CHAPTER SIX
My legs carried me speedily out of the classroom as soon as the bell went off. I had no intention to stay in the class any longer than necessary. It was the end of the school day and the revelation had me fleeing out of the English lesson in seconds.
I didn’t even know I could be this fast.
I didn’t look back as I pushed at the double doors of the school open. Not once did I take a second glance back at the classroom. I was rushing my way to get to the bus; it was my only way of transport home. I had no intent of missing the bus again and walking through the forest.
I was already halfway across the schools parking lot and I hadn't even noticed. That was when I fully took in my surroundings before hearing the heavy pants behind me. I could hear constant shouting of my name across the school. I came to a sudden halt, my eyebrows knotting together in confusion.
"Fiera!" It was definitely my name that was being shouted and it didn’t sound too far away now. I turned around to see Phoenix running towards me, her biker boots thumping with each step. I frowned when she grabbed onto my shoulders and exaggerated heavy breathing before slumping against me.
“Bloody hell Fiera, if you wanted to go for a run then at least give a girl a little warning,” she huffed. It was obvious she wasn't that worn out by catching up to me. I simply pushed her away lightly before letting out a small smile at her antics.
"Quit being dramatic," I rolled my eyes as she grinned up at me with a wink. I watched as she looked back, seeming to look out for someone. I shook the thought away, watching as she zipped her leather jacket up.
"Why were you running out of there like lightening anyway?" She asked with a confused frown. The wind blew at our hair as I coughed. It was strange because it seemed to stop as soon as soon as I finished coughing. I looked at her, trying to see if she caught on but she was just looking at me expectantly.
I coughed again and the wind rushed at Nixie. She frowned before tying her dark hair up in a bun to stop it from whipping at her face. I pursed my lips, my heart speeding up a little. It couldn't be possible that I was...controlling the wind. That was just absurd. It was just a pure coincidence and I wasn't going to test it out right now.
"I need to catch the bus and if I don't go now, then I'm bound to miss it," I explained while walking away. I was internally freaking out. This was ridiculous. First fire and now wind? That can't be right. It’s not possible. Okay, so I didn’t think it was possible to control fire. I guess nothings impossible.
"Don't worry about the bus. I'll give you a lift and then we can talk too," she said before grabbing my hand and leading me to her car. It was a cute, red Mini Cooper. She opened the driver’s seat and jumped in without any signal and then started the engine a second later while I just stood there.
The blaring of the Mini Cooper’s car horn jolted me and I narrowed my eyes as she stuck her head out the window with a grin before motioning for me to get in. I held back a comment as I walked around the car to the passenger seat. I wasn't going to complain, I was getting a lift home instead of having to take the bus.
"So, what's the real reason you were running out of the class?" She asked once we were on the main road. I already gave her the directions to my house and I didn’t have anything else to divert the conversation to something different.
"What do you mean real reason? I needed to catch the bus on time," I shrugged. I felt like she saw right through my lie and the way she raised her eyebrows confirmed my suspicions. She didn't believe me.
"So it has nothing to do with a certain teacher who happens to be certain cousin of mine?" I could hear the cheeky smile in her voice as I kept my face forward. I looked out the window as if we were passing an absolutely beautiful sight, which happened to be trees.
“I literally have no idea what you’re talking about Nixie,” I kept my poker face on as I shook my head at her. I was trying to make her feel like she had it all wrong but the way she was smiling at me made me want to bang my head and just tell her how I was feeling.
“Cut the shit Fiera, I’m a girl and I know that look you both were giving each other,” she laughed. It sounded so natural and carefree. The way she joked as if we were best friends. It’s funny how everything can change in a matter of hours.
“What look?” I questioned with a frown.
“Oh you know what look Fiera. The way you were talking about Romeo and Juliet and then all of a sudden that shit got deep. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look at someone the way he looks at you. You guys were making me feel all hot with the heated stare off you were having…no pun intended,” she winked as she snapped her fingers, making a flame of fire light from her fingertips.
“I think you’re crazy Nixie. A guy like that could never be looking at me in that way. Have you seen him?” It was true. He was insanely handsome and so dangerously mysterious. His smile has girls falling at his feet. It was obvious that all the girls had the biggest crush on him, silently begging for him to be theirs.
“And you my dear friend are stupidly blind. Just let cupid do its thing and then I’m going to be singing, I told you so. Plus if he were to be with anyone then I would want him to choose you,” she grinned at me before blowing the flame out. I laughed at the absurdity of it actually happening. I didn’t even understand where this was all coming from. One minute I was a friendless, riding solo type of girl and now I have a crazy friend and a teacher I’m crushing on who both happen to be full of secrets.
What is actually happening?
