X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Four

Author's Word: Well, fam, it's finally here. I wish I only meant this chapter, but I'm talking about priso- er, school resuming for spring semester tomorrow. I finished the last one on top, but we're in for a new ball game. Any encouragement and prayers would be appreciated, fam. Also, great to hear from you so much lately, Mik15. Senyuu, you are definitely in this family- welcome aboard! I hope school is all good and life in general for the rest of you. Happy MLK Day and please enjoy and review!

A faint murmur so delicate it instantly faded on air escaped from the thin lips. Her body so accustomed to the new weekday schedule, she managed to bump the alarm button before the blare could go off. Rolling over, the brown eyes revealed themselves to the first sight of the day; the head of gold across on the other bed with black ball of fluff snuggled beside her. The cat twitched his nose and wiggled his paws, somehow making himself even more comfortable. Removing herself from her linen cocoon, Angel hovered over to move hair away from Samantha's cheek and peck the spot. Only a small, feminine exhale acted as a response.

Leaving the shared quarters, Angel made her way into the specially decorated bathroom and closed the door. After brushing her teeth for over a minute, she accessed the damage in the mirror. Letting off a whimper at her no longer perfectly groomed hair, she slipped out of her pajamas and into the shower. She enjoyed the warm water raining down, ever amazed that a classic home like the Xavier mansion so rarely suffered plumbing issues.

After the lengthy and enjoyable rinse, she reached out for her fluffy lavender towel, wrapping it around her body while a smaller one dried her hair. She stepped out to see Samantha up and at the sink, scrubbing at practically her entire head with face wash. Going to peer into the mirror once more, Angel hip-bumped her. Samantha promptly returned the playful move.

Hurrying back over to their room before one of the many boys in the house chose that moment to step out into the hall, Angel went right to the closet. She already knew which of the many colorful garments she wanted to wear; the long, deep green skirt and red-white striped blouse with elbow-length sleeves. After she dressed, she finished the look off by adding gold jingle bell earrings.

When Samantha came back from her own shower in cotton-candy pink robe, she reacted with, "Gorge!"

Angel smiled back, "Thanks, sis," while trying to smooth out her damp hair.

Samantha approached the still open closet and tugged on the sleeve of one of the sweaters. "Can I borrow this one?"

"Go for it. See you downstairs." Black flats on her feet, Angel left to head that way herself.

"Alex, you don't need to add your weight in sugar. You're worse than the kids."

"Give me a break here, Bozo. Sugar does not cause heart related fatalities."

"No, merely tooth decay, excess weight gain, which naturally leads to diabetes…"

Angel shook her head in sheer amusement at the conversation as she entered the kitchen. Hank lingered close to Alex at the coffee maker while Raven worked at the stove and Kiki cheerfully colored at the table.

"You're both going to face the health risk of starvation if you don't stay out of my way," the shape-shifter warned.

"Okay, fine, we'll let the baby decide." Alex walked over to Kiki. "Can Uncle Lexie have extra sugar?"

Kiki raised her head to respond with a prompt and zero nonsense, "No!"

Raven and Angel laughed while Hank commended, "That's my girl."

Alex gingerly jabbed at her teeny nose. "I'm going to remember that when it's cookie time after dinner."

Glad to be starting the day with such delightful entertainment, Angel stiffened near the island. It still seemed too unbelievable to be standing peacefully amongst most of the people she had not only taken two seconds to walk away from, but had attacked and actively participated in other horrors aimed at them. She tried to remember what could have possibly gone through her mind or, better yet, possessed her to go from hot to numb, unfeeling ice.

"Angie?" Raven's voice returned her to the present. "You okay?"

"Probably has that huge project on the brain," Alex put forth, taking an enjoyed swig of his coffee. "She and Sean have been going on about it nonstop."

Hank walked up to the small teenager. "Remember to stand straight," he placed a hand to her back, "and project every word."

"Thanks," Angel looked up at him, "even though Ben's doing most of the talking. He's got the most experience there."

Kiki tugged on Alex's sleeve. "Uncle Lexie, look."

