Rise or Fall
Chapter 335: Academy for Artistic Youngsters
Chapters to Check: 319, 320, 327, 329, and 334.
NOTE: Vey Vam, I wheely vissed- vait! (Removes Mask) Sorry about that, human speech isn't what it used to be ever since this face cover mandate. To start things off with an understatement, there's obviously a lot for us to talk about and catch up on, but I think I'll save most of that for 336, which has already been written. You've all been in my prayers, I hope everybody's safe, healthy in and out, and that you're doing as well as you possibly can through this most abnormal year. Now, please enjoy and review!
It did not jar Scott to have most of the Xaviers absent when he retrieved his shades at morning's light. The adult two likely had to tend to the baby, but he did visually scan the room for Joey's location. Where could he be with almost thirty minutes of sleep left to savor? With the attached bathroom equally vacant, Scott paused only to step into his bat-slippers and hastened from the room.
"Joey?" he petitioned before knocking on the named one's door.
"Hold on a sec." After a few more sounds of scrambling, the door opened to show his missing bunkmate not only intact but groomed head to toe.
II
Cooing at the pony pair while they enjoyed their feedbags, the Midwesterner peered up at the rush of returning hooves. To the astonishment of no one, Samantha reached the barn first. Clothed in old blue jeans and a pink checkered flannel shirt over her tee, she lowered from Hazelnut but waited on the blithe physician before going in.
Edna poked her head out through the window to ring out, "Wide awake yet?"
"Around these parts?" Jed dismounted from Blaze, "As if there's any other option." He addressed the younger female present. "Thank you for jumpstarting my morning, Miss Frost."
"You, too, Dr. Sullivan," Samantha beamed. Gripping the reins, they began guiding their steeds into the barn. "Maybe tomorrow we can just trot. We don't have to race every time."
Jed promptly came back with, "Where's the fun in that?"
With a giggle, Samantha got Hazelnut situated while she prepared a feedbag for her.
At the food provided for Blaze, Jed commented, "Have I mentioned that you do too much?"
Edna shook her head dismissively, running a hand along the ebony animal's smooth side. "Raven, Alana and their Frank commandeered the kitchen and with the kids all so preoccupied, I don't mind picking up a little slack. Besides, this is the life I signed up for years ago. Coming home to an empty house is the real hard part."
Samantha peeked over Hazelnut's saddle at them.
"Right there with you," Jed commiserated before the present fully dawned. "I better get going. Are we still on for noon?"
Edna offered, "I'll bring something by the clinic if you can't get away."
"Madam, you are magical. Have a good day, Sam," Jed waved. "Tell the other kids good luck."
"I will, thanks," the teen sent after him.
Edna tacked on, "Make a detour through the kitchen and remember to grab—"
"More than coffee," Jed finished, "got it," jogging out of the wooden structure.
After taking in his departure, Edna went into Hazelnut's stall. "Did you have fun, pretty girl?" She caressed her creamy mane.
"I think Dr. Sullivan can make anything fun," Samantha remarked.
With a humored exhaled, Edna replied, "Even when he can't, it's not from a lack of trying."
Samantha smiled softly at her. "I'll help you finish in here then we can both wash up and put on something that doesn't reek of Uncle Logan's fertilizer."
"Best idea of the day," Edna declared.
IIIIIII
On her way through the first floor of the manor, the Lebanese girl stepped back from the stairs at the descension of the head of household. Estevan carried Max on his left side while Jack stayed in enthusiastic pace with him at his right.
The man acknowledged her with, "Ah, Brenda, buena. Since Melissa's off to parts unknown, could you see about Anne Marie? I'm afraid she's troubled by…" With the little boy he held, Estevan tailored his wording. "An early monthly nuisance."
"Oh," Brenda instantly comprehended, "si, si, no problemo."
"Gracias." Estevan played with Max's hand. "We're taking Jack for a little jaunt before breakfast. He could use the exercise. Si, mijito?"
Max smiled back at him, "Si, Papi," having been wary about so much as taking the terrier out to their own lawn after the brief abduction of the Dukes' dog.
When Estevan started them towards the kitchen for water, Brenda used her mutated sprint to get up the stairs and reach the correct bedroom in hardly three seconds.
Anne, it's Bren.
… Hey
Taking that as a sufficient invitation, Brenda entered and closed the door. For a long moment, she only watched the younger girl.
Knees drawn up to her chest at the foot of the bed, Anne stared out the widest window as she revealed, "It's not really my period."
"Figured it wasn't that easy," Brenda replied. "At least that crappiness passes faster."
Anne went on with, "I'm meeting Gary at the center later."
"So, you finally stopped dodging him?" At the lack of response, Brenda surmised, "Gonna tell him it's a no-go, aren't you?"
The telepath nodded. "No way was I ever going to really be his girl. It's better than him thinking I'm ashamed of him, I guess."
Brenda came closer to sit and watch the window with her. "It's going to hit him way harder, you know. The totally amazing, beloved baseball captain with a whole flock of cheerleaders around him and none of them mattered until you came along."
Anne touched shoulders with her and managed the feeblest of smiles at that.
IIIIIII
In the lounge area of the backyard, two rectangular picnic tables conjoined and a circular one on each end provided the necessary amount of seating and food space for the mansion dwellers. Four different tablecloths had been selected with different patterns in vibrant colors. Logan carted Kiki and Mira around as they helped him with a floral arrangement for each table, though Mira got distracted by the rich scents contained in the buds. Maya, Angel, Cordelia, Trav, and Hank helped that morning's kitchen crew bring out the multiple breakfast options. Cody carried Todd on his shoulders and lightly galloped about with him to free Kayla to assist wherever she could. After wrapping up in Eye Spy, Victor came out to join them and exited at the same time as Sean and Erik.
"I'm afraid," the metal wielder announced, "that Tommy is in no shape for such an early start to the day."
Maya gazed over urgently. "Is he feeling alright?"
"He has Stage Five Hyperactivity," Sean waved off. "Too much to actually sleep last night."
"Exactly how much sugar did you use in those popcorn balls?" Erik asked Victor. "I hardly tasted any."
"Because we only used honey," the security man informed. "And a couple teaspoons of that ain't enough to have a kid bouncin' off the walls." He gestured Cody's way. "Not even the Mite."
Sean quipped, "And here I thought Joey would need a mallet to the cranium to taper off last night."
As the others trickled out, a boisterous petition of, "Raven," could be heard clear across the enormous lawn.
Flinching from where she ensured her fresh fruit bowl stayed meticulously neat, the blue woman scurried towards the back door. "God Save the Queen, Charles Xavier…" She stopped short of both males in possession of that name emerging.
The Professor candidly boasted, "Feast your eyes on my son."
Boy in question currently tucked under his father's arm, Joey stood straight for the full view. He wore a ruby sweater vest over a white crisp-collared shirt with dark blue twill pants. His extensively shined black and wine-red oxfords gleamed on his feet.
