Going Through Changes; OPEN

[Colette]

Outfit: Beauty in Dreams
Music: How far we've Come - Matchbox 20
Notes: Anyone is free to reply next. This is only for Professors and Teachers.

Pushing through the doors, she sighed, pushing the strap of her purse up her shoulder as she lugged the suitcase along. Smiling at the receptionist, she headed towards the elevator. Floor three, room 3. It wasn't hard to remember. I hope they gave me everything I asked. She thought to herself as she waited for the elevator to stop. Sure, she could have had it at Webster again, but the date she wanted wasn't available. And, hey, she was a working single mother with a schedule to keep.

So it was option number two. Hearing the ding, she watched as the double doors of the elevator swung open, revealing a marble floored hallway with beige colored walls. Peaking her head out, she slowly emerged into the hallway. Looking around a moment she headed to the right. One, two, three. Pushing the door open she smiled as she morning's rays filled the room in a golden light.

Orange juice, coffee, donuts, cookies. It seemed everything was there. Plopping the briefcase on top of the table she relaxed a bit. They had a lot to cover, in four hours. She wasn't sure how Laura was going to take having to watch the twins any longer than that. Something is up with her. She thought as she placed her purse in one of the chairs as she went to the side table and made herself a cup of coffee.

Just as she grabbed a donut, her cell went off. Groaning, she placed it back down on the napkin and walked over to look at who was texting her. 'Eliza is sick. She just threw up all over me. Should I give her a bath and medicine?' Sigh pushing from Colette lips she quickly typed back 'Give her a bath, put her to bed. I'll give her medication when I get back' Closing the phone, she turned it to vibration mode and kept it on the table.

Looking to the clock on the back wall, she smiled. "Should be here any minute."

[Ainslie Darling]

Congregate

So, today sucked. Today sucked worse than the suckiest day had ever sucked. And that was seriously sucky. Sighing, Ainslie Darling watched the counter on the top of the elevator tick off the floors as it climbed. Reaching the third, the doors opened and Ainslie stepped out, quickly making her room to the third room. She so did not want to be here. She wanted to be with Colette, yes. But she wanted to be with Colette in her kitchen, trading turns on a scotch bottle. Or at the counter of some dark bar, downing shots and flirting shamelessly with the bartenders. Not stuck in a meeting. Ainslie loved her job, was passionate about it and truly cared after hte kids.

But it really was a sucky day.

Pushing the door open, Ainslie passed a manufactured grin to Colette. "Hey there, CoCo." Seeing the rest of the room was empty, she collapsed into a chair near the door and looked to her friend. "Looks like I'm the first to arrive, huh?" She was just about to move to the coffee when her phone vibrated. Her heart leapt and she hated herself for it. Checking the display, she saw that it was just a text from her brother, Lewis. Shaking her head, Ainslie dropped the device onto the table and went directly for the coffee.

"I hate today," she muttered decisively, more to herself then anyone else. Fixing the coffee up, she turned and leaned against the wall, passing Colette a smile that was more genuine than before. "Damn it has been awhile, girl. We need to have ourselves another drinking night." She smirked, remembering the last one. They really needed another one... Soon.

[Adyson]

Long Time Coming.

Was it sad that she was playing her PSP in the elevator. Yes, it was beyond sad, but she was just so nervous. It was the first time in atleast 4 or 5 years since she had seen her best friend. That was alot, and she had changed in that long period of time. She was sure Colette had too. People are never the same as they were in Highschool and College, most people matured and she was sure Colette had.

I mean a woman who had it all. Who was responsible for all of these schools here in the city. Colette was truly amazing, and from what Adyson could remember Colette happened to be a pretty good party goer as well. That had changed though after she had Laura. The doors opened. Slipping from the elevator and slipping her game into her purse she made her way down the hallway.

Room one...She moved a peice of hair from her face pushing it behind her ear. Taking a deep breath she continued walking. Room two...Adyson really was lucky to have gotten this job if it wasn't for her boss at her old job this would have never happened, and Addy would have never found Colette again. Seeing as she moved on to way better things than Adyson had.

