「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(270) Complacent

Lynn's POV

Upon touching down on the vast meadows ornamenting the lavish front yard, Charles ordered everyone to disembark and in an orderly fashion, the children cordially followed Peter who diligently ushered them into the extravagant interior.

The elder teens and adults were surely stunned by the sudden change of plans but given Charles' stern disposition, none were not afraid to question his authority just yet. Quickly, but skeptically, they proceeded indoors and Kurt courteously volunteered to have our chairs delivered.

Patiently, Charles and I remained strapped in our seats as we watched Raven expertly navigating around the house that had been transformed into a hectic triage zone.

Students cloaked in their sloppy pyjamas, tresses unkempt, huddled in small groups around the foyer and all along the spiralling stairs. The upper floors were clearly more luxurious but the kids had chosen to forsake the comfort of their beds, finding solace in having each other in sight instead.

Some sprawled on the thick carpets while the impaled ones were granted enjoyment of our sofa's plush cushions. Others simply perched themselves on the cool marble, holding hands, as they munched on breakfast cereals and other snacks.

As the rescued ones scampered in, they were gladly welcomed by their friends who graciously fed them. The long awaited reunion was certainly a charming occasion and the lobby bustled with life for a brief instance.

Affectionate hugs were exchanged but the joy could not last forever. Jingling chimes of special news bulletins readily diverted their attention and they all gathered around, eyes glued to the television broadcasting a countdown to the President's address that would transmit live in just under two hours.

Meanwhile, upon successfully entering the master bedroom on the ground level with due guidance from Raven, Kurt finally located our manual back up chairs tucked away in the secluded corner. Followed by a whiff of blue smoke, they both promptly vanished from the premises and appeared in the cabin with our necessary accessories.

Properly unbuckling us, Charles strenuously dragged himself into his chair while I carefully floated into mine. Meticulously, he retrieved the blanket from my shoulders, neatly cloaking them over my legs to shroud my naked feet while Raven took the stack of papers into her hands.

Helplessly conceding to the strict commands of Charles, Raven merely tailed along as he independently propelled himself on the relatively smooth wheels and Kurt obediently took my handle bars, assisting me with his assigned identical task.

Long Island was definitely warmer, with pleasantly manageable drafts of coastal winds. We exited onto the open lawn specked with intermittent bright spots. Peeking through the fissures of thick clouds that hung high above were magnificent beams of sunshine, highlighting every piece of dust in its line.

Tiny droplets glistened from every leaf and petal of the vibrant flowers still rooted into the earth, gently bowing to the mild breezes. The firm soil was moist in some places and several pavements lurked with fresh puddles, all evidencing the recent visit of a kind shower.

I peered up and marveled at the crepuscular rays, inhaling deeply on the distinct petrichor that knocked out my senses momentarily. The natural smell lingering after a drizzle of rain was truly invigorating, as with the hazy rainbow that decorated the background of the manor's facade faintly.

Slowly, I allowed the awe of my surroundings to be wholly absorbed, wishing I could just lay on the damp grass with Charles by my side, and let our worries fade into the beautiful skies. Yet, the day was reckoned to be one probably too crucial from which we could just run away, so I said nothing as we carried on on our way.