Celeste was in art class. Art class. Celeste may have a bunch of talents, but art itself is not one. She could make a mean, cute stick figure though. Actual art though? Definitely not her forte. She did her best to take notes as her teacher, Mr. Holloway, demonstrated on the board the best way to draw faces. How to make eyes symmetrical with artsy stuff, how far the nose should be compared to the mouth and eyebrow arch, all those little pieces that go into drawing.

Why faces? Because he was going to pair them up randomly later in the class & have them actually draw each other's portraits. Boy, whoever had her as a partner was going to feel pretty bad about their portrait from her. She couldn't draw to save her own life. She really hoped Mr. Holloway graded by effort and not by artistic abilities - otherwise, she might just be here for one class next semester. Eek.  

On the plus side, Celeste had put her hair up in a different way today. She wanted to try something new, especially for art class. Could hair styling be considered her art projects? Not to mention her outfit for today turned out pretty cute, too. 

It was also the beginning of her last semester of high school... Yet, she had already made a few enemies in the school. How? She really had no idea. Celeste thought she was relatively nice, sweet, and easily to get along with. She wasn't even sure how they found out about her power, but apparently radiation wasn't something they liked very well. She grumbled to herself about that little piece - she really wanted to give them a good dose of some radiation, maybe make them appreciate it a little more. Too bad she couldn't do enough to make people lose their hair. That would be priceless.

But Celeste calmed herself. There was no reason to stoop to a bullies level - no matter how much they got on her nerves. But if they called her 'rad girl' one  more time... So help her, God. She glared towards her. She wasn't even sure what her name was? Maria? Marian? Probably Marian. Marian sounds kinda like a jerk faces name. The girl stuck her tongue out at Celeste, literally in the middle of class. Of course, they were only one person apart, so that didn't help matters. If only they weren't in the middle... If they were in the back, she could totally sneak a little rads into her. Make her miserable through the class. 

Okay, Celeste. Now was not the time to want to kill this person. She needed to focus on Mr. Holloway and learn as much as she could - heaven knows she was going to need it. With that, she began to try to to keep notes as Mr. Holloway talked. She even tried to mimic his drawings. Unsurprisingly, it didn't go very well. Celeste sighed. 

(OOC: Stephanie Graves ) 

The schoolyear was back in action and Nate was genuinely excited. When he made his return from prison, he restarted his teaching career after the Christmas break. Something about being around for the “beginning of the academic year” felt more official. His classes would have him for a full year, so he would not inherit new faces from another teacher filling in. Returning students knew him and his would be one of the first faces to greet new students to the school. It was another step towards normalcy.

Except he taught at mutant school, so “normalcy” was interpreted more on a sliding scale. He still remembered his first year when Kait nearly blew up the front row of desks, so he was always acutely aware of the power-sets in his classroom. He also kept a fire extinguisher nearby at all times, because Nate Holloway was a man who learned from his mistakes.

Unfortunately, it was harder to “prepare” for troublemakers because innocuous powers did not always make for well-behaved students. They year was barely starting, and Nate was already working out a mental list of students to watch out for. He was there for the benefit of the kids, and he wanted to remember that. Some kids had experiences that made them difficult. He understood that and wanted to work with them through their issues.

That altruism became harder to maintain when one of his students seemed to revel in being a resident mean girl. Mariah Murray was one red scrunchie away from going full-on Heather Chandler, teasing students seemingly at random and usually out of Nate’s earshot. None of her peers had reported her yet, so she was just going about her campaign to be the pushy queen bee of Xavier’s. It was just disappointing at a school for mutants that someone would still decide elitism and social tiers were necessary.

Even as Nate discussed helpful tricks for creating accurate proportions and spacing between the eyes, nose, and mouth of a drawing, he was pretty sure he heard an off-handed snide comment about the “criminal teacher” behind his back. Nate was candid about his experiences, so his students were aware of his past. He accepted comments were inevitable, but he was more thick-skinned than the teenagers those barbs were usually angled toward. Nate was big enough to be professional as long as the students did not turn on one another.

