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As the teacher arrived the crowd quickly disperse. “Someone want to tell me what happened before I start assigning out detention?”, Mr. Santiago demanded looking at the group. “It was Merrick sir. He well he…”, Rachel said trying to find the words. “Merrick was being inappropriate towards my cousin. I stepped in since he didn’t accept the answer of ‘no’ and when he hit me Ashley stepped in and when he was going to hit Ashley Landon stopped him.”, Xavier explained. Mr Santiago looked at Ashley and Rachel and noticed the slight redness on Rachel’s wrist. “Do you wish to file a report? The school has a very strict policy about such behavior.”, Mr Santiago offered. Rachel shook her head. “No a report would mean my dad would find out and that would just not end well.”, Rachel said. Mr Santiago nodded. “Alright but if you ever want to or have the need to please go to the office and file a report and I will provide my account of tonight’s events as well.”, Mr Santiago said before walking away.

Landon sighed and fixed his tie before walking back over to the others. He looked at the three of them equally concerned. “You guys alright?”, he asked. Ashley and Xavier nodded. “Jaw hurts slightly but I can deal with it.”, Xavier commented. Rachel kept her eyes down covering her left wrist with her right hand. “Rach?”, Landon asked concerned looking at her. “I’m..I’m alright.”, Rachel said softly. Lily, Atif and Rose got close enough now that the crowd had walked away. “What the hell happened?”, Lily questioned folding her arms. “Fight’s over now I’m going over there to see if everyone is alright. I’ll be right back.”, Cora Lee said giving Malcolm a kiss on the chin, which was the only part of his face really exposed by his mask. Cora Lee quickly made her way over to the others wanting to know if everyone was alright. Landon still looked at Rachel concerned, he gently lifted her face with his index finger and could see tears welling in her eyes. “Rach?”, he questioned before looking at the group. “Ashley and Xavier can explain. Rachel would you like to go into the hall and get some air?”, Landon offered his voice soft.

Rachel nodded and let Landon place his arm around her shoulder and escort her into the hallway. Landon grabbed his jacket as they exited and placed it on her. “I don’t know how that started. And you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”, Landon said walking down the hall a few lockers and unlocking his which was near the gym anyways. He dug around inside and pulled out a small travel pack of tissues and offered them to her. “Here. I figured you wouldn’t want to have everyone see you cry.”, Landon aid. Rachel nodded and slipped her arms into his jacket and for a moment went to reach with her left arm till she remembered the mark and quickly changed to take the tissues with her right. Landon caught a glance of some redness on her wrist. “Rachel…”, he said. Rachel carefully removed her mask to dab at her eyes not wanting to ruin her makeup. She frowned a little realizing Landon had seen. “It’s nothing..”, Rachel said. “Nothing?”, Landon said taking her left hand in his and carefully pulling his jacket sleeve up to see the red mark of a hand print. “He hurt you more than emotionally….”, Landon said taking deep breaths to control his anger. Rachel sighed and looked down. “Don’t do anything please.”, Rachel said quietly. “Don’t make tonight worse.”, she added.

“Fine I won’t, because you’ve asked. But if we are going to go back to the dance you’ll want to cover this.”, Landon said digging through his locker again. Rachel raised an eyebrow trying to figure out what Landon was doing. “Ah ha.”, he said pulling an apple from his locker. “An apple?”, Rachel asked confused. “Yes an apple..”, Landon said gently taking her left hand again and holding the apple with his other hand. “Bracelet…”, Landon whispered. As he took his hand back the apple disappeared and around her wrist, covering the red mark Merrick had left behind was a thick gold bracelet with gold swirls with what looked like diamond inlays and there at the very center was the word ‘Joy’ in Arabic. Rachel went wide eyes looking at the bracelet that covered the mark perfectly She started shaking her head. “Landon I couldn’t…you already made my corsage and my mask..”, Rachel stammered. “You can and you are. I’m not chasing down my cousin right now because you’ve asked. And since I doubt you want to plead with the others specially Rose to not kill him for leaving that mark it needs to be covered and my jacket won’t do that well enough. This will and plus it’s technically got your name on it.”, Landon said pointing. Rachel smiled a little as she looked at the word ‘Joy’ which was what her middle name meant. She looked up at Landon and it took every ounce of her to remind herself he was just being a super nice friend. An extremely nice friend that was all he’d do this for any of his friends, she kept mentally reminding herself. “You are way too thoughtful Landon. Remind me why you don’t have a girlfriend?”, Rachel asked. Landon laughed shaking his head.

Back inside the dance everyone was looking to Xavier and Ashley to explain. “Um. Well Merrick approached Rachel. He was extremely rude and insistent that she dance with him.”, Xavier said trying to explain without setting off the powder keg he knew his Aunt Rose and her friends to be. “Rachel declined his offer and he didn’t appreciate that. I stepped in and got punched as my reward. Ashley tried to step in but as he was going to hit her Landon stopped him. He kept Merrick at bay. Apparently he had promised Rachel no fights so he mostly blocked.”, Xavier explained. “Till Rachel said it was okay to finish a fight. Then Landon did what we all know he does best, kicked ass and scared Merrick off.”, Ashley added with a smile. “Is Rachel going to be alright? She looked a bit shaken up.”, Rose questioned looking to the doors of the gym. She was worried about her cousin and she didn’t want to think about it but part of her was worried about how Landon kept treating Rachel. Was there something there that she was just missing or being blind to because she had a crush on Landon? “I think she’ll be alright. She’s stronger than most give her credit and she’s got Landon so she’ll be alright.”, Xavier said. “Now while the evening is still young and only just tainted I’d like to enjoy what’s left. Shall we dance Ashley?”, Xavier asked offering her his hand. Ashley smiled and nodded. “Sure.”, Ashley said taking his hand and heading back to the dance floor.

Lily sighed. “If I see my brother I’m going to knock out some of his teeth. Now I’m going to go salvage my night. Have fun all.”, Lily said before heading back to Tommy. “She’ll be alright.”, Atif said patting Rose on the shoulder before heading back to his date. Cora Lee sighed. “I hope Atif is right. But for now I’m going to enjoy what time I have left with my mystery man.”, Cora Lee said grinning before heading back to Malcolm. Rose sighed now left alone with just Mike. “Your cousin will be fine. Like Xavier said Landon’s with her. Let’s go have some fun alright?”, Mike said trying to get Rose to not focus on her cousin having no clue he was making her focus on her but not about Merrick harassing her. Rose sighed and nodded. “Alright Mike.”, she agreed before walking back to the dance floor. Back in the hallway Rachel sighed at Landon. “That was a serious question so stop laughing. I don’t get it. Why are you single?”, Rachel asked. “Because I’m not really boyfriend material.”, Landon said with a shrug. Now Rachel laughed. “That’s funny? I’m not boyfriend material and you find it funny.”, Landon said shaking his head. “Come on lets head back to the dance”, he said offering his arm.

Once they were out on the dance floor a slow song started. Rachel was perfectly fine with wrapping her arms around his neck while he held her waist and being able to rest her check against his shoulder. “I didn’t laugh because I find you ‘not being boyfriend material’ amusing.”, Rachel said. “Then why did you laugh?”, Landon asked. “That you would even think you aren’t. You’re creative, funny, charming, protective, strong, brave, talented, thoughtful, and handsome I don’t know a girl alive who isn’t looking for that in a boyfriend.”, Rachel said glad her face was against his shoulder so he couldn’t see her blush as she listed all the things she liked about him. “I’m also a mutant. Which means I’m dangerous. I will spend my life looking over my shoulder knowing that at any time someone like Merrick is going to start a fight with me and might try to go through people I care about to do it. The life I’ve chosen..the short life I’m going to have isn’t a life that includes love.”, Landon explained. “Plenty of mutants find love Landon. My dad found my mom, your dad found Aislinn, Demitri has Jean. We both know that the life of a mutant is dangerous but it’s not one that is without love.”, Rachel protested. Then something he said hit her ‘short life’. “What do you mean short life?”, Rachel asked concerned.

Landon took a deep breath. He hadn’t told anyone what Atif had revealed to him that summer he turned fourteen. He hadn’t want to worry any of them. All he’d wanted was to just focus on his life. On his school work, his training, and most importantly just being with his friends. “I haven’t told anyone about this. So before I do I need to know that I can trust you. That I can trust you to keep this between us.”, Landon said his tone serious. Rachel turned to look up at him as they danced. “Of course you can trust me Landon. I promise. What is it?”, Rachel said. “A couple years ago, the last summer I went to Texas. Before I went Atif told me something. Told me about a vision he’d been seeing since I was eleven.”, Landon started. Rachel silently listened. “In the vision I’m at best in my early twenties, hard to tell since I’ve never looked my age, and there’s a fight. A blast of purple light hits me and I fall to his feet dead.”, Landon said keeping his voice hushed so as to not have anyone over hear. To anyone watching them they just looked like a couple dancing closely whispering to each other. A sight that was tearing Rose up on the inside. “Dead? Atif saw a vision of you dy..dying..”, Rachel repeated Landon could feel her trembling in his arms.

