「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(244) Lucky

Charles' POV

"Alright, I want your assignments on my desk by the end of the week," I addressed my students nicely.

"Top marks, everyone. Class dismissed," I announced and the teenagers hurriedly burst through the exit with sheer effervescence that spontaneously outshone the gleefulness forced into my speech as they scurried to their respective lunch destinations.

With contrasting lethargy, I leisurely drove myself towards the extravagant dining hall and found the other teachers courteously waiting to start our noon meal, albeit with Lynn absent from the table furnished by a diverse assortment of dishes specified individually to our differing taste buds.

As I normally wheeled through the large doors, the X-Men chatted indistinctly, each bearing no less than a moderately upset expression on their face but Jean quickly noticed my presence, springing up from her seat anxiously.

"Professor!" Jean exclaimed in a dramatic tone and the rest intently observed my approach.

"Jean, sit down, please," I appealed cordially, tucking my chair at the head, and she obediently complied, hastily taking her seat again but her perturbed eyes were glued to me nonetheless.

"Are you alright? Have you seen Lynn?" Jean interrogated at speeds of a bullet train.

"I'm fine, and not since breakfast, why?" I probed and they stared at me, dumbfounded by my composed reaction.

"She's doing it again," Jubilee replied timidly.

"It's already the third time this week and now she's not even eating!" Jean remarked in an frustrated tone, waving her arms about in a frantic manner.

"What exactly did she see?" Jean prodded eagerly as the others looked at me with equally keen gazes.

"Take it easy, Jean. She's just having a nap," I reassured kindly and synchronously, all their shoulders sagged listlessly, once again conceding to my adamant secrecy.

"Should I bring this to her then?" Jean offered, her tone undeniably laced with disappointment, as she gestured to Lynn's usual serving of salad.

"I'll do it," I insisted amiably, retrieving a tray onto my lap and they basically watched me in silence as I meticulously organised the bowl of psychedelic fruits and vegetables neatly next to my plate of pan-seared fish.

"You kids go ahead without me," I urged in a lighthearted tone but it did not quite eradicate the tension created in the atmosphere by their disturbed faces.

"And don't fret. She hates it," I reminded sincerely before swivelling my chair around.

Expertly navigating through the series of knitted hallways, I swiftly arrived at her office and entering discreetly, I spotted Lynn dozed off in her chair amidst the tidy surroundings. While I was contented that sleep had temporarily resisted eluding her, the furrowed brows locked onto her face cried for my attention, and I could only smile sadly as I cautiously advanced over.

Quietly docking metallic coaster of delicacies to the coffee bench by her currently idle fireplace, I briskly steered over to her and carefully cloaked her under the warmth of my jacket before proceeding to the beverage counter by her window, brewing her a cup of soothing tea. The water boiled promptly and with her drink duly prepared, I cautiously returned to her side.

Despite gently setting down the pair of exquisite chinaware to the designated section of her orderly desk, the natural clanging of the porcelain inevitably disrupted her light slumber and Lynn began to stir groggily in her seat.

"Charles?" Lynn murmured drowsily as her eyes weakly fluttered open.

"I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to wake you," I whispered, tenderly cradling her head, and she shook her head tiredly.