“We’re here now, can I park in the driveway? I don’t think anyone’s home,” she said before nodding towards my house.
“No one ever is, go ahead,” I said and then she proceeded to park the small car into the fairly large driveway. We didn’t even need such a big house. It now felt like I was the only one who lived in there.
Once she cut the engine, we stepped out and made our way to the house. I wouldn’t call it a home anymore. It was just a large constructed building that contained all the essentials and materialistic things I needed to survive in this life. Home is meant to be where the heart is. It’s supposed to be a place filled with love and security. All of that died with my Mother.
“Your house is huge!” Nixie exclaimed with awe as we stepped over the threshold. My face remained blank and unbothered as I followed her gaze to the tall ceiling where the chandelier hung broadly. This house only held memories now. It was a bittersweet feeling to know how happy it was to be here with your family and now it’s all fallen apart to just a mansion like ghost.
“Would you like something to drink or eat?” I asked, completely ignoring the comment as she looked at the large entrance with ceramic tiling and the single flight of a spiral staircase leading up to the second floor. There were lavish ornaments placed on the side marble top table placed at the wall of the entrance hallway. The walls were painted a soft crème color, giving it the touch of richness.
Admittedly it was a beautiful sight but to me, it was just cold and empty. Judging from Nixie, it seemed she had fallen in love and never wanted to leave and we were only in the entrance still.
I started walking down the hallway towards the kitchen when I noticed she had forgotten how to speak. The kitchen was just as luxurious, with a black and white theme coloring around. Nixie was right on my heel, breathing every bit in. I remember having the same reaction when I first stepped into the house. My mother had decorated it herself, making each room themed with a different color.
My father and I didn’t change anything when she passed away. I took care of the place. It wasn’t a mansion we lived in, just a very large house. I don’t like it anymore though, that feeling of being alone wasn’t pleasant.
I opened the fridge and took out two cans of fizzy drinks. Then I walked towards one of the cupboards that were stacked with junk food. I took out some crisp packets and chocolates and then hauled everything into my arms with a satisfied smile. I had to admit, I loved my food.
“Seriously Nixie, you need to get over this,” I said as she followed me out of the kitchen and into the living room with silent admiration. I was thankful she wasn’t too out of it when she helped put the food down on the table before letting her mouth drop open.
This room was a various shades of blue but mainly dark and royal. It was my Mother’s favorite color; I think that was why I partly liked it in here. It wasn’t too over done on the luxuries. It was simple and cozy but it wasn’t complete without her.
“This place is amazing,” Nixie breathed out before slumping down on the comfy sofa. There were big pillows splayed out with different patterns printed on. I picked one up and sat on opposite sofa, facing her. She was still looking around, her eyes taking everything in.
“Thanks but…” I trailed off, not knowing how to explain that all of this is worthless. Her eyes snapped to mine and then a knowing softness lit up in its depths.
“I know, you don’t have to say anything,” she smiled and I just stared into her blue eyes. It was confusing how she understood. I watched as she opened her can of coke and took a sip.
“How do you know? Who are you really?” I asked finally with a frown. There was no point for the small talk. I needed to know now.
She took a deep breath and looked me in the eye before saying, “When we were little we were inseparable. We did everything together; nothing and nobody could break us apart. We met since we were born. Our mothers were as close as sisters. They had known each other since childhood too and they had gone through everything together.”
“Why can’t I remember any of that? Why can’t I remember you?” I asked suspiciously. I knew there was this familiarity I felt when she came into the library, I knew there was something that drew me to her but I didn’t expect this.
“I don’t know Fiera. When I said nothing could break us apart, I truly mean it but when my Mother died, I was dragged away into a world you couldn’t imagine. I have no father, I have no other family and so when these people came into my home, I was just a scared child,” her eyes seemed to darken into a disturbing memory.
“Your Mother tried to save her, your mother tried to save me but there were so many of them. It was impossible but so incredibly brave, the way they fought together but it was the fire that burst through them that had me in shock. It was crazy Fiera and I still remember that as soon as I saw it, I wanted to tell you but I never got the chance because they killed my Mother right in front of me,” her voice was hard and her eyes held steel. My heart reached for hers as she explained. It sounded like our mothers were strong women.
“What happened after?” I asked quietly.
“They promised to come for your Mother. They were the same ones who murdered her, those cold heartless monsters. Your mother told me that they wouldn’t kill me and that I needed to escape and find you. So that’s what I’ve been doing ever since I escaped two years ago,” she explained before leaning back against the sofa in a sigh.
