Project Phoenix

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Friend

"Claire?" I said. "How did you get here?"

"I was going outside to look for you and someone captured me and through into a van."

"Oh, Claire I just can't believe what's happening right now." I hugged her small owl body and shed a tear. "How long have you been here?"

"Probably as long as you have."

I saw Jayden and Ethan make their way towards us.

"Hey Phoenix, who's this?" Jayden asked.

"This is Claire. My friend that I told you about before."

"Hey, I'm Jayden. And Phoenix is my room mate." 

"I'm Ethan.  And I'm a loner 'cause I don't have a room mate."

"My room mate is Lincoln." She pointed over to a barn owl. "Well, at lease I have some friends here now." Claire told us. "How often do we come here?"

"Once a week." Jayden replied. "I think we're supposed to train or something but I usually get caught up talking to this weirdo." Jayden said as he pointed to Ethan. 

"Says the one who used to knit with his 'Granny.'"

"Shut up." 

I heard a loud piercing alarm that made my ears feel like they were bleeding. "All creatures, please return to your room at this time." Then, it suddenly stopped and the room was silent. 

"Well, see you guys next week." Jayden said. "Let's go Phoenix."

Jayden and I walked back to our room in silence. There was a guard waiting by our door to let us in and lock us in. I sat down in my usual spot then had a break down again. 

"Jayden, I miss my family. I want my mom and dad and sister back." I cried out

Jayden came over and hugged me tightly. "Phoenix, I know this is hard for you but you need you be strong. Be strong for your family. Be strong for Claire. Be strong for me. And most importantly, be strong for yourself."

He sat beside me until I stopped crying. "Phoenix, I think it's time for us to get some sleep." Then Jayden leaned over, looked into my eyes and kissed me. "Good night. And Phoenix, remember, be strong."

"Good night Jayden."