Chapter 51: And...Action!
Rebecca woke up. She was in Leo's room without Leo. Rolling over she checked the clock; it was still a little early so she wrapped the duvet round herself and decided to stay in comfort for a while. Joshua wouldn't be up yet and so there was no rush to take him to college. She'd slept terrible last night. Her mind had been full of images of demons and torture - people were screaming and there she was trapped in the middle with no idea of what to do. Her head hurt and her eyes felt sore. She closed them and tried to fill her mind's eye with nice things - calming things: Images of bunnies and lambs, warm sunny days and her father.
The door creaked open so she opened one eye to peep, Leo was bringing in a cup of something hot which she assumed to be her favourite camomile tea. He put it down on the bedside table and sat on the bed reaching forward to gently stroke her hair with his fingers.
"Morning.." she whispered, looking up at him from under the duvet. He smiled warmly at her and kissed her forehead.
"You talk in your sleep.." he murmured moving her hair off her face
"Do I? Sorry, what did I say?"
"Oh nothing that I could fathom...don't worry, I thought it was cute" He wrapped his arms around her and pulled both her and duvet forward onto his lap so he could plant kisses on her lips. She giggled. "Everything you do is cute" he mused.
"You're biased"
"I know, can't be helped though" He positioned her up onto the pillows and slid the cup nearer "Drink your tea" he ordered "I'm off to train, we'll chat after okay?"
She nodded, lifting herself up onto her elbows and shuffling backwards she propped herself up. He kissed her once more and then left her to it.
Alone once again she reached for the cup.
"You really do talk in your sleep...supposed to be a sign of distress" Nolan's voice caused her to jump literally about a foot out of the bed.
"What the..." Luckily she hadn't got hold of the tea by then - otherwise it would have been spilled everywhere. Feeling slightly panicked she grabbed the duvet and held it close; not really the best defense move but she had a sudden need for comfort. What the Hell was this guy doing here? Was she still asleep? She quickly pinched her skin, it hurt and he was still there. Obviously she was awake.
"Yes I know you're surprised.." he began "But I had to see you, and offer a warning"
"What? Why? How did you even..?" Yes, she knew she sounded like a bumbling idiot but she was still shocked.
"I followed you, it's quite simple really. I can't believe you are living down here with these freaks and still sharing a bed with one of them"
"But.."
"Look, you had any more thoughts about finalising our agreement?"
"We haven't agreed anything!" she snapped "and if you don't go I'll scream"
"You mean you haven't spoken to your freaky friends yet...well I'd recommend you do it today and before you scream I wouldn't let your lad go to college. Phoenix has a bit of destruction planned, she's getting inpatient and she's gunning for both of you"
"What the.." Rebecca got out of the bed, she was now at the point where she was beyond caring - she just wanted him gone and gone quickly "You can't just come in here spouting the odds and putting the frightners on me - it won't work" She crossed her arms and tried to look defiant.
He sat down on the bed "I didn't just come in here now - I've been here all night"
"Excuse me?"
"Don't fret, I took no pleasure in watching believe you me"
She couldn't believe the cheek of this guy - his latest comment had rendered her speechless. He'd been here all night. Part of her never knew whether or not to believe him - he'd say anything to cause shock waves.
"Look, please, you have to trust me on this one, and if you do maybe you'll trust me for the long term. Phoenix thinks, she believes, I'm on her side but of course I, we, know different..keep your lad away from college.."
"Why are you still here?"
"Because I'm attempting to convince you that I'm on your side...I don't want your lad to get hurt, or you.." He got up and walked over to the shelf "You may find it difficult to grasp but I'm not all bad.." Picking up one of Leonardo's books he flicked through the pages before putting it back "But I'll go...I just hope for your sake that you take my warning seriously"
Before she had the chance to respond he vanished. Opening the bedroom door she rushed out to the corridor. It was empty. But how would she really know he'd gone? What game was he playing now? Before she felt safe down here and now she knew she was safe no-where. He would always be able to reach her.
"What are you wearing mother? I really hope you aren't planning on wearing that when you walk me out.." Joshua appeared beside her shaking his head.
Michelangelo's spare shirt was hardly the most flattering of items but it made for a cozy bed outfit she pulled it round herself "No I..."
"I'm gonna grab some brekkie, want some?" He strolled over towards the kitchen but kept his eyes on her.
Her throat was tight, she couldn't breathe let alone eat so she shook her head "Don't go anywhere" she said before ducking into the bedroom and took to the task of getting dressed underneath said shirt just in case. Once dressed she took one last look around Leo's room; seeing if there were any clues to point towards Nolan's presence; satisfied she left and went to find Joshua in the kitchen. He was chomping on toast.
