Roommates

Posted on Thu Dec 21st, 2023 @ 3:35am by Bliss Hawkins & Kennedy Kelly
Edited on on Thu Dec 21st, 2023 @ 10:35am

3,836 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Episode 3: X-Tra Ecclesiam
Location: Mansion and Lake
Timeline: August 21, 1990 - Late Night

Bliss had met Kennedy when she first arrived but their interactions stopped shortly after. The mystery of her new roommate continued when Kennedy immediately went upstairs after the meeting. When Bliss finally stopped by their room, she found a lump under the covers in a dark bedroom.

At first, it was easy enough to justify, sometimes the journey to Xavier’s could be taxing, leaving a person exhausted and needing sleep. It was better to let someone sleep if they needed it. But after dinner time passed and then lights out for the students, the lump known as Kennedy hadn’t budged.

It was only after the house was dark and Bliss herself had gone to bed did she hear a rustle of sheets from the other side of the room and the bedroom door open. A moment later she heard a hushed voice in the hallway.

“Darren, Darren it’s Kennedy. It’s been over a week since we spoke. I miss you so much, and I’m someplace new now. I’ll call again tomorrow. Please pick up.”

The phone in the hall returned to its receiver before Bliss heard Kennedy slip back into bed. Soon after, muffled sniffles occasionally filled the room from under the covers.

A sleepless Bliss rolled over to stare up at the ceiling, unable to ignore the pitiful sounds coming from the other side of the room. She'd heard enough sad sounds in her time in the system to last a lifetime, but she didn't have a hard heart. Just the opposite. That was why she came here, to learn how to help others. But not every problem is fixed with a punch in the mush. Most, but not all.

“Hey…Kennedy? It's gonna be ok. First nights are the worst. But I promise you, as places go, this one's all right.”

She sat up and turned towards the bed on the other side of the room.
“Are you hungry? I got some hostess fruit pies up here, or if you're really jonesing for something warm, I could sneak down and make you a Bliss Burger.”

“Thank you, Bliss.” The lump in the dark also sat up and wiped away her stray tears.

“No thank you, I haven’t really been hungry lately. And I’m sorry I woke you up and moved into your room.”

“It's ok. It's not your fault. Besides, I kinda like having someone here. It's a big room, almost bigger than the last address I had before I came here."
Bliss looked towards the window. The shades were pulled, but a bit of light came in.
"I've got some stuff to drink. I'm hoping to get a mini fridge in here, then we'd be all set. But for now, I just keep some pop cans I've snuck up here by the air conditioner vent. I've even got a Zima. I'll split it with you if you promise not to squeal on me. “

“Oh, no thank you for the Zima.” Kennedy replied, but she felt bad rejecting every kind offer her new roommate had provided. She calculated how much to share, releasing a heavy sigh as she did.

“I’m on probation and I can’t afford to get into any more trouble. They could send me to juvenile hall and if I get kicked out of this school, I was told a ranch in Montana is my next stop. And I don’t want to disappoint the Professor…”

Kennedy realized that it made it sound like Bliss would be a disappointment for drinking and quickly corrected herself.

“But please enjoy it, I don’t mind. It’s just, I have a lot of personal stuff going on right now that makes things… complicated.”

She thought about what Bliss said and how she kept her soda on the air vent.

“If you want a mini-fridge, I can get us one.” Kennedy didn’t want her to think she was trying to buy her friendship but she wanted to extend the same kindness Bliss was showing.

“I was going to get a few more things for my side of the room, why not a mini-fridge too? Consider it a housewarming gift, roomie.”

Bliss was still mulling the revelation of Kennedy's probation when she heard the offer and smiled into the dark.
“Thanks but I'm in no hurry. I'm sure you've got a ton on your plate from what you're saying. But don't worry, we'll get you the things you need, I haven't hit every store in Salem center, but I know the good ones. Just make a list and we'll get you set up."

“As for the Zima, don't worry--I just keep it for guests. That stuff tastes like awful cough syrup and not in a good way."

“The professor, he's not so bad. I have seen a lot of authority figures in my time and he's a lot better than most. I get the feeling he's actually watching out for me rather than waiting for me to make a mistake so I can be punished.”

"Hey, you've been in here all day and most of the night. You want to get some air? “

“Yeah sure, let’s get out of here.” The truth of the matter was Kennedy was tired of crying, she was tired of feeling lost and isolated. She wanted a friend more than she realized.

