite break time," Alex decided, leaving one arm around her as he guided them back to their water bottles.
Cordelia smiled under his touch, pressing a weary hand to his chest.
IIIIIII
Cutting out a circle of construction paper, Becky attached the pink trim to another of the white cards while Jasmine worked on seating arrangements.
"I know Raven will want to be next to Hank. I want to be by Sean, but he'll want to be by Maya." Jasmine hummed thoughtfully, trying to reroute the plan for her own positive outcome.
"Wedding plans, Precious?" Trick entered the recreation room. "Who is this bloke and how many millions does he gross a year?"
Becky explained, "It's for our tea party tomorrow, Trick."
Jasmine looked up. "You can still come, right Daddy?"
"Wouldn't miss it," her father assured. "As for right now, I need to go check on things down at the club. I should be home after dinner." He dipped to kiss her cheek.
"Bye-bye, Trick," Becky said when he pecked her head.
"I'll walk you down, Daddy." Jasmine stood to take his arm.
When they left, Becky picked up the paper to view the seating arrangement. She carefully worked Scott in near her while moving Alex towards Joey.
IIIIIII
"And then the mama and daddy dog jumped through the window and they were growling hard. Then they started beatin' up on those guys and bitin' and clawin'."
Logan looked on as his son got down into the grass to roll about vigorously in reenactment. "Ya don't say. Then what?"
"Then they ran all over with the puppies and they ended up on this car and the crazy ugly lady almost ran 'em off the road, but they made it home. It was great!" Cody sat up. "Daddy, what would ya do if somebody took me?"
"Wait the five minutes for them to hear your mouth and bring ya right back. Or shred 'em," Logan shrugged and knelt down to poke at the boy's little ribcage, "depends how I'm feelin'."
Cody laughed then attempted to nip at the adult fingers.
Sean approached with Maya hugged against his side. "Hey, Code Man."
"Hi, Banshee," the child returned happily as the redhead got down to play with him a little.
Logan looked to the rather quiet Maya. "How was your ma's?"
"Fine," she replied, glancing to the distance.
Sean stood back up and took her hand. "Come on." He led them towards the house.
"How come Smiley's not smiley?" Cody though out loud.
As he watched the young couple go, Logan wondered the same.
IIIIIII
Leaning over the edge of the grand ship, Charles enjoyed a funnel cake and Erik nibbled on a large pretzel.
Soon Charles recognized, "Ellis Island."
"Lady Liberty," Erik noted in turn. "Do you remember the day you first crossed over to this land?"
"I was barely a year old," Charles told him. "And we flew. Not quite the memorable sightseeing experience."
"It's like yesterday for me." Erik went into recollection. "I came over a short time after Magda left me. One of the many low points in my life." He gazed ahead. "This may be the one time in a long while I've visited the city without stopping in on…"
"Alana," Charles filled in. "Brother, I… why her? Why does it have to be her?"
Erik stood straighter. "When she and I first met, I saw something within her but not insanity. It was sorrow, exhaustion, and loneliness. But the mere sight of Frank brought back so much for her. I wanted her to experience that light constantly. Her marriage, our differences, nothing else mattered."
"But it does matter, Erik," Charles emphasized. "I don't only mean for Alana's sake but yours. I know what's between the two of you. I've sensed it time and time again." He grabbed Erik's arm to make the older mutant face him fully. "But you are so much better than being reduced to "the other man"."
"You think I want this?" Erik stated seriously.
Charles responded, "You want her."
Erik became quiet for a few seconds. "What was it like with Emma? To go from secretive mind sessions to being able to declare your love from the rooftops for all to hear?"
The first word to come out of Charles' mouth was, "Jubilance. Not even a year have we been together and I am more in love than I ever dreamed possible. Every single day- whether it's mind to mind, hand in hand, or merely being across the room from one another. That is what I want you to know, brother."
Erik turned away. "I'll never deserve it."
"Stop that," Charles ordered. "Stop this constant putting yourself down, Erik Lehnsherr. You are beyond your past with so much left to experience. We've so much left to experience as a family."
The metal wielder sent a curious gaze over the ship.
"I'd jump in after you again." Charles touched an affectionate hand to his back. "Then proceed to pummel you with your own pretzel."
