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Post by Rogue on Jul 10, 2005 1:16:37 GMT -5
She had frozen when Betsy had decided to point out her little field trip. Moving towards the take-out area, she pointed at a couple of tables set off to the side. Not fancy, but adequate. She turned to Remy. "The damage has been done, she 'saw' us. Might as well just eat here instead of goin' out there and freezin' our butts off."
She ordered their usuals and bought a couple of bottles of soda, then returned to the table, keeping half of an eye on Betsy and the new guy. "Looks like they're gettin' along quite well."
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Post by goddesssublime on Jul 12, 2005 15:21:28 GMT -5
Remy looked over at Betsy and the new guy, Sean, did in fact seem to be getting along well with each other. Remy grinned. "Well, if Bets be acceptin' 'im, den I s'pose he's a decent guy."
Then, Remy turned back to Rogue. "An' I like de idea o' stayin' 'ere, where it's warm, much better den gettin' take-out..." he said as she returned with a couple of sodas.
"Dis is real nice... I'm glad we could git ya away from de mansion for a lil bit," Remy said as he reached across the table to gently grasp a gloved hand of Rogue's.
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Post by Rogue on Jul 13, 2005 1:17:03 GMT -5
She smiled. "Me too." She sat there for awhile, just looking at him and thinking about all that had happened in the past few hours. Between Callisto stirring up trouble and Joseph well, just plain being there, she was worried that above everything else, things were going to get weird again with her and Remy. But so far, they hadn't. Of course, she had yet to be stuck in the same room with both men, and Callisto had just barely survived her little attack on Remy, but all in all, things seemed to still be okay.
"So... you want to come down to the courthouse with me tomorrow? Should be a whole hell of a lot of fun."
She smiled as the kitchen staff called out their number. Rising from the table, she returned with the food and sat back down.
((OOC: Lets try to glaze over some things, see if we can't catch up with the rest of the game))
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Post by Psylocke on Jul 13, 2005 11:55:05 GMT -5
Betsy drove the relatively short distance from the mansion to Salem Center in a comfortable quiet with Ash, listening to the music the girl had chosen. Reaching into her purse, Betsy pulled out an envelope with Ash's name on it. Handing it to her, Betsy said, “There should be a bank card and ID in there for you to use. I believe the Professor put $500.00 on each of the bank cards but if you want me to find out for sure, I'll call the bank.”
Searching for a parking spot in the busy lot, she watched as a couple walked to a car near the front so Betsy waited for them to leave. Pulling into the now empty spot, she turned off her car and tucked her cell phone in her purse. Looking at Ash with a bright smile, Betsy asked, “Are you ready. luv?”
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Ash
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Post by Ash on Jul 13, 2005 13:51:09 GMT -5
When they'd first entered the car Ash had flipped through the cd's till she found one, it was Dido. The rest of the car ride was nice, a few short conversations, but mostly silence. It allowed Ash time to regain her previous happiness, The Cassidy man had taken her off gaurd. When they pulled into the center Ash was amazed at all the cars. If she remembered right it was always like this... Last minute shopping is what her mother had used to call it.
Ash looked over at Besty when the woman began to talk. She took the envelope from Besty's hand and stared at it, her hands shaking from shock. "Five... Five hundred?" Ash sat back in her seat. It had been news enough that the Professor had left them money, but Five hundred! She had never dreamed... That was more money than she had ever had. Besides that fact the past two years when she wasn't in prison she had barely been able to scrap together enough money to eat. Now she held in her hand Five hundred dollars. Ash reached up and rubbed unwanted tears from her eyes with her sweater. Then she busied with unbuckling to keep Besty from asking about it. The professor was a good man, a better one she had never known.
"Yeah, yeah I am." She smiled back at Besty and then opened her door to be greeted by the cold air. She shivered slightly and got out walking to the back to wait for Besty there. There were people scattered around the parking lot some going and some coming. All of them bundled up. Ash couldn't imagine why, yes it was cold, but not really to bad. She was fine in her long sleeve and sweater. ( ahem, this is a side thing of her power you can play with it or ignore it) The people also made her a little nervous. She hadn't thought about that when she had agreed to go this morning, but she couldn't change her mind now. Besides she was finally going to be able to get Besty something. She held the envelope tightly, she was not going to loose it. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself. It was going to be ok, Besty was there, she'd help.
