[Reviews - 223]
-
Table of Contents [Report This]
Microsoft Word Chapter or Story |
Printer Chapter or Story |
ePub eBook Chapter or Story |

Has been viewed 2191 times

- Text Size +




A Summer of Sunsets
Chapter #7, “Choices & Decisions, pt. 2”

Southampton; Long Island, NY
July 2nd, 2004
11:39 a.m.

PFC Ben Campbell looked around the downstairs area of Colonel Howlett’s house, inwardly impressed w/ the clean up job thus far. He had been back to Howlett’s place for the past four days helping his mentor clean up the ‘less than attractive’ surroundings he was currently living in. The next morning Logan would be expecting a visit from General Ackens and some suit from the Pentagon; curious to see for themselves whether or not the man was indeed back to his “old” self. If they only knew, even James Howlett sometimes did not know what that felt like…

“Place looks pretty damn good to me,” Ben called out, tying up the full garbage bag at his feet and tossing it toward the kitchen foyer where at least a dozen more waited. ‘At least you can see the floor now’, he thought ruefully.

“Yeah…you do good work, kid.” Logan was taking a smoke break, leaning against the door to the beachside entrance out back. He watched the surf a little distracted, as white smoke curled out of his mouth & nostrils from the cigar. He hadn’t planned on doing any cleaning, actually, until Ben made the point of how it would look to the General to see him living in such squalor; how was he to convince any of them he was ‘back’ while living like a senile recluse?

“No prob’lem, sir. Glad I could help. I just hope they don’t open any closets or anything,” Ben chuckled a little, thinking of the strategic places they’d found to put some of the mess and filled trash bags. With the city’s refuse services out for the holiday until Tuesday, they decided to run the most foul of the clean up to one of the nearby dumpsters down the road themselves, where the public beach began again, and let some of the others stay well hidden from lack of time.

“Trust me, they won’t.” Logan assured him, knowing that while Jason Ackens was no one’s fool, he also knew better than to challenge Logan on his own turf”stripes or no stripes. Besides, he got the impression from Ackens over the phone that the General was only too glad to believe that his star special missions agent was all better and ‘sucking it up like a man’, so to speak.

“Mind if I get another beer?” Ben headed to the kitchen, where the remainder of a chilled six-pack was resting in the small Styrofoam container he’d brought half-filled w/ ice on the counter.

“Go ‘head.”
As he stood there gulping down the Canadian brew (which he’d initially found not to his taste, but was quickly warming up to as the days had gone by), he had a sudden thought, and reached over to pull the door to the large”and now cleaned”stainless steel refrigerator. Yep. Just as he’d thought…”Uh, sir.”

Logan’s head lowered, as he turned to the side a little without actually coming in the door. He could hear slight rustling noises inside the kitchen from the other side of the foyer, and wondered briefly what Ben was looking for. “Yeah.”

“When’s the last time you went grocery shopping?”

“Yer lookin’ in the damn thing, you tell me.”

“Yeeaah, see, you might want to put something edible in here; so’s it looks like you actually do more than just drink warm beer and order take-out.” The ‘fridge door closed, and the single container of Arm & Hammer baking soda was once again left in peace.

Logan actually snickered at that, shaking his head defiantly. “Hey, the keys to the Jeep are in the hall. Have at it, kid.”

“Ohhh, no.” After a moment, Ben showed up at the threshold, holding the keys in question”holding them out to the Colonel. “Not me, sir.”

Logan gave a look intended to maim, at least, and kept smoking. “What, you’ll clean up after me but won’t do my friggin’ shoppin’?? Phffft!”

“No offense Colonel, but don’t you think it’s time you got outta this house for a while?”

Logan didn’t respond to that quiet inquiry. Suddenly he wasn’t so glad to have his own personal shadow in the form of his young protégé; the kid was getting to know him too well.

“Quick trip to the market and back, get some air, and done. Hell, dinner’s even on me.”

