Prelude to a Moment

Prelude To A Moment
Chapter 3: New Home, New Family

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Upon learning that he was going to be adopted, Scott Summers gathered up his things and prepared to leave the orphanage and start a new life. While most kids would have been ecstatic at the notion of having a family again, Scott actually seemed rather scared. But he remained completely silent as Logan and Ororo finished the paperwork.

“Okay just sign here, and here, initials here, and you’re all set,” said Greer Grant proudly, glad that this little boy was getting a chance at happiness.

“Thank you, Ms Grant,” said Ororo kindly, “I can’t tell you how much it means to us.”

“Just doing my job,” she smiled, “I’m sure you’ll be wonderful parents. I just don’t know if he’ll ever come out of his shell.”

“Ah, don’t worry,” said Logan confidently, “The kid’s in good hands.”

“I’m sure he is,” smiled Grant, “You’re first check from the state should come in next month. Until then, good luck you two. And best of luck to Scott as well.”

With the last of the paperwork done, the two proud parents turned to their new son, who was standing silently in the corner holding a small bag of his things. He didn’t have much, just a few changes of clothes.

The only real thing of value he had was a military dog-tag that he kept around his neck. It looked old and a little rusted, but it clearly had a great deal of value to him and as he stood petrified of what was going to happen to him next, he found himself grasping it for strength.

“Well Scottie, are you ready to see your new home?” asked Logan in his usual gruff voice.

Scott didn’t respond. He was still clearly afraid of these people. Having been adopted before, it had been a very rough experience that left him scared in so many ways. These people didn’t look very threatening, but then again so did his last foster dad.

“Scott?” asked Ororo, kneeling down to him and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

She felt him tense at her touch, but he didn’t pull away. She was gentle and kind, something Scott hadn’t experienced in a long time. Yet still, he was very reserved.

“You’re going to be just fine, Scott,” said Ororo kindly, “We’re not going to hurt you. You have my unconditional word.”

With trust still shaky at best, Scott Summers was still hesitant. But Ororo wasn’t giving up.

“Here, take my hand,” she said as she stood up and extended her hand to him, “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Scott. My husband and I want to help you. I know you just met us and we have a long way to go before you learn to trust us. But I’d like it if you would give us a chance.”

Looking up at the beautiful African woman before him, Scott didn’t know what to make of this. He had been so traumatized by his last foster home that he didn’t think he could ever trust anybody. But these people seemed different. And as even though he was still scared, he wanted a home. He didn’t want to keep living like this. So what else was there? Reaching up to take her hand, Scott Summers took his chances.

“Thank you, Scott,” said Ororo as she tenderly squeezed his hand, “I promise you, we won’t squander this chance.”

Then, much to the surprise of the other two adults, the young boy actually cracked a smile. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

“Ain’t she somethin’?” grinned Logan.

“Indeed,” smiled Grant, “Well then I guess we’re done here.”

“I guess we are,” said Ororo with a smile, “Come on, Scott. Let’s go home.”

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The drive back to the Howlett household was a quiet one. Scott didn’t say much or look any more optimistic. Even though he wasn’t as anxious as he was before, he was still very uncertain about going to some alien place and calling it ‘home.’

In his mind, he had no home and no family. And just because a piece of paper said otherwise didn’t change that. He didn’t know these people, nor did he trust them. He trusted his last foster dad and he was mean to him. He still had the bruises to prove it.

For Logan and Ororo, the challenge before them couldn’t be more vital. This kid needed a family. And even if they weren’t his by blood, they could still love him all the same. It would just take some getting used to.

“I hope you’ll be happy here, Scott,” said Ororo, breaking the silence, “We don’t live in a mansion, but the neighborhood is very nice. The neighbors are kind and we both work close by.”

Scott didn’t say anything, but then again they didn’t expect him to. He wasn’t ready to talk just yet, but he did listen and that was enough.

“Also, we have a daughter too,” added Logan, “Her name is Sarah and she’ll show ya the ropes. She’s 13 and a great gal. We’ve also got a neighbor, Angelica Jones Rogers. She’s 13 too, so you’ll have plenty of company.”

