The door shut with a dry click behind her as Clara stepped into Professor Xavier's office. The Professor looked up from his desk as she entered, and set his pen aside.

"Ah, Miss Jones. I'm glad to see Storm delivered her message to you in time. You had no trouble finding my office?"

"No, sir."

"Very good. How was your first day at Bayville High?" he asked, leaning back in his chair, pressing his fingertips together lightly.

"It was nice, thank you. I met some of the students from here, and they were all very kind to me." Despite this brief response, Clara's calm disposition was all Xavier needed to confirm it.

"That's good to hear. Now, to business. I would imagine you have some questions about your situation, but before you ask, let me explain some things. First, I have contacted your parents and informed them that you are safe. No more need be said about the subject, if you wish," he added, at Clara's pained face.

"Also," Xavier continued, "there are a number of papers currently in your room, for you to read at your disposal, concerning some of the regulations here at the Institute. While there are but a few, they are of course important, mostly about safety, training room hours, and the like."

"Professor Xavier, I have a question about that, actually," Clara interrupted politely. "About that special training you mentioned? What am I to do exactly, considering...well, considering?"

Xavier smiled gently at this. "That is a good question. Now, I believe you are currently enrolled in sociology and journalism classes, correct? Considering your situation, I believe further study in these areas, as well as other related fields, would be of benefit to you as part of your training. You will of course be required to participate in some of the physical training, but this could only be to your benefit, especially regarding the other students, wouldn't you agree?"

"Certainly, sir. I would like that very much."

"Well then," Xavier said, "let us begin with an easy assignment for the first day, shall we? Over in that corner is a computer. I'd like you to do an online search for mutants in the news and print out the first 20 articles you pull up. For homework, read them, sort them by bias, and write two or three paragraphs summing up what you have found. That's all, I think, I'm sure you have other work to do."

"Alright, Professor." Clara sat at the computer, and in a short time had printed the required articles. Before she left, she turned back to Xavier.

"Professor? I'd like to thank you again for...for giving me a chance."

He looked up and smiled.

"Why, Miss Jones, Xavier Institute always gives chances. Sometimes even second chances. There is no reason you should be any different."

Clara smiled, open the door, and left. So far, the Institute had been nothing but kind to her, a wonderful change from the xenophobia and bigotry she left behind.

But underneath it all, she wondered how long she could keep this up before someone caught on.