Phoenix

Chapter 14

Phoenix's POV

I texted my mother during lunch and told her that I was going to work on a project with my partner after school. She was a little skeptical at first, but I expected her to be. She's suspicious of almost everything. After convincing her that I would have my phone on me the entire time and that it was for school, she finally gave in.

I would have told her that I was going to a friend's house, but I knew she would never agree to that. Even if it was for studying, she doesn't exactly trust people. Sometimes I don't even think she trusts me with my secret.

"This is my stop," Jackson said, pulling me out of my own thoughts. He grabbed his bag and stood up, ready to get off the bus. I followed his lead off the bus. The bus driver looked confused but didn't say anything again. I wonder why he stopped making comments towards me. It's kinda weird for someone to change so suddenly.

"Are your parents okay with me coming over?" I asked as I followed him up a gravel road to a small house that stood almost alone on the street.

Jackson didn't seem to like my question, his mouth twitched like he was about to say something. Instead, he nodded and walked up a set of steps onto the small porch.

"My Grandma has been asking me to go out more or to hang out with more people, so I'm sure she won't mind," He said and I nodded in response, afraid to say something else that might accidentally make him upset. Talking about his parents must be a weak spot.

I wouldn't dare question it though, it's none of my business and I don't want to upset my first friend. At least I know I shouldn't bring them up again. Maybe some time, but definitely not anytime soon. I just barely know the guy.

"Let's go to my room, maybe she'll leave us alone that way," He said as he entered the house. Jackson muttered something under his breath, but I couldn't quite catch what he said. I followed Jackson inside and stopped as soon as I saw an older woman with white hair standing in front of us. Her arms were crossed over her pink apron that had splotches of flour all over it.

"What were you thinking young man?" She asked. Her voice sounded agitated. Uh-oh, is Jackson in trouble? "I can't believe you skipped a class, after all the talks we had. I thought you had gotten passed this."

This is awkward, I probably shouldn't be here. Especially after him skipping class was my fault. I started to tell her that, so his actions could be justified, but Jackson silently hushed me with his hand.

"Can we talk about this later? I brought a guest," He said. The woman opened her mouth to speak, until her eyes fell from his to mine. She paused for a moment, probably just realizing that I was standing beside Jackson.

"Oh, oh my I am so sorry, I didn't see you there," She said and her frown turned into a smile. That's odd, I usually get the opposite reaction from people. "Is he a friend?"

"Yes," He replied and the woman's smile grew.

"Why didn't you say so from the start? I can't believe it! A friend? Oh I'm so excited," Her mood picked up and she wiped her hands on her apron before offering her hand to me. "Darcy, I'm this grumps grandmother."

Jackson rolled his eyes and I smiled as I shook Darcy's hand. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am. My name's Phoenix."

"Phoenix? What a unique name, I like it," She smiled and pulled me into the next room that I assumed to be the living room with all of the couches and chairs around the room. "Sit dear, I'll be back with some snacks and drinks. Oh, I can't wait to tell your Grandfather that you have a friend."

Jackson's grandma said to Jackson as she patted his shoulder and walked out of the room. She sure has a lot of pep for an old person. I guess not all of them are old and grumpy.

I like her.

Jackson sighed and sat down beside me on the couch. It's quite comfortable actually. I looked up at Jackson and he shook his head.

"I'm sorry about her, she gets a little too excited at times," He said. I smiled at him.

"I like her, she's sweet," I said.

"I suppose, she's a little overbearing at times though. This is why I wanted to study in my room," Jackson said as he stood up. "C'mon, let's go to my room before she comes back."

"Won't she be upset?" I asked, but stood up anyway.

"She'll be upset that she won't be able to interrogate you," He said and before I could try to argue, he grabbed my hand. That immediately shut me up and he pulled me out of the living room and to a door. He opened it and led me down a flight of stairs. A basement?

