|
Post by aero on Feb 21, 2007 22:52:38 GMT -4
Melody sat in the rec room in with the TV playing in the background as she stared out the window. Her eyes absent-mindedly followed two squirrels that were raiding a bird feeder just outside. Her thoughts were miles away.
She knew she just didn’t just have a cold now for it just seem to be getting worse and not better. She couldn’t deny it anymore. She didn’t want to tell Sam or her Mama both had already been through so much with Paige and everything else. She knew she should go to the med lab, but Dr. McCoy seem so busy and she didn’t want to add to his troubles. So she was just avoiding everyone.
Mel rested her forehead against the cool glass of the window. She wondered if this was what her cat, Henrietta, was thinking when she got sick and disappeared. The twins found her two-week later behind the barn dead. She wondered if the cat was trying to do save everyone some trouble and if she was strong enough to just take off and die alone somewhere.
She sighed heavily wishing she could forget the dark cloud looming over her and just enjoy herself. It seemed like it been so long since she been happy, it almost seem like a vague dream from years ago. Mel was beginning to wonder if it was a dream.
|
|
|
Post by Kitty Pryde on Feb 23, 2007 16:47:03 GMT -4
Why did life have to be so confusing? Kitty hadn’t been out of Quarantine for long and already she was at a loss for what to do with herself. Part of her wanted to hide away to avoid the questions and the guilt while another part wanted to yell “oh, screw that!” and just start living it up. Life was short. It was a cliché saying, but she never realized how true it was until now. Life was short, and she should be living every moment as if it was her last, but she could never completely ignore the guilt that nagged at the back of her brain. She was free; she was healthy; she was cured... and she was the only one. Other people were still dying of this disease and she had gotten a free pass.
It really put a damper on the whole “yay, life!” thing. She had to suck it up eventually, though, and start interacting with people again. She had been isolated for so long she wasn’t sure she knew how to be social anymore, not that she was ever good at that. It was worth a shot, though.
After opening about every cupboard in the kitchen, she finally settled on some yogurt covered raisins. She had lost a pile of weight while she had been sick, and while she had always wanted to be thinner, she sort of felt like she was now a little too skinny. But that didn’t mean she should start pigging out on the junk food again, just because she could. No, that was for, like, movie nights or whatever.
Popping a few raisins in her mouth, she stepped back out into the hallway and was soon following the sound of the television toward the rec room. Peeking her head into the room, Kitty was surprised to find the sofa empty. Nobody at the pool tables. Nobody in any of the chairs around the television.
Assuming that someone had just left the television on, she was just moving over to turn it off when she caught the slightest movement by the windows out of the corner of her eye.
“Oh, hey! I was starting to think everyone heard me coming and took off or something,” Kitty said, smiling a little.
(Hope you don’t mind a little company)
|
|
|
Post by aero on Feb 23, 2007 17:32:54 GMT -4
Melody wasn’t really paying attention to what was going on outside her head. Her thoughts were chaotic at the moment and she was trying to make some sense. She wonder if it was sign how bad of shape she was that she could make sense of her own thoughts.
Someone’s voice brought her back to reality. She looked at Kitty with a blank look but quickly plastered on a fake smile as she shift to sit cross legged. “Ah’m sorry if Ah startled ya. Mah mind sorta got away from me…” She said with a heavy shrug.
Mel’s dark hair fell into her face as she pulled Sam’s flannel shirt, that she borrowed, protectively around as if it would shield from any evil that may enter the room. She didn’t move towards the other girl figuring keeping space between them was the best thing; she didn’t want to make anyone else sick.
Her eyes study Kitty’s face for a moment trying to remember if she knew her or not. “Ya’re Kitty Pryde, right? Ah’m Melody Guthrie…” She paused figuring that introduction probably still left her with out knowing who she was so she sigh and offered a shrug adding. “Sam Guthrie’s kid sister.”
