Kendra sat and thought about the question for a minute. She wished she could say yes, but she was exhausted.  She was always exhausted. Her body actually did rest though her mind did not. Sometimes she felt like she was loosing her mind, but the answer was no. She did not feel rested.  Since her body actually did rest it prevented those heavy bags under her eyes. The tell tale sign of a unrestful night of sleep, instead she was just mentally tired and run down. She felt like she hadn't slept in years. " No." She said quietly as she looked over the girl.

She was less worried about herself and more worried about the health of Xavia, but when she asked how she herself was doing Kendra quickly shrugged it off "I'm fine, just some creep he didn't touch me or anythang, you pretty much stopped'em sugar." She said smiling a bit. It wasn't really traumatic since nothing had gotten to that point and she had been hit on before, she had seen his type before. Big muscles little brain. Thinking he can have any woman he wants, it didn't matter if they weren't interested.

Kendra shook her head lightly and declared she wasn't hungry. Truth was during the night she had wandered into the kitchen at some point and gotten herself a few snacks. Even though she was just a dream projected on the world eaten in her dreams made her full when she was awake. She was like the world's cheapest date! She never ate that much when she was actually awake. She didn't waste her time with things like that when she could just as easily do it when she was asleep.

Kendra remembered that she said she was a biology teacher here at the school. She wondered if she would be able to sign up for any classes. She was twenty one, a little older than a senior in high school, but this was a school for the gifted.  Surely it wasn't age restricted but she didn't know.  She debated weather she should bother Xavia with such questions for a moment, but quickly decided to ask anyways. "Is your biology class for adults as well? Or just for'the kids?" She would be fascinated by a class that taught mutant biology. It seemed right up her alley. She often spent her free time dream walking into the library to read various books on mutation and genealogy.

"I am sorry," she said to the first part. Empathetic eyes settled upon the face of her new friend and stayed there for a span of silence. She listened intently to whatever Kendra had to say. When it came to the talk of Xavia doing the work, she gave a light shrug. She was one who did try to be modest despite opening up about the things that had gone on in her life. She only showed off the scrapbook to encourage Kendra to stay for the night if she needed a place. It was what she did.

Then Kendra brought up wanting to sign up for classes and Xavia shook her head softly, "I do not know, to be honest. Perhaps you ask the dean?" That was the best reply she could give for the moment. She did not recall ever having an adult student. Last she knew, it was a school for youngsters, though. Still, it wouldn't hurt to direct the younger woman toward the dean. "I could use assistant if not. Perhaps you bring t'at up if you do go to dean?"

She wasn't joking when she said that. It was not easy making the commute to teach classes, be able to take care of the plants in the greenhouse, grade papers, and still find time to train before she made the commute back home and also take care of the house. All of that stuff did kind of fill in the void she felt within her, being alone in that big house. She missed the feel of sleeping next to someone and the security it brought to her.

God, maybe she really did need to get out more, put herself out there and move on. Jupiter wasn't coming back, it seemed. She shook her head at her own, random thoughts and forced herself back to the present where she could regard Kendra with a thoughtful gaze. "I only teach biology because t'ey do not have botany as a class. I suppose t'ey do teach t'e same t'ing on some level, but plants are my specialty. I had to brush up big on t'e ot'er portions of it just so I do not look foolish teaching it. My students are all patient wit' me if my brain stalls. Good class, sometimes a bit rowdy but not too much."

It probably helped that Xavia looked younger than she actually was. She did not know that Kendra probably thought she was in the same age group when Xavia would soon be in her mid thirties. Kids tended to trust the younger teachers more since they seemed more like a peer in comparison to older teachers. "I am sure if you are able to be assistant, I can make arrangements to pay your salary myself. I do not ask for pay since I do not need it." Yeah, she was still sitting pretty on the money coming in from being Layla, as well as her investments using inheritance. Not that she was multi-million dollars in the black yet, but she was comfortable.

Assistant? Kendra thought the proposition over in her mind for a few moments while she chewed on her lip thoughtfully. She could use the extra income. She was only a freelance photographer. There was an ebb and flow to that. Sometimes there was work and other times there wasn't. "I'll have'ta give it some thought." She finally said. She could use the money, but she was hoping to open her own photography studio somewhere in the city eventually. To do that thought she needed money and more than she was brining in.

Kendra looked at the older woman and thought how young she looked. If she had to guess she'd say about 24. Kendra herself was only 21.  The bright beaming sun wouldn't do either of their complexions any favors, though Xavia seemed to be enjoyin the sun. Kendra yawned and stretched out a bit. She supposed it'd be nice to feel a little more helpful around the mansion and less like a free loader.

