Rise or Fall
Chapter 341: Movie Madness Part 1
Chapters to Check: 311, 339, and 340
NOTE: Happy 9th Anniversary, Fam and what a privilege it is to proclaim such a thing this particular year! Thank you all for your continued reading and support here, on the Facebook group, PMs, and Tumblr. Yes, this is a short one because I ran out of time and also an official two-parter (feeling so very Mighty Morphin Power Rangers right now and I love it). Part Two will be here soon. In the meantime, please enjoy and review!
Midnight's furry form caressing her ankles, the blonde teenager reclined in bed against her satin pillows while listening to the speaker on the other end.
"It figures, right?" Feet propped on the desk, Collin arched back in his chair. "Just when medical science finally finds a way to surgically remove that enchanted pixie stick from Fabian's butt," he smiled at her resulting laughter, "he's ready to take off."
"Tell me about it," Samantha commiserated. "There's no aunt cooler than Cordy to double-date with. Look at it this way, though. When we get to meet up with them in Boston, we'll only to survive my uncle and grandpa's interrogations."
"That could only be a plus in our world." Picking up his key ring, Collin ogled the latest addition to it. "Sure got a heck of a parting gift out of it, though."
Well aware of his meaning, Samantha said, "I can't wait to see the Ferrari with your new paint job."
"I can't wait to see you in it," he replied enticingly.
From within the jack-and-jill bathroom that connected their slumber domains, Angel picked up on her sister's giggles as if they stood side by side. Out of the shower and into her strawberry-patterned robe, she meticulously combed even the slightest hint of a knot out of her deep-conditioned hair. Cracking the door that led into Samantha's room, Angel shook her head fondly at how she-of-advanced-hearing kept the phone receiver all but stitched to her ear. After turning off the light and leaving for her own room, she settled at the desk and took delicate hold of her latest letter.
Dear Angel,
As the college countdown continues, we're trying to get in all the family time we can. Dad, Josh, and I are having a guy's weekend then I promised next week to Mom and my sisters. Of course, we're all looking forward to the humiliation they plan to bestow on me for Parents Day at Fordham- my heart's all a flutter! Granted, thinking about you has that effect on me more often than not.
I'm leading Temple this Friday. I'm reviewing the Parable of the Three Talents from Matthew 25:14–30. Dad thinks I need to get in all the speaking experience I can with Fordham coming up. I hope this reaches you in time. It'd be great to go over my notes with you. I know you've got a ton going on, too, so it's all good if you don't get a chance to call. I'll be writing you all about it, anyway. Have fun at the movie and if you meet any of those hotshot Hollywood dreamboats, they better not try anything with you or I'm taking them down- by egging their cars and running real fast!
Love and prayers,
Ben
After a third re-read, Angel folded the letter and pecked the parchment before securing it to its envelope. Reaching into her top desk drawer, she retrieved her copy of King James and flipped through it to reach Matthew.
IIIIIII
In a somewhat feeble attempt to de-clutter the television area of his Hovel, Alex maneuvered about collecting papers and stray toys- belonging to cat and child alike- with Leon's assistance. Sharing the wrap-around sofa, Frank sprawled stomach down with a filled notebook and his fat history text while Melissa watched the final minutes of To Have and Have Not.
"The thing is," reasoned Leon, "Trav really has his heart set on taking these advanced classes."
Armload in his possession, Alex responded, "All the puking in the world hasn't deterred that one, huh?"
Leon came back with, "Are you really surprised?"
"Are you kidding?" Alex scoffed. "I'm trying to graduate before the kid becomes one of my professors."
"Behold," Melissa piped up, "X-Geeks in their natural habitat."
Alex sent a knowing glance her way. "You were over the moon about your GED and you're starting college in the fall."
Eyes remaining on the TV, she blandly countered, "That's different."
Alex easily concluded, "Not gonna explain why, are you?"
To that, she stated, "My inexplicability is my allure."
Leon said, "And you're only five summer vocab words away from that free smoothie."
Returning to the original topic at hand, Alex suspiciously urged, "Tell me you didn't promise Trav anything."
Line of sight going back to the blonde, Leon assured, "No, I didn't fall into that trap. I just said we'd see what the rest of IQ can do."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "As in you and me vs. Hank and Raven."
A mild impish glint appeared in Leon's eyes. "Does that mean I get Hank and you get Raven?"
"So, you didn't consult me and you want me to take all the bullets for you, huh?"
Melissa shrugged, "Eh, there are rougher injuries."
"Lex," growing more earnest, Leon released a small sigh, "I know I should have talked to you first, but I'm still feeling my way through this stuff. Meanwhile, you're the reigning champ of receiving kid admiration."
