I do not own the X-Men, nor Zoe Keating.
I glanced quickly down the hallway making sure I was completely alone and headed towards the bathroom. I checked under the stalls, and a grin spread across my face when I didn't see anyone's feet.
"Perfect." I thought to myself, walking in the stall and closing it behind me. I had to make it quick. Who knew how long I had until someone barged in here. I flushed the toilet, leaned over, and coughed up the salad I had just consumed. Quick and easy. I flushed again, and put a hand to my chest, my heart pounding rapidly, and noted that I was slightly dizzy. Fumbling for the latch on the door, I walked out and over to the counter, trying to steady my head. I looked at my pale face in the mirror, and noticed a girl near the door. I focused my eyes back to washing my hands, and wishing she would just leave. My blood froze when she took a few steps towards me. My eyes narrowed.
"Hi, I'm Jean. You must be new here. Are you feeling okay?" She looked at my face in the mirror, the dark circles under my eyes harsh against the bright light. I glared and shouldered my bag rushing out of the bathroom. I walked down a deserted hallway and around a corner, before sinking down against some lockers, my head spinning. I wonder how much she heard. I made a mental note to stay away from her. It shouldn't be too hard, with her long red hair. With a sigh I looked at my watch, noting that it was almost time for my next class. I pulled out the schedule, and smiled a bit, seeing that I had an art class. Perfect. I needed the feeling of paint under my nails, and the smooth motions of a paintbrush gliding against a canvas. It would help get me through the day.
The bell rang and soon the empty hallway was full of the sound of lockers slamming, and footsteps carrying tired students to their next class. Carefully I pulled myself up off the ground, and joined the rest of the students. The art room wasn't what I expected, but at least it was a studio. I took a deep breath, breathing in the scents of paint, wood, clay, and dust. It helped calm my mind, if only for a second, until I saw the red headed girl Jean watching me quietly from a corner. I took my seat, just wanting to create.
Once the bell rang, the teacher walked in. He seemed pretty cool, but most art teachers are. I hoped he wouldn't make me introduce myself. If he was as cool as he seemed, he wouldn't.
"Alright kids, we have a new student with us today." I close my eyes. Please don't. "Would you like to stand up and tell us a little bit about yourself?"
"Are you giving me the choice?" I ask, just wanting the day to end.
"Not quite." He said, smiling. "You'll fit in perfectly here with us."
I sigh, and stand up, trying to hide behind my nose ring, and wild pixie cut.
"I'm A.J., junior, moved here from Seattle. That's it." I said quickly before making slight eye contact with Jean and taking my seat, so I wouldn't pass out. I hoped no one noticed. She frowned slightly. Whatever. It's none of her concern.
"Thank you, A.J." The teacher said. He clapped his hands twice, and soon everyone was getting out their artwork and ipods. I learned that the class didn't have much structure, and the assignments were based on what the student wished to do, with no limitations. It was perfect. I myself, took out my ipod, and turned up Zoe Keating, and quietly slipped into the world of creating. Uncomfortably I kept note of how Jean seemed to keep looking my way, frowning, like she had a headache. I shrugged it off. I was content, at least for the time being.