She turned her head and covered her mouth as she began to cough. She coughed so hard it seemed to shake her whole small frame. After getting control of her coughing fit she offered Kitty a forced smile. “Excuse me. Ah seem t’ be comin’ down with something, Ah reckon.”
(Company is more then welcome.)
|
|
|
Post by Kitty Pryde on Feb 23, 2007 18:05:21 GMT -4
It had been a long while since Kitty had met someone at the mansion that she didn’t know. She had met Sam before, and had known he had sisters, but she had yet to meet any of them.
Actually, now that she thought about it, there was one she would never meet. She had heard about Paige. Paige had been the first case she had heard of, as well as the first case where the patient had... hadn’t...
Swallowing the food in her mouth, Kitty forced herself to smile brighter, but already she could feel the guilt rising up again like a monster in the sea. Or something like that.
“Yeah, that would be me. It’s nice to meet you, Melody,” Kitty replied, taking a step closer to the other girl only to stop dead in her tracks when Melody started coughing. Violently coughing. Before she could hide it, her eyes widened as a look of pure horror settled on her face. If that was just a cold then she would eat her own foot. It sounded too nasty, too... familiar.
“A-are you o-okay?” she stuttered, shaking off her shock and allowing the concern to take over.
|
|
|
Post by aero on Feb 23, 2007 18:30:49 GMT -4
“Excuse me.“ Melody bit her lip, as her cough seemed to cause Kitty to freeze in place. She bowed her head drawing her legs closer to her chest like she was trying to protect something. She was unsure if she was trying to protect herself or Kitty from the germs that claimed her body.
She did look up as Kitty asked if she was okay. “Yeah… Jus’ a cold.” She said softly it was getting harder to say the lie, maybe because now she knew it was a lie that why the words got lodge in her throat when she spoke them aloud.
Mel eyes began to burn. She blinked rapid knowing if she burst into tears Kitty would know she had lied through her teeth. She rubbed her eyes on the sleeve of the oversize flannel she wore.
“Or maybe allergies.” She shrugs doing her best not to appear like she was few minutes away from crying like a baby. “Nothin’ serious really…”
Mel once again forced a smile as she try to contain her bubbling emotions and rubbed her eyes on her sleeve. Her eyes shift to the door figuring she go now before she broke down or passed her germs to anyone else. But she really didn’t have the energy to get up at the moment so she just end up pulling her legs closer to her chest.
She closed her eyes. “Ah’m goin’ t’ be alrigh’.” She said softly in a tone that seemed like she was trying to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince Kitty.
|
|
|
Post by Kitty Pryde on Feb 23, 2007 19:01:01 GMT -4
Just a cold. Just allergies. Kitty remembered how often she had tried to tell herself that in the beginning. She had even walked right into the testing thinking nothing of it. She had been completely shocked when Christine had broken the news to her. Then shock had turned to depression and it was just not an experience she ever wanted to repeat.
Or ever wanted anyone else to have to go through.
So what now? Should she tell this poor kid to get tested? What if it really was just a horrible, nasty cold? She didn’t want to scare the girl. Should she agree with her that she would be alright? It tasted like a dirty lie in the back of her throat. Should she tell Melody about her own experience?
And what? Tell her that even though I’m cured, there’s a possibility she won’t be?
The guilt was threatening to eat her alive, but even more than that Kitty felt her heart breaking for Melody. If this was in fact what she thought it was, the girl was in for a rough ride.
“How about I make you a nice hot mug of tea, huh? Then maybe I can raid the linen closet for the warmest blankets around and we can watch a chick flick or something. Whaddya say?” Kitty put on her most encouraging voice and smile. Even with all the confusion going on in her head right now, she knew one thing for sure: what Melody really needed right now was a friend.
|
|
|
Post by aero on Feb 23, 2007 19:40:19 GMT -4
Melody eyes went back to Kitty. She tilted her head to the side as if she was confused by her offer. Kitty suggestion reminded her on how her and her sisters use to spend Sunday evening after church during the colder months. It made her miss her family and feel more alone, which was kind of funny to her since she left home to get away from her family and show she could be alone. The irony almost made her smile.