Alex asked, "Is this all about getting on Trav's good side? Do you actually think it's right for him?"
"I won't deny that uncle brownie points will be a bonus," Leon admitted, "but I want to be able to help Trav through future anxiety attacks. And that's going to be a lot harder if I don't regain some level of trust with him."
"Okay, fair point," Alex granted. "We'll talk to them tomorrow. With how glad they are about Hank's mom moving in, we might luck out."
Leon bobbed his head. "Thanks, man."
A minute later, the Polish Headmaster ventured into the Hovel.
Between the tidying duo and the feats of Humphrey Bogart on the black and white screen, he wondered of the youngest mutant present, "Do tell how you're possibly getting any studying done."
Peering up, Frank claimed, "This is nowhere near as distracting as my room. In there, I'll be tempted to take a four-hour break to phone my girl about everything we're going to do tomorrow, assuming I actually survive this barrage of tests."
"Also," Alex tacked on, "we're here to kick him in the can if he gets little heart-shaped daydream bubbles over his head or starts obsessively writing 'Jessie' over his notes."
"Ah," Erik comprehended, "doing the doodle," and smirked at the way Leon darted his bashful eyes.
Credits rolling, Melissa moved to rise. "Alright, I'm out, lest I miss the sendoff of the Great Prince in the morning." Leon nodded his understanding. "Call you when I get in."
"Later," said Alex while Frank waved, "Bye, Melissa."
"Be safe," advised/commanded Erik as she walked by him.
The young woman replied, "I'll give it my best shot."
II
Trying to organize as well as update his lab journals, Hank looked over at the summoned redhead arriving in his workspace.
"Hey, Raven said we needed to talk." Alana made a path for his desk. "Is this about Tommy? Did I miss something?"
"No, no," Hank promptly reassured. "Believe me, whatever qualms I have regarding his examinations have nothing to do with you. If anything, I appreciate the fact that you were here. Solely juggling the health of an entire household leaves me pretty wary to make a coffee run, let alone set foot over state lines."
Alana told him, "And you handle it with better mastery than I ever possibly could have at your age. Heck, even now."
"I don't think that's true," Hank refuted unreservedly. "Especially with how you held it down while I was a raving lunatic."
"While you were recovering from a terrifying illness," Alana pointedly corrected.
"However you slice it," Hank dismissed. "The point is, you're an asset and while I might carry the PhD, you have the worldly experience. That's why I want to offer you a full nursing position."
Brown eyes swelling for a moment, Alana responded, "You're serious?"
"Complete with salary," Hank affirmed. "Plus, the added bonus of Frank reaching unknown levels of joy."
"That goes for both of us." Still, Alana brought up, "But I'm not sure how much I can commit to anything right now. Things are insane in the far east and I'm still awaiting safety clearance to get Jeff back here."
Hank simply reasoned, "And there's more than enough room for both of you. It's not as if Jeff would be the first non-mutant living here. It'll be good for him and we can never have too many allies."
"Okay, true," Alana knew. "Considering he hasn't lived in the States for two years, being around Frank would make the re-transition much easier. Unfortunately, there are certain other complications to consider…"
"You and Erik are putting Frank first, correct?" Hank brought up.
"… Yes. Yes, we are." She developed a blither expression. "So, any chance of throwing in a dental plan with the salary?"
A pleased smile stretched across Hank's face.
II
In Edna's third floor suite, Raven assisted her mother-in-law in trying to get the multitude of packed possessions put away. In addition to the cargo the McCoys paid to transport on the plane, several larger items would soon ship to the mansion. With Grace purring in her lap, Becky and Kiki went through the boxes on the queen-sized bed with the intrigue of treasure hunters.
Recalling something, Becky put forth, "Guess what Scott's doing tomorrow."
From where she tucked away garments at the dresser, Raven half-jokingly predicted, "Figuring out how to bound between rooftops on his scooter?"
"He wishes," Becky smirked. "Aunt Dri got them tickets to an exclusive showing of that new Warner Bros. picture."
Raven peered over her shoulder. "The Dave Clark Five flick?"
"Right," Becky confirmed. "It's the first time it's been released outside of Europe. It comes with dinner and they get to dress up and everything."
From her walk-in closet, Edna remarked, "Goodness, he and the girls are in for a truly enchanted evening."
Inwardly, Raven highly doubted that Scott's dress-up enthusiasm would be anywhere close to that of Angel and Samantha's.
Kiki wondered, "What does exclusive mean?"
"It means only important people get to go," Becky explained. "Like when Papa and Uncle Charles get invited to speak at colleges and stuff."
