xp_logs | Picking up Doug...

Betsy gives a final readout of Doug’s file to Kurt as the limo pulls up into the driveway.

Betsy: Are you ready?

Kurt: *nods, as they walk onto the porch*

Doug: *doorbell rings* I’ll get it!

Doug: *opens door* Um, hello?

Kurt: Doug?

Doug: Yes. You are...?

Elisabeth: *offering a hand to Doug* Hello, I’m Elisabeth Braddock. *motions to Kurt*

Kurt: *reaches to shake hands* and I'm Kurt Wagner. We're here from your new school *facing Betsy and Kurt is a rather unsure looking young man*

Elisabeth: We've come from Xavier's School for Gifted Children. *there are two people behind Doug, his parents, obviously tense.* Have your parents told you about us?

Doug: Um, yeah, my mom said something about talking to you, Ms. Braddock.

Mary Ramsey: Please, please, come in. *Mary ushers everyone into the living room*

Kurt: Thank you. *Kurt gracefully follows Doug and parents into the living room*

Doug: *Doug: is trying hard to be polite, but Betsy can probably sense he's a bit nervous and so forth*

Kurt:*sits down on couch, quasi-lounging, taking everyone's moods in*

Elisabeth: *Betsy walks in with her walking stick, though she doesn't use it. She takes her offered seat* So, have your parents told you what kind of school we are, Doug?

Doug: Um, yes, ma'am, and I understand why they’re doing it, but I still think there's some sort of mistake.

Kurt: Mistake? In what way?

Doug: There was a test, and it said I'm a mutant, but I don't think I am.

Kurt: Well, sometimes it won't be apparent until later on, or the person won't realize that they have special skills.

Kurt: Of course, in my case, it was readily apparent. *flashes a grin*

Doug: *blinks* How do you mean?

Elisabeth: *interrupts Kurt* I can well understand that, your gift dictates special measures and testing to verify your mutancy, but those tests are rarely wrong.
(nods in Kurt’s direction) You might scare him, I don't think he's ready to handle that kind of shock at this time.

Kurt:*realizes that he made a mistake, and doesn't look normal. Feeling dumb, he lets Betsy go ahead with the spiel. He looks at Betsy and nods back.*

Doug: Still, though, I can't do anything a normal human can't do. I can't run fast, or fly, or shoot laser beams from my eyes, or anything like that.

Kurt: It's quite possible your mutation has only begun to manifest itself, and you just aren't aware of it, or refuse to come to terms with it. *leans forward*

Doug:*on defensive* Come to terms with it?

Kurt: But that's okay, Xavier's is a wonderful school and will give you the chance to get a great private education and, when you're ready, develop your skills.

Kurt: *looks to Betsy for help*

Elisabeth: *Betsy smiles at his enthusiasm* Kurt’s right. Some mutations are unique on their own; it took me years to finally gain a grasp of who I was and what I could do. And certain factors have forced some teenagers to come face to face with their own abilities.

Doug:*curious despite feeling defensive* Certain factors?

Kurt: umm. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have....spontaneously....manifested their gifts, and some had been using them untrained already. And did I mention there are pretty girls your age? *hopeful voice, wanting*

Doug: *blushes at thought of pretty girls, but thinks there must be more attractive guys than him there. So why would girls there be interested in him...*

Elisabeth: *hand is already on Doug's leg, a warm smile on her face* You'd be amazed at what you'd find at Xavier's. Most students adjust to their lives well and find it their home away from home, for others, Xavier's is all they have.

Doug: But I already _have_ a home!

Kurt: I came to Xavier's a few months ago, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me.*He leans forward for emphasis*

Mary: Douglas, I'm going to be honest with you about something. Ms. Braddock, we already talked a bit about this. *turns to Doug* That genetic test was supposed to be confidential, but the results somehow were discovered by people who have been harassing us. It was subtle things at first but it's been getting less subtle. I contacted Ms. Braddock because I'm afraid that if you stay here, something more violent may happen. *trying to blink back tears of concern*

Kurt: You'll meet people that you can really share yourself with, and can learn much more about who you are, and what you want from your life.

Doug:*is taken aback by his mom's revelation, can't find much to say*

Elisabeth: Your parents and I have talked about different options to keep you from harms’ way and taking you to our school seemed the best option. It is accredited and ranks in the top ten for boarding school within the U.S. But this is the best we can offer and your parents agreed. *pauses, feeling the unrest from Doug:* It is your choice, but you have to decide what is best for all of you. Attacks against mutants are on the rise and if you still think we're mistaken you can come back here. But you should come with us, and maybe see for yourself.

Kurt: *interjects* You'll be safe with us. And happy, if you let yourself be happy.

Doug: *resigned* I don't see much of a choice. I mean, stay home and get lynched, or move halfway across the country. No offense, your school sounds great, and I'm sure there are a lot of great kids there, but it's just, if it weren't for this pressure on my parents, I'd much rather stay home.

Elisabeth: I know you would, but sometimes we're not given that option.

Doug: *trying hard to be mature about this whole mess* Yeah, I know.

Elisabeth: *places hand on shoulder* You know, you're being very brave about this. Do you have any questions that you'd like to ask us?

Doug: I understand the pressure on my parents, and that this is for my own safety, but what about their_ safety?

Elisabeth: I've already contacted some friends within the government who are mutant friendly and they'll keep an eye out for both your parents. We also have something set up within your home, sort of like a panic button it'll contact local authorities, we've tried to ensure your parents safety as well as yours. *smiles sadly* Unfortunately, most threats end when they discover the party has left the premises.

Doug: *is relieved that this has been given thought, as was far more worried about his parents than himself*
Doug:*nods thoughtfully* So if I go, I not only make myself safer, but my family too.

Elisabeth: I'm sorry, but yes.