Oh wait, this is his bedroom. I thought as we reached the bottom of the steps. The place had thick cream-colored carpet on the floor instead of the typical concrete you would expect in a basement. One half had a television, a small bookshelf filled with books, a few lounge chairs, and a desk. The other side had a large bed that was not made and a dresser with a few pieces of clothing lying around on the floor.

"I'm not sorry for the mess," Jackson said as he made his way over to his desk. I laughed quietly to myself. His room isn't that messy, he shouldn't be sorry anyway.

"It's not that bad," I said as I followed him.

"I know. You can put your bag anywhere, let's work at my desk," He said and I nodded, placing my bag down beside one of the bean bags in the room. I pulled out my laptop and made my way over to the desk. Jackson pulled over a chair and sat down and I sat in the one already at the table.

"Let's start with math first since that's what you seem to struggle the most with," He said as he pulled out his notebook labeled 'Math' so I assumed they were math notes.

"Okay," I agreed and the study session started.

~~

"Wow, you really don't like math do you?" Jackson asked and I shook my head. We've been back and forth on the same assignment for an hour now. Sure, he helped me understand a little bit more than I knew earlier, but not that much. Math really isn't my thing. At all.

"Let's take a break. Maybe that will help you clear your mind and focus," He suggested.

"Okay," I said with a small sigh. I really wish I understood this stuff.

"So.. Will you show me?" Jackson asked, glancing at my hand. I tilted my head in confusion. Show him what? "You know, your fire. I want to see it again."

"No," I said. We may be inside and sure he knows about it, but I can't just be using it whenever. That's dangerous.

"So you can say no. Why don't you say no to those jerks at school?" He asked, changing the subject. I looked down at my lap. He's right, I should say no to them. Well, if I wanted to have more broken bones. Which I don't.

"It's complicated," I said. He hummed in response.

"I understand. Sorry, that was a bad idea," Jackson said. I looked up at him, but he wasn't looking at me anymore. He was staring off elsewhere. My eyes stayed on him anyway, studying him. His eyes are so blue; his grandmother doesn't have blue eyes. I wonder where he gets them. Some blue eyes look grey almost, but his are a deep blue. They're beautiful.

I blushed faintly whenever his eyes met mine. He probably thinks I'm creepy for staring at him like that. He knows I'm into guys, too. I hope he doesn't think I like him. That would be awkward. Even though I do kind of like him. I can't really tell if it's his good looks, the fact that he's the only one that has been kind to me recently, or if it was something else...

"Jackson, there's a package here for you!" His grandma's voice yelled, breaking the moment. I mentally sighed in relief. I'm glad he didn't say anything.

"Coming!" He yelled back. Then he turned his attention back to me. "I'll be right back." I nodded and he darted up the stairs. Once he disappeared I looked back over the notes he had given me, trying to see if maybe I could understand them on my own. I doubted it, but might as well keep trying until I do.

Footsteps sounded from the stairs and I turned my attention back to the steps. That was fast.

Or not, I thought as I saw the old lady from earlier instead of Jackson. She smiled at me and I smiled back. Inside I was really nervous, I'm not very good at talking to people I don't know and Jackson isn't here.

"Hello, deary," She said as she sat down in the chair that Jackson was sitting in a few moments ago.

"H-hello," I stuttered. Great job, I mentally facepalmed.

She let out a chuckle, "You're a shy one. Different from his past friends. Maybe that's a good thing."

That made me wonder, what were his past friends like?

"Can I ask you for a favor, dear?" Darcy asked and I nodded.

"Of course."

"Will you keep an eye on Jackson for me? He had a rough time at his last school and so I moved him here hoping he can get a fresh start. I don't want him getting into old habits like skipping school," She said. A rough time? Someone like Jackson had a rough time at school? Well, he does have an attitude towards people. Then again, I shouldn't be judging either, anyone can have a hard time in school. Why did he though? Surely it wasn't grades.

