𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒 | CHARLES XAVIER

CHAPTER 1

1940 Westchester County, New York -
Charles age 10
Rosemary age 9

I glanced over at my mom Margaret, who was seated in the driver's seat, humming a soothing tune. My gaze veered to the left, taking in the picturesque landscape beyond the tinted windows. The trees were turning colors as fall approached, casting a vibrant burst of orange, yellow, and red throughout the surrounding countryside. The sky was awash with the hues of the setting sun, painting the world in a soft golden glow. It was late in the day, but the day ahead was only just beginning.

My father had been killed in the war, taken from us by the German onslaught. My mother and I were left alone in the aftermath, our lives forever changed by his absence. My mother, a courageous and hardworking woman, had always been the backbone of our family. When my father was deployed, she would take sporadic jobs as a maid, moving from place to place in hopes of providing for us. Losing him had only strengthened her resolve to make ends meet, no matter the cost.

Today was different, though. It signaled a major change for both my mother and I. Before, my mother would go out to work temporary jobs as a maid, only to come back to our cramped apartment hours later. But now, things were about to take a drastic turn. Since the news of my father's death, my mother had been determined to find a permanent job, something that could provide us with some stability. And now it seemed as if her determination had finally paid off.

The Xavier family was no stranger to my mother. not long ago, she had worked as a maid in their household, attending to the needs of the late Dr. Brian Xavier, a famed nuclear scientist, and his family. I could vaguely remember the day when my mother had told me about her job there, how she would be working shift after shift to help the Xavier family in their beautiful estate.

This time, it was different. Brian Xavier was dead, and Sharon Xavier had called upon my mother once again for help. But this time, it wasn't for a temporary position, but rather as a permanent resident and maid of the Xavier household, and that meant I had to come along with my mother

Was I happy? Sure. My mother was devastated when my father died. I was too, even though he was never really in my life. It wasn't his fault, he'd been drafted and could not do anything about it. But my mother had known him since they were kids, and his loss felt like a hole in her heart.

I didn't complain, knowing it would only upset my mother. She was content with the change, and I knew I would have to accept it. My mother's soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts, her soothing tone easing my worries.

"Are you alright, my darling Rosey?" my mother asked gently, her soft voice and light, sad blue eyes meeting mine.

"I'm alright mother... are you okay?" I speak

My mother sighed, her slender hands resting lightly on the wheel before her. She fidgeted absently, her long slender fingers tracing a gentle rhythm against the smooth surface.

"I'm okay, darling," she said, her words a soft reassurance. "We'll be okay, I'm sure of it." Her voice carried a quiet strength, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips."

I wrapped my cardigan more tightly around me, seeking comfort in the soft fabric. "What are they like?" I inquired, curiosity lacing my voice.

My mother looked at me with a small smile, as if guessing the source of my question. "Who, the Xavier's ?" she replied.

I rolled my eyes lightly, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. "Well, who else would I be referring to, Mother?"

"They're quite a special family, Rosemary. Highly respected in this town. It's a true blessing for us. But as you know, Dr. Xavier has regrettably passed on, so he won't be here with us. However, there's Mrs. Xavier, a lovely woman I'll have no doubt you'll grow fond of."

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted as my mother spoke again. Her soft voice carried in the quiet atmosphere of the car. "They have a son as well," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. 'About your age, from what I've seen, he's rather astute. The boy could be a prodigy.'

I took in my mother's words silently, my eyes fixated out the window at the lush surrounding countryside.

"His name? The boy?" I ask, my voice tentative.

"Charles Xavier," my mother says.

I repeated the name silently in my mind, letting it linger like a sweet melody. 'Charles Xavier' - a name that seemed tailor-made for someone destined for greatness. It had a weight to it, an air of sophistication and wealth. I could already picture him leading a life filled with achievements and accolades. It was a name that sounded just right.

My mother's eyes sparkled as she regarded me, a sly smile playing on her lips. She knew exactly what was going through my mind.

"What's with this look, mama huh? Don't start anything " I say, already rolling my eyes.

"Oh, shush, rosey, I'm not starting anything," she replies with a small smile. "I'm just thinking... you could use some friends..."

"Well stop thinking, mother," I mutter as I turn my head away from her. I've always had trouble making friends. Growing up in my neighborhood, I tried making friends with the kids of my age and even the younger ones, but they always seemed to discard me like a used rag. I never could pin down the reason for their rejection; I wasn't rude, and I certainly didn't think I was a freak. Yet, something always held back the other kids from me. By now, I had given up on trying, hoping and praying that God would send me someone who would see past whatever was making others dislike me. I was lonely, it's true, but I couldn't bear seeing my mother suffer any more losses.

"Don't be too downhearted, Rosemary. I'm not asking for much, just that you give it a try. We're here for the long haul now, rosey. I believe that it would be wise for you to make friends with the boy, given how intelligent and kind you are. You might find that you have more in common than you think."

I can't help but scoff a bit, but I nod anyway. Perhaps she's right, after all."

The car slowed to a halt, and I couldn't help but be awed by the sight in front of us. An imposing estate stood before us, surrounded by vast expanses of meticulously manicured lawns and wooded areas. The stately structure, with its tall windows and a sweeping, columned porch, was truly breathtaking. It was a sight that left me captivated, and I couldn't take my eyes off of it

"Mother..." I say my voice trailing off as look at her with slightly wide eyes

She gave me a warm smile and said, "This is the beginning of anything you want, rosemary." She paused for a moment, looking into my eyes, before continuing. "Remember, if it's meant to be, it will be.' Her voice was gentle and soothing. "And I truly believe, darling, that this is the start of great new beginnings for the both of us.'"

As our feet crunched over the gravel, we approached the wide steps leading up to the grand entrance of the Xavier estate. A woman and a boy stood there waiting, unmistakably Sharon and Charles Xavier.

My mother greeted Sharon, expressing her gratitude for being invited to return to the house, especially at this difficult time. As they spoke, Sharon turned her gaze towards me, a warm smile on her face.
"You must be Rosemary," she said, "it's wonderful to meet you."

"Oh, thank you. It's lovely to meet you as well," I reply, offering her a polite smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. I try my best to sound pleasant and friendly.

Sharon gestures towards her son, who stands beside her. "This is Charles," she says. "He'll show you around and take you to your room while I discuss some things with your mother."

With a nod, I brush a stray lock of hair away from my face as a gentle breeze toys with the strands. My gaze finally meets his, and I'm struck by the depth of his warm, yet slightly melancholy brown eyes. There's a subtle sadness in them, reminiscent of my own and my mothers.

He extends his hand, a hint of hesitation in his voice. "Charles Xavier."

I take his hand in mine, feeling the firm grip and smoothness of his skin. "Rosemary Cardozo"

NOTE - hi thank you for reading, was this good so far? remember to vote, also sorry if things are not up to date, i could not find nor even remember
dates on everything such as Charles dads death so forgive me on that 🤍