*John and Mary sit quietly holding hands, concerned for their son's well-being, but proud that he is being so mature about the whole situation*

Doug: Well, I don't see much of a choice. As much as I wish I could just stay at home, I can't put my whole family at risk by being selfish. I suppose this is the best choice in a bad situation. I'll come with you.

Elisabeth: *nods solemnly, aware of the choice made and the consequences involved* I’ll let you pack, but here *she pulls out an envelope and hands it to Doug:* This will be a list of things you’ll need to bring with you.

Doug: I'll go pack *heads upstairs a bit abruptly, closes bedroom door and cries very softly*

*John and Mary also try to put up a brave front*

John: Thank you for doing this for us and our son.

Kurt: This is the right choice. You won't be sorry.

Elisabeth: *her back still turned up the stairs. She starts toward his room* I’ll be right back; I'm just going to check in on him.

Kurt: Okay, I'll wait here.

Doug: *is still sniffling a bit, but has started packing clothes and books*

*John and Mary make generic small talk with Kurt, more to not have any awkward silence in which to think about the consequences of all of this, while Kurt is witty and charming all the while, although he slightly freaks out Doug’s parents by throwing in a few circus stories, a few travel anecdotes, without revealing that he looks any different*

Elisabeth: *taps lightly on the door* Doug, may I come in?

Doug: *wipes sleeve across nose and eyes* Sure. *opens door*

Elisabeth: *walks inside and takes a seat on his bed.* So, how are you really feeling?

Doug: *looks assessingly at Betsy* How do _you_ think? *He has a few suspicions*

Elisabeth: *laughs lightly* How do I know, you mean. I think you have an idea.

Doug: *nods* It seemed like you were able to react to things I hadn't said a few times downstairs. So you are...a telepath?

Elisabeth: Well, Doug, *she takes in the images he inadvertently feeds her, books scattered on his desk, notes on his computer* I knew you were a smart one. Yes, I am.

Doug: *has read more than a bit about common mutations, and is not judgmental,
but just a little bit weirded out at the idea of his thoughts being open to others. A light bulb goes on* So your telepathy helps compensate for your blindness, doesn't it.

Elisabeth: *She leans back and smiles up at him,* I can function in society with my telepathy, but as far as everyone else is concerned, I'm as blind as a bat.

Doug:*is a bit more comfortable, and it doesn't hurt that his guesses were right. He continues packing* So...um...what about Mr. Wagner?

Elisabeth: Kurt, *her smile grows* is what you'd call a visual. You can tell he's a mutant just by looking at him. *she motions to her eyes* So to speak.

Doug: *blinks* You can? How?

Elisabeth: Well, you can't tell right now, he's wearing a device that can hide his mutation. But his talents lie in teleportation, but as for the rest of it, you'll just have to see. I’ll see this much, he's one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. However, some don't take kindly to visuals, like Kurt, regardless of their winning personality. *her face darkens at this, but she tries to keep it from Doug* Kurt has had a colorful background, you should talk to him when you get the chance.

Doug: *nods* I can understand. I mean, if someone like _me_ is a target just from supposedly confidential test results getting out, I can only imagine what he would have to deal with.

Elisabeth: *Betsy notices Doug looking for something around the room, as he speaks. She motions to the desk* Second drawer under the magazine. *she hides her smile as he stares at her* Go on.

Doug: *plucks out the book he was indeed looking for* That's...uncanny.

Elisabeth: Not a problem *she rises from his bed, practically a foot taller than him with her heels, looks to the door* I think Kurt is getting restless. Are you almost done?

Kurt: *ducks his well-coiffed head in* How's the packing going?

Doug: *tosses book into bag* I think I'm done. *carries bags out, much more reassured than when he went into his room*

Elisabeth: *descending the stairs* I promise you, I'll make sure your parents will be alright, as long as we can make sure you enjoy yourself once we get to the school? Hmm?

Doug: Thank you so much for that. I just wanted to know that someone was thinking about them as well as me.

Kurt: So are we ready to hit the road, and then the sky?

Doug: *slightly down again* I suppose. *Hugs mom and dad, trying to put up a good front* I promise to be good about writing.

Kurt: Also, we have computers in every room, so you can keep up with him online as well.

*John does one of those manly hug things to avoid crying at the thought of his son leaving, though Mary makes no pretense at not crying*

*John and Mary exchange handshakes with Kurt and Betsy*

Mary: Thank you again.

Kurt: It was nice to meet you both, we'll make sure he calls when we reach the Mansion.

Elisabeth: *Betsy silently communicates to the parents* I'll take care of him, I promise. She smiles as she realizes how maternal she's behaving* Goodbye, Mr and Mrs. Ramsey.

Kurt:*opens the door, letting Doug: and Betsy past, before closing it with a flourish, then teleporting right in front of them*

Doug: *jumps a bit. Being told about Kurt's ability and seeing it are two different things*

Elisabeth: *snorts* You're such a show off. Come on then

Kurt:*toothy grin* I get antsy easily, the showman in me has to come out. Well, back to the confines of the plane, I suppose. At least Xavier lets us travel in style.

*A limo is waiting for them at the foot of the steps*

Elisabeth: Ride in style indeed, if the Professor had his way, we'd be taking a taxi to the airport.

Doug: *eyes widen. Has never ridden in a limo before*

Elisabeth: *She leans in behind Doug and whispers* This is only the beginning.

Kurt:*opens the door for them both* Ladies and guests first!

Doug:*helps Betsy into the car, falling back on good manners and trying hard to take all of this in and trying to not completely overload and collapse in a gibbering heap*

Kurt is the final one to enter the limo, as it pulls off heading toward Denver International Airport. Doug watches over his shoulder for as long as he can until his house disappears around a corner.