Chapter 9: Jean and Charles
It was time for the 5th period. And this time, Zach will be with Jean Grey. He does wonder how this psychology class will go. It's all new to him. His previous high school did not have that. But Zach has a slight feeling of what topic Jean will be talking about.
Zach walks in just in time and sits next to Jubilee and Warren, much to their delight. And of course, Ms. Grey was waiting for him.
"Ah, Zach Martinez. I was beginning to worry if you were going to show. Come on in. We're about to start an important class." Jean smiles as she welcomes the new student.
Zach has his book in his hand, ready to see what is in here. And a lot of new stuff to learn. He's not alone though. Some of his classmates, including Jubilee and Warren are interested to see what Jean has planned.
"Hello, everyone. For those who don't know me, I am Ms. Jean Grey. Welcome to Psychology Class." Jean writes her name and the class subjects on the board. "Today, we are here to talk about a very important subject, and this was by the request of Professor Xavier, who will also be talking about this subject in his own class that I am about to teach. Today's subject will be about mental disorders and how we diagnose them."
Jubilee and Warren both look at Zach, figuring that Jean and the professor would bring this up because of him. This makes him shy and nervous again.
"That will be our big question for today. There are over 200 disorders in the world, and many of them are common. They can arrange from having mild symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, fear, or can involve your social behavior and personality and habits. Any individual can become diagnosed with any of these. They ranged from soldiers who fought through the world wars, the civil wars, and they now extend to anyone that's not a soldier. And what can be some causes of mental illnesses?" Jean asked the class. And Jubilee raised her hand.
"Family history, or any form of violence or any life trauma. Examples being from fictional characters such as John Rambo. He had PTSD, short for post-traumatic stress disorder." Jubilee said.
"Hmm. That's one way of putting it, Jubilee. There are many causes of PTSD. But for everyone's sake, I won't go into much detail. They can range from car accidents, near-death experiences, or anything like that." Jean said. "Now, in 2010, the WHO reported that over 450 million individuals were diagnosed with mental disorders. No society is immune from them." Jean tells the class. This causes one student to raise their hand.
"Does that include mutants?" A girl asked.
Jean remains silent for a few moments. She was actually unsure of how to answer the question the student asked.
"A lot of people do not understand. That mutation is neither a disorder or a disease. It is seen as a form of evolution, but similar to actual disorders, mutation does not happen to everybody." Jean answered. "But in rare cases, some mutants can have disorders such as schizophrenia. It has a heavy impact on one's behavior patterns, speech patterns to the point of hallucination. Meaning that one can see reality abnormally, caused by changes to the chemicals of one's brain, or even genetics. All of it can lead to depression."
"So in other words, out of touch with reality? And you can see things that others can't. Does it come with any memory disorders?" Warren asked.
"Amnesia can be one of them, Warren. But you're getting the idea." Jean replied to her student. "Now do not think that these disorders are bad. Not all of them are. As Jubilee said, it can happen through family history. But it can also happen, even at such a young age or late teen years. Some disorders can be cured or at least treated. Some mental disorders can be treated with social interaction, developing relationships with friends and family. And perhaps support, particularly in educational programs. Now can someone provide some examples?"
Jubilee and Warren both looked at Zach again and they smile and nod at him. And so Zach raises his hand slowly. "Yes, Zach?"
"Umm, depression, anxiety, PTSD, dementia…. And autism." Zach stuttered as he answered.
"Those are great examples. Nice job, Zach. And Warren and Jubilee as well." Jean compliments them.
Jubilee puts a hand on his shoulder and Zach fistbumps her and Warren. "Nice one. You're getting better." Warren whispered.
"He's right. Keep it up and you'll be amazing." Jubilee compliments Zach.
"Thank you." Zach smiles and blushes as he continues to look at his book and write down notes.
"Now autism is not necessarily a bad thing. Many parents find children special when they have it. However, it is still unclear what is the clear cause of it besides possible change in genetics. It has provoked many of them to study it to understand more. This includes our dear professor Charles Xavier. He has been studying it for a long time since he opened the school. He will explain it better than I can. But it is known to cause changes in behavior, socialization, interactions and such. And it has been more and more common as the years pass by." Jean explained. "Can someone give me an example of someone who has autism?"
Zach can feel his heart beating as Jubilee and Warren both looked at him with faces of encouragement. He slowly raises his hand to give his answer.
"M-me." Zach answered.
"Yes." Jean smiled. "Class, I would like to inform you all that our new student Zach is the first mutant to be diagnosed with autism. This is a special school for everyone here, including everyone in this room, and including young Zachery here. And how long have you been diagnosed with it?"
