School of Angels

Chapter 4 - First Day at School

Jimmy had been living with Brian for a week when reality hit - school started on Monday. An anxious knot formed in his stomach and kept him awake. What if the kids didn't like him? What if he wasn't good enough? What if he couldn't heal, or teleport, or worse - what if he wasn't really an angel at all?

Monday came anyway, and with shaking hands Jimmy got dressed. He could barely touch his cereal and the nerves were almost unbearable.

"Everything's going to be fine, Jimmy," Brian reassured him as he checked Jimmy's schoolbag. "A little more confidence, eh? I'll walk you to class."

Jimmy sighed. "They won't think I'm a baby for this?"

"Not at all," Brian said, his smile unshakable.

They drove to the school in Brian's old jeep, the fortress-like building looming in front of them. As they crossed the bridge, Jimmy's nervousness began to subside. At least here he wasn't just a scruffy orphan anymore.

"Are you ready?" Brian asked as they got out of the jeep.

"Yeah," Jimmy murmured, his stomach still churning.

Inside the school, Brian led him to the headmaster's office. Gabriel Lester - Mr Lester to the students - was waiting for them, a towering figure with a friendly smile.

"Jimmy Milligan," Mr. Lester greeted them. "Do you believe in angels?"

Jimmy smiled awkwardly. "Yes, sir."

"Good," Mr. Lester chuckled. "Your first class is with Mr. Mortimer. Third floor."

They made their way to the classroom. Jimmy felt his nerves return as Brian knocked on the door and beckoned him inside. The room was large, the students sat in a circle, and at the front stood Alan Mortimer - a tall, imposing figure with long black hair, dressed all in black. His sharp features and intense eyes demanded attention, and Jimmy knew immediately that this was a man of great authority.

"Everyone," Mr. Mortimer said, his voice calm but commanding, "this is Jimmy Milligan, a new student and my personal charge."

Jimmy gave a small nod as he felt the eyes of his classmates on him. He took a seat between a boy with blue-haired boy and a blonde girl.

"Welcome, Jimmy," Mr. Mortimer said. "Sit between Adam and Sally."

Brian left, and Jimmy sat awkwardly, looking at his new classmates. The blue-haired boy, Adam, grinned. "So, when did you find out?"

"About what?" Jimmy asked.

"That you're an angel, duh," Sally added, her tone teasing but friendly.

"Er, just last week," Jimmy replied.

"Whoa, that's intense. I've known since I was ten. Sally's known forever," Adam said, leaning back.

"Forever?" Jimmy asked.

"Yeah, my mom always knew," Sally explained. "She could talk to angels when she was little."

Jimmy nodded, still feeling out of place. "That must be nice."

Adam gave him a playful nudge. "Don't worry, man. You'll get the hang of it. We're all a bit weird here."

Before Jimmy could answer, Mr Mortimer spoke again. "Class, let's begin. Telepathy is one of the most important skills you'll learn here, but it's not easy. It's a connection that requires mutual agreement - both sides must be open to it."

The room fell silent and Jimmy concentrated on Mr Mortimer's every word. Telepathy sounded complex, but there was something about it that intrigued him.