Chapter Two Hundred Eighty-Seven

Author's Word: Hi, fam! Hope everything is great with you guys. If not, that's why we live here, isn't it? So, one of you requested to know how old everyone is at this point. Here it 'tis.

Hank: 23 going on 50 in his mind.

Raven: 22

Alex: 20, soon to be 21
Leon: 20

Sean: 18

Maya: 18

Angel: 18
Cordy: 17, soon to be 18

Sam: 14, soon to be 15

Frank: 14, soon to be 15

Scott: 13

Becky: 13

Cody: 11, soon to be 12

Joey: 11

Trav: 7

Kiki: 4

Brian: 1 year, about 14 months total

Mira/Todd: About 8 months

Hope that clears it all up. Now, please enjoy and review!

"While most of you have reduced her to a childhood relic," the manicured fingers kept the doll with sophisticated expression and striped bathing suit hoisted as she spoke, "Barbie is a is a monumental figure and symbol of our history. She was created back in '59 by inventor and president of Mattel, Ruth Handler. She never expected the doll to become the sensation she is today, as Ruth's inspiration came from watching her own little girl have nothing but infantile dolls to play with. In less than a decade, Barbie has reached and shown girls everywhere that life has so much more to offer between childhood and matrimony. So many other goals to obtain beyond that ever-coveted wedding ring. Barbie herself has had a wealth of careers- my personal favorites being model and business executive. Both of which I have on display at home."

Smiles and good-natured giggles spread through the vast assortment of high-schoolers present in the auditorium.

Adrienne went on with, "Ruth Handler didn't have it easy in her innovative pursuits, oh no. She had to battle with the big, burly boys to get where she is today. Who here is an I Love Lucy fan?" Multiple hands flew up. "DesiLu Studios exists because Lucille Ball's former production company wouldn't permit her to work alongside her Cuban husband. Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Eartha Kitt, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland- all those actresses you admire, whose pictures adorn your bedroom walls and lockers, whose looks you seek to imitate down to the eyelash- not one of them wakes up in the morning that way. Perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect clothes with not a thread out of place, all of that on top of clocking anywhere from ten to twenty hour days is work. Work, blood, sweat, and toil. The beautiful aren't lucky, ladies, but committed. No woman alive has any excuse to walk out the front door with her head to ground, too shamed by her own appearance to so much as face a rearview mirror. Women who go through life that way do not deserve pity. Their laziness shames them. If you want anything, you have to fight for and continuously defend it. To do anything less means you never wanted it in the first place. Well," Adrienne stood in the very center of the stage, "that's my piece. I've left information with your teachers on upcoming casting call dates as well as charity events. For juniors and seniors, I also have summer internship applications. Thank you for staying awake, ladies."

The moment she concluded, applause ignited and echoed all throughout the auditorium.

From behind, Whitney leaned towards Samantha's ear. "Your mom is incredible."
The blonde only continued to beam.

After receiving another dozen thanks from the Home Economic teachers, Adrienne watched multiple girls clamor for applications. Five emerged from the crowd to approach her on stage.

Samantha went straight into her arms. "You were fantastic, Mama."

Maya told her, "You're the best school speaker they've ever brought in here."

"You've got 'em sold, Dri," Angel commended.

"You are so right about Lucille Ball. She is an institution," a glowing Brenda stated. "But, oh my gosh, I just love Eartha Kitt. They're both so ferocious."

Cordelia said coyly, "I liked the Barbie part."

Leaving an arm around Samantha, Adrienne eyed her deprecatingly. "Certainly took you long enough to take pride in your appearance. Am I looking at my newest intern?"

With an equally haughty smile, Cordelia came back with, "In your dreams, Big Sis."

IIIIIII

On the opposite end of her uncle's desk, Kiki filled her Alice in Wonderland coloring book with crayon. Peeking up at her occasionally, Alex hid his snickering over her depiction of a pink and orange Mad Hatter.

"Alex?" The woman in emerald sweater and tan pants knocked on his doorframe.

Alex looked up to see the stacked sandwich and small salad she brought in. "Oh wow, Mrs. McCoy, you didn't have to do this. You've been fixing stuff for me all week."

