Chapter 12
Lucius
We were late to dinner, as the fates would have it. Chiron gave us a hard glare as we sat down at the Hermes's table. All the other students look at us funny, and I wonder if they all have the same opinion of us that James did.
Phoenix sits down right beside me. I can't help but let out a huge grin. Some people try to talk to me, but I ignore them; knowing quite well that I'm being a tad bit rude.
"So Phoenix." I start after shoveling in a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "How old are you?"
"Eighteen." She replies. "You?"
"Eighteen." I repeat, my grin still plastered to my face.
We eat for a minute, both of us starving. Then I speak up again. "So how's your week been?"
Her face darkens a bit. "Fine."
"No really." I turn to look at her. "You can tell me."
"I had to shoot one of my only friends in the hand today. How do you think my weeks been going?" She answers me sarcastically, avoiding my gaze.
"That bad huh?" I grimace.
She nods. "Pretty much."
I smiled though. That had been the longest thing she'd said to me without stuttering. Did that mean she was becoming more comfortable around me?
"You're really good at archery." I compliment her.
Phoenix blushes. "I've been practicing archery since I was five years old. I should be good by now."
I chuckle. "I guess that would be a good thing. I don't think I can thank you enough for your help earlier."
Her face darkens. "Whatever." She mutters.
"You're pretty good at sword fighting too. I'd still like that match." I admit to her.
She turns her head to me and she has a slight smile on her face. "Really?"
I laugh. "Of course."
Phoenix turns back to her food. "So how's your week been?"
I shrug. "Annoying. People keep following me around and I can never get any time by myself."
She turns back to look at me. "Really? I would have thought you'd like all that attention."
My mouth is gaping open as I give her a look of horror. "My goodness no. I hate being crowded. So people like me. Big deal. Doesn't mean I want to be around them all the time."
"Oh." She says simply and turns back around to her plate.
"Hey." I say as I take her hand.
She looks up at me, her black eyes as big as saucers. I could feel the tingling/electric sensation coursing though my body, but I try to ignore it so I can speak.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."
"It's okay." She whispers.
Since we'd arrived late, most of the others were gone by now. So I lean down and whisper in her ear. "I like you."
She blushes bright red. "Would you believe that no one has ever told me that before?"
I'm genuinely shocked. "No one? But you're such a pretty girl. I would think boys would be falling over themselves to get to you."
She snorts and rolls her eyes. "Normal boys stay as far away from me as possible. If you haven't noticed, I'm a little dark."
I smile at her. "I like it."
She blushes again and then leans in close to me. The waterfall scent of shampoo drifts over to me and her arm brushes against mine. I don't think I could move if I wanted to.
Phoenix whispers in my ear. "I kind of like you too."
My smile is so big when she says that, that I think my jaw is going to break off. I squeeze her hand in mine. Then she gives me a genuine smile.
Her face seemed to light up with that smile. I gaze at her in awe, wishing I could take a picture and savor that moment forever.
Before I can resist, I wrap my arms around her in a huge hug. My body seems to be sizzling, but I can't get enough of it. Her head rests on my chest, and I swear I couldn't breathe.
Then she blushes and pulls away. I let her, not wanting to push her too far. She gets up and throws some of her food into the fire.
Phoenix turns and smiles at me. Once again, I'm astounded by her beauty. She blushes slightly and then walks away to the cabin.
I smile to myself and finish eating my supper.
Sorry this chapter is so short. But it's significant. The next chapter should be really good. Please Review!
