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Chapter 18: Phoenix Who?

The beautiful cover above is done by the cutie wanderness but her new account is atlanthiq
She makes really beautiful covers and I love her works! Go give her a follow or send some love cookies💚

P.S. A little reminder to the #rrcookies, please refrain yourselves from spoiling. I understand your excitement but its gonna ruin the ride for the #newcookies and thats totally not fair for them.

P.P.S. Let's take a moment of silence to pray for the victims of the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon and hope for their fast recoveries.

🍪Ellie's P.O.V

5.) A parallel-plate capacitor is made from two square metal plates placed 1mm apart. If the plate measures 5cm on each side, what is the capacitance?

I reread the question again, gently biting unto the tip of my ballpen. I glanced at the clock before turning to my classmates who were seemingly focused on answering the surprise quiz.

Considering I was absent yesterday, Mr. Pimp discussed an additional topic and have decided to give a surprise quiz today.

Despite sleeping early last night, I could still feel the light pound in my head. I still wasn't 100 percent recovered from my hang over and didn't have the chance to study hence why I was struggling.

Even Alec who attended the party like me looked perfectly okay and was writing on his paper like a pro.

"Ten minutes left. Wrap it up guys," Mr. Pimp said, taking a hold of the papers that one of my classmate passed.

A few of my classmates stood up with their answer sheets and questionnaire, going to the front and starting to pass it.

Shit. Snickers. Sit. Sheet. Shucks.

I glanced at my answer sheet, letting out a dejected sigh. I still have ten questions to go and I only managed to answer five.

I was about to stand up when a small folded piece of paper fell on my desk. I glanced up, catching a glimpse of Alec's side profile as he passed by me.

A frown made its way on my face before I discreetly opened the paper and felt my heart lurched when I saw it was filled with answers.

I turned to look at Mr. Pimp to see if he caught it but Alec's built frame prevented it and is currently crowding him at his desk.

Without wasting a second, I started circling the correct answers and quickly stuffed the small piece of paper in my pockets before standing up.

Alec was already out of the door before I could thank him when I went back in my seat. I quickly stuffed my things in my bag before seeing if I could follow after him but he was long gone.

After seeing them together in the party, I realized that maybe it was a sign for me to just leave things be. We're better off not talking about it and besides, he's already moving on.

Ark had a dentist appointment today so Todd and I were left with each others company in the library during lunch.

"Are you okay Todd? You've been awfully quiet." I took a bite of my apple, glancing worriedly at Todd.

We were hidden by the book shelves and was in the far corner. The librarian was busy at the front from the long line of students who seemed to be borrowing some books.

Todd hasn't been his usual joking self ever since we got here. He was looking rather gloomy and lost in his thoughts.

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about something." He shook his head, placing his head on top of his crossed arms.

"It isn't nothing when you aren't being your usual self." I pointed out, pushing my hair back.

"I'm sorry." He sighed, turning to look away from me.

"Huh? What for?" I frowned, my head tilting to the side slightly in confusion.

"When I got very drunk blue. Anyone could've taken advantage of you in that state," Todd answered, his hand forming into a fist.

A surge of surprise flickered on my system, staring at his angry face. Our friendship may still be beginning but I knew without a doubt that Todd was good friend.

"You don't have to say sorry Todd. It's okay, nothing happened and that's what matters. Stop those toxic thoughts." I told him, placing a hand on top of his.

He sighed before nodding quietly. I rolled my eyes, bumping my shoulder to his lightly before turning to my bag and taking out my pack of happiness.

I took one out before turning back to Todd and handing him one. I let the genuine smile form on my face and he paused, seeming taken aback.

These are my babies so practically when I offer you one, I offer you a part of me.

"You deserved it." I giggled, stuffing it into his mouth when he was about to reply. He rolled his eyes, chewing it with a smile forming on his lips.

"I had fun though. Thank you for bringing me Todd. I was indeed lucky that I got to party with you." I cheekily said, giving him a playful wink.

"Nope, I think it's the other way around blue." He smiled, a twinkle in his stormy gray eyes.