"This is nothing compared to your workload." Edna placed the plate and fresh mug of coffee to the side of the desk away from his book. "Is this Anatomy?"

Squeezing pressure out of his neck, Alex stated, "Vocabulary quiz and colossal test this week."

Edna kneaded his shoulders. "My prayers will be with you."

"Grandma," Kiki piped up, "can we do my words?"

"Of course, sweetheart." Edna went to gather her granddaughter. "Let's look in on and Brian and Melissa then we'll get right to it." She started out with her. "A sea of academics you all are. I see how Henry's found sanctuary here."

Alex smiled after the females and closed his book to give the presented food his full attention.

IIIIIII

Hands joined, Joey and Laci entered their art room. Arriving ahead of the rest, they went to their regular table. Adorned in a cream peasant blouse with lengthy skirt made up of red, purple, blue, and black stripes, Miss Kendall arrived next. A wide smile stretched across her face at the meticulous way the two laid out their sketchbooks and supplies.

"I have some privileged information I believe you'll both find interesting," she said with an enthused but vague air.

"Really?" came from Joey and Laci wanted to know, "What is it?"

Miss Kendall winked, "All will be revealed…" and walked to her desk.

The wait did not prove extensive as the rest of their classmates soon filled the space.

Positioned before them, Miss Kendall waved her hands to gain their full attention. "Everyone, I have a very thrilling announcement." The room went into a chorus of silence. "The Jones-Broderick Academy of Fine Arts is holding a portfolio contest unlike any other for the ages of ten to thirteen. Should your portfolio be accepted, you will be given a full scholarship to the academy for a special summer session." She promptly went on with, "Believe it or not, that isn't the best part. You see, the Jones-Broderick school has faculty members made up of professional illustrators, Broadway performers, animators, cartoonists, including several from Walt Disney Studios." Above the eager murmuring, she piped up, "Not only that, but a visit from the man himself is highly anticipated."

Jaws dropped and their stunned gazes seemed frozen in place.

Once able to formulate words again, Joey shot up from his seat. "You mean, we'll get to meet Walt Disney?"

Miss Kendall replied brightly, "And he you."

Everything around him spinning, Joey nearly went to the floor when he plopped back into his chair. Facing Laci, the pair shared eclipsing grins.

IIIIIII

Add one stolen night of bliss
One girl, one boy, some grief, some joy
Memories are made of this
Don't forget a small moon beam
Fold in lightly with a dream

Stepping inside his quarters with eyebrow raised, Leon took notice of the record in the player. "So, Dean Martin isn't squatting under our bed. Now, I can sleep tonight."

Melissa laid on her back with her head supported by pillows. "Wasn't enough room for him and Johnny Cash."

Leon aimed a finger at her. "You leave Johnny out of this. How're you holding up?"

"It seems an eternity since I've known life beyond these walls. Tell me, traveler, what news bring you of the outside world?"

"Still a rotating clump of crap."

Melissa formed a leonine smile. "Exactly as I remember it."

Leon placed his bag on the desk to remove school items from it. "You eat anymore today?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded. "Mrs. McCoy brought up soup with the meds. She's… nice."

Sitting at the foot of the bed, Leon patted her ankles. "That explains the pod she was delivered in."

"Last I checked, all the moms of suburban sophistication swore an oath of relentless hatred against me." Melissa shrugged. "Guess the cold masks the aroma of my ill-repute."

Leon indicated the wedge of wax on the nightstand, "Scented candles serve a purpose," and she exhaled in amusement. "Alright, time to mold young mutant minds."

Melissa sat up at that. "Need a TA?"

"Sure." Leon moved to his feet. "As soon as Hank clears you."

Melissa sank again. "I need pacifying…"

Leon brought up, "Westside Story is coming on tonight."

Strongly considering that, Melissa said, "I mandate full Shakespearean mockery. His work as well his personal lifestyle."

Leon replied, "I'm fairly certain that's unavoidable."

IIIIIII

Sprawled upside down in the executive chair, Joey held the receiver close to his ear. He maintained a minute, covert tone going into the mouth piece.

"I can't stop thinking about it, Laci. A chance to meet Walt Disney; learn from him."

"I've been in a daze ever since I got home. But Joey, it's so far."

