Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

201. Chapter 201 Write On

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred One

Author's Word: Hi, fam. Now considering last week's unusual lack of feedback for the 200th chapter, you've all worried me over the idea that many of you were effected by those storms and winds I heard about. Are those of you from that area alright? I hope it's only Ororo playing around. Anyway, please enjoy and review!

Upon his rather grand entry into the dining room, Charles took the time to deliver a jolly greeting to everyone, smooth the hair of several of the boys, and share a short kiss with Emma. However, a much smaller blonde leaping up to cling to his waist caught him before the man could settle into his chair.

"Hi, Daddy!"

"And hello to you, little one." With a chuckle, Charles lifted him for a better hug. "I'm so happy to see you, too." He kissed his head and placed him in his seat then took his own. "Did you have a good day at school?"

Joey smiled, "Sure, terrific. I got an A on the canvas I did for art."

"Excellent," Charles reacted with an approving bob of the head. "I'm thrilled you're enjoying it."

Hating having to play the part of the storm cloud, Emma nudged, "Joey, isn't there something else you need to tell your father about school?"

"Oh?" the Professor eyed his boy again. "Such as?"

Trav said informatively, "Joey made a poor mark."

Cody reached over to poke at him. "Mind your beeswax, Trav."

Logan tugged on the back of his hair. "And you keep your hands to yourself."

Cody retracted the appendages in a display of innocence.

Joey let off a sigh. "I got a C on my forest essay."

"It wasn't exactly a poor mark," Emma tried to placate. "The lower grade was due to stylistic reasons over the content he used. Mrs. Andrews believes he needs work on his handwriting and sentence structure."

"I see." Charles peered over the table. "Sean." At having his name called, the redhead faced him in puzzlement. "You will spend time with Joey after school to help clean his writing up a bit. Starting tomorrow."

Joey protested first with, "But I have art class tomorrow."

"You're also enrolled in art at school," Charles reminded him. "Missing a session or two at the community center to focus on another subject will do you some good."

"Charles, come on," Sean moaned. "I have stuff of my own going on."

"Sean, an hour or so helping Joey won't hinder your social life significantly," Charles said.

Sean jabbed his shoulder Alex's way. "Why can't he help him?"

"Because Alex already assists him enough with school work in addition to his own university load," Charles explained simply before a specific firmness entered his tone. "Now, you will take the time after school to help your little brother and you will stop questioning me every time I ask you to do something."

Sean muttered, "When did you ask?"

Angel, Frank, Scott, and Cordelia darted wide eyes his way.

Charles looked at Sean in such a way that it seemed he could peer straight at his skeleton. "What was that, young man?"

Sean responded with an audible, "Yes, sir."

"Good," Charles nodded, letting it drop.

Erik made his way into the room and said, "I'm sorry I'm late, but I was on the phone with the school."

Everyone under eighteen with the exception of Trav grew very stiff.

Cordelia smiled brightly as she asked, "Which school?"

"Which kid?" Frank asked more pointedly.

"Very good question." Erik crossed his arms, gaze going to each of the teenagers. "Who has something they'd care to confess?"

Trav began to sulk. "I'm sorry, Uncle Erik. I won't do it again."

Both Erik's eyebrows arched. "You, valiant?"

Scott said, "Oh this, I got to hear."

Trav told them, "I got a ninety instead of a hundred on my homework."

While the other adults looked on completely unsure what to say to that one, Victor and Logan turned their heads to keep their laughter calm.

Hank said, "Don't worry, son. You'll do better next time," then received an elbow jab from his wife. "But ninety also makes us proud."

Raven then explained, "He was supposed to name a country for the letters A through F. He missed A."

Trav further elaborated with, "Miss Davis said Africa isn't a country. It's a continent."

"That's right, sweetheart," Kayla said. "A lot of people get that wrong actually."

Frank brought up, "Why didn't you just make it easy and use America?"

"Everybody was using America," Trav emphasized. "I wanted to be different."

"Baby, trust me. You are different," Angel assured.

Missing her joke, Trav said, "That's why I'm going to do better on G through L."

