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Lies and Other Truths (cont'd) Charles Xavier paused, letting his words sink in to the girl. Chloe had sat silently but attentively as he spoke. She glanced briefly from the professor to Scott.
“So, there are others like me out there,” she said. Scott grinned. “More than you’d think, Chloe.” For the first time in their meeting, Chloe gave a genuine smile. “I’m curious about this boy who approached you at school,” Xavier stated, reluctantly breaking the moment. “Will you tell us what happened today?” She started briefly with the nightmare and the figures that were around her bed. She progressed quickly to the conversation in the car and her morning classes. Yet, when she got to lunch, she slowed down. “Lance,” Scott spat when Chloe revealed the boy’s name. “How could he have known?” Xavier steepled his fingers. “How indeed.” “You know this boy?” Sandra asked. “How?” Xavier sighed. “Not all mutants are interested in co-existing peacefully with non-mutants. Lance is part of such a group called the Brotherhood. They believe that conflict with non-mutants are inevitable and are preparing for it.” “What do they want with my daughter?” Sandra demanded. “They’re looking for emerging mutants, just like we are.” Chloe shook her head. “So, I’m merely caught up in your little competition.” “It’s not a competition. It’s far more serious than that,” Xavier said sharply. “I’m offering you a chance to explore your power and learn to control it. The Brotherhood merely wants to control you as a possible weapon in their war against humanity.” “This is a lot to take in,” Sandra said, shifting closer to Chloe, “and you’re asking for a lot of trust.” “Yes, we are,” Xavier agreed. “However, I would like for you and Chloe to come to New York and tour the Institute. After seeing firsthand what we are offering, you can make a decision.” Scott nodded. “You won’t regret it.” * * * * * Sandra thanked the professor again as he and Scott finally left. She closed the door behind them and turned to Chloe with a sigh. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starved.” Chloe followed her mother into the kitchen as she pulled her honey-colored hair into a ponytail. For several minutes, they worked silently. Sandra soon had some pasta cooking as Chloe finished making a salad. “By the way, you’re suspended from school,” Sandra said, breaking the silence. “What!” “Since you cut your afternoon classes, the principal decided to suspend you for three days. With everything that was going, I’d forgotten about it.” Chloe sat down abruptly on a stool. “I’m suspended from school. I can’t believe it. Why didn’t I just stay in bed today?” “There is an upside to it.” “Are you serious?” Chloe cried. “I can’t think of a single upside of being suspended from my new school in the second week. The teachers are going to think I’m some kind of delinquent.” “Aren’t you being just a little overdramatic?” “No!” “Being suspended won’t be the end of the world, Chloe. Besides, I did say there was an upside to it.” “Yeah, a three day forced vacation.” Sandra laughed in spite of herself at the amount of misery in her daughter’s voice. “I was thinking that it would be a good time to take Xavier on his offer to tour his place. You won’t miss any school.” “You know, most normal parents would be freaking out about all this.” “You want me to get upset?” “Yes! I mean, no!” She started to laugh. “You’re cruel, Mom.” “It’s part of the job,” Sandra replied, smiling. “I know this isn’t going to be easy, whatever we decide. I’m just trying to lighten the mood somewhat.” Chloe nodded. “Thanks, Mom, for trying to be funny.” “Ha, ha. Come on. Let’s eat.” |
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