Joey reasoned, "Miss Kendall said it's barely an hour away from here."

Laci scoffed. "Let my parents tell it and it's across the planet."

"But that's just it, Laci," Joey urged. "If we get in, we'll finally, finally be doing our own thing. Your parents will be too busy to follow us around and so will all the grownups in my family. We can at least submit our portfolios."

"That wouldn't hurt," Laci agreed. "Gosh Joey, just think if we got in…"

"We'll give it our best shot," Joey said resolutely. "We'll work on our portfolios night and day. Every free second. Let's make a deal, too. We only go if we both get in."

"Are you kidding?" Laci came back with. "Walt or salt, I'm not taking a class at some new fancy smancy school without you. You're the best part of art class."

"Nope." Joey shook his head, despite her not being able to see it. "You are."

Strolling in, Alex's voice sounded with, "Tell me you guys are not doing that "no, you're cuter" vomit routine like Sean and Maya."

"Oh, no, Al." Joey made himself upright in the chair. "We're just talking."

"Well, wrap it up," Alex directed. "Dinner's almost ready and you need to scrub the paint fumes out of your hands."

Joey said into the phone, "I have to go eat, Laci."

"Us, too. See you tomorrow…" A smile filled her tone. "I'm so excited!"

"Me, too! See you." Wistful expression in place, Joey hung up.

Tapping his head, Alex brought him back to Earth. "Homework?"

Eyes shifting, Joey flashed him a toothy smile. "Right after dinner. Promise, big brother."

"Right after dinner," Alex repeated, "right here." He rapped knuckles on his desk. "No doodles, no daydreams. That's an order."

"Yes, Al," Joey complied, hopping up.

Alex ruffled his hair as they started for his bathroom.

II

Among the precession to the dining room, the tiny body with attention fixated on notebook had to keep from colliding with everything in his path. He robotically took his regular chair while continuing to write.

When all those in attendance for the evening meal gathered, Charles zeroed in on him. "Trav, as much as I applaud your diligence, you know there's no homework at the table."

Edna could not hide her contentment. "He's the very image of his father at that age."

"Oh, Mother," Hank waved off bashfully.

"He was like that for the whole ride home, too," Cody mentioned. "Hardly said a word."

Scott smirked, "That's a break."

The boy in question mumbled, "24, 30, 36, 42…"

"Valiant," Erik spoke calmly but pointedly, "what did Uncle Charles just say?"

"Trav," Raven extended her hand, "give that to me, please." With a heavy sigh, Trav relinquished the notebook and pencil to his mother. Raven saw more than half the paper used and frowned with concern. "How much homework are they giving you?"

"No, Mommy, that's just for practice," Trav explained. "I want to be ready for the big tests to get into the advanced classes next year."

"I think you'll be more than prepared," Hank stated confidently. "And you always have the opportunity to retake them over the summer if you really want to move up."

"I know," Trav sighed again.

"Good." Raven helped load up his plate. "Now, look, Grandma fixed lamb chops with apple sauce."

"Homemade gravy," Sean practically drooled, pouring a ladle's worth over his cheddar potatoes. "Love Auntie Edna."

Erik took in each of his fledglings. "I hope you lot have not been taking advantage of Mrs. McCoy's kindness. She did not come here as the hired help."

"Oh, Erik, it's no bother," Edna assured. "These children have their studies and outside activities. And let the older ones enjoy their senior year while they're able. I don't mind lending a hand while I'm here."

Frank offered, "I'll clear the table and handle the dishes, Mrs. McCoy."

"I'll help," Scott tacked on.

"Aww, but I want help with my numbers," Trav moaned.

"We'll quiz you in the kitchen," Frank placated. "I have the times tables memorized, so just sound them off."

"Okay," Trav accepted, developing cheer enough to dig into his food.

Emma asked her older sister, "How was your speaking engagement? Did you launch a whole new breed of entrepreneurs?"

Samantha informed without inhibition, "Mother was the highlight of the whole day. The other girls couldn't stop raving about her."

Adrienne claimed, "I'm sure most of their enthusiasm came from learning there is an entire ocean out there beyond this minuscule fishbowl they live in."

"Adrienne, I think it is marvelous of you to reach out this way," Edna praised. "Those girls are so young and impressionable. They need direction from a woman so poised and accomplished."

