Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,3
the bus, saying she is disappointed with how I handled things with you—someone I love.”
“Give me a couple of days to find a place to go, and I’ll be out of your hair. I won’t go back to the dorms to try to stay with Irelyn. It’s not allowed.”
“Absolutely not. You made your bed, and now you get to lay in it. If you leave, Lily will be right behind you. She only agreed to stay because another female was on the bus. You owe me at least that. Don’t fuck up my relationship too!”
“So I’m just supposed to stay on this bus, knowing you hate me?”
“I can be civil for Lily’s sake. And if Phoenix comes back, I don’t give a shit what the two of you do. It’s no longer my problem. Just stay out of my way, capisce?”
“Fine,” I utter, but he is already walking out the door. He didn’t even refute he hated me—he’s just willing to be civil—which just shows how weak that bond truly was. I pull my duffel bag off the floor to search for something to put on, willing these stupid tears not to fall for the hundredth time. I manage to slip on joggers and a T-shirt before Lily barges in. I climb into bed, not really wanting the company. I have to put my pretend face on, though, hoping she doesn’t see through my agony. Aside from my mom and Irelyn, Asher was my family.
“Asher told me you guys worked things out,” Lily stated hopefully.
“Yeah. He apologized and agreed to let me live my life how I see fit. He just wants the best for me.” The lies that roll off my tongue so easily surprise even me. She eyes me suspiciously, looking for any indication I’m being less than honest.
“That’s good. I had hoped he’d come around.” She climbs onto the bed to sit a few feet from me. “Why the somebody kicked my puppy look then?”
“It’s Phoenix. I don’t know what he and Sevyn talked about, but he’s somewhere out there all alone dealing with this on his own.” Okay, so this admission is partly true, at least.
“Oh, I know what you mean. I don’t know either, but I hope he comes back soon. And then, from your conversation with Asher, it sounds like he’ll no longer be an obstacle for you two.”
“Yeah. That is if he’s even still interested in having anything to do with me. He made it sound like I was part of the problem.”
“Girl, have you forgotten that song he practically sang to you in front of everyone? Those kinds of feelings just don’t disappear easily. He’ll try to get back in your good graces when he returns. Just don’t make it too easy for him.” She giggles.
I could have pointed out how quickly my own brother—well, stepbrother—turned on me, but I let that disheartening fact slide.
“Are you joining the guys?”
“Meh. They already left. Asher had them stick around long enough to talk with you. That was a long shower. I had time to make a snack and eat it,” she points out, giggling.
So apparently, the lies roll off his tongue equally as well. Everyone thinks he’s called a truce when he’s only demanded I stay on the bus to pretend we’re okay for the sake of his relationship with Lily. I don’t know this version of him at all. He’s always been the caring, attentive person I could count on, but now any trace of that guy is gone.
“Yeah, the hot water was a little too relaxing. I thought everyone had already left.”
“Figure I’d give them a break away from the estrogen. If they wanted to be around us, they could’ve rehearsed on the bus. That just means some girl time for us. I have some new release movies if you’re interested.”
I jump out of bed with more enthusiasm than I feel. “You pick a movie, and I’ll pop the popcorn.”
“Ooh, can you make Rice Krispies treats? I bought the marshmallows and Rice Krispies after Asher raved about how well you make them but haven’t got around to asking you.”
“Sure. It’s no secret recipe or anything special.” I laugh. “Just lots of butter.” Maybe a girls’ night is just what I need. Something to get lost in besides my own chaotic life.
Lily ends up picking Wonder Woman—not a super new release, but neither of us has seen it yet. I sit cross-legged on the floor with our snacks while she cues the movie.
“I