"What?!" Rouge gasped as Xavier finished talking. She had been listening in, but slipped away before the Professor heard her thoughts.'There's a new mutant here, one my age, and Stryker's after her? I wonder who all knows.'
Footsteps sounded quietly on polished wooden floor as Rouge walked, deep in thought, back to her room. It was nearly dusk now and most of the day's classes were over. A few other students passed by, chatting loudly about the day's events.
It was something else that caught Rouge's attention though, an odd banging noise was coming from nearby, and soon she realized there was someone pounding on one of the doors. She could also hear some calling to be let out, and ran over to where the sounds were coming from.
"Hello? Who's in there?"
"My name is Riley, let me out!"
"Alright, calm down, I'll get you out." Quickly Rouge looked down at the doorknob, then realized she would need a key to unlock the door. "Hang on, I'll be right back." The room keys to this part of the mansion were always in Cyclops' desk, but he was gone right now she Rouge knew she'd have no problem getting them.
After a few minutes Rouge arrived Cyclop's office, but just as she reached out a gloved hand to turn open the door a voice came from behind her.
"Watch'a doin' kid?" It was Logan. He was leaning against wall, cold beer in hand and a serious look on his face.
"I'm, uh..."
"Scott's not here, you know that."
"Well, I was just, um..."
"I see. Well, why don't you go clean your room or somethi'n? Don't want to be caught snooping."
"Alright." turning around Rouge walked away quickly, disappointed she had not been able to get the keys. 'Shoot, I'll have to try again tonight when everyone's asleep.' With that thought she turned into her room and prepared to wait.

The moon was up, and it's light shone pale through the window in Riley's room. The walls, floor, and door were covered in deep claw marks from her attempt to escape. All the furniture was also covered with gashes, many of the chairs and such laying scattered around the room. With a sigh Riley fell back onto the bed, exhausted from a day of fighting.
Just then Riley's ears picked up a noise – the door unlocking. She bolted up, leaping to the soon to be exit. Slowly it opened, the squeaky hinges sounding loudly in the sleepy school. Finally the door opened fully and there, standing with a smile on her face, was Rouge.
"You Riley?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Good, come with me. You must be quiet though, some of the students are light sleepers." Silently the two teens made their way through the dark halls until finally reaching the large front entrance, their way of escape.
"Thank you, um... what's your name?"
"Rouge. Well, not really, but that's what everyone calls me. You can too."
"Well then thank you Rouge. But, why did you help me?"
"Let's just say I know how it feels to be... trapped."
Riley turned to leave, but stopped and looked back. This girl had helped her. For some reason Riley didn't feel anger towards Rouge like she did with most people. She felt like Rouge was a friend.
"Where do you think you're goi'n?" Riley and Rouge froze. Someone was standing behind them, and he didn't sound very happy.