Phoenix

Chapter 13

Jackson's POV

Luckily we made it out of the locker room and to second period before gym class started. I swear Phoenix was going to have a panic attack if we wouldn't have made it on time. Unfortunately, we were seated on opposite sides of the room so I couldn't talk to him.

I had a few questions that I really want to be answered. Maybe school wasn't the place for the questions I had, but what can I say, I'm a curious guy. Who wouldn't be after witnessing what he deals with at school on a daily basis and those strange abilities of his? I've only ever read about things like that in books. Well, maybe not the bullying part, I've seen and dealt with it myself before. The pyrokinetic thing, now that's something amazing to witness in real life. That's not what I should be thinking about though.

I should be thinking about what happened earlier. I can't believe those guys would do that to Nix like that. Oh, wait, yes I can. I've seen it happen many times before so I don't know why it's such a surprise to see them treat him like that. Probably because he seems so sweet and innocent, that I don't understand how someone could hurt him and not even bat an eye. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying it.

At least the guys at my old school had a reason. Then again, I don't know a whole lot about Phoenix except he's some strange fire wizard, he's usually alone, no one likes him, and Blythe and Nick hate him. I really need to learn about this kid before I make a real judgment about him. That's part of the reason I wanted to become friends with him and the fact that I find him interesting.

"Hey, Jackson," A sweet voice said beside me and I turned my head to look at Jewl. She leaned forward on her desk, batting her eyelashes at me with her head in her hand, trying to look all cute.

Okay, I know several girls and hardly any of them do that. She's an odd one. I think she's trying way too hard, if she would just tone down her flirty behavior twenty notches, I honestly wouldn't mind asking her out. Jewl doesn't seem all that bad and she's good-looking. Only problem is that she's involved with those meat-head jerks. No thanks, I'd rather stick with my friend than go through that hell again.

"Hey," I replied back, not really too interested in starting a conversation, but I'm not going to ignore her. That would be rude and she hasn't done anything to me.

"Are you going to the Halloween party this weekend?" She asked. Oh, I forgot that Halloween was coming up in a few days. I guess I don't really care since last year I didn't even recognize the holiday, let alone celebrate it. Honestly, I didn't miss out on much except the unnecessary dressing up. That can be a little fun to dress as someone else for a night.

"No," I said. She didn't seem to take that for an answer.

"Let me rephrase that. Will you come with me to a costume party this weekend? We can dress up together in matching outfits, doesn't that sound fun?" Jewl asked, keeping her smile up like she has been since I met her.

"No, not really," I decline again. Jewl's smile faltered for a moment and I could tell she wasn't too happy about saying no. Twice. Some people just don't like taking no for an answer.

"You have all week to come up with an answer, you should think about it," She said. I knew that by the end of the week my answer would still be no. I don't want to go, especially not with her. People would probably think that we were dating or something and I definitely don't want anyone getting that idea. Phoenix in particular, I don't know how he would react to something like that.

Not that I should really care, but Jewl is part of the same group of people that bully him so he might get the wrong idea about whose side I'm on.

Right as Jewl was about to say something else, the teacher for this class finally decided to show up and apologized for being late. Everyone silenced their private conversations as soon as they started the lesson.

~~

"Want to head to third period together?" Jewl asked as I stood up and headed towards Nix's desk.

"No," I said.

"Why do you say no to everything I ask?" She asked and I sighed. This girl is very persistent.

"Because I don't want to do anything you ask," I tell her straight up. "Hey, Nix, ready to go?" I asked Nix, no longer talking to Jewl, but she stays by my side anyway. Technically I can't force her to leave, so whatever.

"Y-yeah," He stutters and I can tell he's uncomfortable in the presence of Jewl. I'm sure he would have stuttered, either way, he gets way too flustered. Which makes me think, did she do something to him so uncomfortable? Or is he just nervous around everyone?

I shrugged my thoughts off and lead Nix out of the class, but really he ended up taking the lead since I still haven't memorized where all my classes are. He's still my guide I suppose. Not that I mind, that just means I can ask him more questions between classes. Although, I can't ask anything personal right now since Jewl is still following me.

"Hey, Nix?" I ask.

"Hm?" He responds with a hum and glances up at me. He really is short, or maybe I'm just tall. Or both.

"Do you want to hang out after school? There's this cool coffee shop I found down the street from my house, I thought maybe we could study there some time," I tell him. He glances between Jewl and I nervously, Jewl's eyes narrow at Nix. It was subtle, but I caught it.

"Um, thanks, b-but no thanks. I have something I have to do today and I can't miss it, sorry," He apologizes. He's lying, I thought, paying close attention to his eyes that looked everywhere except me. Nix also does this thing where he bites his lip when he's nervous or uncomfortable. This only confirmed my theory that something happened between Jewl and him. Why else would he act this way? It's either that or he just really doesn't like being around her, but I have a feeling that's not it.

"I'm free after school, why don't we go together instead? I have this big test coming up for geometry and I could really use a study buddy," Jewl suggested. Of course, you're conveniently free and need a study partner, I mentally rolled my eyes.

My phone buzzed at that moment and I pulled my phone out of my pocket to see what it was. Nothing important. Oh wait, I can use this.

"Shoot, sorry, my grandma needs me tonight. Sorry, maybe next time," I smile apologetically at her. Really, I wasn't sorry, just glad to get out of spending any more time than I had to with this girl.

"Next time," She said with a wink as we reached the classroom and made her way over to her seat with the rest of her girlfriends that I remember from that awkward experience at lunch with them.

I sat in a seat beside Nix and sighed in relief. "Man, that girl is always clinging to my hip."

"I noticed," He said while getting out his laptop from his bag. I smirked at him.

"Are you jealous?" I tease, but he clearly didn't catch my joke. His face turned bright red and he quickly tried to defend himself.

"N-no, o-of course not."

"Mhm~" I teased further and he tried to hide behind his laptop. I chuckled, his reactions are cute. What a dork. "So anyway, do you want to come over to my place later to study?"

This caught his attention and he peeked over his laptop at me with his head tilted to the side a bit.

"I thought you had something to do after school?" He asked, confusion laced in his voice.

"That was a lie, I just didn't want to hang out with Jewl," I shrugged and Nix kept his eyes on me for a few moments. I stared back, his eyes are truly amazing. How could someone not like them? They're so unique, I wish my eyes were that cool. What if I get one colored contact?

"Oh, okay," He said, seeming way less nervous than earlier.

"So is that a yes?" I ask and he nods. "I thought you had something to do after school?" I repeat his question from a moment ago and he looks away from me again, blushing once more.

"I lied," He said truthfully. I know, I thought to myself, but I wasn't going to tell him that I knew that. I wasn't to keep my secrets of reading him to myself, it will make this more fun.

"Oh, well, looks like that worked out for both of us then," I chuckled. He nods a bit to himself and turns his attention back to his computer as soon as the teacher that I can't remember the name of, start class.

This is going to be a fun afternoon. I wonder if he'll show me more of that power of his, I really want to learn about it and him of course.