Főnix

Phoenix

Part 26: Among Burning Shadows

Aras has already left, the studio returns to work, but the air is filled with tension.

Phoenix tries to concentrate on the model’s makeup.

Albatross stands behind her, arms crossed, in that typical way he has when he is jealous.

He watches her in silence. Too much silence.

Phoenix adjusts the makeup brush as if her life depended on it.

Albatross (in a deep, jealous voice):
“So… you like tea.”

Phoenix flinches. She slowly turns toward him, with an awkward smile.

Phoenix:
“Yes… sometimes… it depends… on what kind of tea… and on… who invites me… I mean… not always… so… uh…”
(Phoenix is totally panicking.)

Albatross steps closer. His gaze is tense, masculine, jealous.

Albatross:
“Interesting. You’ve never had tea in front of me before.”
(pause, he leans closer)
“But with Aras, you go immediately.”

Phoenix straightens up, offended.

Phoenix:
“Albatross, I was just being polite! He asked! And why did you say I don’t like tea?!”

Albatross scoffs, but doesn’t defend himself.

Albatross (jealous, masculine):
“Because I don’t like it when someone just casually… invites you out for tea.”

Phoenix completely freezes.

Her eyes widen, one hand still holding a powder brush halfway in the air.

Phoenix (irritated, with a trembling voice):
“But why does this concern you? Huh?”
(pause, then it bursts out of her)
“But… but you have Esra! Why does it matter to you who I go out for tea with?!”

Silence follows.

A big, heavy silence.

Albatross steps closer.

Very close.

His gaze is deep, serious—and now he hides nothing.

Albatross (slowly, in a deep voice):
“Phoenix… I broke up with Esra.”

Phoenix’s eyes widen.

First she is shocked… then confused… then she tries to say something sensible, but only stammers.

Phoenix:
“You… you broke up…? When? Why? I mean… of course, it’s none of my business… I just… why are you telling me this…?”

Albatross answers with a half-smile, that typical jealous-but-honest gesture.

Albatross (leaning closer):
“I’m telling you because I want you to know.
Because until now you thought I had someone.
And that’s why you avoided me.
And that’s why you’re going with Aras.”

Phoenix’s pupils dilate. Her heart skips a beat, she blinks rapidly.

Phoenix (hoarsely, shaken):
“I… I’m not going because of that…”
(whispering)
“At least… now… I don’t even want to anymore.”

Albatross’s face softens. His voice is deep, restrained, but full of emotion.

Albatross:
“Then don’t go.”

Phoenix:
“Why?”

Albatross:
“Because… I’d rather you have a drink with me.”

Phoenix turns completely red.

She almost steps back—but Albatross gently catches her gaze.
He doesn’t touch her; his presence alone is enough.

Phoenix (stammering):
“With you…? You mean… tea… or… not tea… lemonade is fine too… or water… or anything… I mean…”

Albatross (smiling softly, deeply):
“Phoenix.
I want to be with you.
That’s what it means.”

Phoenix can barely breathe.

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