So, here goes the next bit. I hope you like it. I created a strange new character Mr Hudson. He will be shown more often later. I like him ;-)

This is Chris frist day in his new job. Enjoy!

Thanks for the reviews the last time. Keep them coming.

Thanks to my lovely beta. I had really strange signs in the mail this time whenever there was a Never had those before ;-)

Chapter 14

Wyatt introduced his brother to Mr. Hudson - the school administrator. He was a little man with little hair and it seemed like he was a very nervous guy. He shook Chris' hand and greeted him with the words: "I'm so glad, you decided to do this disagreeable job."

Mr. Hudson blushed when he realized what he had just said.

"It's okay. I'm the perfect candidate for this kind of job."

Mr Hudson laughed nervously and offered the brunette Halliwell a seat. "Really charming."

He explained that all Chris would have to do was watching over the kids, while they did the exercises Mrs. Priesley, another history teacher worked out for them.

"You have the exercises as well as the solutions, so if someone asked you a question you should be able to answer. Still, it'd be good if you read a few chapters of the history books. I'm sure, you'll have enough time. Just make sure, that they are quiet and do their work. If there's a problem, just call me, But there shouldn't be any problems."

He started to place books and papers in front of Chris. Six different history books from the antique until the time after the Iraq war; a folder with the exercises for the next few weeks, the lists of the student's names.

"And your timetable," Mr Hudson said and smiled brightly. "Your room is 1.05. Just down the hall. Good luck!"

Chris stared at the man who stood in front of him. Now that the 22 year old was sitting, they were almost equally tall.

"Mr Hudson, don't get me wrong, but don't you want to see any reports or references or something? I mean, I'm no teacher. I never taught anyone anything."

Mr Hudsons face fell. "You are Wyatt Halliwell's brother, aren't you? He said, you can do it and we really need someone. Really, no one wants to do a job like that. Usually, we try to find students from university but obviously, no one was interested this time. Maybe that has something to do with the rumours about our school."

Chris frowned. Wyatt never told him anything about rumours. "Rumours? What rumours? "

The administrator' eyes grew large. "Rumours? Ehm.. there haven't been any rumours."

"But didn't you just mention it?"

"No rumours." Mr Hudson walked over to his desk and sat down, suddenly he was really small again compared to the young witch. "So, you have everything down? Room 1.05. Just down the hall."

Chris sighed.

He grabbed the stuff; Mr Hudson had given to him.

"Good luck, Mr Halliwell. Oh and please, don't let us down. And if another teacher is needed you might..."

"I could take other classes, as well. I know. No problem."

Mr Hudson smiled again. "That's the spirit. Thanks."

Chris left the office. What a strange guy! What a strange school!

Wasn't it usually the applicant, who thanked the new boss for a job, not the other way around?

Wyatt and his stupid ideas. Do the job, Chris. It's pretty easy. Anyone could do it.

And rumours? What rumours? What could happen in a school, that they had such troubles finding a substitute teacher for a couple of weeks?

The only bad thing that ever happened in Chris old high school, happened the year Chris left.

Some students tried to play a joke on the math teacher, who was already in his 60's. The poor guy was so shocked that he had a heart attack and had to be taken to the hospital.

Why did this teacher here end up in hospital again?

Chris shook his head to stop these stupid thoughts.

When he sat down behind the desk, he looked around the empty classroom feeling out of place. He never wanted to be on this side of the room.

He sighed and looked on the timetable:

Monday 4 classes, Tuesday 3, Thursday 4 and the last 2 on Friday. Lots of free time. Suddenly, Chris knew why this teacher got sick. He was bored out of his mind.

Chris took the worksheets for his first class.

He couldn't remember much from his history courses in high school, but Kat loved historic movies and books, so the names, he read weren't that unfamiliar.

The students seemed equally bored as he was. Chris waited for them to work out their tasks and then wrote the solutions on the blackboard and then they said goodbye. He had no troubles with the pupils or something, but he didn't have any fun with them either. Chris always thought, to be a good teacher, you had to love your job.

He managed to read 11 chapters in one of the history books about the French history. Napoleon, Revolution, Marie-Antoinette.

Chris closed the book and put in the drawer of his desk. He leant back in his chair and looked out of the window on the playground.