“And don’t forget about Clarice,” reminded Ororo, “She’s an adopted child too. She’s very sweet and I’m sure you’ll get along.”

That got at least a partial reaction from the boy. He may have been alone, but it was nice knowing he wasn’t the only adoptee. Already, this place wasn’t looking as bad as his last home. But Scott reserved that judgment for later. He still had a long way to go.

Finally, they pulled into the driveway of the Howlett’s suburban home. As Scott took in the sight, his mood lightened a bit. The house was much better kempt than his last foster home. The grass was nicely cut and there were lots of plants and flowers all around the side of the house, giving off a pleasant smell even from afar. It wasn’t big, but it looked comfortable, putting at least some of Scott’s fears to rest.

As he got out of the car and looked at his new home, Logan grabbed his bag and stood beside him.

“Welcome home, Scottie,” he said with a smile, “What do ya think?”

Scott was quiet for a moment, but he wasn’t as scared this time as he was the first time he saw this imposing man. And for that, he managed a response.

“It’s nice.”

“Thanks,” said Logan, feeling that was a good step, “Come on, I’ll show ya yer room.”

Obediently following his new ‘father’ into the house, Scott took in the interior. Immediately, he noticed the distinct smell. Ororo and Logan liked to burn candles and incense and it definitely showed. There were also numerous depictions of African and Japanese art, adding a unique feel to these strange, but kind people.

Following him up the stairs, Scott saw numerous pictures strewn along the wall. They were snapshots of the happy moments Logan, Ororo, and Sarah had shared over the years. And by all accounts, they looked like a fun, happy, loving family.

In the pit of his stomach, Scott felt the sting as the pictures reminded him of the family he had lost. But he kept that to himself as Logan led him into his new room.

“Here ya go, kid,” said Logan as he let the boy take in the sight, “We just fixed ‘er up this week. It ain’t much, but I’m sure you’ll fill it up with posters, clothes, and what not soon enough.”

Looking around, Scott didn’t see much to complain about. It was definitely a step up from the orphanage. There was a nice, twin sized bed against the wall with new sheets and a window overlooking the back yard. There was also a closet and a dresser, but both were empty. Once the check from the state came in, they were going to have to get him a new wardrobe since he didn’t have much else other than what he was wearing now.

Sitting on his bed, Scott absorbed his new surroundings. It wasn’t as bad as he thought. If anything, it was pretty nice. Yet still, he remained withdrawn.

“So…this okay for ya?” asked Logan.

“It’s fine. Thank you,” he said in a low tone.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get Logan to smile. Scott was a deeply troubled boy who had been through a lot in his life. He couldn’t even pretend to know how much it hurt. But now that he was officially his father, he might as well begin the duties that all fathers do.

“Look kid…” he began as he sat next to him, “I know this is a lot to take in. I ain’t yer dad and this ain’t yer home. I’m not sayin’ we can make the past go away, but we can help make the future better.”

Looking up at the burly man who was now officially his father, Scott looked conflicted. He didn’t even know this man, yet he wanted to help him. He had thought his life was over after his family died. So what did this mean?

“Why?” he found himself saying.

“Why? Why what?” said Logan with a look of puzzlement.

“Why are you doing this? You don’t know me. I never did anything for you. I…I just want to see my family again! I miss my mommy! I miss my daddy! I…”

He was on the verge of tears. Logan could see it in his eyes. He wasn’t good at handling this. Ororo did it way better. But sitting next to this boy who was now legally his son, he did what he had to do.

“It’s gonna be okay, Scott. It’s gonna be okay,” he said, putting a protective arm around him, “I know ya miss yer family. My folks are gone too.”

“It…it hurts,” he sobbed.

“And it always will in some ways. But that’s why we’re here now. I know we can’t replace the family you’ve lost. But I’d be honored if you’d be a part of ours.”

As anxious as he was about these new surroundings, Scott actually felt safer with this man protecting him. It was a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time. He couldn’t put it into words, but he didn’t have to around Logan.

With tears still in his eyes, Logan got up and let him take this in this moment.

