Phoenix
Part 71: In the Web of Secrets
The back door closes softly.
The hallway is empty.
Phoenix quickly fixes her hair, her face glowing with panic wrapped in sparkle.
PHOENIX – inner voice:
Calm down. Nothing shows. You just look like someone who lost her sanity a few minutes ago—along with Albatross’s mouth.
PHOENIX (whispering back to herself):
“Thanks, that really helps—psst! Stop talking! He might hear!”
She glances at Albatross, who is walking beside her in complete zen.
INNER VOICE:
He can’t hear you. You’re the crazy one.
PHOENIX:
“Leave me alone! I’m trying to be normal!”
ALBATROSS (glancing sideways, smiling):
“You don’t need to be this nervous.”
PHOENIX (snapping her head toward him):
“Me? I’m not nervous!”
INNER VOICE:
Yes you are. You’re vibrating.
PHOENIX (through clenched teeth):
“Be quiet. I’ll argue with you later.”
ELIF ENTERS
Her smile is too wide. She steps way too close.
When she stops next to Albatross, she practically melts into him.
ELIF:
“Hi! So, are you still helping me with the presentation?”
INNER VOICE:
Of course he is! Everything still stands when Elif sticks to him!
PHOENIX (hissing internally):
“No. Not now. We fight later.”
ALBATROSS (politely):
“I’ll let you know when I’m free.”
Elif touches Albatross’s arm.
INNER VOICE:
If she touches him one more time, I—
PHOENIX (quickly, inside):
“I know. Quiet. Diplomacy! Smile!”
Albatross notices the fireworks on Phoenix’s face.
ALBATROSS (whispering):
“Hey… don’t look like that.”
PHOENIX (rushing):
“Me? I’m just looking at the wall!”
INNER VOICE:
Yes, and you’re throwing jealous fireballs at it.
PHOENIX:
“Shhh! She’s here! She can hear!”
ALBATROSS (raising an eyebrow):
“Who can hear what?”
PHOENIX (fast):
“No one! I’m just… thinking. Out loud. Quietly!”
Elif flirts again—touches him again.
INNER VOICE:
This is an invasion!
PHOENIX:
“Calm down… breathing… Buddhist glitter…”
INNER VOICE:
AAAAAH! Attack!
PHOENIX:
“No! Passive aggression only!”
Albatross looks up, catches Phoenix’s gaze, and smiles.
INNER VOICE:
See? He’s watching you.
PHOENIX (softening):
“Really?”
ALBATROSS (leaning closer):
“What’s that smile?”
PHOENIX (quickly):
“Nothing! I just… thought of something!”
INNER VOICE:
You thought of him, you little cloud-brain.
PHOENIX (angry whisper):
“Shut up! Not now!”
ALBATROSS STEPS CLOSER
ALBATROSS:
“You know there’s nothing going on. It’s just work.”
PHOENIX (too fast):
“I don’t even care. Really!”
INNER VOICE:
Lie. Ice-cold lie. Your ears are red.
PHOENIX:
“My ears are not red, they’re just… thinking!”
ALBATROSS (narrowing his eyes):
“What?”
PHOENIX (rushing, overexplaining):
“I mean… they work a lot! Listening! Because of the… makeup-technical noises!”
Albatross smiles suspiciously, but doesn’t push it.
He leans down, quietly.
ALBATROSS:
“Tonight… same place.”
PHOENIX (melting instantly):
“Of course… naturally… I don’t care about anything.”
INNER VOICE:
Smooth, Romeo. Very discreet.
PHOENIX:
“Be quiet! We’ll argue later!”
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