American History with Professor Franklin

[dolemeck]

Dolemeck had finally gotten settled into life at the Xavier Institute. He was getting a little stronger and able to walk to his classes without feeling like he was going to drop dead too often. He still wore his old school uniform from home to class, but that is what made him feel comfortable. A small reminder of home.

He walked down to halls, trying to find Professor Franklin's office. He desperately needed his help for his citizenship classes. Dolemeck was worried about failing them and being deported after his schooling was over (and not just because he wanted to see Professor Franklin because he was cute). His eldest brother continued to pressure him to get his citizenship as well, saying he would be happier living in America than at home.

With all of that weight on his shoulders, he wanted to lift some of it off. The best way to do that was to ask for help. Once he found Professor Franklin's office, he gave a gentle knock at the door.

"Professor Franklin? Are you in there?"

Comments

[firstbornrichards]

"Indentured servants could earn their freedom after a time, though. And it was also a lot easier to escape terms of servitude than it was for most slaves." Franklin took one of the candies and ate it thoughtfully. "It isn't all that different in some ways, though."

"I don't either, but it's not like the mistreatment of other people for being different or less fortunate has stopped in our society. Look at the experiences that mutants or disabled people face in our society, even today."

[dolemeck]

"Aye, I know about the two first hand, and perhaps a third. You are either used or something to be pitied. Like, there is something truly wrong with you... but not really." He had a bit of a grin on his face, taking another candy from the dish. This time when he ate it, he nearly choked. Who put a sour apple warhead in there!? The poor kid was having a bad coughing fit, now.

[firstbornrichards]

Franklin nodded. He could've spoken about people with mental illnesses too- something he'd had some experience with in his life. He frowned slightly.

"I'm sorry if I brought something unpleasant up for you. But I think that's part of the reason why history is so important." Franklin thought for a moment. "And that's part of the reason I was so drawn towards history."

[dolemeck]

It took he a moment before he got himself under control. The warhead finally was starting to taste like apple... and not like some horribly sour mess. He looked over at Franklin, able to give him a small smile.

"You did not bring up anything unpleasant. I am constantly asked about my leg braces." He stood up from behind the desk and walked over to where Franklin could see him. "I'm asked why I need them. Do they hurt? Is it hard to put them on every morning and take them off every night? And those are the "nice" questions. Others will ask me if I am capable of having sex one day or have children of my own. What it felt like to get hit by a car going 80 kilometers per hour? The worst questions were the ones I was asked before I left..."

Dolemeck swallowed hard, looking a bit upset, now. "I was asked... if I used my powers to cause the accident that did this to me, for the sake of getting my Father's attention. I was asked that by my own brother. You cannot imagine how that feels."

[firstbornrichards]

Franklin listened calmly and carefully to Dolemeck, keeping his reactions in check and just letting the younger man speak. However, when he mentioned with his brother, he was shocked and couldn't entirely hide it.

"... I have to admit that I can't." Franklin took a small breath. "I do know, though, that a lot of people here have had, not the same experiences with family- but similarly terrible ones. If you ever need to talk about those issues, I or one of the other professors would be happy to listen.

It goes without saying that we will make any accommodations you need, either physical or otherwise. And of course, that anything you say will be kept confidential."

[dolemeck]

"He... was not quite the same after I was hit by that car. He avoided me when Mum and Da were spending time helping me heal and get used to the leg braces." he admitted. "After they left to go back on tour, Charles became so... different. He stopped wanting to spend time with me, or play games. My eldest brother, Dayton, he just filled the gap Charles left. I guess it was just the shock of it all."

It felt natural to make excuses for things. Excusing it didn't make it as bad. It did not make it real.

"I mean... that was the most time I spent with my parents. They tour so much, because people in Europe love Da's music. He makes them happy, so I'm happy."

[firstbornrichards]

It was natural to make excuses for things. It wasn't really the time or place to push on those, though. Franklin mostly just listened, remembering, of all things, his mother telling him about people having two ears and one mouth, back when he was a terrible loudmouth.

He nodded. "It's often crisis that brings families closer together. I'm glad they took the time out." He didn't add anything about it being sad there wasn't more time earlier. He know exactly what that was like. His parents tried hard, but Reed Richards and Sue Storm were busy people at the best of times. Especially his father. "What kind of music does he play?"

[dolemeck]

"He's... well, he would be considered metal in America. But because he's been around for so long in my country, he's kind of considered classic rock, like the Stones." His leg braces made a somewhat loud creaking sound as he made his way back to the chair behind the desk.

"Da has done a few power ballads back in the eighties that were really popular, and he was known for refusing to cave into that new "Brit" sound that plagued many bands back then. He was outspoken about it, too. He said he played what he liked, and if the record companies did not like appreciate that, then they could "sod off". At least that is what the video documentary about him said."