“I’ll leave ya for now, kay?” he said, “Take all the time and space ya need. This is a big transition, but we’re gonna be there every step of the way, ya hear?”

Still choked up, Scott simply nodded.

“Good, we’ll show ya the ropes later on. Sarah, yer new sister, should be back soon. I think you’ll like her. And if yer hungry, just let us know. Yer too thin as it is, so we’ll start puttin’ some meat on those bones. Okay?”

Not getting up from the bed, Scott accepted. He was thin, if not undernourished. But he was too dazed to eat right now. His whole world had just changed in the span of a few hours. It was going to take some time to sink in.

“Alright. Take it easy, Scottie.”

Without another word, Logan left the young boy to himself. The tears were still streaming down his face. A week ago he was living on the streets, now here he was in a nice new room with a new family. He didn’t know what to make of it and a part of him was still scared.

He found himself pulling his knees up to his chest and hugging them tightly to his body. Everything was happening so fast. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen. All he could do was hang onto the memories of his family. And maybe, if this was the real deal, he could start making new memories in this new life with the Howletts.

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Already feeling emotionally drained, Logan met his wife downstairs in the kitchen. Judging from the look on his face, Ororo knew it had been tough. But they were parents now. They had a new son. It was just as big a change for them as it was for this boy. And yet, they still didn’t know exactly how to do go about this.

“How’s he doing?” she asked anxiously.

“He’s hanging in there,” said Logan, scratching the back of his neck, “He’s still pretty scared, but I think he’s startin’ to warm to the idea of livin’ here. It doesn’t help we’re still strangers to him.”

“Yes, that’s going to take some time to sink in,” sighed Ororo.

“I know. But he’ll come around. We just gotta earn his trust.”

“After his first foster home? That’s not going to be easy.”

“When is it ever?” scoffed Logan, “But the kid’s strong. I can sense it.”

“Still ever the perceptive one,” she said with a smile.

“That’s why ya married me,” he replied with a wolfish grin.

That earned him a tender kiss as they shared an embrace. They knew this was going to be a challenge. Scott Summers was their son now and they had to learn to be the parents they had to be for him. And after everything he had been through, only time would tell if he would ever see them as family.

Suddenly, they heard an eager knock at their door. And without too much thought, they figured out who it was.

“It’s open!” shouted Logan down the hall.

From the front entrance, Sarah eagerly stepped in knowing her new sibling was somewhere in this house. Behind her, a couple about Logan and Ororo’s age followed. One was a striking red-haired woman with beautiful green eyes and a body that defied time. Next to her was a tall, well-built man with short blonde hair and a frame just as built as Logan’s.

They were Steve and Natalia Rogers and they went way back. Having met in college, Logan and Steve had always been good friends even if they were somewhat different. Steve used to be a thin, weak bodied boy growing up, but he proved to be a late bloomer in high school. He bulked up, worked hard, and became an all American football star who dated cheerleaders and stood strong.

His wife of 15 years, Natalia Romanov, was a very different. She emigrated from Russia with her father, a respected engineer and was somewhat of a tomboy growing up. She often looked after herself, holding her own against country that was weary of anything Russian. Then she hit puberty and filled out nicely in all the right ways. Soon, all reservations about her background faded and she had no problem taking advantage of it.

Nobody would have guessed a guy like Steve and a woman like Natalia would end up getting married. Steve was Mr. Popular and Natalia was the exotic foreign girl who made out with boys under the bleachers. Yet as fate would have it, they ended up coming together in college and hadn’t looked back since.

With them was their only child, Angelica Jones Rogers. Bearing the same red hair as her mother, she and Sarah had been friends since birth. And as neighbors, the Rogers and the Howletts had always shared a close bond.

“Where is he? Or she? Or…you know what I mean!” said Sarah, sounding as though she was on a sugar high.

“Easy darlin’, take a deep breath,” said Logan, trying hard not to laugh, “And yeah, he’s here. He’s up in his new room.”

“Oh? So I have a brother now?” she said, taking in this moment.

“Yes, you have a brother,” affirmed Ororo, “But I would wait a bit before introducing yourself.”

“Why should I wait? If he’s technically my brother now shouldn’t I at least say hi?”

