The Hand You're Dealt

17| Favorable Reception

A week later, Gambit and Lauren were heading to Ohio in soon-to-be Eva Binns' new Toyota Camry to visit her parents and sister.

He had called to tell them everything about Lauren's condition and if it would be alright to see them in a few days. Eva had answered; she never expressed anger or blame on Remy, just shock, worry, and disbelief. When he apologized for her wrecked car and the replacement, Eva wasn't mad; she said she was happy they were alright. Her saying 'both of them' stunned him for a moment.

She didn't hesitate or stop to talk to Henry about them coming over before telling him 'absolutely'.

On the drive over to New Paris, he had explained to Lauren about where they were going and why. She listened and asked questions about them—that he answered to the best of his ability—and she seemed fine about this trip, but once they passed the New Paris welcome sign, she grabbed his hand.

"You'll be fine, amour; they're your family," Gambit reassured.

"But everyone at the mansion has told me stories of their families disowning them..." she began.

"Because they're mutants—it's not easy to accept us. There's nothing about you for them to be afraid of. Don't worry."

"So, what about you?"

"Well, they might not welcome me with open arms. I am the reason why their house was invaded, your mother's car was crashed, and why you have no memory of them... But don't worry about me, chérie; I am used to not being accepted. We are coming here for you, not me. I plan on staying in the car to let you be alone with your family."

According to the GPS, Gambit turned them down the street of their sub-division. Similar houses, all adorned with various Christmas lights and snow-blanketed front yards passed them until a familiar two-story white house came into view. A black SUV already sat in the driveway—he figured it was Abigail and Paul's—and he parked beside it.

Before he even switched off the engine, the front door opened and Eva Binns rushed out, followed by her husband, her first-born and her husband. They gathered on the edge of the porch, expectantly looking at the red car.

Lauren stared at them for a while through the window, then looked at him. Gambit squeezed her hand and gave her a smile. She breathed out as she turned back around, hesitated for a moment longer, then let go of his hand to open the door and step out. He followed suit.

Seeing the car doors open, the Binns and Gylants hurried down the steps and to Lauren. They stopped in front of her—Gambit could tell they were unsure of what to do, mainly because of Lauren's mother wringing her hands.

Lauren glanced at him beside her, then faced her family again. "Hi, everyone."

"Hey, Lollipop," Henry Binns greeted.

"I'm sorry I don't know you."

Eva smiled as she came forward to hug her. "That's alright; you'll know us soon."

Her bold action encouraged the others to do the same. Gambit eventually lost sight of Lauren from her family crowding around to hug her.

Like when they first met her, Eva looped her arm through Lauren's. "Come on inside; it's quite cold out here."

Gambit felt that was his cue to go back to the car; he turned to do so.

"Remy, aren't you coming in?" Eva suddenly asked.

His eyes lifted to find them all looking at him.

"You want me to?" he asked, surprised.

"Of course. You're part of this family, too."

Lauren smiled back at him and reached for his hand.

Gambit looked at each of them, not finding wariness usually seen when someone realizes he's a mutant. He couldn't believe that they seemed to accept him, and they knew what his presence had done.

Feeling warmer in his heart since he lost the LeBeaus, Gambit shared her smile as he took her hand and walked back into the house.