Phoenix

Chapter 19

Tension

Essence's POV
It was currently 11:45, and I found myself climbing out my window and down a tree, only to get ahold of a sturdy branch and swing myself to the ground. As soon as my feet successfully made contact with the dewy grass, Phoenix intertwined his fingers with mine and dragged me behind him, as he moved quickly and skillfully towards the cafeteria, making sure to stay in the shadows. I glanced around, the campus seeming calm and serene in the night. Only a few lampposts acted as a source of light, tinging the area around them with a soft orange shade. The soft cricket stridulations and rustling of the leaves acting as a soothing nocturnal melody. I love the night.
Soon enough we had come to a halt, and I found myself missing the warm feeling of Phoenix's hand in mine, as he pulled away.

We had made it to the caf unnoticed, so far so good. Now we had to get in. Phoenix reaches out and pulled a bobby pin out of my hair. I smiled at him knowingly, before motioning to the door with my head so he would work faster.
As Nix picked the lock, I stood guard, carefully analyzing the premisses for any sign of danger.
Peering into the dark, I made out what seemed to be a figure, taking refuge behind a tree. As I was about to wander towards the shadow, I felt Phoenix's hand find its way back into mine, as he pulled me into the canteen, swiftly shutting the door behind me. But before he did, I managed to throw one last glance towards the tree where I thought I saw someone standing, only to see there was no one there...

_ "So what would you like to eat bellissima?" The ginger's deep voice snaps me out of my trance as it gently echoed through the empty establishment. I smile softly at yet another nickname he had given me. Bellissima meant gorgeous in Italian. Did he think I was pretty?

I walk over to where he stood, making sure to duck every security camera. Behind the counter, the lunch ladies had already prepared and laid out most of the breakfast foods. There was a variety to pick from: yogurt packets, granola bars, berry bowls, fresh juice bottles, sandwiches and even pastries. That wasn't even the half of it. In the morning, pancakes and waffles, fruit salads, eggs in all their forms, smoothies and oatmeals would be freshly prepared bright and early, ready for the students to flood in before classes. Unlike many cafeterias, the one here served amazing and healthy food because the Dean obviously wants us to maintain our health and shape. After all, some of the worlds best assassins graduated from T.R.A.A. Couldn't have poor diets ruin that now.

Phoenix and I picked up a bit of everything, and struggled to shove all the food into the pockets of our hoodies. When exiting the lunch room, the sound of jingling keys caught our attention. I snapped my head to the side of the building where the sound came from. My reflexes kicking in, I gripped Nix's hand tighter in mine, and dragged him to the other side of the place, where I practically slammed him flat onto the wall before doing the same. The man, who we assumed to be the night guard, was singing along to some 2000's Britney Spears pop song, his voice an ungraceful screech. I snorted, hardly able to bottle up the laugh threatening to sound. Immediately, Phoenix's hand flies up and covers my mouth as he shushed me, barely keeping his composure himself; his muffled chortles sounding like hiccups. This only made my hushed laughter worse, and I licked the palm of Nix's hand in an attempt to get it off my face. My act was successful, as he withdrew his hand briskly, stumbling back almost revealing himself before I caught him by the shirt. By the time the guards awful singing faded away, we rushed back to my room.

As soon as we got there, we cuddled up under the covers, indulging in the snacks we had brought back as we watched several movies. A few hours later, the screen of my laptop dimmed as the credits rolled on our forth movie. My head was softly laying on Phoenix chest as it rose and fell evenly. His heart beat was slow and steady, indicating he was completely relaxed. I look up at him, only to notice he was fast asleep. He must have had
a long day today since he usually leaves after we finish our movie night. I gently slide from under his hand which was wrapped around my waist to turn off the laptop and brush my teeth. Once I was done, I slip back under the sheets, immediately engulfed not only in his scent, but in his warmth which instantly lulled me to sleep.