Reunion

Chapter 2

Eli followed Charles into the office.

"So, are there any papers I need to sign? A test I have to take?"

"We will get your employment contract squared away later, right now we have a lot to catch up on my friend." Charles replied.

"Indeed, we do." Eli replied.

"Care to indulge me in a game of chess, my friend, it has been a while since I have had anyone willing to play against me."

"Gee, I wonder why... pick your color."

Charles rolled over to the white side of the board leaving the black side open for Eli.

"Naturally..." Eli smiled then took the seat on the black side of the board and they started their game.

"So, Eli, it has been quite a while since we have spoken. How have you been doing?" Charles asked.

"Pretty good, I find myself fascinated at the strange paths that life will take you on. One minute I'm at the movie theater because it's my day off, the next I'm whisked away to be teacher at a school for mutants." Eli replied.

"Yes that is a fascinating turn of events." Charles replied casually capturing one of Eli's pawns as he spoke.

"Drat... I liked him." Eli deadpanned only to earn a raised eyebrow from Charles.

"Funny I thought the schools didn't let out until around 3 and that movie started at 2."

Charles had been reaching for a chess piece but stopped when what Eli was saying set in.

"Yes, Kathryn shouldn't have been able to get there until at least four." He paused "Forgive me my friend I need to put our game on hold I have to speak with my daughter."

-Kathryn, please meet me in my office. There are some things that have come to my attention that we need to discuss- he projected into his daughter's mind.

A few minutes later Kathy and Jawn enter the office.

"Jawn, while I admire your drive to protect your cousin, this is something I need to discuss with her alone. She will be out in a few minutes." Charles said gently.

Jawn turns to leave.

"First, I do need her ticket stub if you don't mind." Charles said.

Jawn gave Kathy an apologetic look then handed the stub to Charles before leaving the room.

"So... are we going to talk about that?" Eli asked.

"About what, Eli?" Charles asked.

"The fact that he knew that before you did."

"Later, Eli... can I please have some time alone with my daughter?" Charles asked.

"Of course... of course." Eli started out of the room.

"Storm will see you to your quarters so you can get settled in." Charles informed Eli as he left the room.

Charles turned to Kathy as Eli left the room.

"Kathryn... you have a lot of explaining to do." He said.

"Dad... I... I'm sorry it's just..." she stuttered tripping over her thoughts as she tried to come up with an excuse for skipping that class. "There was this group of super popular girls... they wanted me to go with them to see this movie and... and I... I don't have that many friends so I... I decided to go. It's not like that class is hard. The kids hate me in that class anyway because I wreck every curb the teacher grades us on."

"Kathy... that is no excuse to skip class, I get it that you're passing, and I am sorry about that situation with your friends, but it is no excuse to break the rules." Charles replied leaning his elbows on the arms of his wheelchair. "I am sorry but for that you are grounded for the next week, you will go to school then come straight back to the mansion. Is that understood?"