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Post by Psylocke on Jul 13, 2005 22:09:35 GMT -5
Betsy couldn't help but smile at Ash's surprise regarding the money. Having been more then secure financially all her life, it made Betsy realize just how hard some people, even a young teenager, had it. Ash had already taught Betsy more then she would ever know and Betsy made a promise to herself to get out and do things more often with her. Especially if this trip turned out well.
Leaving her coat in the car since she hated to shop with it on, Betsy set the alarm on the car and walked with Ash into the noisy mall. The place was completely decorated for Christmas, lights flickering in all the store windows as well as along the mall hallways. Christmas music played in the background creating a festive atmosphere.
Creating a psi-link with Ash, Betsy gently said, <I'm going to keep my mind partially open for you if you need me at any time. Just think my name and I'll hear you, ok? If you need anything at all, don't hesitate.> The link would be for communication only. No stray thoughts or feelings would pass through unless Ash purposely pushed them there.
Out loud, Betsy said, “Where would you like to start? I only have a few more things to pick up but I was thinking of buying a new dress to wear on Christmas. You should look for some new clothes as well. What do you think?”
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Ash
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Post by Ash on Jul 14, 2005 12:19:39 GMT -5
The noise and crowd was overwhelming to Ash. She felt as if everyone's eyes were on her, and all the whispered comments about her. She didn't trust any of them. She was sure that at any point someone would recognize her and scream out, " There she is! The murderer!" Heart pounding in her chest Ash felt like running. She had always run from people, it was naturaly to her. She squeezed the envelope in her hands, tense ready for anything.
<I'm going to keep my mind partially open for you if you need me at any time. Just think my name and I'll hear you, ok? If you need anything at all, don't hesitate.>
Ash, relieved, leaned into Besty's shoulder and nodded. She understood, and she was a little more relaxed now that she remembered Besty was there. How easily she had forgotten. She was still scared, but it was a calm fear. Something she had control over at the moment and could use. It would keep her aware and better prepared for things. She listened to Besty's suggestion. It sounded like a good idea, because at this point she didn't know what to do. Perhaps that would come later. Besides right now she wanted to stay close to Besty and didn't know if the older woman would if she didn't go with her.
" Um, ok, that sounds good." She grabbed Besty's hand as they began to walk to one of the stores. She didn't want to loose the other woman. With the shoppers and Christmas lights and just chaos, Ash truly believed it was a possibility. She concentrated on bottling up her emotions as they walked. If she could keep them deep down and contained like they'd practiced everything would be ok.
" What kind of cloths are we looking for?" Ash honestly didn't know. She thought the cloths she had now were fine. Sure some were a little big, like the sweater she was wearing now, but Ash really didn't mind.
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Post by Psylocke on Jul 14, 2005 15:20:40 GMT -5
Betsy felt Ash's hand slip in hers and gave the girl a slight squeeze. She knew this was hard on her and as much as Betsy would love to just jump in and fix Ash's emotions, she knew that would just make things worse. Besides, Ash was stronger then she thought she was and Betsy knew that she really could make it. It didn't mean that Betsy couldn't worry like a mother, though.
Leading them into a clothing store, Betsy answered Ash's question, “We are looking for anything that catches your eyes and fits, sweetheart. The best way to do that is to just pick up some items and try them on.”
Spotting a wall of jeans, Betsy led them over there and looked between the sizes and Ash a few times. Sighing, she said, “With that bulky sweater of yours, I can't tell what size you are.” Picking up a few different sizes and styles, Betsy called a sales clerk over and said, “Will you put these in a dressing room for us, please?”
As the woman took the jeans and did as she was asked, Betsy led Ash over to several racks full of shirts, blouses and sweaters. Holding up a button down navy blue long sleeve shirt, she held it up to Ash and said, “This color is perfect for you.” Adding several more tops to the growing mass in her arms, Betsy was thoroughly enjoying herself. The sales woman came back over and took the items from Betsy, looking up at her in surprise.
Completely ignoring the look, Betsy instead focused on Ash and said with a laugh, “If I go overboard, I apologize. Shopping is one of my favorite things to do and clothes shopping is the best there is. Just think of me as Aunt Betsy and allow me to spoil you a bit. Are you ready to start trying things on?"
