Second Chances

Posted on Tue Dec 19th, 2023 @ 2:15pm by Charles Xavier & Aurora Summers

1,614 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Episode 3: X-Tra Ecclesiam
Location: Xavier’s Office
Timeline: August 21st, 1990

With Xavier having mentioned that they should talk, Aurora had made her way to his office. Now she sat on the sofa waiting to see just what pearls of wisdom he was going to give her, the anger at his having sent Scott away were buried deep for fear of losing her temper. The minor burns on her skin from her emotional outburst with Scott were healing quickly, as wounds tended to for mutants. Though it was something she would need to speak to Xavier about.

Today was proving to be a stressful day, but Charles took it in stride. The bad came with the good. Life was a package deal. Trying to have one without the other only disorganized both. Still, painful things were what they were.

"Hello, Aurora." As he entered his office, the greeting was warm and sincere. Their subject matter was likely to be tense and awkward, but there was no call to diminish their rapport. "Today has been difficult, hasn't it?"

Aurora nodded. “I would say difficult is an understatement, Professor.” She gave Xavier an unhappy look. “Given that my abilities seem to be out of whack right now, it’s been difficult keeping myself under control. This happened when I let my emotions get the better of me earlier...” She motioned to healing burns on her arms. “I’ve never burnt myself before, and Connor told me my eyes were glowing orange too.”

"That also happened this morning," the Professor said gently. "In my study. Control is a confusing thing. The more we try to get it, the less we end up having. You are experiencing things presently — feelings, circumstances, fears, stressors — that are unavoidable. Trying to avoid them will only add to your frustration and lead to inevitable defeat. Does that make sense?"

Aurora nodded. “I guess so, but right now I’m...angry, and frustrated, and...” She shook her head. “With my abilities letting myself go would be dangerous for everyone, and I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Nodding with understanding, the Professor said, "That is what the Danger Room is for. It's a safe place to let your powers loose. Constantly holding yourself back is no way to move forward. You need space to grow...to grieve...to heal." He paused to take a breath. "I know what today has done to you, Aurora. How upsetting it is. I wish I could make it less so, but consequences are the boundaries of life which teach us which times are when we must move, change, and adapt. A little reed can withstand a gale that knocks down a mighty tree because the reed is able to bend without breaking. Allow me to help you weather this storm."

Aurora nodded. “I know it’s what Scott wants, for me to be here where I, and our baby, am safe. So...yes I’ll allow you to help me.” She offered a brief smile. “Has Jade spoken to you about my medical tests?”

"Yes, but we can get to those in just a moment," the Professor said. "The reason for you to be here must be that it's where you want to be. You cannot live life continually serving the wants and needs of others. There is a certain nobility to that but it cannot sustain you. Inevitably... you will burn out. That is why we have so many alumni. While their gifts would be helpful in advancing our cause directly, they must be free to live out their own dreams. That's what we're really fighting for here anyway."

Aurora nodded. “I do want to be here, Professor, I want to learn to properly control and use my abilities instead of having to hide them. I also have my son to protect. It’s what Scott would want me to do as well.” She paused for a moment. “I’d also like to learn more about my past, maybe even find out who my real mother is, and why she gave me up.”

"Son." Having made his point and heard Aurora's answer, the Professor allowed the conversation to flow toward happier matters. "It is truly incredible that the gender has been determined after only one week. Jade is a credit to her profession and a marvel in her own right." And, then, Charles allowed a smile to grace his face. "All else notwithstanding, Aurora... congratulations."

Aurora couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, Professor, and Jade is a marvel. It appears that my gestation period is...unusually advanced. Jade thinks this pregnancy will only last around six months, if nothing changes in the meantime.”

"Unusual..." said the Professor thoughtfully, "though perhaps not entirely unheard of. I will reach out to my friend Moira MacTaggert and get her appraisal of the case. Her insights have been invaluable in the past."

Aurora nodded. “I’d appreciate that Professor, there’s doubt as to just how long a lifespan my son will have I’d like some answers, if it’s possible to get any.”

"Lifespans are anybody's guess," the Professor said with a furrowed brow. Clearly he was concerned by what he'd read, but not enough to jump to any conclusions. "I think it's safe to say any suggestions at this time are premature. Just focus on staying happy and healthy as best you can. Life has always found a way."

“I guess you’re right there.” Aurora nodded. “For what it’s worth, Professor, I do love Scott. It may seem naïve of me considering we haven’t known each other long, I never intended for our love to seem such a betrayal. When we’re together there’s no pain, no sadness, Scott is able to let go of his pain. All I want to do is make him happy.”

The Professor lowered his head. What Aurora said was not technically untrue. Bonds had been formed in the manner of love and devotion. But they were not the sort which often lasted. "I believe you, Aurora," the Professor said, then mirroring her words with a smile, "for what it's worth." His face turned solemn again. "I will never tell you that your feelings are not real. As I've said before, they may not last. For either of you. The bonds you have formed together are like baby teeth. They grow quickly and serve a purpose, only to fall away when space is made for something permanent and long-lasting. While the whirlwind of romance is a wonderful thing, it is not fertile soil in which to plant something you wish to tend forever." But the Professor turned hopeful. "I don't think you're naïve, Aurora, because I can tell that, on some level, you are hearing my words. My hope is that whatever life brings, you will know that regardless of the harsh discipline I was forced to levy, I remain here for you. This next phase will be Scott's to navigate alone by his own request. I will honor that, but I've reminded even him that he will always have a place with the X-Men... even if I cannot permit him to be here at this time."

Aurora nodded. “I still wish he was here, and I know I have to earn your trust again, and I will earn it. I doubt some of those here will want much to do with me though.” She offered a melancholy smile. “I still want to do what I can with the team, until such time as I can’t. I won’t be a weak point, it’ll put others in danger.”

"There is more than one way to measure strength and to make contributions," said the Professor. "I look forward to finding them with you. Never fear. There is no such thing as dead weight, only an unfound purpose."

Aurora nodded. “I was training to use Cerebro, I’d like to continue with that training.” She paused. “Professor, what happens if we do find Jean? I have to admit it worries me, knowing what she means to Scott. Not that I’d leave her, I promised Scott I’d help find Jean, if she’s still out there.”

That was the million dollar question. Xavier took a deep breath and let it go slowly. "Honestly, Aurora, I don't know. Bobby was more or less well-cared for by his captors, as were you. It took some time for you both to... to acclimate to freedom. When we find the others..." The Professor consciously used the word 'when'. "... there is no telling what state they will be in. I expect Jean will likely need care beyond our ability to render here, in which case she would be a guest of Moira's on Muir Island for as long as her recovery should require."

Aurora nodded. “I understand, what I felt from her when our minds met was...terrible yet...liberating somehow. I can’t really explain why it feels that way.” She shrugged her shoulders, then stifled a yawn.

While it wasn't the first time Aurora had shared the experience, the way she described it here and now gave Xavier chills. "I've taken up enough of your time," he said. "Why don't you lie down and get some rest? I will be available for the rest of the day should you need to talk more."

Aurora nodded. “Alright, Professor. Thank you for giving me a second chance.” She offered a polite nod before heading for the door.

"Aurora." He paused long enough for her to turn around and look back. "You're welcome," he said with a tender smile.

Smiling Aurora nodded and headed on her way.

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