Nate did look over his shoulder at a cluster of girls in the middle of the room before returning his attention to the board. ”Now when y’all get started with your drawings, don’t be afraid to use guidelines to set up your friend’s face so it has a fair chance of being symmetrical,” he continued, starting to winding down the instructions for their classroom activity. Drawing portraits of classmates was a relatively simple early-year assignment that allowed some classroom bonding. Maybe if Nate was very lucky, he would create a peaceful ecosystem in his class and the year would run smooth like whiskey!

Then again, maybe attempting to conquer the nature of high schoolers in one class period was a touch ambitious for the art teacher.

What a way to start her school year. Celeste was a good student - she was in line to be valedictorian at her old high school, she had lots of friends. Granted, she didn't have any close friends or friends she'd really trust... But she did have regular friends. She didn't seem to have any enemies back at her old high school, either. Maybe they just kept to themselves? Either way, she already had an arch nemesis at this Xavier's. Well, maybe arch nemesis is a bit of an exaggeration. But Celeste was not about to let this little girl walk over her. 

A poor guy that was sitting in-between Celeste and Mariah decided he had enough and excused himself to the bathroom. Celeste honestly wasn't sure if he was going to come back - but it left her open to Mariah. She glared over and Mariah gave her an evil smile back. Celeste rolled her eyes and looked back towards Mr. Holloway. 

But this Marian or whatever girl was seriously getting on her nerves and fast. Celeste was already nervous because she sucked at art. She wanted to get really good grades this semester - after all, this semester is really what will solidify her ability to go to NYU in January. If her grades drop, she won't be accepted. Celeste had plenty of room for it to drop, though, but she just didn't want it to drop at all. Celeste took her grades seriously. Hopefully, Celeste could just avoid her... That's what your suppose to do with bullies, right? Don't react!

... Until she felt a wad of gum hit her on the cheek, which made her let out a small squeak. Did she really chew gum and then throw it on her? That was taking it too far. It almost landed in her hair - then what? Gum out of hair is a painful, sad experience. Celeste quickly grabbed it and threw it on the floor and took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. Luckily, she had a bottle of hand sanitizer in her purse that she pulled out. After lathering her hands in it, she debated on throwing some in the girls eyes but her mind talked her out of it - again. Mariah whispered, "what, rad girl? Rad girl don't like gum?" 

She smiled when Mr. Holloway looked back over, although her face clearly showed frustration but she nodded. Something about using guidelines and being symmetrical. Perfect. If the light through the window hit right, someone could probably make out a couple specks of white around her arm - not enough to be very noticeable (and barely enough to even pick up on a Geiger counter), at least not to stupid teenagers. Celeste's patience with this girl was almost over. She couldn't even focus on the class because of her - and Celeste was serious about her education, even if she would probably never use art again in her life. 

Nate did not have a degree in teaching, so he was still honing the skills and talents that came with experience and tenure. Art was a visual medium and, as talented an artist as Nate was, he still had to turn his attention to the chalkboard when he drew examples. This meant there were periods of time when he could not keep an eye on the class as closely as he wanted to, opening the possibility for troublemakers. He tried to listen in for side-conversations, but he also had to commit some of his focus to his instructions.

The lecturey part of Nate’s class wrapped up with the importance of details making a portrait distinct and recognizable, such as eye shape, the direction of the tip of the nose, the dip of the philtrum, and, more obviously, things like freckles. Nate was like many art teachers: he enjoyed dealing with the nitty-gritty of art rather than extensive explanations. ”I’m not expecting masterpieces, but I do want to make sure you were at least listening to the basics so I didn’t waste all that time talking,” he finished, turning back to the class with a winning smile.

His smile quickly faded as he saw a piece of gum on the ground between Mariah and one of his newer students, Celeste. Nate made it a point to commit his student names to memory so he did not have to be the kind of teacher that shrugged and pointed. ”Mariah, Celeste, I genuinely hope you understand the difference between the trash and the ground.” Nate had a feeling he knew who was at fault, but it was not the role of the teacher to make accusations without evidence.

Mariah offered a saccharine smile that threatened to give Nate cavities. “Of course, Mister Holloway. I know trash when I see it.”

Nate rolled his eyes, trying to find his reserves of patience. ”And that’s ten points from Slytherin for vague passive aggression. I’d like this class to play nice, so pair up with the person next to you. And girls,” he said, pointing from Mariah, then to Celeste, ”Since Riley still hasn’t returned from the bathroom, it looks like you’re pairing up. I’m sure you’ll impress me.”