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Ash
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Post by Ash on Jul 14, 2005 16:27:06 GMT -5
c Ash followed the older woman through the cloths store. Watching in awe as Besty picked out different cloths. She noticed the look the saleswoman gave Besty and almost laughed. She agreed whole heartily with the woman. Besty was a professional shopper. She never spent too much time in one spot, but flited here and there. With an eye for picking out good things. when Besty finally stopped to ask if she was ready to try stuff on, Ash didn't think she'd get half way through before closing time. Still she grinned, how could she say no? " Ok!"
cShe walked with Besty to the Dressing Room and stopped in front of the open door where the saleswoman had dutifully put the cloths Besty had picked out. Ash couldn't help but laughing, the pile was almost as tall as her. " Do you think we have enough cloths here Aunt Besty?" She used the name Besty had given herself without even thinking. After Besty had said it, it just kinda fit and stuck with Ash. Ash didn't wait for an answer but stepped into the room and turned grinning a twinkle in her eye," I'll be right out, but if I'm not, come and get me, I might have drowned in the cloths."
She started by putting all the cloths that were too big for her to one size and then began to try on some things. Because of her small too thin frame she ended up with the smallest cloths. The jeans fit ok, but the shirts hung off her pitifully. Ash didn't care however, she never had. When she put together an outfit, she would come out and turn slowly in front of Besty. Sometimes she agreed with Besty on the cloths and other times she didn't. But it didn't matter because she had fun Which was more than she could say for some other experiences.
By the end of that round Ash had three pairs of Jeans picked out. Two regular flared pairs and one with some cut little flowers sewn into the bottoms. She had a few more tops one of them being the blue button up Besty had picked out earlier. As Ash was putting together her pile something caught her eye. She pulled it out from under some cloths and fingered the material. It was so beautiful. Simple and yet elegant. She turned Besty, " Aunt Besty, what about this?" It was a light green long dress. It had one inch straps with a square cut neck. Dark Green thread ran along the right torso making little flowers and such and fading away as the skirt of the dress started. " I mean, I don't know where I'd wear it... Or if I would... but... It's just..." She fumbled with the words, not sure of how to explain herself without sounding silly. She wanted the dress because it was so beautiful, and she didn't own anything that pretty, and even if she never wore it just to have it would be enough. It was like the fall leaves that she kept in her room. Their simple beauty facinated her.
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Post by Psylocke on Jul 14, 2005 21:02:47 GMT -5
Betsy watched with a light heart as Ash's expression went from anxiously timid to fascinated to happy. It was such a transformation from Ash's usual subdued self that the hope Betsy had felt for her grew even more. When Ash called her Aunt Betsy, she had to smile. Since Betsy didn't want children of her own, being an aunt was the closest thing she would get and Ash's new name for her was perfect. As “Aunt Betsy”, she could spoil the girl as much as she wanted.
Betsy handed the clothes that Ash picked out to the sales woman, who was eying the “discard” pile with disdain and instructed the woman to take them to the check out. When Ash pulled out the green dress, the look on her face was priceless. Betsy had seen it and thought how brilliant it would look against Ash beautiful red hair.
Walking over to Ash, Betsy turned her toward the mirror then put the dress in front of Ash so it would look like she was wearing it. Betsy had been right, the dress would look stunning on the teenager. Locking eyes with Ash in the mirror, Betsy said, “We both need something new to wear for Christmas. This would be absolutely perfect.”
Pulling the dress away from Ash and draping it over her arm, Betsy looked at her with a mischievous grin and said, “You know what we need next? Shoes.”
Walking to the check out, Betsy handed the sales woman the dress and fished out her credit card. Smiling at Ash, Betsy informed her, “Today is on me. Use the money that Professor Xavier gave you for gifts for Christmas.” Reaching over and tucking a bit of Ash's hair behind her ear, Betsy added, “Besides, we're a family now and this is my privilege.”
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Ash
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Post by Ash on Jul 15, 2005 12:51:12 GMT -5
Ash was so happy that Besty agreed with her she couldn't speak. While she looked in the mirror she had to admit that it was beautiful on her. She couldn't wait to wear it, and yet felt nervous about it at the same time. SHe'd never worn anything like it in front of the x-men and students before. She got butterflies just thinking about it. When it came time to pay Ash wanted to argue with Besty about it, but she bit her tongue and let the older woman pay. Perhaps this was a Christmas gift from Besty, perhaps the woman just wanted to do it, either way Ash was not going to pick this subject to battle with her on.
