When Hannah awoke, she felt very disorientated. Focusing on her
surroundings she realized she was back in her own room, in her bed. She
began to wonder if it all was a dream, but then as she began to sit up she
noticed she wasn't alone. She felt a bit woozy, and Jean immediately helped
her to lay back down, "Don't rush anything. Your body has had quite a jolt
and you need to take everything real slowly at first"
Hannah rubbed her eyes, "It wasn't a dream?"
Jean shook her head, "I'm afraid not."
It all began to sink in. "I'm a mutant."
Jean smiled, "It's not such a bad thing, really."
"The professor...Logan?...."
"They'll be back. That's if you want to see them? It was pretty evident earlier that they were both doing more harm than good. That's why I'm here. The professor thought it best that I help you."
"I really don't understand how you can help."
"I can only help, Hannah, if you want me too. It's your choice. What you've experienced today, doesn't have to happen again. I can teach you to control the information. Kind of like a filing system inside your head."
None of it really made any sense to Hannah whatsoever. "Let me show you, it might be more clear." Jean added.
Hannah slowly sat up now that the woozy feeling seemed to be fading. Jean had pulled up the chair by the side of the bed, facing Hannah looking directly into her eyes. "I want you to close your eyes, and let your mind go blank."
Hannah took a deep breath and did as she was told. Jean continued, "Think of one of your favorite books of all time."
"I have so many."
"Just one. Think about just one."
"Okay..." Hannah thought for a few seconds, "Witches by Roald Dahl."
"I loved that book too. Great choice. Now close your eyes again, and concentrate." Hannah let every thought from earlier leave her mind. "Page 112...tell me the first paragraph on page 112."
Hannah opened her eyes immediately and stared at Jean. "i can't do that. How am I supposed to do that." Her scepticism was creeping back in.
"You're fighting it. Hannah, you don't seem to understand, that inside your mind you have millions of things stored...the only way they are going to sort themselves out is if you concentrate and put them in their right places. Otherwise the headaches will continue, and you could witness another seizure when it becomes too intense. Once you are able to understand what you have, you will be able to file it away. Your mind can control that, if you let it."
She closed her eyes again and began to concentrate, it was something she had been able to do with her music. Close her eyes and see page after page of written manuscript, she could even concentrate on certain measures and they would pop into her head. But without the keyboard in front of her, everything felt strange. She thought about sitting on the piano bench in the conservatory, pretending she was alone ready to practice, she whispered, "page 112" a few times, and was startled at first when she pictured the words in her head and then recited them.
"I remember thinking to myself, there is no escape for me now! Even if I make a run for it and manage to dodge the lot of them, I still won't get out because the doors are chained and locked! I'm finished! I'm done for! Oh, Grandmamma, what are they going to do to me?" She then opened her eyes and Jean was smiling at her.
"You could have been an actress with that kind of line reading, very effective."
Hannah felt a bit embarrassed, "But you don't know it was page 112. It could have been anything."
"So when you thought page 112, what happened?"
"I don't know....I saw those words, they could have been anything."
"I have no doubt they were from page 112. I can go get the book from our library."
Hannah shook her head, knowing that Jean was probably right. It felt incredibly strange being able to do this. "You know when I play, I can think of a measure I am having trouble with,and I can see it perfectly in my mind when I close my eyes."
"You are already one step ahead of the game, Hannah. You have already been taking control of this power you possess, if you can do that with your music...you can do it with everything else."
"Why do I get the headaches when I'm upset?"
"It's a normal reaction for most of us. When we are upset it's hard to control our powers. We have all experienced it. But you channeling it and being aware of what is happening will cause the headaches to stop"
"There was never any conflict in my household, as far as I can remember, I remember always hearing my mother say, 'keep Hannah happy and calm.' And everyone always did. I have only been getting the headaches since her death last year."
"Obviously your mother hoped you would never know you possessed this power. She did everything in her own power to keep you normal. A lot of parents are in denial about their children being mutants. Ask most of the kids here, and they will tell you the hardships they had growing up. Especially their parents accepting who they are. Once your mother died, there was no one to keep that balance in your life anymore."
"I wish they would have told me." Hannah felt betrayed by everyone. Why couldn't someone in her life been honest?