Room three. Smiling softly she took a deep breath and turned the knob on the door. She walked in her sandals hitting the floor in a soft rhythmic clicking noise. "Well well well... Colee you finally grew some boobs." Adyson giggled softly and practically ran over and wrapped Colette in a hug. "Girl I have missed you so damn much."

Pulling away she noticed the other woman in the room. "Oh my I have definently forgotten all my manners. I'm Adyson Delmar." She moved closer to the other woman holding out her hand. "And you must be..." Addy searched her mind. She had done research on all the teachers and professors of each house. "Ainslie Darling?" She said with a smile.

"I have to say I was really nervous about being here, but now I'm just relieved to finally have a job." Adyson smiled softly looking over at Colette. "It's been way too long."

[Colette]

Halfway through a donut, she heard the door open. Turning around she smiled as she watched Ainslie walk in. Her mouth was full so she simply just nodded her hello, all the while her cell vibrated on the table. "Hey there, CoCo." Swallowing she smiled. "Morning Ains."

"Looks like I'm the first to arrive, huh?"

Colette nodded, leaning against the side table where everything good sat. "Mhm." She murmured in reply. "I hate today," Cell phone going off again, Colette nodded, pointing at her phone. "Me too."

"Damn it has been awhile, girl. We need to have ourselves another drinking night."

She was just about to reply when the door opened again, and in walked a slender blonde woman. Colette raised a brow, waiting to hear what the woman wanted before opening her mouth.

"Well well well... Colee you finally grew some boobs." Adyson giggled softly and practically ran over and wrapped Colette in a hug. "Girl I have missed you so damn much."

Collette was shocked to say the least, it took a moment for everything to click in. "Adyson?" Colette laughed softly, hugging her back. "Oh god, Ady. It has been awhile." She smiled. "How you been?"

Colette smiled and waited as Ady introduced herself to Ainslie. Hearing another text coming through she reached over and flipped the phone open. "Liam got into the baby powder, and now there's powder everywhere. Mom, when are you coming back?" Colette groaned. "Four hours, that's all I asked of her. Just four hours. That's not a lot, is it?"

"I have to say I was really nervous about being here, but now I'm just relieved to finally have a job."

Knee deep into a text to Dean to stop at the manor before coming here, Colette's head popped up. "Job?" Her brows furrowed as a smile crossed her face. "What are you talkin' about Ady?"

[Ainslie Darling]

Ainslie chuckled as Colette indicated her phone. Seemed like they both were having "one of those days." Taking a generous drink from her coffee, Ainslie's own phone vibed as well. Groaning, she shot an understanding look to Colette. "One of these days I'm gonna break that thing in half..." Pacing back to her seat, she scooped the phone up and fired a text off to her brother that she was in an important meeting and would deal with the disastrous aftermath of yet another one of his one-night-stands later. Like, much later.

At the new entrance and exchange between her and Colette, Ainslie felt herself tense up, something like jealousy spilling into her stomach. But that was silly. She was just having a bad day and wanted her best friend. Mustering up a smile for the woman, Ainslie nodded. "Nice to meet you." She listened with half an ear to Colette and Adyson's conversation. Lewis had sent her a pouty text back and she dealt with that quickly.

"So, CoCo," she stated, dropping her Blackberry to the tabletop a second time, "who else is coming to this shin-dig?" Ainslie was expecting Emma at least, perhaps a few of the assistants and teachers who were about: Dean, maybe Benson... Honestly, she just wanted to get the show on the road and get started already. Sooner they got started, sooner they could finish...

God, she really sucked today.

[Adyson]

"Adyson?" Colette laughed softly, hugging her back. "Oh god, Ady. It has been awhile." She smiled. "How you been?"

Adyson grinned softly. "Your telling me. I have only been in the states now for like 7 months. I haven't really been in the U.S. since we graduated and trust me. Its not easy living in a country you don't know anything about. I learned three new languages, and I don't plan on ever using them again." She smirked softly.

