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.

239. Chapter 239 End and Begin

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty-Nine

Author's Word: *Leaps free from portal while various creatures attempt to claw after her* Back, Criminal Justice! In your face, Sociology! English- you're cool, but you others die, die, die, grrrr!... Hi, fam! You know I just happened to get a good look at the calendar the other day and I noticed that I haven't posted in about… five weeks. I'm sorry! I am so sorry, fam! I had to memorize stupidity, write things with sources professor know perfectly well they do not verify, lead the people to… find the enchanted ring and dragon balls with the secret moon crystal and fire type Pokemon- it's been insane!

I also fully acknowledge that the title of this chapter is a little off. This is not the end! Repeat, so not the end! Now, not to delay you a moment longer, please enjoy and review!

Various garments lined up along the made bed, the one standing attempted with some consternation to make sense of them all. Navy and black dress pants, plain white blouses, floor length skirts, khakis. Melissa's hand lingered on one brown skirt and she selected it along with one of the white tops to hold before her mirror. After a few seconds of debating, heavy disdain filled her face.

"Oh terrific," she discarded the outfit on a nearby chair, "he'll think he's going out with the school librarian." Melissa released a frustrated groan. "This should not be this complicated."

Seated on the edge of the older girl's bed, Anne dug out a chiffon number. "Oh I love this one."

Melissa peered over and pursed her lips at the delicate sleeveless dress. "Oh boy…" She accepted it to press against her front. "I can't believe I actually bought this thing."

Anne stated with no uncertainty, "It's perfect. You have to wear it."

"Maybe." Lingering fingers on the material, Melissa carefully laid it down again. "I never thought I'd be agonizing over something like this again. Fights, mutation, and espionage I can handle, but this? Dating…" she sighed wearily. "Feels like foreign territory. I shouldn't even be doing this. God only knows what he sees in—" Melissa paused, remembering her present audience. "And to further add to my pathetic, I'm confiding all of this into a twelve-year-old. No offense."

"None taken." Anne then reminded importantly, "And I'm almost thirteen."

"Well, excuse me, seasoned pro." Melissa lowered to sit beside and stroke her hair.

"You know," Anne spoke again, "I'm glad you like Leon. He is so cool and super cute."

"I hadn't noticed," Melissa claimed. She looked to the dress again. "Hard to believe there was a time when pink ruled half my closet."

XXXXX

School spirit!
All together now
Let's hear it!

We're the Sharks

We can't be beat

Go ahead
Just try to compete
Our boys will chomp you into lunchmeat!

While they chanted, the sea of females in blue sweat pants and white tank tops twirled about in unison with pompoms raised high.

"That's a wrap for today, ladies," Lila, who stood before the group, declared.

"I'll see you girlies tonight," Janet said secretively. "If anybody needs another copy of the address, meet me in the locker room. Just remember…"

"Slumber party," they chorused.

Gym bag slung over her shoulder, one brunette stopped walking with the others to approach a strangely forlorn Lila. "Is everything okay?"

"Let's just say I'm not looking forward to "slumbering" tonight."

"What do you have to worry about? Your parents are going to be gone all weekend," Melissa reasoned. "Besides, you're a senior."

"That's the point," Lila emphasized. "This is one of my last Sutherland High parties. Not to mention we only have two cheer tournaments left. Trust me, you'll know what I'm feeling next year."

Eying her sympathetically, Melissa offered, "You've been a phenomenal captain, Li'. You have to know that."

"Thanks, Miss." Lila managed a small smile. "But what really helps is knowing the squad will be in your flawless hands next year."

Melissa stiffened for a moment. "Wait a second. Are you saying…?"

"I'm recommending you for captain," Lila confirmed.

Though initially unable to speak, Melissa eventually lit the entire gymnasium up with a monumental squeal.

XXX

Hazel eyes so aghast at the numbers spelled out, her attention never left the paper even as she quite purposefully mounted the stairs.

"Melissa!"

The girl in question stepped out of her bedroom at the bellow. "Mom, what's going on? I'm trying to get ready for my sleepover."

The woman in tailored gray suit presented her with the bill. "You charged fifty dollars on a dress?"

"No," Melissa shook her head. "Dress and shoes."

"Melissa, we have had numerous discussions about you going overboard on your clothing allowance. Do you think money grows on trees?"

Melissa paused to consider that. "Well, money is made of paper and paper does come from…" She trailed at her mother's charging bull expression. "I'm kidding."

"Well, I'm not," Linda stated matter-of-factly. "Melissa, you have to be more responsible than this."

"More responsible," Melissa echoed incredulously. "Mom, I'm maintaining a 3.2 GPA, cheer squad, spirit club, and I volunteer at church. Why do you always have to nitpick with me?"

"I do not—"

"Yes, it's true what they say," a masculine tone piped up, arriving in the second floor hall, "a man's home truly is his castle. Now, what crisis has befallen us today?"

"Hi, Daddy," Melissa greeted cheerfully, going into his arms. "Guess what." She did not give him the opportunity as she announced, "Lila wants me to take her place as squad captain. Senior year's going to be a dream."

"That's great, princess," Vincent gave her a squeeze, "Congratulations."

"Excuse me," Linda spoke pointedly. "While I'm happy for her as well, we do have a more pressing matter at the moment. Look at this, Vincent." She showed him the bill. "Fifty dollars and after we already allowed her forty-five for Homecoming. That was only two weeks ago."

"Daddy, I had to have this dress," Melissa insisted. "I've already told you how important this year is. It's Ryan's last at Sutherland plus a lot of my friends are seniors. I just want our last times together to be really memorable, that's all."

Forming a smile, Vincent kissed her at the hairline. "I understand, honey and you should have the best. But your mother is right. You do have to watch your spending a bit better."

Linda requested, "I'd like to see this dress you just had to have."

Melissa faced her in frustration. "Right now?"

"Right," Linda crossed her arms, "now."

Sighing, Melissa re-entered the room. She returned with the specified white item covered with blooming hot pink flowers.

"What in the—" Vincent gaped, snatching the dress right off its hanger. "This hardly qualifies as a blouse."

Linda informed their daughter, "You are not setting foot outside the house in that cheap… loincloth. As if you're for sale."

"But Mom…" Melissa turned brown eyes on the male present. "Daddy…"

Vincent shook his head resolutely. "It goes back to the tore, Miss. I mean it."

"Okay," Melissa surrendered. "I'll take it back first thing tomorrow."

"Thank you." Handing her back the dress, Vincent extended an arm towards his wife. "Since it's just the two of us, what do you say we have dinner out? Anywhere you like."

"Sounds like a date, sir," Linda reacted, descending the stairs with him.

Going back inside her room, Melissa faced her dress sadly. Guess you're going back… right after the party.

XXXXX

Lying on opposite ends of the living room sofa, Sean and Alex participated in what they referred to as big toe wrestling with their currently bare feet. Even with Joey lounging on top of him, Alex managed to compete. Hank sat on the loveseat, content to contain his daughter in his lap. Though she had established a possessive hold over her father the moment her parents returned earlier that morning, Kiki still giggled at Scott playing peek-a-boo with her. Samantha took over one chair. Frank remained near to her on its left arm. Raven and Becky kneeled at the coffee table with Trav tucked between them.

"Okay, so far we've got," Raven tapped her pencil as she reviewed the items listed on the notepad, "mini pizzas, hotdogs, chips, nachos—"

"Gummi bears," Trav interjected.