Taken by the sentiment, Adrienne replied a humble, "Thank you, Edna. Yes, it is best to reach them when they're very young."
Swirling his peas into his potatoes to make the green vegetables better flavor, Cody commented, "Yeah, my mama's been reachin' since before it was cool."

Smile instantly forming, Kayla sent out her hand to stroke her oldest son's cheek.

IIIIIII

Able to see by the soft glow of the small 101 Dalmatians lamp, the man cradled boy and bear in his arms as he rocked back and forth in the chair. Towards the end of the soothing lullaby he sent into the tot's ear, Brian's eyelids grew considerably heavier. They lowered until hardly slits of white remained viewable. Feeling himself drifting, Erik raised and shook his head.

"Uncle is getting old," he whispered to the baby, who only nestled against the adult's robe in response. Carefully and quietly, Erik left the chair and situated Brian with Dickon in the crib. "Good night, my Lab Mouse." He covered Brian with the blue blanket and took his leave of the nursery.

Performing secondary rounds for the night, Erik heard and observed regular sleep activity from the mutant fledglings. As soon as he made it outside of one of the last doors, he noticed the light seeping out from underneath. Peering in, Erik discovered the small boy asleep at his desk. Smile in place at the sight, Erik walked in, gathered him, and tucked him back in. Erik ran delicate fingers through Trav's dark hair then went to collect and quietly organize his school things for him. He knew quite well how meticulous his little nephew could be. Noticing the open page of the notebook, Erik took in the number of solved equations. The Poland native looked from the paper to the slumbering boy in marvel.

IIIIIII

Through the throng of other students, the blonde and redhead pair walked together down the hall. Keeping both their books tucked under one arm, Collin kept the other one around Samantha. The two ceased their spirited chatter when approached by a cluster of upperclassmen. A tall girl with light brown hair and legs she showcased in a knee-length skirt headed them.

"Hi, Samantha," she acknowledged fondly then turned to the boy at her side. "And you're, um…"

"The boyfriend," he filled in, "Collin."

"Weren't you all in the auditorium yesterday?" Samantha recognized.

"That's right. I'm Lita," the older girl shook with her. "Your mother is the most fabulous speaker ever. So cool."

"Thanks," Samantha smiled.

"Listen," Lita went on, "I'm having my end-of-the-year party on Saturday at my family's beach house. We don't usually invite a lot of freshmen to these things, but we'd love for you two to make it. If it's okay with your mom. She can call me for details if she wants."

Collin looked at Samantha, who replied, "I wish we could, but I don't really have the time. I spend all my free time helping my sister's prom queen campaign. It really means a lot to her."

The other girls exchanged gazes and Lita said, "Like Angel Salvador has anything to worry about. She's our top pick. In fact, as secretary of the student council, I can help secure her a ton of votes."

Samantha's eyes sparked with interest. "Really?"

"Of course," Lita guaranteed. "And in return, do you think you could put in a good word with your mom for casting calls? I'd kill to snag one of those intern spots."

"Of course," Samantha echoed. "If you're willing to help my sister, I'd love to help you, too."

"You are a jewel." Retrieving a pen, Lita jotted down something in her notebook. "Here's our contact info." She tore the page out. "And thanks again."

"No problem." Samantha tucked the sheet away in the front of her folder.

When the feminine herd departed, Collin turned to Samantha and remarked, "You've got to run for congress someday."

The leonine blonde sported a special glow as they continued through the hall.

IIIIIII

With the half dozen youths in denim overalls that matched his own attire, the Veteran led their small troop to the welcomed sunshine of the outdoors. They carried shovels of various sizes along with several other needed components.

"Alright, boys, gloves on," Logan directed, getting into his own pair. Though he hardly wore them at home, he decided to be an example. "Soil's finally ready to make this place somethin' worth lookin' at."

Leaning on his shovel, Tyler commented, "It's too weird you know how to do all this chick stuff."

"Chick stuff?" echoed Logan with eyebrow rising. "You boys ever seen the lawns around college campuses? Government buildings? Central Park?" They all nodded with different murmurs of "yes". "It's not ladies out there posin' those posies. It's all hardworkin', back breakin' men keepin' it lush and pretty out there. That's called horticulture and let me tell you, it takes skill. And here's another little fact of life for you, boys. If men ain't go around plantin' seeds, there would be no kids."

