"Wolvie, do you think I'll be able to go home soon?"

"Probably by the end of the week, darlin'. Doctors want to make sure you're okay before they spring ya."

"I guess it's just a matter of where 'home' is gonna be, huh?"

He did not reply. Instead, he walked over to the bed and placed his hand over hers. "I ain't gonna let them take you away, darlin'. Nobody's gonna hurt you again."

She looked up at him and managed a brave smile.

"That's a girl. Now, why don't you--" He stopped abruptly.

"Wolvie?"

His brow suddenly furrowed. His expression hardened, his eyes narrowing.

"Wolvie, what is it?"

"Message from Jeanie. They just finished their meeting."

"How'd it go?"

"Better than expected, not as great as they hoped. Their little suggestion took both the doc and the social worker by surprise. But it seems she wants to come and speak to you herself."

"To me?"

"Yeah. Guess she wants to hear your opinion on the matter. Now, don't go volunteerin' any information unless she specifically asks fer it. Just be honest with her, kiddo. Tell her where you want to live and why. Hopefully, if we're lucky, she'll take yer wishes into consideration."

Jubilee nodded, swallowing at the sudden dryness in her mouth. There came a knock at the door. She looked up at Logan, who gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she called for the visitor to come in.

As soon as Dr. Knight and Ms. Rubins entered the room, the teenager noticed an immediate change in Logan. He seemed on edge, and ready to pop his claws and make hamburger out of them at the slightest provocation. The doctor, too, seemed to sense Logan's uneasiness, and was himself behaving as though slightly nervous.

The woman, however, was all-business. She did not seem particularly friendly-- a notion that struck Jubilee as quite odd. All of the social workers she had dealt with in the past had exuded friendliness from every pore. They usually went out of their way to be nice. It had been sickening at times. They pretended to care, but did not take into account the fact that she had not been happy in any of her foster homes. At least this woman made no pretenses. Nonetheless, there was something about her that was almost . . . frightening. Jubilee suppressed a shudder as a chill ran down her spine. She was beginning to miss those sugary-sweet old ladies. . . .

"Jubilation, my name is Ms. Rubins. I'm from social services. I'd like to ask you a few questions." She looked at Logan. "In private, if you don't mind."

He glared at her. "Givin' all that she's been through, I prefer not to leave her alone."

"I will stay with her," Dr. Knight told him.

"If you don't mind, Doc, I'd rather--"

At that moment, the elderly nurse walked into the room, carrying a small tray with a small and large cup. "Good afternoon. Please excuse the interruption, but 'tis time f'r Miss Jubilee's medication. "'Ow are you feelin' this afternoon, luv?"

"Fine, Peachy," Jubilee replied, already reaching for the cup that contained her pills. Then she took the cup with water to wash it all down.

"That's me girl," Peachy said, taking it from her. She smiled warmly at her. Although Jubilee did not remember the times the kind old nurse spent reading to her, she had taken an immediately liking to her upon her revival. The doting grandmotherly nature of the nurse inspired instant trust. Since then, Peachy had done everything she could to ensure that Jubilee was comfortable and on her way to a complete recovery.

"How about her?" Ms. Rubins asked Logan, impatience creeping into her voice.

He looked the nurse over. He had seen her before, knew that she had only Jubilee's best interests at heart. "Fine by me, if she agrees."

Brows knitting, the nurse looked at them quizzically.

"Nurse--?"

"Peach. Rachel Peach. But folks tend to call me Peachy, Dr. Knight."

"Nurse Peach, this is Ms. Rubins from social services. She'd like to ask Jubilation a few questions, but Mr. Logan refuses to leave her unaccompanied. If you're not too busy, could you please stay for a few minutes?"

"Oi'd be more'n 'appy t' stay."

"Thanks, Peachy," Logan said. "C'mon, Doc, let's leave the ladies to chat." The two men walked toward the door, Logan turning to wink at Jubilee before leaving.

As Peachy busied herself adjusting the curtains, Ms. Rubins sat down in a chair, pulling a notebook and pen from her brief case.

"How are you feeling, Jubilation?" If Jubilee had not known better, she would have almost thought that the woman was sincere. Almost.

She shrugged. "O-okay I guess," she said, trying to steady the tremor in her voice.

"Now, there's no need to be nervous, Jubilation," Ms. Rubins said, her low voice sweet as honey. "I'm just here to ask you a few simple questions. I'm just trying to learn all I can about your situation so I can make the best recommendation to my superiors. I want to come to an arrangement that all concerned are happy with-- most especially you. So, if you have any questions at any time, please let me know. All right?"

"Okay."

"Good. I'm going to start with a few background questions. How old are you, Jubilation?"

