CHAPTER 12

Alexandria's POV

When we arrived in Washington, DC there were several non-descript black cars waiting for us. Our luggage was loaded in the trunks. I had been hoping to sit in the same car as Gideon, but the whole way (and on the plane) we'd rode in different cars. Magneto and his group in one, my father and I's group in another. I sighed and climbed in.

Everyone was pretty tired so the car ride to the white house was quiet.

*** The Next Day***

The way our rooms were set up was rather interesting. We opened the door into a large den-like area. The side walls were straight, as well as the wall where the entrance door was located. Where the side walls began to turn into the far wall was slanted. Have you ever taken a piece of paper and cut the top corners off at an angle? It looked like that. The wall between the slanted edges was straight, and had a large bookshelf against it, surrounded with a couch and several over-stuffed chairs. Looking to my right, the entire corner was taken up by a sleek kitchen. Dark mahogany and granite counter-tops with stainless steel appliances. Looking to the left there was a den area, set up with a large TV in the corner with a couch facing it. Two stuffed chairs flanked the couch at a angle (pointed towards the TV). A coffee table completed the area. On the far wall, where the wall was slanted, each slant had a dark wood double door.

The attendant who showed us to the room cleared his throat. "Each of those doors leads to the bedrooms. Mr. Magneto's group you are to have the right side, and Professor Xavier you are to have the left."

With that, he bowed and left.

Walking with the group inside the double doors, I took in this new surrounding. There was a long hallway with white doors, which I assumed lead into the rooms. There was a door at the end of the hallway, which Storm suggested my dad take, which he did.

I took the room closest to the double-doors. Walking inside, there was a dark wood dresser immediately to my right. A window on the right wall with curtains and a lamp. In the corner of the ceiling was a TV pointed at the bed. The bed was situated in the middle of the room with two dark wood and glass end tables. The bedding was white, with a dark brown blanket tossed decoratively over the end. Two stools made of dark wood and dark wicker were placed at the end of the bed. The left side was simpler, no large furnishings, just a door, which lead to the bathroom. The room wasn't super large, but cozy enough. Exhausted, I tossed my bags on the stools and flopped on the bed. Within seconds I'd fallen fast asleep.

Gideon's POV

I entered the room my father had gestured me toward. Surveying the room, I found it to be quite nicely decorated. It was simple, which was something I preferred in décor. The walls were white, with crown moldings; the floor was a beautiful dark wood. The bed didn't have a large headboard or footboard; rather it looked like it was tucked into the bed. The bedding was fluffy and white. The bed was flanked by two dark wood nightstands that had three drawers each. On the left wall was a large window, no curtains. I liked that it had no curtains, I felt like it would have cramped the window. On the right side, was a closed door which I assumed led to a bathroom. Stripping down to my boxers, I fell into the covers. Before I entered dreamland, I found myself wondering what Alex wore to bed.

***The Next Morning***

Alexandria's POV

I woke to the sound of a loud crash. Startled, I shot up. I still wore my clothes from yesterday's trip, albeit much more wrinkled. Smoothing my bed head with my hand, I sprinted out to the main living area, in case someone had heard that there were mutants staying here and had decided to pay us a not-so-nice visit.

What I found instead was much more amusing.

Gideon was snatching up pots and pans (apparently the source of the crash). He appeared to be fully dressed in new clothes. I turned to back track to my room when he caught sight of me. "Alex!"

Groaning, I turned. "Hey. Morning."

Gideon raised an eyebrow. "So I see we just forwent pajamas altogether."

"Shut up. I was tired." I said, half joking. "Ouch. Someone's not a morning person—although I'm not sure you can really call it morning anymore."

That set off alarms. "What? What time is it?"

Gideon chuckled. "It's eleven thirty."

I was wide awake now.

I turned and went back to my room, Gideon's laughter following me.

I hopped in for my shower, got out, rinsed my face, and brushed my teeth. Wrapping a white terry-cloth robe from the bathroom door around me, I walked out to my cases while yanking a comb through my hair. I got dressed, a simple outfit, blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black button down sweater. I buttoned it in the middle, slipped on a pair of black ballet flats, and dried my hair. It dried straight down, so I applied my usual make-up. Finished in half an hour.

Walking back out to the main area, I could smell something cooking. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn't had breakfast. Gideon stood over the stove as I walked up to the bar. "Let me use that pan when you're done."

"No need. I made you a grilled cheese sandwich." He said over his shoulder. "Oh. Thanks."

"No problem. They're almost done."

I walked over to the fridge to find it well-stocked. I grabbed a coke and returned to my seat at the bar. I popped the tab and watched Gideon cook. He wore a simple outfit, black button down shirt, rolled up sleeves, and tucked into his jeans with a black belt. I couldn't see his shoes. He turned, and slid the sandwiches onto plates, then handed me one.

"I make them with American cheese and Provolone. Gives it that stretchiness."

"Thanks." I bit into it.

"Hope you like it." Gideon ate standing up at the counter.

"It's delicious. Where is everyone?" I noticed that it was quiet, and that Gideon and I were the only two around.

"My father, your father, and the rest of the adults went to see about when the sit-down supposed to happen. Chad went to the house gym, and your friend-Alicia, was it?—went out. Not really sure as to where. Shopping, maybe?" Gideon took a bite of his sandwich.

"That's possible. She does an amazing amount of shopping."

