”It can be easier.” Kealey said when Andrew pointed out that things were never really easy for people like them. Kealey didn’t like to hear it phrased that way. To her, there really wasn’t any such thing as “people like us” and “people like them.” She didn’t say this to Andrew though, their acquaintance was too new to bring philosophy like that into play.

Andrew wanted to know more about the Mansion, and Kealey’s eyebrows rose almost to her hairline when he mentioned Sam. This was almost too much coincidence. Things made a little more sense when a card was produced from Andrew’s wallet, but Kealey was still a little gob smacked by the whole thing.

”I know Sam. Quite well actually. He’s my boss…and a good friend of mine.” she pointed out.

Kealey thought for a few moments, wondering exactly how to phrase what she wanted to say without sounding strange….well, more strange than she already did.

”You know how I said that it can be easier?” she said, leaning forward slightly and looking intently at Andrew.

”The Mansion is a wonderful place. If Sam gave you a card, he must have thought you would fit in there. You should give it a try I’m heading back there now if you want a tour or something. No strings attached.”

Andrew had to wonder whether it was like she said. Could it be easier for a mutant to get by? He wasn't really sure but he wouldn't question it. If Kealey felt that way then maybe she'd explain. In either case her reaction confirmed his suspicions that she knew Sam. It was easy to see the shock he'd produced by asking that question and producing the card. So she worked for Sam. That was interesting.

"He helped me out of a jam and...well he offered me a job."

Andrew listened to Kealey as she essentially talked up The Mansion. She obviously thought the world of the place. Both she and Sam were good people from what he knew of them. It sounded like a good idea. Not to mention that if it and the job worked out he wouldn't have to worry about cash or putting up with his roommates. In fact, following that line of thinking he might actually try to make some friends.

After all, this Mansion was a safe haven and school for mutants. At least, that's what Amber had said. Andrew wasn't quite ready to trust them unequivocally but he could give them a shot. It would be nice to laugh with someone again and not worry about whether they had ulterior motives.

"Sure, I think I'm a little late for a job interview anyway." he said with a wink, "It wouldn't hurt to give the place a once over at least."

Kealey nodded when Andrew said that Sam had helped him out of a jam As roving as the X-leader’s eye was…he had a good heart. He was also a pretty decent judge of character, and Kealey knew she was. Andrew was going to fit in well at the Mansion…and it seemed like he was starting to think so too.

Kealey checked the clock on her phone, ”If you have time now, the next bus leaves in ten minutes. I can show you around when we get there.”

Kelaey paused a moment, wondering if the next comment bore speaking, ”I will warn you though…coffee shops and video game stores are one thing…but a crowded city bus is another entirely. I might get a little weird.”

It was a candid admission to a partial stranger, but Kealey felt the need. Even after all the work she’d done, and all the progress she’d made…Kealey could still be nearly ruined by a crowded city bus.

His shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. It wasn't like Andrew had anywhere else to be today. It was one of his off days so he had the entire day to himself. Might as well use it for something that might get him away from Craig and the dangers of having two normal humans as roommates. Plus it would be an entire mansion full of new people to eat his baking. Not that his current roomies had any problem with that but he could bake quite a lot in one go. Generally more than they could eat.

"Sure. I've got the entire day to myself."

Andrew paused to let Kealey speak. It only made sense, he supposed, that she'd have trouble on a bus. A lot of people and conflicting emotions packed into a small space.

"Well I'm not sure how much help I can be but I'll do my best."

Andrew down the rest of his latte. A bus out to a new place where he might not have to hide who he was. At least quite so much. He'd never have guessed this would happen when he'd left the apartment.