Cyclops

Standing just inside the doorway was a handsome man, definitely older than she was, but unless he was older than he looked, he seemed too young to work for her school. More like one of the college students she had seen, apart from his dress and manner. He was wearing sunglasses, with a slight red tint she barely noticed, and had the straightest posture she had ever seen. He looked kind of like what federal agents always looked like on TV, a thought that made her want to run away.

"There you are!" Mrs. Ballard said, noticing Ashley, "What are you doing, hurry up and come over here. Sorry, Mr. Summers, she's quite shy, and has some communication issues, but she's a very bright girl." Ashley stepped down the last few steps, and stood at the foot of the hated when her mom talked like that, like she wasn't in the room, but of course, she never said anything.

"Of course. Even so, I do have to interview her. Does she know sign language?"

"Oh, no, she's not deaf, she just doesn't like to talk. Why don't we continue this in the living room?"

"Yes, but, I do have to ask that we are alone when I speak with her. The interview process is supposed to be private, I'm sure you understand."

"Right, duh, should have realized. I'm so used to having to help her talk, you know, I barely even notice it." she turned to Ashley. "Ashley," she said, louder, slower, and clearer than when she had been talking to Mr. Summers, "This is Mr. Summers. He's representing a very prestigious school, and is here to interview you about it. If he decides that you're a good fit, he's willing to offer you a place there, with a full scholarship. I want you to make a good impression. Do you understand?"

Ashley nodded. "Good. Just yell if you're having trouble getting information from her." She left, constantly pausing and looking back nervously. Ashley turned and headed for the living room, and a moment later, Mr. Summers followed. She sat down on one chair, and he sat across from her.

He looked in the direction her mother had gone in, and then, satisfied she was gone, said "My name's Scott, and the school I represent is only for a very specific kind of person. I'm a mutant, and I know that you are too."

A million questions whirled through her mind, from what his power was, to what the school taught, to if he worked for the government. What she said was "Do you know what I can do?"

He shook his head. "No, as far as we can tell, you don't use your power much, if at all. Do you not know what it is?"

She considered the question. If she admitted her power, it could be dangerous. But if he found out that she tricked him into thinking she didn't know her power, when it was something that could manipulate his mind, he'd never trust her again, even if she didn't actually use her power on him. What if he was lying about not knowing her power, and this was some kind of test? She had no idea how he'd found her or knew what she was. On the other hand, she also had no idea if he was really a mutant, or if this was a trap.