Raven poked his nose with the eraser end of the pencil. "Gummi bears for Pooh Bear,"

"We need ice cream bars," Becky brought up.

"Fudge and vanilla," Joey added importantly.

Hank promptly put forth, "Not to mention toothpaste, antacid, and before the night's over, a stomach pump."

"Baby, come on," Raven coaxed, placing yellow eyes her husband's way. "Don't you want to end the year with the greatest blast ever?"

Kiki reached one hand up to stroke his chin. "Daddy, pleeease?"

Succumbing practically instantly, Hank declared, "Nothing but healthy meals come New Year's Day. That goes double for you, Alex."

The blonde responded, "I'll split a salad with Bounty."

Joey repositioned himself to properly face him. "You're okay, aren't you, Al?"

Scott looked away from Kiki with concern.

"Of course." Alex wound arms around Joey's middle. "You know your Uncle Hank. Worrywart til the end."

"Sam," at Becky calling her name, she peered up almost startled, "what do you want?"

"Yeah, Sam. After all, it's your first New Year's Eve here," Frank pointed out. "What kind of snacks are you up for?"

Dipping a bit to pat Midnight as the cat strolled by, a somewhat distracted Samantha replied, "Anything is fine."

"Maybe we could make root beer floats," Sean suggested.

Samantha grew curious now. "What are those, anyway?"

Frank looked at her with eyes significantly widened eyes. "You've never had a root beer float? They're amazing! You pour root beer over vanilla ice cream."

Samantha turned skeptical. "And that tastes good?"

"Out of this world," Frank guaranteed. "Wait until we're going to school together. We'll go out to the ice cream parlor for the real thing to celebrate."

The girl smiled genuinely. "Okay!"

Sean folded his arms behind his head thoughtfully. "Man I hope Maya and the Howletts get back in time."

"Yeah," Joey seconded. "It won't be as much fun without Cody."

"One bright side," Alex raised, "If they don't get here, we don't have to witness another geriatric makeout fest between Kay and Wolverine."

Raven gave him a scowl. "After more than ten years of a fantastic message, they have a right to it." She then acknowledged the one who walked in next with, "There you are, just in time. You want anything in particular for New Year's tomorrow."

Leon rubbed tiredly at his neck. "Ummm… vodka."

Sean glanced beyond his shoulder. "Hey, Uncle Erik."

Flinching, Leon whipped his head back only to discover empty space. "I know I should glare at you in rage-fueled fashion." He looked over at Sean. "But I'm madder at myself for falling for that."

Frank and Sean snickered while Alex jabbed at the redhead's belly button with his toe.

"Hank," Leon addressed, immediately getting the scientist's attention, "can I borrow you for a second? It's about my biology."

Hank in turn faced Kiki. "Is that okay?"

The little girl hummed in thought then finally nodded. "Hurry."

"Yes, ma'am." With a kiss to her head, Hank stood her and got up to follow after Leon. The younger male led them as far back as the kitchen. "Didn't you already fulfill your biology requirement?"

"In school maybe." Leon moved to regard him, features hardly able to hide his squeamishness. "Not quite so in life."

Hank bobbed his head and encouraged, "Go on."

"So…" Releasing a silent whistle, Leon searched for the words. "Melissa, um, for tomorrow, we- she agreed to do something with me outside the safe house that most likely will not involve deadly escapes, squirmishes, and excruciating gunshot wounds."

"First, in no, way, shape or form do I ever want to hear you make light of that wound," Hank's tone softened, "Second, I believe you're referring to a date."

"Yeah… that."

Hank asked delicately, "Would this be your way of admitting that you—"

"Have no idea what I'm doing," Leon informed. "And this had to be "biology" because I didn't want Alex to think it was weird that I was getting advice from you instead of him. And I'm not even sure I could get advice from him because he's… all he has to do is wave a finger and any girl at school would fall to his feet. Dad says I can talk to him, but it still feels too soon after what Vanessa did."

A mental blaze igniting from the back of his mind, Hank replied with an even, "Yes, I know. Alright, tell me what you need from me."

"I… is there… ugh…" Leon turned away, walking off a few paces.

"Leon." Hank stepped up behind him, leaving hands on his shoulders. "Lee, it's okay. I swear you can tell me whatever it is. And it will stay between us."

Finally but slowly veering back, Leon brought his head up slightly, though a portion of his hair masked him a bit. "Is there any… is there any way I can be more like Alex and Jam? When we watch the girls at school, they are just full-blown on. With me, I know they're gorgeous and everything, but it kind of stops…" Leon rubbed the middle section of his stomach. "But I'm pretty sure it goes down further for them."

Hank gave him a kind smiled at tapped the spot as well. "Where the butterflies soar freely."

"Something like that I guess." Leon quieted for a moment. "Is there anything I can do about it? I've tried reading up on it, but there's not a lot of material out about it."

"Leon," Hank eyed him directly, "you can't be like Alex and Jam because you are not them."

"But this isn't normal for guys my age."

"Lots of things are not normal for us," Hank reminded him. "And women are not here solely as toys for our objectification. If Melissa is willing to go out with you, after all she's endured, then that says a great deal about how you must make her feel. Clearly, she already likes what she sees."

Leon stared down in developing ponder. "I'm not sure I can get used to this. This… is…"

"Trust me." Hank used his arm to offer a reassuring nudge. "I've been there. Simply try not to stick your foot in your mouth wherever possible." He shot a warning finger at him. "No wisecracks about my feet."

Leon quickly raised his eyes. "But I wasn't…"

"Sorry." Hank shook his head. "Force of habit compliments of Alex."

II

Body leaned far back in the executive chair with eyelids shielding pupils, the Professor remained in the calming position while keeping a wolf's lock on his young in his arms. The baby switched back and forth between making a drum out of the tiny tambourine Trick had gifted him with and shaking it to experience the sound of the little bells.

"Brian, please, son," Charles pleaded with him yet again, taking one end of the tambourine, "let us have a rest from music class for a moment, please." At Brian's pulling back on the toy coupled with his shriek of angry protest, Charles' let go of it. "Fine. Have at it. And later we're going to telephone Uncle Trick so that you may play for him all night long."

Entering the younger Headmaster's open study, Erik acknowledged them with, "Hello, Lab Rodents." He then addressed Brian specifically. "Conducting a concert, are we?"

"And driving Daddy mad," claimed Charles.

Erik came close and extended a hand. "May I see, Lab Mouse?" Brian immediate paused and gave over the tambourine for the man's inspection. "Thank you."

"You little urchin," Charles accused his son, bringing him up to nuzzle his belly. "Now, what in the world was I doing wrong?"

"You should be more tactful," Erik answered for the child. "An area I know well of course."

Charles started to counter that then determined, "I'm going to let you live out that delusion. I'm only satisfied he's happy at last." He tugged on one of Brian's padded feet. "We both had tears earlier."

Erik took the child to cuddle. "Still missing Mommy, hm?"

"That and the fact that he attempted to blind me." Charles indicated his afflicted right eye. "Those sharp fingernails need trimming…"

"Lab Mouse," Erik chided but still kissed his head. "We've discussed this. No maiming Daddy."

"Hey, old people," making her way into the space with Becky at her heels, Raven looked between her brothers, "final requests for New Year's Eve?"

Erik chose, "An early resolution for a vow of silence?"