"Well… let that be a lesson to you, young man." With a small ruffle to the tyke's hair, Erik moved around to squat by Becky's chair. "Mr. Ashton tells me we have a small matter to discuss tomorrow. Is there something you would like to tell me?"

Reacting to that, Scott insisted, "She didn't do anything."

"Scott." Victor speaking his name alone managed to quiet the zealous boy.

Appearing in thought, Becky came back with, "I can't think of anything, Papa. I haven't missed any homework or done bad on my quizzes. Mr. A hasn't said anything to me."

Erik nodded and gave her chin an affectionate squeeze. "We'll find out tomorrow then." As he got up to get into his chair, he looked to Trav. "And I have one word for you- Argentina."

Trav's eyes sparkled and his mouth lips grew into a highly intrigued circle.

IIIIIII

Watching Kiki at work at her plastic oven, Scott stated, "This is really weird. Mr. A's the kind of guy to talk to you first before he'd go to your parents."

"I know," Becky concurred, seated on the side of her bed with him. "I don't know what it could be."

"Rebecca," Scott spoke slowly, "you don't think anyone spotted you using your powers or anything like that, right?"

"No way," she said immediately. "They can't see my powers. Even if it was illusions, no one would be able to tell it was me."

"That's true… but you haven't been using your powers," Scott looked at her closely, "have you?"

Becky put on a smile. "Of course not."

"Good," Scott eased. "I don't want you landing anywhere near the trouble I got into."

Becky reached over to pick up her Lana doll and touched his arm. "Don't worry. I won't."

Tray of various shaped plastic cookies in her possession, Chef Kiki came over to present them to the older children.

II

As their mother came back into the room, Joey announced, "All changed, Mum."

"Oh thank you, treasure." Emma lifted Brian from the bed, inhaling his powder fresh scent that went with the new diaper. "Isn't your big brother a delight?" She smiled at the baby's happy little squeal as she placed him in the crib.

Joey sat up. "I'm glad he thinks so."

"And he is not the only one." Emma turned around, going over to him. "This is about Sean, isn't it?" He nodded. "Sweetheart, I know you're upset about art class, but it's only to help your penmanship along. You've said before about how much you wish you could write better and Sean is very skilled there."

"I know he is." Joey's countenance drooped a little. "He's just gonna get annoyed with me like he always does. I wish Alex was helping me."

Emma took his hands. "I know you and Sean don't always see quite eye to eye, but he does love you. Try to be as patient with him as you would like him to be with you."

Joey considered her words. "Okay, Mum."

Charles strolled in with an assortment of paperwork that he deposited onto the desk. "It's about time for you to get your bath in, little one."

"Okay, Dad." Joey hopped down and went over to share a small hug with him.

Charles rubbed his hair as he let go of him. "I'll be up to start your new chapter in a little while."

"Okay. Good night, Mum." Joey moved Dickon over closer to his brother, "Night night, Bri," and left the room.

Emma came up to give Charles a backwards embrace. "How are things with my mutant diplomat?"

Releasing a light snort, Charles said, "I may be playing diplomat but they regard me in the same respects as any other advanced degree holder and genetic expert. If they only knew that the accusations they spew against mutants are in the presence of one…"

Emma put forth coyly, "Doesn't that make it all the more intriguing?"

Turning around, Charles stared at her for an extended moment before reeling her forward to kiss.

IIIIIII

Making his way into the specified classroom, Erik removed his hat in acknowledgement of the other two adults standing behind the desk.

Aaron reached forward to shake with him. "Thanks for coming in, Erik. This is Mrs. Dobbs, Becky's creative writing teacher."

Erik gave the short and squat woman his hand next. "How do you do?"

"Just fine, Mr. Lehnsherr," she said with a small smile. "It's actually I who wanted to see you today. I still wanted Aaron's take on this matter."

"What matter are we speaking of exactly?" Erik inquired. "Is Becky in some sort of trouble?"