This was the day; six year old Chris had waited for 2 years now. Since Wyatt had started to go to school, Chris wanted nothing more than to go there, too. He wanted to know how to read, write, count, calculate, just as his big brother.

It annoyed the little boy immensely, that his mom came to him at night to read him his bedtime story, while Wyatt could read his books on his own.

But today, he would learn how to do all of that as well.

His mom had bought him a great blue rucksack with an airplane on it, and a new green lunchbox with a big, smiling sun on it, although his old lunchbox from kindergarten was still okay. But that was a lunchbox for babies and Chris was now a big boy.

Tonight, he would be able to read his favourite book Tommy and the little bear, without the help from his mom or dad.

He and Wyatt climbed out of the car.

"Look after your little brother," Wyatt, Piper called after them.

Wyatt took his brother's hand and they waved until they couldn't see their mom's car anymore.

They took the stairs to enter the school building.

"What's your teachers name again?" Wyatt asked.

"Ms Sahakin, room G 5. G because it's in the ground floor," Chris said. His dad had told him that over and over again, so he wouldn't forget and end up in the wrong class.

"Okay, it's this way," Wyatt replied. He felt so proud, that he had been allowed to take his baby brother to his classroom on his first school day by himself. He was a real big brother now and he would look after Chris, that nothing happened to him and help him with his reading and calculating exercises.

"You don't have to take me to my class room. Just show me which way I have to go and then I'm off to learn everything, you learnt."

"Mom said, I should take you there."

Chris only shrugged and the two Hallliwell brothers walked down the hall.

On the way, they met some of Wyatt's friends. The 8 year old put his arm around his brother's shoulder, introducing him to his friends.

But Chris didn't want to stay around in the hall. He wanted to go to his class.

He tucked Wyatt's sleeve and they finally arrived in Chris' new classroom.

Some children were already there, looking around with large eyes not knowing what to expect of it all.

At the desk sat a young Indian woman, Ms Sahakin. Chris thought, she was the most beautiful woman, he had ever seen. She could surely teach him all he wanted to know.

"Hello, I brought my brother Chris Halliwell. He starts in your class today," Wyatt said and he believed he sounded really grown up.

Ms Sahakin smiled at the two of them. She searched for Chris' name on the list. "Okay, you can choose a seat!"

Chris happily took a seat in the first row and told his brother goodbye.

When the day was over, Chris euphoria was vanished completely.

The whole drive home, he stared out of the window angrily and only gave his mom monosyllabic answers.

Leo and Piper tried to get him to tell them what had happened at school that made him so upset, but Chris only shrugged.

At night, Leo came to read Chris his bedtime story and that was the moment, little Chris finally told his dad about his first school day.

"Ms Sahakin sent me from the first row to sit in the third row. And we didn't learn how to read or count or anything. We painted a picture with the letter A and learnt to write down our name. I already could do that before. I want to read 'Tommy and the little bea'r on my own. I want to count and calculate. But I'm still as stupid as I was this morning."

Leo smiled at his son, but tried to stay serious. "I understand that you are upset. But I guess you got something wrong. You do not learn everything on your first day. It'll take some time for you to be able to read a book on your own. That's why you go to school every day. Don't you remember how long it took for Wyatt to learn everything?"

"No," Chris pouted.

"But I do. It took him the last two years and he still learns something new every day. And that's what's going to happen to you, too."

Chris frowned. "And how long will it take for me to be able to read 'Tommy and the little bear' on my own?"

"A few months."

"That's too long."

"Okay, buddy. I'll promise you something. For your birthday in three months, you'll get a new book from me and mommy and I promise you, you'll be able to read that by yourself."

"Really?"

"Of course," Leo ruffled his son's hair.

"And why do I have to sit in the third row now? Do you think Ms Sahakin doesn't like me?"

"I'm sure, she does like you. Who sits on your place now?"

"Laurie."

"And what is Laurie like?"

"She has red hair in a pony tail and is really small and has glasses."

Leo nodded understanding. "Sweetie, I guess, that the teacher decided to let her sit in the front so she can see everything better. Can you see everything good enough from where you sit now?"

"Yes," Chris nodded.

"Then be a little gentleman and let Laurie sit in the first row, okay? And don't worry, I'm sure Ms Sahakin likes you a lot."