"I know. But you shouldn't blame the professor, he was only going by your mother's wishes and she believed she was doing what was best for you."
"But it wasn't." She was trying to suppress the anger she felt, it wouldn't help matters and she knew it. But she couldn't help but feel deceived by the one person a child was supposed to trust.
"No, it wasn't. But you can't tell a mother that. The Professor tried."
Hannah sat solemnly thinking about the relationship she had with her mother. Not like most mother's and daughters. How she felt she really know nothing about her family at all. "I said some horrible things to him earlier, I shouldn't have been so quick to judge."
"He understands. The professor is the most understanding, gracious, kind man you will ever meet Hannah. And he truly cares about your best interests."
"And I hurt Logan...." she felt ashamed putting her head down.
"Logan will be fine. He's very resilient He'll forgive you. I wouldn't worry about Logan."
But Hannah did worry about him, she felt something so strong. She couldn't place it. He was on the outside too, like her. Not really having a place of his own.
Jean noticed her in deep thought. Obviously thinking about Logan. The silence was becoming to much for her. She desperately wanted to read Hannah's mind but fought it every step of the way. She wasn't some teenage schoolgirl, this was stupid. She was downright jealous. She hadn't felt this way for a long time. When Scott and her had been students and there had been another who had her heart set on Scott. Jean could remember the jealously and cruel things that had gone on between her and Madelyne, vying over Scott. She quickly pushed these thoughts to back of her her mind, whatever was going on between Logan and Hannah was none of her business.
"Well, we have a lot of work to do. If you're ready to get started."
Hannah was still thinking about Logan, she was million miles away.
"Hannah, are you up to it? If it's too much to comprehend for one day, I'm sure the professor will understand if we hold off."
Hannah snapped to, "oh, no....I'm ready. I want to learn to control this."
"Great, I think it might be best if we go up to my office." Hannah nodded in agreement and they headed downstairs, all the while Hannah looking around wondering where Logan was, wanting desperately to see him again.
* * * *
* * *
Logan knew his best bit considering the mood he was in was to go to the danger room and work out some aggression in a positive manner, but he felt the need of a drink, things had been a little to nice lately. He needed to get back into the environment he felt at home in...a bar.
Strolling in to the bar, Mack quickly put a beer on the counter and Logan picked it up without looking at him and headed for the back, where he could be alone. Mack didn't like the look on his face, he didn't seem to be in too good of a mood. Best to leave him be.
A half hour had passed, Logan had kicked back a few, enjoyed a cigar, and was glad there was no piano playing this afternoon, just the out of date rock n roll tunes blaring from the jukebox in the corner. But no matter how hard he tried the events of this morning were emblazoned in his mind. He couldn't help but wonder if she was okay. Hannah. That odd creature who had so easily grabbed hold of a piece of him when he wasn't looking. Took him by surprise. Why did he care what happened to her? Jean and the professor knew what they were doing, she was going to be fine. She was going to be fine without him. Actually, that was probably for the best. It wasn't good to get attached to anyone. He had learned that lesson a long time ago.
Logan was surprised as a gentleman approached his table another beer in hand, The man placed the beer on the table and pushed it towards Logan, "Thought you could use another." Logan looked up scowling at him.
"I don't know who you are, bub, and I really don't want your charity. I can buy my own drink when I'm good and ready."
"Of course you can. And I can see you want to be left alone, have a lot on your mind obviously."
Logan wondered if he would ever shut up and just leave. He noticed the English accent and looked at his clothing. It was a tailor made suit, shiny black shoes, not someone who would normally frequent a place like this. And Logan sensed something else. And his first instinct was no good. There was something about this guy, that he really didn't like.
But the man didn't seem to give up, he scooted in to the booth,sitting directly opposite Logan. "I don't think I asked you to join me." Logan's brow furrowed, as he glared at the unwanted guest. Not wanting to cause a scene, and hoping that his 'leave me alone' attitude would shortly have the guy finding somewhere else to park his ass for a drink and a chat.
"I think it might be in your best interest if you are accommodating to me."
Logan didn't like the tone of his voice and slowly removed the cigar from his mouth, glaring at him, "I think you are threatening the wrong guy, bub."