"Oh, baby, look at you." Raven attempted to hold back from all-out squealing as she bent to his level. "Here I thought I looked like Alex's twin on our first day at WU."
From behind, Alex downplayed, "Oh, please, the Eel sizzles way more than I ever did. Mothers of the world are just lucky Laci came along before their daughters could fight over him."
"Here, here," Charles crowed, causing a headshake from an equally gleeful Emma.
Raven detected and tapped the lapel pin on Joey's right collar that sported the blue and gold Oxford University shield. "This looks familiar. Been a while, though." She glanced up at her British brother knowingly.
"That old knickknack?" Charles' face reflected his closest semblance of bashful that morning. "I just stumbled across it the other day and…"
"Doesn't it look stunning with his hair and eyes?" Emma put forth, unable to silence her own enthusiasm any longer.
The men traded good-humored looks between themselves as soon as the women broke into chattering agreement.
Hank gave Charles a slight nudge and teased, "Just couldn't let him out of the house in all that red without throwing in another dash of Oxford blue, hm?"
"Is it my fault your wife inspires him so?" the older Ivy Leaguer came back with.
"The angels are singing from on high," proclaimed Trick, reeling Sean over close to him and patting Joey's shoulder. "I've got one star pupil making a name for himself on stage and now, this little maestro ready to take the artistic world by storm."
"Thanks, man," Sean said appreciatively, "but let's wait til I'm a tiny bit more than just the opening act. So, another week or two."
"Yes, very droll," Charles commented amidst the ensuing quips and laughter. "Now, spit-spot, out of my shot." Camera around his neck loaded and ready, his household members hurried to clear the area. He took three of Joey before summoning, "Becky, Cody!"
While Becky went ahead to get pictures, Cody moaned, "Oh, come on, Uncle Prof. Do we have to have proof of this city get-up?"
"Yes," Kayla chorused along with the Professor.
Cody made a show of dragging himself over but complained no further.
Charles took individual pictures of the three in addition to a variety of trio poses in their color-coordinated clothing. Becky had on a sleeveless midnight blue dress with a horizontal burgundy stripe at the waist and two above the knee-length hemline. Maroon sandals covered her feet. Cody's long-sleeve candy apple red polo tucked into his black slacks. He got away with more casual black canvas shoes.
Ten minutes of family member shots later, Erik sharply interjected, "Far be it from me to rain on your little parade, brother, but kindly take the children off display so they can eat. Frank was up at dawn helping prepare this spread and he also needs to get to class."
"Yes, yes, of course." Charles replaced the lens clap and encouraged, "Start without me. I just need to put this away."
"Eh-eh," protested Trick, "you sit and get some breakfast into that beautiful Brit bod of yours. I'll stash this for you."
Charles relinquished the camera to him. "Leave it in the Rolls on my seat. Thanks much, my sweet peach."
Frank rolled his head back. "Of course he trusts Trick with that thing."
As they proceeded to the tables, Angel commented, "Y'all look too cute, but I still didn't expect a fine arts school to require uniforms."
"Oh, they don't," Becky informed. "It's not private-preparatory or anything. These are just the school colors; red, blue, and silver."
"Red, blue, and gold would make more sense with the primary colors," Joey reasoned, "but what do I know?"
"Exactly why that place needs you," Alex pointed out, instantly delighting the shorter blonde.
"Zeke said we should dress comfortable," Cody brought up, letting Todd sit in his lap, "just not in our house-paintin' threads. But try tellin' that to certain alphas around here."
Kayla got the twins' bibs in place as she spoke. "Your grandfather did not partake in a risky pilgrimage for an education in these United States all so his grandchildren could run around like savages through those same prestigious schoolhouses."
"Yes, Mama," Cody replied docilely, stilling for her to tuck a napkin into his shirt front.
"Yeah," Logan seconded his wife, "savage is our side of the family."
Cottage cheese spoon sticking out of her mouth, Mira regarded her father inquisitively.
IIIIIII
On either side of the lengthy "Welcome Summer Stars" banner suspended from the top of the building front, balloons in red, blue, and silver hung. Streamers and even more balloons festooned the doors and gates. Even in her turquoise ensemble of a sleeveless peplum blouse and A-line skirt, the July conditions did not agree with one Julie Carmichael. Compact mirror all but glued to her palm, she periodically patted away perspiration droplets that threatened her meticulously applied makeup. From her on-and-off glances at her daughter, the younger female seemed much less bothered by the July conditions. In a crimson and azure scoop-neck dress, Laci gingerly swayed to make the loose calf-length skirt twirl. She instantly came to a standstill the moment the familiar vehicles came into view, making her gray eyes shine.
The Rolls-Royce turned into the parking lot first, followed closely by the Lincoln. Drivers Charles and Hank exited first to make their way around to the ladies' doors. Emma accepted her husband's hand as she stepped out while Hank retrieved Raven and Becky from the McCoy-Mobile.
Laci immediately acknowledged the currently blonde-guised shapeshifter with, "Aunt Raven," before mad dashing for her, "you made it, you made it!"
"You know it." Raven could barely bend in time to meet the elated girl's embrace. "But if the highway patrol shows up, we were never here."
Laci made a zipped-lips gesture before greeting Hank and linking hands with Becky to exclaim over each other's appearances.
"You're more sophisticated than any city girl," Laci insisted.
Becky raved, "You curled your hair! And it's still amazing in this humidity- how do you even do that?"
"Keeping those rollers shackled in place until we parked," Julie piped up.
"She always looks amazing, anyway."
Zeroing in on the male voice, Laci zipped over to where the two X-Boys stood by the Rolls-Royce. "Joey!" She squealed at the rush of momentum that allowed him to lift her off her ballet slipper covered feet.
Arm around Emma, Charles hoisted his free fist with a victorious, "My son, ladies and gents!"
Emma patted his chest. "Jersey already got that memo before breakfast, dear." Coyly evading an attempted kiss from him, she headed Julie's way. "What time did you get here?"
"Not more than ten minutes ago." Julie tilted her head towards Laci. "Someone refused to set foot inside until her fellow award-winner arrived. Not that I'm complaining."
Emma knowingly put forth, "Let's get you under wall-to-wall air-conditioning."
"Bless you," Julie exhaled dramatically, linking arms with her to exit the lot.
"Be right there, ladies." Camera around his neck, Charles obtained shots of all four of the children together.
After a few with her own camera, Laci went with Joey, Raven clamped onto Charles' side, and Becky walked between Hank and Cody. At the main doors, Charles and Hank each divided one for the women's entry.
"Wow," reacted Becky while Laci glanced around everywhere.
Numerous sights, scents, and sounds hitting him at once, Cody proclaimed, "Check this place out." The main level contained multiple decorated tables advertising different events and departments. Numerous staff members, both interested and unsuspecting elders, and youngsters filled the hall with a swarm of conversations. "Here I thought all those balloons and stuff were just for the art kids."