"I'll keep an eye on him. Also, I should apologize, Jackson skipping class this morning was my fault," I told her honestly.

"Oh really?" She asked.

I nodded and tried my best not to bite my lip so I could keep talking. "He really helped me out this morning when I need it, he was just being a good friend to me. I'm sorry that he skipped class, it really wasn't his fault."

"I see... Well, alright, as long as it doesn't become a habit. I'm glad he met you, he really needs a friend right now," She said with a smile that almost seemed sad. So I wasn't the only one in need of a friend. That or just his grandmother wanted him to have someone else around. Or what if he just wanted to be my friend to please her?

"What are you guys talking about?" Jackson said, startling me. His grandma didn't seem phased though.

"Oh nothing," She said and got up from her seat. "I'll let you two get back to it. Dinner will be done soon by the way if you would like to join us?"

"I don't want to impose," I started to say, but she jumped in.

"Oh no darling, please join us, it would be a pleasure. I'm sure Jackson would like you to stay, isn't that right?" She asked Jackson.

"You're already here and I know you love food," He said with a small smirk. Darn, he found my weak spot. I do love food.

"Even more reason to stay," Darcy smiled.

"Alright, I'll stay for dinner. Thank you," I said and she clapped her hands in delight.

"Wonderful, I'll call you boys up when it's ready," She said before heading back up the stairs.

Jackson smiled and sat back in his original seat. "Looks like you two are getting along quite well. What were you two talking about?"

"N-nothing," I said. I wasn't sure if his grandma wanted to keep it to myself or not, but I didn't want to upset him so I decided it would be best to not tell him.

"Alright... Let's get back to studying then," He said. "But first, I have one more question."

"Hm?" I hummed in question.

"Why are your pants on fire?" He asked. Fire? I don't feel any heat? I looked down at my pants immediately, worried that I accidentally used my power out of nervousness and didn't realize. But my pants weren't on fire.

Jackson chuckled. "Even a pyro fell for that? You're so cute."

I blushed deeply and looked away from him with a small huff.

"Sometimes my powers work based on my emotions, so I'm sorry if I thought they were really on fire," I said, trying not to pout that I actually fell for his trick.

"Oh? At least I learned something new about you," He said. I learned something new about you, too. I thought to myself. Guess we're even now. Though, I do want to learn a lot more about his old school and friends. That's not something I should ask about. He should tell me about himself. If he ever decides to that is.

Not too long after we had finished our math homework, Jackson's grandmother called us up for dinner. The air was dense and awkward during dinner, which I didn't quite expect since Jackson's grandmother seemed to love to talk. Her rules seemed to change whenever food was involved. No one really made any attempt to talk and the few times that someone had tried it died down really fast. Joe, who I was introduced to as Jackson's grandfather, also joined us. He was an old man, which is what you would expect for someone's grandpa. he almost looked like he could be someone's great grandfather, though with how many wrinkles and bruises he had all over his skin. His eyes were cold and hard, he seemed to have no interest in anything going on around him. I swear he even glared a few times at me whenever I wasn't looking. Not that I could see, but I could feel it.

A shiver ran down my spine and I thanked them before excusing myself to use the restroom. Not only to wash my hands but so I could also call my mother. I know how she tends to get worried and I don't want to push her anxiety about me being away from home or school for so long.

Jackson's grandfather seemed to have his eye on me the entire walk down the hall, but I tried to ignore it. He definitely gave off a different vibe than Darcy or Jackson. Well, actually, I see a bit of Jackson in him. Only when he is being scary, other than that, not really. I have a feeling he doesn't like me. Did I do something wrong? I hope not.

As soon as I entered the restroom I pulled out my phone and dialed my mom's number. She picked up almost immediately.

"Phoenix, honey! Is everything alright? You've been gone a while," She said and I could clearly hear the worry in her voice over the phone. I mentally sighed, she tresses too much. I really wish there was a way that I could help her stress about me much less. She deserves to be able to relax more.