The man chuckled, "Threaten you....oh, no, that's not what I am doing. Far from it. I saw the mess you made in here yesterday. I have no intention of getting on your bad side."
"You're already there. I didn't invite you here, now shove off and leave me alone." Logan peered around him towards the bar, he called out, "Mack."
Mack quickly showed up by the side of the table. He had learned quickly that this customer was one you took care of as much as you could.
He smiled down at Logan, "What can I do you for,pal? Another beer....hey, if you're hungry, I'm sure I can scrounge something together."
. "I'm not in a great mood this afternoon, Mack. And this guy here, is really not helping matters."
Mack knew that Logan was trying to control his temper,by talking to Mack instead of the stranger. Mack leaned over the table towards the man, "You know I don't like trouble. Logan here is a good customer. He likes to be left alone. I thought I explained that to you yesterday."
Logan looked up at Mack surprised, and wasn't happy about this comment. "you been talking about me, Mack?" Logan stood up and grabbed Mack by the collar, "I like you, Mack. You've been good to me. But I don't like people messing with my business."
"I know, Logan...I didn't....really..." he began to stammer and felt the whole room getting exceeding hot. The gentleman stood up.
"I am truly sorry I have disturbed your privacy. I don't want any trouble. You see, I was really just inquiring about a young woman who has gone missing, and Mack here thought you might be able to help." Logan let go of Mack and turned back to the stranger.
"I know a lot of young women, bub, and a lot of them are runaways of some kind, otherwise they wouldn't end up at a place like this. I also don't rat on my friends. If you're looking for your daughter, girlfriend, wife, whatever....I can't help you. If she left, there must be a damn good reason as far as I'm concerned."
"Hannah Collier. I have every reason to believe she has been kidnapped by her godfather, Charles Xavier."
Logan tried to act dumb, "Right, the guy with the school. I know the place. But I don't know who you're talking about. There's a lot of girls at that school. Seen them around town obviously, but wouldn't know a Hannah from anyone else. Can't help you."
"I believe you can. Or does that Professor Xavier have you under his control as well"
"You can believe anything you want, bub" Logan stood up and laid a tip on the table, he gave Mack a pat on the shoulder, but the man blocked his way.
"I guess I had you figured all wrong, Logan. Thought you were an individual, not one to follow the pack, someone with a mind of his own. Unique..."
Logan had had enough and turned on him abruptly, pushing him up against the table, "I'll show you unique, if you don't give it a rest." He then let go and began to walk out of the bar.
"Do you have any idea what the professor is doing to that girl, taking her away from the only environment she has ever known. All she has ever known is practicing and performing. Her public is frantic about her disapearance. I can only imagine the state she is in due to this upheaval."
Logan shook his head, "I hope you find who you're looking for...." and he walked away.
The man cursed under breath, "He has no idea what he's dealing with."
"And you, sir, I don't think you have any idea what you're dealing with either. You don't mess with Logan or any of them up there at that school."
"You all just accept that you have mutants as neighbors, when they could be incredibly dangerous?" The man dusted off his jacket, ran his fingers through his now messed up hair, trying to slick it back to it's originally form.
"They are good people, and stay pretty much to themselves. And Logan, he's been good to me. There have been scrapes in here, guaranteed but in most cases there have been legitimate reasons for them. He's always been protective of the girls. And if a john is out of hand with one of them, Logan takes care of it."
"All very well, indeed, but Hannah is my client and I won't have her associating with hookers, and mutants." He scrunched up his face looking around the bar, "and hanging out in a place such as this, disgusting. You should be closed down. I could have the health inspectors here in minutes."
A few of Mack's patrons noticed the stranger and overheard his comments. Within seconds they had surrounded the man and a heavyset balding man cleared his throat. The stranger slowly turned only to be faced with 5 burly men who weren't to happy with his presence. "You don't belong here, mister. With that pansy assed accent and those shiny shoes. Now shove off."
"I will leave when I'm good and ready." He sneered at the man.
"Well, just might have to go fetch Logan back here. I'm sure he hasn't gotten far. Now that guy can cause some serious damage when he's ticked off. Or would you just like to deal with the likes of us....a simple broken jaw, cracked rib. I think we could handle that, don't you, boys?" They all nodded and the stranger met their glares, realizing they meant business. He held up his hands in surrender and headed for the door.
