Chapter 2: Surprises and Farewells

Scott Summers knew that Charles Xavier rarely did anything without thinking through all of the implications of his actions. Meaning, there was a reason as to why he had been reduced to a glorified errand boy. Go fetch, Scott

As he slowly walked up to the front door of the McGowan residence, he had the overwhelming urge to turn on his heels and head back home. He could easily plead his case that bringing someone else in, was placing another person in a dangerous situation. Obviously, there was validity to that statement, after Stryker's attack He could say that the extra classes that he took over after Jean's death were manageable, and he easily could block time out to assist the professor in the administrative portion of the school.

"I can type. I can file," he mumbled to himself, "I'm leader of the goddamn X-Men, for chrissakes, I could handle it."

Even though, he might have his own misgivings about the Morgan situation, Scott Summers trusted the professor's judgment inexplicably. He quickly raised his hand and rapped on the door with his knuckles before his mind could come up with any more reasons to not complete this assigned task.

The last time he saw Morgan, she was an angry teenager with haunted eyes, a major chip on her shoulders, chock full of angst and was carrying around some heavy emotional problems. An empath. Those nine months that Morgan attended the school were amongst the longest of his life. Day in and day out, Jean Grey knew what he was thinking and Morgan McGowan knew what he was feeling. There are a few things, especially for a young man, that really needs to be kept private,

Honestly, Scott could accept the fact that she was an empath, and it wasn't due to mutation. There were many unexplained phenomena in this world; empathy that wasn't caused by human mutation was perfectly plausible to Scott. It was her secondary gift of clairvoyance, which Scott was never shown an inkling of scientific proof that anything outside of this realm even existed, was what set his teeth on edge regarding Morgan. Ghosts? Dead people. Really? He never saw any wispy apparitions, he never felt any cold spots, or heard any ghostly whisperings. Nothing. Nada She was forever screaming about the ghosts following her around, talking to her. He thought it was more a ploy to garner attention.

Scott had no idea what to expect when the McGowan's door opened. His breath caught in his throat and once again he was secretly pleased that his visor covered his eyes. Morgan smiled warmly at him, reached out and pulled him into tight hug.

"Scott, I am so happy to see you," she whispered into his shoulder. Morgan pulled away and boldly appraised Scott's physique.

"Wow, I guess being a super hero has certain perks, eh? Well…come on in," she smiled and chuckled softly as he blushed, "some things just don't change."

Scott couldn't help but laugh, "you're right, some things never do, still got that mouth, I see. You've really have changed so much. I am in a bit of a shock. You look wonderful. Truly."

"You're sweet," she cocked her head at him and with a slight grin on her face, she continued, "but I do know what you were expecting."

"What? What was I expecting?'

Morgan brought her hands to her face, placed them on each of her cheeks, rolled her eyes back until Scott could only see the whites and whispered:

"I see dead people."

She giggled and chucked him under the chin. He laughed out loud.

"Scott, it is so good to see you again," Neal said, extending his hand in greeting. He was genuinely pleased to see Scott, after so many years. The boy had grown into a fine man.

"Doctor McGowan," turning towards Morgan's father, "how are you, sir?"

"I am well," he answered as he shook Scott's hand, "how are you doing…since…?"

Scott took a deep breath and pushed the pain down inside of himself. Morgan hated when people did that, she always wanted to try and retrieve it, like it was tangible. But then again, she, as of late had experienced quite a bit of pain herself. So perhaps she should just slip back, and allow others to deal in their own way. Since Scott was projecting a great deal at the moment, she took a moment to strengthen her shield. Her father and Scott continued on with their conversation. Doctor McGowan could never resist the urge to help, whether the person wanted it or not. Morgan had stopped listening because something had caught her attention. There was some sort of disturbance, weak, elemental in nature in the corner of the room. She thought about banishing it, but that might take some time and she was sure Scott was not quite ready for that little spectacle.

"So if you are ready Morgan, I will wait for you in the car. It was good seeing you again. Thanks for the advice." He walked to the door, partly needing some time to compose himself and also wanting to be polite so that they could say goodbye in private.

"You got a little something over in the corner, Dad. Do you want me take care of it?"

"Is it serious?"

"Nah, it'll go away by itself, in a couple days, if you ignore it, especially if I am not here. I am what attract these pests."

"Then don't worry…"