He cracked a small smile, all of a sudden.

"I honestly could not imagine him performing any music like "Duran Duran". The thought of Da going up on stage, in his leather get up and belting out music like that... it is kind of funny."

[firstbornrichards]

"I'll have to check them out sometime." Franklin shuddered a little inwardly at the sound of creaking metal, but didn't betray a bit of it openly.

"You mean Britpop? Like Oasis or Blur?" Damn, Franklin liked those guys. Though Radiohead was better.

Or oh, maybe he meant like that. Eighties, not Nineties.

"It's probably for the best in the long run that he didn't. Quick bucks today often comes at the price of long-term credibility."

[dolemeck]

"I mean like the pop music Blur was forced to make by their record label, before they created their own sound with songs like "Coffee and TV" or when their lead singer created "Gorillaz"." he pointed out. "I consider Oasis rock music, not pop, by the way. I also enjoy Noel's new band, "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds", better than whatever his brother is doing."

He wanted to curse about his leg braces creaking. He hated the noise as well, and tried to remain as still as possible, so they stopped.

"Sorry about that. They tend to do that every now and again." He apologized to Franklin. "If anything, the documentaries tell me that my Da always stayed true to his form of music. I know he writes all his own music, because when he is home on rare occasions, I see him do so."

[firstbornrichards]

"I guess it depends on your definition of pop music, really." Franklin replied with a slight smile. "In the most literal sense, anything that's popular and doesn't involve orchestral instrumentation should be pop music.

It's okay. Don't worry about it." Franklin replied with a slight smile. "You sound like you're very proud of your father."

Franklin just hoped that Dolemeck's father could be proud of him.

[dolemeck]

"I am." He admitted.

"He does what he loves for a living, he makes people happy, what is not to admire?" Well, other than dumping Dolemeck on his eldest brother and barely paying attention to him. But if he said that, then that would make it true. It was best to focus on the positives. "My Da is a wonderful man. Doing concerts for charity, performing in all sorts of weather conditions, and keeping his promise to remain sober after the accident."

"But I am also proud of my eldest brother, Dayton, too. He took care of me while Da did all those things... and he still managed to complete Uni!" He smiled more, thinking about Dayton. "He's a crown prosecutor, now. That is a very admirable job! And umm... Charles... has a band of his own."

[firstbornrichards]

"Sounds great." Franklin replied with a smile. "So what do you want to do? And if you haven't figured it out yet, don't worry. It took me ages to realize I wanted to teach."

Franklin and Dolemeck probably had more in common than they realized. It was very easy to live in the shadow of famous parents and brilliant siblings. It was much more difficult to stake one's own life out from that shadow.

[dolemeck]

"I am VERY limited on what I can do and what I cannot do." He hated to admit that. He tried to sit in the chair so he was more comfortable. "The doctors fear that as I get older, I will have more... "health issues". They fear I will eventually be confined to a bed or a wheelchair if I am lucky. It's like a ticking time bomb, and I do not know if it can be defused. That knowledge makes me not want to pursue anything that I could one day not be able to do."

He looked solemn for a moment, before looking back up at Franklin.

"I love history, and I love sewing and making things. I wish I could combine the two, making costumes for plays or operas..."

[firstbornrichards]

"With due respect to your doctors, we have access to expertise that they cannot even dream of. If there is anything that can be done to help you, Dolemeck, it will be done."

Franklin's expression relaxed a little. "That sounds awesome, actually. And hey, you're pretty close to the theatre capital of the world. I'm sure there's people here that could hook you up with what you need to learn and do with that."

[dolemeck]

"I can home, Professor Franklin." He smiled. "When I was first admitted to the hospital, the doctors told me I would never get out of bed again. But I proved them wrong, and I want to keep doing so. I want to be able to do everything I can... just in case the worst happens."

He smiled more. Hearing that people could help him make costumes for theaters in New York City was exciting.

"I would enjoy that very much. But small steps, first. Like becoming a legalized citizen of this country." Carefully, Dolemeck got back up again, offering his hand to Professor Franklin for a shake. "Thank you for listening to me... and for helping me. I think that is the most I opened up to for anyone here."

[firstbornrichards]

"The door's open, any time you want, Dolemeck." Franklin smiled. "And agreed, we can work on the citizenship stuff first. Keep in touch if anything else comes up."

Franklin took the hand and shook it. "It was nice talking to you. Feel free to take some candy to go, too." He laughed slightly. "I've got plenty more where that came from."

[dolemeck]

"Thank you, but I think I had enough." He smiled. "I do not need to have a sugar rush... I may end up all jumpy and causing things to go flying with my mind."

Dolemeck gave a wave as he started to head out of the door. "I shall remember that your door is always open to me, Professor Franklin. Thank you."