“Plus you’ll spare me from getting a tour from Bobby.”

Bliss chuckled as she turned her bedside lamp on.
“Yeah Bobby is a bit of a head case. He tries so hard, but I think he's trying too hard if you know what I mean."

She pulled the pair of denim cutoffs up over her hips. She was still wearing her Police tour shirt.
“Do you need to change your clothes? I promise we won't leave campus. Probably just going to walk down to the lake. It's far enough away from the house to get a breath of fresh air without being hassled too much."

“I’ll change.” Kennedy said while remembering this was a co-ed campus. They most likely wouldn’t run into anyone but it didn’t feel right to walk around in her nightgown.

She turned on her desk lamp and opened the massive traveler’s trunk at the foot of her bed. The trunk was covered in rich green leather and the signature blue and red belt from Gucci adorned the case.

Kennedy collected a few things and disappeared into the bathroom at the end of the hall. Opting to brush her teeth and dress for the walk.

“I didn’t realize there was a lake.” Kennedy replied as she placed her things on the foot of her bed. “I grew up staying at the beach all summer, I like being near water.”

Bliss gave her a grin as she prepared for the walk. She pulled her keds onto her feet.
“Yeah we got a pretty good size lake within a short walk. Big enough to boat on. We also have a pool for when the lake is too busy or too cold."

Bliss waved Kennedy forward when the willowy girl was ready.
"Last chance for snacks before we head out., You good?”

“I’m good.” Kennedy waved off the offer.

Bliss led Kennedy out into the hallway and padded down the steps. She held a single finger to her lips as they weaved out of the place. The TV lounge was lit with the blue light from the wall unit. Connor was probably still watching TV, or had fallen asleep in front of it.

Kennedy attempted to remain as silent as possible as they left their room. While no one had explicitly told her about the rules surrounding curfews she had a feeling they were breaking them.

“Will we get in trouble if someone catches us outside?” Kennedy squeaked once they had made it outside.

Bliss shook her head no.
“Nah, Only if we survive."
Bliss looked back to see Kennedy's face and quickly waved her off.
"Kidding! We're safe here, it's okay.”

“Then why did we have to be so quiet? Who was in the TV room?” Kennedy remained crouched and whispering even if they had managed to escape the mansion.

“I'm not totally sure."
Bliss motioned Kennedy to follow her past the pool area towards the thick forest surrounding the lake.
“But if I had to make a bet, it's probably Connor. He's a difficult person to describe. He's built like a burly linebacker for a professional football team, but he's insanely intelligent. But he's also sweet."
She looked back towards her companion with a rare shy smile and blush that couldn't be seen in the dim light of the moon.
“We're kinda seeing each other. You'll get to know him soon enough. He can be overwhelming at first until you get to know him."

“With the talking device? I’ve met him briefly.” Kennedy replied as they made their way into the wooded area behind the mansion grounds. Despite the dense trees things felt lighter out here.

“He was interested in the car I arrived in and then he helped carry my things upstairs but with Bobby talking it’s hard for anyone to get anything in edgewise.”

She followed Bliss deeper into the woods, her eyes still adjusting to the darkness now that the moon was obstructed.

“He was nice and he made my mom’s driver mad so there’s a point in my book. How long have you guys been dating?”

Bliss smiled fondly at the idea of Connor annoying people who deserve to be annoyed.
"Not long really. As you might imagine there are some challenges, but nothing that can't be overlooked or defeated. I recently went through some health issues and was away from school for a while. When I returned I found a poem he had written in front of my door. I was so surprised to get something sweet like that. I don't even think he meant it in a romantic way but it was just so kind. It kind of opened my eyes to him in a different way. Now where the heck is that switch?"

Bliss reached out and threw a switch on an electrical box. Almost immediately the path was lit down to the lake by periodic lights.
“There that's better. We don't have to break our necks tripping on something stupid."

“Oh wow, that’s enchanting.” Kennedy didn’t expect to find anything of beauty, the world had been dulled as of late and joy had left her since that terrible day several weeks ago. But the woods, dotted with fairy lights that traveled in a lazy path through the thicket, the scene made her happy.

“How long have you been here?” She asked as the pair started to walk down to the lake.

"I got here in the first week of July. So not really that long.”
“Remind me when it gets to be Christmas season I'll get some Christmas lights and string them all through the back here. That would really be pretty when we're coming back from the lake."