While a couple developed wide eyes, the others practically sank with snickers.

At Aiden's giggling, Logan tickled his chin. "What're you laughin' at, huh?"

The little boy grinned and leaned on the man's pants leg.

Allen snapped his tongue. "You can't go anywhere without jammin' a book in your face, can you?"

Turning to the one he meant, Logan inquired, "We borin' you, kid?"

"I'm researching Ph balances." Adjusting his glasses a moment, Walter flipped the page. "There's a lot to this besides water and dirt. The soil you use to plant azaleas for example, should not be used for something like ferns. There's also wind direction, fertilizer, not to mention insec—"

"Walter," Logan managed to interject, "if I let you conduct your own little seminar tomorrow, will you let me handle this one?"

"Absolutely!" Walter's eyes gleamed at the mere possibilities.

After Logan concluded, the group began work clearing out weeds and shriveled plant life to prepare for the new. With Aiden kneeling by him, Logan removed his larger visor. He propped it up on the child's head, making his lips curve with glee.

IIIIIII

On route to monitor playground activity, Victor paused outside the open classroom presently occupied by one of his charges. Sticking his head in, the mutant elder observed his steadfast writing. The blackboard filled to such a degree that the small boy had to stand on a chair to use the empty space at the top.

Victor finally spoke with, "Don't tell me you caught recess detention, brain boy."

Trav stilled his hand looked over. "Oh, no, kitty. I just want to work on these problems while everybody's outside. I missed two with my multiplication and three on long division."

"Long division? You're…" Victor then spotted the lunchbox left on his desk. "Did you eat yet?"

"Later," Trav dismissed. "I'm not that hungry."

Going to the box, Victor pulled out the piece of fruit inside. "At least eat your apple. If you don't eat somethin', your head'll be spinnin' in class."

Trav sighed, "Okay," and stepped down.

Victor gave him the apple and rubbed his hair. "You sit. I'll go grab you a carton of milk."

Trav went to his desk. While munching, he shuffled through his review sheets.

IIIIIII

Immediately upon returning to his work space, Alex stilled, detecting a distinct imbalance in his universe. The enchantment hit his nostrils first over the vase of flowers placed on opposite ends of his stereo with white lace doilies under the vases. Moving through, he spotted another bouquet on his office at the center of his desk. Another resided in the middle of his wide window ledge between vibrant blue curtains. Wondering what disturbing dimension he had somehow passed through, Alex dared peer into his hygiene station. The first sight to grab his attention had nothing to do with floral arrangements, but fellow SSC of WU member lounging in the jacuzzi.

"Jam, you've been here ten minutes," Alex stated, though his voice did not carry too much surprise. "What'd you do, wear your trunks under your clothes?"

"Yes, I wore my trunks under my clothes. Now, leave me alone while I'm invigorating." Jam looked to where the curly haired girl hung the "Cleanliness is Next to Godliness" plaque. "Becky, do you have some more of those purple bath salts?"

"Just a minute," she replied, ensuring the levelness of the frame.

"Becky, when exactly did you enter my spot in a Home and Garden competition?" Alex wanted to know. "Seriously, flowers, potpourri, curtains—"

"I think the curtains really compliment the room," Jam interjected.

"Fine, the curtains are kind of nice," Alex admitted, "but Babes, come on. This is supposed to be man space."

"Papa and Uncle Charles are men and their spaces don't smell anything like this," Becky pointed out.

"It is kind of funky," Jam agreed.

Alex sent him a flat glare. "Could you at least attempt to be helpful here?"

"You know, Lex, I really don't appreciate this." Jam crossed his arms. "As many times as I've had you in my house and overcrowding my dorm, I don't care for your lack of hospitality. I am getting out of here…" He folded his arms behind his head. "As soon as Hank's mom finishes drying my delicates and we get through eating dinner."

Rolling his head back in dismay, Alex turned to his sister again. "No. Pink."

"No. Problem," Becky sent back, sticking out her tongue. She looked to Jam. "I'll go get your salts. Do you want some lemonade, too?"