Logan sighed, finishing the cigar and turning to gaze at Ben. He knew what the young man said made sense; after all, how was he going to sell the ‘new and improved’ Logan to Ackens & the others, if he still wouldn’t even come outside his own home? Still, he didn’t have to like it. Grabbing the keys roughly, he turned to the inside of the house, brushing past Ben and grabbing the man’s collar along w/ him as he headed toward the garage. “Deal. But yer comin’ with me, smart ass.”




A Few Hours Earlier that Morning, down the beach…

The spacious kitchen at Xavier’s was quiet, which was quite an accomplishment considering the number of people that now inhabited the estate. The wings of the mansion’s main house were quickly becoming occupied by later arrivals for the still-planned family/class reunion. Although a few of the earlier arrivals had had to temporarily take leaves due to unforeseen circumstances, they all intended to return, as this year’s celebration was symbolically”and literally”an important one. Word had traveled quickly and everyone knew about Charles’ decision in no time. It cast a somewhat somber air over the event, and so he’d insisted that the days leading up to his departure be filled w/ as many festivities as possible.

Grimacing slightly, Ororo sat hunched over at the island counter top in the kitchen, a hot mug of very caffeinated French-vanilla flavored coffee between her hands. She could hear the voices of some of the younger students”many of whom were still actively attending the Westchester school”as they taunted each other during a ‘playful’ game of volleyball on the beach out back. Even with the sturdy, insulated walls, their high squeals of laughter and excitement hurt her already pounding head.

“Late night, sugah?”

The slightly older Xavier sister raised her bent head, the quick action sending sharp pains down her throbbing temples and into her neck. “Marie…please, don’t yell so.”

As she came closer, Ororo’s sister planted a hand on her hip, watching w/ a mixture of ‘I told you so’ amusement and ‘I can’t believe you!’ admonishment. Drawing up a stool”scraping it against the floor just a little”Marie plunked down beside her sis, leaning in close, despite the fact that she was not wearing any long sleeves. Ororo didn’t flinch away, however, knowing fully well that Marie meant no harm. “Ro, ‘hun, a mime in space would be too loud f’ya, after the night I heard you had. Or, should ah say…you an’ Scooter?”

Slightly dulled blue eyes slid from over the mug to rest on Marie for a bare moment, then faced forward again, focusing on a spot on the wall across the kitchen. “Checking up on me?”

“Hrmph.”

“We were just out dancing; having a little fun, you know? I think we’re allowed.” Ororo sipped her coffee again, as the distraction of Marie’s nosiness took her mind off of her splitting headache.

“Uh-huh next you’ll tell me ‘we’re jus’ friends, Marie. Scott doesn’t want Back In That’.”

“Marie!” Ororo’s eyes took hers sharply at that comment. “Geez, sometimes you can really be such a…a man.” She felt her cheeks burn a little though, and turned her attention back to her mug, using a long (scalding) drag as a good distraction, and an excuse not to address that tasteless note. Though she’d told Marie a fair amount about her relationship w/ Scott back then, there were somethings even the omniscient Marie didn’t know.

The younger sister wasn’t quite done, however, or so easily swayed. She was often called a pit-bull”playfully by her siblings, less so by her enemies. “Look, Ro Ah just don’t wanna see ya get hurt…again. Ah mean, I know that deep”deep, deep deep”down, “Scoot’s” a good guy. But sometimes, those ‘good guys’ let their ‘little guys’ get in th’way o’ good ol’ common-ass sense when it comes t’women.”

With a sort of weary smirk, Ororo retorted, “Now, are we still talking about Scott?”

“Hey, Remy ain’t the only one who threw over somethin’ good for a piece ‘a trash.” Marie sniffed, her luminous dark green eyes flashing just at the thought of her tumultuous relationship with the Cajun film star.

At that, Ororo became quiet, as her sister’s forceful reminder of exactly why she & Scott had ended in the first place so long ago, came flooding back with little mercy. She’d wanted to believe that these past days they had been getting along were about more than Scott Summers’ attempt to reclaim what had been lost almost a decade ago. She really wanted to believe that. Shaking her head at Marie, she said quietly, “We couldn’t go back, Marie. I know that.”

