「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(301) Meanie

Xavier's School, October 2006

Charles' POV

Freshly built-up charges fired through the inky skies, splitting the clouds of steel grey with a brilliant streak of white. Surely contrasting to the kind weather that graced us just hours before as we sipped on exquisite Chardonnay and admired the intricate clusters of dust specked onto a blanket of clear ultramarine, mighty gusts of wind howled through our opened balcony.

Thick velvet slapped back and forth against the walls while a heavy downpour ruthlessly battered the floor. However, regardless that our flopping curtains were violently walloping the concrete or that tenacious sheets of rain were vigorously splattering the ceramic tiling, nothing could squelch the inadvertent noise that was stealthily lurking.

Without warning, a booming clap exploded, massively destroying the tranquil air, and Lynn's arms, though already curled snugly around me, found ways to further strengthen their grasp. Hurriedly tugging the covers closer, I wrapped her warmly in my embrace and she huddled sheepishly under the opaque layer, avidly hiding from her source of terror.

For a while, the night seemed calm and, against the mellow rustle of a merciful shower, there was just the sharp creaks of old hinges rasping as Lynn telekinetically swung the full length windows shut. As the bulk of the commotion was contained outside, I delicately rubbed her back, simply hoping for her to return into a slumber, but the eye passed sooner than desired.

Like a giant randomly doodling upon the black canvas, humongous and erratic patterns were painted brightly onto the vast darkness, but unlike sacred carvings that were permanently etched, the jagged trails materialized in wildly unpredictable flashes that flickered once then immediately faded without evidence.

Momentarily, the proof of their existence roared into the surroundings and even the earth shook, bowing to the deafening blast. Glaring rays splintered with increasing frequencies across the gloomy landscape, ripping obvious gashes in its shadowy face. Briskly crashing along were thumps of thunder, growling rambunctiously through the silence.

Seconds separating the clamorous dins from their corresponding bedazzling sights vividly shortened with every occurrence, unmistakably indicating that the storm, rapidly worsening, was also dreadfully near.

"Can I help you back to sleep, love?" I offered softly as I conscientiously kneaded my fingers into her lower back where a dull ache was on the verge of a vicious relapse.

"I'm fine," Lynn whimpered stubbornly despite the mad hot tears that were brimming.

As if on cue, another bolt of lightning struck, but this time, illuminating the entire room in a single run. Before the blinding flare could even dissipate, we were unfortunately visited by a ferocious rumble and Lynn reflexively flinched, letting out an acute albeit adorable shrill.

Accidentally chuckling at her dramatic reaction, I inevitably earned myself just desserts and amidst the furious tempest, Lynn buried her head into my chest as she repeatedly pounded her marred wrist against my back.

"Watch it, love. You really don't want to injure that again," I cautioned honestly, carefully restraining her joint that was beginning to hurt with overexertion.

"Meanie!" Lynn hissed frustratedly but her irritable temper was too cute to be taken seriously.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," I mollified, struggling to resist my giggles as I tenderly stroked her hair.