No way back: The resolution (backdated a lot)

[x-trance.livejournal.com]

Hope gets some help from Xavier's.

"Dr. Grey-Summers!" Hope's eyes lit up with visible relief as soon as she saw the red-haired woman on the doorstep, though her face remained fairly impassive and her courtesy was pulled around her like armor. "I hope the journey was not too wearing?"

Jean slipped off her sunglasses, tucking them in her satchel. She'd dressed for business, wearing a pair of grey, pinstriped pants and a cerulean blue blouse.

"Not at all," Jean said with a smile.

"Are you alright?" she then added softly.

The mask broke for just a moment as Hope replied: "I have been better if I may be very honest. But I will be alright." She paused before a moment, aiming her gaze at the floor. "I did not tell my parents you were coming. I did not wish to..." She let her voice die down slowly.

"Upset them," Jean finished, then nodded as she gently placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "It's okay. We'll figure something out."

She was no stranger to parents who thought the way Hope's did. The old adage of people fearing what they didn't understand was sadly true.

"Thank you, Dr. Grey." She gave a small smile and guided the red haired woman into the living room where her parents were seated. "Father, mother, there is someone here to see you."

At their confused looks she continued: "Dr. Grey, may I present Catherine and Jason Abbott, my parents. Mother, father, this is Doctor Jean Grey-Summers, one of my teachers."

"You didn't have to bring them here," Catherine said, "A phone call would have sufficed."

"While my wife is correct, it's still nice to meet you, Dr. Grey-Summers." Jason gave a faint smile and offered his hand to Jean after a moment's hesitation.

Jean took Jason's hand with a warm smile. "It's no trouble at all. Hope is one of our brightest students. When I had heard she was having some trouble I thought it best to come down."

"Thank you, Dr. Grey." Hope waited for a moment as the adult took seats, while remained standing. "Would anyone like something to drink?" It was almost if the tension in the room could be cut with a knife and she gratefully slipped into the familiar role of hostess.

Catherine shot hope a look, one that spoke volumes, "Hope, honey, I think it'd be best for you to go up to your room.  Your father and I will take care of this misunderstanding."

"Your mother's right, Hope. It's ok, we'll come and get you soon." Jason turned back to face Jean. "We appreciate you stopping by, Dr. Grey, but we've got things under control with Hope."

"I believe you love your daughter and want what's best for her," Jean said. "But you have limited experience as to what she's going through. That doesn't mean you're not there for her or can't help her. It just means that sometimes that getting the help she needs requires an outside source."

"With all due respect," Catherine started, it was obvious there was no respect intended, "I don't need someone else telling us how to raise our daughter.  I'm sorry, but the school was a mistake to start out with."

"We want what's best for our daughter, you understand," Jason interjected, looking from his wife to Jean. "but at the end of the day we're the ones who must decide what's right for Hope." He paused before adding. "I saw what Hope can do, and she seems to have a grasp on things."

"Yes, Hope is beginning to learn how to control her abilities," Jean said. "But that cannot protect her emotionally, or ensure her safety. It will not stop the name calling, or the confrontations at school or around town. She saved a girl's life but many do not see the act of bravery. They only see the girl, the mutant. And they can't see past that. I fear the incident with the toilet paper may be only the beginning."

Jean shook her head. "You're right. You are the ones who must decide what's best for your daughter. I have been where Hope is. I know what it's like to have people afraid of you because of something they don't understand. And I am asking you to please let us continue to help her."

"I..." After letting the silence hang for a handful of seconds, Jason finally continued. "if - f - we agree that Hope should return, you would keep us posted as to how she's doing? And we could voice our concerns and communicate with both her and your staff at any time?"

"Of course," Jean said with an affirmed smile, gaze shifting between the two. She could sense continued trepidation but hoped they would see reason.

"I want to stay in touch, father, and I do want to come home to visit. But at Xavier's I do not have to hide who I am." Hope stepped forward from where she had been standing in the back of the room, having ignored her parent's request and holding a tray with glasses and a carafe of water with lemon slices floating into it. She refused to meet the furious eyes of her mother and instead turned an pleading gaze towards her father. "You have seen what I can do, father. I wish to learn more."

"If that's the case then perhaps... perhaps it would not hurt to give it another attempt." Jason said. "On a trial basis, of course, and if it doesn't work then you'll have to return home."

"I will keep an eye on her," Jean said, smile still remaining. "And, as promised, will keep you apprised of her well being." Her attention turned back to Mrs. Abbott.

"Provided the both of you are agreeable to this arrangement."

"No, we're not. Jason! How can you even be considering this?!" Catherine snapped.

"Because if it's what's best for Hope then that's what we have to do." he replied, an edge to his own voice. "You didn't see what she can do like I did, and... she needs to learn how to control it, Catherine." Whether to better use her abilities or to better hide them he wouldn't say, but that was the realization at which he'd arrived.