The rest of the day was me trying to find a glimpse of Alec. I wanted to thank him for helping me and despite not wanting to talk to him, my conscience wouldn't let me go home without doing so.

I didn't get to see him until it was the end of class. I was putting my books back into the locker when I saw him walking along with Annie and Valentino by his side.

"Sweet chick! I miss you! You haven't been eating lunch with us!" Valentino pouted, pulling me in for a hug.

I let out a surprised oomph, patting his back gently."I missed you too V. I'm sorry, been busy with lots of things lately." I lied, pulling back.

Yeah like trying not to smack you friend for leaving me hanging with the new chick or how about trying to move on and see life in a different light.

Jessica snorted and I bit my lip, somehow finding this amusing.

"Blue suits you sweet chick," He nodded to my hair, giving me a cheeky grin.

At the mention of my hair, my hand came up to touch the ends of it."Thanks V." I smiled, feeling flustered.

I couldn't exactly tell him the truth of my MIA with them and besides, from the way he accepted my answer that easily; It was obvious he knew the real reason why.

"Hey Ellie," Annie piped in, offering me a friendly smile.

"Hi," I replied softly, hoping that my smile somehow matches her.

Valentino suddenly took a step away from me and I glanced at him in surprise. I turned my attention to Alec, a blank expression on his face and it seemed that he was in bad mood with a scowl present on his lips.

Now that I was fully facing him, I felt myself frown upon seeing fading bruises on his face. I couldn't see it in the party because it was quite dark.

"Thank you for earlier." I nodded my head at him before turning my attention back to my locker.

I could feel his burning stare but I avoided it. I closed my locker and turned to them with a small smile.

"I better get going now, bye guys." I didn't wait for a reply and turned around, walking away from them.

It wasn't until I passed by the school doors did I finally let out a breath of relief. I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear, biting my lip.

That was so awkward, ugh. I could feel my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. The world really is a cruel place sometimes.

I decided to plug in my earphones for today's walk and was about to start the music when I jumped in surprise at the loud honk that resonated behind me.

I turned around, completely surprised to see Jayden and Hayden's red Chevrolet pickup truck. The driver's window lowered, revealing a serious Jayden.

"Hop in Haven," He nodded his head at me, urging me to go in the car.

"Don't be stubborn Ellie!" Hayden piped in, leaning slightly to his brother and was obviously riding shotgun.

I didn't waste a second and opened the backseat door. I let out a surprised yelp when Chase greeted me with a glare on his face.

He helped me pull myself up lightly and I couldn't help but grow nervous at the obvious anger in Chase's face.

Hayden turned to look at me,"He's not gonna bite you Haven. Well, he's mad but not that mad." He mused out, glancing at Chase who let out a huff.

"What but why? I didn't even do anything!" I protested, shaking my head with wide eyes.

Jayden snorted."Yeah right, you've been skipping lunch from us," He piped in, glancing at me briefly from the rearview mirror.

I gulped, my hands fidgeting lightly. I let out a nervous laugh and glanced at Chase who had an eyebrow raised at me.

"Fine, you caught me." I sighed, slumping on the seat.

"You can't lie to save your life red," Chase snorted, staring at me with his onyx eyes.

"We can't blame you, honestly. Alec's being a fucking idiot lately," Jayden sighed.

"It's not just that, I know you guys are hiding something from us. About Donald." I clarified, glancing at them.

A moment of silence passed before Chase sighed, pushing his hair back before turning to look at the window.

"I'm sorry red," He softly said, his jaw clenched in what seemed to anger.

"We aren't gonna deny that but it isn't because we don't want to. It's because we have to. You're better off not knowing." Hayden piped in, letting out a shrug.

I sighed, knowing that I wouldn't get it out of them no matter what. I turned to look at the window before glancing at them, their expression saddened.

"I miss you guys," I changed the topic, a soft smile pulling up on my lips.

Chase pulled me in for a side hug, resting his head on top of mine and rubbing his cheek on my hair. I couldn't help but giggle at his action, pushing him away lightly.

"Good because we miss you too! Now, please promise me that you'll try to eat lunch with us." Chase grumbled, still hugging me.