Rachel wrapped her arms even tighter around his neck to hug him tightly. “Basically. Now do you understand? Understand why I am not boyfriend material for any girl no matter how much I’d want to be with her?”, he asked. Rachel nodded. “But it’s not fair. And maybe Atif is wrong. His visions aren’t always right.”, Rachel said trying to shaking the thought. “True it’s not fair and true his visions aren’t always right. But he has had the same vision just with more detail for the last five years. I’ve accepted my fate. From what the vision shows I do what I do to protect people I care about. And you of all people know what I’m willing to do to defend those I care for.”, Landon said leaning his head against the gold bracelet he’d made for her. “Is..is that why you always seem to have no fear?”, Rachel asked. Landon nodded. “I had to talk to your cousin Isis after the incident in Texas with my stepfather. I told her about the vision in confidence. She diagnosed me with a type of hero syndrome. Basically because I’ve been told an rough estimate of when I’m going to die I lack any fear of situations which would normally cause fear. Though I have my doubts, even before I was told I’d have jumped into a fight or put myself between the people I care about and those that would harm them.”, Landon admitted.

“At least you talked to someone about it. So if not for this vision, I mean is there someone that you like that way?”, Rachel asked. Landon cleared his throat. “Yeah there are a couple. But I don’t dare say anything.”, Landon explained. “Can I ask something and you not get offended?”, Rachel asked. “Um sure. What is it?”, Landon asked. “These people you like, are they girls?”, Rachel asked. Landon started to laugh. “Wow. Seriously? Is that what people are assuming because I haven’t had a girlfriend? Yes the people I have crushes on are girls. I just can’t tell them.”, Landon explained. Rachel laughed a little too. “I’m sorry. But why not tell them? Obviously life is too short.”, Rachel added. “Because I’m not sure it’s returned or how well it would be received.”, Landon admitted. “I understand. Sometimes it’s hard to just come right out and tell the person you care most about just how much you really do care about them.”, Rachel said speaking from experience. So many times this evening she’d wanted to tell Landon what she feels or even kiss him, but she lacked the courage. “I have an idea.”, Landon said spinning her out and back in as the song changed to something a little faster. “How about we forget about the vision and Merrick and just have some fun. What do you say?”, Landon asked with a smile. Rachel nodded in agreement happy to move past those two bumps in an otherwise dreamy night.

After a couple more dances Rachel paused using her hand to fan herself feeling so warm. “Do you want to get a drink? Maybe take my jacket off will help you feel less warm.”, Landon offered. Rachel nodded and headed to the refreshment table. Which apparently the others had the same idea. Landon took his jacket off Rachel resting it down on the bleachers before grabbing two cups of punch. Rose was the first to notice the bracelet. “Did you wear that here?”, Rose questioned. Rachel blinked and looked down before blushing. “Um no. Landon made it for me when we were in the hallway.”, Rachel said not wanting to go into details of why he made it. “Landon made you jewelry?”, Rose asked. “I made who what?”, Landon asked handing a cup to Rachel. “My bracelet.”, Rachel explained. “Oh yeah. Rachel needed something to cheer her up and it does balance the corsage at least.”, Landon explained. Rose nodded in her mind she was screaming and a small voice kept repeating that he only did it as a friend nothing more. “So Rose are you and Mike having a good night?”, Landon asked. Rose glanced over to Mike who was getting them something to drink. “Yeah it’s been alright. You two seem to be having a good night, incident excluded.”, Rose commented. “At least you are having more fun dancing than us. Mike can’t find the beat and well I just keep trying to lead.”, Rose admitted. Landon chuckled. “I’ve noticed. Mike has never been light on his feet.”, Landon commented. “Apparently. I never realized you could dance Landon.”, Rose commented. Rachel nodded. “I thought he was going to be the stand in place and sway type like most guys but he has certainly surprised me.”, Rachel added with a smile. “Well no one’s ever asked me to dance like this. Uncle Demitri insisted I learn, something about it impressing the ladies. I guess it’s working.”, Landon said with a grin.

“I have an idea.”, Rachel declared. “Landon why don’t you dance with my cousin for a few songs, maybe get her to stop trying to lead. And I’ll dance with Mike and see if I can get him to follow the beat.”, Rachel said. Rose smiled a little but was confused. “Are you sure? Landon’s your date after all.”, Rose questioned. “We came as friends and mostly to keep Merrick from bothering me. Since Merrick’s gone I suppose I could let him dance with someone else.”, Rachel said. Landon wasn’t against the idea of dancing with Rose, however as Rachel basically was decreeing his dance card now empty he became terrified. “Umm…”, Landon said as suddenly three girls who’d been extremely insistent that he bring one of them appeared. “Landon is free to dance with other girls? I’m next.”, one girl said before being shoved. “No me”, the second said and the third glared at both of them. “No I am.”, she declared. “I told you that groupies are scary.”, Landon whispered to Rachel. Rachel covered her mouth to laugh. “Not entirely. I just said he could dance with my cousin to help her learn to not try to always lead when dancing. That’s all. Sorry ladies he’s dance card is still full beyond that.”, Rachel said with a smile. She smiled even bigger as the girls walked away defeated. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You are my hero.”, Landon said hugging Rachel from behind and giving her another innocent peck on the cheek.

Mike walked over looking confused. “What I miss?”, he asked. “You missed that we are, at least for a song or two, swapping partners.”, Rachel said. “Swapping?”, Mike questioned. “Yep you are going to dance me and Rose is going to dance with Landon.”, Rachel explained. Mike raised an eyebrow looking at Rose who just shrugged. “I’ll return her as long as you return Rachel.”, Landon said patting Mike on the shoulder. Mike chuckled and nod. “Sure Landon.”, Mike agreed nodding. “Alright right then, this way Mike let’s see if we can straighten out this two left feet problem.”, Rachel said taking Mike to the dance floor. Though she noticed he kept looking back at Rose. “You’ll get her right back. I’m hoping Landon can get my cousin to stop trying to lead.”, Rachel explained as she placed a hand on his shoulder and took his other hand in hers. “Now we’ll go slow place your hand on my waist and just count with me. 1, 2,3. 1,2,3.”, Rachel instructed. Mike counted and tried to bob his head with the beat before they started to move. He of course stepped on her feet a couple times but Rachel just tried to gently correct him.

“Alright so let’s see if you can learn to follow.”, Landon said holding his hand out to Rose. Rose smiled and took his hand. “I warn you I’m not good at that. Dance instructor in Mandipoor could testify to that.”, Rose commented. Landon laughed a little stopping on the dance floor. “Alright let’s give this a shot shall we.”, he said placing her free hand on his shoulder and his free hand on her waist. When he went to step she stepped, right on his foot. Landon stopped and sighed. “Alright Rose stop. Do you trust me?”, Landon asked simply. Rose looked at him confused. “Well of course.”, Rose answered. “Cause I’m not feeling that right now. In training and in the danger room you trust me and follow my lead. When we perform you trust me and let me set the pace. So you need to do that here too. I set the pace and I lead.”, Landon said. Rose nodded. “Alright. So you move opposite of me. I step forward.”, he said stepping into her. “You step back.”, he said and she stepped back. “It’s just like sparing but we aren’t using weapons. Now let’s dance.”, Landon said with a grin. And his explanation must have at least done something because she wasn’t stepping on his toes or trying to lead. She even smiled when he dipped her and laughed when he spun her out and back in.

“See your royal dance instructor just doesn’t know how to give you instructions.”, Landon said with a smile. “Apparently. So you and Rachel huh?”, Rose questioned as they danced. Landon raised an eyebrow. “Me and Rachel what?”, Landon asked. “You two have really hit it off and gotten rather close…”, Rose said her voice trailing. She wasn’t sure how to ask if they were an item now. “We are friends, so of course we are close. And hit it off? You mean romantically?”, Landon questioned. “Well yeah. You made her corsage, her mask and then that bracelet. You two have been dancing close all night. And you kissed her.”, Rose countered. “I made her the corsage because I didn’t want to over load Demitri with my simple order. I made the mask because I made mine too and wanted them to work together. And I made the bracelet because in that moment Rachel was feeling really sad and I wanted to brighten her night. Like when I made you the stuff wolverine to make you smile. We’ve danced all night because that’s what you do at dances and I kissed her cheek. I miss my mom’s cheeks too.”, Landon explained. “Your cousin is very smart, very talented and rather pretty but I’m not really looking to date right now.”, he added. Rose looked down now ashamed that she’d even said it. “I’m sorry. I just figured…”, Rose said sighing a little. Landon sighed. “It’s alright. Rachel and I both came here as friends and everything I’ve done or said tonight is because she’s my friend and it’s not anything less than I’d have done for any of my friends.”, Landon said. Rose nodded.

