REBORN IN X-MEN

RINGG!!! ... RINGG!!!!.. IT'S MONDAY ,.. IT'S MONDAY!!!

my alarm clock rudely interrupts my dreams, I was jolted from a vivid dream where I was battling alongside my favorite X-Men characters, I groaned and slap at it until it finally shuts up. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes "Shit !!, I dozed off again ", scanning the room I saw the the pages of my comic books still scattered on my bed from the night before, my eyes drift to the posters plastered on my walls – Wolverine's fierce gaze, Deadpool's irreverent grin – it's reminds me of my heroes I idolize. With a yawn, I drag myself out of bed and stumble downstairs, feeling like a zombie in need of caffeine,my head still buzzing from the sound of my alarm clock. "It's Monday again,what a drag…."

Despite my enthusiasm for comics, the prospect of another day at school fills me with a sense of dread. Algebra equations and history lectures seem dull compared to thrilling adventures of superheroes.

As I trudges downstairs, Mom's already in the kitchen, a warm smile on her face as she flips pancakes on the stove. Her eyes crinkle at the corners as she sees me, her expression a mix of amusement and affection. "Morning, sleepyhead," she greets me, and I grunt in reply, too tired to form any coherent words.

Mom notices my dazed expression and chuckles knowingly."Let me guess, lost in another comic book world?" she teased, giving me an affectionate pat on the back.

I managed a weak smile, but there's a hint of frustration in my voice. "Yeah, something like that," I replied, my mind still lingering on the fantastical realms of my imagination.

Dad's sitting across from me, sipping his coffee with a smirk. His eyes twinkle with mischief as he watches me stumble into the kitchen. "Rough night?" he teased, and I shot him a half-hearted glare. Despite his teasing, there's something comforting about the familiar banter.My little brother, Max, bounds into the kitchen, all energy and excitement, and I can't help but smile at his infectious enthusiasm. "Good morning, jade!" he chirps, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are you ready for school?"I nod tiredly, my mouth too full of pancakes to form a coherent reply. Mom chuckles at my disheveled appearance, reaching out to ruffle Max's hair affectionately. "Give your brother a break," she admonishes gently. "He's not fully awake yet."As we settle into breakfast, the chatter around the table becomes a comforting backdrop to the morning routine. Despite the occasional tension and teasing, there's a sense of warmth and camaraderie that fills our cozy kitchen. And as I glance around at my family, I can't help but feel grateful for these ordinary moments of happiness.

****

Franklin High School buzzes with activity as students fill the hallways, their voices blending into a cacophony of chatter. The atmosphere is alive with energy, a vibrant mix of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead.

Brightly colored lockers line the walls, decorated with stickers and graffiti, each one a reflection of its owner's personality. Posters advertising school events and club meetings adorn bulletin boards, adding splashes of color to the otherwise utilitarian surroundings.

In the classrooms, teachers bustle about, preparing for the day's lessons. The air is filled with the scent of chalk and paper, mingling with the faint aroma of cafeteria food wafting in from down the hall.

As students make their way to their first period classes, there's a sense of camaraderie in the air. Friends greet each other with hugs and high-fives, while others exchange knowing glances and inside jokes.

Despite the occasional cliques and social hierarchies, there's an underlying spirit of inclusivity and acceptance at Franklin High. Diversity is celebrated, with students from all walks of life coming together to learn and grow.

As Jade navigates through the bustling hallways, he can't help but feel a sense of belonging amidst the chaos. Franklin High School may not be perfect, but it's a place where he can be himself, surrounded by friends and classmates who accept him for who he is.

As Jade makes his way through the bustling hallways of Franklin High School, his eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces, he spots Sarah walking towards him. Her red hair stands out like a flame amidst the sea of students, and her infectious smile lights up her face as she catches sight of him.

"Hey, Jade!" she calls out, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Did you finish that new comic I lent you?"

Jade grins, relieved to see his best friend. "Not yet, but I'm getting there," he replies, adjusting his backpack. "It's amazing so far. I can't believe you've been holding onto this one without telling me!"

Before Sarah can respond, the sound of jeering laughter draws both of their attention. Jade's heart sinks as he spots a familiar figure on the floor, surrounded by a group of boys. His younger brother, Max, looks small and defenseless as the bullies shove his books across the floor and mock him.

"Max!" Jade's voice tightens with anger as he pushes through the growing crowd of students. Sarah follows closely, her brow furrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line.

The bullies notice Jade approaching, their sneers turning into smug smirks. One of them, a broad-shouldered senior named Tyler, steps forward, crossing his arms. "Well, well, look who decided to show up," he drawls, his voice dripping with mockery. "Big brother to the rescue."

"Leave him alone," Jade growls, his fists clenching at his sides. He feels a hot surge of anger, his body tensing as he steps in front of Max protectively.

Tyler smirks, his lips curling in amusement. "Or what? You gonna do something about it, carter?" His tone is taunting, and the other boys chuckle, emboldened by their leader.

Sarah steps to Jade's side, her expression fierce. Her green eyes flash with anger as she glares at the bullies. "You guys are pathetic," she says sharply. "Picking on someone smaller than you? Real impressive."

The tension in the hallway becomes palpable as the students around them go silent, watching the brewing confrontation. Jade takes a step forward, his jaw tightening as Tyler mirrors his movement. Their standoff is electric, both of them unwilling to back down.

"Hey!" A booming voice cuts through the tension like a knife.

Everyone turns to see Mr. Grant, the gym teacher, striding toward them with an expression that brooks no nonsense. His broad shoulders and towering presence make the bullies visibly shrink.

"What's going on here?" Mr. Grant's eyes dart between Jade and Tyler, narrowing in on the latter. "Back off, Tyler. Now."

Tyler hesitates, but under Mr. Grant's withering gaze, he finally takes a step back, raising his hands in mock innocence. "We were just joking around, Mr. Grant. No harm done."

"Joking, huh?" Mr. Grant's voice is sharp, and his gaze doesn't waver. "Well, the joke's over. All of you, disperse. Get to class before I write you up for harassment."

The crowd of students begins to scatter, the tension slowly dissipating. Tyler glares at Jade one last time before turning to leave with his group, muttering under his breath.

Jade lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and turns to Max, who is still on the floor, gathering his scattered books. He crouches down, his voice gentle. "You okay, Max?"

Max nods, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah. Thanks, Jade," he murmurs, clutching his books tightly to his chest.

Sarah kneels beside them, her expression softening. "Hey, Max," she says warmly, ruffling his hair. "Don't let those jerks get to you, okay? They're not worth it."

Mr. Grant places a firm hand on Jade's shoulder, his voice quiet but firm. "Good on you for standing up for your brother, Wilson. But don't let it escalate next time. You don't need to throw punches to make your point."

Jade nods, his jaw still tight with residual anger. "Thanks, Mr. Grant."

As they walk to their classes, Jade feels a mix of relief and frustration. Sarah, sensing his mood, nudges him lightly. "Hey," she says with a small smile. "You did good. Max is lucky to have you."

Jade glances at her, a faint smile breaking through his tension. "Thanks, Sarah." He knows she's right, but as they continue down the hallway, he can't shake the lingering anger in his chest. He's tired of watching people like Tyler get away with everything—and deep down, he wishes he had the power to stop it for good.