"Yes, Mom, I'm fine. I'm sorry for worrying you, I just got caught up in my work and then they invited me to dinner so I-"

"They? Who?" My mother asked, interrupting me, but I understood her concerns.

"Jackson's grandmother, Jackson is the boy that I'm.. working on that project with," I said, only just barely catching my lie. I almost said study when I told her it was a project. I'm lucky I didn't say that.

"Oh, I see. That's fine, as long as you're alright. Do you need me to pick you up?"

"Actually his house isn't too far from ours so I can just walk home. But thanks, Mom," I said with a smile. She didn't sound upset at all and I was relieved. Maybe she'll even be okay if I told her that I'm friends with Jackson. Let's just take baby steps for right now.

"Oh, alright, will I see you home soon?" She asked and I nodded, but then remembered that she can't see me and I mentally facepalmed at my stupidity.

"Yeah, I'll pack up and let them know that I have to go home," I told her.

"Okay, see you soon honey, love you," She said to me.

"Love you, too," I replied before hanging up. I washed my hands before heading back out of the bathroom.

"Why did you have to bring that up?!" Jackson yelled at an angry-looking Joe. I don't know what I expected to see whenever I walked out of the bathroom, but I didn't expect to see a fight. Everything seemed fine moments ago.

Jackson stood in the doorway of the hall. His eyes were filled with tears, threatening to fall at any moment. Jackson put up a fight and they stayed put, not daring to actually fall. Darcy stood in between Jackson and Joe, trying to calm them down, but it didn't seem to be working.

"You need to grow the hell up Jackson! You're almost an adult and you're acting like a child over this! Just accept that they're gone and get over it," He yelled and Jackson shook his head, looking angrier by the second rather than sad. I had the urge to rush over to Jackson and hug him, I knew now was not the time and that I shouldn't even be witnessing this right now, this seems more like a private matter. Jackson seems really hurt.

"You don't understand what it's like. You never will, so I don't want to hear it right now!" Jackson yelled back.

"Boys now is not the time to do this. Especially not when we have a guest over," Darcy said, nodding her head towards me as she acknowledged my presence. Everyone's heads turned towards me and I wanted to shrink back and disappear at this exact moment. Unfortunately, I couldn't.

"Whatever, I was just leaving anyway," Jackson said before he stormed out of the house and slammed the door behind him.

"Um.. I um, I'm going to check on him," I managed to brave up and say as I awkwardly made my way over to the door and followed Jackson outside. The two adults said nothing to me as they started arguing in hushed whispers just before I closed the door behind me.

I looked around for Jackson and just barely caught the sight of him disappearing into the woods. I should probably give him some time to cool off... But I can't just leave him like that. I'm worried about him and it's dangerous to go into the woods alone when it's starting to become dark outside..

I entered through the trees, looking through the pine leaves and tall trunks for any sign of Jackson. There was nothing, just the normal sounds of birds and the leaves rustling in the wind. I kept walking anyway, keeping an eye out for him.

After a few minutes, I came up to the river that I had caught Jackson on the other day. Well, technically he caught me. I scanned the area and saw someone sitting near the bank wearing a gray hoodie. There he is. I quietly walked over to him and sat down beside him in silence.

I didn't quite know what to say to him and I didn't want to be rude and ask about something that wasn't my business. So I just sat there in silence, hoping maybe just my presence would be enough for now. Unless he wanted to be completely alone.

A couple of moments went by that felt like minutes. The sound of rushing water passing us by seemed to get louder by the second until Jackson spoke.

"I'm sorry you had to see that and that I stormed out," he apologized.

"Oh, no, don't be sorry. I'm sorry that I was there, it seemed like a personal matter, sorry." I said and glanced down, feeling even worse for being there and not being able to do anything. He shouldn't be sorry for anything.

