Summer rolled in with sweltering force while things around the office began to vitiate; not in any way aided by deteriorating moods. The workload had increased substantially and Phoenix found himself most nights working late after Athena left, who would stay well into the evening herself. Trucy had become a permanent fixture at Apollo's desk, with her head down working through the end of year projects that had been piled on. She remained determined to make up for lost time and wasn't backing down from the challenge. Trucy was set to graduate with honours and Phoenix could not be more proud of her. Still; Phoenix couldn't help but picture her sitting over a file and not a notebook, researching her own cases. He knew she'd thought about becoming an Attorney; but she'd had her heart set on theatre and preforming arts. Phoenix sympathized, he too had thought he would end up in the arts direction before deciding to become a Lawyer. He knew it wouldn't be fair to push her down a path she didn't want to go. Her happiness was far more important than his want for her to follow in his footsteps.
Phoenix finally had enough and rose; Trucy still engrossed in the textbook she was studying, making notes. 'What are you working on, dear?' he yawned, walking nonchalantly toward her. He paused, a strange sense of Déjà Vu washing over him. He'd done something close to this many times with Apollo, casually strolling over and asking the young attorney what he was working on, subtly hinting at asking if he'd needed help. 'Calculus.' Came Trucy's worried reply. 'I might fail this course.' She groaned, putting down her pen and rubbing her eyes. Phoenix looked down at the book and lengthy equations, it was all too advanced math for him. He'd done well in math, but nothing this complex. 'I'm sure you'll do fine honey, you're brilliant and I know you can do it.' He reassured her. 'Thanks Daddy!' she smiled, standing up. 'I'm tired, I'm going to bed.' 'Goodnight, Sweetie.' Phoenix hugged her before she moved off. 'My little girl is growing up.' He wasn't sure he liked the idea but knew he had no choice in the matter, watching her walk up to her room.
Phoenix sat back at his desk. 'I should call it a night too.' He hummed, reading over the file before him for what must have been the thousandth time. There didn't seem to be any break, any leads in this case. He might not have the answers this time, he supposed to himself as he straightened the papers and tucked them away.
The next few days proceeded with business as usual. More and more work poured in, Athena had begun showing up earlier and earlier for her day; she had several trials on the go and couldn't afford to discard a second of time. She even had begun to skip lunch, trying to dig herself out of the mountain. Phoenix knew her pain, he too was stretched thin with work and found himself hovering protectively over Athena, making sure she'd had the support she needed. Trucy's workload also escalated. She'd sit for hours, pouring over books, writing feverishly trying to get through the load. Finally, on one of their now routine evenings, she'd decided to change the pace. 'Daddy, can I go to a graduation party?' Phoenix furrowed his brow. 'A what?' he'd heard her, but was hoping if he questioned it, she might drop it. 'You know, a graduation party. Everyone from my class is going to be there and I want to go too!' she countered happily, pushing herself into his lap and throwing her arms around him. Phoenix eyed her suspiciously.
'I don't know about this.' He immediately cautioned, not wanting to let her do anything that might put her life at risk. 'But Papa!' She bat her eyes at him, knowing his faults all too well, laying it on thick. She was doing her best to get him to agree, but in her mind, she knew this would be difficult. Phoenix wouldn't let her sneeze these days without him forcing a tissue on her, asking if she had a cold or holding his hand to her temple, testing her temperature. 'Let me think about it.' He sighed. 'I love you, Daddy!' she grinned, kissing him on the cheek. Phoenix was taken back, Trucy had only ever kissed him once before; this was still a thought-provoking situation. Even though he'd adopted Trucy years ago, raised her as if she was his own and had those difficult talks of life with her; this kind of affection between the two of them had always been a position of discord.
Trucy moved back to her studies. Phoenix contemplated her question in his mind. 'She does work hard and she is a good kid. She is an adult now and really doesn't need it; but it's nice to know she respects me enough to still ask my permission..' He ruminated and nibbled on his pen. 'But, those kinds of things can be dangerous. I don't really want her going out and partying, only to find out something happened. I'd never be able to live with myself if I lost another child.' He sat back, mulling the question over. 'What should I do? Telling her no might upset her, she's been under just as much stress as the rest of us and could probably use a night out, but; what if something happens to her? I can't hover over her forever, she is a young woman now.' He sighed. Phoenix considered it a little longer. He wasn't sure what he should say. He wanted to protect her, even more so now after having Apollo taken from him. Apollo may not have been his child, but Phoenix still had assumed responsibility for him and accountability for all that had happened; The pain of loss still fresh for both of them. Trucy seemed to be coping well on the outside, but he knew she was hurting inside, just as he was.
'Trucy?' he drew out, walking over to her. 'Yes Daddy?' she asked, looking up to meet him. 'You can go, but I do have to impose one condition.' She judged him suspiciously. 'Only if Athena goes with you.' Trucy broke into a smile. 'Yay! I was going to ask Tina to go with me anyway as a date! Thank you Daddy!' Phoenix relaxed as she hugged him tight. He was pleased to know that Trucy, on some level had thought about her safety. While Athena may not be much older and still nearly a teenager herself, he still found her to be a trustworthy role model for his daughter and felt even better knowing Trucy was more than happy to have her tag along; a chaperone of sorts. 'When is this party anyway?' He questioned.