"You're dressed! Good job"
She pulled out a chair and sat down "Do you have much on today?"
He shrugged "The usual, and don't worry, Snooks is meeting me at the door escorting me to my first class and I'll stay in all day"
Rebecca felt flustered - her head full of 'what ifs..' - for instance: what if Nolan were telling the truth? what if Phoenix had decided to cause a stir? what if Josh got hurt? what if he got killed?
"Do you have to go in today? I thought you and I could have some quality time together.."
"We have the entire weekend for that - and every evening - day time is college time, you know that.." He carried on eating his toast.
She got up and went to the lounge - picking up the phone she dialled Nick's number. Being an early riser he was sure to be already there.
"Nick it's Becky, look, I just had a visitor, our friend Nolan he reckons Phoenix is going to pull some sort of stunt - might involve the college - he's certain that I shouldn't let Josh go"
She heard a sharp intake of breath "Nolan? And you believe that jerk off? Look I'm sorry Becky but the guy's a game player - the fact that he keeps popping up should give you some warning. Ignore him, take Josh to college, it'll be fine"
"But he was down here, in the lair, he followed me, why go to all that trouble if..?"
"Because he wants to set you up - he wants you to feel threatened when all along he's laughing with her - ignore him"
Rebecca couldn't argue any more; Nick had made his mind up and that was that. Everyone would be the same. So, she said goodbye and hung up the receiver.
"I'll just clean my teeth then I'm ready" Joshua bounded past her. She leaned against the wall and felt hopeless. She was on her own on this one and she knew it.
Pulling on her jacket and pumps she waited. Her wash and teeth clean could be put on hold.
Josh grabbed his book bag, shouted bye to everyone and they walked out. Her heart was thumping in her chest so much she thought it might jump out and make a bid for freedom.
"You okay mom, you look a little peaky? Dad keeping you up..?" He nudged her and laughed.
"No...it's fine, I'm fine" Her insides were churning.
Taking a taxi she couldn't help but link his arm as they rode through the City - all the time she kept scanning the skies looking for any signs of Phoenix.
Once at the college she could see people of gathering. What on earth were they all looking at?
Josh climbed out of the taxi and she was right behind. It appeared that people they were circling something.
"C'mon mom!" he called, jogging his way across the main drive
"Josh! Be careful" warned Rebecca - she had a bad feeling about this.
Following him through the hoardes she finally laid eyes on what was causing the commotion. It was a fire. A fire just burning out of the ground. No fuel, just flame. Students had their phones out and were taking pictures.
"Don't we all think that we should move.." began Rebecca
"Cool right" Wendy jumped up behind Josh, latching her arms onto his shoulders "It suddenly appeared a few minutes ago and has been burning there ever since"
"And no-one wonders where on earth it's come from and why it's here?" Rebecca tried to direct some of them further back.
Then she heard a rise in voices and arms were suddenly pointing upwards. This couldn't be good. Looking upwards her eyes fell on a figure. It was The Phoenix. She was flying around as if she had no care in the world. People were gasping and watching in awe like it was a circus performance. She'd got their attention and now she had them exactly where she wanted them. My God... It was a trap and they couldn't even see it.
"C'mon people let's move!" shouted Rebecca pushing a bit harder. She clutched hold of Josh and Wendy and pulled them away. Phoenix had obviously seen her target and fired two bolts of flame which rushed past them. "Run!" she added, increasing her speed and keeping an iron clad grip on them both.
She had to get them away and get them somewhere safe. Two more bolts flew past them burning holes in the ground ahead.
"What is this?" screamed Wendy
"It's called danger, so let's just keep running shall we?!" replied Rebecca. What else was going on around her she had no idea; all she could focus on was her son and getting him away from all this.
Suddenly Wendy fell, she let out a groan as she hit the deck, Rebecca stopped to help her just as another bolt was aimed. Literally picking up the girl by the arm she threw her out of harms way and turned to face the enemy, with her hand raised she sent the bolt back as quickly as it came. She just hoped it would bring the Phoenix down or at least let her know what she was messing with.
Without pausing for any further action she ignored the sound of approaching sirens and rushed to collect Joshua who now had Wendy in his arms.
"We gotta get underground and fast!" she announced "Your friend too - let's go"
They ran to the nearest alleyway and towards the first man-hole cover they came across. Yanking it open without thinking Rebecca helped Josh inside and passed him his friend. Once underground she could breathe. Finally she could breathe.
"What the hell was that mom? You knew it was coming didn't you? That's why you wanted me to stay home..."
Rebecca checked Wendy - she was unconscious but breathing.
"We have to get her to Donnie, then we'll talk...we'll all talk"
