xp_logs | Talk about internship...

Hope, Amy and Scanner discuss Amy's internship with Mrs. Wright.

Hope tilted her head as she watched Mrs. Wright listening to Ms. Taylor explain a few on the advantages of Amy doing the media internship in Ksavia: the chance to experience Europe, building an international network and above all, the chance to be with her own kind. Besides her on the couch Amy wiggled, a little nervous, Hope unobtrusively gave her hand an encouraging pat.

"So you see," Sarah smiled, playing the part of dutiful educator as best as she knew how, "it's really a phenomenal opportunity. And we work very closely with the interns to make sure they're having the most fulfilling, enriching experience possible. I think your daughter," she turned her head and looked approvingly at Amy, "has shown real promise. This could be a huge boost for her future."

"But what about your college?!? You have only barely started classes and you wish to leave? You... we... we worked so hard to get you in, despite... all that has happened." A hastily aborted gesture had been very close to indicating Amy's eyes though. "What if they withdraw your spot?"

"Mrs. Wright, I assure you, any college worth its weight in tuition would give your daughter credit for an opportunity like this and would certainly be willing to hold a student's spot were she enriching herself like this." Sarah glanced back at the woman across from her. "We help students handle situations like this all the time," she said, "and it almost always work out." Actually, it hadn't really come up yet, but Sarah Ryall wasn't about to tell anyone that.

"Come on Mom, please?" Technically Amy was eighteen now, she didn't actually need her mother's permission. But having her blessing before running off to Europe would certainly be a plus.

"It really looks like a great opportunity, Mrs. Wright." Hope chimed in. "I almost wish I could do something like this after my senior year. And I think it will be really good for Amy." She hesitated a little before continuing. "It can be quite... liberating to be among your fellow mutants."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "And truthfully, the confidence this kind of opportunity builds will only guarantee your daughter's future academic success." That sounded nice and jargon-y. She'd have to use that line again.

"But what if the school won't hold your spot?" Mrs. Wright asked worriedly.

"Then I'll get into another one. It's not like I'm the first visible mutant in the world, they all had to get into college somewhere too, right?" Mrs. Wright was so sure that the way Amy looked would completely ruin her life. But there were other visible mutants who lived perfectly functioning lives - Hope went to a school full of them! If that wasn't proof what was?

"There are other options." Hope nodded. "I know that in New York that Empire State University has several mutant students and I know someone who went to Pace University and she is purple." She chose to let those words hang in the air for a bit.

"It'll be fine, Mom, really," Amy waved Mrs. Wright off before she could offer any other argument. "Come on, you're the one who always wanted me to expand my horizons and stuff. They don't expand much more than an internship in Europe, do they?"

"I'm just not sure..."

Now Sarah was just getting frustrated. Not just by Mrs. Wright's waffling, but by Amy's inability to assert her adulthood and just do what she want. "Students who take internships like these tend to succeed in college, because they're more motivated," she said matter-of-factly. "They have an easier time staying on track and finding summer jobs and doing all the right things for their resumes, because they know what they're working for."

Sarah looked to Amy, then to her mother. "Classes will always be there. Dorms will always be there. Friends will always be there. But this opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime."

"Please, Mrs Wright. Ms. Taylor is right." Biting her lip for just a moment, Hope decided to share a small bit of her own personal experiences. "I remember how much being fully accepted with my abilities did for me. While her college might be more accepting then Bloomfield, there is nothing like being with your peers for a time in that regard."

"I guess...if you can get everything worked out with school...and if this is something you really want..."

Amy shot Hope a grin.

Hope returned the smile and gave her a thumbs up, but didn't say anything in case it would change Mrs. Wright's mind, especially since she still seemed pretty hesitant.

"I'll tell you what," Sarah said. "Why don't you take some time to think about it? Call me with any questions you might have. Amy has my information." She was confident Mrs. Wright would agree, but she figured she'd let the woman think she came to her own decision about this. Sometimes that's all people needed. "In the meantime, I'm going to use the powder room, and maybe I'll take the girls out for a coffee or something. Give you a little peace and quiet." She winked at Mrs. Wright and stood, more than ready to take her leave.