“Of course, Mister Holloway,” Mariah replied with chipper gusto.

”…Of course,” he replied, not convinced. It was going to be a long year if he was dealing with unresolvable blood feuds, so he was going to give cooperation a go. He turned his focus to the rest of the class. ”I’ll be walking around to peek in on your work, answer questions, and be a generally teachery presence. Get your paper and pencils out and wow me.”

Celeste dedicated herself to ignoring Mariah. She was not about to let this little jerk face bug her anymore. Celeste focused entirely on Mr. Holloway and his instructions. Despite the annoying girl, Celeste had managed to actually take some pretty good notes. She wondered a bit on what her powers were - how to be the most annoying person in the universe? There was no way this girl could be in her last year of high school; she acted like she was 3 years old. 

>>  ”I’m not expecting masterpieces, but I do want to make sure you were at least listening to the basics so I didn’t waste all that time talking,”

Now that was something Celeste could definitely do. It may not be pretty but it would at least be symmetrical looking. Well, hopefully, at least. She nodded, mostly to herself. That was officially her goal - at least make her crappy art look like what the basics would look like. 

>> ”Mariah, Celeste, I genuinely hope you understand the difference between the trash and the ground.” ... “Of course, Mister Holloway. I know trash when I see it.”

Celeste sighed. She put her head on her hand, which was being held up by her elbow on her desk. She was exasperated with this lady. Seriously? And the teacher had to know it wasn't her. She didn't even have any gum! Anywhere! At least he rolled his eyes at her. That Celeste definitely did see. She just hoped he wouldn't dislike her. She didn't care too much about the other students - but the teachers she would need as references and everything else. She couldn't afford to have them not like her, especially due to some brat.

>> ”Since Riley still hasn’t returned from the bathroom, it looks like you’re pairing up. I’m sure you’ll impress me.”

Her mouth dropped. She was surprised and, honestly, a bit terrified. No way, he could not be making her team up with that b*tch. This was like all those TV shows and movies with the kids in high school. With a very grim face, she turned towards Mariah.

Mariah was getting a bit more brave in her bullying though, "So, rad girl, ever kill a bunch of kids in a classroom before?" Celeste rolled her eyes and ignored her. Ignore the bully. She shook her head and muttered a French cuss word under her breath. That was her mantra right now. She had her pencil in one hand and her paper was lined up perfectly. She had her notes to her right. 

Beep. Beep. Beep. It was her watch, which meant time it was for her nausea medicine. Great. She could just go to the bathroom, but she didn't want Mr. Holloway to think she was just leaving because of Mariah or she couldn't do her work. So, she did the dumbest thing ever - she took it right in front of Mariah. Ignore the bully, right?

Mariah latched onto that instantly, "Aww. Rad girl, kid killer, and a pill head." Celeste rolled her eyes, "It's nausea medicine - it's a chronic condition for me. It's also prescription, with my name on it. Can you just, focus please? I'm trying to draw you and you should be drawing me." Celeste already had the top part of the girls head done - but it looked like Mariahs paper had nothing written on it. Hopefully it stayed that way when Mr. Holloway went around to check on everyone's work. 

Nate walked around the class, doing his best not to be intrusive as his students worked together. One girl flagged him down to help her determine where to add guidelines, but otherwise, people were just working on their sketches and enjoying small talk. Some students were paired off with friends and others were paired off with new people, but they were all trying to make the best of things. Everyone wanted to start the school year off on a positive note.

Well, almost everyone. It was Nate’s hope that by forcing Mariah to work face to face with one of her peers, it would humanize her. If they had to work together and talk together, eventually they would run out of mean words. Overhearing the phrase “pill head,” it was clear he overestimated Mariah or underestimated the ability for teenagers to be petty.

Walking over to the pair, Nate glanced down at the papers in front of them. Celeste was starting to form her drawing, but Mariah’s page was still empty. ”Having any problems so far? Maybe something I can help with?”

Mariah eyed Celeste before donning a worried look. “I’m sorry, Mister Holloway. I was concerned because Celeste was taking a pill during class—“

Nate could quickly see where she was going with her comments, so he jumped in as she finished her sentence. ”A medication myself and the staff are fully aware of as it has been documented with DocProf. I understand your concern for your classmate,” he lied, ”but another student’s medical needs are something you don’t have to worry about.”