"Thank you, baby," Jam smiled fondly.

When she started by him, Alex stuck out his arm to block her path. "Uh uh. After all this interior decorating, you owe me a kiss." Becky pecked his cheek when he knelt to her level. "Thanks, my Babes."

As she left, Jam remarked, "That girl knows she's a mind-reader."

On his way to his office, Alex advised, "Stay in her good graces."

IIIIIII

On medium volume, Nat King Cole's vocals billowed throughout the McCoy common room. The assortment of females within the space lingered in night clothes. Kayla, Edna, Adrienne, and Emma all wore hostess gowns in turquoise, lavender, red and black print, and crisp white respectively. Raven wore her multicolored lounge pants with a pale blue tank top. Angel had on an ankle-length tiger-striped gown with matching silk robe. Cordelia and Maya had short-sleeved pajama sets in yellow and teal. Samantha sat in a fuchsia baby doll top and soft pants. Becky, Kiki, and Mira all wore pink pajamas with padded feet for the younger two.

Sitting on the loveseat, Edna stitched a rip in one of Kiki's teddy bears while Angel worked on the hemline of a skirt. Emma shared a chair with Becky, combing the girl's curls with unique gentleness. Maya read a Dr. Seuss book to Mira, ensuring she could see all the bright pictures. Kayla graded her latest quiz papers. Cordelia laid back on top of a cushion on the floor, doing aerobics with her legs while flipping through a magazine with Elvis' cover photo. Raven and Kiki played with molding clay. It surprised the shapeshifter not at all to see Kiki attempting to create a pony.

Standing behind the wooden chair Samantha sat in, Adrienne sent the brush through her golden locks. "So, you promised to talk to me for those girls solely to advance Angel's campaign?"

Caressing Midnight in her lap, Samantha confirmed, "Yes."

A crafty smile spread over Adrienne's face. "Excellent forthright thinking, my love."

"One hand uses the other," Angel piped up. "Thank you, sis."

Samantha smiled her way.

"Now, let's see." Adrienne required only moments of pondering. "I'll ensure they receive my personal attention during initial casting calls. Then I'll set the date for the secondary round- after the Prom."

Samantha put forth, "And some of the younger girls from school, too, Mama. That way they can't say anything to Angie about going over the campaign budget."

Adrienne's eyes twinkled at the suggestion. "Yes, of course." She bent to embrace her daughter from behind. "My dear, you are masterful."

"Enjoying your walk down high school memory lane, Big Sis?" Emma asked wryly.

"Em, please," Adrienne waved off. "These girls are nowhere near how high I set the brutality bar."

Looking up, Maya assured, "Oh, we can go ruthless."

Cordelia sat up in disbelief. "Wait. Are you saying you're not appalled by any of these tactics?"

Maya informed, "The only thing I'm appalled by is the thought of seeing Rita and her Syphilis Spreading Social Circle plastered over the yearbook again."

Cordelia promptly dropped her magazine and rolled over with laughter while the other girls gaped. Peering up from her work, Kayla only moved her head in amusement.

Raven dipped her head in a chortle. "Syphilis Spreading Social Circle…"

Fully realizing her words, Maya grew bashful and turned to the visiting woman. "Pardon me, Mrs. McCoy."

Edna held tight to the bear to keep from dropping it at her own humored exhales. "No, no, sweetheart. Think nothing of it."

Samantha stated, "Angie is prettier than Rita, anyway."

"All three will turn those in attendance positively green," Adrienne emphasized without room for argument. "Wait until you see your dresses."

Becky sighed dreamily. "I wish I could go."

Samantha rubbed Midnight despondently. "Me, too."

Emma hugged Becky to herself. "You will have your chances, believe me."

"This is such a thrilling time," Edna beamed. "I remember our dances back in Dundee. My sister and I always had custom-made dresses as well."

An interested Angel asked, "Did you go through one of those deluxe designers in Chicago?"

"No, ours was much closer to home. In fact, she lived in our home." Edna then cheerfully clarified, "Our mother stitched almost everything we ever wore. Until our fingers could handle needlepoint without making pincushions of our hands."