Nice to meet you.

Adyson nodded softly to the red head. "Nice to meet you as well. I have a special place in my heart for red heads since I was born one." She laughed softly. "Maybe I will have to buy you a drink some time just so we can share the glories of growing up the gingers of the world." Addy smiled softly finding herself really comfortable with Ainslie.

This was so much better than what she expected. Now she just had to make it through the meeting and all her nerves would slowly melt away. Hopefully.

"Four hours, that's all I asked of her. Just four hours. That's not a lot, is it?"

Adyson raised a brow. "I'm guessing that would be little Laura. What is she bugging you about now? I miss that little squirt." She was going to continue talking about Laura and how much she wanted to see how much she had grown when Colette looked up shocked.

"Job?" Her brows furrowed as a smile crossed her face. "What are you talkin' about Ady?"

"For the smartest person I know you don't catch on that quick. My boss called you a couple of weeks ago. Yale grad who was a mutant and fit for a professor job. I'm hurt my name didn't automatically pop into your head Colee." She laughed softly. "Yeah I'm your new professor...flesh and blood." She let a smirk linger on her lips.

[Dean]

Be the change

Shit. He felt like shit, looked like shit. Groaning, he cursed as he heard his cell ringing alerting him to a text message. Flipping the phone open he sighed. "Can you stop at my house and check on Laura and give Eliza some medication? Thanks so much. Xoxo" Right. Fuck.

Stopping at Biella he quickly went inside and took care of the situation. He sat Laura down and explained she couldn't text her mother ten times in a row when she was at a meeting. Giving Eliza her meds, he also dispersed a fight between the trio of six year old boys in the kitchen.

Slamming the car door shut, he took off down the road and parked out back of the society. Dean stepped out of the car and yanked on his tie, before slamming and locking the door. What a fucking week. No sleep, how could he sleep? His little girl was gone...

Forcing himself into the elevator, it was a short hellish wait; but quicker than what he was experiencing lately. Walking down the hall, his shoulders slumped. Sighing, he stood outside the door and took in a large breath before pushing the door open.

"Morning." His voice was hoarse from reprimanding the boys at Biella, mixed with arguments over Regan. He was slow, as he walked to the coffee that was being offered out so generously.

His eyes gazed around the room, it was still pretty empty. But it was close to the time of the meeting on the announcement sheets everyone got last week. "So, um." His eyes landed on Adyson and his brows furrowed. "Who's that?"

[Corona]

Tea Party

Where were the babysitters these days? Corona sighed as she hustled along the sidewalk, holding Lyra's hand tightly as not to lose her on the crowded streets of New York. A million things were running through her head at this time, most of which, were about Nicolas. God, she loved that man to death...and boy, did she hope he felt the same! They would've been spending the day together if it weren't for this meeting...and the fact that the man had gotten so busy all of a sudden. Corona began to slow down to a less busy portion of the street. She knelt down to Lyra's level.

"Lyra, sweetie, mum's got to go to a meeting, but being that Nic is busy today, he can't watch you today. So, I'm going to let you come along. But you got to be real good and not touch anything, okay?" She told her with a soft smile. She was answered with a nod and a cute Lyra grin. Why did that girl always seem excited to go to these kinds of things?

Corona straightened herself and continued pressing along to their destination. Silly girl....and to think, I actually let her wear that today. She thought, glancing quickly at her daughter before she hurried up the steps. She pushed the door open, nudging Lyra in first and then following after. It wasn't until she had gotten into the elevator that she really realized how long it had been since she last saw everyone. Did she even remember all their names? Corona wasn't sure, but she hoped she did.

She soon found herself reciting names in the elevator, around the same time Lyra had begun to recite the ABC's. Once she snapped out of her trance and the ding! sounded, she stepped out of the doors with a smile on her face. She walked down the hall, never letting go of Lyra's small hand. "Here we go, Lyra girl." She breathed softly and then pressed open the large door.