He glanced down and received the picture of the exaggerated blue puppy from her. "Cool. So, you're nice to me again, huh?" He dipped to blow a raspberry against her neck, making her shriek with giggles.

II

"Darling," Emma indicated the two ends of the clasp, "I need your impeccable hands."

With a sparkle to his blue eyes, Charles stood from polishing his brown shoes. "I quite like the sound of that." He came up behind her to secure her into the circular pendant. "What in the world did you do about these sorts of things before we were together?"

"Before we were together? Don't you remember? I woke up with breath of mint, full face of makeup, and spotless, ironed ensemble in place," Emma recollected to him.

"Ah yes, now I remember." A look of concerned curiosity crossed his face. "What changed?"

Emma batted at his shirt front. "It seems my Sugar woke up sour."

Charles took her chin, but had no chance to go any further as the circus chose to parade through the very next second. He rushed to open one of the twin doors of the master suite and caught the enthused blonde and brunette pair.

"Charles, Codicat," came the Professor's reproach, "this is our home, not Xander's barn. Stop that running this—" he moved quickly to grab his own son before he could collide with an end table.

Rolling his head back, Joey offered up his sweetest smile. "Glad your leg's all better, Daddy."

"The better to chase you with, my dear boy." Unable to help melting into a smile, Charles picked him up into a hug. "You little urchin, you."

Cody went to embrace the man from the side. "Sorry, Charles."

Emma appeared in the doorway. "If you boys aren't careful, you'll break your own legs and end up missing your last day of school."

"Fat chance," Cody claimed. "My mom'll shove me right out the door as soon as mine heals up."

"Dad," Sean's voice bellowed, "I think I'm hanging myself!"

"Dear Lord- I need more girls." Charles placed Joey down before making his way into the teenager's bedroom. Dressed in dark slacks and a crimson shirt, he currently struggled with the jade tie. "Losing oxygen…"

Shaking his head in jest, Charles walked over to help straighten the accessory. "You're really going to have to master this before university."

Standing still, Sean said, "Don't go all eight-months-away on me."

Finished with the tie, Charles patted his shoulder and repositioned him to face himself in the mirror. "My handsome lad… though, we really do need to discuss your college plans."

"I know," Sean sighed lightly. "But that whole thing has been really crazy and I just want to enjoy Christmas break without worrying about it."

Charles nodded in full understanding. "Of course. Now then, ready for your presentation?"

"Sure, but can I borrow that real far out cologne of yours? The stud-stallion-whatever stuff that looks like peepee for some reason."

"Eh," Charles tisked his tongue, "you may be a bit young for that scent. Come," he indicated for the boy to follow him, "we'll find you something more appropriate."

II

As their many residents trickled bit by bit into the dining room, Angel and Kayla helped Raven get breakfast arranged on the table. Two different flavors of oatmeal, biscuits with honey and butter, cinnamon as well as plain toast, Canadian in addition to turkey bacon added up to the necessary fuel to face the wintry day ahead. Angel eyed the bread for a long moment, remembering when a mere scrap of it tasted like a feast to herself. Now she seemed surrounded by people almost willing to take a knife to their own bellies and thighs to remove the wretched fat.

Next, she noticed Samantha and Becky, seated with attention firmly on each other. Angel figured they had to be involved in a telepathic conversation. Cody and Joey talked quite audibly about only being hours away from their precious Christmas break freedom. Kiki happily tapped her spoon against her bowl while Trav went on about which animals survived winter best. Alex listened to him while Hank poured milk for the children.

"There you are," Kayla said to her husband's entry.

With a stretch, Logan informed, "Your son ain't want to let me go."

Cody popped his head up. "What I'd do?"

Logan applied a small noogie to his hair, "A list I'm willin' to wager, but I meant your brother," and sat.

Angel smiled at the flawlessly dressed man who shimmered straight in. "Good morning, Trick."

"Good morning, lovelies," Trick kissed Angel's cheek, "and Logan."

Logan lifted a lethargic fist in response to the younger man.

