The morning passed by in a blur of lectures and assignments, but Teresa's thoughts kept drifting back to the strange events of the night before and Jean's unusual behaviour. By the time lunch rolled around, she headed out quickly to find Jean. After considering where Jean would be, she finally spotted her under a large oak tree in front of the mansion— Jean's favourite studying spot besides the library.

As Teresa stepped outside, she took in the clear blue sky and the gentle rustling of leaves in the mild breeze. She quickly scanned the area and spotted Jean sitting on the ground, leaning against the tree trunk with a book open on her lap. The scene would have been serene if not for the obvious signs of distress on Jean's face.

Teresa noticed that Jean's nose was slightly red, likely from crying rather than allergies given the circumstances. Her eyes were still glassy, filled with unshed tears, and there was a crumpled tissue clutched in one hand, with a couple more tissues discarded nearby. Her cheeks had faint streaks from tears, and she seemed to be lost in her thoughts, absentmindedly flipping through the pages of her book without really reading.

Taking a deep breath, Teresa approached the red-haired girl. "Jean," she called in a soft tone, not wanting to startle her. "May I join you? The kitchen and living room feels a little too crowded for me."

Jean looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and weariness. She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and managed a small smile. "Sure, Teresa. Have a seat."

Teresa sat down beside Jean, feeling the cool shade of the tree. "Are you alright? I've been looking for you. Everyone said you skipped training this morning." She said, not quite sure what to say since she wasn't great in these types of situations. Even Peter was better at lightening the mood and cheering others up.

Jean shrugged, looking down at her book. "I've been better. I—" she hesitated, struggling to find the right words, "just needed some time alone."

Teresa nodded, understanding. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Jean stayed silent for a while, and Teresa took it as a sign to wait patiently until she remarked, "Scott can be a jerk sometimes."

Jean snorted at Teresa's comment, a small smile tugging at her lips, not disagreeing. "He's like that usually when he's stressed or frustrated with himself," Jean told her.

"Well, he was frustrated over what happened last night," Teresa mentioned, causing Jean to fall silent again. "A lot of people think you caused that earthquake. It's understandable if you did because you're still learning to control your powers, just like all of us here," Teresa paused for a moment, "but some people, including Scott and myself, believe you weren't the one."

"I'm not defending whatever Scott did or said to you, Jean, but people do things they regret when they're mad or frustrated. Scott is frustrated that he doesn't know who did it, and maybe even feels guilty for thinking it was you."

Jean took a moment to respond. "Honestly, I thought I was causing the earthquake too at first," she admitted. "Everyone kept thinking it was me and some blamed me for ruining their sleep. I don't mind it because I'm used to it, but you can imagine my reaction when I realised I wasn't the one causing it. In a way, I'm relieved I didn't lose control of my powers, but it also made me realise people will still try to blame me for things I did in the past. They won't ever forget."

Jean sighed deeply, her eyes reflecting the weight of her words. "It's exhausting, Teresa. Always being the one people suspect, always having to prove myself, even after everything I've done for them. What else am I supposed to do to make them finally think of me as one of them? That I won't hurt them?" She almost sounded like a hurt child, vulnerable and desperate for things to change.

"People might remember the past, but that doesn't define who you are as a person," Teresa told her gently. "You're a living being, and you're in the process of growing. Making mistakes, losing control—those are all parts of your life that help you become stronger and more powerful. Everyone has obstacles, but they have a choice to either face them or back down from them."

Jean looked at Teresa, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's just hard, you know? Trying to be better when everyone's waiting for you to fail."

Teresa nodded, understanding her struggle. "I get it, but remember, you're not alone in this. You have friends who believe in you, who see the good in you, and who know how hard you're trying. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."

Jean took a deep breath, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you, Teresa. I needed to hear that."

Teresa shook her head. "No need to thank me, I'm just stating the facts. You're stronger than you think, Jean, not just because of your gifts, but also emotionally."

Jean smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. "You're right. I'll try to stay strong. For everyone."

"And besides, everyone will have to get used to these kinds of situations more often because now, you're not the only powerful mutant who can cause such an impact," Teresa pointed out, referring to the person actually responsible for the previous night's earthquake.

"Any suspects yet?" Jean inquired.

"The Horan sisters," Teresa informed her.