Chuckling softly, Erik stood straight. "Come. I'll get you a root beer float to wash the rest of that sugar down."
A giddy Charles followed after him.
IIIIIII
When the strong arms coiled around her waist, Kayla lightly protested with, "Excuse me whoever you are, I am married. But that's okay." She turned to look at him. "You're infinitely more handsome."
"That other guy must be some kinda ugly," Logan commented then noticed a piece of paper in one of her hands. "What's that?"
She held it up. "I've been formally invited to tea tomorrow."
He dismissed that with, "Gatherin' of the girlies," then tried to kiss her.
"Just a few minutes and I'll be all yours," she promised, moving over to the coat closet, duster in her other hand. Opening the door, she zeroed in on something on the floor and crouched to pick it up. "Honey, look."
Logan took the package from her. "Looks like somebody around here's got their own stash."
"You're the only adult here who smokes." Kayla stood back up, crossing her arms. "That better not belong to one of the kids."
Giving the pack a whiff, Logan frowned deeply.
Stretched out across a stone bench out front, Maya lethargically flipped through her Accelerated Biology textbook. So gone inside her own thoughts, she failed to notice when the Howletts came up on her; their shadows giving them away.
Kayla spoke first. "Maya, we really need to talk."
The long haired brunette sat up on her knees. "About what?"
Logan clapped the container of Camel down in front of her. "About why these things have your scent all over 'em. Look, I get I'm one to talk, but smokin' does me no harm. You're a whole other story."
"They're not mine," Maya immediately put forth. "I swiped them from my mother." She then quickly realized how that sounded. "She's the smoker, not me. She started up again after my dad died. The doctor's given her all these warnings and she keeps promising to quit, but I keep finding these things around our house. No matter what evidence I show her, she won't listen to me."
Kayla sat down beside her, offering her an arm. "It's alright, sweetheart. We understand."
Maya knelt into the comfort. "I honestly don't know what to do anymore."
"Hey." Logan went around and got down before her. "If this is really gettin' to ya, Kay can go over there tomorrow and have a word with your ma."
"Of course," Kayla agreed.
Maya looked at each of them. "Thank you."
Kayla picked up the cigarettes. "We'll get rid of these then how about helping me with dinner?"
Maya managed a smile and stood with the older female.
IIIIIII
On her way down the hall, Emma spotted her sister who, unsurprisingly, wore sweats with her gym bag draped over one arm.
"It's time for dinner, Cor."
Cordelia paused to look back at her. "I already had a bite. I'm too busy prepping for my tournament for a formal meal."
"I heard that excuse for lunch." Emma then brought up, "Sean noticed you hardly ate anything last night."
The girl scoffed. "I bet he was all too eager to disclose any little bit of dirt he has on me."
"Cordelia," Emma spoke firmly but gently, going to stand directly before her, "I want you to come downstairs and have a real meal."
"I'm not hungry," the teen insisted.
Emma reinforced, "Come down or we can discuss cutting off gymnastics entirely. It's up to you."
Cordelia sighed then formed a tight insincere grin. "I'll go change." She less than merrily headed back to her room.
Emma shook her head and started down herself.
"Looks like Charles and Erik are running late," she observed to the gathered group.
"Hope they're on time for tea tomorrow." Raven showed off her invitation for all to see.
"Yes," Hank said, "it's sure to be the party of the season."
"You two in on this, too, huh?" Logan remarked. He indicated himself and Victor. "You wouldn't catch us at some pansy tea party."
Retrieving the folded paper from his pocket, Victor corrected, "Speak for yourself, runt."
Logan snatched it away and scanned the invitation thoroughly. "VIP seating?" He looked at Victor incredulously.
"Oh, you won't be far from us then," Hank mentioned.
"W- how—" Logan could not believe the table. "How did ya score VIP?"
"Well, I am the co-hostess' brother," Hank reminded with a great deal of pride.
"Why do you care?" Jasmine asked teasingly of Logan.
"Yeah, you called it pansy," Becky said with a singsong to her tone.
When Kayla and Frank came out with the food, the former asked, "Why is my husband sulking?"
"Ain't sulkin'," the clearly sullen one claimed.
Victor laughed under his breath.
During dinner, Emma's attention stayed with the one barely touching anything. "Cordelia, a little more than salad, please."