“But—”

”What I’d rather have you worrying about,” Nate interrupted in his most polite, professional tone, ”is capturing your classmate on paper. Celeste is one of our newer students, but you’ve been here for years, now. I certainly hope you’ll do your best to make her feel welcome.”

Mariah’s expression was neutral, like she was trying to hide the look of defeat. “Yes, sir.”

Nate started his first step away from the pair, but he stopped and took a peek at Celeste’s progress. ”Celeste, good job so far. You have the shape of her head, which is a good initial step.” He smiled warmly, hoping the two could finish their projects in peace for the remainder of the class as he tended to a nearby raised hand.

Maybe she could just get her GED. Right now, her GPA was pretty good. Schools accept GEDs. She could put in her admissions letter about her sad story of running away from her home because her parents were human bigots with no ounce of love for her. That might help her get in without needing an actual high school diploma. Maybe getting expelled would be worth watching Mariah cringe over, puking everywhere. Celeste wouldn't mind it, that's for sure. And maybe the kid that sat beside her would feel more likely to come back to class.

Celeste nearly jumped out of her seat but Mr. Holloway had it taken care of. 

>> ”A medication myself and the staff are fully aware of as it has been documented with DocProf. I understand your concern for your classmate, but another student’s medical needs are something you don’t have to worry about.”

Celeste leaned back in her seat, with a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Mr. Holloway," she whispered. She was clearly getting frustrated over the whole situation with Mariah. But on a side note... Did the staff know about her near constant nausea and her need for nausea medication, actually? Celeste filled out her medical paperwork and put it all on there, but she didn't know Doc Prof told all the professors about it. Heck, she didn't even think Doc Prof looked at it - it almost immediately went into a filing cabinet.

>> ”Celeste, good job so far. You have the shape of her head, which is a good initial step.”

Celeste beamed with a smile, "Thanks, I'm not the best with art, but I'm trying to follow your guidelines," she made a point to at least somewhat show that she had paid attention during class, despite the awful person sitting next to her. "I can sing, but that's about as much art related things I can do," she muttered under her breath with a sigh of defeat. Celeste began to finish her drawing. Maybe she was debating putting devil horns on the top of her head, but decided against it.

The minute Mr. Holloway left, Mariah was back at it. It was the typical insults about her mutation, about her hair, about this and about that. Celeste had managed to block it out but Mariah only started working on the forehead. That was it - and now there was now only 15 minutes left of class. 15 miserable more minutes.

Mariah kicked her in the shin - Celeste yelped in pain, quickly putting her hands over her mouth. Celeste was officially raging, her arms sparkling, noticeable to anyone who was paying attention. Mariah didn't seem to notice nor did any of the other students but most of them were busy working. She was relatively close to being finished with her picture of the devil. 

Student medical records had limited accessibility for the privacy of students, but certain information was available to teachers so they could be prepared for the medical needs of their classes. The last thing they needed was an emergency they could not handle because of the incredibly particular needs of mutants. Nate understood that Celeste’s powers manifested nausea issues in the same way that he understood Mariah kept a water bottle nearby due to an increased physiological need to stay hydrated. He kept well-versed on the needs of his class because Nate understood he was the de facto guardian until the bell rang.

It was nice to see some of what Nate said when he was presenting was heard by at least a handful of his students. Celeste, for her lack of inherent artistic abilities, took what Nate told the class and was piecing together a respectable framework for a face. Nate knew not every student was going to take his lessons and become the next great artist, but he truly believed if they put in the effort to try, they would make something they could feel good about. There was a high that came with looking at a drawing or painting and realizing you felt proud of it, and Nate liked watching his students hit that point.

Class was mercifully near over and Nate was giving a boy some pointers on handling the tip of the nose when he heard a familiar voice yelping. It was close to the end of the school day, so Nate’s desire to deal with nonsense was dwindling, resulting in an audible sigh. When he turned around, his eyes caught the faint shimmer coming off Celeste’s arms and his eyes widened. Along with medical warnings, he liked to get a rundown of “bad signs,” and for Celeste, sparkling and shimmering were bad signs. Based on her reaction, her angry expression, and the yelp of pain, Nate was quickly piecing together what he missed.