Emma led in the female line-up of Cordelia and Maya. Her father coming in caught Becky's attention, mainly his kissing her head.

Victor made his way through in his black work attire, wordlessly handing Angel a napkin. "Let's take it down a shade there."

Angel took no offense as she dabbed at her cherry red lipstick.

Charles walked in with Sean, who went straight for the metal wielder.

"Uncle Erik, can I borrow your sunglasses?"

Erik asked in turn, "What's become of yours?"

"They make me look like I'm about to recite poetry," Sean explained. "Yours are all FBI-showrunner. Please, can I borrow? Please, please, please, please? If you say no, I'll have to bug Alex. That could get ugly."

Hiding his delight in the boy's theatrics, Erik granted, "Yes, go on."

Emma piped up, "Must you cover that handsome face?"

"They're just to walk into history class in, Mommy," Sean told her, noticing one of his partners for the day. "Even though I know everybody's going to be looking at Angel. You are prettier than the tree topper, by the way."

"Thanks," she smiled humbly. "So are you." She would have returned a compliment equally grand, but dared not with Maya in the room. As sweet as the other girl was, Angel had experience with boyfriend fury.

Charging into the room in full uniform, making him appear the part of raging CO, Scott accused, "Sam's stupid cat got fur all over my pants."

Rising from her seat with intentions unmasked, the blonde shot back, "Midnight is not stupid! You're stupid!"

"Hey, hey, Samantha." Victor stood in place to keep her from actively showing her feelings, somewhat taken aback by the venom in her eyes.

"No more name calling," Charles admonished, though he felt much of the same sentiment regarding the feline.

Emma went to bring Scott to her in a comforting embrace. "I'll lint roll them myself, dear. I don't want anything upsetting you today."

Scott nestled against her for a moment. "Thanks, Em. It's just that I'm taking part in the Allegiance march before the recitals this afternoon. I have to look perfect, period."

"Relax," Alex encouraged. "Besides, you try harder than the rest of the RO guys put together."

Scott perked a little and took his chair.

A few minutes later, Frank rushed in.

"Hey," Raven acknowledged. "Missed you this morning."

"Sorry, Rae." Frank added a biscuit to his plate. "Lost track of time."

Alex then wondered, "Now what time warp swallowed Lee?"

Erik offered up, "He'll be with us shortly."

II

"I'll probably be freed up by five."

"That works." Arching back in Erik's leather chair inside the Mag Cave, Leon spoke into the receiver. "I'm taking the little girls to the mall tonight to shop for Angel's birthday."

"Birthdays." Melissa let the word linger on her tongue. "Remember when that was X's on the calendar."

"Tell me about it," Leon wholeheartedly concurred. "Around here, it's bigger than the presidential inauguration. At least if Becky has anything to say about it. Why don't you stop by the mall with Anne later? Around six?"

"And casually bump into each other," Melissa surmised. "Look, I'm willing to crash land into a fountain like something out of 101 Dalmatians, but I'm not getting weepy over a wet handkerchief."

Leon wrinkled his brow in thought. "Didn't they fall into a river? Or was it a pond? All I remember is that's the movie that introduced me to doggie marriage."

Melissa laughed softly. "I need to head out. Bump you later."

"I'll supply the hankies." After they hung up, a growl creaking across Leon's stomach made him shift rapidly in the direction of the dining room.

IIIIIII

When the dismissal bell ignited, the trio adorned in coordinated green and red practically danced on air out of the AP History class. A few of the other students regarded them with anything ranging from raised eyebrow to smirks before going about their own business.

"We did it, we did it," Sean chanted.

An all grins Ben exclaimed, "Guys, we nailed it!"

Angel got between them to give each boy a one-armed hug. "You two sounded great up there."

"Hey, you did a ton of research," Ben pointed out. "And you handled the Q&A like a pro."

"Wait until Hank hears about this," Sean put forth excitedly. "I'm gonna go find him."

"Brag for me, too. I'll see you guys later." Angel started for the other direction.

Eyes on the departing girl, Ben said, "I'll catch up with you in the cafeteria, Sean."