Becky mentioned, "There was hardly anyone around when we came here the last times."
"The big day for the portfolio winners. What an excellent time to throw together the summer open house." Hank then remarked, "Excellent strategy on their parts."
"I'll say," Charles concurred, eyes lit with intrigue.
At the sudden surge of movement, the Westchester horde likewise hurried out of the way. For what, they did not know. That answer rapidly became loud and clear as a line of baton twirling girls and flag spinning boys paraded through the hall. All adorned in sparkling red, grayish-white, and blue, dancers came through next, including a pair of in-sync mimes. The brief but baroque routine ended with a girl dropping into a split with both arms high. The conclusion incited applause from the on-lookers.
A middle-aged woman stepped over to stand among the demonstrative youngsters to decree, "Be it tap, ballet, ballroom, or contemporary, the Dance Department has your child's number. So, sashay your way around the corner for more information, thank you." More clapping occurred as her dancers and rivetted parties flocked after her.
Raven commented, "More and more like the first day of WU by the minute."
"I can't help envying you all a bit," Hank admitted. "Welcoming Day at Harvard absolutely personified dignity."
"As did Oxford's," Charles commiserated.
Raven impishly tacked on, "Welcoming Nights on the other hand…"
Charles shushed and lightly jabbed at her while hardly holding back his own snickers.
Still gawking over the dancers, Joey emphasized, "So glad we're art kids."
Laci asked Becky, "Think the Theatre Department will do something like that?"
"Uh," the older girl considered then guessed, "probably not with us since we're not really enrolled here."
As if on cue, a woman with a clipboard came forth to acknowledge their group. "Why, hello. New arrivals?" She distributed pamphlets to Julie, Emma, Charles, Hank, and Raven. "What programs are you considering? Would you care to join a tour group?"
Emma informed, "The Theatre Department already took care of us there."
"Oh." The staff member next asked, "Are you trying to get to their auditorium?"
"That's us." Cody took Becky by the wrist to lift her hand with his own. "We remember how to get there."
"Excuse me," Julie chimed in, "what about the art contest winners?"
"The portfolio contest," the woman realized. "Please, right this way."
On their route, they passed the main table, which gave out dessert plates, cups of fruit punch and/or lemonade, and additional leaflets. Charles chomped on the strawberry-iced butter cookies and read over the materials not for the first time.
"That one girl had to be made of elastic," Julie whispered to Emma. "The splits- that took me way back."
"Cheerleading," Emma dourly recollected in unison to Julie's shudder of, "Majorettes."
"And here we are," the faculty member gestured grandly upon showing them to the designated area on the second floor, "as if you couldn't guess." She pointed down towards the landing's 'Drawing and Design' sign.
A slew of different aged children stood outside of the first classroom. A few tried to peek in through the square windows made into the French doors, but the lowered curtains proved impenetrable.
Julie placed a hand on Laci's curl covered shoulder. "Want to go say hi?" Her daughter and Joey promptly locking anxious hands gave her all the answer she needed. "Yes, I figured. Respectful distance it is."
One glance at her husband told Emma he felt quite the contrary. She offered a nod of agreement for his intentions.
Kneeling to their pre-teen level, the male telepath directed, "Look at me, my Charles," automatically seizing Joey's full attention. "As wonderful as today is, we all knew it would be overwhelming. However, you and Laci poured your blood, sweat, and tears into this the same as all those other children- possibly more. You've no reason to shy away or feel lesser than any one of them. Whatever nerves you're feeling, you. Are. Winners."
Laci's posture loosened slightly. "Thank you, Professor."
"Thanks, Dad." Joey hugged him for an extended moment then turned to Emma to do the same. "Okay, Mum, we only have a few more minutes to wait. I've got it from here."
Laci looked up at her mother. "I'm okay, too, Mom."
Julie frowned a bit. "Are you sure? I really wanted to go over your meds schedule with—"
"Mom, I know my meds schedule," the gray-eyed girl reminded. "Better than I can spell my own name." She tugged on her butterfly themed messenger bag. "Everything's here. We quadruple-checked."
With a sigh, Julie conceded, "Alright, you have all the emergency numbers. She is in good hands, Joey?"
"Promise, Mrs. Carmichael," the blonde boy vowed.
"So," Raven spoke to the theatre duo, "can we check out your digs or are you kicking us out, too?"
Becky smiled, "No, come say hi to Zeke and everybody." She turned to her brother. "Just don't be as scary as Papa."
Hank gave her a nod. "We'll find you down there."
Cody reached for Joey. "You're gonna kill 'em, cousin."
Joey slapped both palms with him. "You, too, cousin."
"Do try not to bring the house down on your very first day," Charles lightheartedly requested.
Cody replied, "I'll do the best I can, Uncle Prof."
When Joey faced Becky, she tapped her temple and made a downward motion. Cody likewise pointed out their communicators. Comprehending them in full, Joey smiled and bobbed his head. Becky squeezed hands with Laci before descending with Cody, who bounced from step to step.
After the kids finished parting with their parents and Raven, Hank got the chance to speak to his nephew and crouched. "You know what still shocks me about you winning this thing?"
"What?" Joey wondered fretfully.
"How long you kept it quiet." Hank formed a grim and playfully tugged on the strap of his messenger bag. "Go do your thing." He then found himself with two armfuls worth of mutant fledgling.
Once they finally detached, Hank stayed in place for a cheek kiss from Laci before resuming his full height.
Joey and Laci went to stand among the other young ones after the five adults took their leave.
The eager bunch did not have much longer to await as they, at last, heard the door unlatch. It swung open to total blackness. Joey and Laci stayed close once they all tentatively started inside. The space remained dark with the only sound consisting of their own confused utterances. All gasped when some sort of figure popped out from apparently nowhere. Attired entirely in black, only the green glowing gloved hands and mask could be seen. Many of them quickly identified the face as the one in the mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Everyone silenced at the deep declaration of, "Prepare to enter a world you have only imagined." With the final word, the overhead light fixtures switched on.
Upon the removal of the intricately crafted mask, Laci and Joey recognized the true face it revealed.
"Welcome, welcome." The lean, brown-skinned man bowed in every direction of the stimulated children. "I am Richard Townsend. However, what's really important is who each and every one of you are- the victors of the Jones-Broderick Academy Summer Arts Program."
Everyone peered around the sizable classroom in fascination. Even though they'd already seen it, Laci and Joey found it all the larger now. Also, new supplies and other touches had been added since their spontaneous sneak peek. One notable detail remained the same. The far left wall still listed every winner. Laci's name had not been changed from her full first one. They suspected that to be from Anne's mental suggestion on Richard fading before he could alter it.
Indicating that portion of the room specifically, Richard recited in couplets, "Find and stand by your name. Any misspellings, I take the blame."
Though a few of them had to squat in order to reach their name plate without eclipsing the shorter victors, it did not take long for them to line up. At the very end, Joey happily stroked his.
