Chapter 8

Rose rolled over in bed, trying to block out the sunlight streaming through her window. Sleep was one of the few things that gave her comfort. She mumbled something and pulled the covers over her head. Seconds later, someone pulled them away. Rose sat up. “Hey, what are you--oh.” She stared up at Nate and asked, “Um...what were you doing in my room?”

“Watching you sleep,” Nate said. “I wanted to be the first thing you saw when you woke up.”

“I’m sure that’s a crime in some states,” she said, searching for the comb on her bedside table.

“Yes, but as hard as it is to believe, you’re even more beautiful when you’re asleep.” Rose blushed and managed to prevent herself from giggling.

Finally grabbing her comb, Rose began to smooth out her long, red hair. Nate snatched the comb away. “You’re lovely just the way you are.”

Rose smirked at him and grabbed the comb. “You only say that because I’m your girlfriend. The others won’t be so forgiving.”

“You don’t have to change the way you look for me, Rose.”

“I know, and I’m grateful. But a lady has to look her best. I mean, would you have liked me as much if I looked like a bum when you met me?”

“I was only six at the time, and it was your inner beauty that I admired. Though the fact that you were the prettiest girl in school didn’t hurt, either.”

Rose smiled sweetly. “You don’t have to lie to make me feel good, Nathan.”

“Well, that was my opinion at the time. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve made me the happiest guy alive.”

“If you’re so happy, then why are you projecting unhappiness a mile a minute?”

Nate sighed and looked at her. “I really don’t want to leave you, Rose. It just doesn’t feel right.”

Rose smiled as she glanced into a mirror. “Of course it doesn’t feel right, Nathan. You’re leaving your girlfriend for an extended period of time. Perhaps you’re afraid that you’ll find someone else and forget about me...or vice versa.” She waited for a comment from him, but Nate remained silent. She decided to go on. “But you shouldn’t worry about it. I’ll remain faithful to you, and I’m sure you’ll do the same for me.” She brushed a few strands of hair away from her face and frowned. “Dearest, I appreciate a wolf whistle or two as much as the next girl, but you’re starting to scare me by staring at me like that.”

Nate blinked and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Rose. I was just thinking about how unfair this is to you.”

“I learned a long time ago that life isn’t fair, and I’m sure you have, too.” Rose sat down on her bed and patted the spot next to her. Almost reluctantly, Nate sat down next to her. “Besides,” she said, “thanks to you, I haven’t been sad in a long time. Maybe that’s just what I need now.”

“Rose, I--” Nate began, but before he could go on, Jackie appeared in front of him.

“It’s time,” Jackie simply stated, his eyes focusing on Nate in an impassive stare.

“Could you give me a few minutes, Jackie? I have to say goodbye.” Jackie nodded and stepped out of the room. Nate gently took Rose’s hands in his own and kissed them. “I’m truly sorry, hon. I promise, I’ll make it up to you.”

Rose nodded and threw her arms around his neck. “I love you, Nathan,” she whispered, trying to hold back tears.

Nate held her in silence before replying, “I love you, Rose. Never forget that.”

“I won’t,” she promised, smiling at him.

“It’s time, sir,” Jackie said from the doorway. “We can’t afford to delay any longer.” With a glance, Nate silenced him.

“Dear, you really shouldn’t do that,” Rose said.

“I know, but I need a few more seconds.” So after a few more good-byes, and a rather long kiss, Nate was finally ready to depart. “Let’s go, Jackie,” Nate said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Jackie instantly came out of the trance that Nate had put him in. “Of course, sir.” Jackie’s hand glowed with a dark blue light as he solemnly said the words of a teleportation spell.

As they both disappeared, Nate’s last words echoed in Rose’s mind: “Goodbye, my love. I’ll never forget you.” Rose smiled to herself and got dressed.

“Hey, Rosie, you up yet?” Angel’s head appeared in the doorway.

Rose looked up from her book and smiled. “Yes, I’m awake. So, how do you like Xavier’s so far?”

“It’s okay,” Angel said, sitting at the foot of Rose’s bed. “Everyone’s really nice, especially David. He’s really trying to help me feel comfortable here. Which is kind of strange, since he specializes in the exact opposite.”

Rose laughed. “Oh, sis, don’t you know the boy’s in love with you?”

“He is not,” Angel said firmly, “he just pretends to make me feel better.”

Rose shook her head. “Neither of us believe that, Angel. And if he had been pretending this long, he’s not anymore. Why do you think he teases you so much?”

“You’re wrong, little sis. David isn’t in love with me. We’re just friends.”

Rose smiled and said, “I used to think the same thing about Nathan.”

Angel froze and stared at her. “You really think so?”

“I know so. You’re not ugly, Angel. You can’t be, because I’m your sister, and we’re practically twins. Even Nate couldn’t tell us apart the first time.”

“The first few times, actually,” Angel corrected her.

Rose shrugged. “That’s my point. David isn’t exactly ugly, is he?” Angel slowly shook her head. “Sis, if it’s the racial thing that’s bothering you...”

“No, it’s not that,” Angel said. “I accepted a long time ago that David had no choice over his reincarnation. Though it must have been difficult. He wasn’t really born Black.”

“True, but he’s taken it pretty well; everyone has.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just wish David wasn’t so hard to figure out.”

“Your wish is my command, dear lady,” David said as he leaned against the doorframe.

“I swear, if one of you Grey boys isn’t scaring the living daylights out of me, the other is. Don’t you ever knock?” Rose asked.

“Knock?” David said in a shocked tone. “If I knocked, I wouldn’t be much of an eavesdropper, would I, Rosemary?”

Rose winced. “That’s not my name, David Grey, and you know it!”

“Of course I know, Rose,” David replied. “But it’s so amusing to me how easy you two blush,” he said with an evil grin. “Anyway, Mr. Xavier said that we’re all wanted in the Danger Room, pronto. So are you coming or not?” Both girls followed him out of the room at a distance. David heard them giggling the whole way. He used his telepathic powers to listen in on their thoughts. “Impressive mental shields they have,” he thought. He was only able to gleam a word or two. “Well, at least one of them thinks I have cute rear end,” he remarked with a smile.

The End

Hope you all enjoyed the story! It took me a while, but I’m done! As always, comments here! ----->  Mail me!  :)