Ever since you were freed from captivity, you knew you weren't among either world, not fully. You weren't a human, but you also felt like you weren't a mutant. You felt like you were something unnatural, in between the two worlds.

Charles Xavier had come to meet you when he heard of another mutant roaming the streets, causing chaos because you couldn't control your powers. Whenever you got scared, your powers flared up, and sometimes people got hurt. And soon, you found yourself in a car, on your way to his school he told you about.

The hallways of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters were much quieter than you expected when you first stepped in. But still, you couldn't help but feel judged as you walked through the hallways, clutching the stack of books in your arms. The voices in your head kept whispering, kept telling you how you would fail, how everyone would shun you here too. You don't belong here. You aren't welcome.

So, you mainly kept your head down, avoiding eye contact, hoping you wouldn't bother anyone. You were sure that if you even tried to make contact with anyone, get to know anyone, they would shun you, tell you you don't belong here. You found a refuge from the library, from the far corner of the couch where you could also see the garden. You studied by yourself a lot, reading book after book, learning about the history of the mutants, trying to find a point that could be used to pressure yourself that you belonged here.

One day, as you were at that corner again, you saw a figure walk into the library and stop by you. You waited for a moment, but then looked up to see Jean. She smiled. "How are you settling in?"

You frowned, but then shrugged. "I guess well enough."

She took a step closer. "I haven't seen you at our after school activities. You could get friends if you came along."

You stared at her for a moment. Sure, Jean was one of the nicest teachers since you moved in, always looking out for you, but you know that she didn't know what it was like to be the outsider either. Or not like that. You knew she was the most powerful of you all, but at least... she was an actual mutant and not a freak like you.

"I... I don't know," you murmured, averting your eyes from hers. "I don't think I'd fit in."

You narrowed her eyes, clearly confused. "Why do you think that?"

You shook your head, closing the book and placing it aside. "I'm like the only one around who's not born a mutant. I was kidnapped as a child and tested on, injected with fluids, forcing my body to become something it wasn't and... I don't think I can ever fit in either world anymore. Even I don't know who or what I am either, how can I ever belong?"

Jean was quiet for a moment, before she took another step forward and slowly sat down beside you. "If Professor Xavier would think you don't belong here, he wouldn't have come to meet you and invite you to come here. He saw into your mind, and concluded that it's best to bring you here, to learn to control your abilities, and find a community. He knows the best. And everyone can see you belong here, even if you don't."

You crossed your arms, glancing at the window where you saw some of the children playing, kicking the ball around. "But what if they will never accept me?"

"They will," Jean said quietly. "We've all been through our own struggles, and we've all had to find our place here. It might take some time, but you'll find people who understand you, who care about you. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. You're not alone."

You thought for a moment, before you looked at her again. "What happens if I lose control again and hurt someone? Will I get kicked out?"

She shook her head. "Professor Xavier isn't kicking you out for something you aren't able to control. He only punishes you if you do something like that on purpose."

You swallowed, remembering how the last time went. Your powers had flared, you had overturned a tram, trapping and injuring multiple people. The police had tried to shoot you for that, everyone blamed you, thought you wanted to do that. "What if he thinks I did it on purpose? Last time I—"

She interrupted you, putting her hand on yours. "Non-mutants only see us causing chaos and may think we're in full control. And it may seem like it in their eyes, as some go into a trance as their powers cause chaos."

You nodded slowly, dropping your gaze onto your lap. "It just feels like a curse most of the time."

She was quiet again for a moment. "Some who are born mutants may also feel like that when their powers first emerge, if they weren't there from birth. Or they may be dissatisfied with their powers because they're harder to control than what their family has. I remember how one of our students was a boy whose family could spit fire, teleport, fly and grow into a giant on will, and his powers were plant-based. When he came here, he could only make some flowers grow slightly faster, and he thought he'd end up as a professional super gardener while his family is out there saving the world. He also felt like he didn't belong among 'real' mutants. But now he's able to make trees move, and have plants trap people."

You thought about her words for a second, staring at your feet. Then a bell rang, interrupting your thoughts. Jean nodded towards the hallway. "Would you like to come eat lunch with me?"

You paused for a second or two, but then nodded and smiled slightly, following Jean out of the library.

Maybe things will get better from now, you found yourself thinking. Your little talk with Jean did make you feel better, even when it felt useless at first. Maybe you'd feel like you belong here soon after all.