She rubbed her eyes and frowned slightly unsure how to respond. She had been avoiding everyone for so long she getting awful lonely and to the point where she would welcome company. She knew it was better off for everyone if she just declined and took off finding a new place to wallow in her own depression, but she didn’t want to seem rude or ungrateful. Mel didn’t feel right the possibility of making someone sick just because she was lonesome.
She forced a smile once again. “Sounds awful nice but Ah don’t wanna be a bother.” She stared at her feet and clenched her fists willing herself to decline the best she could without being rude. “Ah am sure ya have something more interesting’ t’ do then entertain me. Ah really appreciate the offer…”
Mel bit her tongue as she felt another coughing fit come on. She did her best to try to swallow back the cough doubting Kitty will believe that she had just cold if she witness another one of her coughing fits.
|
|
|
Post by Kitty Pryde on Feb 23, 2007 19:58:59 GMT -4
Melody’s smiles couldn’t be more fake. Kitty was a horrible liar and very gullible, but she was so not falling for that. She knew how it felt to just want to push everyone away and wallow. She had tried to do that herself, but luckily Kurt hadn’t let her. She remembered when she had first found out she had the Legacy Virus. She had been just a sobbing mess hiding under her sheets. Kurt could have left her alone, but he hadn’t.
And man, was she glad he hadn’t.
“Oh, it’s no bother at all!” Kitty exclaimed with a bright smile. “You would be doing me a favour, really. I’ve been seriously lacking in my ‘romantic comedy’ quota this week and they’re just not nearly as fun to watch alone.”
|
|
|
Post by Panthera on Feb 23, 2007 20:33:04 GMT -4
It's amazing how the enormity of an injury like a bruise can effect the way someone acts, walks, talks, heck even functions. The welt across Sam's back was larger than a semi's tire tread on the freeway. The coloring was still a bright beautiful lobster red with hues of plum already beginning to darken the tapestry of her back. All she had in her room was a stand-up shower, sink and toilet, and she sure couldn't fit inside the sink. So, all she could do was tough it out and change clothes once she got back from the nightmare at the warehouse.
At least the pain took her mind off her worries of becoming a satanic beast with large teeth and a tail. There was no one to anger her in her room or anywhere else in the mansion. They were all mutants, which meant no humans would be mentioned....at least she hoped.
Sam was pretty bored after slipping into something more comfortable. She even decided on not wearing a bra since the strap went right over the center of her wound and it sure did sting. That was ok, since she had a couple of flannel shirts she had found in a thrift store. They were men's shirts and a bit faded, but they sure were comfortable and could conceal her lack of material underneath.
So, after making a nice hot cup of tea with some herbs she had concocted to take some of the pain away, she decided to maybe go to the rec room and see what was on the telly. It was a quiet room and from the looks of it no one was even around so her not wearing any pants seemed alright since the shirt almost went to her knees anyhow. I'll just curl up in that blanket I found earlier. I'm sure it will feel like a mack truck hit me as I sit down, but it'll wear off with this tea....I hope.
Slowly and tenderly she took her mug and her battered body inside the room where two girls were there chatting. A bright smile came across her face. Females! Thank God. I was beginning to think there was only one female around and from the looks of it, she isn't too fond of me. Making her way to the couch, she didn't want to interrupt, but her giddiness got the best of her.
"Girls night out? Mind if I join?"
(Hope it's alright)
|
|
|
Post by aero on Feb 23, 2007 21:00:23 GMT -4
Melody bit her tongue till she couldn’t hold back the anymore. She once again turned her head and covered her mouth as her body spasm with a cough. She coughed so hard she saw spots. She began rubbing her eyes trying get her vision back to normal once the coughing stopped.