It was good that Sarah was excited about being a sister and all, but she didn’t know the full story. Scott was still troubled and they had to ease into this despite her excitement.

“It’s…complicated, Sarah,” said Logan with a serious look, “Why don’t you and Angie go hang out for a half hour before goin’ nuts on him. This is a big change for him. He’s gotta have time to adjust.”

“Adjust…right,” said Angelica, understanding the subtext in her Logan’s words, “We understand. Come on Sarah. Let’s go.”

“Wait? But why does he…” began Sarah, but she was cut off.

“We’ll worry about that later,” said Angelica as she dragged, “Let’s just go and get ready to meet your new brother.”

Following her friend upstairs, the two girls disappeared into Sarah’s room. Once they were gone, Steve and Natalia were definitely more curious now. After all, they had helped Logan and Ororo plan this from the beginning and promised to help them every step of the way.

“So you two are officially the parents of a new child, yes?” said Natalia in her thick, Russian accent.

“Yeah, it’s official now. We got the paperwork to show it,” sighed Logan as he sat up on the counter.

“Well that’s great guys,” said Steve kindly, “I know you two have been wanting this for a long time.”

“Thanks Steve,” said Ororo with a smile, “But raising a foster kid is unknown territory for us. It’s still sinking in.”

“I admire your courage,” said Natalia, sitting down at the table, “So…tell us about your new son.”

Logan and Ororo exchanged looks. They were sure Scott’s life story would be difficult for anybody to take in, but it was merely a prelude to the other challenges they were going to face. Nevertheless, they filled them in, knowing they would need all the help they could get in dealing with it.

“Well,” began Ororo, “His name is Scott Summers…”

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Up in Sarah’s room, she and Angelica put their stuff away and waited like Logan had warned them. But knowing the Holwett family just got a little bigger was a big deal and having to wait like this was nothing short of torture. But while they waited, they couldn’t help but speculate.

“So you’re officially a big sister now,” said Angelica as she watched Sarah pace fervently, “Bet it’s going to be strange not being an only child anymore.”

“I know,” conceded Sarah, “But my folks always wanted more kids.”

“Guess they finally got their wish,” the redhead shrugged, “But aren’t you the least bit worried? You don’t even know this kid and now he’s legally your brother.”

Sarah kept pacing, that word ‘brother’ sticking out in her mind. She didn’t know the first thing about being a sibling. Sure, she had friends like Angelica and Clarice, who were like siblings to her, but this was different. In addition, she was used to being an only child. But it couldn’t be THAT hard…could it?

“Sarah?” said Angelica, chuckling as she watched her friend pace.

“I heard ya!” she shot.

“Just checking,” she grinned, amused by her temperament, “So when are you going to introduce yourself?”

“My dad said to wait, so we’ll do that first.”

“I still don’t get why. The space I can understand, but still…”

Angelica trailed off as both she and Sarah thought about it. They knew there had to be something else going on. The signs were there, but they couldn’t be certain. Maybe there was more to this kid than they let on. The only other adoptee they knew was Clarice Ferguson, who was raised by Victor Creed, an old acquaintance of her father. And she was normal by all accounts.

Finally, the tension was just too much.

“I can’t take this. I’ve got to at least meet him,” said Sarah, opening her door.

“Fine,” sighed Angelica, “You’re patience is worse than your dad’s.”

“Shut up,” she quipped, “You coming?”

“Nah, he’s your brother. Go have your first sibling moment. I’ll just stay here and sort through your secret stash of Playgirl.”

Sarah growled, but let it go.

“Just don’t mess up my system,” she warned, “I like to keep them all in order.”

“I know the drill,” sighed the redhead as she reached under Sarah’s bed and pulled out one of her many magazines, “Honestly, you’d think with a collection like this it wouldn’t matter.”

Sarah shook her head in frustration as she stepped out and left her friend to drool over the hot men. Normally, she didn’t like to share her collection, but since her mother paid for the subscription she was obligated to spread the joy so to speak.

“You organize your dirty magazines your way. I’ll do it my way. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a brother to meet.”

