Főnix

Phoenix

Part 28: On the Edge of Hearts

The car rolls quietly through the evening lights. Phoenix looks out the window, but meanwhile she steals glances at Albatross—of course clumsily, and she always gets caught.

Albatross glances sideways, a faint smile on his face.

Albatross:
“If you’re really tired… why didn’t you say something so I could have taken you home earlier?”

Phoenix startles, stammers, gets flustered.

Phoenix:
“Well… I… I didn’t want to bother you! And… you’re always busy! And… anyway… there’s the bus… and… the universe will figure it out… or something…”

Albatross laughs.

Albatross:
“The universe? Seriously? Phoenix… you could ask me for anything.”

Phoenix tenses, blushes. She pauses for a few seconds, then mutters.

Phoenix:
“I just… didn’t think that… it mattered to you where I go…”

Albatross’s eyes flash. That deep, sincere of course it matters look.

Albatross:
“It matters.”

Phoenix freezes.

Phoenix:
“What?”

Albatross (more slowly):
“It matters where you go.
Who you go with.
Who you have TEA with.”

Phoenix turns her head away, nervously fiddling with the seatbelt buckle.

Phoenix:
“Let’s not start with the tea again…”

Albatross:
“Yes. The tea.”
(pause)
“I wouldn’t have liked it if you went with someone else.”

Phoenix bites her lip. It’s obvious she’s embarrassed.

Phoenix:
“I… I canceled. I already told you. I’m tired.”

Albatross watches her with his head slightly tilted.

Albatross:
“Did you cancel only because you were tired… or was there another reason too?”

Phoenix stammers, waving her hands.

Phoenix:
“Well… maybe… there was another reason too. But I’m not telling you. Because you don’t need to know.”

The car continues to roll slowly. Phoenix smiles, but tries to hide it.

Albatross glances at her, and everything is there in his gaze: protectiveness, desire, unspoken feeling.

Albatross:
“Tomorrow… if you’re not tired… would you like to have a drink?”
(a small playful half-smile)
“Tea too, if you want.”

Phoenix lifts her head, her eyes shining.

Phoenix:
“Maybe… with you… I like tea.”

Albatross laughs—slowly, deeply, satisfied.

Albatross:
“Good. Then tomorrow.”
(a look full of emotion)
“Only with me.”

Phoenix blushes, but nods.