The Phoenix Society

Chapter 2

My feet carried me through the musky hall. My body ached and groaned with every movement, as they always did after a meeting with my father. I forced a smile on my face as I pushed open a wooden door leading into our bedroom. My brother sat upright in bed, waiting patiently for me to return for a bedtime story. It was his favorite time of night. Monroe kept us busy during the day. I was hardly ever home, which meant my kid brother was left, usually by himself at whichever abandoned building the Phoenix Society called home that week.

"How's my little Ducky tonight?" I asked him, crawling into bed beside him. My brother wrapped his little arms around my neck.

"I missed you." His small voice said as he leaned his head against me.

"I missed you too my little duck." I leaned my head on top of his. My eyes drooped, as my body begged me to allow sleep to take over.

"Tell me again."

I smiled, "Lets see. How does it start again?" I asked as I reclined backwards into the bed.

"There once was a magical kingdom..." My brother said snuggling closer to me.

"The magical kingdom was known for making dreams come true. People would come from far and wide for a chance to meet with the ruler who would determine their fate." My eyes were closed as I told the story. "Two siblings, a sister and her brother, had traveled to the kingdom in hopes of winning over the ruler and change their lives forever. This ruler wasn't like most though. He was greedy and selfish and only wanted to help those for the benefit of himself. The siblings begged and pleaded for the ruler to help them...but with no luck."

I looked down at my brother. His bright eyes were shut and his breath sounds were soft and steady, telling me that he was almost asleep. "The ruler had turned away the siblings, showing them no mercy. This didn't stop them. The sister fought her way to the rulers palace and did not leave until he allowed her to work for him in exchange for a place to live." I smiled at my brother who lay so quiet and peaceful. He had no clue what was happening out in the real world. And I wanted to keep it that way.

"The sister would do anything for her brother." My brother spoke softly. "'One day,' she told him, 'One day this will all be for something.'"

I kissed my brother's forehead, "I promise you that. We will have our happily ever after."

I gasped sitting up. I had sweat dripping up and down my trembling body making my hair cling to my face. I sat, with my head between my legs, trying to catch my breath. It took me a good five minutes before I was able to move. I glanced over at the clock 4:25 it read. I sighed. I don't even know why I try to sleep anymore. Every time I closed my eyes, I was reminded of what I left behind, who I left behind. I felt every bit of pain I went through, again. It was a non-stop cycle that never went away. I lay my head back down, my eyes staring at the ceiling never straying from that one off-centered square panel.

I laid like this for two hours before I decided that sleep wasn't coming to me. I decided it was time to get out bed. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and made my way to the shower in hopes it would wake my tired body up. I stood I the shower, letting the water run over me, cleansing me. I ran my hands through my long, messy, blond hair closing my eyes, letting myself forget. When it was dry it lay wavy covering my light, brown eyes. In this moment, I was safe. I could be myself. I didn't have to be afraid. I let the suds of the soap sit on my body as I slid down the tile wall to the bottom of the shower, where I sat. I sat there for what felt like eternity. It was only when the water started to turn cold, that I reluctantly turned the water off.