Secrets(Sequel to Traitor) [Book 2 in Addie's Story]

Chapter 8

Scott and I search the entire basement level for Logan before moving upstairs. We agree to separate and begin searching the first floor for any signs of him. I search the game room, the living room, the Professor's office, and various hallways with no success. I wouldn't be surprised if Logan was already out of the school. He was always a fast runner.

My thoughts are broken by a sudden collision with someone. The force sends me backwards and I end up sitting on the ground — unlike the person I ran into. I look up and freeze when I realize who I hit: Logan. He looks at me in a mixture of shock, confusion, and anger. Logan doesn't get scared, he gets angry. I try to find my voice but am unable to, so I just sit there. Neither of us moves for a moment, and I take the second to gather my thoughts.

Before I can come out of shock Logan takes off down the hallway. As he does a thought hits me: he didn't recognize me. Recognition was not an emotion I saw in him, not even a hint of it. Then again my hair is red now, it's been a really long time since he last saw me, and he's probably more focused on getting out of here than on the person ran into. I shake away the sinking feeling that comes over me and quickly get up. Footstep sound behind me and I turn to see Scott running in my direction. He stops and looks at me in concern, “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine. He went that way.” I say, pointing in the direction I saw Logan run. Scott starts to go after him but stops just as a voice enters my thoughts, “Scott, Addison, could you please come to my physics classroom?”

I glance at Scott, who nods slightly, letting me know he's hearing the Professor too. I respond, “Professor we found Logan but—”

“He's here.”

“Oh,” I say, “Be there in a moment.” I take a deep breath, feeling a sudden rise of nerves, and Scott notices. He raises an eyebrow at me, but before he can ask anything Storm comes around the corner and joins us.

“Did the Professor summon you as well?” I ask and she nods as we make our way to the Professor’s office. We reach it momentarily and Scott reaches for the handle. I grab his arm, “Wait.”

He looks at me with his hand still hovering above the door knob, “You ready?”

I take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and nod. He shakes his head at me as he opens the door — making a motion for Storm and I to enter first. As Storm enters the room the Professor’s voice reaches me, “Ah Logan, I’d like you to meet Ororo Munroe, also called Storm.”

“Hello.” Storm’s shy response barely reaches me as I remain frozen just outside the door. After realizing I’m not going to move, Scott enters ahead of me. The Professor introduces him, “This is Scott Summers also called Cyclops.” I watch, hidden in the doorway, as Scott attempts to shake Logan’s hand. Logan just stares at him, and after a moment Scott puts his hand down awkwardly. I smile slightly, dazed by Logan’s presence, and confused at how natural it feels to see him standing there. I hear the Professor tell Logan that Scott and Storm saved his life, all while trying to find the courage to enter the room.

“Addie?” I spin around and see Jean standing behind me. Her voice is hushed as she addresses me again, “Are you going to go in?”

I look from her to the room, then back at her. “I can’t,” I whisper, “It’s been so long. I don’t even know what to say or how to act or—”

“Hey,” Jean grabs my arms, forcing me to calm down. “It’s going to be okay,” she says with a reassuring smile, “Breathe.”

I take a deep breath and nod. Jean smiles again before walking by me and into the room. After another breath, I turn around and enter. As I do the Professor smiles, “I believe you’ve already met Addison.”

Logan’s eyes meet mine as I stand beside Scott. I smile slightly, but Logan just stares at me, confusion written on his face. Confusion, not recognition. My heart speeds up as the urge to remind him who I am sweeps over me, but I remain silent. Maybe the Professor will tell him for me.

“You’re in my school for the gifted, for mutants.” The Professor explains to Logan, “You’ll be safe here from Magneto.”

“What’s a Magneto?” Logan asks. It’s the first time I’ve heard him speak. His voice is just as deep as it always was. The Professor answers Logan’s question, “A very powerful mutant who believes that a war is brewing between mutants and the rest of humanity.”

A look of absurdity comes over Logan’s face as the Professor continues, “I’ve been following his activities for some time. The man who attacked you is an associate of his called Sabertooth.”

My interest is sparked at the name of Magneto’s associate. I assume that is the new guy who I’ve yet to meet. The look Logan previously had is joined by a smile, and after a moment Logan asks, “Sabertooth?”

He points at Storm and says her name, then looks at the Professor. “What do they call you, Wheels?” He asks cockily, “This is the stupidest thing I’ve—”

“Hey!” I interject with a sudden wave of anger. No one talks to the Professor that way — except maybe me. I step forward, “The Professor saved your life. Show some respect.”

Logan turns and steps to me, stopping just inches away. My breath catches in my throat and all the fire I just held vanishes as I stare into his dark eyes. He grins at me, “Let me guess, Sparky?”

His comment brings back my flame. I cross my arms defiantly, “Actually, it’s Ember.”

“Ember,” he says slowly, “sounds dangerous.”

“I am.” I respond before Scott pulls me back to his side. Logan steps up to him, “Cyclops, right?”

Then he grabs Scott’s collar and pulls him closer, “Wanna get out of my way?”

I step forward, “Logan—”

“It’s been fifteen years, hasn’t it?” The Professor’s voice cuts mine off, making both me and Logan stop in our tracks — though Logan does release Scott. He continues, “Living from day to day…moving from place to place…with no memory of who or what you are.”

My heart stops as his words hit me: “with no memory of who or what you are.” I look up at the Professor, begging him to contradict my thoughts, but his attention is focused on Logan. Everything in me — my heart, lungs, voice, and thoughts — freezes as realization sweeps over me, and as the sinking feeling returns. Logan doesn’t recognize me…because he doesn’t remember me. I don’t know why, or how, but something must have happened the day I left that erased his memory. My father’s face pops into my mind for a split-second, but it is quickly replaced by another thought: if Logan doesn’t remember me, then he may not remember Victor.

“Shut up.” Logan whisper/growls, turning around to face the Professor, and bringing me from my thoughts. He looks around for a second, and my guess is that the Professor said something to him telepathically. Then he speaks out loud, “Give me a chance. I may be able to help you find some answers.”

“How did you know?” Logan asks. There’s another moment of silence before Logan again looks around the room — then his gaze lands on the Professor. His expression chances to one of curiosity as he asks, “What is this place?”

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I am so sorry this is so short! And that it's been so long since I've updated! I didn't mean for it to be, I promise! But I'm stuck...maybe you guys can help me? If you have any ideas on what you think should (or would like to see) happen let me know!

Also, please understand that I may have to change things from the way they happened in the movie for the purpose of fitting them into my story.

That's it. Thank you all for being patient!

~Ava