”Alright, that’s enough of that!” his Southern voice bellowed, catching the attention of the room. ”I’m dismissing class a few minutes early. Y’all can finish your portraits next class. Go get an early start on your homework or procrastination!” The class perked up, getting up from their seats. They were smart enough not to question a short class period.

Nate’s gaze fell on Mariah and Celeste and he pointed in their direction. ”You two,” he said in a low, stern voice, ”Stay seated. We’re going to have a quick chat.”

Celeste picture was okay by artistic standards - it followed the general rules that Mr. Holloway had laid out but it definitely wasn't an art piece that would be hanging in a museum. Celeste was content with it, though. It looked better than almost any other piece of art she had ever drawn before, so that was something that she was pretty proud of. Maybe that's what Mr. Holloway wanted us to get out of this? She'd find out when she got her grade for it. 

Celeste was raging. The insults, whatever. It was annoying but she could handle it. The gum was awful but tolerable. The rad girl was tolerable, because... Well, it technically wasn't wrong. But physically kicking her? That was well over the line and she had the right to defend herself. Surely Mr. Holloway would see that when Mariah was on the floor, vomiting her lunch out...

>>”Alright, that’s enough of that!”

Celeste immediately folded her arms and sighed in frustration - not at Mr. Holloway, but at the entire situation. There was no reason for Mariah to continue to bug Celeste repeatedly. Over and over. For no good reason. But Mr. Holloway was going to probably throw them both in detention now - even though Celeste hadn't really done anything wrong. Would it show up on some type of record and effect her ability to get into college? Would Mr. Holloway hate her? Ughhhhhh.

>> ”I’m dismissing class a few minutes early. Y’all can finish your portraits next class. Go get an early start on your homework or procrastination! Stay seated. We’re going to have a quick chat.”

Oh no. He actually dismissed class? She looked at his gaze and quickly looked down at her desk, fiddling with her pencil on the paper. She was literally just making a dot on it, mainly out of nervousness. Well... This was it. The final moment of ruin. Could Celeste file a restraining order against Mariah...? That is a possibility, right? 

The students shuffled quickly out of the classroom, ready to get to their afterschool activities. He was glad the kids seemed to enjoy his lessons, but Nate was under no delusion that any of them would chose more school over the perks of freedom and free time. It was early enough in the school year that a small fifteen-minute gift could make them more amicable. More importantly, he did not want them all around while he dealt with the toxic situation in the middle of the room.

Nate took his time as the girls sat in silence waiting for him. He walked back to his desk, grabbing the travel mug with the remains of his iced coffee in it. He took a sip of the watered-down but refreshing beverage. While he was near the chalkboard, he decided to take the time to scrub away the days lesson with a nearby eraser. The school day technically still had eleven minutes left, so there was no rush. He hoped Mariah would have time to consider her actions and Celeste would have time to cool down. Nate had no desire to catch a dose of radiation in the collateral damage of the girls’ squabble.

Finally ready to tackle the matter at hand, Nate walked over to the girls, grabbing a nearby chair so he could sit down, facing them both. ”Okay, girls. There is still a lot of year left and it’s gonna be long if I have the great civil war raging in my third row,” he explained neutrally, containing any frustration from the class. He was an arbiter now, so he had to be professional and understanding. ”Would either of you care to explain to me what I’m missing here?”

Celeste put her hands on her face with a long, deep sigh. Could today get any worse? Could this semester start off any worse? Everything seemed.. Awful. Plain awful. Celeste didn't have, well, any friends who actually attended the school. She was by herself. It wasn't a problem - Celeste was busy anyways, with work, volunteering, and school. So when this random girl who had no idea, it left Celeste feeling more discouraged than usual.

Celeste watched with shame as Mr. Holloway went and got his coffee. The suspense was killing her. Mariah seemed fine though - she had that same evil, grin that she had all period. 

>>  ”Okay, girls. There is still a lot of year left and it’s gonna be long if I have the great civil war raging in my third row. Would either of you care to explain to me what I’m missing here?”

Celeste was completely clueless as to why Mariah hated her so much. She did her best to be as agreeable and nice as possible to everyone she meets. It was in Celeste's nature to be a friendly, happy person despite everything that is thrown at her. Of course, Mariah was really testing her on that front. 