"Okay, but if the cool kids swarm me," Sean removed the sunglasses from his breast pocket and slipped them on his face, "I cannot be held responsible." He pointed two fingers and walked off in a backwards motion.

Ben chuckled after him then hasted to go after their other teammate. "You know, even though it was a lot of work, doing the project together was a lot of fun."

"It sure was," Angel concurred, stopping at her locker. "I almost hate for school to be getting out." She then reiterated, "Almost."

Happy expression fading into one loaded with uncertainty, Ben tugged on his green collar nervously. "So, I was thinking- I mean, I wanted to know- your birthday," Angel faced him with full attention, "I know you probably have a ton of family plans that are oozing with fabulous and I don't dare try to get in the way of that. But I was hoping you'd let me take you out for breakfast that morning. Just a couple hours."

Clearly taken aback, Angel slowly reacted with, "You… you want to take me out?"

A slow but nervous smile built on his face. "Yeah. More than anything if I'm being honest."

"Ben, I…" Angel let off a whistling exhale. "You know what? Can I- can I call you about this tomorrow?"

"Oh, sure," he replied. "Whenever you get a chance. But hey, either way, I hope you have the best birthday ever. You've definitely earned it."

Angel looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Ben."

"See you later." Ben adjusted his backpack as he moved to exit the hall.

Getting her locker door open, Angel crammed her head inside of it when the giddy dizziness snuck up on her.

II

Voices a chorus of whispers, the circle of girls immediately stopped chattering when the latest arrival came by the table.

Lowering her tray with an air of suspicion, Angel looked to the only other female mutant. "Oookay, what did I miss?"

Glowing expression in place, Cordelia responded, "Oh, nothing."

Strolling over, Fabian kept hands behind his back. "Since I'm under very direct and specific orders to do something festive," he revealed the white bakery box, "feliz cumpleanos."

"Oh my God," Angel squealed, "Fabian, you," she flipped open the box lid when he placed it on the table, laughing at the contents, "angel's food cake. Of course."

Cordelia smiled up at her boyfriend. "Very good work."

"Yes, however," Fabian grimaced, "the lowbrow rental cops we call security won't allow us to light candles in school. That's why I arranged for…" He raised both hands in a grand gesture only to receive nothing but continued cafeteria noises in response. "Hello! What do you need, a signal pistol?" The lights shut off, startling all students present. "Ah, that's better."

Angel glanced around in complete confusion. "What is- ah!" She had to cover her face at the shining lights that came her way.

A section of students stood from across the way, waving powerful flashlights. The combined devices spelled out A-N-G-E-L along one wall. Another two rushed forward, adorning Angel in confetti and colorful paper. The display resulted in applause from the others gathered.

Getting to her feet in amazement, Angel could only say, "Oh wow, thank you, guys, so much," while dusting some fragments out of her hair.

Cordelia ran around to give her the first hug. "Happy birthday, bestest friend." She stood back to give the other girls some room and went to Fabian. "How did you pull this off?"

Fabian merely admired his perfectly manicured fingernails. "My secondary power? Bending nerds to my will."

IIIII

Upon one whiff of the purple musk, the curly haired girl wrinkled her nose and waved a hand to clear the scent faster.

Becky claimed, "That smells like what some of the older ladies wear at Temple."

Samantha pouted at the display. "Angel has lots of perfume already."

"Don't worry. We'll find something," Becky reassured.

"Oh ladies," Anne, in deep red, fur-lined coat, scuttled over to them, "you're missing the magic stuff."

Becky and Samantha followed her over to an oversized potted plant, where they peeked around at the pair gazing upon the massive Christmas tree.

Melissa remarked, "I wonder how many starving countries we could feed on their decorating budgets."

"Believe it or not," Leon responded, "I don't mind this kind of obnoxiousness. It's kind of nice, actually."

Melissa turned her head to look at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. It's Christmas, you know," Leon tried to explain. "I don't know what it is about it, but it's like the one time of year most of the world yells "cease fire"."