"F-for a few w-weeks now. I'm sixteen." Zach mentioned.
"Yes. Not everyone receives this news at such a young age. It can happen very late in teenage years. Autism can be seen as a good thing. It has many positives. People learn to read at such a young age and can be capable of learning new things quickly. People with autism such as Zach here can be more creative, accepting the differences of others around him and can have a sense of determination. And they're capable of thinking in a visual type of way. Professor Xavier believes that autism can help change the world for the better and spread awareness. And that his theory will stand strong for years to come."
Everyone in the room seems very interested in Xavier's theory and opinion on autism. They nod and they all seem to look at Zach as an inspiration. Zach blushes once more and smiles a little as he continues taking notes.
"Now remember, everyone. I want you all to practice the definitions of disorders and be prepared for symptoms and to give out an example. It can be anyone you know, or any fictional examples. I hope you all have a good day. Thank you." Jean smiled.
Zach uses his powers on his book and sees different examples of disorders that Jean explained, including examples from Jubilee and Warren. He sees pictures of examples of people being diagnosed with said disorders. There was so much for him to take in. He pulls away, gasping for air a little before he shakes his head and returns to reality.
Everyone begins grabbing their belongings and left while Zach continued to talk to Warren and Jubilee.
"T-that wasn't too b-bad, I guess. I like her." Zach said.
"Told you. She's my hero. Ms. Grey knows alot more of this than you think. She is psychic after all, like the professor." Jubilee stated.
"Yeah. And she can even do things that he can't. Like move stuff around without touching them with her hands." Warren said.
"Wow. Pretty cool." Zach said. As they turn to leave, Jean speaks out.
"Zach Martinez? Can I have a word with you, please?" Jean asked him. Zach turns to his two friends and slowly nods to them.
"See you at the professor's classes." Jubilee winked at him as she left. Warren fistbumps him as he follows Jubilee. Zach is left alone with Jean.
"How are you liking the class? I hope it isn't too hard for you." Jean hoped.
"A-a little to be h-honest. I-I knew s-some of them. And can I-I ask you something? D-did the professor a-ask you t-to do this because of m-me?" Zach asked, feeling shy.
"In some ways, yes. To help you get an idea. While you're the first autistic mutant, you're more than likely not the first one with a disorder. And I stand by what I said earlier. Mutation is an evolution." Jean said.
"M-mutant and p-proud." Zach quoted Beast.
"I'm not surprised that Beast would say that. But he is right. But I do want to ask a psychological question. How are you feeling about all of this? Being a mutant and diagnosed with autism?" Jean asked.
"W-well… I asked my uncle i-if h-he thinks I'm a f-freak after we left the d-doctor. B-but, he said no. A-and he thinks mutants are like humans. A-and I-I was scared b-because this all happened so fast. First, autism, then mutation." Zach answered. Jean takes a seat next to him.
"I'm sorry. That you had to go through all of that. None of this is your fault like the professor said. Sometimes I blamed myself for any bad things I've done. And to be honest with you, Zach, a lot of people in this school were afraid of me. Because of my own powers. I have telepathy like the professor, but nowhere near as powerful. And I have telekinesis. I can move objects with my mind." Jean explained. She looks at the doors and closes them with her powers without even moving a muscle. Zach jumped as soon as the doors shut.
"W-wow. I-it's like Star Wars. With the f-force." Zach states. Jean snickers when he said that.
"That's exactly what Scott said to me when we first met. He loves those movies." Jean smiled.
"S-so do I. B-big f-fan." Zach smiled briefly. Jean can see the look in his eyes and he's still shy despite warming up to his new friends.
"And how are your new friends?" Jean asked.
"N-not bad. I-I like them. T-they're s-so nice to me. Especially Bobby and Kitty and Jubilee." Zach gestures to his cheek where Kitty kissed him earlier. Not one person has been that nice to him before. "W-why am I t-the only one d-doing this?"
"What do you mean?" Jean was confused.
"A-all day. E-everyone i-is asking m-me to stay after class. A-am I not normal?" Zach looks down.
"Look at me, Zach. I'm not singling you out. None of us are. We're trying to help you. No one else has been like this when they came here. You are normal regardless of what you are. And we're helping you regain what you lost, remembering the memories that are locked somewhere in your brain. And Storm and the others have told us about you. How you've been having a hard time looking others into the eyes, them included. And I saw how you've interacted with your new friends. At first, I didn't have many friends. But then I had Scott and Storm. And then the professor, Doctor McCoy and Peter. They were there for me, and I was there for them. I learn from my past and turn them into strength, including my mutation." Jean said to Zach.