“Yeah? But does Scott.”




Only a couple hours later that afternoon, Charles looked up from the large desk in his downstairs study to see the cautiously excited face of one of his younger students poke through the crack in the heavy mahogany door. Her questioning expression couldn’t help but bring a small smile to his face, as he put down his pen and leaned back in his chair.

“Jubilation. Come in.”

Across the room, Erik only glanced up from the other desk where he’d been doing some internet research on the Powerbook. He sighed quietly with something between mild annoyance and parental amusement as the teen’s exuberance bounced her inside and up to Charles’ desk.
“Professor, I’m really sorry to bother you and all, but like, some of us were wondering if maybe we could have, like, a little, teensy weensy uh, ‘get together’”“

“You know the rules about parties, Jubilee…” Erik interrupted dryly, not even looking up from the screen as he kept reading.

Her eyes slid to him for a second, knowing that she couldn’t have hoped to get anything past the stricter of the two. Looking back to Charles’ bemused expression, she rushed on, “But see, like, it wouldn’t really be a party, per se. Right? I mean, it’s 4th of July weekend, and I”we were thinkin’ maybe some chips, a little dip…couple of sparklers”you know, celebrate the holiday?”

As Erik inhaled, his mouth opening to dash her hopes, Charles glanced at him quickly, a short exchange taking place, and then raised caring deep blue eyes to the spunky adolescent. “Jubilee, I understand your excitement. We can’t disturb our neighbors down the beach, however…”

Her shoulders fell, her inner firecracker fizzling out like she’d been doused w/ a pail of water. But Charles wasn’t finished,

“But, I don’t see why we can’t celebrate Independence as well. Speak with Mrs. Duvahl; she’ll handle the refreshments”“

“Oh, thanks Professor! Thanks so much!” She ran around the desk, pouncing on him in her enthusiasm, wrapping her arms about his neck and kissing the top of his shiny bald head before jetting toward the door. With a sudden thought, though, she put on her brakes, turning back to test her incredible luck once more. “Uh, can we go into town to get some supplies? Just a few?”

“We have Help that can do that sort of thing.” Charles raised a brow.

“Please? A mini-field trip? We’ll be good.”

“…Very well.” he sighed, shaking his head in disbelief that he was actually agreeing to this. She hopped in the air a little, clapping her hands and turning for the hall. With a sudden thought, he called after her, “Only a small group! And at least 3 chaperones!! Jubilee!”

She was already on cloud nine. “Sure Professor! Thanks!!” her voice rang from farther away than he would’ve thought she’d be able to run that quickly.

‘What have I gotten into?’ Charles smirked, looking back to his paperwork as a slight telekinetic thought pushed the door back closed. When he looked up again, Magnus was eyeing him.

“Charles”“
“Erik, please. Don’t start. Besides, what harm could it do? They just want to celebrate the holiday. Under the circumstances, I think it’s quite appropriate.”

Charles’ old friend gave him ‘a look’, then pushed his comfortable chair away from the desk, turning it to face him. “You’ve never let them do something like this before. I can’t help but think”“

Xavier gazed at him seriously, knowing where he was going with that thought. The sudden fatigue in his eyes stopped Erik, however, who didn’t wish to upset him any further than the conversation already had. Charles didn’t need Erik’s observation; he realized his current situation was at the root of his somewhat relaxed attitude toward the visiting students and his children.

Since the night Ororo had discovered his condition, the resulting fallout seemed to touch everyone; it hit home with so many of them, who knew vaguely of what Charles’ disease meant, but not really what to expect. He hated to admit it, but he was afraid that the manner in which his daughter had publicly dealt w/ the news, in some ways may have negatively impacted some of the others more than first realized.

Point of fact, he blamed himself for the shroud of mourning that had taken over the reunion; no longer so much a festivity as much as it was a wake. Compounding the issue was his recent decision to depart to war-torn Genosha; something very unpopular with many of his children and students like. Considering their feelings, a little leeway right then didn’t seem like such a terrible thing, was it?

