Welcome To My Life

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Erik was up the next day, changing clothes and then heading out early for breakfast again. Charles remained curled up in bed, sleeping silently. Erik sat alone again.

Scott leaned over to Jean. "I don't see Charles. Do you think he got him already?"

Jean elbowed him. "Stop."

"Sorry."

Erik huffed softly and looked out at the lake nearby.

Jean frowned. "Do you know the cabin number? Should we go check on Charles?"

"No he didn't tell us....," Scott sighed softly.

Jean frowned. "Dammit."

"You don't think he actually did something do you....?" Scott glanced around, "He's gotta be smarter than that...."

Jean shook her head. "He seemed pretty scared of him. He wouldn't act stupid."

Scott nodded and returned to eating. Erik got up, tossed his things away and went back to his cabin. Erik climbed back in bed and sighed softly. He stared at the bottom of the bed in front of him. Charles was up there. Sixteen year old Charles Xavier who was drowning in self-hatred, depression, suicidal thoughts, or all of them combined. Charles rolled over once Erik returned. He sighed softly and shifted, but didn't wake up. Erik sighed softly. He may not seem like he was paying attention but nothing slipped him. He knew people like Charles. The thought of one in particular made his heart ache so he stopped thinking. Idiot. It's better to be angry and untouchable than sad and vulnerable. Crying is weak. A while later, Charles woke up, and stared at the ceiling. He didn't know what time it was. His stomach growled, but he headed for the bathroom instead of the cafeteria. Erik watched him go. He sighed and got up digging through his bag as he waited for his roommate to return. Charles freshened up. He brushed his hair, brushed his teeth, and put on deodorant. He wrapped the previous night's cuts, pulled on his sweatshirt, and walked out.

Erik glanced at him, "Don't hide them."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't hide them," Erik repeated, still looking through his bag.

"Why not? And why do you care so much? Don't say you don't. You wouldn't keep bringing it up if you didn't."

"You shouldn't have to hide them," Erik replied, "Who cares what other people think?"

Charles stood back. "I hide them so people don't see how many there are. I don't want help. I don't want the counselors to see. They know they're there, but I don't need to show them off."

"Then why are you here?" Erik turned to glare at him, "If you don't want help, then why are you here?"

"They made me come here," Charles said softly. "Why are you here?"

"Father said it would be beneficial."

"Is it?"

"No."

"Then why come back?"

"I don't want to stay home."

Charles nodded. "Fair enough."

Erik glanced at him and then looked away, "The reason it matters is because my brother did it too."

Charles just stood silently and looked at Erik.

"And he's dead now so....," Erik met his gaze.

"Sorry..." Charles frowned. "But I'm not your brother. So why do you care what I do?"