"I promise but I'm bringing along a new friend of mine. You'll like him, he's a good guy." I beamed, grinning at them.

Hayden and Chase briefly made eye contact at my words before Jayden chuckled resonated in the car.

"If that's what it takes to make you sit with us again then it's totally fine Haven and we'd love to meet the guy who's been hogging your attention." Jayden said, his grey eyes staring unto mine from the rearview mirror.

"From us!" Hayden piped in, his lips pulled up a sneaky smile.

I could here Chase grumbling profanities under his breath and my cheeks heat up, Jayden and Hayden letting out a laugh.

"Hey! It's not like that!" I protested, covering my heated face with my hands.

Jayden hummed, a smirk on his expression before Hayden shook his head at his twin.

"You're putting this on me Jay? I wasn't the one making out with Ark at the party!" This time it was my turn to grow smug.

At my words, Jayden suddenly swerved the car in surprise and laughter erupted in the car. The rest of the car ride was talking about random things and laughing to the twins jokes.

I leaned slightly into Chase's side, my heart feeling somehow lighter now that I finally talked to them.

"Thank you for the ride guys, drive safe Jay!" I called out, waving at them.

Jayden honked twice before driving away. The wind rustled gently and I couldn't help but smile in happiness.

Things might not be turning great for my ripped heart but somehow, my friends are making up for it. Filling my heart with comfort and assurance that they will always be there.

The door opened, Theodore came out with no shoes and ran up to me. I let out a laugh, his arms wrapping around my legs.

"Ewwie! You'we back!" Theodore squealed, raising his arms towards me.

I grinned, picking him up and made my way towards the opened door. Mom appeared a few seconds later with a panicked expression and a spatula in her hand.

"Theo! How many times do I have to tell you? Don't open doors when you aren't with any of us." She scolded lightly, closing the door after us.

"I'm sowwy mom, I got excited!" He pouted, raising his arms towards my mom this time

Mom sighed, pulling him away from me. Theodore nestled his head at the crook of my mom's neck and muttered sorry.

"Don't do it again, okay babe?" Mom asked, rubbing his back with her free hand.

"And honey, Nana's Charlotte expecting you. Go change and wash your face. You look like a mess," Mom gave me a peck on the cheek.

"Hey! I'm a beautiful mess," I retorted, making my way upstairs but not before ruffling Theodore's hair.

I decided to change into a pair of loose shorts, a crop top, and my favorite flip flops. I pulled my hair in a messy bun and applied chap stick on my lips.

I looked at the mirror and started doing weird faces. Hmm, is is just me or I look cute today?
I shrugged before taking my phone, earphones, and wallet and went downstairs.

"Mom! I'm off now, bye!" I called out to her, closing the front door.

I plugged in my earphones, scrolling through my phone to pick a song and hit play. My nodded my head along to the beat, my mouth occasionally mouthing the lyrics.

The walk to Nana's house was peaceful, I had to stop a few times because I couldn't help but pet a few cute dogs that were being walked by their owners.

My mind went back to what happened earlier and I still couldn't help but wrap my head around the fact that Alec helped me.

It was quite sweet for him to do that and I thanked the big guy for sending me some help. I was still trying to remember what happened at the party but it was still blank.

My mom told me not to worry about it and assured me that it would all come rushing back in me.

Well, I hope so.

"Hi Ellise, Oh my! You have blue hair!" Nana gasped, ushering me inside her house.

"I'm doing good Nana," I chuckled,"Yes, you know I've always wanted to try an ombre hair. How's your bones?" I cheekily said, pulling her in for a hug.

"Well, you look beautiful Ellise. It brings out your eyes and thankfully these bones are still going strong dear," She giggled, pulling away from the hug.

I beamed,"Thanks Nana, so what chores would I be doing today?" I asked, placing a hand on my hip with a smile.

"We're just going to do my laundry dear. My back can't handle bending down for long." She answered, holding her back unconsciously.

"Let's get started!" I chirped, earning a laugh from her.

The next few hours were spent with us getting wet while doing the laundry. I wasn't a lazy person, I liked doing chores and it makes me feel accomplished when I get done with it.