Rose enjoyed the second dance, which was more of a slow song as she got to rest her head on his shoulder while they danced. It took every ounce of training for Landon to control his heart rate while getting to hold Rose so close. Sadly it wasn’t long lived. Mike had managed to get out of dancing further with Rachel and walked over and tapped Landon on the shoulder. Landon looked over and saw Mike. “Hey Mike.”, Landon greeted. Rose tried to stop from frowning before she looked to greet Mike. “Hi Mike.”, Rose greeted. “Can I cut in and dance with Rose again?”, Mike asked. “Um sure.”, Landon said stepping back. “Where’s Rachel then?”, Landon asked. “She said something about calling her mom real quick.”, Mike said pointing to the gym doors. “Alright, I’ll go check on her. Have fun guys.”, Landon said before walking away. Mike took Rose’s hand and enjoyed getting to dance with her some more. Rose however kept looking over his shoulder watching Landon walk away.

In the hallway Rachel was on her cell phone. “Hey mom.”, Rachel greeted. “Hi sweetie why are you calling?”, Sarael asked. “I’m going to be ready to leave in a few was hoping you could pick me up.”, Rachel explained. “I would have thought Landon would drive you home. Everything alright?”, Sarael asked. “There’s just some stuff I want to talk to you about and this way Landon can easily drive the others home.”, Rachel explained. “Alright that’s fine. I can have your dad pick you up.”, Sarael said. “No mom! I need to talk to you. So I need it to be you.”, Rachel interrupted. “Alright no problem. I’ll be there in fifteen.”, Sarael said before the call ended. Landon coughed to let her know he was there as he leaned against the lockers. “So I’m not taking you home?”, Landon asked. “Do you mind? I promised mom that after how Merrick acted when I told him I wouldn’t come to the dance with him that I’d tell her if he did anything again. And I don’t want dad to find out because…well you know my dad.”, Rachel said frowning. Landon nodded. “I don’t mind. You talk to your mom and that way your dad doesn’t go on a killing spree.”, Landon said with a smile. “Hey there you two are.”, Ashley said leaning out of the gym doors. “They finally have the photo booth done. So wanted to get a group photo before people start going home. I even have talked Lily, my brother and Cora Lee to get in the picture with their mystery men saying their guys don’t even have to talk or remove their masks. So put your jacket back on Landon.”, Ashley said throwing Landon’s jacket as him. “Alright alright.”, Landon said rolling his sleeves back down and putting his jacket on again. “So pictures before you head home?”, Landon asked offering his arm. Rachel smiled and nodded taking his arm.

So they had a group photo done and each got their own copy to keep. Landon walked Rachel outside after her mom sent her a text saying she was outside. “Despite some problems I had a lot of fun. Thanks Landon.”, Rachel said giving him a hug. “It was fun. Have a good night.”, Landon replied leaning and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Bye.”, Landon said with a wave before heading back inside to try and gather the others up. Rachel blushed and walked to her mom’s car looking at the group picture. Ashley in her blue gown stood with Xavier behind her his arms wrapped tightly around her, Atif standing with his date standing behind him resting his chin on his shoulder, Lily in her rather nice red gown with her date smiling brightly hugging her tight, Cora Lee truly smiling with her rather tall date resting his chin on the top of her head, Rose standing with Mike and then her with Landon at the end. The body language amongst most of the group was easy to read. Rose and Mike seemed to have polar body languages. Mike trying to hold Rose and Rose trying to not be held. Rachel couldn’t really read the body language of her and Landon. He had his arms draped over her shoulders and a goofy grin on his face but he wasn’t holding her tightly like Xavier was Ashley. How Landon felt was still a mystery to her.

Sarael had watched Rachel and Landon say good bye and saw the hug and the kiss on the cheek. Then ass she got into the car Sarael instantly noticed the bracelet. “Well how much of a friend evening was this?”, Sarael questioned with a smile and a wink. Rachel blushed shaking her head. “It’s not like that mom. Landon is just a friend.”, Rachel explained. “Uh huh. And where did the fancy new bracelet come from, that says joy in Arabic on it?”, Sarael asked pulling away from the curb. “Landon made it for me, but it’s not like a romantic gift or something. It has to do with what I need to tell you without dad hearing.”, Rachel said with a sigh. Sarael could hear the seriousness in her daughters tone and pulled off into a parking lot. “I probably shouldn’t drive when you tell me this. So what happened?”, Sarael asked turning in her seat to look at her daughter. “There was an incident with Merrick at the dance.”, Rachel began. Sarael nodded listening silently. “He..oh how do I tell you this. I was with Xavier and Ashley while Landon went to check on his sister and her mystery date who’d not been sighted for a while.”, Rachel continued. Sarael placed her hand gently on Rachel’s and gave a squeeze. “You can tell me anything Rachel you know that.”, Sarael encouraged.

Rachel nodded. “Merrick walked up and..well he grabbed my butt and made some comments about my dress that I..I don’t want to repeat.”, Rachel said trying to not start to cry. “And then he grabbed my arm trying to pull me onto the dance floor to dance with him. I told him no and to let me go. But he said..well he said something that just made me more than uncomfortable. I tried to pull away but he tightened his grip. Xavier tried to step in and pry Merrick’s hand off my arm but Merrick just punched him. Ashley tried to stop Merrick and he was going to hit her too. And I just stood there. I knew I could have countered. Dad has trained me enough I know I could have taken him down in only a few short moves. But I..I couldn’t. I was just….just.”, Rachel said her voice starting to crack. Sarael did everything she could to suppress her anger and outrage that this boy would dare to touch her daughter or teat her this way or any girl for that matter. She pulled her daughter into a tight hug. “You were afraid. I understand. Years of being alone and at dig sites and such as a young woman I know that fear.”, Sarael said. Rachel nodded. “Yes. Landon stopped Merrick from hitting Ashley, but he’d promised me no fights so as Merrick threw punches at him he just blocked as many as he could till Merrick had him on the ground. He didn’t fight back till I said he could finish he fight Merrick started. And finish it Landon did. And well after the fight Landon was so nice. He took me to the hall and gave me tissues from his locker and he made me this.”, Rachel explained holding up her arm. “Mostly to cover…”, Rachel said taking the bracelet off and showing the still red bust fading hand print. “This. I didn’t want to explain this to Rose or the others.”, Rachel said. Sarael’s eyes went wide as she saw the mark and then she pulled Rachel back in for a hug. “I will handle this and we will not tell your father. Keep the bracelet on till the mark is fully gone.”, Sarael assured. “Let’s get you home.”, Sarael said pulling away to drive home. Sarael’s mind was reeling with thoughts of what she wanted to do to this boy but she reminded herself she couldn’t just go over to the Academy and start hitting a boy. No she had to do this smartly. She needed to speak directly to his mother. To speak mother to mother on this delicate subject.

After Rachel was safely home and Xavier had also returned from the dance Sarael chose to take advantage of the late hour and that John had gone into his office to deal with some last minute legal issues with a new project. So Sarael drove, not caring that she was in a sweat shirt and jeans, to the academy. She rallied her courage reminding herself she was here as a mother to speak to a mother and it had nothing to do with powers. She knocked on the heavy oak door and waited not even sure anyone would be awake at this hour. Inside everyone was sound asleep, everyone except the late night snacker, Kim. She was about to head back upstairs a bowl of popcorn under her arm and a can of cola in her hand when she heard the knock. “Who the hell..”, Kim wondered. She set her popcorn and soda down and adjusted her maroon top and black fleece pajama pants before opening the door. Kim raised an eyebrow as she stared at Sarael. She recognized her at least. “Sarael Howlett? Why are you at our door?”, Kim questioned folding her arms across her chest. “I’m here to speak to you, mother to mother about your son Merrick.”, Sarael stated firmly. “About my Merrick?”, Kim questioned.

“It’s about his behavior to my daughter Rachel. I’m sure you are aware he like most of the children here have harassed her for being a human born to a prominent mutant family. I knew that things like that would happen, it was expected. However your son’s recent behavior and more importantly his behavior tonight is not expected and is far from okay.”, Sarael explained. “Alright I’m listening. What happened?”, Kim asked. “Well there was a dance tonight and early in the week your son pinned my daughter against her locker and demanded she attend with him and when she said no he was going to hit her till Landon stopped him.”, Sarael explained. “She said no and he persisted…”, Kim paraphrased taking a deep breath as unwanted nightmare memories started to creep out of the black hole of her mind she’d thrown them. “Yes. Then tonight he took it further. He grabbed my daughter’s ass. He made comments which apparently were bad enough she wouldn’t repeat them to me. He also grabbed her arm so hard it left a mark. Her cousin Xavier tried to stop him, he punch him. Ashley Alston tried to stop him and he went to punch her till again Landon intervened. He made my daughter afraid she couldn’t even fight back.”, Sarael explained. At this point the memory of that terrible night, that mission to the future where she was captures, depowered and raped by Calvin shadow despite her multiple attempts to fight back and perfused screams of no all flooded into her mind.

