This is a different take on the typical "new mutant" scenario, although you won't find out why or how for a few chapters. Thanks for giving it a try, please leave a review with helpful critiques, I'll probably need them, heh heh. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: X-Men Evolution, and all related characters and concepts are not mine. Original characters/situations are.

Charles Xavier was working at his desk when he received the message that a young woman was here to see him. She had said it was important, about her "situation." Professor Xavier allowed her in, for the doors to Xavier Institute were indeed open to all, and he imagined she was in need of someone to talk to if she arrived at such short notice and so late at night.

Storm led in a young teenage girl, carrying a backpack and looking as though she hadn't slept in a proper bed for weeks. A runaway, obviously. This wasn't an unusual sight in the Institute, although there was something different about this girl that Xavier couldn't place. Storm moved to the side as the girl took a seat in front of Xavier's desk.

"Good day, young lady. I am Professor Charles Xavier. What brings you to the Xavier Institute?"

The girl began timidly, "I was wondering if it were at all possible for... you see, I was rejected at home and...well, if there is any room here..." She seemed to be groping for the best way to explain her disheveled state, without losing face and remaining respectful as well.

Professor Xavier knew exactly what this girl was trying to say.

"You would like to know if you may stay at the Institute?" he suggested.

The girl looked immensely relieved, and even smiled a little. "Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I mean," she added, hurriedly, "as long as there's room of course."

Xavier smiled and said, "My dear, if you so desire, you may take up permanent residence and attend the Bayville High School."

This unusual girl smiled wider now. "Thank you, so very much. I had nowhere to go and I needed somewhere I could be... well, accepted. Understood. I knew I could find help here."

Xavier pressed the tips of his fingers together, and addressed the girl. "You are not the first to come to the Xavier Institute looking for acceptance. You are also not the first runaway here. I imagine you are not fully aware of your powers or capabilities yet, but we can help you develop them here, and help you live as normal of a life as you can, Ms...?"

"Jones. Clara Jones."

Xavier felt something shift in Clara's mind. He delved a little deeper, curious to find out just what was so different about her. He sensed the usual emotions- fear, anger, anxiety, and a thirst for equality. These last two were definitely the strongest he had ever seen. She seemed afraid that the people here- specifically, at the Institute- would discover some secret she held. Also, Clara's desire for the equality of mutants and humans seemed slightly different than the typical mutant runaway. It seemed more selfless, somehow. And it was somehow related to what she didn't want him to know.

Xavier accidentally found it. Clara must have felt him looking through her mind somehow, because she gasped slightly and looked up from where she was examining the carpet to look fearfully at Xavier. Her eyes were wide and pleading.

'Please, please don't judge me.' She pounded silently in her head, knowing Xavier could hear her thoughts. She glanced nervously at Storm in the corner, who smiled lightly, completely unaware.

Xavier grinned warmly, and continued as if nothing had happened. "You may indeed stay, Ms. Jones, and attend Bayville High School with the other students. Don't worry about them at all; you shall attend private training with me. Storm, please show Ms. Jones to her room- the one adjacent to Rogue's is unoccupied, I believe."

As Storm ushered Clara out the door, Clara heard Xavier's voice resound clearly in her head, saying calmly, "I commend your bravery. You need not tell the other mutants anything more than what you wish them to know. And it is, in the end, your decision to remain here as long as you wish. We shall speak again."

Clara could breathe more easily in her room that night. Classes began the next day, she was in a bed at last, and if everyone was as nice and understanding as the Professor, she might finally be accepted somewhere. It was a good feeling to have, not being judged by what you are, but by who you are. For the first time in months, Clara slept peacefully.