* * * *
*
Logan found himself packing up a bag that evening in his room, when he sensed someone at his door, he quickly moved towards it and opened it abruptly startling Hannah who quickly jumped out of his way, Logan seeing who it was went back to his packing.
"You're going somewhere?" She said quietly, remaining at the door.
"Got someone to see in the city." Logan didn't turn around. And continued to pack.
"I'm sorry." She looked down at her shoes, scuffing them across the floor, trying to think of something to say to him.
"About what?" He zipped the duffel bag shut, his back to her still.
"This morning, I said some horrible things. I didn't really mean them."
"Don't apologize." He slowly turned.
"I don't want you to go." She looked up with pleading eyes.
Her gaze caught his briefly and he immediately turned to the dresser and picked up his wallet, stuffing it in his back pocket. "Well, that's too bad. I have to. You're doing just fine here. Jean is a great teacher, you should have those headaches far behind you before you know it."
"You're not coming back, are you?"
"I roam, that's what I do. I told you that." He wanted to change the subject, he cleared his throat, moving closer to her, he wasn't going to let her get to him. "I'm glad to see you're okay with your mutancy. It will be a lot easier, and don't forget to practice. I want to pick up a paper and see that you're playing Carnegie Hall."
Hannah wanted to cry. She didn't know what to say, but instead of showing Logan what she was feeling she ran out of the room, and he heard the slam of her door down the hall. He knew this was best, getting out of her life. He only made everyone's life worse.
Charles was heading down the hallway and also heard the door slam, as he turned the corner towards the sound, Logan was closing his door, a bag in his hand. A solemn look on his face.
"Jean said you'd run."
This only made him mad, "Oh, really...." but he didn't want to start anything right now. He glanced at the Hannah's door and then back at Charles, "Look, you need to tell her everything. Talk to her, she doesn't have anyone, you're it, Chuck. She's scared and she won't admit it."
"Jean said they had a good session today, that she's already in more control that she realizes."
Logan thought about the stranger in the bar, and it hit him Charles needed to know, changing the subject abruptly he sprouted off, "I think you were right about her being in danger." Charles was surprised he brought this up. There was obviously some reason for his concern, Logan continued, "Someone approached me in the bar. Asked questions. Stuffy, English, well-dressed, annoying friendly. "
"It's bound to be Portman. She is his livelihood. Without her he's nothing." Logan looked confused, Charles continued, "Her agent. He was also involved in some shady business, that Hannah's" Charles thought about his choice of words, stopping briefly before he continued "...Alan Collier...became involved in as well. He knows she's here. I guess I am not surprised. I believe there was some kind or arrangement made as well. Brian Portman has had his sights set on marrying my goddaughter for some time now."
Logan was surprised, "That creep...you can't be serious."
"Well, with Alan's demise I'm afraid Portman has nothing to stand on. Whatever the arrangement was."
"You don't seem overly concerned, Chuck."
"She's safe here, and I plan to keep her that way." Charles looked up at Logan, "I wish you would change your mind about leaving. I didn't mean to shut you out this morning, Logan. But you were only making matters worse. And I still believe she doesn't need any distractions during this time. At least till she has her powers under control." He looked towards her door, "I couldn't help but hear her door slam. I assume that you two had words."
Logan didn't want to discuss it, "I need to be off."
Chuck knew this was a sure sign of him avoiding the subject, "You'll be in touch, I hope. Whether you choose to believe it or not the place isn't quite the same with you gone."
"Yeah, well, I'm sure some are glad to see the backside of me. And can't wait for me to be on my way."
"It's a shame the two of you can't get along. You and Scott could make an incredible team."
Logan raised his eyebrows and chuckled, "That will be the day." He began to walk towards the elevator and as he passed Hannah's room he heard her crying. "You'll make sure she's okay?"
"I will. Take care of yourself, Logan. You know we will always welcome you back here. I want you to always consider this home."