"I guess that's true," Melissa had to admit. "People treating each other like significant living creatures… freaky."

"Hanukkah's pretty cool, too. I remember last year when, out of nowhere, Erik asks me to light part of the menorah. Just like Alex, Frank, and Becky." A small smile came to Leon's face. "It's like he singled me out as one of his; somebody worthy."

Melissa regarded him in silence for a brief moment. "Kind of like having a pregnant lady follow an asylum nutcase into a dangerous situation, only to save said nutcase's neck. Then there's Estevan- no reason in the world to trust me, but he does. Maybe he's the nut."

"There is some debate out about that."

Walking to a nearby bench, Melissa took a seat. "Kayla's daughter is so lucky." Leon sat down right beside her. "Not just for the obvious reasons. But for the fact that if she ever finds herself in an insane situation, she can go right to her mom without being made to feel like one colossal mistake."

"You have that, too," Leon asserted. "At least you're giving that. To the girls you help. And it goes deeper. You don't just say you understand like the other adults. You know exactly where they're coming from."

Melissa considered that and said, "So do you."

"I do want to keep helping you with them, Melissa," Leon told her. "In fact, I was actually thinking we could visit this week. Maybe put up a tree and a few lights. I could bring Becky along. She's better at that kind of stuff than I am."

"Isn't tonight an ordeal enough?" Melissa jested. "What if she dares discover our lack of absolute disgust for each other?"

Leon formed a knowing smile. "You underestimate how great my sister is at keeping a secret."

From their hidden viewpoint, Becky grinned in between the other girls. Noticing a teen aimed jewelry store, Samantha zeroed in on the contents of the window display.

IIIIIII

One wing tip sufficiently polished, Frank spotted Logan going at the saw on another piece. The boy knelt in amazement over how the elder mutant could get the specific lengths they needed without touching the measuring tape. Picking up the short stack of papers featuring different pictures of aircrafts from twenty years back or more, Frank marveled over one labeled Old Crow.

Seeing what currently captivated him, Logan piped up, "That's likely one of the choppers Scott's father flew. Straight through enemy fire."

"And you can just remake it." Frank looked at him. "Did you pick all these carpentry skills up from your dad?"

Logan scoffed at the very idea. "You kiddin'? My old man could fix a porch step or somethin' like that, but he ain't have the time for this type of thing. I got into this when I was around five or six. I remember when a bad storm took a nice chunk out of the church. I stood there in a daze watchin' the men in town rebuild somethin' even better from all that rubble."

"That's really cool." Frank reacted to his sudden change in countenance. "What's wrong, Wolves?"

"Keep still." Logan inched closer to the young teenager. "You feelin' alright?" He touched his forehead to check for fever.

"Yeah," Frank replied, "fine. Why?"

Logan touched him at the center of his chest. "Your heart's runnin' a marathon."

"That's probably just left over from training," Frank responded quickly. "Not to mention school. You know the last days before vacation are the toughest."

Logan regarded the boy as if he spoke in a tongue unknown. "Since when are a few tests a problem from you?"

"All honors all the time," Frank reminded him. "And I really want to get this sled done for Scott. Pretty sure he's still sore at me."

Logan determined, "We'll get a fresh start in the mornin'. You better call it an early night."

"Yes, sir." Standing, Frank stretched each of his legs then took his leave of the garage.

Getting the door closed, he made a direct path for his closet and immediately shut that passageway also.

IIIIIII

Situated in one of the plush living room chairs, the pondering girl received a direct view of the loaded Christmas tree. Though it would be hard for even the blind to miss the monumental center of their décor. Looking at the gold star that acted as their topper, Angel remembered how the smaller kids went at it over who would have the grand honor of putting it on. Kiki had thrown a fit over it while Joey insisted that his baby brother was big enough to be the acting youngest child. However, Brian had shown more interest in gnawing on the star, so Kiki ended up winning the honor. It had been an amusing display in Angel's opinion, mostly because most arguments she saw at their ages usually resulted in broken heirlooms and windows.