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In his new room, Scott was still lying back on his bed looking at the ceiling. He couldn’t turn his mind off. All he could think about was his new ‘family.’ In his hand, he grasped his father’s dog-tag, the only piece of his family he had left. His heart was heavy with sorrow and he didn’t know if he was ready to call someplace else home.

But he didn’t want to keep living like this. He hated the pain, sorrow, and loneliness. He wanted to be happy again. But with the memories of the plane crash still haunting his mind, he didn’t know where to start.

Suddenly, a gentle knock at the door broke his train of thought.

“Who is it?” he said, anxiously eyeing the door.

With the turn of the knob, Sarah stepped in to see her new little brother sitting on the bed. For a moment, she froze. This was a big moment for her. Here she was, meeting the boy who was now her brother. It felt strange because this kid wasn’t even related to her by blood. Yet now he was family.

He was thin, if not undernourished. He had messy chestnut brown hair, brown eyes, and a tense disposition. Looking back at her, he actually seemed a little scared.

To Scott, she was a total stranger. She was taller than him, had a tanned complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair that flowed down to her back. She was athletically toned and wore a Harley Davidson T-shirt. And as he looked at her, he grew tense once more.

“Uh…hi,” said Sarah, managing a smile.

Scott didn’t respond and Sarah scorned herself.

‘Hi? You meet your new brother and that’s the best you can come up with?’

Closing the door behind her, Sarah approached the younger boy, trying to look friendly. She wasn’t sure what to say. Her mind was drawing a total blank. Was there anything at all for her to go on?

“I’m Sarah,” she finally got out, “I…I guess I’m your new sister.”

“I’m Scott,” he replied.

Both youths were now in a state of awkwardness. Here they were official siblings, and they didn’t know how to talk to each other. But Sarah remained undaunted. Awkward or not, they were family now. They might as well get past it.

“So uh…you like it here so far? What do you think of my folks?”

“They’re nice,” said Scott in a monotone.

“Cool. Well trust me, they’re really awesome to be around. We’ve always been really close around here. I think they’ll grow on you.”

Scott tensed up again. This girl seemed nice, but the idea of seeing these total strangers as ‘parents’ was really intense for his young mind. He still clung to his old family. He couldn’t see himself calling someone else mom or dad. It just tore at his young being.

Sensing this, Sarah wasn’t sure if she had just screwed up. Sure, she wasn’t the best when it came to these kinds of situations. She blamed the offbeat personality traits she got from her father on that. But this kid was family now. She couldn’t afford to mess up.

“Look um…” she stammered, “I’m not very good at this. I can’t even begin to imagine what this must be like for you.”

Scott looked away, trying not to think about it. Sarah wasn’t sure what to do, so she put a gentle hand on his shoulder, hoping to offer what comfort she could.

“But it’s going to be okay. This is a big change for both of us. We’ll get through this. I know we will.”

“But how?” said Scott, still anxious about his new sibling.

“I honestly don’t have a clue,” she said, laughing somewhat, “But…maybe we could help each other?”

Looking back up at the older girl, Scott could see the sincerity in her eyes. It greatly resembled that of her parents, hinting that she shared their heart. In his mind, he still couldn’t call this girl his sister, but she was just as intent as her parents to make him part of this family.

“Okay. I’ll try,” said Scott.

“That’s the spirit!” said Sarah with an accomplished look, “And I think I know just how to start. You hungry?”

Before Scott could answer, his stomach growled. It had been weeks since he had anything decent and the food at the orphanage wasn’t stellar to say the least. It caused him to blush, but Sarah reassured him with a smile.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” she said as she took his hand, “Come on I’ll show you some of the greatest food you’ll ever eat! Courtesy of my mom! Stick around here, Scott, and I promise you you’ll never go hungry again.”

This girl’s enthusiasm was really something. Scott wasn’t sure why she was so excited, but then again he just met her. She was interesting to say the least, but there was still plenty to learn. They may not have gotten off to the best start, but they had taken the first step. And besides, the thought of a decent meal was enough to make even Scott a little bit eager to get to know this strange new place that was now his home.