“Oh, um… sure Bliss.” Kennedy absentmindedly agreed to her request as her thoughts remained focused on Christmas and what this season would be like. The blonde quietly followed Bliss as they continued their walk.

Bliss noticed the silence. She probably put her foot in it by mentioning Christmas. It's probably the last thing somebody who's separated from their family wants to hear.

The path down to the lake opened up to show the extensive dock. There were plenty of lights to be able to see out into the lake.
“And here we are. You have at least one swimsuit in that big trunk of yours? If not we'll get you one tomorrow. I like to come out here and dip my feet in the water.”

She kicked off her keds and unceremoniously set at the dock and put her feet in the water.
“Have a seat."

“I have several bathing suits.”
Kennedy confessed as she stepped out of her sandals and joined Bliss on the edge of the dock. It wasn’t the ocean, but she enjoyed the smell of the water and serene feeling it provided.

"Look, I've been where you are. It sucks to have your whole life turned upside down. But this is not the end of your life. In fact I bet there's a lot of good things will come out of this for you. Right now it hurts too much to think that way. But give it time.”

“I don’t feel any different.” Kennedy said softly “But everyone tells me that I am.”

She placed her feet in the cool dark water.
“Even my boyfriend won’t return my calls. There was a part of me that hoped he would stick with me but I guess what I did… It was the final straw. In hindsight I feel pretty stupid thinking he would stay with me.”

“Better to find out now your boyfriend doesn't have your back than further down the road. Like, after you're married. “
Bliss leaned in to wet her hands in the lapping waters. Her green eyes gleamed in the glow of the dock lights. Her tone was soft and kind.
“What was it you did? Besides being born with a little extra in your genes?”

“I stole a car… I stole my boyfriend’s dad’s car. Then when I was arrested for stealing said car I assaulted a police officer. But in my defense, that part was an accident.”

Bliss’s jaw slowly dropped in shock as Kennedy elaborated.
“Well… damn, is this your first foray into felonies? Or did you build up to this with a few misdemeanors along the way?”

“My first and hopefully last offense.” Kennedy said with a look of remorse.

Bliss leaned back on her palms and contemplated Kennedy.
“Look, we all make mistakes. I'm not going to tell you about all the times I've had brushes and worse with the law. I'm just glad that all that is sealed once you get out of minor status. But it's obvious that this is your first time with a really bad thing happening.”

“My first but bad enough to really fuck up my life.” She flicked some pond water with her toe to better accentuate her words. “I don’t know, I’m in a weird headspace about all of it. My life is over, all the things I loved and everything I was looking forward to is gone. But at the same time, they were just so quick to get rid of me, why should I want it back?”

Bliss was taken aback by the brief profanity by the American princess. Bliss reached over and patted Kennedy on her shoulder.
“Honey, I know I barely know you, but I am so proud that you picked up on that. That's real wisdom. If they were so quick to toss you aside without a second thought, they didn't value you at all.”

Bliss sighed and shook her head ruefully.
"I don't know who your parents are, and honestly I don't care. But to treat a child with such ice cold actions? They don't deserve you. They would have treated you like shit as soon as you cracked their idea of All American perfection. Being a mutant is just today's ultimate sin. What if you had been gay? I bet they would have tried to send you to some special camp to take out the gay. But since they don't have anything like that for mutants, all they could do would be to ship you off to Timbuktu. The good news is, this place is the absolute best place for you to start your journey into a new life. A new life in which you get to choose what you want to be, and who you want to be with.”

“I hope so.” Kennedy said with a sigh “But today was a little crazy. Is it always like it was today?”

Bliss shook her head no with a sober pout .
“Today? Nah, that was really unusual today."
Pause.
“Most days people are trying to kill us. But today? That was just stupid soap opera drama. I try to stay out of that shit."

“Kill you?” Kennedy raised a brow “You’re joking, right?”

Bliss started to answer with a smirk, but the look on her face made her pause.
“Wait a second… hasn't the professor talked to you yet? At all?”

Kennedy had a suspicious look on her face. “Yeah… we talked about my previous school and me graduating and what I planned on doing afterwards. What did he talk to you about?”

Bliss was taken aback, and her eyes rolled towards the night sky. She thought she had seen and heard of a lot of shit, but this was new territory.
“Well…damn. The professor and I… we didn't talk about everything for at least a day. And it was a lot calmer than today was."