From where Kayla sat on the arm of the chair, she thoroughly combed the teenager's soft-from-conditioning hair to obliterate even the tiniest knot. Angel enjoyed the elder female's technique; so much gentler and more attentive than any professional stylist.

"Hardly twelve hours until eighteen," Kayla broke the amicable silence, "how are you feeling?"

Angel answered with an honest, "Lord if I only knew."

Definite concern carried through Kayla's tone. "Is everything alright?"

Angel let off a small sigh. "Ben Braunstein asked me out."

Kayla wondered, "And you don't know if you like him in that way?"

"He doesn't like me in that way," Angel stated. "He just doesn't know it yet."

"What do you mean?"

"Kayla," Angel moved her head slightly to better view the woman, "Ben is supremely cool, but he's a total Bible boy. His family runs a temple. If he finds out the kind of girl I really am—"

"And what kind is that?" Kayla sharply interjected. "Smart, responsible, driven, sweet, caring?"

Angel claimed, "You're not talking to Maya, Kay." She then reacted to the comb delivering a cuff to the side of her head. "Ow!"

Kayla used the comb's tip to point at her. "I believe I was talking to you. I never want to see or hear you throw yourself to the ground as if you're dirt for another to trample on. It is up to you who you choose to go out with, but if you happen to pick Ben, he will be devoting a great deal of time to proving why he is worthy of you." She now stroked the girl's hair. "You're the only one condemning yourself, sweetheart."

Angel remained in a deep silence for many seconds. "Kay…" She jumped a little at her sister practically stampeding into the room. "What's wrong?"

Samantha announced giddily, "Mama's here!"

"Adrienne…" Angel rushed to her feet and they all made a path for the foyer.

Getting the front way open, Victor held the door. "Make way for her heinous- highness."

Stepping inside in a floor-length black mink, Adrienne paused to shoot him a glower through her dark shades. "You're a useless drone."

Victor put forth, "There you go. Gettin' all soft at the holidays."

A different expression took over Adrienne at those awaiting them. "Girls."

"Mama!" Samantha came forward, nestling into the front of the woman's coat.

Angel went to her other arm. "I thought you couldn't catch a flight until Christmas Eve."

Adrienne said, "I thought I would surprise you."

Angel looked at her with a knowing smile. "You mean ambush us when we weren't expecting it."

Adrienne tapped her nose. "You've learned so much from me."

IIIIIII

After Leon finished assembling the artificial tree, the six foot creation did not appear as ghastly fake as he had envisioned. It looked better when the gathering of females began to fill it with color.

Melissa stepped back to watch them with Leon. "We can make this place one big tinsel town, but outside of the tree, no lights. We can't draw attention to this building."

Leon replied, "I figured." He turned to one table where Anne sat helping a few of the girls add their names to their own decorative stocking. "Where'd Becky go?"

Anne heard him and pointed towards the kitchen. "They went back there."

While Melissa supervised the front room activities, Leon headed that way. He saw the curly haired creature in question demonstrating to some of the younger girls how to create individual snow globes from plastic jars.

One woman watching them glanced at Leon. "My kids haven't had a Christmas in almost two years. Not since I had to leave my husband. First shelter we stayed in stole the stuffed animals they'd managed to take with them."

Leon looked from her to the table. "I'm going to pick up some food. Can I get you anything?"

She replied, "Some coffee would be great."

Leon bobbed his head then walked over to Becky's chair. "Going to get us something to eat. Will you be okay?"

Becky raised her head to him. "We'll be fine. Don't worry."

Going discrete, Leon projected, I'll only be a couple blocks away. Contact me if anything happens.

Got it, Becky returned.

Leon left a kiss on top of her head before he went.

IIIIIII

Up in Victor's loft, Angel and Samantha sat near to each other on the sofa, flipping through the colorful itinerary. Victor perched on one arm while Adrienne walked in a short pace, going over things.

"We're to leave right after Christmas. Philadelphia, a brief hello to my beloved Boston, Virginia, a stopover in D.C. of course- when we're done with this tour, Hearts and Stripes Forever will own the east coast." Adrienne approached to take Angel by the chin. "All with this breath-taking face as its center star."