"Sisters? You mean, the twins Elizabeth and Hailey Horan?" Jean thought for a moment. "I've had a few classes with Elizabeth, the blonde. She's very cheerful and bright. Hailey, on the other hand, is usually quieter than her sister," She tried to recall more details. "She reminds me a lot of you. I think Warren and Scott have several classes with Elizabeth as well, and Kurt has some with Hailey. If you want to get to know them more, I can introduce you. They seem nice, just different in their own ways."

"That would be nice, but I'm not the talkative type nor do I look like the friendly type," Teresa pointed out.

"When I say Hailey reminds me of you, I mean she resembles you a lot," Jean told her. "The two of you have way more in common. If you want to take an easier approach, Elizabeth is much more talkative and she doesn't mind interacting with everyone, similar to Jubilee." She paused, her expression shifting as if she were listening to something far away. Jean's eyes became unfocused, her attention clearly elsewhere.

Teresa watched as Jean's eyes glazed over, staring into the distance. She seemed to be listening intently to something only she could hear. After a few moments, Jean blinked several times, snapping out of her trance, and turned back to Teresa.

"It's Charles," she finally said. "He wants us to come to his office now."

•••••

As Teresa and Jean walked through the familiar hallways towards Charles' office, they passed by walls adorned with vintage paintings and soft lighting that cast warm shadows. The air was quiet except for the distant murmur of students and the occasional shuffle of papers.

"How are we sure he's in his office? He might be on his way to the library or class to begin teaching," Teresa questioned, casting a glance around the hallway.

"Because Charles told me to meet in his office. He will have his class after our conversation," Jean informed her, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a hint of uncertainty.

"Do you think he wants to talk about the twins?" Jean asked, her voice tinged with nervousness as they approached the office door.

Teresa shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe. They're new here, so there's a chance Charles wants us to show them around or something. Even though they've been attending classes this week."

Jean bit her lip, her expression betraying her nerves. Her steps were slightly hesitant as they reached the ornate door to Charles' office.

Aware of Jean's unease, Teresa continued reassuringly, "Charles doesn't want to talk to us about what you did wrong, Jean. Because you did absolutely nothing wrong last night."

"Yeah, but everyone thought I was the one who caused it because I've had incidents in the past. Charles might think the same too, especially since I still struggle to control my powers," Teresa could hear the worry in Jean's voice.

"Well, without your powers, you wouldn't be here with so many people who care about you. And let's face it, everyday human life can be pretty boring," Teresa said, trying to lighten the mood. She sighed when she noticed Jean's persistent gloomy expression. "Life is unpredictable, Jean. Sometimes, you just have to trust that things will work out on their own."

"How do you manage to control your power?" Jean asked curiously. "I've never seen you lose control, and honestly, I don't even know what your power is."

Teresa paused, considering her response carefully. "I've learned to keep it under wraps. Before coming here, I had enough practice to keep it hidden, so no one really knows what I can do." She explained, knocking firmly on Charles' office door.

"Come in," a calm voice beckoned from within the office as Teresa and Jean entered.

Charles Xavier sat behind his desk, his expression warm and reassuring as he greeted them with a smile that sought to comfort.

"Do the two of you know why you're here?" Charles inquired gently.

Teresa and Jean exchanged uncertain glances before shaking their heads. "Last night, someone caused the school to shake. Everyone, including myself, initially suspected Jean," Charles began, her voice tinged with regret. "But it turns out, Jean wasn't responsible for the tremors. I owe you an apology for doubting you, Jean," he admitted, his sincerity evident.

Jean nodded, her expression a mix of relief and lingering concern.

"It's completely fine, Professor. I thought I was causing the school to shake too," Jean replied softly.

"And even if you did, Jean, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Many mutants struggle to control their gifts at first, but with guidance and practice, they learn to harness their abilities responsibly," Charles reassured her. "We'll discuss more about that later, but could you give me a moment with Teresa?"

Jean looked at Teresa gratefully, offering her a small smile before leaving the headmaster's office, feeling reassured and understood.

Charles cleared his throat, capturing Teresa's attention with his gentle but probing gaze. "I heard from someone that you were the last person to wake up, even after the ground started shaking last night, only rousing when Scott screamed nearby," he began, his tone both curious and concerned. "How were you still asleep? The first tremors should have awakened everyone, not to mention the commotion going around."