"Okay," Chris nodded again and sighed. "I imagined my first school day would be better than it was. But I'll be able to read in 3 months, right, daddy, that's what you said."

"That's right." Leo smiled. "I love you. Sleep tight!"

He kissed his son on the forehead and covered him up properly.

"Daddy!" The 6 year old yelled. "What about my bedtime story?"

Leo put a hand to his mouth. "How could I forget that? Tommy and the little bear it is, then."

He took the book and sat down on his son's bed, before he began to read.

Chris looked up, when he heard someone knocking on the door, which was already open.

It was Wyatt. He grinned at his brother. "So, Mr Halliwell, how was our first day?"

"Comatose," Chris replied.

"I see. But at least, you handled the kids. I mean, it was pretty quiet."

"Well, do you know what comatose means?" Chris asked. He got up from behind the desk. "Tell me about the rumours."

"Rumours? What rumours?" Wyatt took a deep breath. "Okay, there were some rumours. The kids would short out the cars of the teachers and play other evil jokes on them in the chemistry lab."

"So, this is a school of criminals?"

"No. This is a school for kids with special abilities. Really intelligent kids, that start to lash out when they are not adequately occupied."

Chris rolled his eyes. "You got me here. If anything happens to me, it's your fault."

"Okay. Nothing new."

Chris took his jacket.

"You're going back home, I guess."

"What makes you think that, Wy? Me taking my jacket, or me walking towards the door. You want something. I can see it in your eyes. Spill it!"

Just a little favour. Wyatt took a piece of paper out of the pocket of his trousers. "Could you mix me a potion."

Chris read the list of ingredients. "Wow. Some of those things are really hard to get. How long did it take you to get them?"

Wyatt looked to the ground. Just like Josh did, when he didn't want to admit something.

"Wy?"

"I didn't okay?. I admit it. I need two favours. Getting the stuff, and then mixing the potion. But I know, it'll take you half the time, it'd take me."

"Stop sweet talking me! I'll do it. But it'll take me a while."

"Until the end of the week, maybe?"

Chris thought about it a second. "Considering, I promised Josh that we'd go to the street fair on Saturday, maybe longer. Next Wednesday. Sorry. What do you need the potion for anyway?"

"Nothing special, just vanquishing something."

"Something?"

Wyatt shrugged. "I have a lesson. I'll see you later."

Chris decided to stop asking.

Josh was not really happy, that his father picked him up an hour earlier than usual. Most of the times, he was one of the last kids to be picked up, which meant he could play with his friends longer.

But Chris was unreasonable. Josh really tried to persuade him to come back later again, but in the end he had to obey.

"You know, I get the feeling you don't really like me," Chris said. "Other kids are happy when their parents come to pick them up."

"I'm also happy, but I wanted to play some more."

"Well, you better get used to it. I'll pick you up, when I'm done in school from now on. I don't want to drive twice in an hour through the same way."

Josh sighed and looked out of the window. He didn't liked that.

Chris could always tell, when his son was upset or sad or nervous or excited. He could see the frown on the 4 year olds face and that meant he was angry. Chris decided to let him sulk for a while. They never stayed mad at each other for long.

When they arrived at the Manor, Leo was already home. He stood in the kitchen and waited for his tea water to boil.

Josh still ignored his father and went straight to his grandfather after changing into some other clothes. He was never allowed to wear the same clothes at home to play as in kindergarten. He didn't understand it, but it didn't bother him either.

He asked his grandfather for a drink and took his glass into the conservatory.

"What's with him?" Leo asked.

"He's angry because, I picked him up earlier than usual and he couldn't play with his friends anymore."

Leo nodded. "And how was your first day?"

"Don't ask. That's the most boring job, I ever had."

"Why don't you try to make the lessons a bit more exciting?"

"I'm not a teacher, dad. All I have to do is keeping them occupied so they don't steal anyone's car. "

"Still, be a bit creative. The students will like you more."

"I don't really care whether the students like me or not."

Leo smirked. "I'm sure you'll find a way to make it more exciting for you and the kids."

Chris shrugged. "I'm telling you, I wish I had that job when Josh was a baby and woke up every two hours at night. It's no fun to only get 4 hours of sleep and then go to work 12 hours the next day."

Leo nodded sympathetically. "I know. But hey, it's only a few weeks."