"No, she doesn't.  I've heard enough of this nonsense," Catherine said firmly, "This is the end of the discussion."

"Why is it nonsense?" Jean asked, plainly curious, nonjudgmental. "Children go to school to learn the basic skills that prepare them for adulthood from their teachers. If a child is adept at piano, or sports, their skills are nurtured, and molded into something great. Hope has additional abilities that require special teaching. She is not like other girls. You know that. You've seen that.  Her abilities are a gift but they can also be harmful if she isn't trained to use them properly. She cannot just go to a regular school and expect to excel. It wouldn't be fair to her. She would live in fear, everyday, afraid of being bullied, or worse, because of who she is. It is my job to help those like her. So let me do my job, Mrs. Abbott. Please."

"I did not give birth to a daughter destined to live as a freak of nature!" Catherine yelled, snapping.

"What... " Hope blinked a few times in a desperate attempt to push away the tears she could feel welling up. "Mother... I..." One tear escaped, slowly making it's way down her cheek. "Mother... you can... you cannot..."

"Catherine, she's our daughter for god's sake! She is not a freak of nature!" sputtered Jason. "I... if you feel that way about Hope, don't you at least want her to learn how to control herself? For heaven's sake, Catherine, this isn't going away, we can't just pretend that nothing's going on!"

Jean kept herself calm. The woman's disdain was something she saw and heard often, from politicians to regular people on the street. Usually it was something she could handle or ignore. But usually she was alone. Sometimes things hit a little too close to home, however. And sadly, this was also something she had also seen in her years. Frightened parents, rendered stunned by the revelation that their child was different, somehow dangerous. Sometimes it made them hate and fear because their child was of their very own flesh and blood.

Sarcastic retorts and frustrated utterances ran through her head but she squashed them down.

"I hope you will change your mind. Please consider the welfare of your daughter, regardless of your current feelings."

"I am considering her welfare.  Now get out of my house!" Catherine's calm facade was broken, anger was obvious on her face, as was contempt.

Jason sighed and shook his head before turning to Hope. "What do you want to do, Hope?" It was a loaded question and a hard one to ask in front of her mother, who obviously had made her opinion known, but there was apparently no use in him trying to convince his wife of their daughter's wishes.

Hope fought to stiffen the small sobs that had begun to escape, fighting to keep her voice steady. Avoiding her mother's eyes, she said: "I wish to attend Xavier's, father... I... I need to be there."

"Then that's what needs to happen. As long as you understand that if it doesn't work then you will have to come home immediately... do I have your words on that?" Jason looked from Hope to Jean to confirm that they understood, ignoring his wife's complaints for the moment.

Jean gave Hope's father a simple nod of assurance. "Of course." The two seemed to be of opposite opinions, making it somewhat of a challenge.

Hope reached out with her hand, hesitantly touching her father's arm. "I understand, father. But I know it will work." She hesitated a moment, wanting to say something to her mother, but at the harsh glare, she quickly swiped at her eyes. Dr. Grey... can we... could we leave as soon as possible? I don't think...

Glancing over to Hope's mother, her gaze lingered a moment before looking back to her father. She didn't like leaving things this way but she had no choice. The father seemed more than willing to give it a try but the mother was no longer protesting. Perhaps this was her way of acquiescence.

"You're certain, Mr. Abbott?"

They are still your parents, Hope. I have to make sure. But if it is confirmed you can go get your things while I finish up here.

"I am. Now you should leave before..." He looked from Hope and Jean to his wife, then back at the pair again. "We will be in touch." Jason managed a small smile for his daughter and clasped a hand on her shoulder. "Be careful, Hope."

Catherine only glared at her daughter for a moment, but then turned away sharply. Hope turned away as well, tears sparkling in eyes again.

Jean spared a glance between Hope's parents, waiting in silence as Hope got ready to leave. The tension was like a taut string ready to snap.  She gave the two of them a faint nod. There wasn't much more to say. A mind prone to a certain habit, fearing someone different than them, would not be changed overnight. They had to give it time.

"Good day," she said, then turned to leave.

After arranging her things near the door, Hope gave her mother a final glance, before stepping up next to her father. "I did not wish for things to turn out this way. I am sorry, father."

"It's not your fault, Hope." He watched his wife leave, then turned back and nodded at his daughter. "Let us know when you arrive, and have a safe trip." After another quick nod for Jean, he turned and followed his wife."

Hope stared after her father for a moment, but then turned to Jean. "I think we are ready to go." Resolutely she made her way to the door, no longer stifling the quiet sobs that ran through her.

Opening the door, Jean gently rested her hand on Hope's shoulder in support. "Don't forget your stuff from your room," she said quietly.

Hope only nodded and headed up the stairs.