That done, Richard gave them the next instruction. "State your name loud enough for everyone to hear and don't be shy about spelling errors. Also, let me know if you have a preferred address. Does "William" go by "Billy", "Jennifer" by "Jenny", and so on."
After hearing others with such formal names, Laci became at ease enough to sprout out, "Lacinda Carmichael, but please, call me Laci."
It continued until they got to Joey, who stated, "Charles Xavier. You got it right."
"Wait, didn't we meet a couple of weeks back?" Richard realized then pointed out the sole ginger in the room. "And you, too, Miss Laci."
"Right, that was us," Joey confirmed.
"Forgive me, it's slipping my mind." Richard snapped his fingers in search of clarification. "What is it you go by? Was it Charlie or…?"
"No," Joey shook his head, "Charles is fine."
That settled, Richard next invited them all to select a work desk.
Joey moved swiftly enough to claim the two at the center front, mainly due to the minimal competition he received for the location.
Going right to him, Laci removed and placed her bag on the second desk. "Charles?" She eyed him in a mix of incredulity and amusement. "Tell me I don't have to start calling you that, too."
"No way," Joey quickly reassured.
IIIIIII
Seated between his brother and sister-in-law, only the appearance of the tall dapper gentleman seized the boy's attention away from his Frosted Flakes.
"Up and about at last, I see," Erik noted favorably.
Tommy burst from his chair at the kitchen table.
Sean cautioned, "Don't muck up his suit, icky sticky."
"Meeting's adjourned." Jacket already removed, the gray and white attired man swept up the bright-eyed boy. "Muck to your heart's content, little imp."
Standing to begin tidying their informal brunch, Maya inquired, "How's it going with your new clients?"
"Encouraging," Erik summarized, dipping his armload swiftly to make Tommy laugh. "Talks of expanding a few shops. A move that will build equity if nothing else."
Tommy stared up at him in plain bewilderment. "Now, you seriously sound like our dad."
"Pretty sure all dads have teeny tiny CPAs and mechanics deep inside," Maya mused, returning the cereal boxes to their correct position on top of the first refrigerator.
Tommy glanced Sean's way. "Our dad has a mechanic deep inside him?"
"A ton of 'em," the redhead responded, reclining in his chair. "Memorized from the Yellow Pages." Sean matched grins with his brother then told Erik, "Charles beat you back. The kids got to the school okay. Mommy Emma's having coffee with Mrs. Carmichael. Hank took Raven to a poetry event in Central Park."
Maya put forth, "They really deserve some time to themselves."
Erik bobbed his head in agreement. "Where's Charles?"
Sean aimed his thumb downward. "Home on the Range."
With a ruffle to his black hair, Erik put Tommy on his feet. The metal wielder poured and downed a glass of iced tea before departing the kitchen.
"It's really wild seeing him so involved with the Temple members," Sean stated with an air of pleased disbelief. "I love it."
Maya surreptitiously replied, "I love anything that re-directs him from certain forbidden fruit."
Not wanting that elaborated on in front of his brother, Sean asked his wife, "Are you good in here? We were gonna catch up with Trick and Scott."
Maya granted them leave with, "Go on, shoo, be X-Manly."
Tommy declared, "You're the best, Maya," before zipping right out of the eatery.
"Hey," Sean rushed to catch up, "no running or I'm telling!"
Heading for the dishwasher, Maya shook her head fondly.
II
At the sealed entrance to the lower level, Erik stopped to observe the silky feline who scratched and mewed to get in on whatever the humans dared participate in without him.
"My deepest apologies, Chancellor Midnight." Erik crouched to caress the cat along his spine. "I'm afraid your size in ear and eye protection is still on backorder."
Midnight purred and nuzzled his palm before curling up on the nearest rug for his twelfth nap.
II
No sooner out of his tie, jacket, and cufflinks did the Professor become intercepted by his Security Head. Once led below, they met up with Samantha and continued into the Range. After all three donned the necessary accessories for the strictly restricted space, the teenager displayed her technique in obliterating the upper abdomen regions of a mannequin. On the fourth tester, Charles' mind along with Victor's nose detected the approaching other Headmaster.
"Cease fire."
At the command, Samantha lowered but did not put down her weapon. "Hi, Uncle Erik."
Though Maya with a gun had most certainly been a sight to behold, the cheerful, even younger girl in pink and black greeting him while doing the same somehow topped that image. For all the countless memories he retained, Erik could barely recall their Calico's long-gone days among the Edge Pack. Not to mention her previous ivory humanoid cat form.
Erik remarked, "Good grip."
Ears alerted to his disconcerting tint in his voice, Samantha held firmer to the pistol to fight against his magnetic pull.
The wizard of metal dispelled his force with a wry amended, "Make that lethal grip."
Samantha tried to withhold how much exultation she received from Victor's equally favorable nod.
Charles explained, "Princess Calico's taken to her own extracurricular activity for the summer. She's been treating me to a demonstration." He turned to the girl. "Though such an invested interest is a bit of a surprise."
"Whole thing was her idea," Victor informed. "She really wanted you to catch a glimpse."
"So you know I'm not scared or anything." Samantha laid the gun down properly on the table before stepping closer to Charles. "I mean, don't get me wrong- I know it's dangerous and I have to be incredibly careful and alert every second- but I didn't want you to think you needed to hold back in training. You're only trying to make me better."
Charles applied an affectionate squeeze to her upper arm as he responded, "It's a privilege, dear girl. Thank you."
"Just a few more rounds, baby," Victor determined, getting Samantha's attention. "Me and Uncle Lo' gotta get over to Doc Sullivan's house soon."
"Okay," Samantha replied understandingly.
Leaving the leonine duo to resume their session, the Headmasters discussed their mornings on route through the vast lower level.
"He didn't even want you to stay until the teacher arrived?"
Charles shook his head. "No, they dismissed the whole lot of us. You should have seen your nephew, Erik; Laci's living knight, inspiring her right along."
The older male stated, "A very different little boy than the one we dropped off at Westchester Elementary last year."
"He's proving that more and more these days," Charles said auspiciously.
Erik locked a knowing eye on him. "Been wanting to climb in the shower for a good cry ever since you dropped him off, haven't you?"
"Between him, Scott, and Sean, I'll be waterlogged shortly," Charles half-joked.
"The Lab Mouse helped see to that last night," Erik brought up waggishly.
"And that right there is exactly the foul mind best suited for toilet instruction."
II
From his own personal aerial apparatus known as his older brother, an overjoyed Tommy kept up with the route of the motorized machines. No longer burdened with artificial wings and periodic shrieks, Sean easily followed their path while clutching his irreplaceable ten-year-old cargo. Trick let them go at a greater distance for ten additional minutes. At the instructor determining it done, Scott promptly executed a U-turn. Doing an about-face from above, Sean made it down into the garage slightly ahead of them. He reached ground level then loosened his arms for Tommy to land on his own feet.