“Excuse me.” She said in a soft voice.
Mel looked to Kitty and once again tried her best to smile as she tucked her dark curtain of hair behind her ear. She really didn’t want to be alone and she didn’t think she had the energy to tell Kitty no. She nodded giving in. “Alrigh‘. Ah guess there no harm in it if ya don‘t have anything else t’ do.”
She figured if she stayed at least a few feet away from Kitty there was no risk of her spreading her germs to her. Part of her knew she was just rationalizing it so she didn’t have to be alone.
Mel pulled her into a small ball and forced in smile when another girl enter the room. “More the merrier.” She with as much force cheerfulness she could muster.
She wondered if they consider it rude if she watched the movie from the hall. That would put everyone at a safe distance from her, least she would hope it would…
|
|
|
Post by Kitty Pryde on Feb 23, 2007 21:44:30 GMT -4
When Melody started coughing again, Kitty almost dropped the whole bag of raisins. Holding her breath, she could almost feel the body wracking coughs. She knew exactly how it felt, like your lungs were being torn to shreds. It was a horrible feeling. The girl needed medical attention, not that there was anything really to do for her.
And as much as Kitty hated to even think it, Melody needed to be put into quarantine. Who knew how long the girl had before the disease was contagious. Yes, she was sure of it now. She had seen it, felt it first hand.
Just one more night. Everyone deserves one last night of fun before locking themselves up.
“Nope, nothing at all!” Kitty replied, forcing herself to appear giddy and as far from worried as she was. “I’ll just go make us some food and tea, if you want to pick out a movie to – oh!”
Since she had been talking while turning to head back to the kitchen, Kitty hadn’t noticed they had more company until she had turned around and almost knocked into the other girl. Woman. Damn.
The newcomer was dressed in a flannel shirt and, what appeared to be, nothing more. It was having women like her and Storm and Emma Frost running around the mansion in their altogether that really made Kitty feel self conscious and inferior sometimes.
“Actually, it’s more like a girl’s night in,” Kitty shrugged, looking slightly uncomfortable. All the guys probably drooled all over this one with her shapely legs and perfect hair and, let’s face it, ‘perfect rack’. Like the oversized shirt could hide that. Glancing back to Melody, curled up in a similar flannel shirt, Kitty gave a bit of a sheepish grin. “I didn’t know there was going to be a dress code, though.”
|
|
|
Post by Panthera on Feb 23, 2007 22:14:02 GMT -4
The cough could be heard from the gates outside. Sapphire winced inside feeling terrible for the young girl right away. The tea in her hands was warm and its soothing nature would sure help her more than her wooden mark across her back, the aching in her legs and arms, and the headache. I can always troll back slowly and get some more. She needs this more than me right now. Poor thing.
She was heading in her general direction when the other girl almost ran her over trying to get by. A little giddish, it's only a cough, she thought while she exchanged a somewhat pleasant greeting. The girl was definitely checking her out making Sam wish she had on an Eskimo suit, boots and gloves. She didn't think she looked at all indecent. Everything was covered and covered very well. Nothing was hanging out, although they were hanging. The shirt practically tickled the lower part of her thighs and hey, the cheetah slippers should have a been a sign of innocence right there.
“Actually, it’s more like a girl’s night in,”
She seemed quite uncomfortable around Sam, and maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all. All she wanted to do was make more friends than the two she only had so far. And having some female ones would just be the cat's meow.
“I didn’t know there was going to be a dress code, though.”
She raised an eyebrow at the young woman and looked upon herself again. She thought she looked fine. If only she could see the tattered and battered body underneath, she would be so cold with her words.
So, Sam decided to ignore the little comment and continued her walk over to the girl with the ugly cough. She handed her the tea she had prepared.
"Here, take this. I promise you it will make you feel better. Back in my homeland, my mother taught me a few tricks with certain herbs and spices. It will at least calm your nerves and hopefully some of that cough. I can just get another one."
