Night Phoenix

Chapter Nine

I talked to Nia about things I did as a human. We laugh as I tell the dumb things I did, and she tells stories of her childhood. Nia has a younger brother, Coda. I look around and see a boy with her curly blond hair. His eyes are amber just like hers and everyone else's. Besides mine. I remember looking in the mirror at my golden eyes.  What do they mean? I have never understood, and Rhy didn't either. Rhy. His name brings anger into me as I remember earlier. I squeeze my hands tightly around the edge of the table. Who does he think he is? Yesterday he is kind and fun, today he is kicking his parents from their home.

"Poppy?... Are you okay?.." Nia says slowly.

I release my grip from the table and stare at her.

"I am fine. Just remembering..." I trial off.

Who should I say!? I can't say Rhy, because then I have to explain.

"Remembering my cousin.." I lie.

"What did they do?" Nia asks.

I think carefully. Something she did that mad me super mad....

"She ruined my pillow and poured freezing cold water on my face when I was sleeping." I growl.

Nia snorts and covers her mouth with her hands.

"Wow.." She sneers.

I roll my eyes at her. She wouldn't care.

I see Lance walking towards me with a nervous smile on his face. His cheeks are rose red. What  happened that embarrassed him?

"H-hey Poppy. Could I talk to you?" He whispers.

I look at him with wide eyes. I slowly nod to him. He holds out his hand for me take. I slowly put my small hand into his rough hand.

I'm the corner of my eye, Rhy is staring at our hands as Lance closes his fingers around mine.

"Follow me." Lance says gently.

We walk out of the room and down the hall. I feel stiff with my hand in his. I look at the back of his head at the shaggy brown hair.

"Where are we going?" I feel curiosity stabbing into me.

He just turns his head to me and smiles. I feel angry. Could he just tell me? And why must we hold hands?! I feel the urge to yank my hand to my side away from his. I don't though, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Lance is sensitive.

"In here." He says.

We walk into a room with only couches. A room to hang out with your friends. We sit on a couch in the back of the room. I look around at the dark walls and the navy blue carpet. The couches are made of old fabric with the color worn away.

"Poppy I wanted to tell you something..." He murmurs.

I look at him and feel surprised. He is all red and his eyes are watering. He turns his head to the side and runs his hand through his hair.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

He nods and draws in a quick breath. I look around the room again. I fidget on the hem of the big sweater I wear. Lance keeps drawing in breaths and all I do is look anywhere but his direction.

"Poppy.." He whispers.

I turn my head to look at him and open my mouth to reply. I am quickly cut off with Lance pressing his lips to mine. I feel every inch in me tense up. No, no, no. I don't love Lance. He is only my friend, what is he thinking!? I pull away a few inches but he grabs my waist and pull me close to him again. He has a bright red face as he kisses me and he has his eyes closed. I have my eyes wide open. My hands are just hovering awkwardly between his body and mine.