Phoenix (Disconnected)

VIII-XIV

Lillian

It's been two months since Nhinx arrived here. Winter is coming close! The students are very busy with the upcoming winter fest.

"Lian! Where can I put this?" A classmate asked me, holding a vase. "Over there, top of that table."

I'm excited for Nhinx to experience our winter fest!

I looked at the other place where the high schoolers are. "No playing! We only have two weeks to prepare for the fest! We didn't cover half of our space yet!" Carter, as always, on edge.

I jog towards Ryan, who's checking all of the decorations if it's placed right. "Your batch is over there, are you lost or something?" He said without looking down at me.

I stopped and rolled my eyes. "Whatever, your shirt is still tacky anyway especially when you paired it with that sweatpants."

He looked at me. "Surely you're not here to mock my outfit again, are you?" He sighs and pushed my back. "Go on, play with the others, I'm quite busy."

He's treating me like a kid! I mean, we're almost the same age! I brushed his hands off. "I'm going to ask how are you guys, but nevermind!" I rolled my eyes and start to go over our station.

"You're still going with me this fest like planned!" He yelled. Curse him! If I could just swap partners, I would gladly do it!

I saw Maddy carrying a box of warm glow orbs, butterflies fluttering around her like usual. "Maddy!" She smiled at me. "Can I help you?" She held the box up. "I came to give you guys some solar spheres."

I took one since we only need one base orb. As long there's a base, it can multiply. "Thank you! Oh, Ryan's being a jerk again! "

She shaked her head gently while smiling and went to the other booths. I let the orb hover not far from me to allow it to multiply.

The two weeks passed in a blur. The courtyard is now filled with booths that make you feel like you're in a bazaar or night market. Each booth has its own solar orbs floating around in their specific colors.

The street-like mixed the colored orbs as you pass. It's sunset and the snow isn't here yet, but it's cold.

"Here is the official paper for each booth." Carter passed each pair a paper containing names. "Remember, you can have fun but don't forget your responsibilities."

I catch Nhinx's gaze and smiled enthusiastically. She's now included in the council. These past few months, she said that she wanted to go out of her comfort zone and the council supports her.

Nicole didn't really come to us very often, but she sometimes does, behind Nhinx, and never left.

"Remember your pairs everyone." Nhinx wanted to say something but didn't proceed to do so.

"Let's go!" Helen grab Phyro's collar and went out, while Phyro gave Evelyn the puppy eyes of a forsaken puppy.

Evelyn grab Maddy's arm with hers and marched through the door too.

Ice and Frost left early since it's their month.

"Are you done looking at everybody?" Ryan impatiently said. I ignored him and looked at Carter, who's talking to Hunter.

I joined Nhinx and Nicole. "How's the day so far?" Nicole asked uncomfortably. "Can't I just go with Nhinx?"

"What's fun in that? Trust me, you will enjoy the fest if somebody can inform you what you're getting into." I laughed delicately.

"It'll be fun! Give it a chance!" I reassured them. "Don't worry! Carter is nice," I glanced at Carter then to Nhinx. "He's very knowledgeable, before my twin!"

"Uh, thanks?" Nhinx looked at the two.

"Come on Lillian!" Ryan called. I sigh in frustration. "But that guy isn't."

Nhinx wished me luck as we went out. "Do you think they will enjoy it?" I worriedly asked. Ryan flicks my forehead. My beautiful forehead! "Stop worrying. Nhinx has Carter. Hunter is Hunter, he can do it."

I sigh, forgetting my irritation when he flicked my forehead. "I hope you're right."

"Here." He offered me some mittens. This guy... "It's cold, you don't want your pretty little hands to get cut off by frostbites."

I accept the mittens and smiled behind the scarf. "You have to wear it, not stare at it." My smile immediately vanished.

I looked at him. "What?" He asked with an eyebrow raised. I clicked my tongue and put it on. "They're tacky." I said as I walked passed him.