"A-are y-you saying…. That I could do the same thing?" Zack asked.
"I'm saying you should do the same thing. Turn your autism into strength. Your friends are your strength. And soon, your willpower will be your biggest strength. I let go of my worries and all of my stress. This has affected you differently than anyone else, but that won't stop you from growing your strength. In no time, your strength from within will grow bigger than you could expect." Jean puts a hand on his shoulder. Zach begins to smile, and his smile is growing when she shows how friendly she is by seeing her eyes and listening to her carefully.
"Y-yeah. I think you're right. T-thank you, Ms. Grey. I-I love having you guys as teachers." Zach said.
"Thank you, Zach. I have a feeling you won't disappoint us. You'll do wonderful." Jean smiled. "And when it comes to your autism, don't be afraid to express how you feel."
"I won't forget." Zach nods.
"Good. The professor will like having you in his classes." Jean said.
"I-I look forward to it." Zach grabs his book and leaves. Jean sighs. She felt bad for Zach after being forced to leave his family. But she hopes that in time, he'll come around and see them as home away from home.
It was time for his 6th and 7th period. And it is with Professor Xavier. And much to Zach's delight, all of his friends are in the last two classes with him. He finds it curious how philosophy class worked out. So far, he has learned about Plato and Baruch Spinoza.
Zach thinks the class is interesting and has learned some historical facts. And he did find the courage to help out his friends. Bobby and Jubilee found the class to be hard, but Magik, Warren and Kitty didn't mind it. They do have ideas on how to study this subject, maybe involving groups and study together. It all depends.
After 6th period, everyone took a fifteen minute break before returning to 7th period, the final class for the day. They're all with Xavier again, where his second class will be about physiology. Zach does have a slight feeling about this one in particular.
"Welcome back, everyone. Well, you know who I am already." Charles smirked. "This is physiology class. Taught in the second semester only. More accurately, human and mutant physiology. An all-depth function. It is the study of the chemical and physical functions and processes of a living system. Such as us."
"And does that include cells?" Kitty raises her hand. "As in like inside humans and plants and such?"
"Yes. In fact, that is what this class will focus on. Cell physiology. And today's subject will focus on Cell Structure and functions. Two important cells that we all have are sex cells, or sometimes known as reproductive cells." Charles said, causing a few students to quietly snicker. "And somatic cells, also known as body cells. And here in this blue circle shown on my board is the cell structure itself. The big, red spot here is the nucleus. It contains the DNA and RNA. And the nucleus is responsible for containing and maintaining the cell and generate materials to fix cells should they become damaged. But are all the organelles present in every living cell?"
"No." Bobby raised his hand. "But the nucleus is the only other organelle besides the ribosome that is found in every cell. And they're not the only ones."
"Indeed, Bobby. Now there are many things that surround the nucleus within the cell. Here, we see these liquid-like substances within the cell flowing around like a swimming pool. This is called the cytosol. But it does have another name. And that name is?" The Professor asked.
All of Zach's friends look at him, all sharing the same look on their faces. Zach figured that this would happen again just like his other classes. So he raises his hand.
"Cytoplasm?" Zach asked. "The c-cell is also surrounded by the substance?"
"Yes. The cells are all made up of organic molecules. Lipids, membranes, proteins, framework, enzymes, and carbohydrates. This all leads to the nucleic acids and synthesis of all proteins." Charles nods to Zach as an admiration.
Zach puts on a warm smile and nods to the professor. He looks at his notes and writes down as he listens to his teacher. He is beginning to warm up to him. Then he hears a voice in his head.
"I would like to speak to you after class, please, Mr. Zachery." Charles spoke telepathically. Zach nods before returning to his notes. Warren fist bumps him while Jubilee puts a hand on his wrist. He blushes at their friendliness.
"Now, I'd like for you all to study the cell membrane and remember the order of molecules as part of a small quiz. Thank you. And hope you enjoy the rest of your day." Charles smiles as he turns to his desk.
Zach prepares his books and makes sure that his binders and notes are put away properly before he turns to his friends.
"So, what do you have planned for the rest of today?" Warren asked.
"Well besides talking to the teachers since they all want to see me, I'm not sure. Why?" Zach replied with his own question.
"We want to see if you're around to have dinner with us here? If it's alright with you." Magik offered. Zach looks back at the professor and turns back to his friends and nods.
"Sure. I'd like that too." Zach smiled.