As the driving mutants parked and removed their headgear, the stimulated blue-eyed boy came to stand between them. "You hung that uey like a boss, Cyke."
The flattered teen formed an amorous grin and pounded fists with the younger male. "Thanks, dude. Torque can be tough to get a handle on with these heavier machines."
Tommy traced his finger along the gold "X" emblem attached to the front of the motor-scooter. "I can't wait 'til I'm old enough to do all the cool stuff you guys can."
"Don't tell me you're already over scoring Frank's Stingray," Scott ribbed.
A scoff immediately expelled from the shorter boy. "When I'm over breathing maybe."
"Speaking of the Master Lehnsherr," Trick piped up, getting all lads to look his way, "that's a wrap until he's out of his academic dungeon."
"Right," complied Scott with a bob of his head.
Sean chuckled to himself, "Franklin Lehnsherr."
The four started the trek for the upstairs.
Scott gave his helmet over for a curious Tommy to inspect as he turned to Trick. "Thanks for stretching out this go-around. It felt great."
The Irishman simply replied, "No sense in hindering you needlessly. Besides, I got an inkling that your warehouse of a brain needed the distraction."
Scott then realized, "And that's another thing. We're really making some headway here and, now, what? We just drop training so I can randomly go across the country?"
"Sounds cool to me," Sean remarked.
Scott shot him an unamused glance. "You would say that. In case you missed the big announcement, I quit playing with the Jaguars to be a better X-Man."
Sean came back with, "And as we all know, there's nothing that goes more against X-Men philosophy than randomly dropping everything to jet off to California." At the thirteen-year-old's unusual lack of refute, the redhead gave him a side glimpse. "How much do you want to optic-blast me for being right?"
Scott crossed his arms as they got to the main level. "Are you sure you want to move out next week? Not this afternoon?"
"Don't forego intellect for insult, Master Summers," Trick nonchalantly admonished, leading them into his studio.
"Yes, yes," Scott sighed. "Sorry."
Tommy sat at the piano bench with Trick while Scott hopped up to perch on top of the desk.
Filling the swivel chair, Sean continued his previous point with, "You're seriously overthinking this. Stop acting as if your loyalty is being tested. Vic just wants to spend some time with you without so many of the other kids underfoot. No different than my horror weekend and movie nights with Charles."
Scott maneuvered to better face him. "Angel and Sam will be there. San Francisco is their turf. I'd just be a fifth wheel."
"Look," Sean leaned back in the chair, "Vic and Adrienne are in a serious thing. They're already taking care of the girls together and now, Vic's trying to bring you into that. Like you just said, you don't have the baseball team together anymore and it's been nuts around here. Vic had to look out for Hank and pitch in to get Dr. Sullivan's house back in shape. That's not even counting everything else he does. And where's all this fifth wheel talk whenever you go somewhere with the Erik Kids?"
"That's different," Scott feebly claimed.
Sean made a 'go on' gesture with his hand. "How?"
At that, Tommy seconded, "Yeah, how?"
"Aye," sounded Trick before Scott could formulate a response, "I never realized before how tic-for-tac you and Sabretooth Security really are." When he received Scott's gaze, the ash blonde elaborated. "You're both so solid, loyal, and right ferocious when you're pushed. But you also have these walls in place. Even when you're smack in the center of things, there're these small parts you keep sealed."
"Yeah? So, maybe we do keep stuff to ourselves." Scott mildly retorted. "What do you know about it?" At Trick merely staring at him, the boy inwardly slapped himself. "Don't even say it. That question was glue-sniffing stupid."
Tommy snickered into the helmet.
Trick regarded Scott warmly. "Take it from a bloke who sealed things away for far too long, laddie. I'd have given anything to have a Victor Creed or Charles Xavier at your age."
While Scott sat contemplatively, Tommy reminded the instructor importantly, "You have them now. We won't let the bad things get you again."
With a content exhale, Trick brought an arm around the dauntless youngster.
IIIIIII
After easing into his regular place in the sizable garage, Jimmy removed his sunglasses from his overhead mirror before exiting the vehicle. He refrained from donning his face with the shades in order to observe the front yard antics. Jack darted between Brenda, Collin, and Max as the trio tossed his tennis ball.
With a sharp whistle, Jimmy directed, "Over here."
Collin stilled, blinked, "Man, when'd you roll in?" and threw him the ball.
Jimmy seized it out of the air with his right hand. "You ain't here me drive up?" The three younger Acolytes all gave off vague shrugs, making him shake his head. "Lucky I'm not armed because y'all are a sin and a shame." He lowered to give Jack, who pawed at him, the tennis ball.
Brenda rolled her eyes lightheartedly. "We're allowed to be at-ease in broad daylight every odd month or so."
"The odd rolled in with you," Jimmy ribbed.
"Thanks much," Brenda curtsied.
They all glanced over at Anne emerging from the front entrance. "Max, Papi says if you guys wash up, he'll take you to that kids museum in Brooklyn."
Both Murphy brothers appeared impressed. Max had never been and Collin only got to go to the Brooklyn Children's Museum once on a free field trip in grade school.
"Alright!" Shooting for the manor with Jack right behind him, Max stilled long enough to wonder, "Where're you going? Aren't you coming?"
Anne shook her head. "I'm going to the community center for a while." She exchanged a silent look with Brenda.
Max responded, "Great, less girls. Bren actually likes cool stuff. Bet you'd wanna go to a makeup museum or something."
Jimmy gazed on at the complete lack of retort from the chica as she simply moved by him to retrieve her bicycle from the garage. Even more, he zeroed in on her long hair contained in an unkempt ponytail and her t-shirt and shorts combination that matched the black he himself frequently sported. Quite the uncommon color in July, however.
As Anne pedaled off, Jimmy faced the older teen girl present. "Alright, what's the situation with Princesa de la Sombra?"
"What?" Brenda came back with.
"What," Jimmy mimicked depreciatingly. "What's with Anne playing this Eeyore bit around here lately?"
"Well, it's not like she's ever really been an open book or something," Brenda reminded. "She's got stuff on her mind. Fabian's leaving soon and Estevan's forever jetting off."
To that, Jimmy asked, "So, why's she heading over to the center instead of going to the kiddy museum with her daddy?" At Brenda darting her eyes and biting her lip, he crossed his arms with a smug countenance. "Who's the dude?"
Brenda put her hands on her hips with a scoff. "You have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Slick."
Jimmy shifted his line of sight over to the boy beside her. "Who's the dude?"
"Gary Gallagher," Collin nonchalantly divulged. At Brenda appearing to have uncomfortable plans for his throat, "Better hose off before I'm recognized around Brooklyn," he swiftly moved to jog up the porch steps.
IIIIIII
Joey, how's it going up there?
Hey, Becky, we're all good, the petitioned boy returned. What about you guys?
So far, I guess, except we can't meet up for lunch. Zeke's getting everybody takeout so the troop can keep mingling and all that.
