12 hours before attack
The Sun was high in the sky, people walking under it enjoying there days care free. Teenagers tossing a football. Others playing basket ball. Adults jogging, walking dogs. A Birthday party off in the distance. Luscious green trees swaying in the wind. Music blasting people singing, cake being brought to the table. "Happy Birthday dear Phoenix, Happy Birthday to you." Sang the happy crowd. The cake was placed in front of the light brunette haired teen, her mother placing a caring hand on her shoulder. "Make a wish," she whispered. The girl nodded before closing her eyes and blowing out the sixteen candles.
"Happy birthday Phoenix." cooed a taller boy, leaning against the wall. His green eyes pierced through the girl. "Athan," Phoenix said in recognition. Te boy sighed and lifted himself off the wall. "You ever wonder why your parents gave you the name Phoenix? Dark Red, a mythical bird, a symbol for immortality," He went on now stepping closer to her. "Kind of odd if you ask me."
"My name is my name, it's nothing for you to analyze." She said backing away, already annoyed of the boy. "What about you?" she continued. "Do you ever wonder why your parents named you Athan?"
"My name is my name." The boy repeated, a small smile on his face. Phoenix rolled her eyes and walked out of the kitchen with a salad bowl.
"Hey Nix, you gonna get in?" asked Zayra, a red-headed beaming girl.
"Are you kidding the water is far too cold." Phoenix said taking off her shirt and laying out on a towel covered cement.
"Oh, come on it's not that bad." Burke called shooting water at her with a water gun.
"Hey!" She yelled standing up immediately. Seconds after a body crashed into her sending her into the water. The group hollered and shouted in laughter. "Oooh ho ho. Valen you're dead." Phoenix scolded playfully as she dunked his head under water. Sputter he came back up and laughed. "Come on you know I was only messing with you!" He shouted. Phoenix only splashed him in retaliation and turned to her other friends. "Guys time to open gifts!" Phoenix's mother called, her blonde hair covering half her face. Phoenix unwrapped her gifts one by one quickly hoping for the best. First, a card with money. Second, a few CD's. Third, a laptop. And Fourth two tickets to go and see the Battlestar Galactica. Phoenix looked up at her mother with wide eyes. "Is this for real?" She nearly whispered. Her mother smiled and nodded
"And look who's going with you." She stated. Phoenix looked back down at the tickets. 'Phoenix.' one read. 'Valen.' Said the other. "No way!" he's coming with me!" Phoenix shouted excitedly looking at her best friend. Her mother just nodded and smiled.