"Great. See you then, brother. Don't keep us waiting now." Bobby high fives his friend.
Jubilee walks up to Zach and gives him a hug. She winks at him again before they all turn to leave. Zach is left alone with the professor as he sits back down in his chair.
"How have you been, young Zach? Enjoyed your first day of classes?" Charles asked.
"Umm, f-fantastically. I-I r-really like them. Especially with S-Storm and C-Cyclops." Zach replied, still stuttering.
"Good. They're the nicest ones I have ever come across. I can tell that you have warmed up to them. Storm has taken great interest in you for your experience in English. Storm is the kindest one you'll know and love. And Scott takes some warming up for some people. He can be a bit cynical at times." Charles assures him.
"Y-yeah. I-I love English and I-I worked on mechanics with my uncle." Zach replied.
"I see. Scott is impressed with your knowledge. I'm pleased to hear about your opinion. And I see you've picked up some new friends along the way. And it puts a smile on my face to see that they are the first to interact and help you. Particularly Bobby, Kitty, Jubilee, Warren and Magik. How do you like them?"
"Bobby and Warren a-are cool. I-I really like their pow– I mean gifts. A-and how smart they are and good at sports. Kitty and Jubilee h-have ways with words. A-and Magik s-seems like o-one person y-you don't m-mess with." Zach describes them. And he smiles just thinking about his new friends.
"I'm glad. And I do wish to apologize for a few things. For one, for what happened on the basketball field. As I said before, I do not tolerate bullies at this school. So he has been penalized with detention this weekend." Charles looks at Zach's ace bandages on his elbow. "And secondly, for keeping you after each class on your first day. As Ms. Grey has mentioned earlier, we are not singling you out, Zach. We are here to help you and others who are in need of the help they deserve."
Zach nods while listening. He remembers everything that Jean has told him as well as everyone else. Even Logan has been somewhat protective of him, much to everyone's surprise.
"And forgive me for saying this, but I have been watching you during your lunch hour. And your teachers have told me everything from their experience with you." Charles comes closer to him. "You are not a weak person, Zach. I've been studying you all day today and we have seen some progress. From what I have seen, you are slowly gaining control of your gifts. How does that make you feel?"
"Well…. It does feel like I'm in an actual book or movie. More like a documentary. I… just feel bad for what they had to go through." Zach said.
"Your friends emphasize with you, just as Bobby and Jubilee said. And the same is from us teachers to you. Storm emphasizes with you. So does Scott, Doctor McCoy and especially your friend Logan. I do plan on speaking to him afterward. I've went through many things in my lifetime before opening this school." Charles said.
"I….. I understand, professor. I s-see that it cannot b-be that easy. Especially if someone was on their own for who knows how long. A-and I f-feel like I-I was being punished. I-I haven't talked a whole lot after that." Zach gestured to his throat.
"No one is being punished for things that are out of their control. None of us are perfect, Zach. Not even me. And that is a good thing to remember. And so far, you are making progress. Your social skills are returning, and you've done great in your classes. You will do better and you just do not know it yet. You may continue to do better as the semester goes by. But your self-esteem needs more work. Learn to have more faith in your abilities. You will then find a more clear path." Charles advised.
"Thank you, professor. Umm, I-I'm g-glad to be here. A-and I really…. Appreciate all the h-help y-you're offering me. A-all of you. S-Storm mentioned…. Something about meetings." Zach said.
"Yes. And to save you time and to prevent overwhelming you, we can start holding these meetings on weekends. Counselor sessions with me, and a couple of other teachers. Such as Dr, McCoy, Jean and Storm. To study you further. That is of course, if you are willing to accept." Charles offered.
Zach thought about this. He really likes his new teachers. He really likes Storm as well as Scott and Hank. And he really appreciates Jean and Colossus as well.
"I-I would like that." Zach nods.
"Perfect. First session will be held this Saturday in the early afternoon." Charles tells him.
"I-I will be there." Zach smiles as he gathers his books and was ready to be done for the day.
"Thank you, Zach. And remember. Be proud of your autism and who you are. It will bring many things in the world. You will see soon enough." Charles smiled back as the new student leaves his classroom.
Note: So this chapter's morals are opening up to others and expressing how you feel. And be proud of yourself, no matter what disability you have. And I had to make sure that Zach isn't being singled out. He was not the only one who was handpicked, according to Jean. And one of my other goals to his character is making sure he is his own guy and not just there to be a plot device. Something Doctor Strange 2 and Black Panther 2 did with America Chavez and Ironheart. I hope you guys enjoyed.