John fumed after Xavier’s departure. “He’s just doing what he thinks is best,” Denise said. “A lot of angels agree with him. Aaron does.” John stewed on her words as visions of his days at school raced through his head. Xavier’s teams at the angel tournaments had been tough matches to win in those days. Xavier’s time there had been filled with masterful strategy and guile. Pure cunning and a fevered lust for winning at all costs had driven his team to great success. But John’s team at Whispering Trees had always managed to beat them – if only barely. “He used to be one of the first people to jump onto the front lines and get his hands dirty,” Harold piped in echoing John’s thoughts. Denise breathed softly as she pondered the words with her eyes roaming the airy classroom. “I’m proud of him,” she said and her gaze locked on John. “With everything that’s happened to him in the last year, it’s a testament to his faith.