Celeste almost started to talk before Mariah began. "Mr. Holloway, I don't feel comfortable being in a room with a girl who is irradiated. Didn't the school administration think before putting a nuclear disaster in a classroom with a bunch of other kids?" She paused, glared towards Celeste with that evil grin, and looked back to Mr. Holloway. "I just don't think she should be in here with us. For safety reasons."

Celeste rolled her eyes but said nothing and let the girl finish. "Clearly, you're not worried about the radiation - you literally kicked me in the shin." She shook her head, "Can I please just sit as far away as possible from her? Like on the front row?"

Mariah chuckled, "Of course you'd want to be on the front row, ya loser" she whispered. Mariah had not meant to say it as loudly as she had, though, because she ended up putting her hand over her mouth. Celeste literally just stared at her and shook her head and looked back to Mr. Holloway. She was done with this girl and her issues, she really just wanted to be able to learn in peace. 

Nate did his best to avoid judgment or assumptions because he only saw half the story. He would wear a pensive expression, listening as the two girls explained what had them at odds throughout class. Teenagers were prone to petty fights that were easier to dismantle once everyone had the chance to gather some perspective.

It was fortunate Nate had a well-trained poker face from his years as a conman, because Mariah’s explanation for her behavior was enough for his eye to almost twitch. The way she unabashedly put Celeste down as a potential danger because of her power, saying with a straight face that she did not belong in class with everyone else.

Celeste jumped in once Mariah finished her argument, confirming that Mariah kicked her in the shin. Mariah, rather than denying it, tried to make a snide comment under her breath. She failed spectacularly, and Nate finally glared her down with all the authority his position provided him. ”Okay, I am literally still here, Mariah,” he said incredulously.

“Sir, I—”

But it was Nate’s turn to speak. ”You are aware that Xavier’s is a school for mutants, correct?”

“Yes, Mr. Holloway, but—”

”And this school has been helping students with mutations and powers for years. It is literally the thing we specialize in. We’ve given static-proof clothing for students who accidentally spark or ignite. We’ve provided apparatuses for students who don’t breathe oxygen and students who exhale caustic toxins.” Xavier’s was the best place to send a wayward mutant teen for a reason.

“Sir, her powers—”

”Are a part of her and nothing she should feel ashamed of. Certainly nothing a fellow mutant should be shaming her for. If Celeste was a health risk to those around her, wouldn’t you think we would do something to minimize that risk?”

That time, Mariah did not try to reply. She was already looking down at her desk. ”Celeste has excellent control of her powers when her classmates are not kicking her,” he said pointedly. ”The world outside of these walls can be harsh enough to mutants of all kinds, Mariah. I want you to take some time tonight to think of how some of humanity has treated you. I want you to realize that is not something to aspire to.”

Mariah’s voice was quiet and defeated. “Understood, Mr. Holloway.”

Nate nodded. ”Good. You are dismissed, but you will be staying after class tomorrow for detention for the kick in the shins.”

“But—!”

”Yes?” Nate’s arched eye brow was daring her to lie to him after their discussion.

Mariah wisely backed down, standing up from her chair. “Yes, sir. Good night, Mr. Holloway.” She turned to Celeste and muttered, “Good night, Celeste,” before heading out the door.

With the bulk of his reprimanding out of the way, Nate released a sigh of relief and looked to Celeste. ”Sorry about all that. Are you holding up okay, Celeste?” Bullying was a trying experience and, after Nate’s experience growing up at the orphanage, he was sensitive to the plight of its victims.

>>  ”Okay, I am literally still here, Mariah,”

Yikes. Celeste decided it was in her best interests to stay as quiet as possible during the exchange. It was nice to see Mr. Holloway defend her - there was some karmatic justice in watching Mariah squirm and try to defend herself. At least Mr. Holloway knew she was full of it or at least put her in her place. It made Celeste feel a little better about the situation. Of course, Celeste couldn't believe that Mariah kept trying to defend herself. It was kind of pathetic, to be honest. It would have been a lot easier if she would just admit it and get on with her life. But finally, it looks like she did. And she left. And she even said goodnight to Celeste? Weird. 

"Goodnight, Mariah," Celeste muttered back, unsure of what else to do. 

Once Mariah had left the classroom, Celeste leaned back and sighed with relief almost at the same time as Nate. She really wasn't sure how she was feeling right now - she was upset over how everything had happened. She had lost her cool, Mariah was a bag full of d*cks, and she just felt very small and pathetic all of a sudden.