Samantha turned away from the page she peered through to look at them.

"Isn't this a little much?" Victor piped up. "She's supposed to be on school break."

"No, it's okay," Angel insisted. "Hearts and Stripes will be more important. I can't wait."

"But on to the present." Adrienne regarded Angel with a wide smile. "Your eighteenth birthday. We'll start the day off with breakfast at that new five-star café in Chelsea, a trip through SoHo, losing ourselves in Bloomingdale's—"

"Whoa, Dri," Angel interjected, "fabulous, all of it, but we made plans already. There's going to be nonstop Christmas specials on TV tomorrow and me and the other kids just want to hang out. You know, just the family."

Adrienne absorbed that and eventually responded, "Quaint but harmless enough. What if we only do breakfast?"

Feeling twelve blazing spotlights on her at once, Angel informed, "I… I have date for breakfast in the morning."

Victor promptly leaned in with eyes narrowed. "With who?"

Angel quickly answered, "Ben. Ben Braunstein."

Adrienne recollected, "That would be the little preacher boy, yes?" Angel nodded and the redhead smiled with satisfaction. "Very good, my dear."

Samantha asked, "Ben's your boyfriend now?"

"Oh no," Angel shook her head. "He just wants to take me out for my birthday. That's all."

At that, Victor said, "That's all you need."

Samantha looked back to the itinerary again, flipping through the different but completely stunning models depicted.

IIIIIII

Arriving in the youngest boychick's doorway, the metal wielder remarked, "A rarity before my own eyes."

Frank looked up from the papers in his hands. "Huh?"

"Your door being open." Erik came in fully, going to sit on the side of his bed. "Though I suppose I should have expected as much when you started high school." He grew serious as he asked, "How are you feeling? Logan suspects you're coming down with something."

"What, from last night?" Frank shook his head. "Nope, I just have a ton of stuff going on. That's all. You're not going to make me go see Hank, are you?"

Erik thought then determined, "I'm going to trust you. If you start to feel unusual, I want you to come to me immediately. Alright?"

"Okay," Frank guaranteed.

Erik noticed the letters. "Did your mother send those?"

"Jeff," the boy replied. "We've been writing more. Dad's always working and he misses going to school here. And Mom, Linny, me- for some reason."

Raising a hand, Erik cupped the side of his face. "We'll have to arrange for you two to see each other. Charles and I can work something out. If that's what you want."

"Thanks," Frank smiled a little, laying back. "Maybe when things calm down."

Taking the letters from him, Erik arranged them neatly on the night stand. "Time to sleep, boychick." He reached over to kiss his forehead. "Rest well."

"I will," Frank whispered back. "Night, Dad."

Erik sent him a smile and clicked off the lamp. He stood, getting up to conduct rounds.

IIIIIII

Head bobbing along to the Christmas tunes playing overhead, jubilation filled the teenage boy at the girl who entered the small restaurant next. Ben immediately got to his feet to withdraw her chair in a chivalrous fashion.

"Hey, happy birthday. I wish you would've let me pick you up. My folks let me borrow the car. It wouldn't have been any—" He stopped when her first act was to enter his arms. A smile came over his face. "Though this works, too."

Prying her face away, Angel peered up at him. "I have to talk to you."

"Yeah, okay." Gesturing for her to sit, Ben did the same across from her. "I hope I wasn't being presumptuous, but I ordered you a coffee. Five and five on cream and sugar, right?"

Angel toyed with a napkin. "I love the way you remember stuff like that."

Hearing something far from joy in her tone, Ben grew somber. "Angel, is everything okay?"

She could only shake her head at first. "This isn't right, Ben. You don't know where I've been, what I've done."

"Angel, I already know you had it rough. None of that is important to right now."

"Yes, it is," she insisted. "Ben…" Angel paused to collect her words, having gone over this in her head several times already. "My stepfather… he used to do stuff to me. If I didn't get away from him, I knew I was going to end up killing him. My mother was not trying to help me, so I left. I ended up getting involved with some things; people. Dancing at bars and clubs, anything that would pay…"

Ben dipped his head as well as his voice. "They made you a sex slave. Didn't they?"

