Chapter 14

Angela was talking to the Winchester brothers the moment Alex walked into the empty classroom. She saw him and motioned him in while she was talking on her phone. She mouthed that she would be just a moment and then proceeded to finish her conversation. She could sense the urgency in both of the boys' voices and figured that they came across someone that was a member of the Masons, one of the ones that were after the boy. She finished the conversation getting them to focus on what they found and try to find which ones were a part of this mess they landed in the middle of.

After hanging up she turned to Alex and asked in a teasing voice, "So are you checking up on me?"

Alex smirked as he advanced shouldering his backpack. Since it was lunch, he thought he would check in with his 'guardian.' Kelly volunteered to get the food with Mason and she dragged him along to the lunch lines while he went to the class. He was limping slightly but it was hardly noticeable as he approached and replied, "Yeah I gotta make sure that you're doing your job. I don't think you want to be fired after your first day."

Angela smirked back. She honestly could say that she liked the boy. When he was in class earlier and she was giving a lecture on the Roman Empire, he answered questions as well as challenged the other students with his sense of humor. She even managed to get students that were typically considered the screw ups to be involved and they showed they were just as intelligent as the smart kids. She replied, "You are a cheeky little bastard aren't you?"

Alex gave his most charming smile, "Part of my charm Angie." He put his book bag on one of the desk chairs and sat on the chairs. "So are we in trouble?"

"What makes you say that?"

"I heard part of your phone conversation." Alex looked at her with a straight expression. "Who are these people?"

Angela sighed as she pulled out an apple she had packed. She took a bite and chewed while she contemplated her response. At that moment Kelly and Mason came in with the usual fare of high school cafeterias. She waited until they distributed the food before answering, "They are people who think you are important kiddo."

"No duh," Alex replied. "Seriously though, who are they?" He picked up the apple that came with his lunch and took a bite.

"Is this about what happened?" Kelly asked as she poked through the salad she made from the salad bar line.

"Unfortunately yes," Angela replied with mock annoyance. She had to give these three their due credit. They weren't stupid and they certainly knew how to make spilt decisions when necessary. Even though she was busy with Nebi, she had seen them in action. It was unfortunate that they had to be exposed to things that they shouldn't have to see. Still, maybe Kelly and Mason could give some input. She asked, "Kelly, Mason, do you happen to know where the nearest Mason lodge is?"

"Are you talking about the Freemasons?" Alex perked up. Even though the question was not directed at him, he knew something of the brotherhood. His parents did tell him that they would be able to help should he ever be in trouble.

"Yes."

Mason spoke up, "That's easy. The main lodge is in the merchant district in town. Why?"

"There were some things that my friends found that needed answers. I thought they might be able to help. So anything else you three want to pester me with besides my bad teaching?"

She's good, Alex thought about her deflection. The thing he liked about it was that she didn't try to insult their intelligence. He replied in a teasing tone, "Oh it was so terrible I was simply astounded that the class clown actually made an intelligent response."

Mason and Kelly joined in creating laughter until the bell sounded that the lunch hour was over. Angela knew they had two classes left and then they could leave. She shooed them out but Alex lingered. He said, "You're good Angie. I hope your friends find what they are looking for."

Angela smiled and replied, "See you at sixth period. I believe that is your PE class and I believe you'll be joining a light practice today."

"Bad ankle," Alex pointed out.

"Really? Try again."

Alex put his full weight on his ankle and found that there was no pain at all. Not even a sore spot. He looked at Angela with a questioning look. Who was she? Did she just…" A thousand questions he yearned to ask were running through his mind but the warning bell rang and he now had to sprint run. He gave a look and took off running down the hall. It felt good that he could run again.

Angela watched with amusement while her last period filed into the classroom. While they had been eating she had been putting her specialty powers to good use. She noticed that the boy was doing good walking on it so she decided to make life more bearable for him. She had only used it twice before and the last time, something changed and so she just stuck to the usual methods. This time though she felt that she could make an exception. She walked back into the classroom and headed towards the desk.

"Hey Teach, you got a burger to go with that shake?"

Angela looked up to see a burly fellow sitting near the back. He was smirking while his friends were laughing. She could tell that he was going to be trouble. It was no problem though since she had quite a few of those today. She replied, "What I got is way out of your league Mr. Happy Meal."

The whole class started laughing while the student who made the joke started scowling. He retorted, "You think you're smart don't you?"

Angela held the roster that she had picked up along with the seating chart that she had found. She sat on her desk and looked at the chart and marked attendance. She didn't look up as she replied, "I must be since I'm up front lecturing and not you, Mr. Tercelli. Right?"

