Disclaimer: I don't own Thunderbirds or X-Men in any way, shape or form.

GIFTED

Hi! Sorry it's been so long I've just been swept away by meaningless things. But I'm back now and to prove it here's a new chapter.

By the way:- (denotes telepathic communication)

Chapter 7 – Fresh Start

It was still raining as they exited the station.

They found a diner on a nearby corner and sat in a booth at the back of the dining area where they each ordered a main course, a dessert and a drink.

TinTin dug into her food with gusto, a sign of how hungry she really was, which surprised even TinTin herself.

Jean and Ororo were a little more reserved in their table manners but were understanding of their young friend's situation.

When TinTin had cleaned her plate and moved onto her cherry pie at a more polite pace Jean decided to get straight to the point.

"TinTin……….we would like you to attend the school that Ororo and I work at."

TinTin stopped eating and stared at them.

"But isn't your school a school for smart kids……em.…..I'm not sure that's me."

"Not smart……..special." Ororo replied carefully taking a sip of her coffee.

TinTin finished her dessert and pushed the plate to one side. She stared at the pair in confusion. "I'm not sure I understand."

Jean rested her arms on the table, her own cup between her hands.

"How long have you known TinTin?" she asked seriously and fix her steady gaze on the girl across the table.

TinTin suddenly looked nervous but she remained where she was.

"Known what?"

(That you were special)

Jean smiled knowingly as TinTin's eyes widened in shock which quickly turned into amazement. Glancing sideways she saw that Ororo was also smiling having realized what had just happened.

"How did you do that!" TinTin demanded turning back to the redhead in front of her who had somehow spoken to her without moving her lips.

Ororo grinned and leaning across the table pushed a chocolate milkshake in front of a still stunned TinTin.

"Oh come on! You didn't really think that you were the only one out there, did you!" she replied smoothly and with a touch of humour.

TinTin took a sip of the milkshake but her mind wasn't on the drink.

"And………..the school?" she asked cautiously though she already guessed the answer.

"Like I said 'special' not smart." Ororo answered taking another sip of her coffee before stopping a hovering waitress and asking for the bill.

"How about it TinTin, you can't stay on the streets forever. At some point you're going to have to figure out what you want to do with your life." Ororo continued after handing the money for the meal to the waitress who rushed off to get their receipt.

Jean looked around briefly to make sure they weren't overheard before leaning forward to whisper quietly.

"The school won't ask for any personal details you don't want them to know and you don't even have to tell them your real name if you don't want to. They can help you TinTin."

"How?"

"They can help you learn to control your powers so that you won't experience outbursts like you did today, they can teach you how to become a part of society like everybody else. You'll learn all the things you would learn in an ordinary high school alongside students just as special as you are."

"There are more like me?" TinTin couldn't imagine that there were other people in the world with such incredible and dangerous abilities as herself.

"Well, not exactly like you but you're certainly not the only one with special powers." Ororo said in a hushed voice as the waitress came back over and handed her the receipt and giving them the traditional 'Have A Nice Day!' New York style.

They sat in silence for a few minutes then Jean sighed and leaned back in her seat regarding TinTin with a sincere expression.

"We're not asking for a decision right away but will you at least come to the school, see what it has to offer and then think about it?"

TinTin sat quietly, staring down at the table deep in thought. The black rucksack that had been with her all the way from Tracy Island was tucked under the table and she wondered how much further it was going to accompany her before she found somewhere safe. These people were offering her someplace safe, a place where she could learn and be normal, away from her family.

Away from her family, she wondered how that would be.

Either way they were right she couldn't spend the rest of her life on the streets, she had to choose a direction for her life if she was to go anywhere at all.

Mind made she looked up at Jean, determination in her eyes all the while gripping one of the rucksack's straps tightly in her hand.

"Alright. I'll go and see this school."

TBC

Hopefully sooner rather than later so I'll try my best but as always, REVIEWS!

What can I say they keep me sane.