"No, certainly not," Mrs. Dobbs reassured. "However, I am deeply concerned." Picking up a stapled document, she handed it over for his viewing. "This is their first major writing assignment. We've been studying fairy and folk tales and I wanted the children to have a try at coming up with their own."

"Yes, I remember Becky putting quite a deal of concentration into this." Erik began scanning through the paper. "So, what's the trouble? Spelling, grammar, word count under?"

"Actually, Rebecca did very well there. In fact, hers was a little longer than several of the other students," Mrs. Dobbs stated positively. "But you see, Mr. Lehnsherr… perhaps you should skip to the end."

Going to the last few paragraphs on the last page, Erik's expression did not change as he faced the other two again. "You'll have to excuse my confusion. What is the problem?"

Mrs. Dobbs eyed him incredulously. "Why Mr. Lehnsherr, certainly you must see those horribly violent descriptions Rebecca used."

Still unmoved, Erik brought up, "Fairy tales are rife with violence, Mrs. Dobbs. In fact, one of Becky's favorites is Snow White. I do believe the stepmother there ends up in a pair of shoes that cause her to dance herself to death. In the Disney film, she falls from a cliff and that is long after she orders the huntsman to cut out her little stepdaughter's heart for the unforgivable crime of being pretty."

With Mrs. Dobbs flustered for words, Aaron decided to step in. "I've explained to Mrs. Dobbs that Becky has never once displayed any sort of violent or aggressive nature. In fact, when I've seen her on the playground she's usually engaged with her younger cousins and more patient with the small ones than many of the older children."

Erik informed, "She's the same way at home."

"Mr. Lehnsherr," Mrs. Dobbs spoke again, "I'm not trying to accuse Rebecca of anything. But she is the only one of the girls who wrote such chilling details. She also happens to be the only one of the girls without…"

An eyebrow raised on Erik. "Without what, Mrs. Dobbs?"

The woman finally filled in, "A mother. Mr. Lehnsherr, you can't expect me to write this off as a coincidence. Whatever troubles that occurred between you and her mother—"

"Are none of your business," Erik cut in matter-of-factly. "You asked Becky for a fairy tale assignment. That is what she turned in. By your own words, she did better on it than several of the students. Quite frankly, Mrs. Dobbs, if something such as this alarms you to such an extent, perhaps you lack the necessary qualifications to teach creative writing."

While Mrs. Dobbs stood aghast, Aaron chimed in again. "We don't have to make a mountain out of a molehill over this situation. Mrs. Dobbs is not against you or Becky. She only wanted you to be made aware in the off chance there is a problem here."

Mrs. Dobbs said, "I think it would be best if Rebecca speaks with the school psychologist."

After a chuckle mixed with a scoff, Erik responded, "I think it's best I leave. Good day to you." He placed his hat back on and started out.

Aaron went after him and stopped him off in the hall. "Erik, please. I understand you're upset. But don't think badly of Mrs. Dobbs. She only means to look out for Becky. Personally, I saw nothing particularly wrong with the story she wrote. In fact, it was rather engaging. I just think if you went along with the psychologist for a session or two, this could blow over a lot faster."

Erik considered his words and thanked him then continued out of the building.

IIIIIII

First full line almost completely written out, Joey let off a deeply frustrated groan as he made furious use of his eraser.

Turning away from the fifth grade reading assignment he looked through, Sean heard him and plucked the pencil out of his hand. "Whoa, easy. Joey, you have to stop being so eraser crazy." He lifted the paper for him to see. "Look at this. You have marks everywhere. That counts against you."

"But when I scratch with my pen that counts against me, too."

"That's right. You have to be clean and neat when you write or no one will want to read it."

Joey folded his arms in annoyance. "What's so great about reading? Or writing?"

"Everything," Sean replied vehemently. "Listen Joey, you're looking at this all the wrong way. Writing is a lot like drawing. In both cases, making it look good is half the battle. The other half, is all about putting your own heart into it."

Joey appeared mildly interested by this. "Why do you love writing so much?"

"It's my life," the redhead answered plainly. "It's the one thing I've always been able to do better than anyone else. Even Hank and Alex."