I was finishing up in washing the dishes while Nana Charlotte was frosting her fresh-out of the oven cupcakes.

"Nana?" I made my way towards her and stood on the opposite side of the countertop.

"Yes Ellise?" She answered, not looking away from what she was doing.

"How'd you move on from the heartbreak?" I asked, resting my chin on my palm.

Losing someone you love is not easy and I'm not in love or anything but losing someone that you treasure wether it's a friend or a special someone can both lead to a heartbreak.

Of course the level of pain is different but the last time I saw Nana crying was when it was at the funeral. After that, she was always all smiles and continued to spread happiness to us.

She paused, already knowing what I meant. A few pregnant silence passed before she set down the piping bag.

"The truth is Ellise, I don't believe in moving on," She started off, a faraway gaze on her face.

"Huh? How can you be like happy then?" My brows knitting in confusion.

"Moving on is believing that that person was just a temporary part of your life and that you believe that someone better for you is still out there and I don't believe in that," She smiled softly, turning to stare into my ocean eyes.

A frown graced my lips, nodding my head at her to explain further.

"For me, loving someone is a choice Ellise. You chose to be in a relationship because you believe that both of you will work out. It's not about waiting for the right destiny, it's about consistently choosing who you believe is your destiny." Nana explained, her words completely astounding me.

"Yes, Royce is dead but I'm not moving on from him Ellise because I do believe that he is my destiny. I'm just simply letting go of the fact that our destiny wasn't meant to be written long in this life but rather in the next one and by accepting this fact is what helps me overcome this heartbreak." She smiled softly, the corners of her eyes crinkling gently.

There was a hint of sadness in Nana's voice but her eyes told a different story, I could see the love still evident in it and happiness that was
with it at the same time.

I made my way to her and pulled her in for a tight hug. She patted my back, her head gently resting on my shoulder.

"Choosing and believing is not easy Ellie but if you see one another for the long run, then that's enough reason do it." She softly said, pulling away from me.

"That was beautiful Nana, I could bet on my blue hair that he's smiling at you right now." I smiled gently.

She grinned, her eyes brimming with happiness and unshed tears at my words. We both let out a giggle, Nana picked up the piping bag before continuing what she was doing.

Losing someone is indeed a heartbreak but believing and accepting that there's a reason why it happened can be the solution to overcome it.

"Take these with you Ellise, I'm sure Theodore would love these. I made a pack of cookies too and they're all here in the bag." Nana said, handing me a small eco-bag.

I grinned, peeking in through the bag and seeing two containers that had cupcakes in it and a few pack of cookies.

"Thank you Nana Char. Don't forget to lock the door, I'll see you soon. I love you," I bid my goodbye with a peck on her cheek.

"I love you too! Be safe Elisse!" She called out, closing the door after seeing me give her a thumbs up.

I let out a happy sigh, walking back home with a warm feeling in my heart. It was completely dark now, my only companion was the moon shining beautifully against the dark.

It seemed that Nana Char and I got carried away talking again but it wasn't anything new for me. She is a good listener and has the best WOW like my mom does.

I haven't gotten to talk to Alec but I really don't know if I should. Do I even have the right to ask for an explanation?

My theory wasn't even possible. He doesn't care for me that way, maybe? Ugh. Stupid though—

I stopped in my tracks abruptly.

I turned around, feeling suddenly queasy. A feeling of being watched suddenly entered my system and I squinted my eyes slightly to see if someone was indeed there.

The wind nipped on my skin as I continued walking, eyeing my surroundings cautiously. I rubbed my arms briefly, feeling cold. I tightened my grip around my phone and bag before walking much faster.

It wasn't until I was about to turn on my street when someone placed their hand on my mouth and pulled my struggling body into one of the small and dark corners.

I let out a painful groan when my face was smacked harshly into the brick wall.

My back was against this stranger, my face pushed harshly into the brick wall. I struggled against his hold but stop when I felt the sharp metal that was pressed on my neck gently.

Knife.

"I'd stop doing that if I were you," An unfamiliar voice

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