"My home is the road, but I will keep that in mind, Chuck." The elevator door opened and he entered it. He could still hear Hannah's sobs as the doors shut behind him. What the hell was he doing? He knew he was letting her down. Why did he always feel the need to run, when things got like this. But for some reason, he did. And he couldn't see the time coming when that would ever change.
Hannah rubbed her eyes, "It wasn't a dream?"
Jean shook her head, "I'm afraid not."
It all began to sink in. "I'm a mutant."
Jean smiled, "It's not such a bad thing, really."
"The professor...Logan?...."
"They'll be back. That's if you want to see them? It was pretty evident earlier that they were both doing more harm than good. That's why I'm here. The professor thought it best that I help you."
"I really don't understand how you can help."
"I can only help, Hannah, if you want me too. It's your choice. What you've experienced today, doesn't have to happen again. I can teach you to control the information. Kind of like a filing system inside your head."
None of it really made any sense to Hannah whatsoever. "Let me show you, it might be more clear." Jean added.
Hannah slowly sat up now that the woozy feeling seemed to be fading. Jean had pulled up the chair by the side of the bed, facing Hannah looking directly into her eyes. "I want you to close your eyes, and let your mind go blank."
Hannah took a deep breath and did as she was told. Jean continued, "Think of one of your favorite books of all time."
"I have so many."
"Just one. Think about just one."
"Okay..." Hannah thought for a few seconds, "Witches by Roald Dahl."
"I loved that book too. Great choice. Now close your eyes again, and concentrate." Hannah let every thought from earlier leave her mind. "Page 112...tell me the first paragraph on page 112."
Hannah opened her eyes immediately and stared at Jean. "i can't do that. How am I supposed to do that." Her scepticism was creeping back in.
"You're fighting it. Hannah, you don't seem to understand, that inside your mind you have millions of things stored...the only way they are going to sort themselves out is if you concentrate and put them in their right places. Otherwise the headaches will continue, and you could witness another seizure when it becomes too intense. Once you are able to understand what you have, you will be able to file it away. Your mind can control that, if you let it."
She closed her eyes again and began to concentrate, it was something she had been able to do with her music. Close her eyes and see page after page of written manuscript, she could even concentrate on certain measures and they would pop into her head. But without the keyboard in front of her, everything felt strange. She thought about sitting on the piano bench in the conservatory, pretending she was alone ready to practice, she whispered, "page 112" a few times, and was startled at first when she pictured the words in her head and then recited them.
"I remember thinking to myself, there is no escape for me now! Even if I make a run for it and manage to dodge the lot of them, I still won't get out because the doors are chained and locked! I'm finished! I'm done for! Oh, Grandmamma, what are they going to do to me?" She then opened her eyes and Jean was smiling at her.
"You could have been an actress with that kind of line reading, very effective."
Hannah felt a bit embarrassed, "But you don't know it was page 112. It could have been anything."
"So when you thought page 112, what happened?"
"I don't know....I saw those words, they could have been anything."
"I have no doubt they were from page 112. I can go get the book from our library."
Hannah shook her head, knowing that Jean was probably right. It felt incredibly strange being able to do this. "You know when I play, I can think of a measure I am having trouble with,and I can see it perfectly in my mind when I close my eyes."
"You are already one step ahead of the game, Hannah. You have already been taking control of this power you possess, if you can do that with your music...you can do it with everything else."
"Why do I get the headaches when I'm upset?"
"It's a normal reaction for most of us. When we are upset it's hard to control our powers. We have all experienced it. But you channeling it and being aware of what is happening will cause the headaches to stop"
"There was never any conflict in my household, as far as I can remember, I remember always hearing my mother say, 'keep Hannah happy and calm.' And everyone always did. I have only been getting the headaches since her death last year."
"Obviously your mother hoped you would never know you possessed this power. She did everything in her own power to keep you normal. A lot of parents are in denial about their children being mutants. Ask most of the kids here, and they will tell you the hardships they had growing up. Especially their parents accepting who they are. Once your mother died, there was no one to keep that balance in your life anymore."
"I wish they would have told me." Hannah felt betrayed by everyone. Why couldn't someone in her life been honest?
"I know. But you shouldn't blame the professor, he was only going by your mother's wishes and she believed she was doing what was best for you."
