I managed to get home in record time, and literally crashed through the doors when I tripped over the top step. Mom drew in a sharp breath at my sudden appearance and Wyatt gave a little shriek, but Dad didn't seem that surprised. He did look pretty shocked at my rough appearance though. I'm not sure if it was the ripped clothing or the bloody smears, but he didn't seem to like it. I picked myself up off of the linoleum, and dusted myself off as casually as I could, which was actually very casually. I was fairly certain that my mind had shut down, otherwise I would have been on the floor blubbering. Before anyone could think to venture a question, I decided to speak.
"Mom...Dad, I think I need to see the Professor. I mean, really, really, really need to see him."
Dad raised an eyebrow, and Mom sighed a little bit, but they both seemed to understand that I wasn't quite ready for a chat. Wyatt, unfortunately, didn't understand anything like that unless you came right out and told him. He swallowed his toast and took a swig of orange juice as Mom and Dad stood up from the table, and asked, "What's up with you? And who's the Professor?"
Wyatt's inability to sense tension in a room never fails to amaze me.
"You wouldn't know who he is, Wyatt. Go over to a friend's house or something, we'll be back in a bit." In retrospect, it wasn't a good idea for me to phrase that as an order, especially since I was talking to Wyatt. He frowned and stood up, a petulant expression stamped on his face.
"I want to come."
I was about to protest, but Dad stepped in.
"We should take him along. It's better for us to tell him than to cover it up." It might have been my imagination, but I could've sworn Dad shot Mom a look. Normally I would've been investigating their behavior for any sign of marital discontent, but I had a bit on my mind. Namely, the assault that ended up with me changing into a big, burly guy. I'll admit that I haven't ever really been attacked on the street before, but I don't think fights usually result in a gender change.
With my mind busy scrambling about on overdrive, we piled into the van and took off. It didn't seem to take any time to reach the Institute, though we must have been driving for a few minutes at least. Wyatt had been uncharacteristically quiet on the drive, so he might've keyed into the atmosphere more than I thought. The Professor seemed to know that we were coming, since Jean was waiting on the front steps for us. Her eyes widened as she took in my disheveled appearance, and she gave me a sympathetic look.
"Are you okay?"
I glanced down at myself, and nodded rapidly. " I'm fine. Well, I mean, I've had better days, but I'm not dead or anything, so that's a plus."
She smiled at me, and gestured to the Institute.
"The Professor's in his office."
Taking this as an invitation, we headed inside to the Professor. Jean seemed lost in thought as we walked along, so I was a bit surprised when she spoke.
"You know, I was terrified when my powers advanced. I could've died, or killed someone that I loved. But the people here saved me, and never even thought to blame me for the destruction I caused. I don't know what I would've done without them. Everyone looks out for each other here."
I smiled slightly, and fixed my eyes on the back of Dad's head. I could tell what she was hinting, but I still wasn't sure. She had a point though; until I learned control, I was dangerous. And it wasn't like I wouldn't see my family. After all, they were just a short drive away. Admittedly, I didn't have a car yet, but I could always walk. I'd seen Jean at school too, so I knew I would be going as well. Nothing much would change, at least in theory.
I glanced at Wyatt so see if he'd heard any of Jean's speech, but he was transfixed by the majesty of the mansion. It was hard to blame him; the place was beautiful. If I hadn't been so out of it when I'd first been here, I would've been just as awed, if not more so.
As I considered the gigantic size of the place, a thought occurred to me.
"Where is everyone?"
I knew for certain that there were more people than just Scott and Jean here. I was sure that the girl with the white stripe in her hair came here, but I'd mostly been too intimidated to ever get to know her. I thought that the German kid went here too, since I'd seen him hanging out with Scott and Jean occasionally. That made four right there, and I wasn't even factoring in all the other people they were usually with.
"They're all out back practicing with Logan. I've told some of them about you, but you'll get to meet all of them today anyway."
That didn't make me any happier, but I grinned anyway. Jean stopped at the door to the Professor's office, and waved us in. The Professor frowned as he took in my appearance, raising an eyebrow.
"What happened?"
I looked over at Wyatt, who was staring curiously around the room. This would all sound insane to him, and I didn't know how to explain this to him. I knew Dad and Mom were too preoccupied to even be thinking about it. Apparently seeing my distress, Jean leaned over and said, "Do you want me to take him outside and tell him? I know you guys already have your hands full."
I nodded my head gratefully, and Jean led Wyatt out of the room. We all took a seat and I began to tell my story as succinctly as I could while trying to ignore everyone's eyes resting on me.
"I got attacked by a guy on my way home. He was a big person and I didn't have a weapon or a way to get a hold of everyone, so I thought I was done for. He threw me against a wall, and all I remember is that I was staring at him. He started to come towards me, when it felt like the first time before I woke up here. Then I turned into the man and...uh, I beat him up. And yeah, then I ran home and ended up here."
The Professor steepled his fingers, and leaned forward. Mom was gazing at me, and I could tell she wanted to hunt down the person who'd hurt me. Dad's expression was unreadable, but I could tell her was thinking something.
"What did the man look like, Emily?" I hadn't expected Dad to ask that, for some reason. Probably because I was hung up on the changing thing that had happened.
I put a hand to my face, tracing where the scar had been on the man. "He had a scar, right here. He was gigantic, with a meat-barrel chest and black eyes. Are you going to call the cops or something, Dad?"
Dad drew out his cellphone and nodded. "They might be able to get the guy. I'll be right back."
Mom watched as he stepped out of the room, then took the seat closest to me. The Professor looked me over, searching for any obvious cuts. Seeing none, he said, "Well, while I'm glad that you are alright, your powers are troubling. Right now, they are controlling you, when it should be the other way around. I would like to offer you a place here, at least until you feel safe enough to leave."
I drew in a breath, looking to Mom. She gripped my shoulder and said softly, "It's up to you, honey."
"I would like to stay here."
-------------------------------------------
I'm still not completely settled into the new place, so updates will be slower. Anyway, the Institute kids finally show up next chapter.
Also, I wanted to give a huge thank you to all of my readers and reviewers! You guys are amazing.
Everyone should totally leave me a review so I can know if my return chapter is good, or if I've lost a little something.