Brian wiggled a fist and babbled.

"Yeah, you tell him, babe," Raven grinned at her nephew. "But seriously, I hope Sam enjoys this. She's been so quiet, likely missing Angel and Victor."

"Also, with as much effort as she's placed on her studies, she's still so anxious about this entrance exam," Charles said.

"I've been trying to help her," Becky spoke. "But it is really hard."

"Ladybug," Erik delivered the baby as well as the small musical device over to her grasp, "why don't you take your cousin to practice his tambourine? Uncle Charles could stand a break."

"Okay, Papa. Brian," turning to go, Becky had to use one hand to seize her curls from the bitty hands, "quit trying to eat my hair all the time."

Charles stated dryly, "How I eagerly await the day we have three toddlers running about at once."

"It's not so bad," Raven shrugged. "Once you get past cute little surprises like finger painted hearts all over the final paper you spent almost the entire night typing."

IIIIIII

Once eased into the extensive garage, the heavy boot stepped off the accelerator. Despite the length of time since their last rest stop, both adults up front remained mostly alert. Kayla peered into the rearview mirror at the treasure trove of young ones. Mira and Todd had been asleep for an hour while Cody's abundance of energy had tapered down fifteen minutes ago. Maya attempted with great difficulty to keep her head from drooping. Coming around the back, Logan used rapid reflexes to catch the thick book that dropped from the tired girl's limp hands.

"Oh thanks, Wolverine." Blinking multiple times, Maya accepted the Study Bible to tuck inside her bag.

As they began unbuckling the smaller children, another voice echoed in the garage. "Thought I saw you guys on camera." Sean strolled up on them. "Helping Alex in Eye Spy."

Maya completely let go of her overnight bag to embrace him. "If I'm dreaming right now, that's okay with me."

Sean smiled, momentarily breathing in her hair. "I'm so glad you made it back in time."

"We got a move on before the New Year nuts got on the road." Logan retrieved both infants to hold against his chest.

Kayla kissed Cody's cheek to jar him. "We're home, big man."

Yawning, the boy climbed out of the vehicle.

"I'll take him, Kay." Sean went around to gather Cody into his possession and smiled when the child wrapped arms and legs around him.

"Thank you." Kayla walked to her husband, who handed her Mira while Todd seemed to tug Logan's jacket front tighter. "Let's get these two to bed before they unite with Brian for a wailing chorus."

Though it took some maneuvering, Sean got Maya's bag adjusted on one shoulder while leaving one hand free for her. With Maya resting on the redhead's arm, they followed the older couple upstairs.

IIIIIII

At the female who entered the kitchen in gray house coat, Jimmy remarked, "I see Estevan finally hired a new cleaning woman."

Pouring herself a cup of coffee from the pot on the counter, Melissa simply countered, "And you must be the garbage guy. Fabian and Estevan left?"

"Yeah," Marco answered. "They took the kids out to Time Square to watch the ball drop."

"Why don't you run a comb through your hair and come into the city with us?" Jimmy suggested. "We're hitting up Club Extinction."

"Which is likely what you'll be by the end of the night." Sipping her coffee, Melissa next wondered, "You're going to a club this early? It'll only be six by the time you get there."

"Hell yeah," Jimmy responded seriously. "We got to get in line for The Supremes."

Marco's eyes grew distant and dreamy. "Mary Wilson."

"Diana Ross," Jimmy howled. "Hm, probably better you don't come out with us. I don't need you ladies ripping each other's clothes off and clawing eyeballs all on account of me."

Melissa regarded him sardonically. "You live in the most beautiful delusion."

"Let's hit it, man." Marco started out.

Hanging back, Jimmy glanced back at Melissa. "First one's for you." Pecking the palm off his hand, he blew the makeshift kiss her way. "Happy New Year, most beautiful."

Melissa said nothing until she heard the front door open in close. "It is now." Dropping the robe and removing her hair tie, she unleashed the dress and her long tresses at once.

IIIIIII

Compliments of the powerful living room stereo, the lyrics to The Twist blasted clear across the main level of the mansion. In the kitchen, Kayla, Maya, and Raven worked on another batch of miniature pizzas with Kiki attached to her mother's hip to offer assistance. It impressed Raven to see Maya not only so comfortable with her powers but also using the telekinesis to control different utensils they needed. On the Mag Cave sofa, Becky strapped a paper "Happy New Year" hat that matched her own to Samantha's head. The girls then began creating candy necklaces from the kits they had received at Christmas. From Trick's music room, Sean and Cody performed together with their guitars.

With a very jolly Trav riding his shoulders, Erik stopped off outside the parlor at the sight of the Eye Scream Team designing a monumental structure out of Legos. "While I hate to interfere with your architectural ingenuity," the boys gazed up, "I trust you young men plan to clean up after yourselves."

"Without a doubt, Erik," Scott guaranteed.

Trav felt the need to tack on, "And you better clean every little piece up."

Erik patted him on the ankle. "Thank you, Valiant, but I've no need for an assistant." They continued on through the hall again.

"I'm glad you're feeling better."

Frank looked at Scott. "What?"

"You know, it's good you feel like hanging out. Lately, it feels like you're trapped in your room half the time," Scott mentioned.

Frank experienced a particular sting in his chest. "I'm sorry, Scott. Guess this high school's stuff a lot heavier than I let on. I didn't mean to brush you off or anything."

Adding on another layer to one tower, Scott assured, "I know. Don't worry about it, man."

Upstairs, Charles walked out of the library and smiled at the presence of Joey coming through and attempting to help Brian walk. "I thought you two would be downstairs with the others."

Joey explained, "We wanted to see Bounty first. Hey, Dad, you know what? Brian wants to stay up until midnight, too."

"I'm sure he does." Charles next said, "However, I'm afraid he's much too young to be up that late."

"Aww, Dad, please."

"No, no, no," Charles answered rapidly. "I'm sorry, son, but your brother needs his rest. But just think, in a few years when he is allowed to stay up, you two can chatter the night away about how mean I am."

Joey responded, "You're not mean, Daddy. Well… not usually."

Charles ran one hand through the blonde hair. "My little flatterer."

Smiling, Joey held on tightly to both of Brian's hands as he propelled him forward. "Come on, little brother. Let's get you some juice."

With untold fondness, Charles watched them leave before making a path for the master bedroom.

IIIIIII

At the film's conclusion and illumination returning to the space, the long-haired pair made their way out through the swarm that consisted mainly of their own age group. In a beige peacoat and woolen hat on her head, Melissa walked with arms folded. Leon moved in tune with her, gloved hands shoved into his pockets. When a giggle pierced the chilled air around them, they peered to their left at the petite girl who completely half-heartedly batted at the male who attacked her neck with his lips. To the right they saw another set coming through at a significantly slower pace due to the man's arms winding around the female from behind. Up ahead, yet another made spotlights of the street lamps and danced in energetically outlandish fashion.

Melissa proposed, "Ten bucks if you materialize them into the street. Preferably as soon as a bus is in sight."

"You're kidding, right?" Leon raised an eyebrow. "I'd do it for free."

"My God, did you get a load of those two up in the balcony?" Melissa rolled her eyes. "Should have gone ahead and swallowed each other whole."

"They were nothing compared to the ones sitting behind us," Leon recalled. "Could hardly catch a word of the dialogue with them playing vacuum cleaner."