Without a word being spoke a clone split off and started up the stairs. Sarael blinked not sure what was going on. The clone walked silently down the halls and flung open the door to Malcolm and Merrick’s bedroom. Malcolm and Merrick both sat up in their beds when they heard the door slam open. “M..mom?”, Merrick questioned. The clone didn’t speak just went over to Merrick’s bedside and grabbed his left ear twisting it as it pulled him from the bed. “Ouch..what the..mom?”, Merrick yelled as he followed the clone who wouldn’t let go of his ear. Malcolm’s eyes went wide and once they were out of sight he had to cover his mouth to not laugh. He had never seen Kim lay hand to any of her children. “Ouch..mom..ouch. Wait..ouch. Please..”, Merrick yelped all the way down the stairs where the clone released him next to the real mom. Merrick rubbing his ear and looked at his mom then at Sarael his eyes went wide. “You have got to be shitting me..”, Merrick complained. Sarael watched a bit in shock as the clone returned with Merrick by the ear. Kim turned her gaze from Sarael to Merrick.

Her face was a deep shade of red with anger. “Merrick Edward Bryant-Frost!”, Kim bellowed slapping Merrick across the face. Merrick put his hand over where he’d been hit and stared at his mother in complete shock. “Mom?”, Merrick questioned. “Mrs. Howlett has just told me something very disturbing about you. About you pinning her daughter to a locker and not taking no for an answer. About you grabbing her daughter’s ass, leaving a mark on her wrist and saying inappropriate things. Things so bad that girl wouldn’t even tell them to her mother. Your behavior was so incorrigible that you not only scared this girl you scared her to the point she couldn’t even try to defend herself against you. I thought I’d raised you better than this. That Christian and I had raised you better.”, Kim said glaring anger radiating off her like white hot flames. “I was…I didn’t..I just wanted to fight Landon.”, Merrick stammered. “You harassed that girl, made unwanted advances and ignored her right to say no to you because you wanted to fight your cousin!? There is no excuse for what you did. NONE! I think I shall change your name. I think if this is how you wish to behave I shall name you Calvin Jr. Never did I ever think that you could be capable of being like him and you have proved me wrong.”, Kim bellowed.

The broken look on Merrick’s face said it all. The moment his mom called him ‘Calvin Jr’ his heart broke. “I’m not like him! I’ll never be like him! Please please mom don’t call me that.”, Merrick pleaded. “Not like him? He didn’t take no as an answer. He didn’t care that he hurt me that he took my god given power from me. And tonight you did the same to that girl. You took the power from her, you hurt her, and you didn’t accept her answer of ‘no’. Now you are going to apologize to Mrs. Howlett for your actions. Then tomorrow we are driving to the Howlett’s house and you are apologizing to Mr. Howlett for how you have treated his daughter and most importantly you will not just apologize you will beg and I mean beg that girl for forgiveness. You want to prove to me that you aren’t like Calvin then you will mean every word you say to that family and you will never I mean NEVER bother that girl or any girl like this again. Because if I EVER get told you have behaved in such a manor again you will wish you were dead when I’m done.”, Kim said glaring up at her son. Merrick hung his head wishing he could just turn into some small tiny creature because as his mom compared him to his biological father he felt no bigger than a flea.

Sarael wasn’t fully sure what was going on. She wasn’t one of the few who had known what really transpired between Calvin Shadow and Kim. But now she was starting to see it was not a very nice encounter. Sarael almost felt bad for Merrick, almost though because he had still hurt her daughter. “Now I want to know exactly and I mean exactly what you said to that girl at the dance. Recite it now.”, Kim decreed. Merrick gulped and thought back to the dance and to what he said. “I said ‘Who knew you could actually pull off a dress like that. Your dad let you out the door dressed this way? Impressive. So since Prince Charming is around, dance with me’ and when she told me no I said ‘ You know you keep saying ‘no’ but I just don’t believe you and I’m starting to have my feelings hurt here.’.”, Merrick recited. As he repeated the words he felt his guilt welling up inside him. As he listened to his own words and said them before his mother and Rachel’s it hit him. “I did act like him. I even talked like him…”, Merrick said his voice nearly a whisper. He could feel the hot sting of tears in his eyes as he realized how he’d behaved. Sarael and Kim were both taken back by the words he had used. Kim’s body actually started to shake with anger. “Do you see now? Do you see?”, Kim questioned. Merrick nodded. “Now you better apologize and I truly hope you mean it.”, Kim demanded. Merrick forced himself to look up and make eye contact with Sarael. Sarael wasn’t sure how to feel as she saw he was about to try. “I am truly sorry Mrs. Howlett. Nothing can ever excuse my words or actions. I promise that I will never bother Rachel again.”, Merrick said sincerity in his voice. “I should hope not and I should hope you will never act like this to any girl.”, Sarael said. Merrick nodded. “Go back to your room now Merrick. From today forward till I say otherwise you are doing all the cleaning chores at the Academy.”, Kim said pointing to the stairs. Merrick nodded and silently went up the stairs.

Sarael watched and still fought herself from feeling bad for the boy. “I hadn’t wanted to start any trouble or have him punished like this…”, Sarael said. Kim nodded. “I’m sure you didn’t. But I will never tolerate one of my children treating someone this way. I will handle my son as I see necessary. His punishment will be fitting to his crime. And tomorrow probably around 1 we will be at your door and he will be giving his sincere apology to your husband and daughter.”, Kim said. “Now good night Mrs. Howlett.”, Kim said closing the door. Sarael left feeling mixed about the situation but at least validated that coming to his mom was the right thing to do. And true to her word the next day at 1 on the dot Kim knocked on the Howlett door with Merrick at her side. Sarael opened the door. “You weren’t kidding about the time..”, Sarael said. “Come in…”, Sarael offered escorting them to the front sitting room where Rachel was playing her piano, the bracelet still on her wrist since the mark had yet to fully fade, and John, little Jimmy, and Xavier sitting listening intently. “Ahem. We have visitors.”, Sarael said. John turned and held back a growl seeing the woman responsible for his brother being taken and her demon spawn who’d cause so many issues for his daughter. Xavier looked and sighed. Jimmy however didn’t know what was going on so just raised an eyebrow. Rachel looked and missed a key.

“We are not staying. My son however has something he needs to say to all of you and more importantly to you Rachel.”, Kim said before nudging Merrick. “Go on.”, Kim insisted. Merrick gulped and took a deep breath. “I am here to apologize. My actions and my words have gone too far and are not excusable or acceptable. I refuse to ever be like my biological father and it took having my mother told what has transpired and me having to repeat it all to realize how much like him I really was behaving. He is not the type of man I want to be and I will strive to never behave like him again. As I promised Mrs. Howlett last night from this moment forward I will leave Rachel alone.”, Merrick said forcing himself to maintain eye contact with each of them so they truly knew he meant it. But all he really wanted to do was look down at his feet knowing he wasn’t worthy of forgiveness. Jimmy looked to his dad for a cue on how he should react. Xavier stood up from his seat and walked over to Merrick. “As long as you hold true to your promise I am alright. Keep in mind this does not mean I can forgive and forget your actions to my cousin.”, Xavier stated. John looked to Rachel, he of course would never forgive that boy for pinning her to a locker just as he could never forgive his mother for attacking and taking his brother hostage. “I will not forgive you. As a father I can’t. However as long as no further transgressions arise I will not have to take legal action against you.”, John stated not moving from his seat.

Rachel stayed at the piano, feeling more secure there with her father and younger brother between her and him. She looked at her mom, Xavier, Jimmy, and lastly her father nervous about how she should react and nervous about Merrick even being in her home. She then looked at Merrick as he apologized and she knew from his tone and the look in his eyes he meant his words. But she then looked down at her bracelet that hid the mark that was still fading away. “I won’t be able to forget what you said or what you did. But I will at least accept your apology. And I hope you keep your promise to not treat me like that again.”, Rachel said softly. “Good. I’m glad we have settled this. I am truly sorry for any pain my son has caused and I assure you he is being properly dealt with as his actions are not acceptable in my eyes.”, Kim said putting her hand on Merrick’s shoulder. “We will leave now.”, Kim said turning for the door. Rachel took a deep breath and stood up from her piano bench and walked across the room extending her hand. “Truce.”, Rachel offered. Merrick paused as he was about to turn and looked at Rachel’s hand and the bracelet on it. His mind flashed to the night before and knew that was the wrist he’d grabbed. He took a deep breath and shook her hand. “Truce.”, He said before letting go and following his mother out of the house.