Tercelli scowled. He had heard nothing but how cool the substitute was in Hardman's history class. The sophomore class was talking about it and when he had seen her in the hall while she was taking a quick break, he wasn't impressed. He told his friends that he could kick her ass. If Hardman couldn't handle him, then certainly the bitch couldn't. Now he was sitting in class and she was not even put out by his comments. He said, "Yeah they give out degrees for standing around and looking pretty."

"You must mean fashion school. I flunked out," Angela replied as she finished taking roll and put the folder back on the desk. She then stood up and went to the podium where the lecture was cued up and ready to go. "Now actually for college, I graduated summa cum laude in both bachelors and masters in history, specializing in the ancient world as well as fine art. Have written several research articles on ancient Sumeria and Babylonia regarding religious practices and have traveled from here all the way to the Far East. I speak nearly a dozen world languages including a few local dialects in Africa, Asia and the Middle East and am familiar with local customs in those regions." Angela looked up and saw the stunned and quiet looks of everyone in the classroom. She looked directly at Tercelli and then spoke in Russian, Greek and Arabic and finally back in English, "What I just said was, 'Did you follow that?'"

Tercelli was still scowling but he had nothing to say. The bitch was obviously more than she appeared to be. He gave a punch to one of his friends that told him he got burned. He told him to shut up and mind his own business. He sat through the lecture and for once actually took notes. He studied the teacher and a thought came to mind.

He remembered his father talking to Coach Taylor and Bob about a woman who took out four of Bob's men and killed one with a cell phone. He wondered it his was the woman who did it. Bob described her as a tall dark haired woman with unusual colored eyes. Looking at her, Tercelli could see her eyes. He had never seen eyes like that before. It was something he would have to report to the coach when sixth period came. That was the time that was scheduled for the midget to be taken and it would be easy since he was a hobbler now.

Angela thought the hour would never end but at least she had the class under control. She was in the middle of engaging the students about the Roman gladiators when the principal walked in. Angela didn't pay attention since she was focused on the class. The principal was surprised to see fifth period under control. She knew that Mr. Hardman had some semblance of control when he taught but there was still some chaos. Here, all eyes were on the substitute and some were actually taking notes! She wondered if she had been sent an angel from heaven or if it was a just a fluke.

The principal sat in while Angela talked about the gladiators and the Coliseum and was amazed that the kids were paying attention. She glanced over at Damien Tercelli who was also taking notes. It was a surprise to her since Damien was discussed as being a problem student. Of course it was difficult to get any form of discipline from home since his father was one of the more influential members of town. When she was satisfied, the principal stood up and gave a short nod in the direction of Angela and walked out the door as quietly as she had come.

Angela made sure to give the proper respect to the principal but for the most part, she ignored her presence. It was the benefit of having strict discipline. She had her long dead father to thank for that. When her father started training her in combat, he taught her a firmer sense of discipline than what she had acquired from the tutors her mother hired. In any situation related to the job, she was able to keep her focus. She wasn't perfect but she was able to be objective when it was needed. Right now she had to maintain the focus of discipline and it worked. It was time for the bell to ring and she had just finished her lecture. She said, "Alright you burros you can pack up."

The class snickered at her reference to them being asses. They packed up their bags with little amount of fuss and noise. The bell rang and Angela said, "Your jail is open. Dismissed." She watched as the kids filed out of the classroom. Tercelli was the last to pass and she said, "Not everything is as it seems Mr. Tercelli. You would do well to remember that."

Tercelli paused when she said it. He shrugged his shoulder as he adjusted his backpack. He then said, "The question is whether or not you want to see those things that are hidden, Teach. It may just be your worst nightmare." He then left the classroom to head to sixth period.

Angela eyed Tercelli with suspicion. She couldn't tell at the moment whether or not to take that comment as a threat or not. Experience and instinct told her that she should keep a sharp eye. She picked up the roster and made to turn it into the office. She would then head out to the field to keep an eye out on the boy.

"Are you sure you should be practicing?" Kelly asked full of concern while Alex headed towards sixth period.

Alex looked at Kelly and said, "Relax Kel. My ankle feels fine. Look." He then proceeded to demonstrate his fitness. "I think my new guardian knows a few things."

Kelly hugged her books to her chest. She had to admit that while she liked Angela, she knew that there was something different about her. She replied, "Still is it worth the risk?"