Cordelia put down her fork entirely. "Why don't you just force feed me, Em? Will that make you happy?"
"What will make me happy is seeing my sister healthy and happy," Emma said matter-of-factly.
"You want to see me happy?" Cordelia challenged. "I'll be happy when I go from a size eight to a four."
"I'll gladly trade your eight for my twelve," Kayla offered only half-kidding.
"This isn't funny," Cordelia snapped, completely frustrated. "I let myself gain weight and now I have to work twice as hard to burn it off. Not that you understand anything about that." She glared over at Emma. "You've always been so boney the neighbors used to spread rumors."
"This is not about me," Emma urged her. "This is about you. Fasting yourself this way won't help you win the gold."
"I shouldn't even have to go after the gold. I am gold," the girl emphasized. "When I'm in my real form, my skills are unbeatable. But no, I have to hide in this body. Why? To make the worthless normals feel good about themselves."
Maya very quickly lost her own appetite.
Sean glowered the disgruntled one's way. "Shut up, Cordelia."
"You shut up," she retorted. "I don't have to silence myself to make your boring girlfriend feel better. You're the only reason she even goes to this school."
Emma started to speak again until Maya got to her feet.
With her eyes firmly on the other girl, she said, "Better to be Sean Cassidy's boring girlfriend than Emma Frost's pathetic pill-popping little sister." She stalked off from the table while Cordelia and several of the others sat stunned.
Sean, Raven, and Hank hurried after her.
Kayla sat disbelievingly while Logan appeared ready to have a very specific discussion with the remaining teenage girl at the table.
Emma glanced sharply towards Cordelia. "Straight to your room after dinner."
Alex turned to her as well. "Nice job, kid."
Finally reacting at that, Cordelia felt a heat forming behind her eyes.
IIIIIII
The intense blasts filled his ears long before he entered the sectioned off space of the basement. There she stood in full facial gear, firing at the target with absolute focus.
"Maya." Logan walked closer, not getting her to stop he took her by the arm and spun her around. "What're you doin' on the range by yourself?"
"They're just blanks," she dismissed.
He held a hand out. "Give it here." He retracted the appendage at the way she gave it over. "You know good and well that ain't the way you hand over a weapon. Act like we're on the field."
She followed procedure now. "Satisfied? The make-believe bullets won't hurt anyone now."
Logan placed the gun down carefully. "Considerin' you just violated a major policy, I'd watch my words if I were you."
"You don't understand."
He stopped her from walking off. "That Cordelia Frost is a brat and a half? Yeah, I got that part."
"Oh?" Maya yanked off her ear and eye protection. "Did you also "get" the part where I have had to handle girls like that for most of my life? That I've barely had any kind of real social circle? After I met Sean, I dreamed about joining this school, about being an X-Man. Then it finally, finally happens and I have to deal with her constantly reminding me that I don't belong here. That I don't belong anywhere, not even in my own home."
Reeling in the now trembling girl, Logan eyed her closely. "Listen to me and listen good. You belong right here. I saw that back up in Canada. Cordelia knows it and that's what got her so riled. That girl don't hate you by a longshot. She'd give her right arm just to be you. Just look at me, Smiley. I'm the bum who can't get invited to a preteen tea party." The corners of her mouth turned up at that. "See, there ya go. That's the way you're supposed to look."
Maya leaned forward against him and his arms went fully around her.
IIIIIII
At her door opening, Cordelia's eyes never left her magazine. "Learn to knock, Em."
"It's not Em."
She looked up. "Raven."
The blue woman stepped forward and went to stand over the bed. "You may not want to talk to your sister, but you are going to listen to me. As soon as Emma walked into our lives, I took every opportunity to let her know I didn't want her here. What you're doing, how you're feeling, I've already been there and have done it better. Keep down this road and you're going to regret it. Especially if you keep making a target out of my best friend." Raven turned on her heel and walked away before she even had a chance to respond.
Cordelia sunk down against her pillows.
IIIIIII
Giggles flew his way as Victor walked into the living room, where Becky and Jasmine had become heavily involved in a pillow fight.
Smiling slightly, he approached them. "Hey pretty girls, got a sec? I need a favor."
Becky looked over with a smile. "Sure, Knight Victor."