"Ya know what? I'll do it!" She changed her mind, but she was always a bit on the indecisive side. Not to mention nosey and impulsive. Those were just a few of her lovely, lovely personality traits. Kendra didn't really know the first thing about biology, let alone mutant biology, but she figured that it'd be a good way for her to learn and kinda take a class without really takin a class. She wondered what kind of lectures the young plant woman would give.

She thought a moment about her girlfriend and how it had been awhile since she had seen her. Obviously she was puttering around somewhere around the mansion but she just hadn't had the time to actually spend anytime with her. IF she was helping teach a class she'd have even less time for Emily, but if she wanted to open up her studio.... Kendra placed a hand on Xavia's shoulder and rubbed it lightly.

"Thanks, I umm... really appreciate it.  So does that mean you're goin to move back'to the mansion if you take up teaching full time?"  Kendra's voice was hopeful.  She had made a new friend and possibly a new employer.  She'd rather see more of her than less of her around the mansion honestly.  Plus, it'd be nice to have another friendly face to bump into when she dream walked at night. 

"No... As much as commute annoys me, I like my home. I can only take so much chaos. I do love to teach, just... So much stuff here it overwhelms. Anyway, will be great if t'ey give you t'e okay. I will pay handsome just for graded papers, let alone you helping wit t'e greenhouse. You will not be getting t'ings like soy latte for me or running odd errands... I just need a hand wit' making sure t'e kids take care of t'eir assignments. Good opportunity for you to learn t'e class and get paid for it." She seemed cheerful at the thought of having at least a little help.

But that still did not end the nagging tired she had. "I am going back into city early today since I had to skip today. Need to rest up if am going to be any good in the morning for actual work. DocProf told me I should take a few days but I would rat'er not." She would at least be there during the week. but she seemed to be more of a homebody.

She put the cap on the bowl that still had a tiny bit of food left and she tucked that and her fork in her bag, then she stretched out in the grass, tucking her hands under her head.

Kendra climbed up on the little picnick table that they had been sitting at. Sitting on the table itself she clasped her hands in her lap and just watched as students and mutants moved about the grounds. The wind started to blow lightly causing her red flowing maine to blow lightly around her face. Her eyes narrowed against the brightness of the sun and she just watched. She thought about the younger mutants at the school and how their lives were just beginning. How like her once upon a time ago were full of hope and potential. There wasn't much hope in her life if she was being completely honest she felt kind of listless. Going through the motions. Things were good, that wasn't the problem. She had a girlfriend and a place where she felt welcomed and wanted, but she didn't have her family. She didn't have any close friends aside from the ones she had met here.

Kendra found herself thinking about a bunch of things. Most of which was Libby. Her first girlfriend and her one time fiancé. That was a long time ago. They were about 17 when they got engaged. Just a couple of stupid quicks who thought the world wasn't cruel and cold. When Kendra revealed herself to Libby that she was mutant Libby broke up with her and told her to leave. Kendra was heartbroken. What Libby never told her was that she too was a mutant, only she hid it very well. She must've had her reasons. What those were Kendra would never know. All she knew was that the mansion was her home now. This was where she belonged honestly.

She reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear to get it out of her face. Looking down she saw Xavia lying in the grass relaxing.  Neither one of them were really talking much because no words really needed to be said at the moment. When Kendra finally did break the silence it was with a question. A question that had been roaming around her mind for awhile. She didn't ask it before because she didn't know how to bring it up, but she honestly wanted to know that Xavia had someone.

"So...Where's your daughter Xavia?" She asked. Her words weren't judgmental or cold, but coming form a place of honest curiosity. Her voice was soft and patient as she continued to squint aganst the sun and stare out at a few mutant children playing with a football.  She hoped Xavia's daughter was in a safe place.  For both their sakes. The world was pretty cruel to mutants and their offspring.

"She is wit' my mama in Michigan, plan to move t'em bot' into my house. I miss her. Hope to enroll her here if she has gift like I t'ink she does." No matter what other people said about her kiddo, how because she had Downs, she would never be able to do certain things. Xavia refused to treat her like she was different. She was like a bright light for Xavia, and oh, did she miss her. If Jupiter never came back, if he never got to meet her, he would miss out ob the vibrant personality of his daughter.

"I cannot wait to see her again. She is so funny and joyful. I miss her so much." She sat up, already looking like the color was returning to her face just from taking in sunshine. The dark circles were fading over time. The woman now had a bit of blush to her cheeks that hadn't been there since the incident the night before. Xavia was a very vibrant creature when healthy.

The scent of roses also seemed to be picking up as her mood picked up, but one would always smell those when around her unless she willed a different flora or was ill. The happier she was or more content she was, the stronger the smell.