Description
As the teacher arrived the crowd quickly disperse. “Someone want to tell me what happened before I start assigning out detention?”, Mr. Santiago demanded looking at the group. “It was Merrick sir. He well he…”, Rachel said trying to find the words. “Merrick was being inappropriate towards my cousin. I stepped in since he didn’t accept the answer of ‘no’ and when he hit me Ashley stepped in and when he was going to hit Ashley Landon stopped him.”, Xavier explained. Mr Santiago looked at Ashley and Rachel and noticed the slight redness on Rachel’s wrist. “Do you wish to file a report? The school has a very strict policy about such behavior.”, Mr Santiago offered. Rachel shook her head. “No a report would mean my dad would find out and that would just not end well.”, Rachel said. Mr Santiago nodded. “Alright but if you ever want to or have the need to please go to the office and file a report and I will provide my account of tonight’s events as well.”, Mr Santiago said before walking away.

Landon sighed and fixed his tie before walking back over to the others. He looked at the three of them equally concerned. “You guys alright?”, he asked. Ashley and Xavier nodded. “Jaw hurts slightly but I can deal with it.”, Xavier commented. Rachel kept her eyes down covering her left wrist with her right hand. “Rach?”, Landon asked concerned looking at her. “I’m..I’m alright.”, Rachel said softly. Lily, Atif and Rose got close enough now that the crowd had walked away. “What the hell happened?”, Lily questioned folding her arms. “Fight’s over now I’m going over there to see if everyone is alright. I’ll be right back.”, Cora Lee said giving Malcolm a kiss on the chin, which was the only part of his face really exposed by his mask. Cora Lee quickly made her way over to the others wanting to know if everyone was alright. Landon still looked at Rachel concerned, he gently lifted her face with his index finger and could see tears welling in her eyes. “Rach?”, he questioned before looking at the group. “Ashley and Xavier can explain. Rachel would you like to go into the hall and get some air?”, Landon offered his voice soft.

Rachel nodded and let Landon place his arm around her shoulder and escort her into the hallway. Landon grabbed his jacket as they exited and placed it on her. “I don’t know how that started. And you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”, Landon said walking down the hall a few lockers and unlocking his which was near the gym anyways. He dug around inside and pulled out a small travel pack of tissues and offered them to her. “Here. I figured you wouldn’t want to have everyone see you cry.”, Landon aid. Rachel nodded and slipped her arms into his jacket and for a moment went to reach with her left arm till she remembered the mark and quickly changed to take the tissues with her right. Landon caught a glance of some redness on her wrist. “Rachel…”, he said. Rachel carefully removed her mask to dab at her eyes not wanting to ruin her makeup. She frowned a little realizing Landon had seen. “It’s nothing..”, Rachel said. “Nothing?”, Landon said taking her left hand in his and carefully pulling his jacket sleeve up to see the red mark of a hand print. “He hurt you more than emotionally….”, Landon said taking deep breaths to control his anger. Rachel sighed and looked down. “Don’t do anything please.”, Rachel said quietly. “Don’t make tonight worse.”, she added.

“Fine I won’t, because you’ve asked. But if we are going to go back to the dance you’ll want to cover this.”, Landon said digging through his locker again. Rachel raised an eyebrow trying to figure out what Landon was doing. “Ah ha.”, he said pulling an apple from his locker. “An apple?”, Rachel asked confused. “Yes an apple..”, Landon said gently taking her left hand again and holding the apple with his other hand. “Bracelet…”, Landon whispered. As he took his hand back the apple disappeared and around her wrist, covering the red mark Merrick had left behind was a thick gold bracelet with gold swirls with what looked like diamond inlays and there at the very center was the word ‘Joy’ in Arabic. Rachel went wide eyes looking at the bracelet that covered the mark perfectly She started shaking her head. “Landon I couldn’t…you already made my corsage and my mask..”, Rachel stammered. “You can and you are. I’m not chasing down my cousin right now because you’ve asked. And since I doubt you want to plead with the others specially Rose to not kill him for leaving that mark it needs to be covered and my jacket won’t do that well enough. This will and plus it’s technically got your name on it.”, Landon said pointing. Rachel smiled a little as she looked at the word ‘Joy’ which was what her middle name meant. She looked up at Landon and it took every ounce of her to remind herself he was just being a super nice friend. An extremely nice friend that was all he’d do this for any of his friends, she kept mentally reminding herself. “You are way too thoughtful Landon. Remind me why you don’t have a girlfriend?”, Rachel asked. Landon laughed shaking his head.

Back inside the dance everyone was looking to Xavier and Ashley to explain. “Um. Well Merrick approached Rachel. He was extremely rude and insistent that she dance with him.”, Xavier said trying to explain without setting off the powder keg he knew his Aunt Rose and her friends to be. “Rachel declined his offer and he didn’t appreciate that. I stepped in and got punched as my reward. Ashley tried to step in but as he was going to hit her Landon stopped him. He kept Merrick at bay. Apparently he had promised Rachel no fights so he mostly blocked.”, Xavier explained. “Till Rachel said it was okay to finish a fight. Then Landon did what we all know he does best, kicked ass and scared Merrick off.”, Ashley added with a smile. “Is Rachel going to be alright? She looked a bit shaken up.”, Rose questioned looking to the doors of the gym. She was worried about her cousin and she didn’t want to think about it but part of her was worried about how Landon kept treating Rachel. Was there something there that she was just missing or being blind to because she had a crush on Landon? “I think she’ll be alright. She’s stronger than most give her credit and she’s got Landon so she’ll be alright.”, Xavier said. “Now while the evening is still young and only just tainted I’d like to enjoy what’s left. Shall we dance Ashley?”, Xavier asked offering her his hand. Ashley smiled and nodded. “Sure.”, Ashley said taking his hand and heading back to the dance floor.

Lily sighed. “If I see my brother I’m going to knock out some of his teeth. Now I’m going to go salvage my night. Have fun all.”, Lily said before heading back to Tommy. “She’ll be alright.”, Atif said patting Rose on the shoulder before heading back to his date. Cora Lee sighed. “I hope Atif is right. But for now I’m going to enjoy what time I have left with my mystery man.”, Cora Lee said grinning before heading back to Malcolm. Rose sighed now left alone with just Mike. “Your cousin will be fine. Like Xavier said Landon’s with her. Let’s go have some fun alright?”, Mike said trying to get Rose to not focus on her cousin having no clue he was making her focus on her but not about Merrick harassing her. Rose sighed and nodded. “Alright Mike.”, she agreed before walking back to the dance floor. Back in the hallway Rachel sighed at Landon. “That was a serious question so stop laughing. I don’t get it. Why are you single?”, Rachel asked. “Because I’m not really boyfriend material.”, Landon said with a shrug. Now Rachel laughed. “That’s funny? I’m not boyfriend material and you find it funny.”, Landon said shaking his head. “Come on lets head back to the dance”, he said offering his arm.

Once they were out on the dance floor a slow song started. Rachel was perfectly fine with wrapping her arms around his neck while he held her waist and being able to rest her check against his shoulder. “I didn’t laugh because I find you ‘not being boyfriend material’ amusing.”, Rachel said. “Then why did you laugh?”, Landon asked. “That you would even think you aren’t. You’re creative, funny, charming, protective, strong, brave, talented, thoughtful, and handsome I don’t know a girl alive who isn’t looking for that in a boyfriend.”, Rachel said glad her face was against his shoulder so he couldn’t see her blush as she listed all the things she liked about him. “I’m also a mutant. Which means I’m dangerous. I will spend my life looking over my shoulder knowing that at any time someone like Merrick is going to start a fight with me and might try to go through people I care about to do it. The life I’ve chosen..the short life I’m going to have isn’t a life that includes love.”, Landon explained. “Plenty of mutants find love Landon. My dad found my mom, your dad found Aislinn, Demitri has Jean. We both know that the life of a mutant is dangerous but it’s not one that is without love.”, Rachel protested. Then something he said hit her ‘short life’. “What do you mean short life?”, Rachel asked concerned.

Landon took a deep breath. He hadn’t told anyone what Atif had revealed to him that summer he turned fourteen. He hadn’t want to worry any of them. All he’d wanted was to just focus on his life. On his school work, his training, and most importantly just being with his friends. “I haven’t told anyone about this. So before I do I need to know that I can trust you. That I can trust you to keep this between us.”, Landon said his tone serious. Rachel turned to look up at him as they danced. “Of course you can trust me Landon. I promise. What is it?”, Rachel said. “A couple years ago, the last summer I went to Texas. Before I went Atif told me something. Told me about a vision he’d been seeing since I was eleven.”, Landon started. Rachel silently listened. “In the vision I’m at best in my early twenties, hard to tell since I’ve never looked my age, and there’s a fight. A blast of purple light hits me and I fall to his feet dead.”, Landon said keeping his voice hushed so as to not have anyone over hear. To anyone watching them they just looked like a couple dancing closely whispering to each other. A sight that was tearing Rose up on the inside. “Dead? Atif saw a vision of you dy..dying..”, Rachel repeated Landon could feel her trembling in his arms.

