Disclaimer, etc. in first part…
2.
Marie had been at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters less than a week and already she was thinking about running.
It was a mistake to come here, she thought as she watched the other kids.
A group of the younger kids were playing a game of basketball over on the court. Two others were engaged in a race, and Marie had to blink when one ran right over a goldfish pond without falling in. A group of teens her age were busy playing touch football on the vast lawn that spread out behind the school. They all seemed to be having fun and enjoying the sunny and unusually warm October afternoon.
Marie, on the other hand, was sitting by herself on a bench under a large oak tree. And wishing she was anywhere but there.
That's where Jean found her a few minutes later. The older woman came to a stop a few feet in front of her and Marie looked up into kind brown eyes. "How are you feeling, Rogue?"
Marie shrugged and looked down at her feet. "I'm okay, I guess."
Jean moved closer and took a seat next to the girl on the bench. "Aren't you a little warm in that turtleneck? And why don't you take the gloves off? The weather's beautiful today."
Marie tugged nervously at the long sleeves of her shirt, then folded her leather-clad hands on her lap. She was pretty sure she was sweating like a pig, but she didn't dare risk wearing a T-shirt. "I'm fine. A little chilly maybe."
The red-haired woman looked at her and Marie had to force herself not to squirm under that direct gaze. It always felt like this Grey woman could see just a little bit more than everyone else. Marie hoped Jean couldn't see what she was hiding.
Jean nodded as if deciding something. "Alright, Rogue. If you're sure."
"I'm sure," Marie murmured.
She felt bad about not telling anyone what her power was when she first showed up at the school. But if they found out now, she was sure she'd be back on the street in a heartbeat. Hell, they might throw her out anyway if she didn't start manifesting some kind of ability. It was a school for mutants after all.
Jean smiled. "Why are you sitting here all alone? Wouldn't you rather hang out with your peers? I'm sure they wouldn't mind one more." She gestured to the group playing football.
"They're playin' touch football," Marie said softly.
"So?"
"So, I don't wanna play, is all."
"There's no reason to be scared. They're all very nice kids."
Marie smiled ruefully. "It's not them I'm scared of. It's…" She shut up. She'd almost said too much.
Jean frowned. "What? What are you afraid of? You know you can tell–" She moved to lay a hand on the girl's shoulder. Marie couldn't stop herself from flinching away. Jean's hand fell back to her side.
"Rogue."
Marie forced herself to look at the older woman.
Those brown eyes were as kind as always. "I hope one day you'll trust me–trust us enough to tell us what's wrong."
With that said, Jean rose to leave and Marie tried not to let out a sigh of relief. Before the woman could get out of earshot she called, "Miss Grey."
Jean turned.
"Thanks."
Smiling, Jean continued on her way.