The stopped jumping around on the couch and sat calmly.
Victor squatted before them. "More like two favors actually."
"What is it?" Jasmine asked.
"One, how's about lettin' my brother attend this shindig tomorrow? He won't say it, but he really wants in." The pair exchanged a look before nodding in agreement. "Thanks. And the second thing is, stay little girls forever." He wrapped an arm around each, pulling them down to tickle, receiving a whole new wave of giggles for his trouble.
IIIIIII
On her way back to her quarters, Maya paused when she seemed to pick up on faint moaning. Seeing which door she stood outside of, she proceeded in. Finding the room itself deserted, she continued into the bath area. She gasped sharply upon finding Cordelia trying in vain to use the sink to help herself stand, her entire body quivering.
"Oh God… Cordelia…" Maya fell to her knees, arms immediately intertwining her as she tried to help her rise. "Cordy, it's okay." She shouted outside the door with all the volume she had to offer, "Hank, Emma!"
IIIIIII
"There we go, that's it." Hank filled another spoonful. "And one more." The weakened girl sipped it down. "Good." He put the bowl of soup on top of the night stand, smiling at the one in the bed. "That was quite a scare you gave us. How are you feeling now?"
"Better," she replied, voice faint. "Thank you, Hank."
"I'll be in to check on you in a little while." He used his backhand to rub one of her cheeks. "You're not to move, understand?" At her nod, he stood, turning to Emma. "Let her rest soon." He took his leave.
Joey walked up. "Let Bounty stay with you." He settled the rabbit in the bed. "He'll keep you safe." Cordelia smiled gratefully at him and Joey reached over to hug her gently. "I love you, Cordy."
"I love you, too," she whispered, eyes watering over a little. Joey left out and she looked up. "Where's Charles?"
"They'll be back soon," Emma replied, tugging the covers over her tighter. "Is there anything I can get you?"
"I want Charles," she stated honestly.
Unsure of what else to do, Emma kissed her sister's cheek. "I'll be back." She started out.
"Maya," Cordelia petitioned when she made a move to go as well. The longer haired girl looked back. "I wanted to say thanks, but what I really want to say is how sorry I am."
Maya shook her head. "Don't worry about that now."
"No, I have to worry about it now," Cordelia insisted. "I have been horrible to you and you never did anything to me; you never deserved it."
"I just don't understand why," Maya tried to reason.
Cordelia told her, "You're beautiful and so smart and everyone here is simply wild about you. You're the kind of girl boys want. You're who Emma and Charles want me to be."
Maya made a deeply flabbergasted face. "You lost me at… just about everything. You say I'm smart, but people have always called me a nerd. These are the first real friends I've had in a long time because popularity just escapes me. Sean is the best, but he's also the only boyfriend I've ever had. It's nice that adults around here pay attention because my mom has barely been able to focus since my dad. I can't even get her to quit smoking."
Cordelia recalled, "I was home the day my mother finally overdosed. She just swallowed every pill she had available. She didn't care about me, what would happen. Maya, if they don't care why should we?"
"She's all I have," Maya put forth.
Cordelia shook her head. "You mean you're all she has. You have the X-Men now."
Maya formed a small smile, moving to stroke Bounty's fur.
IIIIIII
The moment she felt the headmaster brothers return, Emma summoned their presence into the parlor.
"Emma," Charles acknowledged upon entry. His joy from the day simmered at her expression. "Darling?"
Erik wanted to know, "What happened?"
Emma stood from her chair. "Cordy's been skipping meals to help lose weight. Maya found her on the bathroom floor an hour ago. She's alright now, but she really wants to see you, Charles."
"Let's go then." Charles held his hand out to her.
"No," Emma declined. "She's made it clear she doesn't want me up there."
"She didn't come here to get what she wants," Erik spoke. "She came here to get what she needs and that includes you."
Charles did not lower his hand. "Emma."
At last, the blonde woman latched on with him before they headed upstairs together.
Cordelia sat up in bed, snuggling Bounty in her arms. "Charles." Her face lit up at the sight of him.
The Professor went to her and sat on the bed, pulling her into a hug. "How are you feeling, dear girl?"
"A little off still, but it's getting better." Her blue eyes darkened sorrowfully. "I'm sorry, Charles. I didn't mean to make myself sick."
