Freedom {LGBT+}

8. Truths and Lies

Siobhan gasped, noticing the arrow in Phoenix's leg. She held onto his arms before he could walk away, "This is why I told you, you should stop."

Phoenix pulled away from Siobhan. They always had this conversation and it was futile. Phoenix wasn't going to listen to Siobhan or Stella. They knew he had to do it. Why did they always try and stop him knowing that if Phoenix didn't do it, things would be even more worst than it was for them. He didn't care if he was risking his life for them. All Phoenix wanted to know was that Siobhan, Stella, Nevaeh, Poppy, Gus, Rocco and Rebel would wake up to something each day, along with the rest of those in Area fifteen that he could help.

"You know I have to." Phoenix said softly, looking at the four who was sleeping soundly. He wanted to end this conversation with Siobhan, not wanting to wake them up.  They didn't need to know of the awful things Phoenix did. "I'm going over to Ma." he said before walking inside.

Siobhan watched his retreating back. Silently praying that Phoenix would always come back home safe.  This was the first time he came back wounded. Siobhan couldn't help but double the worry she normally felt when Phoenix didn't come home. She turned towards the boy still standing outside, she gestured for him to come inside. 

"I'm sorry about that," Siobhan said, giving the boy a smile. "Phoenix can be stubborn sometimes."

Ace nodded, not knowing what to say. He looked behind him, finally able to put a name to his face. Ace knew she was worrying over something. He couldn't help but wonder if it had to do with the guards chasing him.

"I'm Siobhan." she said.

"Ace." he replied, bowing in greeting, a habit of his. Siobhan did the same, knowing that Ace was different. Just a simple gesture and she knew he was kind.

"Are you new to Area fifteen?" Siobhan proceeded to ask. Ace nodded in reply. "It may seem hard at first but if you stick to a stubborn guy like Phoenix, he's sure to help you. There's not a lot here but we try and make use of it."

"Thank you." Ace said, looking around the small area. It was a lot different than what he was use to. "May I ask you something?" Siobhan nodded, her hand resting atop her belly. "Is everyone here sick?"

Siobhan knitted her brows in confusion, wondering what Ace meant by sick. "No, they aren't, at least not to my knowledge." she tapped her cheeks as she thought about Ace question.

Phoenix heard the two talking, blocking them out as he took the Rubis' from his pocket, adding it to the rest he hid beneath the floor board. He quickly counted it, placing it back before anyone saw.

"Seven hundred and fifty Rubis' more," he thought. "And Siobhan could leave."

Phoenix took up his pendant, placing it around his neck. Holding the silver in his hands. "I made it through." he said before placing it inside his shirt.

He got up, wanting to remove the arrow quickly. Phoenix hopped out, Siobhan looking at him with saddened eyes. Ace was conversing with her, stopping when Phoenix stood next to Siobhan. "I'm going now." he informed her. Phoenix touched her belly, "Tell your mom here she shouldn't wait up."

Siobhan laughed, "As long as I know you're out there, I can't sleep peacefully."

"I'll be back before you know it."

"Ace," Siobhan turned to him, Phoenix raised a brow. "Can you accompany him? Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

Ace looked towards Phoenix who frowned, "sure," he said making Siobhan smile widely. "If that's okay."