If I was to say I'm not afraid, that would be a filthy lie from my own lips. I'm afraid of every outcome that this may have, even if things are going well. It's because I'm unaware of this life; it is like going into a war zone with your eyes closed. I fear every pressuring second as time goes by, but my the weight in my heart isn't as heavy.
I was born with this fear, almost. Ever since the strange old man, who my mother took a liking to, had visted my hopsital room one evening with a jewel. At the time in was placed into a small necklace to fit a newborn, but now it has been moved into a regular necklace. The man had told my mother it was a blessing from him, and would soon bring me quite the amazing gift. I must never take it off.
This gift, so precious to him and my mother, was not seen the same by my father and I. I didn't believe in it's gift and, for sure, I was tired of seeing the same old notorious blue phoenix. It was an example of faux magic, and after my father had died several years ago, my mother dug deeper into the hole of magical beliefs. Constantly reminding me that soon my gift will appear.
Although through my father I was taught not to trust such a thing, I still fear what this 'gift' may be. To them it may have been a wondeful thing but to me, it may be the end of the life I have built up. I have never wanted to risk such a think on a fake jewel wrapped by a silver phoenix. Not fake magic, not even 'real' magic.
But it had changed just now. I didn't realize it at first, but the jewel had changed slightly in color. The heat I felt within my chest was forming the more the necklace changed. It was hot-burning hot. The dark, dull blue that had stared back at me for twenty some odd years has now changed into a fiery orange and yellow, looking similar to the hot sun miles from Earth.
I gasped from the sudden heat. And out in public too that I was struggling to breath. It was almost painful, the burning feeling increased the longer I stood there. And why? Why of all times as a model does this strange moment happen to me now? In front of new people I must work with!
I put my hand over the pendant and blinked slowly. My eyes looked around the room for anything that could indicate why I was feeling such pain. Anything that could help me put it out.
"You must never take this off, Kaileena. It is special and is not for anyone else. One day, your gift will arrive. And when it does, the whole world will change!"
Mother's words rang inside in the back of my mind. But it was difficult for me to understand what it was I was being told to do. Why shouldn't I take this off? It's terrible and has never brought me any gift!
As I reach to unlatch the hook of the necklace, a hand grazing over mine and stops my actions. Startled, I maneuvered my eyes up to man who hovered over me with questioning eyes. Though, his eyes were not on me but on the necklace that was now flaring red.
"And who are you?" He asks, stunning eyes finally meeting mine. I took notice to the light black makeup blended below his bottom eyelids and brown shadow in the creases. His makeup looked fresh and alluring.
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Kaileena," I whisper through my lips. The heat was starting to dull but the color of the phoenix was still bright red. "I'm one of the models..." I trail off.
He smiles and backs away, taking my hand down from the chain. "My name is Hyungwon, I'm a part of the group working with you today."
"Ah," I nod slowly, attempting to gatger my thoughts. "Nice to meet you." A slow blush rose to my cheeks as I soak in the position we were just in. The moment I go to question him, the photographer yells out to everyone.
"Here is the list! Find you partners!" Her head turns to the newbie and I. "Ah, good, good! Hyungwon, you found our number one star. I like, I like!" Rushing over to her camera, she quickly grabs it and motions for us to move in front of the back drop. "Stay right there and pose together! This will be perfect!"
I look at the other members of the group who shuffle around to find a model they are paired with. After turning away, I met Hyungwon at the backdrop set out for us. With my heart pounding continuously, I nervously drew closer to him.
He, with permission and a semi shaky hand, gently places a hand over my hip in the position requested. I moved my leg so that it was partly up and created th3 distance between us. I looked away from him, as told by the photographer, and dropped my eyes to the floor.
"Your necklace," he softly whispers so others wouldn't hear. "It's quite unique. But often used if you're a model, right?"
"Yes, it is." We moved so that I was further away and turned to the side. My back now faced the camera as it looked like I was leaving him, his hand grasping my wrist to stop me. "But I can't take it off."
"Yes, I know very well about that necklace," he says, surprising me. "I was raised all my life being told how one day I will meet a red phoenix. And that I will stay forever beside it as it will protect me."
I was confused by his words. Stay beside me? Protect him? So this man before me knows the secret behind this necklace I can never disregard. But...?
"Do you know of it's stories?"
We are moved for another round of photos. "Until the phoenix has found it's mate, the jewel it protects will be a blazing blue. When meeting its mate and staying beside them, the flame of the phoenix turns red."
I finally meet the eyes of the man who tells me these things as to only comfort me. "Oh? So you're saying I have met my mate?" My heart flutters at the thought of meeting my one and only love. And being as handsome as he is.
He lifts his wrist up, pushing past his dark black suit and revealing a slim, silver bracelet. Although slightly rusted, the burning fire of a red jewel was clear within the middle of the bracelet. "I am the piece of jewel the phoenix on your neck has promised to protect."
I stared amazement at the resemblance of color between both jewels and wondered, was this man my gift?
