Tearful Goodbyes

One Hour Later

“Alright ladies, everything is packed up and ready to go!” announced a very proud Grant said as he patted the back of the two young men that stood next to him.

“Good job, honey!” Debra said as she smiled at her husband. She turned to face her daughter, and as she did, her eyes started to tear up. “Oh sweetie, this means its finally happening. You’re really gonna leave!” she said as the tears streamed down her face. Sydney immediately dashed towards her mother and embraced her in a hug.

“Oh, mom! Don’t cry! I’ll still come and visit! And you can come and visit me!” Sydney said as she started to cry along with her mother. Soon, both the ladies are scooped into the arms of Grant.

“Come here, my ladies! I love you both,” he said as he gave them both a kiss on the forehead. “We’re gonna miss you, munchkin, that’s all,” said Sydney’s father as he hugged them both even tighter.

“I know, daddy. I’m gonna miss both of you too! Plus mom’s cooking is the best!” she said with a smile.

“Oh, sweetie!” said the mother as she began to cry even harder after her daughter’s compliment.

“Moooooom! That was supposed to make you happier not sadder!” said the teen as her mom squeezed her even more.

“Come now, sweetie. We have to let her go. Her new friends and teachers are waiting,” said Grant in a soft voice as he placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder. Debra reluctantly let her daughter go as she stopped crying.

“Make sure to call me every day! And let me know how you are doing in classes!” Debra told her daughter as she tried her best to not burst into tears again.

“Don’t worry mom, I’ll make sure to call you every day and tell you everything that happens!” Sydney told her mom as she held her hands and gave them a light squeeze.

“Good! And you, Jean,” she said as she turned to face the redhead, “please make sure to tell me how she’s really doing in school,” she asked the mutant teacher.

“Of course, Mrs. Watson,” Jean told her. “I’ll give you a weekly report of how she is doing academically.”

“Oh. Em. Gee! Really, mom?! You don’t trust me?” asked Sydney as she put her hands on her hips in an angry fashion.

“I trust you about many things, dear. I’ve also known you for 18 years and thus know what you do and do not lie to me about,” said her mother with a smile as she kissed her daughter’s forehead.

“I...well...uh...hmph!” was all Sydney could say as she crossed her arms in frustration.

“It’s cute when your kids think you don’t know they are lying to you,” Grant said with a laugh.

“Oh they hate it even more when you are a telepath!” Jean said with a laugh.

“Oh, sweetie! That would have made my job as a mother so much easier!” Debra said with a laugh as her and Jean bonded over their motherly instincts. Sydney just stood there, not sure how to react to her mom and future teacher scheming against her academically.

“Anyways,” Grant said as he turned to the men in the room, “if you ever want a job, young man, I could use that super strength of yours at my job!” he said with a slap on the back of Piotr. The giant of man just rubbed the back of his neck and just laughed awkwardly.

“I do not know if I could work and be an X-Man,” Piotr managed to say.

“Ah, I understand. Saving the world and all that is far more important than a 9-5. But hey, it’s always an option if you ever want to step away and live a normal life or start a family!” the older man told the young man.

“I...I would like that someday,” Piotr said in a sort of whimsy tone as his mind wandered off.

“I know that look! Boy has a crush, don’t he?” asked Grant.

“I uh...I do not know what you are referring to!” the gentle giant said as he quickly turned and made his way to the moving van. The other X-Men all had a little laugh as their friend walked away.

“Piotr maaaaaay have a crush on our resident social media coordinator,” Jean said with a giggle.

“Wait, is that really a thing? I don’t remember agreeing to that,” Scott said as he looked towards Jean.

“Charlies thought it would be a good idea. A way to promote the school and show that we can live a normal life, to help unsure parents agree. I’ve already talked to her about what is appropriate and not appropriate to post. She knows not to post anything that shows mutant powers or a mutant who does not look fully human,” Jean informed her husband.

“Well, I guess that’s fine. Just wish I was consulted about this decision,” Scott huffed as he crossed his arms.

“Come on now, sweetie, don’t you trust me?” Jean said in a sultry voice as she gave Scott a kiss on the cheek.

“I well...of course I do, Jean!” Scott said as he blushed and then quickly turned and walked towards the moving van. “I should check on Piotr,” he said as he walked away. Jean let out a loud giggle as he left the group.

“Oh I remember those days!” Debra said with a chuckle.

“Me too,” sighed Grant.

“Come now, my love, you know it was worth it in the end,” she said with a wink.

“Of course I do! That’s how we got Sydney!” he said with a smile as he gave his daughter a pat on the back.

“OH MY GOD I AM LEAVING NOW!” Sydney yelled as she quickly fled the house while dying of embarrassment. Her parents and Jean let out a round of laughs.

“Oh my. It is fun to tease her every once in a while,” Debra admitted.

“Well, I thought that was my job as her dad?” asked Grant with a chuckle.

“Of course, dear,” said the dutiful wife. “Jean, dear, have you thought about kids?” asked Debra.