“Erik…” Charles paused; he usually didn’t censor himself with his long-time comrade, but lately they had not been seeing eye to eye on things; rather than get into an argument”which would surely take more energy than ultimately worth”Charles found himself choosing his battles (and words) more carefully. “…it’s alright. Just…let it be alright, okay?”

Hearing the plea behind that awkward request, Erik knew what Charles was really asking. With an audible sigh, he suddenly looked up at Xavier and said, “You know…I feel sorry for the chaperones.”

Unable to help himself, Charles burst into laughter, and the two friends simultaneously thanked the heavens it would not be them.




A Little Over an Hour Later at the Food Emporium, Ororo, Scott, Marie & Bobby did their best to corral the gaggle of teens in an orderly fashion through the insanely busy supermarket. Initially Scott had the idea that the little trek wouldn’t take them very long, until Marie pointed out that it was two days before one of the biggest BBQ days in the country, and wagered how many people he thought had been waiting until the last minute…

“Sonuva…” Scott muttered under his breath, trying to maneuver one of their two quickly-filling shopping carts through the throng of bodies, down the aisles they needed. How had he let himself get wrapped up in this shopping spree from Hell?

“Kitten, slow down with the cart, please.”

That was how. He watched Ororo squeeze through a couple of shoppers who’d stopped to check out a free sample table, and hurry to catch up w/ Kathryn Pryde as the teen ‘drove’ the cart much like she did the student driver car earlier that year to get her learner’s permit.

As he made a beeline to follow her, he shook his head at himself. Initially he’d thought this little outing would allow them some quality time together outside the confines of the mansion where interested eyes were always watching. However, the moment he’d suggested that they volunteer to take Jubilee and the others to get their supplies for this “non”-party (as Erik had stressed before they left) Marie had quickly volunteered herself and Bobby as well, giving Scott a very clear message via eye contact: ‘Oh no you don’t, Slick Willie.’

The entire ride over in the Suburban, he’d had to concentrate more on driving and keeping the rambunctious teens in check than his plan of cozying up to Ro. After their late night of dancing (and maybe a few too many Cosmos for her) the night before, he’d actually thought they were heading back to the way things used to be. She didn’t avoid him anymore; she’d seemed glad when he suggested they go on this God-awful trip in town; she’d even laughed at some of his worst jokes, which was always a good sign w/ a woman.

“Try to keep up, Scoot.” Rogue’s long-sleeved arm brushed his as she and Bobby came up to his cart, tossing in some more bags of potato and vegetable chips and other snacks.

Ignoring the bastardization of the nickname Ro had blessed(cursed) him with when they were kids, he replied, “You know, you’re soo right, Marie. Here, you & Bobby can take over cart duty”“

“What??” She barely got out before he abandoned them & the cart, rushing off in the direction she knew would lead him to her sister.

Beside her, Bobby snickered, pushing her toward the handle bar of the cart, and whistling to himself as he started walking away.

“Oh no ya don’t, Mistah.” She pulled the hem of his polo, still looking in Scott’s retreating direction.

“Hey, Marie,” Bobby paused as they started forward, giving her a once over, “why are you hatin’ on Scott so bad? You’re ‘Blockin’ like hell, ya know.”

“Men.” She grumbled, giving him a sharp glare at his crude comment. “That’s exactly why Ah’m “hatin’” on ‘im. He needs to stay the hell away from muh sister. No-good ass.”

That only got another snicker from Bobby, as the two rushed to catch up w/ the rest of the group.

Across the wide supermarket, Ororo had managed to get Jubilee, Kitty, Clarice, Sam & Paige Guthrie all in one place simultaneously, and she was doing her best to keep them that way. They were only missing two others”Emmett & Monet”who’d she’d sent to go get 2-Liters. Proud of herself, she strategically dolled out shopping assignments for the rest of them, all within eyesight of where she stood next to the fresh fruits & veggies stands.