"Yes, but when Josh would have been ready to sleep the whole night, he got ill and was awake all night long, crying. No hours of sleep and then go to work for 12 hours the next day is even less fun."

"I never knew, Josh was sick as a baby."

"Yeah, we weren't really close at that time, dad."

Leo nodded and looked away. It was not the first time; he regretted his absence when his grandson was a baby. He did visit him in the hospital and later on a few times, but he was never really there to help his son. After Josh was a bit over a year, Leo tried to spend more time with him. But the truth was, he and Piper hadn't been there for their son or grandson.

"I'm not angry at you, dad," Chris said.

"I know. But I'm mad at myself."

"Don't be."

Leo nodded, but it was not easy. "Oh, I almost forgot. The woman, you helped build up a cabinet called, and asked if you wanted to come over tonight. I don't know why. She said something about a leaky window."

"Oh, okay. I'll call her back."

Leo nodded and watched his son taking the phone. Chris stared at him and Leo understood, he wanted to be alone while calling. Leo was wondering, what he had to say to some random woman, who obviously took advantage of Chris' kindness.

Chris used the bell. It was strange sound. Like a dental drill. It made him shiver lightly. That was a good way to keep visitors away.

Sally opened the door. She wore a nice blue dress. Nice meant not the kind of dress you wear as a mother of three and housewife on a normal Monday evening. She looked better than the first time, Chris met her. She had no dark circles under her eyes anymore and was at the hairdressers and manicure.

"I'm so glad you could make it, she said and let Chris in."

"I just started a new job today. I could use some change."

"Oh. Not the job of your dreams?"

"No. Definitely not." Chris avoided getting too much into that topic. She really didn't need to know that he lived at home with his parents and was a substitute teacher. After all, she didn't even know his age.

"Josh was really angry, that he had to go to bed and I came to visit his friend."

Sally laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. But the kids are in bed anyway. I told you to come at this time on purpose. So no kids are interrupting."

"Interrupting what? Me, fixing the window?"

Sally nodded." Right. Do you want a drink? I have a really nice bottle of red wine from Australia. I heard they had some of the best."

Chris accepted and they sat down on the sofa in silence. When Sally intended to pour him another glass, he stopped her and asked: "Where's this window, I need to fix?"
"It's in the bedroom."

"Then maybe, I should do that now."

Sally showed him the room. It was a nice big bedroom with a walk in closet and thick dark blue carpets. The bed had satin bedding in the same blue. Really stylish! Kat's style. Chris preferred more than just one colour in a room.

But Sally had an amazing view from her bedroom window. Because the house was built on a little hill, she could overview the rest of the houses in the street.

"Is this the window?" Chris asked. "I can't feel anything."

He turned around and saw the blonde woman sitting on the bed leaning on her elbows. She smiled at him. "Really? I think, I need to try harder then."

Chris walked over to her.

"You do understand that I didn't call you to fix a window?" she asked, suddenly wondering if he even knew what she wanted.

Chris laughed. "Yes, I do. I'm not that silly. But usually, I don't let myself be called by anyone."

"Usually, I don't call anyone."

"Then what made you change your mind?"

"What made you change your mind?"

Chris couldn't answer that. The truth was pathetic and he couldn't be bothered searching for a lie for this woman.

It was not that Chris didn't like Sally Jake. She was nice and attractive enough, but she was not in his league. He had to laugh at himself. What the hell was his league? He was a 22 year old widower, without a real job, living with his parents and his 4 year old son. Just because he was once married to a local television star, didn't mean he was that sophisticated.

He sat down next to the woman; he felt the coolness of the satin. That was the reason why he didn't like satin beddings. They were too cold, and too soft.

He looked at her. The light blue colour of her dress fitted the dark blue surroundings in the bedroom.

"You sure like blue, don't you?" Chris suddenly asked.

Sally frowned, but then nodded. "Yes, it always was my favourite colour."

It had been Kats favourite colour too. And didn't Sally's dress look a bit like the one; Kat wore that night at the party of Channel 8. She was wearing it on the photo, Phoebe had found.

Sally watched him staring at her dress. "Chris?"

The 22 year old snapped out of his thoughts and smirked before kissing her, making her lay down on the bed.

I have to apologize once more for the slowness in this story at the moment. I can just keep on promising: There will be more soon. But please, leave me a little review, though!