Joey found this strange. "But you're good at lots of things."

"I'm slightly above average at music and barely average at being a mutant," Sean claimed. "You learned to ride a bike and a horse a lot quicker than I did."

"I did?" Joey's eyebrows leapt.

"Pretty sure you fell a lot less than I did, too." He squeezed the younger boy's shoulder. "Now come on. I know you can get writing down just as quick."

Joey formed a small smile. "Okay."

"Great. Here, work on the next study questions. I'm going to reload us on paper. And something sweet- brain food, ya know."

"Right," Joey nodded secretively.

As Sean headed out of the first floor living room, the doorbell went off.

A few seconds later, Alex led the small visitor in. "Joey, Laci's here."

Joey glanced back with a toothy grin. "Hi, Laci."

"Hi, Joey," she sent back.

"Just a few minutes, guys," Alex said pointedly.

"Oh I know," Laci assured. "My dad's waiting for me."

Alex nodded and stepped off to leave them alone.

"I wanted to bring you what we're doing for Miss Kendall next week." Laci came over, holding out the assignment sheet to him. "We have to pick a partner to color from the inside-out." She pushed some hair behind her ear. "I thought we could work together."

"Alright, I can't wait." When the teenager re-entered, Joey said, "Oh Laci, you remember Sean, don't you?"

"Hi," Laci waved at him.

"Hi, sweetie." Sean handed her one of the oatmeal squares he brought in and gave a tickle to her chin.

Gray eyes shining brightly, Laci regarded him with a wide smile.

Joey glanced back and forth between them, eyes narrowing.

IIIIIII

Flipping another page, Charles said, "I fail to see a problem here."

Reading with him, Emma nodded her agreement. "A prince befriends a thief and the two set out gathering the lost children of the forest. They meet and later fall in love with a pair of beautiful maidens."

"Keep reading," Erik directed.

"Oh dear." Charles cleared his throat when they reached that point. "The thief's maiden is a traitor and attempts to poison the children to absorb their youth."

Emma concluded, "So the thief bashes her skull in with a stone and throws her body into the woods for the animals to feast upon."

Raven piped up, "Guess that's not the run-into-sunset ending her teacher was expecting."

"Now, she believes Becky to be well on her way to sociopathy," Erik said.

Hank asked, "Did she say that?"

Erik replied, "She practically spelled it out."

Charles said carefully, "Erik, perhaps this is something we need to look into."

Hank started to speak again until Kiki toddled in. "And what are you doing in here, baby bear?"

"Oh sorry, guys." Angel entered the second floor living room ahead of Cordelia. "She got away from us."

"We'll get out of your hair now," said Cordelia.

Angel lifted Kiki and carried her out to where Leon and Frank waited in the hall.

When they all returned to her room, Becky asked, "What's going on?"

Leon stated flatly, "They think you're crazy."

Angel gave him a look, shifting Kiki over to her left hip. "That's not what they said."

"No," Frank sat on the bed near Becky, "but I get the feeling Charles thinks you might need to talk to a "special" doctor."

"But I don't understand," Becky vexed. "What did I do?"

Leon walked around to put an arm around her. "You committed the crime of reminding wealthy, sheltered people that the world is not rainbows and unlimited sunshine. They don't want you ruining their warped picture so they've made you out to be the problem."

"He's right, Becky," Cordelia had to agree. "After my mother died and I had the pill issue, I went through specialists, too. But I actually had issues. They're just picking on you because you didn't write about unicorns playing in the meadow."

Becky then asked, "What should I do?"

Leon lowered to reach her eyes. "Put on the biggest smile you've ever worn. Go to your writing teacher and tell her how ridiculously happy you are. Then tell her your big brother Sean watches a lot of horror at home and that you ran out of ideas for how to finish your story so you copied it from one of his movies. Then they'll leave you alone."

Becky nodded, "Okay."

II

"So you believe Becky to have some sort of problem?" Erik accused.

"Not to the level that her teacher is thinking, but I do believe she needs to talk," Charles urged.