>> ”Sorry about all that. Are you holding up okay, Celeste?” 

Her eyes were a little watery because of all the stress and she gave a small shrug, "Holding up as much as I can, at least. I just don't get what her problem was. We never even talked before. I don't even know how she knew about my mutation." She sighed again. She wasn't sure how much she could or should confide in Mr. Holloway. She was still distraught and her face clearly showed her disappointment in, well, everything. She didn't even know how to begin explaining her frustrations, how she didn't feel like she really clicked into the school, or anything else. Everyone here seemed so high schooly and she just didn't... She felt like she should be out in college, or even working, honestly. 

She took a breath, "There's just a lot going on, Mr. Holloway..." 

Mariah was out of the room, but Celeste’s relief was not enough to keep her eyes from welling up. She was the new girl, which often came with the sense of being out of place. That feeling did not need a senior-class mean girl to exacerbate it. The emotional toll that could take on a young woman would get overwhelming, particularly when it led to a teacher pulling her aside after class. Nate felt bad about putting her on the spot, but he had to address the toxic behavior in his class. Some of that toxicity centered around her, sadly.

The disappointing news was that Mariah and Celeste did not know one another. She was giving the new girl a hard time based on her mutation and not much else. He fully intended to have a conversation with Mariah during their detention session with the hopes of better understanding where that kind of hostility was coming from, assuming she did not just find something to poke fun at for everyone. ”It’s a small school. In some ways, that’s really good, but it also means rumors and secrets can get around quick. Sorry, Celeste.”

The student was being candid, sharing her struggle with an honesty he could hear in her voice. A lot was weighing on the young woman, and when weight was pressing down, cracks were inevitable.

Nate’s shadow slid along the ground, moving up the side of his desk a few yards away. A shadowy hand emerged from the tabletop and grabbed a box of tissues. The hand dutifully returned to Nate, who took the box and placed it on the desk in front of Celeste. ”You’re welcome to talk to me about it. Obviously, Miss Taylor might be able to help you get through it better than I can, but I’m happy to be here for you, too.” What good were his life experiences if he could not be a resource for his students? ”What’s been weighing you down, Celeste?”

Celeste had come to Xavier's to get a fresh, new life. She was putting behind her parents, her sister, her old life for this new one in New York. It was hard at first, but she seemed to have adapted pretty quickly - and pretty well, too. Everything in her life seemed to be falling into place. But once school started and this whole Mariah thing started, it felt like a few steps were taken back. 

>> ”It’s a small school. In some ways, that’s really good, but it also means rumors and secrets can get around quick. Sorry, Celeste.”

Celeste nodded. She understood that in a way - in the neighborhood she lived at in Regina, her parents were really close to all of the individuals on that cul-de-sac. It was very... Desperate Housewivey, honestly. Celeste was a bit surprised they didn't start an anti-mutant gang there, considering how they treated her and other mutants in general. Even Canadians can be bigoted jerks, despite the stereotypes. 

Celeste took the box and took a couple tissues out and dotted her eyes. She didn't want to mess her make up, after all. Especially not because of that Mariah. 

>> ”You’re welcome to talk to me about it. Obviously, Miss Taylor might be able to help you get through it better than I can, but I’m happy to be here for you, too. ”What’s been weighing you down, Celeste?”

Celeste sighed and bit her lip. Celeste had heard about Miss Taylor but have never met her. She heard that she was pretty sweet and an amazing guidance counselor. But she felt like she might just tell Celeste what she thought Celeste needed to hear, not the reality. That was a bit assumption, of course.

She wasn't entirely sure how honest she should get with Mr. Holloway. He seemed like a good guy and someone she could talk too, though. So she decided she mine as well let some of her issues out, since there was no one else she could really talk to.

"I just don't really feel like I... fit in here. I don't really have any friends," Had she ever really had friends though? Even in high school back in Regina, she was popular but she didn't feel like she had anybody she could confide in. "I don't really know what I want to do in college... And I literally have 4 months or something before I start." She gave a little defeated shrug, "And then Mariah just started being a total jerk - I didn't even know her name until you said it in class. It's like I'm trying so hard for stuff to go right and it feels like she set me back a couple steps."