He kissed her forehead and rubbed her back. "I know, love."
"Cordy," Emma approached, going to lay on the opposite side of the girl, "why didn't you come to me with any of this?"
Cordelia looked at her. "I don't know how to talk to you sometimes. You have Charles and absolutely everything else. I thought you were happier around Maya than me." She turned to Charles. "I can't be like her, but I really want you to love me, anyway."
Charles tugged her over into his lap. "I do love you, baby. I've loved you practically since we met. The moment we left Boston that day I waited for you to come home here." He took Emma's hand again. "I tend to leave a candle burning for my Frost women."
Emma stroked her sister's hair. "Darling, I know we have so much to get through still, but things have to change and they will. I never want you to hurt yourself like this again, intentionally or unintentionally."
Cordelia put Bounty down in order to lay against Emma now. "Do you want me to quit gymnastics?"
Emma and Charles looked at each other and the latter said, "We'll discuss that in due time. For now, we only want you to focus on getting better."
Cordelia nodded and soon drifted off in Emma's arms.
IIIIIII
"I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time."
"No, I still have over an hour before I need to be at work."
Kayla followed Lauren into the living room where both women took a seat on the sofa.
"I came by because Maya is deeply concerned about your health," the darker haired female explained. "She's especially disturbed by your smoking."
"That's Maya," Lauren stated. "She gets straight A's in science and believes she knows everything. Forget the fact that I'm a nurse altogether."
Kayla said pointedly, "Then you have firsthand knowledge on the effects of smoking."
"I have medication for my breathing problems and works just fine for me," Lauren claimed. "I really don't see why Maya felt the need to get her school involved. Ever since her father died she worries herself over the most trivial manners, analyzing everything I do."
"It's really amazing," Kayla commented.
"That's teenagers for you."
Kayla clarified, "Actually what amazes me is that fact that a young lady as intelligent, responsible, and dignified as Maya actually crawled out of you."
Lauren appeared for a moment as if she had just been punched directly in the eye. "Mrs. Howlett—"
"Mrs. Patterson," she cut in sharply, "I'm not quite finished." She stood up. "Boohoo you. You want an eternal pity party because you lost your husband? Men and women marry and remarry. But do you have any idea what it's like for a girl to lose her father? Her first love, her first protector, the constant day-to-day rock in her life? To have such a great man snatched away in less than a breath? I can feel the devastation that courses through Maya every single day, but has she put up twenty different walls to block you out? No, not at all. That little girl goes out of her way to see to your care and well-being, putting aside her own feelings, all out of love for you."
Lauren finally got up. "You just wore out your welcome." She went over to the front door, unlocking and opening it wide.
Kayla headed over, giving her one last look before she stepped out. "You don't deserve her." Not glancing back again, she strolled down the steps and up the street.
Lauren stood frozen, sunlight pouring down on her, until she finally shut her door again.
IIIIIII
A purple and white dress clad Jasmine ran into the living room. "Daddy, the party's starting."
He looked away from the television. "Be right out, Precious."
Jasmine left out and Trick stood and stretched. He started to click off the TV until an abrupt news story covered the screen.
We have received word that shortly before eleven this morning, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed today. Four small girls were killed instantly with several more injured…
Feeling himself pale all over, Trick could do nothing but linger before the screen for nearly a full minute. Eventually, he made his way outside to the festive patio tables containing the members of the household.
"Daddy." Jasmine stood so he could sit down then took over his lap space. She quickly noticed his face. "What's wrong?"
Blinking, Trick put on a smile and held her as close to himself as she could. "Nothing, Precious. Just can't get over the fact that you weaseled Wolverine into joining us."
After the ensuing laughter silenced, Jasmine looked over at Becky, who sat with Erik. "Shall we start?"
Becky turned to all those in attendance. "We have to pray first. Who wants to?"
Trick's hand practically shot up. "I'd like to. Please."
Jasmine smiled at him. "Go ahead, Daddy."
After all heads bowed, Trick gathered his words. "Lord, I know I don't do this as often as I should, but I want to say thank You for allowing us to be here together this way. Each and every one of us, a unique image of You. May nothing ever divide us. Amen."
A resounding amen followed.