"Anyway, the rest of the world leaders who are going to be at the sit down aren't arriving until later today, and tomorrow they'll be getting adjusted. So these are our leisure days."

I nodded as I finished off the sandwich. We were both quiet for several minutes until Gideon spoke up. "I'm curious, how exactly do you want to play this?"

"Play what?" I asked.

"Well, I'm assuming you don't want to announce our relationship right now—"

I shook my head.

"—so what's the plan? Do we act like strangers, or like we hate each other, due to our respective parentage?"

I thought for a moment. "I guess strangers. I don't want to have to pretend I hate you."

Gideon laid his hand on mine, and gently squeezed. "Read my mind."

He walked over to my side, and took my hand again. "No one said this would be easy."

I leaned my head against his and said, "What about us has EVER been easy?"

Gideon chuckled in response, as he placed his hands on my face and kissed me. I slid my hands up his chest and looped them around his neck. Digging my nails into his hair, I tugged him closer. Gideon slid his hands down my body to my waist, making me shiver. He pulled my hips to his, as I moaned. I heard him chuckle as another sound reached my ears. The sound of someone struggling with the lock on the main door.

Gideon and I sprang apart, Gideon leaped so far back, he tumbled over the back of the couch. I snorted as Alicia came sashaying in with department store bags. "I got you some clothes!" She sing-songed. I groaned. "Alicia—"

"Don't but Alicia me. I am not going to let you fall flat at the ball tonight just because you failed to pack a proper ball gown."

"Oh, yes, of course I completely forgot to pack my reams of gowns just sitting at home—wait—what ball?"

Gideon cleared his throat. "I wasn't aware there was a ball tonight."

Before Alicia could open her mouth for a sassy retort, the young man I'd seen with Gideon when they arrived at the school walked in, carrying two garment bags. "No worries, I got you a tux."

I wrinkled my nose. This was a formal ball?

Gideon's POV

"I wasn't aware there was a ball tonight." The girl, Alicia, looked like she was about to get smart-assy, when Chad strode into the room carrying two bags. "No worries, I got you a tux." Based on the look of Alex's face, she didn't attend many balls, nor did she consider them a favorite pastime. I couldn't wait to see Alex all dressed up.

Chad clapped me on the shoulder. "Let's try these on, make sure they fit."

Alicia said the same to Alex, who began protesting as Alicia dragged her to their doors.

Alexandria's POV

After haggling with Alicia and the dress she'd chosen for me, I decided a relaxing swim was in order. The ball was at eight, so I had plenty of time. I streaked through the water easily, the rhythm of it calming and relaxing my nerves. I could easily do this all day.

I could tune out the sounds around me until it was only the water and myself. As I was about to find out, this wasn't always a good thing.

A person dived at me from above; I didn't see or hear him until he hit me, dragging me down underneath the surface. I kicked backwards, whoever it was clearly knew what he was doing, he stayed holding me from behind and I couldn't reach him. I hadn't had a chance to draw a deep breath before being pulled under, and it didn't seem like this guy was planning on letting go anytime soon. Oh my dear lord he was trying to kill me! I fought panic. I needed a plan, and fast. I was going to black out soon and I couldn't very well help myself then. I surged forward, aiming for the wall, and dragging my attacker with me. I kicked out, pushing off the wall, and knocking his grip loose. I spun, and kicked off of the floor, aiming for the surface, lungs burning. He snagged my foot and yanked me back hard. Black was encroaching on my vision. Dammit, Alex, keep it together. Stay awake!

I cast out a mental net, trying to get a feel on the person's thoughts. Nothing. Nothing at all. Don't panic, don't panic.

Gathering up the last of my strength, I drilled my elbow back, connecting hard with skin. Whoever it was let go, with a muffled sound. I immediately kicked off the floor, soaring towards the surface. Breaking through, I gulped gasps of air while swimming rapidly towards the side. If my attacker came back for round two, I wanted us to be on ground, rather than in the water. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through me as I hauled myself over the side and to my feet. Glancing around, I saw a figure in a scuba tank sprinting away. I darted for the door, opening it hard. I ran for one of the security guards (they were forever patrolling). It was only a minute before I came across one. "I was just attacked! Mostly likely a male, wearing a scuba mask and tank."

He relayed my description, and told me to head back to the room. I was only too happy to oblige, as the adrenaline was wearing off, and I was exhausted.

When I arrived back at the room, Gideon and Chad were playing on the Wii, Alicia was reading, and Storm was just coming out of the rooms. I guess I must have looked worse for wear because Gideon's face creased with worry a split second before Storm rushed over. "Alex! Are you alright? You look a fright!"

I dropped my towel and plopped on a bar stool before saying, "I was attacked during my swim." Shocked faces all around.

Storm gave me a hug. "Did you see whoever it was? Did you see their face?"

I shook my head, flinging water droplets everywhere. "I just saw them retreating. I notified a guard."

Gideon's POV

My worry for Alex was blazed away by anger when she said she'd been attacked. I honestly didn't think my father was behind it, but I was still furious. Someone had attacked my Alex. I fought the urge to rush over and pull her into a hug as Professor Storm had. It took every bit of self control I possessed to remain seated next to Chad.

I saw her eyes meet mine for a brief second before returning back to relay the adventure.

"Anyway, it really wiped me out, so I'm going to take a nap before the party tonight."

She said, getting up and heading towards her room.