At the mansion...

"Professor, Rogue and I can't figure out what to show for the talent portion of the pageant," Rhane told Xavier. Rogue nodded. She was standing just behind her fellow student. "Kitty's dancing, so we can't. What should we do?"

"I was under the impression that you were going to throw the competition, Rogue," Professor X said, steepling his fingers in front of his nose.

"Well, ah was, until Jean started actin' like there was no way she could lose," Rogue retorted, fists on her hips.

"Hmm…well there's the possibility that you could do a joint exhibition of hand-to-hand combat. You both excel at that particular subject."

"Great idea, Professor!" Rhane exclaimed, grabbing Rogue's sleeve and towing her out of the room. "Thanks!" she called over her shoulder.

At the Brotherhood house...

"So what are you doing for the talent portion, Wanda?" Pietro inquired, leaning against the doorway into the bathroom, watching his sister brush her hair.

"Nothing. I'm throwing the stupid competition," she growled, yanking the brush through a particularly knotty section.

"Pity. I always thought you sung 'Alyssa Lies' very well." Pietro sighed. "But then again, everyone at school knew you didn't have a chance. I don't know why I even bought that karaoke disc. I mean, you quit things all the time, so I was foolish to think you'd have the guts to get up there-" He was cut off as Wanda spun around, grabbing a fistful of the front of her brother's shirt and slamming him against the wall.

"Give me the freakin' CD."

The school population watched, some intently, others sleepily, as Jean speedily molded a shapeless blob of clay into a beautiful sculpture of the Bayville Bulldog.

Slightly more awake by the time she was done, they clapped politely, and even stomped their feet to the beat of the 'Count Dracula' soundtrack as Kitty danced to it. Her applause was slightly less, since they had already seen her dance to it during the school's production of the musical.

Tabitha was on next, taking a few of her little 'fireworks' and juggling them. Faster and faster they flew, until they were little more than colorful streaks in the air. She caught them all, throwing them high up over the heads of the students before they exploded with a bang. Two teachers had to escort her offstage and scold her for using explosives in school. She was suspended for at least two weeks.

Amara came onstage, carrying a wafer-thin piece of light blue paper. She placed it on the podium, quickly folding it and creasing the edges, pulling it every which way until she held the final product cupped in her hand. She held it up to her mouth, blowing gently, and a feather-light paper swan took off, floating on the air currents in the auditorium.

Rhane and Rogue came on next. They were wearing karate uniforms, each with a black belt around their slim waist. Without warning, they attacked. They matched each other blow for blow, punching, chopping, and kicking with such ferocity the students in the front rows winced a bit. Rogue ended up tripping Rhane with a roundhouse kick, and she helped the smaller girl to her feet. They bowed to each other, and then bowed to the audience as everyone erupted into applause.

Finally, it was Wanda's turn. No one knew what to expect, but they certainly weren't counting on what they got.

The lights dimmed, and one spotlight trailed down the walls, eventually finding Wanda in the middle of the stage. She was holding a microphone.

She took a deep breath, before the music started and her voice was raised in song. Much to everyone's surprise, she was a wonderful singer. Her voice rose and fell like a butterfly on a breeze.

"My little girl met a new friend,
just the other day,
on the playground at school
between the tires and the swings

But she came home with tear-filled eyes,
and she said to me "Daddy, Alyssa lies"

Well I just brushed it off at first,
'cause I didn't know how much my little girl had been hurt
or the things she had seen.
I wasn't ready when I said "You can tell me"

and she said...

"Alyssa lies to the classroom,
Alyssa lies everyday at school,
Alyssa lies to the teachers
as she tries to cover every bruise"

My little girl laid her head down that night to go to sleep.
As I stepped out the room, I heard her say a prayer so soft and sweet
"God bless my mom and my Dad
and my new friend, Alyssa
oh I know she needs you bad

Because Alyssa lies to the classroom,
Alyssa lies everyday at school,
Alyssa lies to the teachers
as she tries to cover every bruise"

I had the worst night of sleep in years
as I tried to think of a way to calm her fears
I knew just what it was I had to do, I knew exactly what I had to do
but when we got to school on Monday I heard the news

My little girl asked me why everybody looked so sad
the lump in my throat grew bigger
with every question that she asked.
Until I felt the tears run down my face
and I told her that Alyssa wouldn't be at school today

'Cause she doesn't lie in the classroom
she doesn't lie anymore at school
Alyssa lies with Jesus
because there's nothin' anyone would do

Tears filled my eyes when my little girl asked me why
Alyssa lies
Oh Daddy, oh Daddy tell me why
Alyssa lies"

The entire audience was silent, just as it had been the moment her name was called. A few sobs broke the silence, and tears could be seen in the eyes of many students. Then the auditorium echoed with the loud sound of applause.

Wanda tried to hide a small smile as she walked offstage.

"The votes have been tallied. Tied for first place are...Rogue and Rhane! And in a close second is Wanda," the principal announced. "The person in last place votewise will be kicked out of the competition. And that person is..."

A/N HAH! You have to wait until I updte again to find out whether it's Jean, Kitty, Tabitha, or Amara that's kicked off. I'd love to see who YOU think it's gonna be. Please R&R

And 'Alyssa Lies' is one of my FAVORITE songs. ^^