"Four-- I mean, fifteen." Blushing, she looked at her sheepishly. "Last I remember, I was fourteen, but Jean'n everyone said I can't remember a year, so I guess I'm fifteen now."

"You were born in California?"

"Yeah."

"And your parents died when you were eleven?"

"Uh huh."

"At that time, you were placed in foster care, from which you soon ran away?"

"Yeah. They didn't care 'bout me, so I figured why stay? I booked."

"And you went to live at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in New York when you were thirteen, where Charles Xavier became your legal guardian. How did you come to live there?"

"Well, a few weeks before that, I met up with Wol-- uhm," she paused, pretending to clear her throat, "with Logan. He took me in, watched over me. I traveled around with him a while, and then went with him when he returned to work at Xavier's. Lived there ever since. Well, at least, for as long as my memories go. After that, I'm told I moved to Massachusetts when the school relocated."

"And, in the process, Mr. Cassidy became your legal guardian."

"I guess. That's what they told me."

"So, you remember nothing about your time at the new school?"

"Nope."

"Does that include your headmaster, Mr. Cassidy?"

"Oh, I remember him from when he worked in New York. He was always very nice to me. A real cool guy."

"And what about your other instructor, Miss Frost?"

Jubilee paused, considering. Logan said not to lie. But he also said not to volunteer any unnecessary information. . . . "I really don't remember that much about her. I guess I didn't get to know her until after I moved to Massachusetts."

"I understand that before you attended her school, you had some . . . how shall I say . . . conflicts?"

Jubilee felt a shiver run up her spine. Ms. Rubins' ice-blue eyes seemed to be staring right through her. *She's acting like she knows about the White Queen. But how can she? Unless--*

Realization suddenly hit Jubilee. This woman was not merely a member of social services who had her supposed best interest at heart. The government was not the only one signing her pay checks. She had another agenda, and she wanted Jubilee to give her reason not to be returned to Xavier's. *Well, I've never been one to conform to people's expectations. That'd be so un-me.*

She returned Ms. Rubins' glare. "Like I said, I don't remember attending school in Massachusetts, or Ms. Frost as a prof. Knowing me, though, I must have given her hell."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

Jubilee gave her a knowing smile. "Y'see, I've always had this problem with authority figures-- 'specially ones who pretend to be something they're not."

Ms. Rubins pursed her lips. Her eyes seemed to say, *Don't threaten me, little girl.*

"After my folks died, I was tossed from one foster home to another. People who didn't take the time to get to know me, to understand where I was comin' from. They didn't give a damn if I came home at night or not. So, one day, I didn't. I ran away. I was your typical mall rat, y'know? So I figured, like, what better place to live than a mall? Livin' for a good time, takin' what I needed. I didn't let myself think about it at the time, but it was all an act. One of those, whaddaya call 'em--"

"Defense mechanisms?" suggested Peachy, who was listening intently from where she stood by the window.

"Yeah, that's it. I didn't want to deal with the fact that my parents were gone, that I was, like, all alone in the world. I couldn't let anyone see that I was hurtin'. So I hid myself beneath this major 'tude of mine. An' people thought I was some maladjusted kid from the wrong side of the tracks, and so they didn't gave a damn. Not even all those social workers. All they could see was a bitter little girl who needed a home, where she could be sheltered from all the big bad stuff goin' down in the world.

"It was different at Xavier's. The people there, they understood my anger, my pain. A lot of them had been through similar situations. Most importantly, they didn't treat me like a little kid. Which is not to say they let me do anything I wanted, 'cause Xavier sure had this thing 'bout rules. What I'm sayin' is that for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged. These people became my family. We took care of each other, watched out for one another, offered a helping hand whenever we could. I was really happy."

"What was your relationship with Mrs. Summers like?"

Jubilee smiled. "At first, I didn't particularly like her. See seemed so . . . I don't know, perfect? Like there was nothing she couldn't do. She was always so confident, so sure of what she wanted. And so beautiful. Everyone liked her. But Jean didn't let that all go to her head. She honestly cared about everyone, me included. She tried reaching out to me. But I was too jealous to let her. Maybe because, deep down, I wished I could be like that. Jean didn't try to push it.

"But then, after a friend of mine died, I was really down. I guess it was because I was so upset that I let her get close. Anyways, Jean was there for me. If it weren't for her, I don't think I would have gotten through those times. I'm glad I got the chance to know her. We've had some pretty cool times. She's always been there when I needed her. I even remember when she was gettin' ready for her wedding with Scott, she took the time to talk with me, to make sure I was doin' okay. If I had to choose one person to help me get back up to speed, it'd be her."

"What about her husband? You just mentioned him in passing. How do you get along with him?"