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For the rest of the afternoon, Scott got to know his new surroundings. Sarah showed him around the house, which didn’t take long. And he met the Rogers, who seemed very nice and since they were right next door, they would have even more support.

Scott really liked Steve. When he told him about how he had to work hard to overcome his physical limitations and stay true to his goals, it reminded him somewhat of his father. Steve even gave advice on how to handle Logan’s somewhat offbeat personality. This, of course, earned him a few choice words from his long-time friend, but it was all in good fun. Scott even found it somewhat amusing.

He also liked Natalia. At one point she sat down with him and told him about her struggles coming to a new country as a little girl who didn’t know a word of English and was scared people would think of her. She went on about how she found her place and learned to rise above her limits. She made it her duty as his new Aunt of sorts to let him know that if ever he felt like he didn’t belong, she would be there to help him. And that definitely put a smile on his face.

Angelica took nicely to him as well, although she had some difficulty dealing with how quiet he was. She was so used to boys being loud and obnoxious that it was quite a shock for both her and Sarah to come across somebody who was so shy. But in many respects, it was a good start. It would just take some time for Scott to come out of his shell.

He remained silent for the most part as Ororo cooked him a large, welcoming dinner. And for the former street kid, it was really something. He must have eaten half the casserole on his own and had an extra helping of potatoes. It was the largest meal he had in over three years and it certainly helped add to the appeal of this place.

But still, there were moments of tension. This family was different from the one he had lost. They were a bit more loud in some ways and weren’t afraid to just blurt things out. They weren’t very formal, even at dinner. And even though they joked a lot, they were all nice to each other.

Scott wasn’t sure if he could fit in here. This didn’t feel like a family he belonged. But what choice did he have? It was either this or the streets again. And besides, these people were definitely a step up from his last foster home. But still, it was strange for him.

Later that night after the Rodgers left, the Howlett household settled down. Logan asked Scott if he wanted to watch a movie or something, but he just shook his head. He was tired and it had been a long day for him, so Ororo saw to it that he was settled in his room.

While she worked her magic, Logan took the time to fill Sarah in on Scott’s past. Naturally, it was shocking to know a kid that young had gone through so much, but it did help explain why he was the way he was. It made Sarah feel guilty somewhat for being so up front with him, but Logan reassured her that she was doing a good job. Although in the future, she was going to have to bear his past in mind if she was to be a good sister.

Ororo stayed with Scott until he fell asleep. And given he hadn’t slept much in three days, that didn’t take long. Once she was sure he was out, she returned to her and Logan’s room and prepared for bed.

“So how’s he doing?” asked Logan as he took off his shirt and threw it in the hamper.

“Okay, I suppose,” sighed Ororo, as she slipped on her blue nighty, “He really is a troubled child.”

“No kidding. I think we’re off to a good start,” said Logan confidently, “But I don’t expect him to be calling me daddy anytime soon.”

“One step at a time, Logan,” said Ororo with a warm smile, “He still misses his family. I don’t think he’s ready to accept another just yet.”

“Ah give him time,” grinned the burly Canadian as he slipped into bed, “He may not be up to it today, but who knows what he’ll think tomorrow or the day after.”

“We can only hope,” said Ororo as she joined her husband.

Capturing her lips in a soft kiss, Logan slipped his arms around his wife and held her close under the warm sheets.

“Got a long way to do with this kid,” mused Logan as he sank into the bed.

“Yes, but he’s our son now. It’s up to us to make sure he’s loved.”

It had been a trying day for Logan and Ororo Howlett. They were the proud new parents of a young boy whose life had been such a tragedy. They weren’t sure just how to go about this, but they were confident they could love this boy as if he were their own. But there were sure to be plenty of challenges along the way.

Suddenly, just as they were nodding off, a loud thump from across the hall alerted them.

“Hmm?” said a groggy Ororo.

Then they heard it. It was faint, but clear. They were cries of anguish and they were coming from down the hall.

“Oh no,” said Ororo as she slipped out from under the covers and grabbed her robe.

“Ro?” said Logan, picking up on it as well.

“It’s okay, Logan. I’ve got this,” she assured.

