Bright sunlight streaked Scott Summer's light brown hair golden as he stumbled off an old, rusted school bus.
"Thanks." he mumbled to the driver as the bus roared away.
Scott scanned his surroundings behind dark sunglasses. A huge 3-story school building stood in front of him. Age and wisdom radiated off the stone walls of the school. Multiple doors led outside to the massive, green front lawn. Wooden benches were scattered under a large oak tree, where students were already under the tree's shade, talking with friends and relaxing in between classes. Scott hurried down the worn out trail that led to the school, carefully keeping his eyes straight ahead. All chatter and laughter quite down to curious whispers as he walked past the groups. Walking quickly past all the staring eyes, Scott opened the front door.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Inside the school was dimly lit. A faint touch of warmth passed through Scott's mind and body, sending cold chills down his back.
"Through here." a male voice whispered.
Scott turned around quickly but there wasn't anyone in the dark hallways. Suddenly an invisible force pulled at Scott like a dog on a leash and led him down the burgundy carpet hallway to a classroom with dark navy carpet. A calm atmosphere welcomed Scott. The room had five rows of chairs that were on either side of an invisible pathway. In front stood a lone oak desk. Behind the desk was a man in a silver wheelchair. The man wheeled around smoothly to face Scott.
"Hello Scott. I've been expecting you." he said pleasantly.
Scott stared at the man blankly. He was bald with piercing blue eyes. Despite his handicap, the man looked quite tall.
"Don't be scared." The man said quietly in Scott's mind, his lips unmoving. "Come closer. I've been waiting for you."
Scott flinched as the cold, invisible force returned and led him to the front row, eye-to-eye with the man.
"Good" the man said slowly. "My name is-" he started.
"Professor Charles Xavier." Scott finished for him, slightly agitated.
He did not run away to be man-handled by some calm-mannered cripple, but his curiosity made him stay in his chair. There was nothing special about Scott...nothing that he knew about at least.. He had just turned fifteen and had a lean build. The baggy clothes on him and the tattered yellow knapsack on his back was all he had. Dark shades that he never took off hid his eyes, giving him an impassive look most of the time.
"You've heard of me?" the professor said, the hint of surprise visible in his voice.
"Yeaaah...I've heard of you and your "special" school. Plus there's a sign out front.." Scott said in a bitter voice, thinking back to the gold plated sign he had seen in front of the iron gates when the bus rolled in.
"Now, now...don't be that way." Charles said, his voice becoming dangerously sweet. ""It was only a question."
Scott swallowed and squirmed uncomfortably in the seat but didn't let his attitude fade. Charles tiled his head slightly, brought his hands together and rested his head lightly on top of them.
"I know what you've been through Scott," the professor said softly. "How hard your life was after your parents died in that horrible plane crash. Having to grow up so alone in the world, bouncing from one foster home to another, finally escaping and living on the streets to survive."
Charles closed his eyes and shook his head sadly. "Such a hard life for one so young..."
Sweat broke on Scott's forehead and his breath came out in short gasps. He never told anyone about his parents or his short time on the streets. But how could this man possibly know all of this?
The professor opened his eyes and smiled knowingly. "It's okay Scott." he said, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "I could help you. If you stay, I could give you a home. A real home, where you would be safe."
Charles raised his head a little and stared at Scott with his brilliant blue eyes. "I could help you go through your...phase." he finished, studying Scott's reaction.
Scott was speechless. Here he was all the way in upstate New York, Westchester, miles away from Nebraska, with a crippled, bald, mind-speaking professor who was offering him everything he had ever dreamed of. The professor's voice sounded so tempting and understanding...but Scott could feel his suspicion rise.
"What do you mean my 'phase'?" he asked.
Charles sighed. "Scott…you're a mutant."
Scott blinked. "A what?"
"A mutant," the professor repeated. "A mutant is a human born with extraordinary powers. The mutation is caused by a rare cell passed to a child by the father." Charles explained slowly for Scott. "The cell is harmless till the child reaches maturity. The maturity age differs between genders. The cell then rapidly multiples and causes an almost radioactive explosion in the body. After the cells stop multiplying a mutant is formed."
Charles held up his right hand, all five fingers spread out. "A mutant's power is scaled from 1-5, 5 being the strongest. Powers are different for all mutants. For example, I can control a person's mind and make them do as I wish. I can also read a person's thoughts and memories." Charles finished with a faint smile.
So that's how he knew about my parents...Scott thought, letting the information seep in.
"I'm sorry about looking at your memories." Charles said. "I usually don't read a person's mind without permission."
A wave of anger washed over Scott. Those were his personal memories!
"What gives you the right to waltz in and look at my mind without my permission then, hm?" Scott asked harshly.
An amused expression flickered onto Charles face. "You don't approve of my powers." The question came out more like a statement.
"No. I don't.." Scott said in the same tone. The professor's calmness was starting to get on his nerves. "In fact, I think you and your school can go to-" His rant was cut of by a series of knocks on the classroom door.
"Come in." Charles said calmly, his eyes never leaving Scott.
Soon the classroom was filled with loud, chattering students around Scott's age. Scott's anger falter for a second as the students filled up the seats.
Are they mutants too? He wondered.
The room quieted as the last of the students sat down, eagerly waiting for their lesson to begin. Scott felt the eyes of a pretty red-head in the second row watching him carefully. A cold tingle passed through Scott's body and he looked down at his worn out sneakers while his ears turned a bright red. Charles clapped his hands and rubbed them together, smiling brightly at the students.
"Good morning class." Charles said. A chorus of "Good morning Professor." came from the class. "Today we have a new student. Scott, would you like to introduce yourself?"
Scott stood up quickly and gave the professor a dirty look.
"Don't do it Scott..." Charles warned quietly but sternly in Scott's mind.
Scott bit back his reply and gave the professor one last look. Turning on his heel, Scott stormed out the room, slamming the door on his way out.
*~*~*~*~*~*