Melissa shook her head in annoyance. "People are so revolting."

"Disgusting," Leon seconded.

They continued on after that in silence, gazes in opposite directions.

"I really like this," Melissa spoke after a minute, indicating the dark blue leather sleeve. "Very cool."

"Thanks." Leon touched the front of the motor jacket. "Christmas gift from Erik. Of course, it'd look even cooler if I weren't grounded from my bike."

Melissa observed, "For someone being pseudo-raised by a Jewish guy, your attempts at guilt are pretty pathetic."

"You're pretty," Leon countered then developed a gentler tone. "Y-you look pretty. Did I say that? I know females thrive on a significant amount of frequent ego stroking."

"Who says guys are clueless?" Melissa further responded with, "I think your eyes said it all. Though I wasn't completely sure. Thought you might have seen it as, I don't know, completely weird. Me in a dress."

"No," Leon immediately disagreed. "I like it. I li-like the pink. Girls look good in… pinkness." He ceased movement suddenly. "Okay, what are we doing? No, actually, what am I doing? Besides everything wrong."

Melissa eyed him in surprise. "You're kidding, right? You winging this way better than I am."

"But why do we have to… wing or whatever?" he wanted to know. "High-speed chases with the police? Fine. Providing protection for women and children with psychopaths after them? Fine. In my bedroom at all hours?... Oddly fine. So what's the trouble here? What's off?"

Melissa shrugged and raised, "We could hotwire a car if you're really up for a high-speed chase."

"First, don't tempt me. Second, I'm serious here."

"You're the psycho-babblier and you want me to come up with an answer?" Melissa thought then exhaled. "Maybe because out here, there are no distractions like the safe house to keep our attention off the elephant in the room. All those guys back there with their cutesy girlfriends? And you're stuck with a pile of wood in a dress."

"You are not the only one with issues there," Leon reminded her strongly. "At least you can use wood for fire. I'm stone, Melissa; cold and hard."

She told him genuinely, "You make me warm."

He turned, "You make me feel. Period You're the only girl I've ever… you know."

The slightest trace of a smile came over her face. "You have no idea how much I wish you could be the only for me, too. But I had a boyfriend before and… guess we both know how that ended."

Leon said, "I'm always ready to hear more. If you want to say it."

Melissa regarded him idyllically before speaking again.

XXXXX

Hit the road Jack

And don't you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more

As the song concluded on the record player, the three did likewise with their own personal rendition of the watusi. When they finished dancing, several of the teenagers in the horde offered them cheers and applause. Terra curtsied, Lila waved victoriously, and Melissa blew kisses in all directions. Then, peering the immediate area, she noticed the absence of someone in particular.

Walking over to the loaded food table, she asked the ones present there, "Did you see where Haley went?"

The boy ceased speaking with the girl in front of him as he recollected, "I think I saw her headed for the bathroom."

Melissa groaned internally. "Ohh boy." She made her way through the thick of other youths, length brown curls batting against her back with her determined movements. Reaching the first floor bathroom, she pounded on the closed door. "Hales?" She rapped harder. "Haley, are you in there?"

"Away. Go there," came the simply reply.

Eyes narrowed, Melissa forced the door open and hesitated not a moment in entering.

The honey blonde hopped up from where she used the edge of the tub as a seat. "Do you mind?" Melissa confiscated the glass bottle from her hand and Haley looked at her with annoyed incredulity. "Don't start with me, okay?"

Melissa reminded her, "Haley, you promised to lay off tonight."

"It's one beer, 'Lis, geez. I'm not popping or snorting."

"Haley, you know we can't mess around with this stuff, especially not with our next tournament to think about. You're still on probation at school, you know."

Haley growled out her frustration. "As everyone feels the need to keep reminding me." She then reacted to Melissa's attempts to dump the remaining contents into the toilet. "No, stop."
"You stop!" When Melissa attempted to snatch away, the yellow beverage flew out and splattered across the front of her dress. "Great, thanks a lot." She let her have the mostly empty bottle so as to gather and wet a wad of toilet paper. "I really wanted to smell like a subway tonight."

"It was an accident, Lis. Here, I'll help." Haley wet some more tissues to dab her with.

A tall male with light brown hair peered in. "Hales? What's going on here?"

"Allen," the girl in question reacted.

One eyebrow raised on Melissa. "Allen?"

"This is my cousin," Haley introduced. "Allen, this is my usually best friend, Melissa."

"Oh right," Melissa remembered, shaking with him. "You go to Monmouth U, right?"

"Second year," Allen confirmed. "It's great to meet you." Stepping out of the way for the girls to exit first, he then zeroed in on his cousin. "What are you into?"

"Nothing," Haley claimed.

"Uh huh. Just remember to pop a few pieces from that gum stash you keep in your purse next time you want to BS me."

"It really was the one drink," Melissa assisted. "The basketball captain brought them. Since he can practically smell graduation, he thinks eighteen translates into twenty-one."

"Ah. So, I take it you don't mess with the stuff," Allen surmised.

Melissa responded glib, "And give my mother something else to pitch a fit over? No thank you."

With a smile, Allen brought up, "I caught some of your moves out there. You up for another dance?" He extended his hand. "Though I know my two left feet can't begin to keep up with a varsity cheerleader."

"Melissa."

She looked over at the tall teen in letterman's jacket approaching them. "Hey." Melissa welcomed his arms around her.

Allen dropped his hand. "Guess your dancing card is filled."

"'Fraid so." Melissa arched her head back against the firm chest.

Ryan looked Allen up and down. "Who're you?"

"My cousin," Haley filled in. "This is Allen. Allen, meet Ryan."

"Hey," they greeted in dry unison.

Ryan bowed his head to Melissa's nearest ear. "Want to get out of here for a minute?"

Melissa's attention went to Haley. "You keep from imploding."

"Don't worry." Allen threw an arm around her. "She's peachy keen."

"That's me," Haley smiled through gritted teeth.

After retrieving Melissa's coat, the two walked out to the backyard, where they honed in on the largest amount of peaceful silence the property had to offer.

Buttoning up his jacket, Ryan said, "Explain to me how you're not freezing right now."

Melissa performed a short twirl, fluffing out the skirt of her dress. "Pantyhose and diamonds are a girl's best friends."

Ryan determined, "You're too sizzling for the cold, anyway," and moved in to kiss her.

Melissa gladly returned it for several seconds before pulling back. "So…"

"So…"

"Are we keeping up the five-star couple routine or are we actually going to broach the subject of you leaving in just a few months?"

"Melissa, come on." Ryan fondled her cheek. "Pennsylvania is nowhere from here. It's not like I don't have my own wheels."

Not the slightest trace of appeasement penetrated Melissa's pensive features. "You expect me to believe that once you're living in the city, Jersey is going to be anything but an image in your rearview mirror for you?"

"I don't give a fat fuck about Jersey," Ryan stated matter-of-factly. "Even now, you're the only thing that makes living here remotely worthwhile. But we only have to do the weekend thing for a year then bam," he got in as close as he could on her, "we'll be going to school together again. Miles, continents, and galaxies away from here."

Now she honestly smiled, bringing hands up to move through his short dark hair. "You always—"

Panic consuming his features, Ryan stood up straight at what he viewed behind her. "Oh, no, no, no, no."

"What is it?" Looking back, her skin paled by several shades at the entirely unexpected returning vehicle.

