High Voltage- Part 4
Professor Charles Francis Xavier studied the girl that Storm and Jean led into his office. The main emotion radiating from er was wariness-- it was so strong that he couldnÕt shut it out as he did peoplesÕ thoughts. He nodded to the two women, who left quietly.
ÒVoltage?Ó he presumed. She nodded, carefully watching his face with narrowed chartreuse eyes. //An odd colour for a human,// Charles thought. ÒWeÕre not going to hurt you.Ó
She snorted. ÒYeah, thatÕs what everyoneÕs been saying. ItÕs to the point where I believe it.Ó
A cynic. //It figures,// Charles reflected, trying to to smile. ÒIf you believe us, why are you not more relaxed?Ó
ÒForce of habit,Ó she replied, glancing about the room. Her eyes landed on a chessboard, set up on a table.
ÒDo you play?Ó Charles asked.
ÒI know how. I just never have.Ó Voltage said.
ÒWhy donÕt we have a game?Ó he suggested, maneuvering to a position at one end of the board. When she had sat down across from him, he gestured that she make the first move.
ÒHave you any family?Ó
ÒNone.Ó
Ò... WeÕre not going to run tests on you.Ó
No reply.
The game continued in silence, until Voltage murmured, ÒCheckmate.Ó as she moved her queen. Charles smiled at her (he had, of course, let her win). Voltage shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
ÒIÕll have Jean take you to a room. We had one prepared specially so you donÕt end up electrifying the house,Ó Charles said jokingly, calling out to Jean with his mind.
ÒYou neednÕt go to such trouble on my account.Ó she muttered.
ÒItÕs no trouble at all; I take pride in accommodating my studentsÕ special needs.Ó
Jean appeared at the door. ÒWeÕve just finished with the bedsheets, Voltage,Ó she said with a warm smile. Voltage rose and followed her out.