Ohhh. Well, don't worry about it, Becky. We can eat together tomorrow.
Right. The telepath added, you and Laci stay in the building, okay?
We will, Joey promised.
After their mental transmission ended, Joey relayed the message to Laci as they dispersed with the rest of their class. They attempted to navigate their way down to the cafeteria. The pair paused when they came across the girls' bathroom for the second floor. Passing her messenger bag over to Joey's care, Laci removed her orange and purple necessities pouch from it before going in.
Glad to see the facilities legitimately clean, the petite redhead took her required pill of the hour with water from her 16-oz bottle. As she started touching up her hair, a few of her classmates trickled in. Two- a slightly older one with black hair and the other about Laci's age with hair so blonde it paled- made direct paths for the sink.
"How'd I muck myself up already?" the raven haired one vexed, trying to scrub marker residue off her wrists.
Laci flashed her a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry about it. I know the feeling. Wait until we start using paint- I'll make a real mural of myself."
Giving her a cheerful look back, the brunette recollected, "You're Laci, right?"
"Right," she confirmed then tried to remember herself. "You're… Blair?" She received a nod then turned to the other girl. "And Riley?"
"Yep," the blonde replied then briefly glanced towards the door secretively. "Is that your butterfly bag that Charles Xavier boy's guarding with his life?"
At Laci's nod, Blair brought up, "Those people you were with… were they those Xaviers?"
Unsure exactly how to respond to that, Laci said, "Yeah, I guess they are."
Riley wanted to know, "Is Charles your boyfriend? Like real boyfriend?"
"He sure is." Tasting her own haughtiness in that response, Laci swiftly drew attention away from it by blurting, "Do you guys want to eat together in the cafeteria?"
"Sure," both the other two instantly agreed.
In the hallway, Laci introduced them to, "Charles," she managed to keep her expression straight, "this is Blair and Riley," she pointed to each, "I invited them to lunch with us."
"We're not horning in on your time with your girlfriend, are we?" Riley checked.
"No, it's okay," Joey reassured. "We were going to eat with my cousins, but they have to stay with their theatre class. Glad art doesn't keep us herded up like that."
Blair curiously, "How old are all of you?"
"Eleven," Laci, Joey, and Riley answered.
"Oh wow," said Blair in disbelief. "I'm almost thirteen and I'm not even allowed a boyfriend. You have yours in the program with you."
"Who says I'm allowed?" Laci came back with. "Parents don't need to know everything, right?"
The other three youngsters easily concurred.
II
Even after years of being acclimated to being one of the shortest girls in the room, Becky experienced it anew in the presence of the other up-and-coming actresses. The troop's high-school girls appeared to step right off an Adrienne Frost approved magazine cover. While Becky constantly covered up her own developing body from the leers of fresh boys, the older teenagers displayed their much more ample attributes with a confident ease. They dressed mostly appropriate by school standards, but sported blouses of V-neck and off-the-shoulder as well as higher hem lines. A redhead who looked very much like a slightly younger Holly Hughes maneuvered about in a black mini skirt that barely reached her knees.
Becky ate her chicken salad- refusing anything even remotely messier in the presence of strange boys- and mostly stayed close to a pair of younger girls in the troop. It did not terribly surprise or bother her when they developed a fascination with her curls. Those who admired instead of mocking them tended to know nothing of the maintenance that went with them. She caught glimpses here and there of where Cody ate on stage and conversed with a sixteen-year-old male troop member. The two had become chatty almost instantly from introduction; Kayan "Kai" Mahoe. Seated across from each other with their sandwiches already devoured, they pawed through a scrapbook the older boy narrated.
"I was about your age here." Kai showed him a full page of pictures. "When my class did The Legend of the Night Marchers."
"Night Marchers?" Cody recognized. "Oh, that's a cool one."
Kai appeared surprised as well as pleased. "You know it?"
"My mama knows all kinds of folklore," Cody told him. "Most kids start off hearin' about the Three Little Pigs or Goldilocks. I got the Origin of the Tiger's Stripes and The Old Man and the Roasted Squirrels."
Kai laughed. "How long has your family been in the States?"
"Two years, but we've visited before." Cody then asked, "How long have you been in the old States?"
"We left Honolulu when I was twelve," Kai recalled. "My mom wanted us to branch out and my dad thought we'd find better opportunities in New York. You know, like the arts, rush-hour traffic, frost-bites…"
Cody snickered. "Hey, we dropped down from Canada, remember? December here is practically Miami for us. I'll bring some snapshots of us tomorrow."
"Great. Ooh," Kai flipped through his book until he landed on two pages featuring a single event, "look. This is from my sister's best birthday. We saw the King live and even got to pose with him."
Cody inched in closer to take in the boy and girl in various shots on either side of the white adorned rock and roll singer.
IIIIIII
In the process of rehearsing her upcoming words for the hundredth time, the deeply vexed girl found herself in front of her not-so-desired location. While the community center once represented some small form of sanctuary for her, it now felt all too much like a trip to a funeral parlor. She kept a momentary distance, easily zeroing in on the one who awaited her out front. She observed as he effortlessly tossed the ball with his left hand and caught it in the right multiple times. However, her audience experience proved short-lived when he noticed her and showed not an ounce of her hesitation. Anne had to quietly inhale over the smile and rush of elated feelings he sent her way on mere sight of her.
"Well, long time no see, jalapeño pepper," Gary greeted in his usual faux boorishly comical manner she normally adored. "Heard of babes playing hard to get, but you're too much of an expert for somebody hardly even in eighth grade yet."
Anne got down to wheel her bike over the rest of the way. "Hi, Gary."
"Hey." He captured her in a sudden embrace, briefly lifting her. "No, really, it's great to see you. How about we…" Lowering her, he absorbed her odd attire. "Are you feeling alright? You don't look… like you."
Stepping back a pace, Anne's crossed arms quickly matched her face. "What's wrong with the way I look? Is that all you care about?"
"No," Gary answered, imitating her feisty mannerisms. "And you know it. Just trying to figure out what's with you lately. You ignored my calls forever and you're still freezing me out. You're not… you."
Anne turned away from him. "What do you even know?" She felt his hand on her shoulder.
"Is it… your twin?"
It took countless blinks to keep her building moisture at bay. "…No." She shook her head hard.
"Look, come on." He moved his hand to link with one of hers. "Let's go somewhere and t—"
"Oh, no, you most certainly will not."
Both teens jumped in astonishment at the one who made a polished abrupt landing from overhead.
Jaw dropping, Anne doubted her own mutation as she demanded, "Where did you come from?"
"If I hear that question from you inattentive children one more time today..." Fully towering over the pair now, Jimmy took off his sunglasses. "I'll handle the inquisition from this point onward, okay?"
"Hi," Gary presented his hand, "you're, uh, Jim, right?"