XXX

Face almost red enough to match the maroon ensemble she wore, Linda fumed, "You lied. You actually stood right in our faces and lied to us. And for what?" Stopping shortly only inches away from her squeamish daughter, she spat, "To go to some wild party where God only knows what you were doing?"

Melissa attempted to interject with, "Mom—"

"Alice and Vernon are furious. Absolutely furious. Come home to find a hurricane in their living room. To think—" Linda finally noticed a specific scent and the dismay only grew on her expression. "You've been drinking!"

"No!" Melissa and Ryan denied in unison.

Trying to keep some order over the situation, Vincent advised, "You better get home to talk to your own parents, Ryan."

"Mr. Vitus, I swear we weren't drinking," Ryan further insisted. "Somebody spilled it on her. The guys just—"

"Good night, Ryan," Vincent cut in pointedly.

With a deep sigh, Ryan only gazed at. "Call you… see you at school."

"If I live to see it," Melissa said after his departing form.

Linda informed, "You'll be lucky if you live to see day's light again. What in the world possessed you to participate in something so irresponsible and moronic?"

"Mom, all we wanted to do was have a party for the team's winning streak," Melissa explained.

"Melissa," Vincent's voice carried softness but clear displeasure, "you lied to us."

"We were still going to have the sleepover after the guys went home."

Linda uttered something between a scoff and a short laugh. "You think that pathetic excuse is going to fly here? And look at you." She tugged at one flap of the girl's coat to that outfit worn underneath. "We specifically told you to return this dress and you have the nerve to leave this house in it like some kind of street-walker? How in God's name could you be this stupid, Melissa?"

"Linda." Vincent clamped a hand down on his seething wife's shoulder.

Remaining completely still, Melissa made a sudden charge for the stairs.

Linda marched right after her. "We are not done talking about this, young lady."

"Let's see." Melissa continued up. "I'm a stupid, drunken, street-walker." She shouted down, "Doesn't that just about cover it, Mother?"

Linda yelled upward, "Go ahead! You best get comfortable in your room because that's where you'll be for the next three weeks!"

Once she reached her quarters, Melissa shut the door with a resounding thud so hard several knickknacks collapsed to the floor. Throwing off her coat, she started to remove her clothes in favor of pajamas. As soon as she took off her dress, she promptly smoothed it out and placed it on a hanger amongst the rest of her clothes in need of dry-cleaning.

XXXXX

Small but rapid paws carrying the enthused vessel of fur into the room, the jack Russell terrier yapped and followed the feet belonging to the human male. Leon stopped what he was doing long enough to give the little dog a rub. The fond gesture only excited him more as he moved to his hind legs to press front paws against Leon's knee.

"Jack," leaving her bathroom while drying her hair, the freshly showered Melissa clicked her tongue at the terrier, "come here, baby." As the puppy promptly trotted her way, she then noticed the rifling going on at her desk. "Seriously?" She marched over, batting at his arms. "For the espionage expert himself, you're not even trying to be covert here."

Leon stated, "Around you, my need to mask my overly invasive prying nature becomes far less."

"That's so…" Melissa took a moment to think about it. "I really have no idea what that is. Like… romantic?"

Leon blinked once. "O-kay. So," he gestured towards the box sitting on the desk, "you've lived here for how long and you're still not unpacked? And I thought the women I live with had infinite shoe collections."

"Just some stuff I was looking through last night," she said indifferently, removing the lid. "Relics honestly."

Leon removed a brown block of wood from the box and saw it to be a gold plated plaque. "Sophomore School Spirit award?" His gaze developed brief confusion. "At my old school, the girls who won these were usually…" His eyes landed squarely on the one before him in black leggings and WU sweatshirt. "… No. Way. In the world…"

Rolling her eyes towards the ceiling, Melissa muttered, "Oh fuck," then retrieved the orange yearbook from the box.

Taking it from her, it only took a few pages before the photographs confirmed Leon's suspicions. "Cheerleading?" He looked at her as if for the first time. "You're a cheerleader?"

"Varsity cheerleader." Forming a scowl, she immediately tacked on complete with pointed finger, "And it's former. Former cheerleader."

"You a cheerleader." Leon shook his head with disbelief before realization set in. "I'm going out with a cheerleader. This is so… disgusting, actually, considering the fact that my little sister is a cheerleader. Yet on the other hand, I'm almost certain this qualifies me as a stud."

Melissa replied wryly, "And I'm dating one of those Asian nerds who sits at the front of the class, reveling in his superiority over the rest of us."

"That's a gross generalization," Leon countered. "I never sit up front. Though spot on about the reveling." He noticed something on the next page of the yearbook. "Who's this?"

Going around to see who he meant, Melissa's countenance became stony. "She… we were best friends."

XXXXX

Attempting to decipher the overly vexing word problems before her, the thin brunette reacted to the ringing noise that pierced the absolute quiet. Leaving her text and notebook on her bed, Melissa walked out into the hall to pick up the second floor extension.

"Hello?"

At first she heard nothing until the heavily sniffling sounded. "… Lis?"

"Hales?" Melissa frowned, feeling the panic ready to seep through. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"C-can you ask your mom if you can come over?"

"Are you kidding? The only way she's letting me out of here involves an emergency room visit. Besides, they're at some event for my dad's job."

"Can you please come?" she sniffed. "Please, Lis, I don't want to be by myself."

"I'm on my way," Melissa promised. "Where's Allen?"

"He went out. Please, Lis…"

"Be there in a flash. Just hang on." Quickly returning the receiver to its base, Melissa rushed to get into jeans and a sweater.

XXX

Reacting to the one lamp left on in the house, he tapped fingers on the marginally open door. The darker haired girl sat up in bed from where she laid with comforting arms around the now slumbering blonde.

"Allen," she recognized.

"Hey." Coming in fully, he went around to his cousin and knelt to view her face. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah." Melissa played in her hair a little. "It's just been another one of those nights. Her dad cancelled their weekend together." She further explained, "He's meeting his new girlfriend's parents."

Allen nodded at that. "Kind of figured. They're getting really serious." He looked at her directly. "Thanks a lot for staying with her."

"In a heartbeat," Melissa responded. She moved to stand. "I have to get out of here, though. I'm still grounded and if my parents get home before me, this is the first place they'll check."

Allen stood as well. "My car's downstairs. There's no way I'm letting go by yourself this late."

Melissa smile gratefully. "Thanks, Allen."

Bringing the blanket over Haley, Allen whispered gently, "Be right back."

When they made it down and into Allen's Plymouth, Melissa released an easy sigh. "I really worry about her sometimes."

"Yeah, me too." Allen started them on the road. "She hasn't been the same since the divorce." He glanced her way briefly. "I really want to thank you. Not just for tonight but for being there so much for my cousin. There's no way she could've handled moving here last year if not for you."

"Oh, trust me, it's mutual. We live to swap rants about our mothers."

"Vivica's a bitch." At the taken aback expression he caught from his passenger, Allen calmed. "Sorry- sorry, I shouldn't have… but it's true. She's trash. My whole family knew it from the start. My uncle foots all the bills and she's the one who gets custody of Haley?" He scoffed with disgust. "Makes me sick."

Not sure how to respond, Melissa said, "Haley told me how they used to fight all the time; night and day."

Taking note of her outerwear, Allen asked, "That's your boyfriend's letterman, right?"

