2
Her papers fell from her hand once again, scattering across the floor.
Kitty's jaw had nearly hit the floor along with them.
Lily gave them both a weird look. "Hey weirdo. Nice going." She looked at Johnny, who had a similar shocked look on his face. "Have you… met?"
Before Johnny could answer, Alexis cleared her throat "Thank you Lily. That'll be all." She said officially, smoothing her hands along her fashionable outfit.
Kitty stood up and smiled eventually, giving Johnny a small hug. "It's good to see you."
She said, pulling the young red head out of the room before Lily or Alex could protest, closing the door behind her.
Alex cleared her throat "What are you doing here?"
"We need a place to stay for a bit…" He ran a hand through his hair. "What are you doing here Alex?"
"Alexis. It's Alexis now." She hesitated "I… missed it here; came back after I finished school."
Alexis bit her lip, suddenly feeling very awkward.
Johnny shoved his hands in his pockets, obviously over come with the same feeling.
"So how have you been?"
She clenched her fists before motioning towards a chair. "Have a seat."
"You're the counselor now?" It didn't quite come out as a question. He sat down across from her and ran his finger along the plaque on her desk "Look at that."
She smiled slightly "Yeah." She sat down, obviously still feeling uncomfortable.
He looked at her. Her hair was a darker blonde, slightly redder, making it a deeper gold. He doubted she'd dyed it that way… it was probably from age. How old was she now? 25? But her eyes… her deep blue eyes… there was more depth behind them now; wisdom, and experience. But they weren't the same joyful eyes he once knew. The same eyes he'd looked into every day for six months and fell in love with. There was something else there now.
He looked at her desk and shook his head. "You look good."
She pursed her lips in a thin smile.
Johnny rubbed his palms together "How is everyone? What's been going on?"
"Dr. McCoy and I figured out a way to harness my power and permanently infuse it into Rogue's powers."
"Wow." John sat back in his chair, running a hand through his blonde hair. "So now you don't have to give Rogue your powers every time she has a date."
"Well, she doesn't exactly date… since Gambit… left."
Johnny furrowed his brow "What?"
"And I wouldn't bring it up with her if you value your life."
He nodded as Alex continued. "Kitty's doing well. She's still single. Jean and Scott are married."
"What about you?"
She looked down, and that's when Johnny saw it; a large diamond on her ring finger. It had to have been three carats. "I'm engaged." She said with a light nod.
"Congratulations." He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. "I'm glad you're doing well."
Her response was less than enthusiastic.
A teenage girl opened the door and stuck her head in.
"Ms. Peters? I have an appointment with you…" she said meekly.
Alexis waved her hand "Yes." She smiled. "Come in."
Johnny stood, giving the young girl his chair.
"Now remember what we talked about Johnny." Alex said, shuffling the papers on her desk, gathering the ones strewn across her floor.
"Don't be ashamed. It happens to lots of men."
The young girl giggled as she sat down, and Alexis winked at her and offered Johnny a small smile.
He gave her a sarcastic laugh and shook his head, closing the office door behind him.
This certainly would be an interesting few weeks. But he couldn't help but notice the difference in her. She defiantly wasn't the same.
---
Later that evening Johnny walked down the hall, memories flooding back to him. He passed by his old room a smile spreading across his face. He had a lot of good memories in there. He continued down the halls until he was stopped.
"Excuse me…" A melodic voice drifted from over his shoulder "Can I help you with s-"
Johnny spun around.
"Ooooo…" Kerri's face twisted up slightly. "Hi..."
He smiled "Hi."
"Yeah. This is… awkward." She pressed her lips together in a smile, suddenly feeling uncomfortable wearing her PJs. She crossed her arms to shelter herself slightly.
"Nah." He waved her off. "Let bygones be bygones."
"I'm used to hearing music blaring from that door." He tapped the wall with a smile.
Kerri let out a laugh "Alex hasn't done that in years! She doesn't even have the stereo anymore." she shook her head.
"Really?"
"Yeah." She smiled. "I have to… go. Popcorn…"
He grinned. "Alright. It was good seein' ya Kerri."
She nodded and waved as she scooted away.
She'd left her door open slightly. Slumber party? He grinned and tilted his head to peek in.
"No believe me Daddy; I don't think he'll be flirting with Lily." She ran a hand through her hair. "I'll keep an eye on her… don't worry."
She rolled her eyes. "You are worrying. Stop." She let out a breath "Yes. I'm alright." A silent nod "I'm sure. Daddy…. I love you too Dad. Bye."
She hung up and stepped out into the hallway stopping as soon as she saw Johnny. She went a light shade of pink in her tight tank top and flannel pajama bottoms.
He looked away, out of respect. He'd never done that before; respected a woman. That is, except for Alex.
She crossed her arms, her hair resting on her bare shoulders.
"I wasn't um… listening or anything."
Alexis shrugged "Whatever."
He looked at her. "So you're having a sleep over?"
Alex furrowed her brow. "No." She tucked her hair behind her ears. "We share a room."
"I thought… you… were engaged."
Her mouth hung open slightly "I'm not having this conversation with you."
"I didn't mean-"
"Yes you did." She shook her head. "I'm not like that Johnny. I'm not like you."
Her words stung.
She spun around and disappeared in her room, closing the door behind her.
The truth was out. That's what she thought of him.
That's how she really felt about him.
Thanks for the cool reviews! Keep em comin':)
xoxo -- KC