When Besty said they were family Ash felt a knot rise up in her throat. She had begun to think of them as family, but had no idea that they would do the same. Finally she knew that no matter what happened now she would never run from them like she'd tried to a few days ago. She hugged Besty and grabbed the bags that the woman checking them out had put the cloths in. " Ok, let's go get some shoes, and then I get to help you! Besides, that'll give you time to tell me what everyone in the mansion likes. "
Ash really did need help getting people presents. With Five hundred dollars you could get a lot of people presents. Many more people than she had intended at first. The only people who had been on her list before was Besty and Rogue, now she had to shop fore everyone! What would she get them? She could get Riva something animalish, Joseph something to tinker with, and the others? She still didn't know what to get Rogue or Besty, but she was sure she'd run across something. She had another person though, The Professor. She had to get him something, something to thank him for everything he had done for her.
She was so wound up in it all she didn't notice the crowds any more, until of course they had to switch stores, but that was such a short time that it didn't really matter. Besides the crowd wasn't out of place, it was a mall, they belonged there. Ash knew that from when she used to go shopping and now that she was relaxed about it, she was ok.
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Post by Psylocke on Jul 15, 2005 22:11:36 GMT -5
To Betsy's delight, Ash didn't argue with her about making the purchases and she hugged her. Again. It was certainly turning out to be a great shopping trip for both of them. Betsy let her go and heard Ash say, ”Besides, that'll give you time to tell me what everyone in the mansion likes.”
Betsy looked at her and said with a mock groan, “Oh, my, everyone? Sweetheart, we'd be here for days!” Then she smiled at Ash and said, “I think I could help you out, though. If I see something that I think would appeal to one of the residents, I'll let you know. Besides, I'm counting on you to help me find something stunning to wear for Christmas that won't clash with purple hair.”
Taking Ash's hand again, as much to keep them together as to keep Ash secure, Betsy led them out that store and into a small shoe store that happened to be one of Betsy's favorites. It was obvious she was a regular customer when one of the girls from behind the counter came over, ready to show Betsy their newest styles. Completely unphased by the attention, she looked at the girl and said, “Today, we need to fit my friend here with some new shoes. A good pair of running shoes, a few pairs of casual shoes with low heels and one very nice pair to go with this dress.” Betsy pulled out a section of the green dress that she hoped Ash would wear for Christmas.
The girl led Ash over to a chair and began by measuring her foot then showing her different styles of shoes. Betsy stuck right next to her the whole time, giving her opinion things, and soon, there were about ten pairs of shoes for Ash to try on.
While Ash tried the shoes on, Betsy wandered over to a rack of handbags and looked them over closely. Picking up a brown leather satchel, she tested the straps on it, looked at the inside and saw that the workmanship was actually quite good. Smiling, she handed it to another girl and told her to put it on the counter along with her credit card. Giving the girl instructions to wait until they were done looking at the shoes, she walked back to Ash and she sat next to her.
After she had chosen the shoes she wanted, Betsy had the cashier put it on her card. Several minutes later, they were walking out of the store, their arms loaded. Looking at Ash, she said, “There are some days I miss having a chauffeur and when I'm shopping is usually it. Let's drop them off at the car and start again.”
A brief trip to the car and unloading the packages in the trunk, they walked back inside and Betsy led them in the opposite direction and into a small collectibles store.