"This is unbelievable." Erik stood, walking towards one wall. "This is exactly why I didn't want them attending public school. It's enough they constantly have to be on guard with their mutations, now they have to hide their own creativity. On top of that," he turned to the other four again, "they're being scrutinized within their own family."

"Erik, that is not what Charles means at all," Emma emphasized. "You know that."

Charles picked it up from there with, "What I mean is exactly what I said. Becky needs someone to talk to."

"I will talk to her," Erik stated.

"I think it's best I do, brother," Charles said calmly.

"You think you know my daughter so much better than I do?"

"What I think is that I can actually relate to what she's feeling." Charles sprung to his feet. "Tell me, Erik. Has there ever been a day in your entire life that you've had to question your love for your mother?"

Erik proved completely unable to speak at first. "… You're right."

Raven stood as well. "I want to talk to her, too."

Charles looked to her. "After supper."

Raven faced Erik, who nodded his approval.

IIIIIII

As he filed in among the other children heading for the dinner table, Joey's eyes locked in on the tall copper haired teenager. He made a point of sitting as far away from him as he could.

While waiting for the rest of the household to enter, Charles asked, "So, how did today's writing session go?"

"Pretty good at first," Sean reported. "Until Joey started acting weird."

Joey glared his way as he said, "I don't want to learn writing from him anymore."

Emma frowned at this unusual negativity from her son. "Joey, what's come over you?"

"Laci likes him," Joey claimed.

Frank and Scott burst into immediate laughter at that.

"Are you kidding?" came from Cody.

"Seanie, you should be ashamed of yourself," Alex faux scolded.

"Ooh, I'm telling Maya," Angel joked.

Sean insisted, "I don't know what he's talking about."

The Howletts came in from feeding their youngest two and Logan asked, "What're we missin'?"

Erik filled them in with, "Apparently Joey's little friend Laci is quite smitten with his brother."

"Oh boy," Logan sat down, "let me take a wild guess. The cutie's got a little crush on Alex, right?"

"No, him," Cordelia pointed out Sean, "for some reason."

"Like that's so hard to believe. I do have a girlfriend you know," Sean felt the need to remind them.

Joey wanted to know, "Then why'd you have to go and steal mine?"

"I didn't steal anybody," Sean insisted. "I was just nice to her."

"You knew what you were doing," Joey accused. "Giving her cookies and all that smiling."

"I was just trying to be friendly," Sean defended. "Joey, why would I want your fifth grade girlfriend when I have Maya?"

"Because Maya's not here," Joey said. "And Laci's so pretty and fun and interesting."

Sean crossed his arms at that. "So what are you trying to say about Maya, huh?"

"Just that I don't know why anybody would like you," Joey shot at him. "At least if she liked Alex it'd make sense."

"Charles Joseph, that is enough," Charles reproached. "Apologize to your brother this instant."

"Forget it," said Sean. "It's not like he'll mean it."

Joey sunk deep in his seat. "Can I go?"

Charles countered pointedly, "Is that how you ask for anything?"

Joey sighed. "May I please be excused?"

Charles replied matter-of-factly, "Yes, you may go straight to your room. I'll be up to speak with you later. Take your dinner with you."

Joey collected his plate and glass of milk before leaving with angry countenance pointed down.

Logan clicked his tongue. "Nothin' worse than a female comin' between brothers. Remember the days when I'd like a girl and she'd be interested in Vic. Then he'd like a girl and she'd be interested in m- and who am I kiddin'? That ain't ever happen."

Kayla stated, "They were all unworthy of you."

Victor dipped his head in a snort, his chest vibrating with amusement.

II

Knitting needles intertwining the colors of yellow and blue, Angel remarked, "It's too tense around here. Joey having woman troubles. People trying to make Becky out to be crazy. This is too much like my old neighborhood."

Working on her own stitching project, Kayla said, "Oh we've battled much worse."

"This month," piped up Logan from where he sorted through the various pieces to Mira's crib across the room.

Walking in with Cody attached to his back, Victor picked up on the booties Angel was creating. "Those better be for the twins."