After giving him a heated glower that made him retract his arm slightly, "I'm, uh, Mr. Radford to you," he slapped Gary's palm away, "Do I look like one of your junior jock buddies?"
"No, sir," Gary answered promptly, "s- I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything. I saw you come out to support the team at a few of our games. I really appreciate it."
"I wasn't supporting your team. I was supporting her squad," Jimmy indicated Anne. "When Senior Cortez is away on his business ventures, she and the rest of the kids in that house are on my watch. Now, what is this I'm hearing about you sneaking around with Anne Marie? You think because you're some bigshot baseball champ, you can pick and sample wherever you choose? You got another think coming, boy because she's not that kind of girl."
"I know that," Gary interjected urgently. "It was never like that, I swear. I really like Anne and I've been wanting to sit down and talk to her father about us going out sometimes. To movies, for pizza, dances—"
"Now, I know you're out of your mind," Jimmy cut in. "Senior Cortez's time is limited and precious. He tries to spend whatever free moments he gets with his children. He doesn't have time to screen every little knucklehead coming to court his daughter. You want to go out with her?" He pointed out Anne then himself. "You go through me. If I give you the greenlight, that's all Senior Cortez needs. Maybe somewhere down the line, he'll clear a space for you at his dinner table. Depending on my report…"
Gary then beseeched, "Please, just give us a chance- give me a chance. I want to treat Anne right. You can ask my teammates, my friends, my coaches- I don't go through girls for kicks. I'm usually all about my ball, school, and everything. I don't want to sneak around or do anything inappropriate with Anne."
"He's telling the truth," the girl-in-question equally urged.
With a stroke of his chin, Jimmy let off an extended hum. "Alright, Captain Babyface, you got your shot. If you so much as want to take this girl to the ice cream shop around the corner, you go through me first. We'll go over the finer details- of which there will be many- later. As for right now, Seniorita here needs to get home and change to go to the museum with her family."
"Yes, sir," Gary answered without delay, face splitting into a grin. "Thank you, Mr. Radford."
"Don't go thinking you're all that welcome." Jimmy brought an arm around Anne. Tell him you'll call him tonight.
The currently aglow girl managed to verbalize, "I'll call you tonight… sorry this whole thing took so long."
"Hey," Gary shrugged contentedly, "it was worth it. Talk to you tonight." Pumping his ball against his glove, he headed inside the center.
As if the Spanish child might rocket away on fuel of sheer bliss, Jimmy maintained a temperate grip on her. "Okay, okay, take it easy now."
When Anne looked at him, a sheen reflected in her immensely indebted eyes. "Jim- m- muchos, muchos gracias!"
"Hey," Jimmy spoke in a hush, cupping either side of her face, "de nada, nena."
"But how did even kn—"
"Eh, never mind all that. Right now, calm this pretty little head of yours. We don't need you giving off any unnecessary projections right now," Jimmy coached. Closing her eyes, Anne breathed in and out for several seconds. "Alright, eccellente, keep it up. Bring your bike. My car's down the block."
Anne gripped the handlebars to roll her two-wheeler along. As they walked, she leaned on the older mutant, partly due to fear that she would pass out from elation at any moment.
IIIIIII
Upon their return to the mansion, the wedded McCoys discovered Kiki and Trav nestled on their large bed with Grace delicately tucked between them. Bruiser and Sandy rested on the floor on opposite sides of the bed like canine bookends. After they tipped over to kiss their children's heads, Hank noticed his mother in the doorway of the playroom. A hush finger pressed to her lips, Edna indicated for her son and daughter-in-law to follow her. Once all three adults entered the colorful space, Raven closed the door to mute their chatter.
"Okay, Kiki is one thing," the shapeshifter spoke comically, "but what did you spike their milk with to get Trav to nap?"
Edna replied, "Utterly unnecessary between taking care of Jed's Herd and the dogs running them raggedy outside. How was your day out?"
"Everything we needed," Raven stated dreamily.
"Almost everything." Hank exchanged a supportive gaze with his wife before addressing his mother again. "Mom, there's something we've been wanting to talk to you about for a while now."
"I'm all ears," Edna encouraged.
Hank went on with, "This family has had too many close calls for our liking. But despite everything, nothing has shaken you. In fact, I don't know how we would have gotten through me being sick without you. Mom, it would really mean a lot to us- definitely to the kids- if you moved in."
"On a permanent basis," Raven felt the need to tack on.
After regarding them both thoughtfully for a long moment, Edna started to walk right past them.
Raven's face fell while Hank wanted to know, "Mom, where are you going?"
"To contact a real estate agent." Edna turned back. "For starters. I also have to make arrangements for my things, let my friends and the relatives know—"
Raven's enormously appreciative hug caused her train of thought to derail.
IIIIIII
"As much as I've adored hording you victors all to myself," Richard addressed his riveted students, "throughout the rest of the week, you're going to be interacting with the other members of the department. You can also anticipate a guest speaker here and there."
"Like Walt Disney?" At the volume he used for the enthused question, Joey's shoulders eased with contrition. "Sorry."
An unbothered Richard simply said, "Walt we can anticipate, but predicting him is a whole other matter." With that, he went on, "For tonight, consider your portfolios and select a piece you would like to espouse on for an upcoming presentation." At quite a few none-too-enthusiastic faces, he chuckled. "Look at that. Too modest to speak about your own work." He retrieved his mask off the desk and donned it again. "Godspeed, ladies and gentlemen."
Before departing, Riley and Blair made paths for the front of the room.
"Any idea what you want to present on?" Blair asked.
Joey said, "Still got to narrow it down."
Laci replied, "Still have to decide if I'm going to have the stomach flu that day."
Blair placated, "Don't worry, I'll wear white. I'll be such a walking splatter painting, no one'll be paying attention if you flub up anything."
Riley laughed then told them, "I have to get going. See you guys tomorrow."
"See ya." Riley headed out next.
As they waved after them, Laci's expression grew thoughtful. "Joey?" She turned to him covertly.
The petitioned boy faced her importantly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Laci gladly informed. "But listen, while we're here, I don't want teachers in on my meds and reminding me to take them in the middle of class. I'm over being creepy sick girl."
"Hey," Joey smiled, "so long as you remember to take them, cool by me."
After he began straightening up, Richard took note of his pair of doodling stragglers. "I don't know if you two are aware of this, but it's still summer vacation out there."
Glancing up, Joey explained, "I have to wait a half hour for my cousins to get through. They're in the Theatre Department."
"Ah, Zeke."
"My mom knows I wanted to wait with him," Laci added.
"Can't say the company isn't appreciated." Richard resumed his tidying. "So, thoughts on your first day? Clearly, I haven't run you off yet."
Joey promptly said, "No chance of that."
"Really, not the least bit miserable?"
"Seems we weren't missed in the slightest, Erik."
The European accents brought Joey's immediate attention to the doorway. "Dad, Uncle Erik."
Laci got up as well. "Hi!"