Melissa stroked the leather sleeves with a smile. "He says it'll keep his arms around me until I'm out of the dungeon."

Allen then wanted to know, "What do you see in that guy?"

Melissa looked at him with clear offense evident. "Excuse me? Where do you get off asking me something like that? We've been together since my freshman year." She watched him maneuver through a closed off portion of a one-way street, facing a brick wall. "What are you doing? You were supposed to keep straight."

Allen stopped the car. "Just trying to have a conversation."

"Do you know what time it is?" Melissa reminded urgently. "Please just get me home. I'm pushing my luck as it is." Her eyes bulged the instant his head reached in and she automatically slapped the right side of his face with all force she could muster. "You sick creep!" Getting her side of the car open, she climbed out heatedly. "You know I'm with Ryan!"

Expression now one of furious indignation, Ryan moved rapidly enough to detach from the driver's side and race around to prevent her storming off. "Yeah?" With both hands, he shoved her down. "Don't see him with you right now."

So stunned into dizziness by the abrupt push, Melissa could only groan out when she made contact with the concrete. Heartbeat increasing by the second, she made disbelieving eye contact with him for a mere second before attempting to hurry up.

Allen grabbed and yanked her back by the collar of her jacket. With her in his struggling grasp, he managed to get the backdoor open.

"Let go!" Melissa attempted to break free from his grip that proved so much stronger. "Help! Some—"

Muffling her, Allen crammed her inside and onto her back across the seats.

One hand still over her mouth, he neared her face as closely as he could once on top of her. "You say a word- so much as one- and I'll make sure your parents know what kind of lying, sneaky tramp you really are. I'm sure your little boyfriend will love hearing how his girl handed it right over." A thought seemed to cross his mind. "Then again, I can always leave you to be picked up with the rest of the trash in the morning." He leered at the horror that materialized in her brown eyes. "So, ready to play nice?" She gave off a robotic nod. "Good." He murmured, "Now we can have some fun," as his fingers started with the button of her jeans and next aimed for her zipper.

XXX

Unsure as to when exactly the numbing took the place of the extreme cold, all she knew was that she had not experienced warmth even at the highest setting. The water cascaded continuously. All she could absorb was how steadily it filled the tub and she silently wished to be swallowed entirely by the drain along with the rest of the dirt.

At the returning voices approaching her, the girl raised her head with a gasp. Hands jittery, she had to feel around for a moment to switch off the faucet. The water from above ceased its downpour and she stood on wobbly legs.

"Is she in the bathroom?" her father wondered.

Her mother hummed curiously. "I thought she would have been in bed already."

Scrambling to get out of the tub, Melissa hurried to cover herself with her robe. When a sudden churn bubbled from within, she nearly fell over in an attempt to reach the toilet. Opening her mouth, she deposited the innards of her belly and possibly more into the bowl.

"Melissa?" Vincent knocked on the door twice. "Honey, are you okay in there?"

Gripping the counter, Melissa made it to her feet. "D-Daddy?" She went for the door and got the knob to turn after a few mistrials.

"Melissa." Taking in her soaking, disheveled appearance, Vincent reached hands out for her. "Sweetie, what's the matter?"

Linda stepped up as well. "Are you feeling alright?"

"No," came the teenager's whimpered reply as she laid her head against her father's front. "I- I wanted a shower, but I... I can't stop throwing up. For the last hour. It just won't stop."

"Oh dear," Linda sighed in dread. "It's probably that stomach flu that's been flying everywhere." Entering the bathroom herself, she retrieved a towel to help dry Melissa's hair. "No wonder you're still up."

"Come on." Vincent guided Melissa in the direction of her room. "You better lay down."

"I'll get a glass of soda water." Linda returned the towel to the rack and headed downstairs.

After his daughter stretched out on her side, Vincent fixed the linens around her. "There we go, sweet pea." He frowned at the developing tears in her eyes and gave her a soothing smile. "Oh angel, don't cry." Sitting on the side of the bed, he kneaded her back through the covers. "I know it feels bad now, but it'll pass soon."

Melissa drifted into complete quiet, shivering every so often.

XXXXX

"Aren't you going to ask the million-dollar question?"

Seated cross-legged on the rug, Leon used the bed post for support. Melissa faced the opposite wall reclined against his arm. She delicately finger combed Jack's fur; the puppy resting in her lap.

Leon fiddled with his Swiss army knife. "Hm?"

Melissa clarified deprecatingly, "Why didn't I tell anyone? Why didn't I fight harder? Why, why, why…"

"Chalked it up to you being a confused sixteen-year-old girl in a state of shock." Leon spread his pliers back and forth. "But then again, what do I know about post-traumatic stress?"

A tight smile came to Melissa's face. "I really could have used you back then. I really could have used anyone back then."

"What did you do next?"

"Tried pushing it out of my mind, convincing myself it was nothing. Seemed to work." Melissa's countenance shifted grimly. "At first."

XXXXX

Pompoms in the air, Lila used bodily gestures to represent letters of the alphabet that spelled out the school's name. Taking part in the squad's half twirl, the majority of sound entering Melissa's ear consisted of incoherent buzzing that failed to cease. Experiencing a blur, she attempted to shake her head to clear it. With a sharp intake of air, she sunk to her knees before ending up on the cold planks of the wooden floor. The others immediately ceased their activities to gather around her.

Ignoring the ball pass that came his way, Ryan sped over as well. "Melissa?" He crouched by her side. "Are you okay?"

Directing the other players to take a break, the basketball coach instructed, "Someone run and get the nurse."

"No." With Ryan's assistance, Melissa eased to her feet. "That's okay, Coach. I- I'm just lightheaded. I better head home."

"Okay, feel better," Lila comforted.

Haley said, "Call me tonight."

Not looking at her directly, Melissa bobbed her head and walked towards the entrance for the girl's locker room.

"I'll wait outside." Ryan went after her, going to squeeze her hand. "I'll drive you."

As if reacting to a burn, Melissa pulled back. "No, it's okay. I, um, I don't want to keep you from practice. Besides, I think some fresh air will do me good."

Though begrudgingly, Ryan agreed. "Okay. You get some rest." He stepped in closer towards her. "I love you."

Rubbing one arm, Melissa returned a brisk, "Love you," before going through the door.

XXX

Huddled up in a fetal position on the chilled table in the near miniscule space, the metallic clicking sound alerted her to the physician's returning presence in the exam room. Sitting up, Melissa awaited her word, but the expression on her face spoke by itself.

Entire form giving into slow shakes, Melissa shook her head back and forth with slow incredulity. "No… no…"

"I'm afraid it's a definite yes," Dr. Roden announced dourly. "I suspected it from the get-go with your symptoms; the irregular periods, fatigue, nausea, fainting spells. You are about ten weeks along, Miss Vitus."

"No, please," Melissa sincerely pleaded. "I'm not even seventeen yet. It has to be a mistake. It has to be."

"Oh, there's most certainly been a mistake made," Dr. Roden stated, removing her glasses for a moment. "I get several girls in here every year just like you. Summer romance, Homecoming, Prom night, one trip to the drive-in. Different stories, exact same endings."

One hand going to her stomach while the other touched her chest to keep her heart from ejecting straight through her chest, Melissa asked desperately, "What am I going to do?"

"Firstly, you need to inform your parents. And your boyfriend of course." Dr. Roden noticed the swollen brown eyes that seemed galaxies away. "Miss Vitus? Melissa?"