Angel gave him an "are you kidding me" look. "Please. I've managed to avoid that all this time. Don't wish any curses on me now."

Kayla let off a laugh. "It's for her Home Economics project."

"I get an A and Todd and Mira get the benefits of my labor," Angel explained.

"Sounds good," Victor approved.

Sliding down from his uncle, Cody went over to peer at the twins on the bed.

"Hey," Logan whistled at him, "oldest. Ain't you supposed to be helpin' me?"

"Cooomin'." Cody detached from the babies to jog over to their father.

When his boy sat near him, Logan put forth, "Hey Cat, you love your ma, don't you?"

Cody replied with an automatic, "Like crazy."

Kayla smiled softly at that.

Logan then asked, "Any girls givin' you a hard time?"

"Rachel Braunstein has her eye on me," Cody said, picking up one wooden chunk. "But I'm playin' it cool."

Logan tossed his hair. "My boy."

II

After a brief knock, Charles walked into the bedroom belonging to the youngest boys. He took time to note the half-eaten plate of food on the night table while Joey somewhat lazily focused on his homework.

"It seems you don't have much of an appetite this evening. Are you upset about Laci?" Charles sat across from him on the foot of the bed. "Or about fighting with Seanie?"

"I'm sorry, Daddy," Joey whispered. "But Laci… I really like her and I thought she really liked me. But the way she was looking at Sean…"

"Probably means absolutely nothing." Charles lifted his chin. "Regardless of anything, do you think it's right for you to have spoken to Sean the way you did?"

Joey thought then answered, "No."

"You would be correct. Many people are going to come into your life, Joey. However, your family will always be here for you. That is not something we can ever forget."

"Oh I won't," Joey promised. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to."

"I know you didn't," Charles cupped the side of his face, "however, it's Seanie you need to apologize to. As for now, we need to take care of your outburst at dinner." He moved to better open up his lap space. "Come here, son."

Joey crawled out, laying across his lap.

Pressing a hand to the boy's back, Charles gave him eight swift but hard swats. He lifted him up to his chest, feeling the small bits of moisture on his shirt. He hugged Joey tightly, knowing the tears came more for emotion than the bit of physical pain.

"It's alright, baby," Charles whispered into his ear. "Daddy loves you."

"I love you, too," Joey said back.

"Now," Charles tugged the book over, "what say I help you sort through the rest of this?"

Joey managed to smile. "Thanks, Daddy."

II

With her daughter fresh from the tub and changed into her pink footed pajamas, Raven left Kiki to play with her stuffed animals in bed. The shape-shifter went to where the curly haired girl sat at the desk, working on a new journal entry.

Raven knelt, resting her elbows on the edge of the desk. "I heard about today. For the record, I think Mrs. Dobbs needs a serious… life." Becky laughed lightly at that. "But seriously, gorge, there is nothing wrong with you. I write poetry as a way of talking about my parents."

Becky put down her pen. "Most kids don't understand."

"Tell me about it," Raven sympathized. "Outside of Alex and Leon, it seems like everybody at school has these perfectly normal families. At least what normal is supposed to be according to their rules."

Becky looked at her. "Well, ours is actually perfect."

"By our rules," Raven concurred.

A knock sounded at the door. "Ladies?"

"Uncle Charles," Kiki recognized.

"Come in," invited Becky.

When her brother walked in, Raven gave them some space by joining Kiki on the bed.

Charles opened his arms and Becky stood to go into them.

Sitting in the desk chair with her in his lap, Charles said, "I thought your story was very well done."

Relief came over the girl. "You don't think there's something wrong with me?"

"Absolutely nothing." Charles kissed her cheek. "Outside of that overactive sweet tooth of yours and the occasional drift into daydreaming during training." He smiled at the adorable way she rested on his chest. "When I was a boy, I remember how angry my mother could make me at times. I used to believe it was because she really wanted a girl."

Raven could not help peering over at that, but only briefly.