I sat there with my head shaking at all the information. This was ridiculously insane. This girl in front of me was like my sister and I couldn’t even remember. Our mother’s were the best of friends and I had forgotten. The more I tried to think, the more easier it was to come to the conclusion that after my Mother died, I had blocked everything from the past. I had gone into a shell of depression and only thought about the things I needed to keep on surviving.
“You said you had no family but you said Mr. Blaze was your cousin,” I said, remembering that piece of information.
“Yeah I said that in the spur of the moment kind of thing but I practically see him as my only family besides you. I see him as my own brother. He helped me with the escaping bit. We both seemed to have been trying to get out at the same time but I hadn’t been through half of what he had endured. I wouldn’t have come out alive without him. I owe him my life,” she smiled and the gratitude and seriousness was clear as daylight.
I nodded in understanding but then a whole new set of questions erupted in my mind. I was lost in the puzzle of problems. If Mr. Blaze had escaped with Nixie two years ago then everything he told about his studies and teaching was a lie. He was only nineteen then and Nixie was sixteen. I had learned about my element when I was sixteen.
“When did you find out about the fire in you?” I asked her.
“Sixteen. While I was finding you, I was also training. But Mr. Blaze, as you call him, explained everything to me and helped for a bit and then visited every once in a while. I don’t know where he went but I stayed everywhere. I guess you could say I was homeless,” she shrugged and then I realized why she was in such amazement about this place.
“Where are you living now?” I asked with a confused frown.
“No where really. Just some motel about ten minutes from here. I kind of stole the Mini Cooper but it’s all good because whoever owned it died and no I didn’t kill him,” she rolled her eyes as I opened my mouth to complain and shout or something.
“Good,” I nodded and then I couldn’t help but smile as she grinned at me. Then a sudden flashback came to me as I stared into her bright blue eyes.
There were two little girls running for the swings in the park. Their laughter echoing behind, lighting their lives up by just being there for one another.
“I think it’s coming back to me slowly,” I said when I blinked and came back to the present. I had just seen Phoenix and myself. It was a relieving feeling to know that I hadn’t completely forgotten everything.
“Just give it time,” she advised softly. I nodded with a small smile. It felt nice to remember that, it felt more real.
“Okay, I have another question,” I told her.
“Shoot,” she signaled for me to carry on.
“Who’s Mr. Blaze then? Is he one of us?” I asked with curiosity igniting inside me. I didn’t understand why I wanted to know so badly. Okay so maybe I kind of did, what with the whole silly crush I have on him.
“All I can say is that, he’s one of us in the sense that he’s gifted but there’s so much more to that and even I have yet to discover it but it’s not my story to tell. I have a feeling that he will tell you one day,” she smiled secretly.
I sighed.
“Okay that’s understandable,” I relented. I knew that man was full of secrets but hearing how he had it worse than Phoenix made me wonder how much exactly he had been through. How much hurt and torture he must have endured.
“Cheer up, I know you like him and all but trust me, I think he likes you back,” she winked and I groaned at the teasing look.
“We are not talking about him right now,” I said with a shake of the head before throwing a pillow at her as she wiggled her eyebrows. I couldn’t help but laugh at how stupid she looked and then her laughter mixed with mine.
“Alright not today but next time it’ll be harder to shut me up,” she giggled and I rolled my eyes before lying down on the sofa, with my legs stretched out. I watched as she made her way over to me and lifted my legs up before putting them back down on her lap.
“There’s one crucial thing I haven’t told you Fiera,” she looked down at her hands that were clasped together on top of my leg. It felt so natural to be sitting here like best friends, like real sisters. It was nice to know I wasn’t alone
“What is it?” I asked
“We are the only two living beings with the fire element burning in us. We were born to be greatly powerful and that’s why those same creatures that killed our Mother’s are searching for us. But most importantly, you’re the one everyone wants,” she looked me in the eye, a deep frown carving her face.
“Why me?” I whispered.
“Look, I’ve told you a lot today and it’s quite a bit to take in. I’ll tell you, I promise but right now, we have time. So just get some rest and don’t stress. Nothing can happen to you. I’m here for you,” she said with a small smile.
“You know, this is completely surreal. I thought I was just some ordinary girl and now I’m hearing that I’m some powerful person. Do you know how crazy that is?” I shook my head at everything. I really did need some time to take it all in.
“Hey, it’s pretty damn awesome!” she grinned, trying to lighten up the dark atmosphere.
I manage to crack a smile. It was pretty awesome having fire in you. It was pretty awesome reuniting with your childhood best friend. I was glad that I wasn’t one of those girls that were easily afraid. I wasn’t the type to freak out easily, I had a strong head and I was brought up to be brave by my mother
“Shit happens, guess we’ve got to deal with it,” I shrugged before laughing at the proud look blessing her face
“That’s the spirit sis, now I’m off. You go rest and I’ll pick you up tomorrow for school,” she said before lightly pushing my legs off and standing up.