The place looked very nice and all.....but why did it look so....empty? She looked at the few people that were here. Dean....Colette....and...Ainslie perhaps? Cor wasn't sure. Oh dear! I hope Colette isn't angry I brought Lyra along. Corona carefully stepped forward to greet everyone, letting go of Lyra's hand. Once she was at closer distance, she looked to Colette. "I'm terribly sorry, Colette, but I couldn't find anyone to watch Lyra so I simply brought her along. I hope you don't mind."

Cheshire Cat

Oh boy! That was the only thought going through the young girl's head at the time. It was disappointing that she didn't get to go play with Nic today, for she had been looking forward to playing with him. He was fun. Her second favorite person almost. But, she was being given the chance to go to one of her mummy's meetings. That was almost as good.

Already, Lyra had a rather proud stride today. Corona had let her pick out her own clothes, of course, Lyra had tried to copy what her mother was wearing. After all, if her mother could wear a teacup on her head, then she could surely wear pink cat ears, right? Lyra thought so. Once they had gotten to the large doors of the room, Lyra was practically jumping up and down. She was absolutely ecstatic.

Soon enough, she felt her mother let go of her hand. Lyra grinned and skipped right over to Dean, holding her Cheshire cat plush by the tail. "Ello Dean!" She greeted happily as she tugged on his pant leg. "Mummy let me come to the tea party too!" Tea Party.....that's what Lyra called it.

[/color]

[Ayanna]

Jasmine in Bloom

Ayanna smiled over at Emily as she drove her 1957 Porsche Speedster towards the mutant society. "Are you nervous?" She asked softly, placing a hand to her stomach. "I'm sorta-kinda nervous. My stomach has butterflies and--" She gasped as Emily switched lanes and almost hit someone. "WILL YOU WATCH IT!" She screamed with laughter. "I seriously don't want to die today, E." She chuckled softly, pushing her bangs back, and making sure the flower in her hair was still there.

As Emily parked, Ayanna got out and looked up at the building with awe. "Hot damn, this place is huge." She laughed, looking back at Emily as they walked inside. They stopped, asked the receptionist where the meeting was being held and quickly climbed into the elevator. "So what do you think this meeting is about?" She asked as they continued to rise to the third floor.

As the elevator doors opened, they both stuck their heads out and looked both ways before exiting. Some would swear they were actually sisters, or twins; with the way they acted. "So, I'm not over-dressed?" She asked, brows furrowed as she looked down at herself as they both walked down the hallway.

As Emily pulled the door open, Ayanna smiled, entering first. "Morning." She said to everyone as her eyes landed on Lyra. "Aww, aren't you just adorable!" She grinned.

[Emily]

Free my soul

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "No, I'm not nervous. And, I told you to eat before we left the apartment. Dummy." She grinned over at her friend as she switched lanes, nearly jumping as Ayanna screamed at her.

She just laughed it off. She wasn't a bad driver, Ayanna was just seriously nervous. And, it wasn't her fault that at the same time as she was switching, the other car was switching lanes as well. But, accident avoided; thankfully. "You sure?" She smirked, raising a brow as she laughed and pulled into an open space near the entrance.

They both stood there a moment, looking up at the building, sharing a smile. "That it is." She replied softly. "We better go in." She smiled softly as they walked inside. They stopped, asked the receptionist where the meeting was being held and climbed into the elevator.

"So what do you think this meeting is about?"

Emily shrugged. "I don't know. Why do you think I have all the answers?" She smirked back at her. "Cause, I honestly don't." She laughed softly as the elevator doors opened and they both stuck their heads out and looked both ways before exiting. Sharing a laugh at how ridiculous they were, they started down the hallway.

"No." She answered with a smile. "Am I under-dressed?" Her brows furrowed as she looked down at what she had just thrown on. A moment later, she was shrugging it off. "Oh well, comfort before fashion I say." She said, grabbing the door knob and pulling it open for Ayanna.