The person obviously being Scott.

Teresa shrugged casually. "I guess I'm just a heavy sleeper," she replied nonchalantly.

"Not as heavy as Peter. He can sleep through six alarm clocks," Charles remarked with a hint of amusement.

Teresa raised an eyebrow at his implication. "My powers sometimes activate unconsciously without me even realising it," she admitted. "They're careful to sense and respond to potential threats, especially those potentially common in a school for mutants."

Charles looked intrigued. His eyes reflected a mixture of surprise and amazement. "Automatically prepared for anything?" He inquired, leaning forward slightly.

Teresa nodded. "Not for everything, but my instincts have a knack for anticipating and reacting to situations that could pose a danger," she explained, feeling a slight annoyance at having her abilities discussed so openly. "It's a useful trait, especially in unpredictable environments."

"What would happen if you fell off the bed?" Charles questioned, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"I would still be asleep," Teresa replied nonchalantly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Charles nodded, contemplating her response. "But what if the building collapsed?"

"I would still be asleep, unharmed," she responded calmly, with a hint of assurance in her voice.

"And if a fire started, with smoke filling the room?" Charles pressed on, his interest piqued.

"I would still be asleep," Teresa admitted, her tone unchanged, "but the rising temperature would likely wake me. I prefer sleeping in rooms that are neither too hot nor too cold."

Charles leaned forward, intrigued by Teresa's unique ability. His brow furrowed slightly as he contemplated her responses, fascinated by the implications of her power.

"What about if there was an intruder in your room?" he asked, adjusting his glasses as he continued to probe.

Teresa paused, considering the question. "I would still be asleep," she answered after a moment, "but if they tried to harm me, my powers would react defensively."

Charles nodded thoughtfully. "So your abilities are not just about sleep, but also about protection," he mused out loud. "It's quite remarkable, Teresa. Your subconscious mind seems to have a keen sense of danger and responds accordingly."

Teresa shrugged nonchalantly. "I guess so. It's just how I've always been."

Charles hummed thoughtfully, his brow furrowing slightly. "I must admit, Teresa, your ability to shield your mind is quite remarkable. Even Jean was unable to penetrate your defences." He regarded Teresa with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "I've encountered very few mutants who are just as powerful as Jean. Not even Erik Lehnsherr came close."

Teresa met his gaze evenly, her expression guarded. "Who's to say I'm not more powerful?"

Charles smiled faintly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "That remains to be seen." He paused, contemplating his next words carefully. "But regardless of your abilities, I must stress the importance of understanding and controlling them. It's crucial for your own safety, as well as for those around you."

Teresa nodded, absorbing his words without much visible reaction. "Is there anything else, Professor?" Her tone remained casual, almost disinterested, though beneath her facade, she was attentive to his every word.

Charles hesitated for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "Actually, there is something I've been meaning to discuss with you. It is about Elizabeth and Hailey Horan," he said, his tone shifting slightly to a more serious demeanour.

"Now I'm convinced you can read my mind," Teresa mused.

"I read Jean's," Charles corrected gently, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Elizabeth has an extraordinary gift, one I've never encountered before."

"Which is?" Teresa leaned forward, intrigued. Scott's rumours were intriguing but lacked detail.

Charles pursed his lips thoughtfully. "She has the ability to reveal someone's deeper self and possibly even glimpse their past with just a single look into their eyes."

"She can see everyone's future just by looking at them?" Teresa's brow furrowed in slight confusion, trying to grasp the implications.

"It's her gift," Charles sighed softly, his gaze distant for a moment. "Like you, Elizabeth's sister, Hailey, prefers to keep her abilities private. But she confided in me about what happened last night."

"How did she explain it?" Teresa asked, intrigued by the revelation.

Charles leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Hailey admitted that she was responsible for the tremors. She apologised to me for the confusion it caused, especially since it led others to believe Jean was responsible."

"Why didn't she just tell everyone?" Teresa questioned, trying to understand Hailey's reasoning.

"She values her privacy and perhaps feared judgement," Charles explained gently. "But she didn't want Jean to be unfairly blamed since she was the one who had lost control of her powers, so she told it to me first."

"She didn't want anyone to bear the consequences of her actions," Teresa concluded, nodding in understanding. "What else can you tell me about the sisters, Professor?"