X-Men: (Young)Xavier&OC (Just Another Mutant)

Chapter four

         Chapter four

   I'm running with no direction. I pass several faces and they seem to be pinned on me, watchful and suspicious - but I don't stop. The hallways seem empty as I dart along them, quick on my feet whilst trying to avoid people.

   No one tries to stop me - but if the guys a telepath, he would have easily been able to tell them to not stop me. I'm breathless after a matter of seconds, my chest heaving as I struggle to not only stop myself from hyperventilating, but also to stop looking at others and seeing the constant judgement in their eyes.

   I pass few and far but I can see it in their eyes - watching me, judging me with nothing but disgust, instantly jumping to their god damn conclusions without any of the necessary information. I ignore them, refuse to even glance at them. I just can't. It's too much. I've just got to get out of this damn place.

   I round a corner and run straight into someone. I stumble backwards and find myself facing a man roughly the same age as the guy back there - Charles. He's much taller and more well built - and by his side is a gorgeous young woman - her skin a brilliant blue. Her golden eyes remain trained on mine, unflinching.

   I blink rapidly, heart suddenly racing in their presence - and he raises an eyebrow, watching me carefully. I imagine the disgust in those eyes, hidden beneath his calm mask, a facade. I bite my lip hard enough to break the skin before moving quickly around them, refusing to say a word and instead picking up my pace once more.

   I can almost feel their eyes burning holes into the back of my head.

   I reach a set of double doors and fling them open - only to find over a hundred pair of eyes suddenly focused on mine. Instantly, I slam the doors shut again, my insides quivering as I try to remember how to breathe.

   Heart racing, I peer through the glass. A few are still looking in this direction, some curious and some confused. Most of the others have already forgotten about me, in just that split second, and are already focused on something else.

   The worst part is that they all just look so damn happy. There's not as many as I thought there would be - because of the size of this place - but there's still plenty. Plus I passed a bunch of them in the hallways.

   I try to ignore the bitter tears that begin to fall as I watch their interactions. Warmth, joy, friendship - even love. I can see it all in this one big hall - a cafeteria of sorts, where the students can eat. I can even see a few kids sneakily using their powers.

   I find myself burning with jealously. When was the last time I felt anything? I've been numb for so long. I lean heavily agaisnt the wall with a shuddering breath and look down to find my shirt - old and torn - wet with my tears. Without warning, I suddenly cannot breathe. No matter how sharply I inhale - nothing comes in or out. I choke on a sob and slide down the wall to sit.

   I can't breathe. Oh god, the panic is more than I can handle. I gasp painfully, my lungs scream for air as I struggle to control the increasingly hot burning in my chest. I see white dots, flashes of colours and bright sparks before my eyes as harsh choking noises erupt from my throat.

   "Put your head between your knees. Breathe deeply." Charles says, appearing out of nowhere.

   I do as he says, the panic shooting through me making me obedient. His hand circles my back slowly and a comforting warmth spreads from his touch - it takes a good few minutes, but eventually I find myself breathing normally, calm once more.

   "Feel better?" He murmurs softly.

   I pull my head up slowly and let out a shaky breathe, nodding my head slightly. I do feel better - not by much, but at least the panic's gone. "Thank you."

   His hand still rests at my back and he suddenly glances through the glass at the students.

   "You could have it too, you know."

   My heart jumps as my eyes dart quickly in the direction of the glass. I don't look through. It hurts too much. "What?"

   "You could be happy here, if you gave it a chance." His eyes are warm, comforting - there's no disgust, no sneer. Nothing like I'm used to. It's so strange.

   I don't say anything at first, instead stare down at the rip in my trousers at my right knee. I bite hard on my lip. "I'm not good with people."

   He stands suddenly, letting out a soft sigh. Pauses.

   "One week, okay? Just one week. Then you can do what you want."

   I look up at him hesitantly to find him standing there with a hand held out to me. I hesitate and it seems to last an age, longer than I intend to leave it. He doesn't falter. Finally, with a soft sigh, I take his hand.