Bliss cursed herself for being stupid, but she had to fix this somehow.
"Kennedy… have you ever seen news reports about…the X Men?”

“Oh… yeah…” Kennedy immediately seemed uncomfortable with the topic, Bliss watched her body language change dramatically.
“There are strong opinions about the X-Men in my house.”

Bliss swung herself on the deck so she was facing Kennedy from the side. This ought to be good, she thought. She actually got a little bit excited.
“Oh really? What seems to be the strong opinion?"

“As soon as my parents discovered I was a mutant, they immediately cut me out of their lives and dumped me off at this school. That’s the type of strong opinion they have about mutants.”

Kennedy seemed frustrated as she repeated the oh so common phrases that she heard around her house.

“Mutations are dangerous and problematic, the idea of people actively and openly using their mutant powers in an attempt to sway public opinions is not their preferred approach.”

Bliss stamped down a moment of anger at the words.
"What would be their preferred approach? A timid walk to the gas chambers?”

The platinum blonde shook her head. This wasn't going to be easy

"So now that the mutant shoe is on the other foot, Kennedy… what do you think? And don't use the catchphrases you hear from your family or RoxNews. Now you get to think for yourself..”

“I’m not a bad person, none of the people I’ve met today are. I was just trying to get through school and live my life when I discovered I was a mutant. I think a lot of mutants are just like me, us. Just trying to figure things out and live a life. I don’t think it’s fair or right to deny people rights or treat them differently simply because they were born different.”

Kennedy sighed again and looked out at the lake.

“Some mutants do bad things but so do regular people. There are systems in place to stop bad people from hurting people, I guess mutants should have the same? Mutants who help?”

Bliss nodded with a gentle smile. Kennedy was getting there, step by step.
“Sometimes it takes a good man or woman to step up and stop when Injustice is happening. I was reading in some books that people like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X stood up when their people were being suppressed… lynched, and worse. Both men worked towards a common goal, but they had radically different ideas on how to get to that goal.”

Bliss didn't like using old stories, she preferred to speak from the heart. But she had to start somewhere.

"Look at you. It wasn't your fault you're a mutant. That's on your mom and dad. But rather than take responsibility, they chose to hide you away and pray to God that nobody found out. The question I have is, what are you going to do about it?”

"You're the dutiful daughter. You're a sweetheart I can tell. Of course you're going to obey your mom and dad and stay here in your Ivory Tower away from everybody, just like Rapunzel. Except in your story nobody comes to get Rapunzel. She stays in our Tower until she's old and gray, and praise that no one ever comes to see her because that's what mommy and daddy want. That's what's best for the family.”

"Or you can do something different. You can take responsibility for yourself. Truth is you don't have any options, you've got to do just that. Your future is entirely yours to make. I heard you want to be a lawyer? We really need some good ones to stand up for people like us that have been marginalized… or worse. "

Bliss’s metaphors suddenly made Kennedy really sad, because she was right. No one but herself was going to save her, if only she knew how.

“I don’t even know if I want to be a lawyer. It was what was expected of me because our family has always had a legal or political presence in Boston. I was just happy to do as I was told…”

Kennedy was starting to feel like she had never had a say in what she wanted to do, who she wanted to be.
“Why does it feel so terribly overwhelming?”

Bliss reached out and took Kennedy's hand gently.
"Because it is. You've been dealing with this for how long, a few days at most? Give yourself some time. You have some adjustments to do. We all did. But you know what? What seems like a curse can be a blessing. I've had the deal with bullies of one kind or another all my life. Now I have a different kind of bully to deal with, but I have the ability to stand up against them and show them how wrong they are. And if they don't listen? I have the ability to stand up for myself and make them listen."

Kennedy squeezed her hand before her eyes returned to the water and its moonlit waves. Bliss felt a swell of emotion from Kennedy, tight and expansive, she held her breath for a long moment before a heavy sigh escaped her lips, then the tension left her and Kennedy seemed to breathe easier.

“Thanks Bliss, I appreciate you talking to me about all of this.”

Bliss just rubbed Kennedy's back for a moment.
"It's okay that's what roommates are for, right?”

Bliss looked back out to the lake.
“I do my best thinking out here. The school is nice don't get me wrong, but as you saw today sometimes there's a lot of drama. Life is tough enough without having to mix in weird powers and family shenanigans."

Kennedy laughed
“It does sound like a soap opera.”

Bliss chuckled and shrugged.
“Guilty as charged."

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