Despite the number of times she heard her name repeated, the girl proved incapable of response or even movement.

XXX

Gazes fixated on the Wonder Woman poster on one wall, neither female said anything for several seconds.

Haley eventually broke the silence with, "Did you tell your parents?"

Melissa instantly replied, "You know I can't."

"… Lis?" Haley bit her lip. "It's not Ryan's, is it?" Melissa now faced her in astonishment and Haley explained, "Allen told me… about that night."

Disbelieving her ears for the second time that day, Melissa reacted, "He did?"

Haley nodded. "I didn't want to bring it up then. I didn't even want to believe it. I mean, I know he's really good looking, but I just couldn't see you doing Ryan like that. But now…"

"Wait." Melissa clapped a firm hand down on Haley's wrist, locking their eyes. "He said I wanted to?"

Haley answered, "He said you wanted a college man so you'd be better prepared to give it to Ryan. He said you practically begged."

"He's a fucking liar!" Melissa shouted right in her face, making Haley recoil. "I didn't want anything from him, Haley, not a damn thing. The only thing I begged for was for him to get off of me."

Inching away from her on the bed, Haley wanted to know, "Are you trying to say my cousin forced you?"

"He threw me to the ground, Haley," Melissa emphasized. "He stuffed me in the back of that car and said he would kill me and leave me in the trash."

"Oh, my God…" A revolted Haley got to her feet, turning on the other girl with venomous eyes. "I can't believe you would cheat on a guy like Ryan then have the nerve to try to blame my cousin because you got knocked up."

"What?" Melissa shot up as well. "Hales, I'm not lying. Allen did this and I'm going to lose everything I have because of him!"

"You did this to yourself," Haley accused. "You're the one who threw yourself at him. He probably isn't even the father. Miss Popularity- probably let half the guys at school have a turn."

An initially flabbergasted Melissa retorted, "Wow, you must've sold a lot of pussy this week because you clearly snorted the five-star crack before you came over here."

Haley jabbed two fingers at her, "Fuck you," before veering around to leave the room.

XXXXX

Glasses extended, Charles went to work filling them with the contents of the uncorked champaign bottle.

"Drink in good health, my friends," the Professor encouraged. "We've reached the final hour of the year. So much to celebrate."

"You got it right, Chuck." Logan sniffed the beverage. "But at midnight, we're bustin' out the good stuff, right?"

Erik answered that with, "As soon as the babes are safe in their bed."

"Just a taste, Charles," Hank said when the telepath reached his glass.

"Same here," Raven requested from where she sat near him on one loveseat.

Kayla took a slow sip of hers. "Oh to the infinite joy of having the twins on this side of my womb."

"Dad," Alex addressed, entering the parlor. "I'm getting worried about Lee. He's really been gone a while."

"Sorry, brother." They all looked to the doorway where Leon materialized. "I move a lot slower without wheels." He noticed Erik's raised eyebrow. "Not that I'm complaining."

Charles offered, "Would you young men like to join us in a toast?"

Alex turned to the adults again. "Really?"

"Please, who's gonna see?" Logan waved off. "We're in the house."

Alex glanced Hank's direction. "Sure it won't make me blow up or anything?"

Hank regarded him in amusement. "I'll keep an eye on you."

Raven stood. "Better grab Maya and Sean."

Erik said after her, "See to it Seanie doesn't fall over himself in anticipation." He next glanced at Leon. "So, how has your evening been?"

"Good." Leon accepted a champaign glass and Charles went to work on getting another bottle open. "Dandy even."

Erik nodded with approval.

XXXXX

After another time killing trip to the bathroom, the brown haired girl resumed her position on the slightly upright table. She stared at the tiled ceiling for such a long stretch that the other colors appeared in place of the white.

Finally, the tall, coffee skinned male in white coat came back in. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Vitus. It gets really hectic with a clinic this jam-packed and short staffed."

"That's okay, Dr. Brookes. Believe it or not, I actually like it better here than that female wellness center I went to."

"That's good. Now, let's take a look here." He studied the chart he carried with him. "According to this, you're a little over four months." Dr. Brookes looked at her. "And you said your parents don't know?"

Melissa kept facing upward. "No."

"How have you managed to conceal it?"

"I've been wearing a lot of layers, keeping a waste bin by my bed for the nausea and taking out my own trash," Melissa recounted. "Outside of school, I'm pretty much in my room. My mom thinks I'm insane for quitting cheerleading when I was up for captain. She thinks I messed up a good thing for my college transcripts." She smiled feebly. "If she only knew, right?"

Dr. Brookes listened and replied, "I can't imagine how difficult this has been on you. Good news is, your tests aren't showing anything out of the ordinary. Lay still for me, please." She did and he slipped his buds on before pressing the circle of metal to her abdomen. "Just a little… oh, there we go now."

Melissa looked at him curiously. "What is it?"

"Listen for yourself." Dr. Brookes transferred the stethoscope to her. "It's your baby's heartbeat."

Awaiting the sound, Melissa did not so much as suck in a breath. When the gentle thumps ignited in her ears, a grin split across her face. "Oh, my God… Is that really him?"

"Mmhmm," Dr. Brookes nodded.

A gloss developed in her eyes. "I don't believe it. I mean, I've felt him moving, but… it's almost like holding him."

"Miss Vitus," Dr. Brookes spoke gently, "I know things seem so bleak for you right now. I have a niece that was in your same situation last year. Now, it certainly won't be easy, but there is help out there for you and your baby. Before you leave, stop by the desk for a list of family organizations."

Melissa eyed him with appreciativeness. "Thank you."

XXX

Attention so captivated by the brochure in her hands, she hardly noticed it when she arrived at her front gate. She did, however, take full note of the one situated on her front steps.

"There you are, thank God." Jumping up, he jogged towards her.

"Ryan." Melissa quickly secured the leaflet inside her purse. "What's going on?"

"Our parents are inside." Ryan gestured towards the house. "And they're completely out of their minds. Some chick prank called your mom earlier and she actually took it serious enough to call my parents. Get this. She told your mom you're knocked up."

Melissa could feel the coloring leaving her face. "… What?"

"I know, completely stupid. Come on." He took her hand and started them inside. "Let's get them straightened out."

A now stiff Melissa could say nothing as he guided her along.

The moment they stepped in, the shouting resonated. Still holding onto her, Ryan brought them into the kitchen where the two middle-aged couples squared off on opposite sides of the island.

"Hello, people," Ryan shouted over them. "In case you hadn't noticed, Melissa's home." He glanced down at her. "Go ahead. Tell them. We've never done anything, right?"

"Melissa." Linda marched upon her. "Why did a Dr. Roden call here claiming that you're… my God," her face contorted with abhorrence, "I can't even repeat it."

"You were certainly capable of repeating it loud and clear when you threw accusations at our son," Helena piped up pointedly.

"Melissa, honey," Vincent spoke over them, "please tell us this is just somebody's idea of a sick joke."

"Of course it is." Ryan kept looking at Melissa, who remained wordless. "It is, isn't it?... Melissa?"

Entire face quivering, Melissa uttered, "Daddy…"

While Carl had to move to catch Helena before she could fall in dismay, Linda wailed out her full anguish.

Only able to shake his head at first, Vincent unleashed his fury by violently clearing everything off the island with both arms. "No, no, no, no!"