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Post by goddesssublime on Jul 16, 2005 20:54:01 GMT -5
Remy smiled. "O' course I'll go wit' ya ta de courthouse, Chere," he replied after Rogue had returned with their food. He felt a bit guilty that he hadn't gone up to get it himself, since he was the man and all... Just like how he felt bad about letting Rogue stand up to Callisto earlier for him. "It'll be good ta finally be able ta take ya out wit'out havin' ta worry about ya gettin' arrested or anythin'," Remy quipped as he began to eat. "Mmm... Dis is good, Chere. You know all de best places in town, non?" he added, trying to gloss over any upsetness he may have caused with his little joke about breaking house arrest. (OOC: yeah, let's catch up! I'm all in favor of speeding ahead a bit - feel free to NPC Remy as needed if you want to do it all in one big post or whatever. Also... I'd love to know why Rogue's on house arrest and has to go to the courthouse... If you could send me a private message with some details - the nutshell version - that would ROCK! *hugs*)
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Ash
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Post by Ash on Jul 19, 2005 12:00:05 GMT -5
Ash Laughed quietly, " Something that won't clash with purple! That would be black black and black!" She shook her head and wondered silently, what did go with purple? She'd never thought about that before and was pretty sure almost no one ever had to. Aunt Besty had to live with it all the time!
She was totally unphased by the attention Aunt Besty got. She hadn't been out in stores in a long time and assumed everyone got that kind of attention. She went and sat down on the bench as directed and waited silently swinging her feet a bit as the woman and Aunt Besty went through the many shoes. A few times Ash actually voiced her opinion, like if she thought something was really cute looking, or if she didn't like it at all, but mostly she let the two woman do it.
when they were finished Ash began to try the shoes on and noticed Aunt Besty leave, but didn't mind because she could still feel the mind link Aunt Besty had established in her mind. When she was finished, she had a pair of running shoes, some cute sandels for the spring, two black shoes with heels and just for her dress a pair of high-heeled sandles with very thin green straps and decorated with (fake) diamonds.
It didn't take long for them to buy the shoes and head out to the car. She turned and looked at Aunt Besty confused, a chauffuer? Ash had no idea what that was. It was kind of amazing some of the things she didn't know. Some things were completely obvious, and others not so. Even though she lived in society for thirteen years, some of her knowledge gaps were in weird places.
after dumping the shoes and cloths in the back of the car they headed BACK into the mall ready to fight the crowds again. This time they started in a little store with cute nick nacks and things like that. In the store were the little collectable willow tree angels. Ash fell in love with them. She ended up picking out two. One holding a lanter and the other a bunch of flowers behind her back. The Angel of hope and Kindness as they were advertised. She knew exactly who she was buying them for, but kept her lips tightly sealed. After all, it was a surprise, right?
She went to the counter and paid for them immediatly. This time they were presents so she was going to use her money to do it.. well the proffessor's money that is. The man ran the card and then asked to see her ID. Ash stared at him, ID? She didn't have any ID. She couldn't! If she did 'they' would find her. She opened her mind and called out for Besty who was somewhere in the store. Ash had gotten comfortable enough for that.
Aunt Besty! I need you!
" Uh...Could you give me a minute?" The man scowled and then turned to his next customer. Ash's heart beat fast as she waited. Aunt Besty would know what to do... She hoped.
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Post by Psylocke on Jul 19, 2005 21:05:26 GMT -5
Betsy knew Ash was in love with the little store she had taken them in to. It also didn't hurt that Betsy picked up several little trinkets for people for Christmas while in there. She had paid for her items and was waiting for Ash, politely giving her space to shop and make her own purchases and was idly looking at a music box that played a lullaby when opened.
Suddenly she heard, Aunt Betsy! I need you!
Betsy immediately walked over to Ash and set the music box on the counter. She had forgotten to put it back on the shelf. Scanning the cashier's mind briefly to find out what the problem was, she took the envelope from Ash that had contained the credit card and pulled out an ID. Handing it to the cashier, he looked it over and handed it back to Betsy, never blinking once.
The purchase made, the man handed Ash the bag and thanked her. Putting her arm around Ash's shoulders, Betsy led her out of the store and sat down on an empty bench with her. Turning to look at Ash, Betsy said telepathically, <The ID has a fake name on it. We knew you didn't want your real one used but it does have your picture. That doesn't matter. No one is going to be taking you away from me, from all of us, understand? You belong with the X-Men now, for as long as you want to.> Betsy's "voice" was full of compassion and love and she hoped that Ash would understand. If someone wanted to take Ash away, they would have to deal with Psylocke, not Betsy. No one took things away from the telepathic ninja and got away with it.
Out loud, Betsy suggested with a smile, "Why don't we look at a few more stores then head back. Besides, I need something nice in black, as a certainly beautiful red head told me." She was still holding Ash's hand and mentally watching to make sure the girl was going to be okay.
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