It was odd, how they both said "Morning." at the exact same time. She watched as Ayanna cooed over how cute Lyra was. "Hi. I'm Emily Fairchild, and this is Ayanna Lockhart." Emily smiled as she introduced both herself and Ayanna to the crowd. "We're both teachers for the new school? Casa Bela?" She smiled softly.

[Jack]

Anchor-Man

Ah, the first meeting of his new job. It was rather exciting. He was quite eager to meet who he'd be working with; well, he was eager to flirt. Jack had a minor weakness on that part, but what did you expect from such a good-lookin guy? It had taken him long enough to get to this job in the first place, and he intended to keep it for a while; so he needed to get on the good side of most everyone. Luckily though, he was beginning this job alongside his best friend, Rogue.

They had soon walked to the steps of the building and Jack strolled happily inside to the elevator. "Rogue, bud, could ye chill? Don't see why you're so nervous. It's just a teensy-weensy little meeting." He said with a chuckle, sliding his hands comfortably in his pockets. The reply he received only made him laugh more. "It looks good on ye, Mutt. And maybe without yer nose in a book, ya might talk to someone new!"

Sighing, he shook his head and pulled him out of the elevator once the doors opened again. "Smile and be friendly, alright Mutt?" Jack smirked before they entered the meeting room, he with a rather proud stance and his friend looking more nervous than ever. The pride look was replaced soon with a half grin and slightly widened eyes. This place was a gold mine!

He elbowed his friend for that comment and then strolled up to the crowd of people that seemed to be mingling. "Not late are we?" He exclaimed with a pleasant smile.
[/font]

[Rogue]

Drop The Anchor

So, it was finally time to meet everyone properly. Rogue wasn't very excited, at least, not as excited as his friend. To be truthful, he was actually rather nervous. Meeting new people had always been rather nerve-racking for him. He was good at appearing calm in those situations, but deep down, he was filled with a thousand butterflies.

Those butterflies did not go away as they got to the doors. In fact, the increased and by the time they were standing in the elevator, he was shifting his wait uncomfortably. Sighing, he looked up at Jack. "I forgot my novel....and I'm wearing....a tee-shirt. Besides, we have no clue what to expected. They might not like us....were not exactly in that rank around here......I mean, did you see that car parked outside? It was a Porsche, Jack! A 1957 Porsche Speeder to be exact...you know...the specific models that were..."

He continued his spiel while his friend dragged him down the hall. He had just finished when Jack unexpectedly opened the door. Rogue looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He remained that way until he gazed at Jack. He patted his friend on the shoulder and chuckled quietly, "Whoa there, Lancelot, don't get too excited. Keep it in your pants, bud."

Rogue simply laughed when he got elbow and decided to follow his friend. However, the kid caught his eye and he stalled for a moment. Cute kid. God...he wished he had a daughter. Sighing, he followed behind Jack though he had things on his mind. I wonder who's kid that is... He scanned the group, in hopes to catch a glimpse of the possible mother. But no luck. They all looked like they'd be excellent mothers.

[/font]

[Colette]

She laughed softly as Ady went on and on about everything. Smiling, she nodded as she sipped at her coffee, watching her phone as Dean texted back he had taken care of it and he was on his way. Shoving the phone in her purse, she sighed, her head dipping a little.

"I'm guessing that would be little Laura. What is she bugging you about now? I miss that little squirt."

"Laura, right. Little, not anymore." She chuckled. "She's complaining about babysitting the twins, and Eliza's sick. I think I might lose my shit today." She smiled weakly, shaking her head.

She watched as Dean entered, telling everyone good morning and then asking who Adyson was. "Adyson, Dean. Dean, Adyson. She's the new professor for the newest opening school. And, not to mention one of my close friends." She smiled over at Ady.

She could tell just by looking at Dean, that he wasn't in the best of moods. And, honestly, she couldn't blame him. "Any word... about Regan?" She asked softly. The door opened again and Corona and Lyra walked in. "Morning Corona." She smiled, leaning down as Lyra tugged on Dean's pant leg. "Morning, Lyra. You want a donut?" She grinned, waving her over.