"Hm." Cordelia darted purposeful eyes between her sisters. "Certain people around here find sewing too daunting. Though not nearly as difficult as boiling water…"

"Oh, look at the duchess of domesticity," commented Adrienne dryly. "You couldn't rush outside to soil your clothes fast enough. You would show up at Boston U in trousers if the opportunity presented itself."

Emma's lips quirked. "And Daddy would have her head."

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "I'm not that incorrigible."

"Wearing trousers to school." Becky spoke the concept with a sour tone and expression. "Ugh, never."

"I can still hear my mother," Edna recollected. "She believed if we had but one decent dress to wear, we are to maintain dignity by keeping it cleaned and pressed."

"I say the same thing to my students," Kayla piped up. "From day one."

"We had a unit on the Depression in my AP History class," Angel mentioned. "Did that hit your family hard, Auntie Edna?"

"As it did every family," Edna replied, "but fortunately, we were used to tightening our belts. I believe the toll it took on the wealthy was much higher. My father always had to work two jobs at a time, but he did have the advantage of being able to read, write, and comprehend most arithmetic- very uncommon among parents in our community. As was graduating high school, but our parents did all they could to ensure we did." Kiki moved to sit in her grandmother's lap, listening curiously while playing with her clay pony. "They didn't want us left helpless and ignorant if neither of us managed to get married."

With eyes still on her work, Kayla began, "And education is…"

"The foundation of success," the younger females recited with different enthusiasm levels.

Raven said, "I'm waiting for you and Charles to finally etch that into everybody's skulls."

"We must do something to penetrate the amount of thickness we run into there," Kayla quipped.

"You girls," Edna placed eyes on each of the three seniors, "look at yourselves; see yourselves. Prom, graduation, university, starting a family," Maya smiled, "your future careers. I know you may not fully comprehend it now, but you are all the pride and fulfillment of my generation and the inspirational leaders for those to come."

Exchanging gazes with one another, Angel, Maya, and Cordelia slipped into a humble silence.

Kiki leaned against Edna's front, playing in the long auburn hair freed from the woman's bun.

II

Peering into the immensely boyish space, Hank petitioned, "Cub?"

"Daddy," from his desk, Trav looked back at him, "will you look at my division for me?"

"Sure, son, but let's go ahead and get your bath…" Trailing when he reached the desk, Hank promptly noticed the plate next to the half-drunk glass of milk. "Why haven't you eaten your dinner? Your mother brought this up to you two hours ago."

"I ate some," Trav defended.

Looking closely at the meat and vegetables, Hank determined, "Picked at some is more like it. Victor told me you hardly touched your lunch today." His hand went across the small forehead. "I hope you're not coming down with what Melissa has."

Trav shook his head. "No, Daddy, I feel fine, honest. I've just been busy studying."

Reaching over, Hank scanned through the multitude of papers filled with equations and vocabulary words. "I'll say." Squatting at the boy's chair, Hank held his hands to keep their eye contact. "Son, I am very proud of how hard you've been working, but if you've been so preoccupied that you completely forget to eat, that's a problem. Especially because you're only a little cub. You don't want to go back on your vitamin shots, do you?"

Genuine horror crossed Trav's face. "No, Daddy, please. I'm sorry! I promise I'll eat." His eyes shined, leading to tears. "Please no more shots…"

"Shhhh." Cleaning the salty moisture from his cheeks with his thumbs, Hank brought him into a close hug. "It's alright, Cub. Daddy doesn't like giving you shots, either. I just want you to be healthy. So," Hank inched his face back enough to join noses with his son, "let's have no more skipped meals, alright? Do you promise?"

Trav nodded hard. "I promise, Daddy."

"That's my good little cub. Now, it's too close to bedtime for you to eat anything heavy, so I'm going to take this," Hank picked up the plate, "before bugs decide to pay us a visit and warm up something small for you. Put your school things away, okay? That's more than enough for tonight."

Sighing, Trav still responded, "Yes, Daddy."
On his way out, Hank stopped to look back again. "And Trav, no more eating up here by yourself unless you're sick. Mommy and I like it better when you're at the table with the rest of the family."

"Kay, Daddy." Facing his desk again, Trav grudgingly began packing up his books for the night.

IIIIIII

Lighted by the minimal offerings of the blue-black sky beyond the glass, the pensive brown eyes stared out at nothing worth paying attention to.