"Oh," Kiki comprehended. "I'd rather go to the movies with Scott."
Emerging from their grandmother's closet, Trav proclaimed, "I'd rather hear Uncle Erik and Uncle Charles at the colleges."
"You would," Kiki said with an eyeroll, making Raven hide a smile.
Flapping his arms in the roomy Chicago Cubs t-shirt, Trav questioned, "Grandma, are you sure Daddy wore this when he was my age?"
"Frequently," Edna replied. "Your father's always been big for every age."
"You'll grow into it soon enough," Raven guaranteed.
From the cushioned box they currently searched, Becky took out and unwrapped a small but heavy article. "Ooh, look, Gracie." She showed the kitten the crystal candleholder shaped like a cat.
Looking to see what she meant, Edna smiled wistfully. "That was a stocking stuffer from Norton for our," she paused a second to consider the timeframe, "second or third Christmas together. Would you like it?"
"Really?" Becky then vexed, "Are you sure?"
Edna insisted, "It's been doing nothing but collecting dust for the last two decades. I think the old cat would appreciate a change in scenery."
A flattered Becky responded, "Thanks, Aunt Edna."
At the slight sulk from Kiki, Edna placated, "There are more than enough heirlooms to go around, Kiki. You kids pick what you like."
"After this, we need to divvy up Hank's awards," Raven put forth. "Before Charles gets wind of them."
II
When Alex walked into his quarters and saw the shorter blonde meticulously cutting photos into various shapes, he guessed, "Latest academy masterpiece?"
Rubbing a glue stick against the back of one picture, Joey said, "Trying to finish Aunt Cordy's scrapbook before she leaves."
"Ah, gotcha." Alex took a seat on the edge of his bed. "Next question."
"Hm?"
"What's up with the 'Charles' bit at school? If Joey's on your anti-name list, do I still get to call you Joe? Not that I plan to stop, but…"
"It's not like that." Joey glanced back at him. "It just… feels different being Charles at the academy."
Alex asked, "You feel more like your dad? Like you have it altogether?"
Considering that, Joey determined, "Yeah. Here I'm just Joey. Being Charles somewhere else is so much cooler. Is that dumb?"
"No, I get it," Alex assured. "And if it keeps your nerves down, I'm all for it. Only try to remember that it was 'just Joey' who won his way into that swanky school."
After a nod from the Joey in question, an amiable silence set in as he continued to work at the desk and Alex began lifting his twin dumbbells.
IIIIIII
Martinis arranged at the small dry bar, the metal wielder picked up on the approaching dainty footsteps and turned around.
At whom he saw, Erik peculiarly remarked, "Adorable's been swapped out for ravishing."
Standing in puzzlement, Alana came back with, "… Thanks?"
The man then explained, "I was expecting Charles. Our chess tournaments are much more intermittent these days."
"Far be it from me to be the monkey wrench in the brotherly bonding," Alana headed his way, "I just want to be sure we're on the same page with this new arrangement."
Now the confused one, Erik responded, "You'll have to tell me which book we're reading first."
"Hank's live-in nurse offer." Alana then realized, "That you knew nothing about until this moment in time."
Visage even, Erik nonchalantly confirmed, "Apparently."
The Irish woman folded her arms. "From monkey wrenches to curveballs."
"Yes, though it doesn't surprise me that he would consider you." Erik then asked, "What did you say?"
"It's what's best for my boys," Alana said plainly. "Speaking of, Jeff coming to live here is—"
"More than welcomed," Erik asserted. "I'm sure Charles would agree."
"Here, here." Making his way into the parlor, the aforementioned Professor wondered, "Agree to what?"
Erik informed, "Our good Dr. McCoy has offered Alana a staff position here, meaning Jeff will be joining us as well."
"Really?" Charles responded surprised but favorably.
Alana eyed the Englishman incredulously. "He didn't tell you, either? Okay, my first suggestion? Drastically improve the memo system."
"Hank and Raven did just get back into town and they have the lion's share on their minds," Charles pointed out. "Whatever the case, you have my support. Have you spoken to Frank?"
"Not yet. He's finally in bed after burying himself in those books." Alana looked at the older Headmaster again. "So, this is good, right? What's best for the kids?"
"Always," Erik concurred. "We'll tell Frank on the way to school. It will ease a considerable amount of his exam tension if nothing else."
"Okay, great. Are we still on for Temple tomorrow?"
"Looking forward to it."
Unease only marginally alleviated, Alana said as benignly as she could, "Well, see you in the morning." With a light pat to Charles' arm, the ginger took her leave.
Once alone with his brother, Charles put forth, "Has Hank completely lost the pot? What does he mean blindsiding us this way?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." Erik passed him his martini.
