Phoenix

Chapter 23

The ring

Essence's POV
I rushed down the stone stairway and quick stepped to the gymnasium. The campus was once again buzzing with life as students basked in the warm sun before the nearing clouds enshrouded it. Once in the building, I slipped into the girl's locker room and rushed to change out of my jeans and into black nike double shorts and a matching black sports bra. Without wasting any added second, I made my way to my last class of the day.

As I stepped foot into the gym, I studied my surroundings. With a few students running late, the rest dispersed, stretching either alone or in groups. Some wrapped their hands with tape, others skipped warm up and immediately got on to beating the leather bags hanging heavily from the ceiling. In one of the far corners, I spotted an annoyed Raven stretching on a mat while Destiny kept glancing back and forth between Raven and the door jumping around feverishly. I'm assuming it had to do with Myles, because as soon as the blond boy walked into the room, abs on display, Destiny squealed earning annoyed glares from fellow attenders. Raven peeked over her shoulder, her eyes traveling from the golden boy to me. Once she noticed my presence she mouth "help" as she stared at me with pleading eyes. I chuckled amused, before calling Destiny over. Myles took her place as she giddily skipped over to me.

_ "Look at my babies go." Tiny wiped away a fake tear as we watched Myles stretch out a hand and pull Raven off the ground with ease. The clash of character only made them cuter in my opinion. He stood tall over her, all luminescent with his golden curls bouncing about at any movement, his bright blue eyes twinkling with adoration as his face broke out in a hollywood smile bearing blinding white teeth and adorable dimples. His personality all flirty and bubbly, he cracked absolutely idiotic jokes which somehow still managed to be funny.
She on the other hand, looked up at him, her jaw length onyx hair streaked with purple was tied into a half updo. Her usually lifeless purple eyes now sparkled with mirth as an amused smirk tugged at her bow lips. His tanned olive skin contrasted against her fair tone every time he so desperately tried to create some kind of physical contact between them. This sent a hint of red up Raven's cheeks, yet she didn't break character, keeping her usual sarcastic, smart ass persona intact. He didn't seem to mind it, only looking more encouraged with each sardonic remark.

_ "Watchya staring at?" A deep husky voice asked from behind us.

_ "Oh hey Phoenix!" Greeted Destiny, receiving a side hug. "Long time no see."
At the mention of his name I swiftly did a full one eighty jumping into Nix's arms with a squeal. It's been a week since my visit to the Roosevelt's household and I haven't seen him around all day today.

_ "Sup little zaffiro." He chuckled as I ruffled his hair.

_ "Sup leprechaun." I imitated him, poking his stomach as he set me down. I almost broke my finger against his abs and must have left an accidental scratch with my nail against his naked abdomen. "Sorry!" I run my finger over the mark I had left, desperately trying to get rid of it. He grabbed my wrist stopping me whilst still laughing.

_ "It's fine." He then turned to the class and clapped his hands. "Alright guys, let's do some laps."

As we set off, running along with the rest of the students, Destiny nudged me with her shoulder, dramatically winking at me. I simply waved her off.

We were best friends. That's all. That's how he introduced me to his mother. And I've come to live with that.

Once we were done with the first part of training, I scanned the faces searching for my partner, only to come to the conclusion that he hadn't attended class today.
Was Grayson still home? But I remember seeing him the day I came back and Phoenix and I were headed over to his. Maybe he left someday that previous week.