"I wish I could play victim," she said. "I made myself a slave. I know that. Look, I don't have any excuses here. I just didn't want us to start spending more time together and all this ended up coming out, causing problems for your family."

"Right." Ben spoke again after the waiter brought their drinks. "My perfect, flawless family."

"Ben—"

He cut in with, "After my birth mother walked out, my father went insane. He got several warnings until he finally lost custody of me when I was three- after slapping me hard enough to leave a mark because he couldn't deal with me. Then instead of doing everything he could to get me back, he became preoccupied with participating in various sex acts… with various people." Angel coughed up on her coffee, eyes nearly enlarging enough to pop out of her head. "He didn't get his head together until a syphilis scare. He got me back, but we could barely eat. In fact, that's how he met my mom. They were both digging around inside a food bank. Her husband had left her to take care of Josh and Megan. They got married and had Rachel, our lucky surprise. Every time Dad shares his testimony, he says he's proof that God recycles garbage."

"Oh my God," Angel breathed. "Ben…"

"That's why I like you so much, Angel," he went on. "You understand more than any of the other kids how important family is. Every single moment we have with them; the dorkier the better. I'm not expecting anything big between us- more like hoping- but if that's not the case, I always want us to be friends."

Angel reached across the table to seize his hand. "Always."

Ben formed a big smile. "Why don't you go ahead and order, birthday girl?"

IIIIIII

"Hello, Bedford Falls! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas, movie house! Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan! Hey! Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter!"

While Hank, Raven, Sean, and Maya paid the most attention to the movie, Alex, Leon, Cody, Joey, and Frank engaged in a mini wrestling tournament. Scott smashed action figures together with Trav while Becky played their Barbie damsel. Cordelia held onto Kiki while they danced near the tree with Angel, who sported a silver plastic tiara on her head.

Samantha came through, managing to pull the lady of honor to the side for a moment. "I found this for you. For us, really."

Angel made fast work of unwrapping the small square box she gave her. Inside, she opened a velvet container with a pair of identical bangles inside; one stamped "big sis" and the other "little sis".

Eyes only able to stare at first, Angel reacted abruptly by taking her into a strong embrace. "I love you, Sam."

"I love you, Angel," the younger girl returned.

"Maya," Trick's voice carried through as the adults paraded into the living room. "You were supposed to call me before the end."

"Sorry, Trick" Maya apologized, only briefly gazing away from the TV.

Leon looked over. "Doesn't everyone in the western world know how this movie ends?"

Erik brought up, "And hasn't this film been on five times this weekend alone?"

Trick shook his head solemnly, settling down with the young ones to watch. "Some will never comprehend the beauty."

"Attention, everyone," Charles addressed the pajama clad group, "but Erik and I have a bit of a toast to make." He held up the strongest beverage available in the form of a cola bottle. "When Erik and I originally began our recruiting mission, Angela was our first stop." The girl made a show of cringing at the use of the full name, making a few of the others laugh. "Though things did not turn out as we originally desired, having her back in our lives now has given us both not only great satisfaction, but an immense feeling of accomplishment. Our Angel is truly the fulfillment of everything this institution and family stands for; redemption, love, promise, and new beginnings." Charles looked to the other Headmaster. "Erik?"

The Poland native raised his root beer. "Attempt to leave us again and you'll find yourself dragged back in guaranteed humiliating and painful fashion."

Charles rolled his head back. "Your answer to everything."

However, Logan concurred, "Sounds like a plan to me."

While the room filled with laughter again, Angel went to share a hug with Charles and Erik.

Standing with Victor, Adrienne commented, "Difficult to believe that's the same girl I found living in squalor."

Victor stated, "You changed everything for her you know."

Adrienne shrugged lightly. "The foundation was already in place."

Cordelia carried Kiki over to the TV.

"Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings."

"That's right, that's right!"