Angel in My Eyes (MIW fanfic)

Chapter 9: Love is Not a Bed of Roses (Phoenix)

"I just need to...," I said, leaving the bathroom in a towel. I saw Skye and my jaw dropped.

"Pheonix, are you alright?" She stared at me, or really my chest. I realized I was still soaked.

"Y-yeah fine, um, I need to get dressed," I said, quickly skirting around her into my room, slamming the door shut.

"That was rude, Pheonix," I heard her grumble.

"I'm naked, we're going to be late and I need to put clothes on," I said to her, pulling on boxers and jeans. I turned and opened the door. "Now that I'm somewhat decent, you can come in." I searched for a shirt in my closet. She perched on my bed.

"I like the view," Skye said absently.

"Yeah, really?" my accent came out. Damn.

"Now that's hot," Skye teased. "What is with the accent?"

"I lived in England for three years, Babe. You adopt some things." I pulled on a Fearless Vampire Killers shirt and grabbed my soccer bag.

"Are you finally ready?" Skye asked, standing. I pulled my damp hair back and pecked her lips.

"Yeah, I'm ready, just need my boots." I grabbed my keys and laced up my combat boots.

"What's behind your ear?" she asked, as we ran down the stairs.

"A tattoo, duh," I said, grabbing two helmets. "It goes on or the bike won't move." Handing hers to her.

"What's the tattoo of?" she asked, trying to get a better look.

"It's a stupid, meaningless tattoo," I said, handing her my soccar bag. I didn't want to tell her.

"What of?" She pushed.

"It's my old friends' dad's dog tag!" I snapped, climbing onto my bike. "Get on or we'll be late!" I shoved my helmet on and kicked the bike to life. She slid on behind me and wrapped her arms around me silently. I drove to the school and parked.

"Why is it stupid, Pheonix?" She asked quietly as we walked to Skiles' class.

"I'll explain that later," I said, opening the door to the classroom. Skiles stopped mid sentence and looked at us.

"Sorry, sir, I overslept and since I give Skye rides to school, she is late too," I lied, sliding into my seat.

"Work with them on their guitars and stop giving me excuses," Skiles said to me, winking. "Skye, help the altos range out the song properly."

"Yes, sir," Skye said, instructing the altos through the song while I taught the guitar solos to the kids who got their parts. She kept looking at me, concerned. I pulled my hair out of its ponytail so it feathered down, hiding my tattoo. This was not a conversation I looked forward to. It was once an honor tattoo that now was tainted with harsh memories. The bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Skye and I have free period now. Great.

"Nix, you comin'?" Skye asked softly from next to me. I jumped.

"Yeah, I guess." I stood and followed her out to the soccer pitch.

"Tell me about the tattoo," Skye demanded, kicking a soccar ball to me.

"I really don't want to dredge up that memory. So as vaguely as possible, I'll tell you. I got it to honor my best friends dad. He found out about my cutting, did some very bad things to me and ever since, I've regretted the tattoo," I said, kicking the ball up into the air and bumping it with my knees.

"Bad things like what?" Skye pressed softly.

"Skye, that's a really sore subject. Leave it alone," I said evenly.

"You can trust me, you know?" Skye said sadly. "I feel like I don't know you at all some days, Nix. I don't like it."

"Last person I told said I could trust him and it wound up locker room gossip." I sighed, never taking my eyes off the ball in front of me.

"Pheonix don't keep secrets," Skye demanded. "It's not healthy."

"I refuse to talk about this, Skye. Please respect that," I snapped, letting the ball drop on the grass. "End of discussion."