Jubilee shrugged. "Scott's not quite as . . . open as Jean when it comes to feelings. Not that there's anything wrong with him, he's just a little bit more straight-laced than most people. Like I told you, I've got this thing 'bout authority figures, and he fits the bill. But just 'coz he's serious doesn't mean he doesn't care. The people at Xavier's have become his family, and he'd do anything to help us out. He's helped me out before, and I'm sure he'd be there for me now. He wouldn't let me get away with wimpin' out of any exercises or anything, y'know? He acts the way he does because he cares. Did ya know he was an orphan, like me? He's put these walls up around himself 'coz he was afraid of gettin' hurt. In that respect, I guess you could say we're a lot alike. An' Jean has helped him learn to let people in. I s'pose you could say she helps bring out the best in people.

"So, yeah, I'd like Jean and Scott to be my foster parents. I'd like to go back home to Xavier's."

"Well, thank you for your time, Jubilation," Ms. Rubins said, closing her notebook and replacing it in her brief case.

"So, do I get to go home with them?"

"Well, I'll take that under advisement when coming to my decision."

"What? You mean after all I told you, you haven't decided yet?"

"Well, there are many factors to take into consideration in a matter such as this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be going." She turned to leave.

Jubilee looked after her helplessly. What else could she say to convince her that Xavier's was where she belonged? Fearing that all was suddenly lost, she felt panic gripping her heart.

"It's goin' t' be awl right, luv," Peachy whispered to Jubilee, a warm encouraging smile lighting her round, rosy-cheeked face as she gently patted her hand. "Just leave 'er t' me." Taking a step away from the bed, Peachy called after her. "Excuse me, Ms. Rubins, but may Oi 'ave a word with you?"

At the sound of the the elderly nurse's voice, the social worker turned around. "What is it?" she asked impatiently.

"Oi don't mean t' butt in, dearie, but Oi feel the need t' intervene f'r the benefit of Miss Jubilation 'ere," Peachy said, approaching her. "Oi've been a pediatric nurse f'r over thirty years now, an' Oi've seen a lot in me days. We've gotten plenty of runaways, both orphans an' those with parents, though you couldn't necessarily call some of them that. Oi've seen children beaten beyond recognition, an' Oi've seen them kill themselves with drugs because there was no one at 'ome who gave a damn if they lived or died. That's the reason kids like Jubilation run away.

"Now, if you send 'er t' some orphanage or group 'ome or whatever it is yer callin' them these days, you'll be making a terrible mistake. Oi've seen far too many kids lost in the system because social workers like you thought you were doin' what's best f'r them. This child just poured her 'eart out t' you, admittin' things Oi'm sure she never told anyone, because she knows 'ow desperate her situation is. She knows that much as we try t' do what's best f'r children like 'er, they're the ones who end up getting 'urt.

"Believe me, dealin' with injuries like 'ers can put a lot of stress on a family. It takes a great deal of time an' sacrifice. Yer right t' be worried about what such efforts would do t' the other students. Whoever cares f'r Jubilation needs t' be able t' concentrate on 'er. But if you'd listened t' what she just said, you'd realize that so much 'ad t' 'appen 'fore she was willin' t' open up t' anyone. It takes time t' build trust, an' that is a luxury we don't 'ave right now. If Jubilation is to 'ave a complete recovery, she has to start rehabilitation immediately. An' I know f'r a fact that the most effective therapy is a result of the encouragement an' support of yer loved ones."

As she spoke, Peachy slowly walked toward Ms. Rubins, who backed up at the approach. "Why don't you look at the evidence that's starin' you right in the face? Jubilation has found a family that truly cares about 'er, that loves 'er, an' is willing t' see 'er through the difficult struggle that lies ahead. From the moment this girl came out of surgery, Jean Summers 'as been at 'er side. She 'as done everythin' in 'er power t' see this girl recover. I have no doubt that it was 'er presence an' love that gave Jubilation the strength an' courage t' fight an' come out of 'er coma. An' now Jean wants t' 'elp the girl through the next part of her ordeal. It will be a difficult journey, but she's determined t' stand by Jubilation through it. Can't you see 'ow much she loves this girl? In 'er 'eart, she's already 'er mother. A couple of signatures on a piece of paper won't change that. So why not make it official?

"You have the opportunity to ensure that Jubilation gets a second chance at the family she deserves. Can you in all good conscience sit back and deny 'er that? Because if that's what you're intending to do, Oi warn you, you'll be sorry," Peachy said, hands on hips.

Ms. Rubins, looking threatened for the first time that day, was now standing pressed against the wall with the nurse looming over her.

"Me niece works f'r social services-- she's a director in Concord-- an' Oi've no compunctions about reportin' you t' ensure that Jubilee doesn't pay f'r yer mistakes," Peachy informed her. "So, if you value yer job, Oi suggest you make the decision that will benefit all involved. Do I make meself clear, luv?"