Alex stopped at the entrance to the boy's locker room. He turned towards Kelly and said, "Don't worry about it Kel. Besides it's only a light practice. Mostly running. Coach isn't gonna want to tire out his players before the game tonight." He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a reassuring smile. He knew she was worried that Tercelli and his boys would try to pummel him and go out of their way to hurt him. He said, "Kel I know it's been a strange few days and even I'm still confused about some of it. I think that is why my parents didn't tell me about my family for so long."

"But is it worth getting hurt over?"

Alex looked at Kelly and realized that she was truly worried. Probably more than a friend should be. He found that he was moved by that and was overcome with a desire to be careful if only for her. He replied, "Kel, this whole thing with the football team is just to even the odds for the kids who feel like they are in hell. But if you are worried about me getting hurt, I'll tell Coach I can do light laps or something. That okay?" He gave a slight smile that turned into a puppy dog face.

Kelly couldn't help but smile. She could tell that Alex would keep his word if he gave it. Yet she could tell that he was just being a typical guy wanting to play football. She couldn't help but give a laugh at the puppy dog face he was giving her. She replied, "As long as you're careful. I'll be watching."

Alex grinned. "I'll keep an eye out Kel." He then turned to head into the locker room to dress for practice.

Kelly smiled as he disappeared into the boy's locker room. She hugged her books to her chest and turned to head to the field. Mason met her along the way and they pair of them walked together to watch the warm-up practice. Mason guided the way to their seats. "So Alex is going to try to convince Coach to let him play? Does he think that hobbling is an effective defensive tool?"

"Well he said that he was ready to play; that his ankle was better," Kelly replied. It was second nature for her to tell Mason everything. They had been best friends since they were kids.

"He must've been teasing Kel. It was a bad sprain and it didn't help with the car thing yesterday." Mason gave a shoulder bump as they watched the players file out. Technically they were supposed to be in sixth period but after what happened yesterday, they decided to ditch class and keep an eye out for Alex.

"He wasn't Mas. He said that his ankle was better."

"And how did he manage that? Magic?"

"Well I'm sure exactly what you would call it," Angela answered as she hopped up the stairs to a spot on the bleachers. She sat in the row above the kids so she had a good view of them and the field. "I've only done it twice before this."

Mason and Kelly looked at Angela as if she were crazy. Angela looked relaxed as if she were sitting and having a drink with them. It was Mason who asked a bit nervous being near her, "Done what exactly?"

Angela looked at Mason and noticed a cut on his finger. She held out her hand and said, "Give me your hand."

Mason looked at Kelly who gave him the look to go ahead and give his hand over. He gave his hand to Angela and watched as she took his hand. He watched as she maneuvered his hand in her palms until the cut on his finger was visible. He watched as she peered at it and muttered in a strange language. Mason watched with wide eyes as his cut started to disappear. Glancing up, he saw Angela's eyes glow slightly as she finished muttering what she was saying. Looking down, he saw that the cut had disappeared. He looked back up at Angela and asked, "How did you do that?"

Angela released Mason's hand and put her own back in her lap. She looked at the kids staring at her. She replied, "Not sure exactly. I've always been able to heal since I became an adult. Just what I did for Alex was a little bit different." She looked at the kids to gauge their reaction. Mason was still looking like he was a fish out of water while Kelly was looking at her as if trying to find a secret. She had a good feeling about these two.

"You're not human are you?" Kelly asked. She narrowed her eyes in the look she got when she was being curious.

Angela chuckled. The girl was quick and she could give her that. She replied with a question, "What do you think I am?"

Kelly frowned as she scrutinized Angela. She looked from side to side and finally replied, "I don't know. What you did though is not what any normal human would do and there's no such thing as witches with real magic."

Angela gave a chortle. "I guess you're right on that account. Maybe I am just a freak of nature or a mutant like X-men."

"Nah, that's impossible," Mason replied after finally finding his voice. He was excited about this but he knew that this was secret that he had to keep. "This is definitely friggin' awesome."

Kelly looked at Mason. She knew that he would get excited over something like this. After hearing about the strange things that surrounded Alex, would it be so much a stretch that there were things that couldn't necessarily be explained? She looked at Angela. So far she had been nothing but kind and well very down to earth with them. She said, "Well I know that is not was human can normally do. Maybe it is something different and I am guessing that you don't want anyone else to know. What about the friends you travel with?"

Angela made a slight face, "Eh that is a little different. I'm telling you kids because I think you can handle it. My friends and I have some issues that are a bit touchy."