Rachel wrapped her arms even tighter around his neck to hug him tightly. “Basically. Now do you understand? Understand why I am not boyfriend material for any girl no matter how much I’d want to be with her?”, he asked. Rachel nodded. “But it’s not fair. And maybe Atif is wrong. His visions aren’t always right.”, Rachel said trying to shaking the thought. “True it’s not fair and true his visions aren’t always right. But he has had the same vision just with more detail for the last five years. I’ve accepted my fate. From what the vision shows I do what I do to protect people I care about. And you of all people know what I’m willing to do to defend those I care for.”, Landon said leaning his head against the gold bracelet he’d made for her. “Is..is that why you always seem to have no fear?”, Rachel asked. Landon nodded. “I had to talk to your cousin Isis after the incident in Texas with my stepfather. I told her about the vision in confidence. She diagnosed me with a type of hero syndrome. Basically because I’ve been told an rough estimate of when I’m going to die I lack any fear of situations which would normally cause fear. Though I have my doubts, even before I was told I’d have jumped into a fight or put myself between the people I care about and those that would harm them.”, Landon admitted.

“At least you talked to someone about it. So if not for this vision, I mean is there someone that you like that way?”, Rachel asked. Landon cleared his throat. “Yeah there are a couple. But I don’t dare say anything.”, Landon explained. “Can I ask something and you not get offended?”, Rachel asked. “Um sure. What is it?”, Landon asked. “These people you like, are they girls?”, Rachel asked. Landon started to laugh. “Wow. Seriously? Is that what people are assuming because I haven’t had a girlfriend? Yes the people I have crushes on are girls. I just can’t tell them.”, Landon explained. Rachel laughed a little too. “I’m sorry. But why not tell them? Obviously life is too short.”, Rachel added. “Because I’m not sure it’s returned or how well it would be received.”, Landon admitted. “I understand. Sometimes it’s hard to just come right out and tell the person you care most about just how much you really do care about them.”, Rachel said speaking from experience. So many times this evening she’d wanted to tell Landon what she feels or even kiss him, but she lacked the courage. “I have an idea.”, Landon said spinning her out and back in as the song changed to something a little faster. “How about we forget about the vision and Merrick and just have some fun. What do you say?”, Landon asked with a smile. Rachel nodded in agreement happy to move past those two bumps in an otherwise dreamy night.

After a couple more dances Rachel paused using her hand to fan herself feeling so warm. “Do you want to get a drink? Maybe take my jacket off will help you feel less warm.”, Landon offered. Rachel nodded and headed to the refreshment table. Which apparently the others had the same idea. Landon took his jacket off Rachel resting it down on the bleachers before grabbing two cups of punch. Rose was the first to notice the bracelet. “Did you wear that here?”, Rose questioned. Rachel blinked and looked down before blushing. “Um no. Landon made it for me when we were in the hallway.”, Rachel said not wanting to go into details of why he made it. “Landon made you jewelry?”, Rose asked. “I made who what?”, Landon asked handing a cup to Rachel. “My bracelet.”, Rachel explained. “Oh yeah. Rachel needed something to cheer her up and it does balance the corsage at least.”, Landon explained. Rose nodded in her mind she was screaming and a small voice kept repeating that he only did it as a friend nothing more. “So Rose are you and Mike having a good night?”, Landon asked. Rose glanced over to Mike who was getting them something to drink. “Yeah it’s been alright. You two seem to be having a good night, incident excluded.”, Rose commented. “At least you are having more fun dancing than us. Mike can’t find the beat and well I just keep trying to lead.”, Rose admitted. Landon chuckled. “I’ve noticed. Mike has never been light on his feet.”, Landon commented. “Apparently. I never realized you could dance Landon.”, Rose commented. Rachel nodded. “I thought he was going to be the stand in place and sway type like most guys but he has certainly surprised me.”, Rachel added with a smile. “Well no one’s ever asked me to dance like this. Uncle Demitri insisted I learn, something about it impressing the ladies. I guess it’s working.”, Landon said with a grin.

“I have an idea.”, Rachel declared. “Landon why don’t you dance with my cousin for a few songs, maybe get her to stop trying to lead. And I’ll dance with Mike and see if I can get him to follow the beat.”, Rachel said. Rose smiled a little but was confused. “Are you sure? Landon’s your date after all.”, Rose questioned. “We came as friends and mostly to keep Merrick from bothering me. Since Merrick’s gone I suppose I could let him dance with someone else.”, Rachel said. Landon wasn’t against the idea of dancing with Rose, however as Rachel basically was decreeing his dance card now empty he became terrified. “Umm…”, Landon said as suddenly three girls who’d been extremely insistent that he bring one of them appeared. “Landon is free to dance with other girls? I’m next.”, one girl said before being shoved. “No me”, the second said and the third glared at both of them. “No I am.”, she declared. “I told you that groupies are scary.”, Landon whispered to Rachel. Rachel covered her mouth to laugh. “Not entirely. I just said he could dance with my cousin to help her learn to not try to always lead when dancing. That’s all. Sorry ladies he’s dance card is still full beyond that.”, Rachel said with a smile. She smiled even bigger as the girls walked away defeated. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You are my hero.”, Landon said hugging Rachel from behind and giving her another innocent peck on the cheek.

Mike walked over looking confused. “What I miss?”, he asked. “You missed that we are, at least for a song or two, swapping partners.”, Rachel said. “Swapping?”, Mike questioned. “Yep you are going to dance me and Rose is going to dance with Landon.”, Rachel explained. Mike raised an eyebrow looking at Rose who just shrugged. “I’ll return her as long as you return Rachel.”, Landon said patting Mike on the shoulder. Mike chuckled and nod. “Sure Landon.”, Mike agreed nodding. “Alright right then, this way Mike let’s see if we can straighten out this two left feet problem.”, Rachel said taking Mike to the dance floor. Though she noticed he kept looking back at Rose. “You’ll get her right back. I’m hoping Landon can get my cousin to stop trying to lead.”, Rachel explained as she placed a hand on his shoulder and took his other hand in hers. “Now we’ll go slow place your hand on my waist and just count with me. 1, 2,3. 1,2,3.”, Rachel instructed. Mike counted and tried to bob his head with the beat before they started to move. He of course stepped on her feet a couple times but Rachel just tried to gently correct him.

“Alright so let’s see if you can learn to follow.”, Landon said holding his hand out to Rose. Rose smiled and took his hand. “I warn you I’m not good at that. Dance instructor in Mandipoor could testify to that.”, Rose commented. Landon laughed a little stopping on the dance floor. “Alright let’s give this a shot shall we.”, he said placing her free hand on his shoulder and his free hand on her waist. When he went to step she stepped, right on his foot. Landon stopped and sighed. “Alright Rose stop. Do you trust me?”, Landon asked simply. Rose looked at him confused. “Well of course.”, Rose answered. “Cause I’m not feeling that right now. In training and in the danger room you trust me and follow my lead. When we perform you trust me and let me set the pace. So you need to do that here too. I set the pace and I lead.”, Landon said. Rose nodded. “Alright. So you move opposite of me. I step forward.”, he said stepping into her. “You step back.”, he said and she stepped back. “It’s just like sparing but we aren’t using weapons. Now let’s dance.”, Landon said with a grin. And his explanation must have at least done something because she wasn’t stepping on his toes or trying to lead. She even smiled when he dipped her and laughed when he spun her out and back in.

“See your royal dance instructor just doesn’t know how to give you instructions.”, Landon said with a smile. “Apparently. So you and Rachel huh?”, Rose questioned as they danced. Landon raised an eyebrow. “Me and Rachel what?”, Landon asked. “You two have really hit it off and gotten rather close…”, Rose said her voice trailing. She wasn’t sure how to ask if they were an item now. “We are friends, so of course we are close. And hit it off? You mean romantically?”, Landon questioned. “Well yeah. You made her corsage, her mask and then that bracelet. You two have been dancing close all night. And you kissed her.”, Rose countered. “I made her the corsage because I didn’t want to over load Demitri with my simple order. I made the mask because I made mine too and wanted them to work together. And I made the bracelet because in that moment Rachel was feeling really sad and I wanted to brighten her night. Like when I made you the stuff wolverine to make you smile. We’ve danced all night because that’s what you do at dances and I kissed her cheek. I miss my mom’s cheeks too.”, Landon explained. “Your cousin is very smart, very talented and rather pretty but I’m not really looking to date right now.”, he added. Rose looked down now ashamed that she’d even said it. “I’m sorry. I just figured…”, Rose said sighing a little. Landon sighed. “It’s alright. Rachel and I both came here as friends and everything I’ve done or said tonight is because she’s my friend and it’s not anything less than I’d have done for any of my friends.”, Landon said. Rose nodded.