Linda seized Melissa by both sides of her face and screamed, "How could you do this to us? Do you understand what you've done to this family?"
"Mom—"

"Send her away," Carl interjected. "Connecticut, Maine- away from here."

"Yes, yes." Helena regained her footing. "She can have it there. Put it up for adoption."

Melissa felt everything before her blending together in distortion. "What?"

"'We have to." Whipping around to face her husband, Linda urged, "We have to, Vincent. Quickly before word gets out to the neighbors, our church, the PTA—"

"Stop it!" Melissa screamed at them. "All of you, just stop!" She looked to her left. "Ryan, please, you have to listen."

Gripping part of the door frame so as to continue in an upright position, the uneasy boy hardly possessed a voice with which to speak. "You… you cheated on me. After everything… I got to get out of here."

"Ryan!" Melissa hurried to follow him through the hall. She caught up with him in the foyer, snatching him by the wrist. "He raped me!" Freezing in place, he placed blue eyes back on her. "He raped me, Ryan."

"What?" Ryan grabbed her by the shoulders. "Who? Who did?"

"Allen," Melissa told him. "Haley's cousin. When he was here a few months ago. I went over to her house because she was so upset. It was late and he said he'd drive me home, but then he just stopped the car and he…"

"Wait a minute." Ryan raised a silencing hand. "Months ago? You're telling me that you were raped, you knew exactly who did it, and you didn't say a word? To me, your folks, the cops, Haley- it was her cousin, Melissa."

"When I found out I was pregnant, I tried to tell her, but she wouldn't believe me," Melissa insisted. "Why do you think we haven't been hanging out or even speaking?"

"I don't have a damn clue, Melissa." Ryan flapped his arms incredulously. "I don't know anything about you anymore. But it finally makes sense how you can barely stand to be near me, why you just up and dropped cheerleading. I tried telling myself you were still worried about me going away to school; that if I kept trying, it would all work out. But now I know what's really going on." He aimed a finger at her. "The big college guy made you hot, smoothed talk you, and got you to give it up. Now that you find out you walked away with more than you planned on, you're trying to say he made you."

"He did!" she cried. "You have to believe me!"

"He doesn't have to do anything for you." Coming through, Helena went around to clamp a hand over her son's arm. "You already admitted that this is not Ryan's child. The rest is of no concern to us."

"Helena," Linda beseeched, "please, you can't say a word to anyone."

The other woman scoffed at the notion. "And have Ryan dragged down with her? Believe me, Linda, I never want to speak about this matter again. But if you're wise, you will send her away immediately."

Carl walked up to join them. "Let's go, son."

As she watched the three take their leave, Melissa felt a gag trapped in her throat.

"Is it true?" Melissa slowly turned towards her father's voice. "It's Haley's cousin's?"

"Daddy." Melissa gripped his shirt front miserably. "Daddy, you believe me, don't you? I swear I didn't want him to. You know I wouldn't do anything like that, right? I wouldn't! I'm your good girl, Daddy."

Staring into her sorrowful eyes, Vincent brought her into an embrace. "Of course you are, princess. Why don't you go on upstairs? Give your mother and I a chance to talk for a bit."

"Okay, Daddy." Letting go of him, Melissa made a path for the stairs.

Once in her room, changed into the nightgown left on one chair and laid down on top of her covers. It took more than a half an hour for the shouts and outbursts to settle within her mind, though she had to combat tears multiple times.

With a mild knock, Vincent looked in. "Feeling any better, honey?"

Rising on her pillows a little, Melissa rubbed at her face. "I can't believe this happened, Daddy. Nothing's ever going to be the same again."

"Aw, don't say that. When has your old dad let you down?" He presented her with a mug. "Here you go. One of Grandma's remedies."

Melissa took it by the handle and tried a taste, brow wrinkling a bit. "It's really strong."

"I know, but drink it down." Vincent took a seat on the edge of the bed, facing her. "You need it after all this."

Melissa tried slow sips, but eventually settled for gulping the whole thing down. "Daddy?" Circling a finger around the brim of the mug. "I'll go somewhere else to have him. But I really don't think I should give my baby away."

"Sweetie, if what you say about Allen is true—"

"It is true, Dad."

"Right," Vincent nodded. "Then this… what's inside you is not natural. It's nothing but a burden and a reminder of what happened."

"Daddy," taking his wrist, Melissa touched his hand to the very front of her stomach, "can't you feel him? I heard his heartbeat together. I couldn't believe it. It's like he was…"

Vincent reacted to how she placed a hand over her forehead. "Melissa?"

"I'm really tired. From just… everything." Melissa moved to rest on her side, holding out the mug for him. "Can we finish talking tomorrow?"

"Of course." Vincent took the mug from her wilting hand. "Don't you worry about a thing, princess." With some maneuvering, he got her blanketed. "Not a thing." He lowered to kiss the now slumbering girl's cheek. "It'll all pass soon."

Standing, he gazed over to see his wife just outside the door. At the expectant expression on her face, Vincent tipped the cup in indication. At the emptied contents, Linda's countenance filled with gratification.

XXXXX

Though situated by the window, the brown irises focused on nothing in particular. The overhead clouds seemed to roll across the moon like a steady stream over stones. Bringing her new keychain up, she used the minimal light to view the name that so often echoed throughout her mind.

From the slight reflection in the lower pane, she glanced at the one who shifted inside. "What kept you down there so long? Interrogation?"

Leon responded, "Getting wasted with the X-Men."

She raised a skeptical eyebrow. "There are about a thousand other alibis I'll buy before that one." She noticed his face. "What's going on, genius?"

"Crazy, isn't it?"

"You mean like everything else about our existence?"

Leon came to stand by her chair. "From across the country, we were in high school at the same time. If we'd met back then, you'd have glided right on by me."

"And I likely would have been at the top of your mock list. So, what's up?" Melissa stood "Thrill's all gone?"

"Yeah, for you maybe," Leon put forth. "I'm the one at the disadvantage here."

Melissa twitched her eyes from side to side, trying to comprehend that. "How much booze did you have again?"

"You had a whole life before all of this," Leon emphasized. "You knew who you were and what you were about." Hands going into the pockets of his soft pants, he moved to look out the window. "Who was I before I became petrified in a hunk of stone? All I remember is a shy, timid, frightened little boy. I could have hidden behind my father's pants leg forever."

"My father's arms." Melissa stepped up behind him. "I used to think they were the safest place in the whole world. Blood really does stain."

"Deep red." Leon gripped his headboard to flip over and onto his mattress on his back.

Melissa vanished and floated over, reappearing beside him. "But you are wrong." Leon turned eyes on her. "You were never some timid kid. Not really. That's just what people got to see while the real you was under construction. The you that's willing to break every law known to man when someone needs you. Or hell, people you barely know. Not to mention the you that can royally kick ass, even in your sleep."

"Well," Leon looked to consider that, "you have seen me sleep."

Melissa reached for a section of his black strands of silk. "You're also the one I want to end and begin this year with."

Leon briefly checked the clock on his night table. "We're almost there on both accounts."

Sighing softly, Melissa said, "Leon, I know at midnight most couples are lip locked and…"

"Melissa," she eyed him fully again, "that's the guy I'm definitely not. That will never matter."

Small smile in place, Melissa brought her head against his chest. Leon tugged his comforter over them.

Even through the closed door and windows, they still heard the exploding chorus of, "3… 2… 1- Happy New Year!"