Knowing Ororo was better at this sort of thing than he was, Logan let her do her thing. As she made her way to Scott’s room, the cries got louder. Along the way, Sarah stepped out of her room, having heard it too. But Ororo sent her back to her room.

“Mom?” she said, still half asleep.

“It’s okay sweetheart. I’ll take care of this,” she told her.

Watching her enter Scott’s room, Sarah anxiously waited for the cries to stop. But as Ororo entered, she was met with a difficult sight.

“No! NO! Mom! Dad! Alex!” cried Scott, thrashing about in his sleep.

“Scott? Scott!” said Ororo, trying to wake him up.

As she put her hand on him, he thrashed more violently, forcing Ororo to take a step back. Whatever he was going through, it was vivid and terrifying.

“NO! STOP! MOMMY! DADDY NO!”

“Scott! Wake up!” she urged.

“AHHHHHHHHH!”

With cold sweat consuming his being, Scott shot up from his state and gasped for air.

“It’s okay, Scott. It’s okay. You were having a bad dream,” said Ororo softly, taking his weary face in her hands.

Tears were streaming down Scott’s face as he kept gasping. It had been so vivid. It was as if he could still smell the burning fuel of his dad’s plane before it went down. The sight of their haunting gazes and the terrified look on his little brother’s face was so clear. He could still see them as he closed his eyes.

No matter how many times this happened, such nightmares were always painful. Ever since it happened, the memories haunted him and tormented his dream. Only this time, he wasn’t suffering alone. This time, Ororo was there to hold him.

“Shh…don’t worry, Scott. It’s over now,” she said as she pulled him into a hug.

Unable to hold his emotions back, Scott broke down and threw his arms around the African woman. Even though he had just met her, he was clinging to her for support. Her embrace was warm and strong, every bit as loving as a mother’s touch ought to be.

“I…I miss them,” he choked out, “I miss them so much.”

“I know you do,” said Ororo, feeling tears in her eyes as well, “I lost my family too, you know.”

Looking up at her with those tear stained eyes, Scott knew she was telling the truth. He knew that look in her eyes and it was not a look that could be faked. And as she gazed back at him, she gently wiped the tears from his eyes.

“They died right in front of me,” she mused, “We were in an unstable building back home in Africa when an earthquake it. They didn’t have a chance. I survived, but…I lost everything. I still have nightmares about it to this day.”

It was a rare moment of openness for Ororo Munroe Howlett. The loss of her family was always a difficult topic. Even with her husband, she barely ever talked about it. But this boy had suffered in the same way. He understood the pain and she understood his. And when she saw those tear laden eyes of his, she couldn’t help but hold on.

“Does it…does it ever go away?” sobbed Scott.

“I wish it did,” she said sadly, “It always sticks with you, I’m afraid. But it does get better with time. This I know. And it’ll get better for you too.”

Scott’s hopes weren’t lifted much from that. He hated having this pain inside him and to know it would never go away made it seem too difficult to go on.

“I miss them,” he choked.

“I know you do,” said Ororo, smiling warmly at him, “But you’re strong Scott. You’ve shown me that. And I…I know in your heart I am not your mother and this is not your home. But if you just give us a chance…maybe we can help each other deal with our pain. You lost your family. I lost mine. Logan lost his too.”

That got Scott to cry more as he sobbed into Ororo’s arms, clinging to her warmth.

“You’re not alone anymore, Scott. You don’t have to suffer on your own. I can’t be the family you’ve lost, but…I’d be honored if I could one day call you my son.”

Life had a funny way of working out. For three years, Scott had lived a life of sorrow. Yet in the span of a single day, he was now resting in the arms of a woman who had so much love in her heart. Even though they just met, she cared for him like a real mother.

And for that, Scott Summers could only say one thing.

“Thank you,” he sobbed.

They were two simple words, but for Ororo they were enough. Now, she shared in the tears as she hugged her new son, soothing away the pain that consumed him so as any mother should for their child. And for the first time in a long while, Scott felt comforted.

Sure, this wasn’t his real family. But at long last, it was beginning to sink in that this was his home now.

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Up next: The years go by and Scott Summers grows into a new person.