"But it wasn't." She was trying to suppress the anger she felt, it wouldn't help matters and she knew it. But she couldn't help but feel deceived by the one person a child was supposed to trust.
"No, it wasn't. But you can't tell a mother that. The Professor tried."
Hannah sat solemnly thinking about the relationship she had with her mother. Not like most mother's and daughters. How she felt she really know nothing about her family at all. "I said some horrible things to him earlier, I shouldn't have been so quick to judge."
"He understands. The professor is the most understanding, gracious, kind man you will ever meet Hannah. And he truly cares about your best interests."
"And I hurt Logan...." she felt ashamed putting her head down.
"Logan will be fine. He's very resilient He'll forgive you. I wouldn't worry about Logan."
But Hannah did worry about him, she felt something so strong. She couldn't place it. He was on the outside too, like her. Not really having a place of his own.
Jean noticed her in deep thought. Obviously thinking about Logan. The silence was becoming to much for her. She desperately wanted to read Hannah's mind but fought it every step of the way. She wasn't some teenage schoolgirl, this was stupid. She was downright jealous. She hadn't felt this way for a long time. When Scott and her had been students and there had been another who had her heart set on Scott. Jean could remember the jealously and cruel things that had gone on between her and Madelyne, vying over Scott. She quickly pushed these thoughts to back of her her mind, whatever was going on between Logan and Hannah was none of her business.
"Well, we have a lot of work to do. If you're ready to get started."
Hannah was still thinking about Logan, she was million miles away.
"Hannah, are you up to it? If it's too much to comprehend for one day, I'm sure the professor will understand if we hold off."
Hannah snapped to, "oh, no....I'm ready. I want to learn to control this."
"Great, I think it might be best if we go up to my office." Hannah nodded in agreement and they headed downstairs, all the while Hannah looking around wondering where Logan was, wanting desperately to see him again.
* * * *
* * *
Logan knew his best bit considering the mood he was in was to go to the danger room and work out some aggression in a positive manner, but he felt the need of a drink, things had been a little to nice lately. He needed to get back into the environment he felt at home in...a bar.
Strolling in to the bar, Mack quickly put a beer on the counter and Logan picked it up without looking at him and headed for the back, where he could be alone. Mack didn't like the look on his face, he didn't seem to be in too good of a mood. Best to leave him be.
A half hour had passed, Logan had kicked back a few, enjoyed a cigar, and was glad there was no piano playing this afternoon, just the out of date rock n roll tunes blaring from the jukebox in the corner. But no matter how hard he tried the events of this morning were emblazoned in his mind. He couldn't help but wonder if she was okay. Hannah. That odd creature who had so easily grabbed hold of a piece of him when he wasn't looking. Took him by surprise. Why did he care what happened to her? Jean and the professor knew what they were doing, she was going to be fine. She was going to be fine without him. Actually, that was probably for the best. It wasn't good to get attached to anyone. He had learned that lesson a long time ago.
Logan was surprised as a gentleman approached his table another beer in hand, The man placed the beer on the table and pushed it towards Logan, "Thought you could use another." Logan looked up scowling at him.
"I don't know who you are, bub, and I really don't want your charity. I can buy my own drink when I'm good and ready."
"Of course you can. And I can see you want to be left alone, have a lot on your mind obviously."
Logan wondered if he would ever shut up and just leave. He noticed the English accent and looked at his clothing. It was a tailor made suit, shiny black shoes, not someone who would normally frequent a place like this. And Logan sensed something else. And his first instinct was no good. There was something about this guy, that he really didn't like.
But the man didn't seem to give up, he scooted in to the booth,sitting directly opposite Logan. "I don't think I asked you to join me." Logan's brow furrowed, as he glared at the unwanted guest. Not wanting to cause a scene, and hoping that his 'leave me alone' attitude would shortly have the guy finding somewhere else to park his ass for a drink and a chat.
"I think it might be in your best interest if you are accommodating to me."
Logan didn't like the tone of his voice and slowly removed the cigar from his mouth, glaring at him, "I think you are threatening the wrong guy, bub."
The man chuckled, "Threaten you....oh, no, that's not what I am doing. Far from it. I saw the mess you made in here yesterday. I have no intention of getting on your bad side."