"Why is it taking so long?" Jean asked, glancing again toward the door to Jubilee's room from where she stood down the hallway.

"Relax, sweetheart," Scott said, placing a hand on her back. "I'm sure Ms. Rubins has got plenty of questions for her. She's got to do a thorough job."

"I just hope Jubilee convinces her that this is what she wants."

"The kid's a natural. She'll know just what to say. Everythin's gonna be fine."

"Aye, Logan's right. Don't worry yer pretty li'l head, Jean," Sean assured her. "I can almost guarantee ye that this is in the bag."

They all looked at him, wondering how he could be so confident. They knew it had something to do with where he had disappeared to before meeting them, but he had yet to reveal his whereabouts to them.

"You gonna let the rest of us in on how it is you can be so sure, Irish?"

"All in good time, Logan. All in good time."

"Here she comes," Jean informed them, her glance directed toward the door to Jubilee's room. A moment later, Ms. Rubins emerged. Pausing to straighten her blazer and smooth her hair, she looked anything but happy.

The quartet quickly walked over to her.

"How did yer interview go?" Sean asked her. He was barely able to prevent a smug, knowing grin from spreading across his face.

"Quite well," she told them, putting on an apathetic facade. "I think I have enough information to make my decision. I will notify Dr. Knight in several days once the proper paperwork has been filed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make a phone call. Good day." Without so much as a second glance, she strode down the corridor and disappeared behind a corner.

"What was that all about?" Scott wondered aloud.

"I'm not sure," Jean replied, "but, contrary to how she appeared, she was quite shaken up."

"I could smell the fear," Logan added. "But it was being overpowered by anger. I wouldn't wanna be on the receiving end when she lets loose."

"C'mon, let's go check on Jubilee," Sean said, opening the door.

They found Peachy tucking the covers in around Jubilee. The girl looked perfectly calm, and smiled as they entered. "Hi, guys. What's up?"

"How'd it go, darlin'?"

"Okay. I did exactly what you told me to, Logan: I answered Ms. Rubins' questions, an' explained to her why I wanted to go live at Xavier's with Jean and Scott. I could tell she wasn't one to be impressed by sob stories, so I tried a different approach: I put her off guard by 'coppin' my usual 'tude. But then, when that didn't work, I was really honest with her, and told her how much livin' at Xavier's means to me."

"Did it work?" Scott asked.

"Not really. It's like my words went in one ear and out the other. I started to panic. If bearing my soul wasn't going to do the trick, I didn't know what would. Luckily, Peachy here is a master of intimidation."

"What?" Scott, Jean, and Logan all looked in confusion at the sweet old nurse. Sean beamed at her.

"It was nothin', really," the nurse said, the blush making her round face glow.

"Peachy here sure gave Ms. Rubins what for. She told her how livin' with you guys would be the best decision for me, an' how she could tell that Jean really cared about me."

"I don't understand," Jean said, looking at Peachy.

"Anyone who saw the way you've been actin' toward Jubilation could see 'ow much love is in yer heart. Oi simply told Ms. Rubins as much."

"That's our Jeanie," Logan grinned. "Looks like you've got another fan, Red,"

"Yeah, an' then Peachy threatened to report the ole witch for not actin' in my best interest. I hope she brings that news back to Shaw and stuffs it down his throat!"

"Pish posh. Oi saw a family in need, an' just did what li'l Oi could t' ensure that you all can be together. Nothin' any decent, 'onest person wouldn't do."

"Well, it means a great deal to me-- to all of us," Jean told her, tears in her eyes. "Thank you." She reached to embrace Peachy.

"Oi'm just glad t' 'elp, luv," the nurse replied, returning the hug. Then she whispered, so only Jean could hear, "Yer gonna make quite a mother."

"Did you arrange this?" Scott asked Sean.

"Who, me?" Sean replied, looking around innocently.

"Good job, Irish. Yer more resourceful'n I ever gave you credit for."

"Surely, Logan, ye know by now that I'd do anythin' f'r me students."

"Well, Oi really must be goin' now t' check on me other patients," Peachy told them. "Oi'll check back on you later, luv," she said to Jubilee.

"I've gotta go take care of somethin'," Logan said, also heading for the door. "I'll be back in a little while."

"What was that all about?" Sean asked after Logan had left.

"I don't know," Scott replied. "But something tells me I really don't want to know."

"So, does this mean that everything's set?" Jubilee asked.

"Let's not get out hopes up just yet," Jean said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "But I'm pretty confident everything is going to work out all right."

End of Chapter 15
Jennifer Sorowitz '98