"I'm terribly sorry, Colette, but I couldn't find anyone to watch Lyra so I simply brought her along. I hope you don't mind."

Colette waved her off. "No, it's fine. I would have brought the twins if I had known my eldest would be complaining so much." She laughed, as she rolled her eyes. "But, it's fine. It's nice to see Lyra." She grinned down at the girl.

The door was opening again, this time two women entered. "Morning." Colette nodded, listening as one of them; Emily, introduced themselves as Ayanna cooed over Lyra. "That's right. Adyson, meet two of your teachers." She grinned. "Adyson is the professor of Casa Bela." She told them.

And it seemed the entering of people never ended as two men entered the doors. "Morning." She laughed, knowing she was sounding like a broken record at this point. "Whoa there, Lancelot, don't get too excited. Keep it in your pants, bud." She laughed softly as the other man elbowed him back. "Not late are we?" Colette shook her head. "I think the only person who hasn't come yet is Emma... and I'm not sure if Shames or Benson are coming." She informed him. "So, no. You're not late." She laughed.

Colette went down the line of people, introducing them to the new teachers. "Ainslie, professor of BF, Adyson, professor of CB. Myself, professor of BC. Then we have Corona, and her daughter Lyra. Dean, of course. Can't forget him." She grinned over at him.

Speaking of Dean. She walked towards him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "Y'know you can go home. I won't hold it against you." She said softly. "If you do decide to do that. Text Evangeline and ask her to fill your place." She smiled lightly, giving his shoulder a little squeeze.

"So, there's refreshments and food over here if anyone wants anything. I guess until the rest show we can just mingle among ourselves." She smiled, hearing her phone going off with another text. Groaning, she reached for her phone. "Anyone want a twelve year old daughter? She's free to a good home." She teased as she read Laura's message.

[Ainslie Darling]

Passing hellos all around, Ainslie spared a sympathetic half-smile to Dean. Poor thing... Glancing around once more, Ainslie saw Corona and her kid enter. Oh. Wonderful. Just who Ainslie needed. And if Evan was coming... Sighing, she checked her phone again. Nothing. This was so not ideal for today. She wanted to be back in her room curled up in PJs and the only two men a girl could ever count on: Ben and Jerry.

Passing a tight smile to Colette, she apologized with her eyes for the slight bitchiness that was likely to enter her tone. "Hey, can we get this party started?" she asked, passing a hand through her curls. "I'm..." She pulled a face and let her phone drop to the tabletop. With a self-conscious laugh, she amended, "It's just a shitty day, CoCo."

Her phone vibrated. Checking it, Ainslie saw it was a text from Lewis. She tapped out a curt, rapid-fire reply before looking back to Colette.

[Emma Lawrence]

Flashy Entrance

To say she was flying heels over head was a gross understatement. Count on the professor to be late to a meeting... Getting home in order before coming here had taken longer than she'd expected--making sure Cian was confident enough to watch the kids for the time being--and she'd all but dove down to the headquarters, knowing she was tardy. Punctuality was something she was usually proud of, but in this case it was odious, and futile. And this damn elevator was not moving fast enough. The only reason she'd decided against the stairs was her lightheaded feeling from skipping out on breakfast.

As if the cosmic forces didn't have enough to laugh at her about, just as she was exiting the moving machine, a sigh of relief leaving her because she'd finally made it, she tripped over the tiny space between one surface and the other, only able to keep her balance after bicycling her arms to save her from falling onto the sneering ground. Righting her footwork, she peered around, scanning the room and the people before attempting to slink into a seat going unnoticed. Emma could be trusted to do most anything except make a graceful entrance.

Deciding to bypass apologizing about her lack of timeliness, she slipped into a chair near the middle of the table, setting her bag over the back of it. There were new people here--some face she'd never seen before, others she hadn't had an encounter with in a long time.

"I think the only person who hasn't come yet is Emma..."

A heavy blush set over her cheeks and she raised her hand meekly for a fraction of a second, allowing a cheeky grin. "Sorry."