Before Joey could make contact with either of them, an out-of-breath boy zipped in between the men. "Hey, here, sorry." He placed the remainder of the fat eraser in Joey's palm. "I forgot I had it."
"Me, too," the blonde realized in amusement.
"Thanks again, Charles. Bye, Laci." The plump lad bobbed his head towards their teacher. "See you tomorrow, Mr. Townsend."
"Looking forward to it, Gil," Richard sent after him.
"You got here early," Joey noted, spreading his arms to his father.
"Pure impatience on our part." Charles went to one knee to hug his son and uttered couldn't wait to see you. After managing to relinquish him to Erik, the telepath drew Laci in next. "Did you have a good day?"
"A great one, Professor." Laci then wondered, "Did you see my mom outside?"
"Actually, we spoke after we dropped you lot off." Charles gazed merrily between the children before he put forth to Laci, "How does dinner with us this evening sound?"
The Professor received a sufficient answer when the youngsters' simultaneous thrilled cries urged him to gently hush them.
Line of sight far from lost on the on-looking yet concealed educator, the metal wielder stepped forward with his hand extended. "Erik Lehnsherr."
Green mask off again, Richard met him partway in a handshake. "Richard Townsend, primary instructor for the portfolio winners. Remove the veneer and I'm their homeroom teacher, essentially."
"Of course, wonderful to meet you, Mr. Townsend." The youngest adult cordially shook with him next. "Charles Xavier- the First, that is." He could sense Joey's satisfaction without peering back. "Erik is my brother."
Winding impermeable arms around Joey from behind, Erik kept his own contentment at bay over how voluntarily Charles brought up that nugget of information. Other than a briefly curious look, Richard showed no desire for follow-up questions.
IIIIIII
The pair of dark go-go boots came to a sudden halt once the shapely body powering them pinpointed the enigmatic figure down the hall. His expression concentrated on the wall, he wore black pants with a matching sport coat and navy blue button-down shirt. The ensemble made the ruby shades that adorned the already intriguing face all the more noticeable. Tossing a portion of her vibrant scarlet hair over one shoulder, she altered her course to head in his direction.
"Like what you see?"
Spurred from his own thoughts, Scott faced the new voice's way. "What?"
"Little Red Riding Hood." Once at his side, she eyeballed the poster that held his fascination. "A trippy modern take on it. One of my last shows before I graduated here."
Scott looked closely at her image wrapped in a cloak. "I can see how you got the lead."
"The hair?" she guessed automatically. "Pretty sure I've heard every crack in the western world about that."
Scott glanced at her again in jest. "I meant the fact that you're so comfortable talking to strangers."
Only further enthralled, she coyly asserted, "Let's just say I can read people. I'm J—"
"Is Rebecca in there? I don't want to interrupt anything." The reason he had yet to speak to her mind.
"Rebecca?" she parroted, having to think a moment. "Rebecca as in Becky, the new girl? Curls by the barrelful?" He nodded. "Isn't she only- what are you, fourteen?"
"In a couple more months," Scott replied.
"You're only thirteen?" she gaped. "Okay then," she veered, "right this way, jailbait." Biting back a snicker, Scott followed her. "Yo, Becky," waltzing into the auditorium, she used her head to indicate the one trailing her, "I'll put the delivery fee on your tab. Just this once."
"Thanks, Jane." The green-eyed girl immediately proceeded down the stage steps.
From where he addressed his gathered troop, Zeke acknowledged, "Sean Connery, how's it going?"
"Hi, Zeke- got to get back to you on that one." Scott then received a head-butt to his left arm.
"Just couldn't wait another second to see me, could ya?" Cody said adorably.
"Yeah," Scott shoved him away by his forehead, "like a pimple to pop." He eyed Becky. Erik said we could go on a walk.
Requiring no further details for the time being, Becky's gaze went to the stage. "Zeke, is it alright if I leave now?"
Between the sound of her voice and having only six minutes remaining on the clock, Zeke pronounced, "Go on, but don't make this a habit, you two."
The grateful teens chorused, "Thanks, Zeke," and took their leave after Becky retrieved her messenger bag.
Once in the hall, Becky requested, "Can I use your jacket," she rubbed at the goosebumps on her bare arms, "this A/C is ridiculous."
Removing his sport coat, Scott situated it around her shoulders before guiding them through the nearest exit door. As the sun rays greeted them, he re-opened the topic currently occupying the bulk of his mental capacity.
"I meant it when I said it was fine," Becky reiterated, rounding a corner of the school building with him. "It's not going to be all summer, right?"
"No, but I…" Scott sent an arm around her middle as they strolled down the block, "guess I was hoping you'd put up more of a fight. You've never been too keen on people taking off at random."
"This is different." Becky ceased their pace to directly face him. "I know good and well that you're not running away- that's not you. Besides that, your word is everything, Scott. It's all I need to know you're coming home."
Scott reached to softly grip her wrist. "We haven't been separated since we met, have we? Even less than me and Alex. We always go everywhere together."
At that realization fully settling in, Becky responded, "Yeah, we do. But we all have stuff going on this summer. You deserve something, too. I think it's nice that Victor wants you with him."
Scott regarded her far more gravely. "But what if he's leaving? What if he's trying to sell me on going with him?"
Becky inhaled to resist her initial amused reaction. "Scott, come. On."
"I mean it, Rebecca." Lowering his touch to her hand, he brought them to a nearby bench to sit. "Really think about it. Trick came at the same time as the Howletts and Vic. Trick's doing better, but he's not for keeps. Are any of them? Let's not forget it was Emma, Charles, and Erik looking out for us way before them."
"You think Victor's trying to leave us, Cody- their entire family?" Becky reasoned. "You know he wouldn't leave Logan. He never has."
"He's never had Adrienne before, either," Scott brought up, catching her attention more. "Sean said they're probably trying to bring me into this family thing they're building. And who buys a house with a lady they're not married to?"
"Yeah, that's weird," she admitted, "but Angel and Sam go back and forth that way. Plus, Angel's going to WU. I honestly think they just want a bigger house. Aunt Dri calls the place she has now 'Bachelorette Chic'." Scott stared forward, sighing into his hands. Becky quietly watched him for a few seconds. "Scott, do you just not want to go?"
After a silent spell, the pensive boy leaned back tiredly. "I'll let you know once I finally figure that out myself." Features turning more jovial, he moved onto, "So, how'd it go today?"
"The troop's great." Becky put on a tight grin. "Too bad I'm not."
"Whoa, where's this coming from?" Scott frowned. "Were they giving you grief? And you actually kept Cody from busting out a karate-chop?"
"No, nothing like that," she shook her head. "But it was so different from when I started dance, cheer, or anything back in D.C. Even the other new people seem so much better. They all do."
"All?" Scott echoed incredulously. "Quit exaggerating, Rebecca." He stood so they could continue their jaunt and took her hand again to playfully pluck her up. "No weirdo redhead is better than you."