Kelly nodded. She knew how that went especially between her mom and her sister. She wisely said no more and turned back to watch the sixth period practice. She saw Alex running around in full dress and t looked like that he was not in any pain. She glanced at Angela and came to the conclusion that the woman was just being kind and not looking for any personal gain. She turned back to the field and gave a small wave when Alex looked in her direction.

It felt good to be able to run full speed without having to limp. Alex joined the offensive line in formation to run a play before the period was over. He listened to the cues from the QB and got into position. At the snap, he took off running and when the ball came in his direction, he caught it and ran. He was tackled but not as hard as he was during the first practice.

Alex found it odd but he figured that the coach spoke to the team. He had been a little late and thought that he was going to run laps. When he explained and showed the coach that his injury was better, the coach told him to suit up for practice. Things were going well even though Tercelli managed to knock him around a little. Seeing Kelly with Mason and his guardian made him feel better.

"Hey midget, next time try not to get your ass tackled."

Alex felt the rough shove and looked at Tercelli. He replied, "It's football Tercelli. Players are supposed to get tackled or did you get sacked too many times to remember that?"

Tercelli stopped and stared at Alex. He looked like he wanted to punch his lights out but the coach had given him specific orders. He was going to obey. He already almost screwed up everything by nearly running him over. Now that he knew he was to be alive, he was barely treading the line. That didn't mean that he couldn't have some fun and torment him… as if that ever worked. Kicking a dog that didn't cry out was boring after a while. The midget just took the punishment and almost seemed to ask for more. He glanced over at the coach and then glared at Alex and replied, "If anything you should be the one that watches their own back. Running backs are a favorite of the strong side."

"That's why girls don't play the game," Alex replied as he got set up to run one last play before being dismissed.

"We'll see."

The last play went smoothly and Coach Taylor was yelling that the last one was perfect. The team would surely crush their rivals and on their way to state championship. Alex listened in good humor since he was not a football fanatic but liked to play and went along with the enthusiastic cheers of the other players. As he was heading towards the showers, Coach Taylor asked, "So you ready for your first game tonight?"

Alex grinned, "Sure thing Coach."

"Then I'm having you start. If that ankle gives you trouble, you tell me. I don't want my best player to be sitting the season out because of stupidity."

Alex gave a mock salute, much to Coach Taylor's amusement, "Yes sir." Alex then trotted off towards the showers. The game didn't start until about 7pm that night and he had to be there for warm-ups at around 5:45pm.

Coach Tyler watched the boys head to the showers and glanced over at the bleachers. He had noticed the two kids with the adult sitting there throughout practice. Tercelli pointed out that she was the substitute for Hardman's history. A closer look revealed that she was the one who interfered the day before. He was sure of it. While the kids were running a play he contacted his contact and waited for instructions. He had them and now he had to make his move.

Coach Taylor waited until the kids were gone before approached the substitute. He was side by side with her when he whispered, "It seems that we meet again only this time it is your turn."

Angela told the kids to go meet their friend and that she would catch up later since she had to take something to the office and that she would meet them at the car. Mason and Kelly took off and she started towards the main office. She became aware that someone was walking beside her and her senses went on alert. When she heard the comment, she backed away quickly and saw that it was the guy that was in charge of those thugs that beat up Hardman. She said, "I've always know the Masons were of every class of man."

Taylor advanced towards the woman. He spotted Bob at the end of the hall. He was to cut her off and they were to take her together. They had been warned that she was a scrapper and wouldn't hesitate to use what she had at her disposal and well Taylor knew that. He had seen her kill a man with a cell phone. He replied, "You should not have interfered. Then this wouldn't have to happen to you. What has been set in motion can't be stopped."

Angela backed up as Taylor advanced. She had her hands up in a defensive posture and was ready to strike. She replied, "Whatever you have planned will not bode well for anyone. It would be best to leave it be."

"That is not my decision."

"There is always a choice," Angela replied taking one more step and backed into something. It then grabbed her from behind and flung her down the hall where she landed hard. It didn't help any that her bag added to the weight and made the fall that much harder. She managed to slip off the strap and slide out but she wasn't quick enough.

A pair of arms got her in a headlock and a cruel voice said, "I reckon I'm going to enjoy this."

Angela didn't want to find out what the guy's idea of fun was and quickly maneuvered her body to place her leg behind her attacker and with full momentum she flung them both on the hard floor. It hurt but the pain told her that was one step better than dead. She was on her feet and she faced Taylor who came at her with a punch. The fight was on.

A/N: Well now there is an interesting turn of events. Taylor is actually Coach Taylor! Another fight and we'll see what happens. Will Angie succeeed or just get in trouble again? Find out next time on The Order of Melchizedek...