The scent of roses filled the air and it caused Kendra to turn and look for the source. It took her a few moments to realize that it was coming from Xavia. That's interesting she thought. She supposed it shouldn't be surprising she seend to have plant based powers after all. She was looking better too. The sun must heal her.  Well, at the very least she knew that she wasn't the only one with unusual powers. 

Kendra slipped down from the table and settled in down on the grass beside Xavia. The sun was still bright and shiny in the sky, the birds around the ground seemed to be happily chirping away. There was the faint sound of laughter drifting through the grounds and all and all just a warm feeling of safety and peace here. She hadn't stopped to really notice these things before.

Kendra was a photographer by trade.  She spent a lot of time taking pictures of natures and the outdoors, but she never particularly was a fan of nature.  She found beauty in it.  She found peace in it, but she never took the time to just sit and enjoy it like this.  Funny how that works. 

Kendra settled in down on the grass and placed her hands behind her head as well.  Looking up at the clouds she yawned and felt the urge for a nap pulling over her.  She was still so very tired from a restless night of astral projection.  The fact that her body slept through the night did little to help her brain which was always on.  She felt a light headache pulsing around her temples and gently closed her eyes taking in the warmth of the sun.

She sighed and took in the fresh air as well, feeling a bit better by that point. She was quite happy with how blue the sky was and decided that she would damn well take advantage of the warmth the sun had to offer. Perhaps she would be able to get a much needed run in after all, or work on training. Either way, the day wasn't half bad.

She sat up after a time and said, "You want I show you greenhouse? Not far from here, five minute walk." She had reason to be anxious to see the greenhouse. She wondered if the new plants she had ordered arrived yet or not. She had ordered some cottonwood, a poplar tree and various fruits and veggies she intended for her students to take care of in botany class.

"We grow all kinds of t'ings... I hope to get DNA from extinct plant sometime to see if I can bring back for medicine, maybe. Not my idea, but I can do it if I just touch or eat." Obviously she was not looking for money to do ut, but she just lijed to help people out.

Kendra was a photographer.  She sometimes took pictures of nature and things like that but mostly people.  Mutants.  That was her main focus.  She worked for a magazine that did human interest pieces that did articles on the relationship between humans and mutants.  She had a job, but it wasn't full time.  It was on her own schedual and mostly freelance.  She could use the extra cash flow and she did enjoy Xavia's company.  She thought perhaps that when she suggested showing her the greenhouse it had something to do with her biology class.  Is it still called biology if it's dealing with plants?  She didn't rightly know.

Kendra nodded and stood up from the grass.  She took the time to brush herself off at the few leaves and blades of grass that clung to her.  Looking around she offered Xavia a hand up. I can do this.  She thought.  It'd be nice to have a purpose around here.  She wasn't used to just freeloading and that's a little what she felt like.  She wasn't young enough to be a student and she wasn't hurt or scared.  She didn't need shelter because she was abused she just needed a roof over here head.  The mansion had accepted her with open arms and she thought helping Xavia teach her class would be a good way to contribute and pay them back for their kindess.

"Sure thang honey let's go check it out."  Kendra's conversation was sprinkled with things like 'honey' 'sugar' 'darling' it was a product of the down south Georgia way of speaking.  It was the equivlant of saying friend or buddy or miss or madam.  It wasn't meant to be taking seriously and to Kendra she never even gave it a mometns' thought causally tossing out a sweet word dripped into her conversation like little kisses for punctuation. 

Kendra wondered how a class full of kids would even take to her.  Would she be there during class? Or just grading papers?  She was a little nervous about the former.  She wasn't terribly great in social situations and the thought of standing in front of a class even as a teachers assistant was more than a little intimidating, but she was willing to give it a shot.  For now though, she wanted to see this greenhouse.  Xaiva seemed excited about it, and that alone was enough to peak her interest.

She led Kendra into the greenhouse, which was made of green trimmed glass and plastic in some places. A myriad of smells, from the sweet smell of warm strawberries that looked to be as big as a child's hand, to the strangely wonderful scent of heirloom tomatoes, both green and ripe. There were flowers there were bushes, there were house plants and saplings. "T'is place is for my botany class, but is also my sanctuary. You ever want midnight snack? You come here. Look..." She picked a cluster of raspberries from a bush and showed them to Kendra.

She smiled, then went to the front of the greenhouse by the desk she had there, a stack of ungraded papers settled neatly in the basket. There was a rather large cage with plenty of room, with a fluffy white rabbit curled up in the grass grown right in the cage. Xavia opened the small door and set the berries into the cage. The rabbit eagerly hopped over and began to nom on the berries, eventually making quite a mess with the crimson juice all over it's mouth. She repeated the process with the guinea pig in the next cage over. "Kids ask me for pets to take care of..."