"Turn that thing off and come back to bed."

Glancing towards the one still laying down, Melissa wondered, "What thing?"

"Your brain." Sitting up, Leon honed in on the silhouette in the chair, wrapped in the flat sheet. "How you manage to over and underuse it at the same time…"

Melissa narrowed her eyes. "You have room to talk there?"

"No, but that won't stop me." Getting up, Leon walked her way. "So, since you need to refrain from your powers still, how do you want to do this? Caveman club or classic chivalry?"

Melissa selected, "Can't argue with the classics."

Carefully hoisting her into his arms, Leon brought her back to and laid her on the mattress. "Nightmare?"

"No." Melissa eased onto a pillow. "My sleep's been… not lousy."

"Ditto," the long-haired male concurred.

"Still, I bet you're looking forward to being able to sprawl on your own bed again this weekend."

Leon laid down again, facing her. "Care to explain the overwhelming dread then? It's our bed. It's been that way since that first night."

"I feel that way, too. Denial doesn't work. But how long can we keep this up, Lee?" Melissa asked grimly. "Is this our future? Hopping back and forth, hating the world, never moving forward?"

Leon countered, "It's more of a future, more of a life, than either of us had last year. If hopping back and forth with you is my forever, I'll take it. I'll take trudging through this sinkhole world just to get back here."

"I'm not sure I can." Her voice fell into a hush. "I did something really stupid, Lee."

"What?" he urged gently.

"… I felt at home. Here with you. Through sucking meds and Hank's extensive lectures, I've loved every moment of this. Now, I'm just supposed to get back to business? Not so easy."

Leon reminded firmly, "No one is forcing you to leave. You can stay here, Melissa."

"With the X-Men?" She exhaled sadly. "We both know that could never work. Not with me."

"I mean with me. It doesn't matter if I'm home or not. You can be here. Study, hang out, plot, whatever. You deserve a home, Melissa."

She told him, "You are my home."

"Go to sleep," Leon requested softly. He sent delicate fingers through her wavy hair. "I'll be here in the morning. I'll take care of you."

When she inched nearer, Leon helped prop her comfortably against his chest. One arm around her, he used his free hand to cover them with the blanket.

IIIIIII

The second the last drop of milk hit his tongue, the small body dressed in red and blue jumped up so abruptly it startled the other first-graders at the table. However, the enthusiastically speeding one did not prove quick enough to get by the hand that seized him at the wrist.

"Uh uh," Scott admonished, standing to his full height. "Not so fast, Pain. Did you finish your food?" Trav nodded. "All of it?"

"Yes, Scottie. See?" Trav showed him his lunchbox, complete with empty wrappers. "Can I go study now?"

Becky looked towards them. "It's Friday. You have all weekend for homework. Wait on us and we'll go outside together."

"I don't want to go outside, Becca," Trav insisted.

Sharing a brief glance with Becky, Scott sighed, but granted, "Alright. Go ahead."

Grinning widely, Trav continued out of the cafeteria.

Re-entering, Lily had to hasten out of his path on her way to their table. "Is he staying in class all of recess again?"

"Guess so." Max shook his head. "What a loon."

Lily reminded, "But what about our Capture the Flag tournament?"

"Oh, right." Max hopped up. "No way will he wanna miss that."

Lily watched him rush off next.

After a chide from a cafeteria worker to slow down, Max reduced his pace until he got out of sight. Making it to their classroom, he started to say something until he looked in and found it entirely deserted. Wondering when exactly Trav had developed his own invisibility powers, Max started back. He stopped over a bizarre sound. Ensuring no one around him, Max vanished before going into the bathroom to investigate.

Arriving at the first stall, he pushed the door open and his eyes widened along with it. "Trav?" He reappeared. Gripping his now empty but pained stomach, Trav turned from where he hunched over the toilet. "Did you puke?"

"Max, don't tell anybody." Trav's voice came out in a plead, flushing. "Please, please, don't tell. I don't want to go home."

"Okay, okay. But I swear," when Trav came close enough, Max touched a hand to his back to ease him over to the sink, "you are some kinda weird."

Running the water, Trav bobbed his head to rinse his mouth.