The Howlett Family gathered at the old house in Edmonton on a few special days every year to share dinner like any ordinary large family. It was a tradition that had endured for decades.
James had never forgotten his promise to Old Howlett, made over a century ago before the old man died.
Night fell. One by one, Azazel's black-and-red portals sent Steve and his wife, then Erik and his family on their way. Raven and her son Kurt soon teleported away as well, and the old house, lively all evening, gradually returned to silence.
The study on the top floor was where James spent the most time alone. Apart from his wife, Emma, and the occasional housekeeper who went in to tidy up, no one was allowed inside without his permission.
But as James climbed the stairs to the third floor, he already sensed someone else in the study.
A blood-red gown with a full skirt trailed across the wide, old redwood floor as its wearer strode forward in slender high heels.
After dinner, Jean Grey hadn't left the mansion or gone back to her room to rest.
With her hands behind her back, she searched the towering bookshelves, her emerald eyes flitting from one to another. She heard footsteps approaching behind her, but didn't turn around, remaining absorbed in the thousands of books on the shelves.
"You said I could come in whenever I wanted," Jean said casually.
"That's right. I said you could come anytime."
With his hands in his pockets, James calmly watched Jean's back. Her long red hair and pale shoulders had been etched into his memory for many, many years.
"Mm, found it. Why did you put it on the bookshelf?"
Jean finally spotted a volume with "Jamie" written on its old leather spine.