“Wait, you’re not going to some cheap motel thing,” I frowned.
“Um, yes I am. I have nowhere else to go,” she still smiled. The more I talked to her the more I was beginning to love her. After everything she’s gone through, after how she must have been treated whilst being captured and then being homeless. I felt pathetic for always being down, it seemed she always looked at the bright things in life. It inspired me to smile and laugh more
“Yes you do,” I said with my arms crossed.
“Where?” she asked confused.
“Here, duh!” I spread my arms out, gesturing to my house with a smile.
“What? No! I cant stay and intrude like that,” she shook her head with her hands up as if she couldn’t possibly take the invitation.
“Don’t be stupid, now go get your stuff and I’ll show you to your new room,” I lightly pushed her towards the door and then all of a sudden I was tackled to the ground in the biggest hug of my life. I couldn’t even breathe properly as she squished me and held on to me as a lifeline. Then I burst out laughing at how crazy we would look in someone’s eyes if someone walked in.
“Thank you so much Fiera! I swear we’re going to have so much fun together and we’re going to be like real sisters and we’ve got so much to catch up on and oh I love you,” she squealed right in my ear and I winced at how loud she could be but I giggled at how excited she was. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t thrilled too.
“Okay, okay! I love you too,” I smiled as I hugged her back. Our laughs mixed together just like it had in my flashback. A part of me felt complete. We got up and then we both grinned at each other.
“I’ll get my stuff, it’s in the car. I don’t leave anything in the motel. I don’t trust those people, plus half the things I’ve got are stolen,” she smiled sheepishly and I shook my head.
“You’re not going to do any of that anymore, if you say I’m your sister then my money is your money alright?” she looked ready to protest but I shoved her out of the room and gave a stern look
“Jeez Fiera, you can be so aggressive,” she rubbed her arms with a pout and I laughed, knowing that I didn’t hurt her.
“Go!” I shouted with a giggle.
“I’m going woman!” she ran out and I turned to go up the stairs. I quickly checked if the rooms were decent and once I was satisfied with everything, I heard her shout from downstairs.
“Come upstairs,” I shouted from the top of the spiral staircase.
“I can’t believe you live here,” she said once she reached the top. I looked down to see only a single suitcase. I knew it didn’t carry much and it saddened me to know that all this time she had been looking for me and I didn’t even remember her.
“Yeah…” I trailed off with a shrug. She followed me down the hallway towards the guest room. It was next to mine and as I opened the door to her new bedroom she squealed and ran in with a shriek. Her suitcase was thrown in and forgotten as she jumped on the king size bed.
I laughed as she continued to shriek while taking in the dark purple and cream theme colored room. It held the edgy look with hints of black contrasting starkly. There was a large plasma TV displayed on the wall and a fairly new laptop resting on the desk for her to use
“I’m in love, thank you so much Fiera,” she rushed over and pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and smiled. The appreciation was obvious and it made me feel good, to know that I could help someone out
“It’s fine, really. I’m just glad you found me,” I said sincerely before pulling back.
“So am I,” she smiled at me. Then she lunged for the remote and switched the TV on. I saw here flicker straight to the music channels before turning the volume up to a familiar upbeat tune.
“Now, not to be a buzz kill or anything-“
“Oh my god! You sound like me when you said that!” she grinned, completely interrupting me. I didn’t mind, the way she could be so childlike was endearing.
“Great minds think alike and what not,” I winked and she chuckled before reaching for a high five. “But we’ve got to do the homework for English and I’m going to help you catch up with your studies.”
“Oh come on, you’re not serious!” she shouted as I got up and walked out the door to get the books from my room. I wasn’t going to let her fall behind in school, powerful or not; I wasn’t going to let us grow up to be dumb.
“I’m deadly serious!” I shouted from the hallway.
Then I giggled as I heard her groan loudly.
I guess whatever and whoever was after me could be worried about later. I had my friend back and I was going to make the most of it. I’ll live in the present for now and whatever the future held; I knew we would go through it together.
“Together,” I whispered out loud as I picked the revision books up.
‘Now that felt nice to say,’ I thought with a smile.
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SURPRISE :D
Don't kill me *puppy dog eyes*
I know, I know... It's been forever. I'm a lazy ass sometimes and I could use the excuse of revision but I've been slacking on that too *Face palm*
I won't take this long to upload again though! It was only the comments and votes that got me to write so please don't forget to keep showing the support!
It means so much! Honestly I appreciate you all reading this story!
So what do you lot think of Nixie? I love that girl!
DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT! I'll UPDATE QUICKER :D
-Swaz xo