"You apologize a lot, don't you?" He asked and I nodded in response. "That's a bad habit to have, you apologize for no reason."

"Sorry," I mumbled and tried not to slap myself after the word slipped out of my mouth. Jackson just chuckled.

"See? No reason," He sighed and shook his head. "Anyway, thanks for not asking what happened back there. Most people are nosey and ask a bunch of questions."

"Like you?" I asked and regretted those words too as he raised one brow at me. "I-I didn't mean it like that, I just meant you ask a lot of questions..." I trailed off, wishing I could disappear again. Jeez, I just need a hole to jump into for these kinds of situations.

"It's alright, I know what you meant," He said and stared back into the water like he was doing before he said anything. I couldn't think of anything else to say so I did the same, keeping my thoughts to myself as I watched the water pass by and continue down the stream.

"You know, you wanted to ask something earlier about my abilities, didn't you? You can ask now if you want since no one else is around," I said. I thought since I shouldn't ask about what happened maybe I should distract him with another subject. I could have mentioned school, but I don't like school.

"I forgot what I was going to ask," He said in a monotone voice.

"Oh, sorry." So maybe talking isn't a good idea.

"But now that you mention it, I have another question. Can you burn things? I know that you can control fire or whatever, but it's weird. You didn't burn me and you said that you can use it to relieve pain. Is that even normal?" Jackson asked and that made me think. Is it normal?

"I don't think anything about being able to control fire it 'normal', but if you mean normal for a pyro, I honestly don't know. I can burn things, yes, I just don't like to. That usually only happens when I'm angry," I told him with a small shrug. "In all the books I've read with any fire users, they tend to only burn things. I haven't read anything with anyone that can use their fire abilities as I can. But then again, those are only books, I've never met anyone like me before."

"Never? What about your parents?"

"My mother is human as far as I know and my dad... I don't know, I've never met him," I said, remembering why I wanted to meet my dad again. Not just because I want to meet the man who helped create me, but because he can answer questions about myself that my mom can't.

"Grandparents?" He asked and I shook my head. "Wow, okay, so you only really know what you figured out yourself." I nodded in response and he slowly nodded as well.

"Yeah, my mother and I have moved around a lot and she said that she lost contact with any of her family members and she doesn't know my dad's side at all. So I assume my powers come from his side, but I'm not sure," I said truthfully.

"I see," Jackson started. "Well, since you told me that, I guess it's only fair that I tell you something then,"

"You don't have to," I said.

"I know, but I want to. That's friendship works, right?" he asked and I shrugged. I don't know if that's how it really works or not. "The reason I got upset earlier was that my grandfather mentioned my mother. He knows how sensitive I am about my parents being mentioned so I got upset, but then he compared my temper to my father's, and that only irritated me further."

"If you don't mind me asking, why do you get upset when your parents are mentioned..?" I asked cautiously. Jackson took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking again.

"Well, my parents-"

Something jumped out of the forest suddenly, making Jackson stop mid-sentence. We both stopped and stared at the large, furry creature. At first, it seemed to be a dog, but upon further inspection, it looked too big to be a dog. It looked more like a wolf. Its fur was as black as the night sky, but it shined under the sun as it slowly stalked closer to us. My pulse quickened the closer it became. Jackson's hand brushed against mine as he leaned in closer to my ear.

"Should we run?" He asked and I slowly shook my head, afraid to make any sudden movements. I stared at its large claws that dug into the dirt with every step it took. Jackson stood up and the wolf bared it large fangs at him, making both of us freeze.

What do we do in this situation? We could run, but I don't think we could outrun a wolf. What if I could scare it away with fire? But if I anger it, it could make things worse.

"You can't fly by chance, can you?" Jackson whispered nervously to me.

"Unfortunately, no," I responded, trying to keep my voice as quiet as possible, but the wolf seemed to hear and it growled as it picked up its pace. The only thing separating us was the small creek.

"Well, shit."