Everything was arranged by plant type if Kendra took a look around. For instance pumpkins would be off to one side, watermelons in a completely different corner. Xavia would lead her through a door, inside that section was a set up to study monarch butterflies. There was milkweed all over, and plenty of areas where the caterpillars could nestle into their cocoons to eventually break free in glorious bursts of orange.

"Sometimes I bring biology kids in here so t'ey learn about butterflies." And one just so happened to be emerging at that monent. Xavia moved over, holding her breath and smiling as the bug shimmies from it's hiding place to stretch and flutter it's wings, only to fly high into the air and dance about.

Kendra watched as the butterfly emerged from it's cocoon a butterfly.  There was something just beautiful about it.  Metaphorically, about changing who you were and becoming more than you once were. It was like the world's way of letting you know that even something unremarkable can become something spectacular.  Or at least that's how Kendra thought of it.  She watched it flutter about for a moment before she got lost in her own thoughts.

Must be nice.  Floating about like that on'tha wind.  Not'a care in the world.  There are actually mutants who can fly like that. No one considers them to be beautiful.  They just consider them to be mutants.  Kendra was lost in thought for several moments She didn't hear Xavia when she said that she brought her students in here for lessons. Asking her to repeat it she nodded and smiled. 

"When's you're next class?"  She asked.  She realized this was a live in school.  The students already lived her.  Was this a class that was already up and going?  She had no idea.  She had never seen Xavia before she ran into her when she was attacked.  She had never noticed her around the mansion before, but she didn't take any classes it was very likely she had just simply not noticed her.

Kendra was going to find out later today from whoever she needed to about how to become a teacher's aid here in the mansion.  Xavia needed the extra help, she needed the extra cash and she had already made up her mind that she was going to do it.  Her fingers lightly touched the stack of papers and combed through them with a light smile as she waited for her response from Xavia.  Yeah gradin these won't be so bad.  She thought with a warm smile on her lips.  "I gotta fill anythang out to be your assistant?"  She asked.  She was honestly curios she didn't know how this all worked, but she had seen the greenhouse and the teacher.... Next she'd like to see the class room.

"You fill out papers, yes, we get you all settled in. Will take you to speak wit' headmaster later and get you ready to start." She spent the next bit of time explaining what was expected, how she needed help with the grading of papers throughout the week so there was not a back log. She explained that there would be days where she needed videos and A/V stuff, and help to come up with fun ways to present lessons to keep the kids on their game.

She got Kendra squared away with papers and such at some point because it needed to be done, and then resituated in the greenhouse. She was feeling tired and it was not even dinner time yet. Xavia sat at the desk and took a breather. "I will gave to brief you on lessons before I do T'em so you know how to grade t'e papers too." There was a lot to go iver, she was sure there was stuff she would forget.

Kendra found herself excited. The prospect of standing in front of a class helping teach made her a little nervous. If that was in fact some of what she would be doing, but overall she found herself really excited about it. "Sure thang!" She replied.

After the paperwork was all done and dotted she really started to marvel at how things had happened. If she hadn't stood up for that mutant outside of the movie theater she would haven never met Xavia and never been offered this chance to help out. She looked at a few random kids running by laughing about something just outside the building they wee in. She smiled. They seemed so happy. She wished she would have been able to come to this place when she was just a scared little girl trying to understand what was happening to her body. It would have made things a lot easier.

Kendra pushed the hair out of her face and looked over at Xaiva. She seemed to be doing a lot better now. She seemed to blossom like one of her flowers and the pink roseyness of her cheeks was rather fitting for her pale porcelain baby doll complexion. Kendra set her paperwork down on the desk and sighed out a heavy sigh. She knew this was all going to be new for her. Teaching and assistanting, but she was ready for the challenge.

Sitting down a minute she looked at Xavia. She wondered if there was anything else that needed to be done but she couldnt' think of a single thing.  All that had to be done now was talk to the headmaster guy and get the official greenlight she guessed, but it seemed the job was already hers. "Well.  I gotta head out to the city for a bit, but I'll be ready for class bright and early tomorrow?" She asked. She was surprised that she was starting to feel more excitement than nervousness.

"Alright. I see you soon." She said, nodding for her new friend to go do whatever she needed to. In the meantime, Xavia was going to take a jog because she felt like it was in order. Maybe she should go train in the danger room, too. But that thought kind of went out the window, she wanted to know more about why the vine ripping caused her to bleed like that.

She took a deep breath, bringing herself back to the present, then smiling at Kendra. "You try not to find trouble." She was clearly teasing her by that point. She gave her time to reply and make for the door, before heading out herself and warming up.