"And you're alright with this?" Charles gauged his brother's features. "You and Alana Tolbert in permanent closed quarters?"
Taking a sip of his drink, Erik glibly reminded, "I've survived greater feats of masochism."
Charles reflected a sardonic countenance. "That reassures me how exactly?"
Erik merely reminded, "Discovering the bright spot is your forte, Lab Rat."
IIIIIII
An unsettlingly brisk surge of vertigo rushed through the initially panicked boy as his troubled dream state came to an end. Sitting up, Scott slid his backhand across his sweaty brow. After breathing in and out multiple times to calm himself, he gripped and slipped on his glasses. Rising from the bed, he made a path for his bathroom. He propped his frames on top of his head for a moment in order to splash his face with water from the sink. Once he finished his business with both the toilet and faucet, he re-entered his room with a feeble moan on his lips.
On his way out, he noticed the garment bag that hung from the third hook on the exterior of his door. Unzipping it, he found a crisp shirt likely in yellow that his unique lenses painted slightly orange and a pair of dark slacks with a matching blazer. Re-sealing the bag, the thirteen-year-old continued out into the hall and down the stairs. At the voices he heard, he headed for and paused just outside of the kitchen.
"Don't go hurtin' yourself over there now," Victor cautioned.
Despite his turned back, Adrienne aimed dagger eyes his way. "Even my remedial culinary skills can handle chopping duty."
"Just try not to toss in a few fingers while you're at it," Victor quipped, scrambling eggs at the stove. "Too rich for the kids' blood."
"Is that so?" Leaving her knife on the counter, Adrienne brought over the cut vegetables and held a sliver out to him. "What about yours?"
Devouring the piece of tomato, Victor licked her fingertips with a purr of satisfaction. When he leaned in, Adrienne clutched her bowl and gracefully maneuvered out of his reach. Freeing up one hand, Victor managed to coil it around her middle to reel her back and nuzzle his cheeks against her scarlet hair. He then picked up on the stealthily- to any other ears- departing footsteps. Though his nose had already alerted him to the boy's lurking, Victor drew no attention to it.
IIIIIII
Making his way into the study, Hank closed the door and eyed the Headmaster duo before him. "You rang, gentlemen?"
Naturally, Charles began from his desk. "Yes, Hank. We haven't had a chance to speak in detail since you returned. Did everything fare well in Illinois?"
"All things considered, yes," the young physician answered. "One of the older kids I knew growing up is real estate mogul now. He's confident he can sell my parents' house above market value."
"That's good to hear. What's next on your agenda?" Erik then brusquely questioned, "Any further recruitment or are you going to stick with promoting from within?"
Unamused gaze in place, Hank surmised, "I take it this is about Alana. What objections could you possibly have, considering how comfortable you are having her treat the kids in my absence?"
"It isn't that we object, Hank," Charles attempted to clarify. "It's only that such a decision warrants some discussion."
Hank simply pointed out, "You had no qualms with my mother moving in to help us and the team is far better acquainted with Frank's." His line of sight landed on the standing Headmaster. "Some of us more than others."
Charles' tone immediately developed a warning. "Henry…"
Arms crossing over his chest, Erik inquired, "Something you want to share between the lines there, Hank?"
"You mean besides the fact that you two have some nerve to demand discussion when you didn't bother contacting me as soon as Tommy mutated?"
"That was no hidden conspiracy, Hank," Charles reasoned. "You mother needed you in Illinois. You cannot be everywhere at once nor is it healthy for you try to stretch yourself so thin, especially after what you've been through."
"Which is why I approached Alana," Hank countered. "Do you or do you not trust me with the medical care of the members of this house?"
"Of course we do," Charles responded automatically.
"Then," Hank went on, "you should trust me to bring in a close ally without having to put it through committee. My department; my decision."
Erik ordered, "Stop with the juvenile power play, Hank. That is not what this is about."
Hank released a humored, depreciating exhale. "You call me juvenile? I know exactly what this is about. Ever Erik the Pathetic. Almost three years and you still can't get over this ridiculous unrequited hang-up."
Charles nearly knocked over his chair as he vehemently stood. "And you have three seconds to curb that insolence before my yardstick clocks you back to 1962."
Silent features stony, Erik clamped down on the telepath's taut shoulder relaxingly while his icy blue eyes stayed on the youngest male.
Hank breathed out through his nostrils. "My apologies, Erik. Are we done? IQ is meeting."
After a nod from his brother, Charles dismissed him with, "Go on, but we are far from done here, Henry."
Turning, Hank managed to twist the knob without reducing the door to splinters as he exited.