Anne found her way to Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, although she didn't know how.
To this day many people say it was her will to have a home. Phyllis, one of their students, and Anne's best friend, still believes it was because they were kindred spirits.
Anne arrived on her first day when most of the students were still in bed. She knocked on the door and before Ororo could say anything, Anne found Phyllis bolting down the stairs.
"Anne! You came," she said, very happy.
"Yes," Anne said. "It was my only hope really, not many people adopt a 13 year old girl out of love, unless it's to help care for there kids." She said all in one breath.
"Well, Phyllis," Professor X said from behind her. "What do we have here?"
"This is Anne Shirley," Phyllis said brightly.
"She needs a place to stay, and since this school opens its door to people who don't fit in or are not wanted, I thought…" she said trailing off.
"She's not gifted." Professor X said surprised.
"I may not be gifted, sir, but I can assure you I am very much not wanted." She said
"This way," he said, leading her to his office. "Phyllis, bed please," he said and he heard the other children running back to their rooms.
"So tell me about yourself." Professor X said. "And I can read minds, so don't lie," he added.
Anne took a breath. Charles Xavier would be the only one for years to come that she would tell the truth to.
"I am 13 years old. My mother died 3 years ago in an accident because of my father, who was driving too fast. She didn't die right away, though, she got sick when they fell in the river, and..." She stopped and got back on track when Professor X gave a slight cough. "Anyways, my mothers' best friend took me to a founding home where I was taken care of by matron. She-"
"Anne, it's late, and I do not need to know what happened there," Professor X interrupted calmly.
"Well, after that place," Anne said with a frown, "I went to go live with Mrs. Thomas and her mother in law in Marysville, and tutored her three kids there. I stayed there until her mill was mysteriously destroyed."
"Yes, I've heard of that incident." Professor X said in memory.
"After that, I went to live with Mrs. Spencer and take care of her kids. She had 6 all who were twins - can you believe? Twins 3 times in a row." He coughed again and she moved on. "Her husband died after I didn't get his lunch to him on time - she sent me to an orphanage run by Matron, of all people. After a week I finally ran away, I met Phyllis and she told me about this school. I know I don't have powers, but I am unwanted more so than the others, you see –at least they all have homes. Please let me stay."
Charles rubbed his temples. The fact that she had no powers didn't bother him and he did like her chattering, it was just that he never had an orphan before, and was not quite sure what to do with her.
He knew he couldn't send her back, but he was unsure he could keep her.
Just then, Toad came in. "Oh, I'm sorry, sir," he said not realizing professor X had a student. "Actually, I need you to find Anne a room temporarily, and something to sleep in." Professor X said.
"I will consider your request, Anne." he said. That was all he could say or do at the moment.
Stay tuned for more chapters!