Rose enjoyed the second dance, which was more of a slow song as she got to rest her head on his shoulder while they danced. It took every ounce of training for Landon to control his heart rate while getting to hold Rose so close. Sadly it wasn’t long lived. Mike had managed to get out of dancing further with Rachel and walked over and tapped Landon on the shoulder. Landon looked over and saw Mike. “Hey Mike.”, Landon greeted. Rose tried to stop from frowning before she looked to greet Mike. “Hi Mike.”, Rose greeted. “Can I cut in and dance with Rose again?”, Mike asked. “Um sure.”, Landon said stepping back. “Where’s Rachel then?”, Landon asked. “She said something about calling her mom real quick.”, Mike said pointing to the gym doors. “Alright, I’ll go check on her. Have fun guys.”, Landon said before walking away. Mike took Rose’s hand and enjoyed getting to dance with her some more. Rose however kept looking over his shoulder watching Landon walk away.

In the hallway Rachel was on her cell phone. “Hey mom.”, Rachel greeted. “Hi sweetie why are you calling?”, Sarael asked. “I’m going to be ready to leave in a few was hoping you could pick me up.”, Rachel explained. “I would have thought Landon would drive you home. Everything alright?”, Sarael asked. “There’s just some stuff I want to talk to you about and this way Landon can easily drive the others home.”, Rachel explained. “Alright that’s fine. I can have your dad pick you up.”, Sarael said. “No mom! I need to talk to you. So I need it to be you.”, Rachel interrupted. “Alright no problem. I’ll be there in fifteen.”, Sarael said before the call ended. Landon coughed to let her know he was there as he leaned against the lockers. “So I’m not taking you home?”, Landon asked. “Do you mind? I promised mom that after how Merrick acted when I told him I wouldn’t come to the dance with him that I’d tell her if he did anything again. And I don’t want dad to find out because…well you know my dad.”, Rachel said frowning. Landon nodded. “I don’t mind. You talk to your mom and that way your dad doesn’t go on a killing spree.”, Landon said with a smile. “Hey there you two are.”, Ashley said leaning out of the gym doors. “They finally have the photo booth done. So wanted to get a group photo before people start going home. I even have talked Lily, my brother and Cora Lee to get in the picture with their mystery men saying their guys don’t even have to talk or remove their masks. So put your jacket back on Landon.”, Ashley said throwing Landon’s jacket as him. “Alright alright.”, Landon said rolling his sleeves back down and putting his jacket on again. “So pictures before you head home?”, Landon asked offering his arm. Rachel smiled and nodded taking his arm.

So they had a group photo done and each got their own copy to keep. Landon walked Rachel outside after her mom sent her a text saying she was outside. “Despite some problems I had a lot of fun. Thanks Landon.”, Rachel said giving him a hug. “It was fun. Have a good night.”, Landon replied leaning and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Bye.”, Landon said with a wave before heading back inside to try and gather the others up. Rachel blushed and walked to her mom’s car looking at the group picture. Ashley in her blue gown stood with Xavier behind her his arms wrapped tightly around her, Atif standing with his date standing behind him resting his chin on his shoulder, Lily in her rather nice red gown with her date smiling brightly hugging her tight, Cora Lee truly smiling with her rather tall date resting his chin on the top of her head, Rose standing with Mike and then her with Landon at the end. The body language amongst most of the group was easy to read. Rose and Mike seemed to have polar body languages. Mike trying to hold Rose and Rose trying to not be held. Rachel couldn’t really read the body language of her and Landon. He had his arms draped over her shoulders and a goofy grin on his face but he wasn’t holding her tightly like Xavier was Ashley. How Landon felt was still a mystery to her.

Sarael had watched Rachel and Landon say good bye and saw the hug and the kiss on the cheek. Then ass she got into the car Sarael instantly noticed the bracelet. “Well how much of a friend evening was this?”, Sarael questioned with a smile and a wink. Rachel blushed shaking her head. “It’s not like that mom. Landon is just a friend.”, Rachel explained. “Uh huh. And where did the fancy new bracelet come from, that says joy in Arabic on it?”, Sarael asked pulling away from the curb. “Landon made it for me, but it’s not like a romantic gift or something. It has to do with what I need to tell you without dad hearing.”, Rachel said with a sigh. Sarael could hear the seriousness in her daughters tone and pulled off into a parking lot. “I probably shouldn’t drive when you tell me this. So what happened?”, Sarael asked turning in her seat to look at her daughter. “There was an incident with Merrick at the dance.”, Rachel began. Sarael nodded listening silently. “He..oh how do I tell you this. I was with Xavier and Ashley while Landon went to check on his sister and her mystery date who’d not been sighted for a while.”, Rachel continued. Sarael placed her hand gently on Rachel’s and gave a squeeze. “You can tell me anything Rachel you know that.”, Sarael encouraged.

Rachel nodded. “Merrick walked up and..well he grabbed my butt and made some comments about my dress that I..I don’t want to repeat.”, Rachel said trying to not start to cry. “And then he grabbed my arm trying to pull me onto the dance floor to dance with him. I told him no and to let me go. But he said..well he said something that just made me more than uncomfortable. I tried to pull away but he tightened his grip. Xavier tried to step in and pry Merrick’s hand off my arm but Merrick just punched him. Ashley tried to stop Merrick and he was going to hit her too. And I just stood there. I knew I could have countered. Dad has trained me enough I know I could have taken him down in only a few short moves. But I..I couldn’t. I was just….just.”, Rachel said her voice starting to crack. Sarael did everything she could to suppress her anger and outrage that this boy would dare to touch her daughter or teat her this way or any girl for that matter. She pulled her daughter into a tight hug. “You were afraid. I understand. Years of being alone and at dig sites and such as a young woman I know that fear.”, Sarael said. Rachel nodded. “Yes. Landon stopped Merrick from hitting Ashley, but he’d promised me no fights so as Merrick threw punches at him he just blocked as many as he could till Merrick had him on the ground. He didn’t fight back till I said he could finish he fight Merrick started. And finish it Landon did. And well after the fight Landon was so nice. He took me to the hall and gave me tissues from his locker and he made me this.”, Rachel explained holding up her arm. “Mostly to cover…”, Rachel said taking the bracelet off and showing the still red bust fading hand print. “This. I didn’t want to explain this to Rose or the others.”, Rachel said. Sarael’s eyes went wide as she saw the mark and then she pulled Rachel back in for a hug. “I will handle this and we will not tell your father. Keep the bracelet on till the mark is fully gone.”, Sarael assured. “Let’s get you home.”, Sarael said pulling away to drive home. Sarael’s mind was reeling with thoughts of what she wanted to do to this boy but she reminded herself she couldn’t just go over to the Academy and start hitting a boy. No she had to do this smartly. She needed to speak directly to his mother. To speak mother to mother on this delicate subject.

After Rachel was safely home and Xavier had also returned from the dance Sarael chose to take advantage of the late hour and that John had gone into his office to deal with some last minute legal issues with a new project. So Sarael drove, not caring that she was in a sweat shirt and jeans, to the academy. She rallied her courage reminding herself she was here as a mother to speak to a mother and it had nothing to do with powers. She knocked on the heavy oak door and waited not even sure anyone would be awake at this hour. Inside everyone was sound asleep, everyone except the late night snacker, Kim. She was about to head back upstairs a bowl of popcorn under her arm and a can of cola in her hand when she heard the knock. “Who the hell..”, Kim wondered. She set her popcorn and soda down and adjusted her maroon top and black fleece pajama pants before opening the door. Kim raised an eyebrow as she stared at Sarael. She recognized her at least. “Sarael Howlett? Why are you at our door?”, Kim questioned folding her arms across her chest. “I’m here to speak to you, mother to mother about your son Merrick.”, Sarael stated firmly. “About my Merrick?”, Kim questioned.

“It’s about his behavior to my daughter Rachel. I’m sure you are aware he like most of the children here have harassed her for being a human born to a prominent mutant family. I knew that things like that would happen, it was expected. However your son’s recent behavior and more importantly his behavior tonight is not expected and is far from okay.”, Sarael explained. “Alright I’m listening. What happened?”, Kim asked. “Well there was a dance tonight and early in the week your son pinned my daughter against her locker and demanded she attend with him and when she said no he was going to hit her till Landon stopped him.”, Sarael explained. “She said no and he persisted…”, Kim paraphrased taking a deep breath as unwanted nightmare memories started to creep out of the black hole of her mind she’d thrown them. “Yes. Then tonight he took it further. He grabbed my daughter’s ass. He made comments which apparently were bad enough she wouldn’t repeat them to me. He also grabbed her arm so hard it left a mark. Her cousin Xavier tried to stop him, he punch him. Ashley Alston tried to stop him and he went to punch her till again Landon intervened. He made my daughter afraid she couldn’t even fight back.”, Sarael explained. At this point the memory of that terrible night, that mission to the future where she was captures, depowered and raped by Calvin shadow despite her multiple attempts to fight back and perfused screams of no all flooded into her mind.