"You're already there. I didn't invite you here, now shove off and leave me alone." Logan peered around him towards the bar, he called out, "Mack."
Mack quickly showed up by the side of the table. He had learned quickly that this customer was one you took care of as much as you could.
He smiled down at Logan, "What can I do you for,pal? Another beer....hey, if you're hungry, I'm sure I can scrounge something together."
. "I'm not in a great mood this afternoon, Mack. And this guy here, is really not helping matters."
Mack knew that Logan was trying to control his temper,by talking to Mack instead of the stranger. Mack leaned over the table towards the man, "You know I don't like trouble. Logan here is a good customer. He likes to be left alone. I thought I explained that to you yesterday."
Logan looked up at Mack surprised, and wasn't happy about this comment. "you been talking about me, Mack?" Logan stood up and grabbed Mack by the collar, "I like you, Mack. You've been good to me. But I don't like people messing with my business."
"I know, Logan...I didn't....really..." he began to stammer and felt the whole room getting exceeding hot. The gentleman stood up.
"I am truly sorry I have disturbed your privacy. I don't want any trouble. You see, I was really just inquiring about a young woman who has gone missing, and Mack here thought you might be able to help." Logan let go of Mack and turned back to the stranger.
"I know a lot of young women, bub, and a lot of them are runaways of some kind, otherwise they wouldn't end up at a place like this. I also don't rat on my friends. If you're looking for your daughter, girlfriend, wife, whatever....I can't help you. If she left, there must be a damn good reason as far as I'm concerned."
"Hannah Collier. I have every reason to believe she has been kidnapped by her godfather, Charles Xavier."
Logan tried to act dumb, "Right, the guy with the school. I know the place. But I don't know who you're talking about. There's a lot of girls at that school. Seen them around town obviously, but wouldn't know a Hannah from anyone else. Can't help you."
"I believe you can. Or does that Professor Xavier have you under his control as well"
"You can believe anything you want, bub" Logan stood up and laid a tip on the table, he gave Mack a pat on the shoulder, but the man blocked his way.
"I guess I had you figured all wrong, Logan. Thought you were an individual, not one to follow the pack, someone with a mind of his own. Unique..."
Logan had had enough and turned on him abruptly, pushing him up against the table, "I'll show you unique, if you don't give it a rest." He then let go and began to walk out of the bar.
"Do you have any idea what the professor is doing to that girl, taking her away from the only environment she has ever known. All she has ever known is practicing and performing. Her public is frantic about her disapearance. I can only imagine the state she is in due to this upheaval."
Logan shook his head, "I hope you find who you're looking for...." and he walked away.
The man cursed under breath, "He has no idea what he's dealing with."
"And you, sir, I don't think you have any idea what you're dealing with either. You don't mess with Logan or any of them up there at that school."
"You all just accept that you have mutants as neighbors, when they could be incredibly dangerous?" The man dusted off his jacket, ran his fingers through his now messed up hair, trying to slick it back to it's originally form.
"They are good people, and stay pretty much to themselves. And Logan, he's been good to me. There have been scrapes in here, guaranteed but in most cases there have been legitimate reasons for them. He's always been protective of the girls. And if a john is out of hand with one of them, Logan takes care of it."
"All very well, indeed, but Hannah is my client and I won't have her associating with hookers, and mutants." He scrunched up his face looking around the bar, "and hanging out in a place such as this, disgusting. You should be closed down. I could have the health inspectors here in minutes."
A few of Mack's patrons noticed the stranger and overheard his comments. Within seconds they had surrounded the man and a heavyset balding man cleared his throat. The stranger slowly turned only to be faced with 5 burly men who weren't to happy with his presence. "You don't belong here, mister. With that pansy assed accent and those shiny shoes. Now shove off."
"I will leave when I'm good and ready." He sneered at the man.
"Well, just might have to go fetch Logan back here. I'm sure he hasn't gotten far. Now that guy can cause some serious damage when he's ticked off. Or would you just like to deal with the likes of us....a simple broken jaw, cracked rib. I think we could handle that, don't you, boys?" They all nodded and the stranger met their glares, realizing they meant business. He held up his hands in surrender and headed for the door.