With a moment to herself, she picked up two pieces of exotic fruit she’d never seen before, examining their prickly, purple & yellow-spotted surfaces, then raised one to her nose for a smell. It was sweet, and she was in the mood to experiment, so she turned to find one of the fresh bags to hold fruit”and promptly collided w/ someone standing behind her.

“I’m so sorry! Are you alright?” She dropped one piece of fruit as she reached a hand out to the young man, who’d stumbled back a couple paces.

He did the exact same motion, then chuckled a little at their same thought as he straightened himself up. “No problem, ma’am; and you?”

Ororo smiled at his politeness, turning to see where the dropped piece had rolled off. “I’m fine, thanks. Just missing a piece…of…”

Her eyes spied the runaway fruit, and a pair of dark boots parked right next to it. As her gaze came up, she began to recognize the body they belonged to. ‘Well, I don’t believe it.’

Pushing the half-filled shopping cart forward a little and bending down to retrieve the errant piece of fruit, Logan came back up, and locked gazes with her, his head cocked to one side but his expression unreadable.

As he walked up to where she and Ben stood, he was inwardly amused at her reaction to seeing him, and tried not to show it. He watched her carefully, as his training unconsciously told him to remember things about her. Taking in her appearance, he couldn’t help but be a little impressed w/ her beauty; it was exotic, no one could deny, but there was something else. Something about the way she stood, her back very straight but natural; her head high but not condescending.

He remembered the plain sweat pants and the sweatshirt she’d worn when she’d shown up to his house the second time. It did nothing to take away from her attractiveness, but as he saw her now”with a straw sun hat topping her loose white locks, the dark blue, backless apron shirt top exposing her smooth brown shoulders, a straight-hemmed cargo skirt that reached her ankles and split just above the knee on the left side, and those heel-less sandals laced up to her slim & shapely calves”Logan had to admit, if only to himself, how breathtaking she was.

“I think you dropped this.” His deep-timbered voice was smoother than he typically spoke, as he enjoyed the surprised expression on her face.

“Uhm, thank you.” Ororo blinked a couple of times, hardly believing that a (nearly) clean shave and a bath had resulted in the impressive male specimen before her now. He didn’t at all look like the lost, dejected soul she’d met on the beach days before. Dressed in a crisp white, long-sleeved shirt buttoned only up to his collarbone and fitting blue jeans w/ his hiking boots, the man she’d initially thought was homeless looked anything but.

As he stepped up to place the piece of fruit in her hand, a mild electric shock jolted both of them; Logan didn’t think much of it, but Ororo’s cheeks burned beneath her brown skin. She knew that hadn’t been a coincidence really, and was glad he didn’t know of her powers. How awkward would it be to have to explain to this stranger the intricate detail that it was because of her instant attraction to him, and not just static cling?

Logan and Ben turned then, walking away, leaving the surprised beauty utterly speechless in their wake. Ororo looked down at the piece of fruit in her hand, and by sheer happenstance caught the little sticker on it. Rolling her eyes, she chuckled to herself. It was a hybrid: Pineapple, and Passion Fruit, to be exact.

“Ororo?”

She jumped, almost dropping the fruit again, and turned to see Scott walking up to her with Emmett & Monet close in tow. As they loaded up the basket, Ororo turned to them to head back toward the registers.

Several yards away, Logan turned back just once, to see the tall brown-haired man standing very close to her, in an unmistakably possessive way. He put two & two together w/ the teens standing with them, and mentally shrugged. However, he also couldn’t believe he’d run into her again like this; Logan wasn’t a superstitious man, but everything natural in him said this wasn’t just chance.

“Colonel? I said, do you know her?” Ben stopped when Logan had turned back, curious at the older man’s strange behavior.

For a long pause, Logan considered that question honestly. A somber memory passed his mind’s eye, which he sternly brushed back into its place along with the rest of the images that sometimes troubled him late at night. Fixing Ben with an odd stare, he finally answered,




“No.”




TBC…





You must login () to review.