"She looked so pretty," Becky said. "They always look pretty on the outside…"

"As do many people," stated Charles. "Then there are those who seem ugly on the inside who can surprise you in great ways. Like your Auntie Em and Angel. But there's something I want to make clear to you." Becky raised her head to look at him. "Whatever you're feeling is perfectly normal. However, I never want you to let it consume you. Come to me or any one of us if the dark feelings become too much."

"I will, Uncle Charles." Becky hugged him around the neck. "Thanks."

Charles pecked the top of her curls. I love you, Princess.

I love you, Prince Charles.

IIIIIII

Unable to stay distracted by his own canvas, Joey peered over at the girl next to him. "Laci?"

"Hm?" She looked at him. "What is it?" She glanced her canvas up and down. "Did I make a mistake?"

"No," Joey shook his head hard. "I was just, um, wondering about something."

"What?"

Joey bit his lip at first. "You… do you like Sean? Like really, really like him?"

"What?' Laci's eyes flashed. "Where did you get that idea?"

"Well, you were smiling at him a lot yesterday."

"He's nice," she said with a small shrug. "And I like seeing other people with red hair. It's usually just me. But Joey," Laci eyed him specifically, "I only really, really like one guy."

Joey started to smile until their teacher's voice sounded with a sharp, "Do you two need help over there?"

"No, Miss Adams." Joey then lowered his voice to comment, "Miss Kendall's art class is way better."

"Way," Laci seconded.

IIIIIII

At the girl's arrival in the room, Mrs. Dobbs remarked, "Why Rebecca, you're so early."

"Mr. A let me out because I wanted to talk to you." Becky then went on with, "I didn't mean anything by the story I wrote. I don't even have a mother because my papa adopted me. My aunt and big sister take care of me that way. And I have to admit, I didn't really know how to end the story. I got the idea from one of my brother's horror movies."

"Oh, I see," Mrs. Dobbs nodded her understanding. "Though I do still think it would be a wise idea for you to speak with the psychologist today."

Becky lost the smile she wore. "But I really don't need to. I have my uncle or anyone else in my family to talk to."

Mrs. Dobbs said soothingly, "Sometimes it's better to talk to someone not so close to our situations."

All patience officially lost, Becky stated, "No. I won't talk to the psychologist and I don't have to. Right?"

Blinking, Mrs. Dobbs touched her head due to the brief dizziness. "Wh- oh yes, Rebecca. You're absolutely right."

She smiled again, "Thank you, Mrs. Dobbs," then went to take her regular desk.

IIIIIII

After he and the other members of the grammar school returned home, Joey made a slow path into the first unit's living room. Sean knelt over the coffee table with a few study aides out.

Stepping in, Joey called out timidly, "Whatcha doin'?"

Glancing back, Sean returned attention to his papers. "Thought I'd work on something for my school newspaper. While I waited for you to come and bite my head off."

Taking off his bag, Joey walked up to lower next to him. "Seanie, I'm sorry I got so mad at you. And I didn't mean anything about Maya, honest."

Sean looked at him. "What made you think I would ever intentionally hurt you like that?"

"… I never had this many friends before. I figured it'd be easy for Laci to stop liking me."

"You think I don't know what that feels like?" Sean came back with. "Being the creepy kid with his nose stuck in a monster book when he's not falling over in the cafeteria didn't make me so popular. That's why when I came here, I was so excited that Alex and Hank wanted to hang out with me. Now I have Ben and the guys, too. Even crazier I have Maya. It's kind of mind-blowing being so liked, isn't it?"

Joey nodded. "Definitely."

Sean then said, "But I wish you wouldn't see me as being against you. Look, I know I'm not Alex and that I never will be to you, but you're one of my baby brothers, too, you know. I do sort of love you."

"Even when I'm really annoying?"

Sean considered it then answered, "Yeah, since that's mostly my fault. You need a BSS more often."

Joey shook his head with a smile. "Nuh uh."

Sean inched his fingers in to tickle his ribs. "Yeah, you do." At Joey squealing, he let go of him. "Alright, study time. Let's get started so we have time to break into the chocolate chunk ice cream Mom brought home."

Liking the sound of that incentive, Joey began unloading his school bag.