* * * *
*
Logan found himself packing up a bag that evening in his room, when he sensed someone at his door, he quickly moved towards it and opened it abruptly startling Hannah who quickly jumped out of his way, Logan seeing who it was went back to his packing.
"You're going somewhere?" She said quietly, remaining at the door.
"Got someone to see in the city." Logan didn't turn around. And continued to pack.
"I'm sorry." She looked down at her shoes, scuffing them across the floor, trying to think of something to say to him.
"About what?" He zipped the duffel bag shut, his back to her still.
"This morning, I said some horrible things. I didn't really mean them."
"Don't apologize." He slowly turned.
"I don't want you to go." She looked up with pleading eyes.
Her gaze caught his briefly and he immediately turned to the dresser and picked up his wallet, stuffing it in his back pocket. "Well, that's too bad. I have to. You're doing just fine here. Jean is a great teacher, you should have those headaches far behind you before you know it."
"You're not coming back, are you?"
"I roam, that's what I do. I told you that." He wanted to change the subject, he cleared his throat, moving closer to her, he wasn't going to let her get to him. "I'm glad to see you're okay with your mutancy. It will be a lot easier, and don't forget to practice. I want to pick up a paper and see that you're playing Carnegie Hall."
Hannah wanted to cry. She didn't know what to say, but instead of showing Logan what she was feeling she ran out of the room, and he heard the slam of her door down the hall. He knew this was best, getting out of her life. He only made everyone's life worse.
Charles was heading down the hallway and also heard the door slam, as he turned the corner towards the sound, Logan was closing his door, a bag in his hand. A solemn look on his face.
"Jean said you'd run."
This only made him mad, "Oh, really...." but he didn't want to start anything right now. He glanced at the Hannah's door and then back at Charles, "Look, you need to tell her everything. Talk to her, she doesn't have anyone, you're it, Chuck. She's scared and she won't admit it."
"Jean said they had a good session today, that she's already in more control that she realizes."
Logan thought about the stranger in the bar, and it hit him Charles needed to know, changing the subject abruptly he sprouted off, "I think you were right about her being in danger." Charles was surprised he brought this up. There was obviously some reason for his concern, Logan continued, "Someone approached me in the bar. Asked questions. Stuffy, English, well-dressed, annoying friendly. "
"It's bound to be Portman. She is his livelihood. Without her he's nothing." Logan looked confused, Charles continued, "Her agent. He was also involved in some shady business, that Hannah's" Charles thought about his choice of words, stopping briefly before he continued "...Alan Collier...became involved in as well. He knows she's here. I guess I am not surprised. I believe there was some kind or arrangement made as well. Brian Portman has had his sights set on marrying my goddaughter for some time now."
Logan was surprised, "That creep...you can't be serious."
"Well, with Alan's demise I'm afraid Portman has nothing to stand on. Whatever the arrangement was."
"You don't seem overly concerned, Chuck."
"She's safe here, and I plan to keep her that way." Charles looked up at Logan, "I wish you would change your mind about leaving. I didn't mean to shut you out this morning, Logan. But you were only making matters worse. And I still believe she doesn't need any distractions during this time. At least till she has her powers under control." He looked towards her door, "I couldn't help but hear her door slam. I assume that you two had words."
Logan didn't want to discuss it, "I need to be off."
Chuck knew this was a sure sign of him avoiding the subject, "You'll be in touch, I hope. Whether you choose to believe it or not the place isn't quite the same with you gone."
"Yeah, well, I'm sure some are glad to see the backside of me. And can't wait for me to be on my way."
"It's a shame the two of you can't get along. You and Scott could make an incredible team."
Logan raised his eyebrows and chuckled, "That will be the day." He began to walk towards the elevator and as he passed Hannah's room he heard her crying. "You'll make sure she's okay?"
"I will. Take care of yourself, Logan. You know we will always welcome you back here. I want you to always consider this home."
"My home is the road, but I will keep that in mind, Chuck." The elevator door opened and he entered it. He could still hear Hannah's sobs as the doors shut behind him. What the hell was he doing? He knew he was letting her down. Why did he always feel the need to run, when things got like this. But for some reason, he did. And he couldn't see the time coming when that would ever change.