Without a word being spoke a clone split off and started up the stairs. Sarael blinked not sure what was going on. The clone walked silently down the halls and flung open the door to Malcolm and Merrick’s bedroom. Malcolm and Merrick both sat up in their beds when they heard the door slam open. “M..mom?”, Merrick questioned. The clone didn’t speak just went over to Merrick’s bedside and grabbed his left ear twisting it as it pulled him from the bed. “Ouch..what the..mom?”, Merrick yelled as he followed the clone who wouldn’t let go of his ear. Malcolm’s eyes went wide and once they were out of sight he had to cover his mouth to not laugh. He had never seen Kim lay hand to any of her children. “Ouch..mom..ouch. Wait..ouch. Please..”, Merrick yelped all the way down the stairs where the clone released him next to the real mom. Merrick rubbing his ear and looked at his mom then at Sarael his eyes went wide. “You have got to be shitting me..”, Merrick complained. Sarael watched a bit in shock as the clone returned with Merrick by the ear. Kim turned her gaze from Sarael to Merrick.

Her face was a deep shade of red with anger. “Merrick Edward Bryant-Frost!”, Kim bellowed slapping Merrick across the face. Merrick put his hand over where he’d been hit and stared at his mother in complete shock. “Mom?”, Merrick questioned. “Mrs. Howlett has just told me something very disturbing about you. About you pinning her daughter to a locker and not taking no for an answer. About you grabbing her daughter’s ass, leaving a mark on her wrist and saying inappropriate things. Things so bad that girl wouldn’t even tell them to her mother. Your behavior was so incorrigible that you not only scared this girl you scared her to the point she couldn’t even try to defend herself against you. I thought I’d raised you better than this. That Christian and I had raised you better.”, Kim said glaring anger radiating off her like white hot flames. “I was…I didn’t..I just wanted to fight Landon.”, Merrick stammered. “You harassed that girl, made unwanted advances and ignored her right to say no to you because you wanted to fight your cousin!? There is no excuse for what you did. NONE! I think I shall change your name. I think if this is how you wish to behave I shall name you Calvin Jr. Never did I ever think that you could be capable of being like him and you have proved me wrong.”, Kim bellowed.

The broken look on Merrick’s face said it all. The moment his mom called him ‘Calvin Jr’ his heart broke. “I’m not like him! I’ll never be like him! Please please mom don’t call me that.”, Merrick pleaded. “Not like him? He didn’t take no as an answer. He didn’t care that he hurt me that he took my god given power from me. And tonight you did the same to that girl. You took the power from her, you hurt her, and you didn’t accept her answer of ‘no’. Now you are going to apologize to Mrs. Howlett for your actions. Then tomorrow we are driving to the Howlett’s house and you are apologizing to Mr. Howlett for how you have treated his daughter and most importantly you will not just apologize you will beg and I mean beg that girl for forgiveness. You want to prove to me that you aren’t like Calvin then you will mean every word you say to that family and you will never I mean NEVER bother that girl or any girl like this again. Because if I EVER get told you have behaved in such a manor again you will wish you were dead when I’m done.”, Kim said glaring up at her son. Merrick hung his head wishing he could just turn into some small tiny creature because as his mom compared him to his biological father he felt no bigger than a flea.

Sarael wasn’t fully sure what was going on. She wasn’t one of the few who had known what really transpired between Calvin Shadow and Kim. But now she was starting to see it was not a very nice encounter. Sarael almost felt bad for Merrick, almost though because he had still hurt her daughter. “Now I want to know exactly and I mean exactly what you said to that girl at the dance. Recite it now.”, Kim decreed. Merrick gulped and thought back to the dance and to what he said. “I said ‘Who knew you could actually pull off a dress like that. Your dad let you out the door dressed this way? Impressive. So since Prince Charming is around, dance with me’ and when she told me no I said ‘ You know you keep saying ‘no’ but I just don’t believe you and I’m starting to have my feelings hurt here.’.”, Merrick recited. As he repeated the words he felt his guilt welling up inside him. As he listened to his own words and said them before his mother and Rachel’s it hit him. “I did act like him. I even talked like him…”, Merrick said his voice nearly a whisper. He could feel the hot sting of tears in his eyes as he realized how he’d behaved. Sarael and Kim were both taken back by the words he had used. Kim’s body actually started to shake with anger. “Do you see now? Do you see?”, Kim questioned. Merrick nodded. “Now you better apologize and I truly hope you mean it.”, Kim demanded. Merrick forced himself to look up and make eye contact with Sarael. Sarael wasn’t sure how to feel as she saw he was about to try. “I am truly sorry Mrs. Howlett. Nothing can ever excuse my words or actions. I promise that I will never bother Rachel again.”, Merrick said sincerity in his voice. “I should hope not and I should hope you will never act like this to any girl.”, Sarael said. Merrick nodded. “Go back to your room now Merrick. From today forward till I say otherwise you are doing all the cleaning chores at the Academy.”, Kim said pointing to the stairs. Merrick nodded and silently went up the stairs.

Sarael watched and still fought herself from feeling bad for the boy. “I hadn’t wanted to start any trouble or have him punished like this…”, Sarael said. Kim nodded. “I’m sure you didn’t. But I will never tolerate one of my children treating someone this way. I will handle my son as I see necessary. His punishment will be fitting to his crime. And tomorrow probably around 1 we will be at your door and he will be giving his sincere apology to your husband and daughter.”, Kim said. “Now good night Mrs. Howlett.”, Kim said closing the door. Sarael left feeling mixed about the situation but at least validated that coming to his mom was the right thing to do. And true to her word the next day at 1 on the dot Kim knocked on the Howlett door with Merrick at her side. Sarael opened the door. “You weren’t kidding about the time..”, Sarael said. “Come in…”, Sarael offered escorting them to the front sitting room where Rachel was playing her piano, the bracelet still on her wrist since the mark had yet to fully fade, and John, little Jimmy, and Xavier sitting listening intently. “Ahem. We have visitors.”, Sarael said. John turned and held back a growl seeing the woman responsible for his brother being taken and her demon spawn who’d cause so many issues for his daughter. Xavier looked and sighed. Jimmy however didn’t know what was going on so just raised an eyebrow. Rachel looked and missed a key.

“We are not staying. My son however has something he needs to say to all of you and more importantly to you Rachel.”, Kim said before nudging Merrick. “Go on.”, Kim insisted. Merrick gulped and took a deep breath. “I am here to apologize. My actions and my words have gone too far and are not excusable or acceptable. I refuse to ever be like my biological father and it took having my mother told what has transpired and me having to repeat it all to realize how much like him I really was behaving. He is not the type of man I want to be and I will strive to never behave like him again. As I promised Mrs. Howlett last night from this moment forward I will leave Rachel alone.”, Merrick said forcing himself to maintain eye contact with each of them so they truly knew he meant it. But all he really wanted to do was look down at his feet knowing he wasn’t worthy of forgiveness. Jimmy looked to his dad for a cue on how he should react. Xavier stood up from his seat and walked over to Merrick. “As long as you hold true to your promise I am alright. Keep in mind this does not mean I can forgive and forget your actions to my cousin.”, Xavier stated. John looked to Rachel, he of course would never forgive that boy for pinning her to a locker just as he could never forgive his mother for attacking and taking his brother hostage. “I will not forgive you. As a father I can’t. However as long as no further transgressions arise I will not have to take legal action against you.”, John stated not moving from his seat.

Rachel stayed at the piano, feeling more secure there with her father and younger brother between her and him. She looked at her mom, Xavier, Jimmy, and lastly her father nervous about how she should react and nervous about Merrick even being in her home. She then looked at Merrick as he apologized and she knew from his tone and the look in his eyes he meant his words. But she then looked down at her bracelet that hid the mark that was still fading away. “I won’t be able to forget what you said or what you did. But I will at least accept your apology. And I hope you keep your promise to not treat me like that again.”, Rachel said softly. “Good. I’m glad we have settled this. I am truly sorry for any pain my son has caused and I assure you he is being properly dealt with as his actions are not acceptable in my eyes.”, Kim said putting her hand on Merrick’s shoulder. “We will leave now.”, Kim said turning for the door. Rachel took a deep breath and stood up from her piano bench and walked across the room extending her hand. “Truce.”, Rachel offered. Merrick paused as he was about to turn and looked at Rachel’s hand and the bracelet on it. His mind flashed to the night before and knew that was the wrist he’d grabbed. He took a deep breath and shook her hand. “Truce.”, He said before letting go and following his mother out of the house.