Choices

XI

Phoenix and I have been plotting our escape for a while now. We're not sure when we're going to get out or how we're actually going to get out of here, but we know we will. And together.

-

With Phoenix not being here I had nothing to do. I was beginning to overthink while sitting in his room by myself so I decided that I would go downstairs and get something to eat.

But of course every time I go downstairs something wrong seems to happen.

I opened the door to the kitchen and to my surprise there Ace was. As soon as I saw the back of his head I was already heading towards the door again, but it seems fate had a different plan.

"Don't fucking move Calista" I instantly froze, "Turn around and look me in my eyes"

gulping I hesitated but complied, fearing the consequences.

"I have a job for you. You shall not tell anyone what this job is or you and that person will be severely punished. Do you understand?"

"Yes"

"Good, now follow me."

he continued as we walked into the living room "For this job you will have to be here by 8pm wearing these clothes so I can transport you on time to the fighting ring. Obviously wear something over the clothes so no one suspects anything." Ace says handing me lingerie.

"You're going to be a ring girl sweet cheeks."

-

Today was my first day on the "job" and I felt like my stomach was going to escape my throat.

Ace has some former ring girls teach me how to walk and fix my expressions as well as how to handle the signs.

By 7:58 I had finished my shower and successfully but on my lingerie under my clothes without Phoenix noticing. The one thing I couldn't hid though, being the heels which he definitely noticed.

"Where are you going, Calista?"

"Nowhere Phoenix."

"Obviously you're not going "nowhere" so just tell me where you're going please."

"No."

"What?" exclaimed Phoenix, becoming flustered and concerned as he stood up from the bed.

"I said no Phoe-"

"Calista lets go!!" Interrupted Ace from downstairs.

Shit it's 8:01

"You- Ace- Wha-. Calista please. What's happening mama ?"

"Just drop it Phoenix. I'll see you tomorrow"

"Tomor- Yea o-ok, y-y-yea."

Seeing the way his shoulders slouched and how concerned and hurt laced his eyes was painful but it's what I had to do.

I probably could have handled that in a better way and not have made it seem that me and Ace were a thing but I got scared and now I have to deal with that.

-

"We're here. Follow Angie, go get changed and grab the signs."

"Ok"

I hopped out of the car and followed Angie into the abandoned warehouse -or fighting ring- where she lead me to a room where the rest of the ring girls were.

She explained that it's a 5 hour shift and that I'll be alternating with another ring girl ever other match.

After the explanation all the girls did my hair and makeup then I changed and made my way to the ring.

Keeping my shoulders back and my eyes forward I managed to walk past all the horny guys and ignore all the cat calls.

Patiently I waited for my cue and then stepped into the ring. I held the sign up high and swayed my hips as I walked, keeping a calm yet seductive expression on my face.

This went on for 5 more hours and by the end I couldn't wait to get home. I had made it through the night with only a few guys getting physical with me, but nothing I couldn't handle.

At the end of my shift I walked towards Ace but he instantly shoed my away. "Angie's taking you home."

On the way home Angie tried to make small talk but I just really wasn't in the mood. All I could think about was what I was going to tell Phoenix when I got home.

"Thank you Angie I really appreciate everything you've done for me today. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok love get some rest. You did good tonight"

I gave her a small smile and then proceeded to walk into the house.

Quietly I walked into my room where Phoenix was sleeping and without thinking started changing. Forgetting I was still wearing lingerie.

I quickly took the lingerie off and put on some pajamas before turning around to my bed where my eyes met Phoenix's.

"What's happening Calista? And don't you fucking dare tell me that nothing is happening because I just saw you change out of lingerie after being with Ace the whole fucking night!!"

By now his breathing was becoming harsher and his hands would rake through his hair every few seconds and I knew he was on the verge of having a mental breakdown.

"Calm down puer-"

"I can't fucking calm down Calista!!"

"Please. I can't tell you what's happening but just know nothing is going on."

"I want to believe you but-but I-"

"I understand Phoenix but let's just go to slee-" but before I could finish Phoenix was already out the door and down the hall to his room.

I followed shortly after him and tried to open his door to comfort him but he had locked it.

"I'm sorry Phoenix. Please open the door."

"Go away."

"Ok. I'm so sorry Phoenix. Nothing is happening"

I knew I wasn't going to be going to sleep tonight without Phoenix so I prepared myself for that. I may have become too reliant on him but it was hard not to.

I climbed into bed without crying and let my thoughts overcome me.

Phoenix hates you. You ruined your chance and now he wants nothing to do with you.

I know...

I slowly fell asleep with these thoughts swirling through my mind. Prepared for my lovely nightmares.

-

I woke up screaming and sweating severely but despite Phoenix not liking me at the moment there he was, comforting me and telling me that everything was ok.

"You're ok Calista. Nothings going to happen to you. I'm here."

Even though he was here comforting me when I didn't deserve it was nice. But I couldn't miss that fact that he continued to call me by my name rather than one of his nicknames for me.

"Just go to sleep Calista. I'm leaving. I wouldn't do that to you."

"Phoenix I-"

"Go to sleep."

And so I did. Only this time I didn't have a nightmare about my parents, or my past. This time it was about Phoenix.