She hoped she take her friendly offer.
"Oh, and by the way, my I'm Samantha."
|
|
|
Post by aero on Feb 23, 2007 23:00:11 GMT -4
Melody blushed slightly when everyone attention seem to be drawn to her. She squirmed slightly as if fearing if they look hard enough they could see the disease crawling over like ants on a discarded sucker. She once again pulled the over size flannel shirt closer to her as if that would protect her if they did have that sort of x-ray vision.
She smiled slightly at Kitty’s comment about her and Samantha wearing flannel. “Well there are really comfy. Ah stole mine from mah brother. One benefit of havin’ an older brother is they have lot of cool stuff t’ ‘borrow‘.” She then bit her lip realizing in her nervousness she was allowing her mouth to go a mile a minute.
When Samantha began to step closer to her Mel nearly jumped out the window, but what kept her seated was the fact that would be unbelievably rude. She bowed her head doing her best not to breathe or touch the older girl. She took the cup from her. “Thank ya, Ma'am. It’s very kind of ya.”
Her sad eyes looked up at the pretty brunette. “Ah’m Melody Guthrie, Sam Guthrie’s kid sister. Nice t’ meet ya.” She said softly figuring that would make her know vaguely who she was.
Mel force a smile again at Sam. “Ya want t’ pick the movie? Ah am afraid Ah am out of the loop when it comes t’ movies.”
|
|
|
Post by Kitty Pryde on Feb 23, 2007 23:08:50 GMT -4
Well, that was rude! The woman, Samantha, had just completely snubbed and ignored her. She could have just walked right through Kitty as if she wasn’t even there on her way over to introduce herself to Melody.
She had thought that pointing out the similarities of the two other’s wardrobe would have been a funny little icebreaker, but then again she had never been good at first impressions. At least she hadn’t screamed at them, although considering how wonderful that relationship had turned out after such a disastrous first meeting, maybe she should have.
Note to self: Don’t try to make jokes. You suck at them.
Frowning a bit, it didn’t last long when she heard Melody call Samantha “Ma’am”. She barely held back her giggles at that. It kind of sucked for the girl to have to constantly identify herself by her brother, but Kitty thought it must have been nice to have an older brother. The closest thing she had ever had was... well, she didn’t want to think about that right now.
“I’ll just, uh, go get the food, then,” Kitty muttered, making for the door.
|
|
|
Post by Panthera on Feb 23, 2007 23:35:17 GMT -4
“Well there are really comfy. Ah stole mine from mah brother. One benefit of havin’ an older brother is they have lot of cool stuff t’ ‘borrow‘.”
Samantha could have kicked herself for not getting the connection from the girl's comment about the dress code. But then again, kicking her again would have probably put her in a coma. The young sick girl smiled as she took the coffee and tried desperately not to breathe on Sam. She wanted nothing more than to console her and be like a mother hen, since she had been a caretaker of small children back home. They were little toddlers, however, but children nonetheless.
“Thank ya, Ma'am. It’s very kind of ya.”
She offered a warm smile and a small pat on the arm before walking away. Sam knew she was uncomfortable just by how her scent changed so quickly when she walked closer to her. That's the last thing she wanted to do, making someone nervous because of her. She had enough to deal with her emotions all out of whack.
“I’ll just, uh, go get the food, then,”
This would be a good opportunity to make up for her blunt rudeness earlier. She needed some more tea anyways and the two of them could carry more back. Sam was hungry and would fend for herself if it made them uncomfortable.
"I'll tag along. That is if you don't mind. I need some more tea and I'm sure Miss Melody will be OK" she said looking and winking at the young teenager. "Maybe we can find you a flannel shirt along the way", she giggled walking back up to the girl she only knew as the Sword girl.
She turned her head back to Melody with a last comment.
"We'll pick a movie out when we get back so everyone can agree on something."
|
|