'Right after Graduation.' She replied. 'Still some time away, not planning on showing up are we.' He looked at her. 'Maybe.' He spited when she'd rolled her eyes at him and slid off his lap, moving back to her studies. Phoenix still worried. He'd thought about revoking his permission, but he knew he'd make it worse by telling her no. Especially after putting her under conditions and hoping that Athena would agree. If not, he'd have to break the news that she couldn't go, unless she found a suitable replacement for Athena's presence. He had no doubt that if Athena couldn't go, she'd be less than willing to be escorted by her father.
On yet another late night; 'Daddy!' came Trucy's excited cry when she ran through the door. 'Guess what!' she sounded over the moon. 'What is it, sweetie?' he looked up to see Trucy smiling, ear to ear, an envelope in her hand. 'You need to see this! Right. Now!' Roughly thrusting the folder into his hand, bouncing with delight. He looked at it curiously, noting his name written across the back and the school address in the corner. Phoenix flipped it over and opened the package. He hesitated slightly as he pulled the documents out, reading them, an air of pride spreading across his face. 'Congratulations, honey!' Phoenix couldn't be more proud, Trucy had managed to pull of all "A"'s, despite everything that had happened. He hugged her tight, the pride now swelling in his chest. 'There's one more thing.' She remarked, pulling out another envelope and handing it to him. 'What's this?' he questioned. Again, it was another plain package, his name on the back and the school address in the corner just as before. 'Open it! Open it!' Trucy squealed excitedly.
Phoenix slid the envelope open and an ornate card slipped out. 'You're invited' was skillfully written across the front. The inside was short and simple, but his attention had been drawn to the last lines. 'To the father of Trucy Wright, you are cordially invited to the graduation of…' he skimmed, reading the last line again. Phoenix beamed. Trucy really was pushing hard to do well. He read the line one last time, just to be sure. 'Your class Valedictorian, Trucy Wright.' Phoenix grinned, he knew Trucy had worked hard to get to the top of her class, but he hadn't expected this. He hugged her close. 'Congratulations sweetie, I'm so proud of you and… I know... Polly would be too.' Trucy hugged Phoenix tight, her joy fading. 'There's just one more thing I need to do.' She commented, pulling back and digging yet another envelope out of her pocket. 'Come with me, Daddy?' she prompted as he rose and followed her to his room. 'This is for you, Polly.' Her smile fading, beginning to cry while she placed the unopened card on the dresser beside Apollo's remains. Phoenix's heart dropped to the pit of his stomach, tears in his eyes; Trucy turned away into his waiting arms and held him tight.
As the event drew ever closer, Phoenix still very aware of his reservations; decided that they both needed a break, he'd also needed some time with his daughter outside of work and their home. The two sat in a small restaurant, eating and conversing quietly on what Trucy had suggested as 'How about we pay someone to cook for us night'. Trucy hadn't had to beg Athena to be her date for the party. Athena was more than happy to take the night off and relax, needing an opportunity to de-stress. She'd then cornered Phoenix later on and assured him, that despite his look of pensive uneasiness, she would not, under any circumstances, let Trucy out of her sight. It hadn't placated his mind, but he'd been thankful none-the-less while he stood back with Simon, watching the girls get ready. Trucy had chosen a long, dark red dress in the same colour Apollo always wore. Athena remaining yellow as ever. Phoenix paced, watching while Athena curled Trucy's hair and fixed her makeup. It was nearly time. 'Ready, Daddy?' she frowned, meeting Phoenix's vacant stare. He'd been holding an object in his hand for some time now, thinking of far too many things. Phoenix snapped back to reality. He'd thought about what to buy her as a graduation present, but he'd settled on passing down something instead. 'Almost.' He noted, 'But before we go, I'd like you to have this. It use to belong to your father and now, I want you to have it.'
Phoenix held out his hand and Trucy tilt her head at him questioningly. Phoenix held the object in his palm; he'd taken care to find a nice box and carefully wrap the gift. Trucy looked at the small box, slightly confused before she reached hesitantly for it. Phoenix moved his hand towards hers, indicating that it was alright for her to accept it. Trucy carefully unwrapped and opened the package; slowly, a smile lit up across her face as she saw the locket Phoenix had once always worn, something he'd held close to him. 'Thank you, Daddy!' tears of joy formed in her eyes and she gently took the chain in her hand. Phoenix held out his hand again, indicating for Trucy to place it in his palm. He held it up, fumbling with the clasp as he laid the chain delicately around Trucy's neck. She picked up the locket, hesitating and opening it. Inside, Phoenix had placed the photo of her, Apollo and him that Athena had taken of the three of them, all in high spirits last Christmas. She stared at it, tears in her eyes as she turned the pendant over in her hand, feeling something engraved across the back; a small heart with the words 'always loved' forming the bottom 'v' of the shape. She smiled weakly, running her thumb over the message. 'Don't cry honey, you'll ruin your makeup.' He warned, coming close to her, hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead while he gently thumbed the tears from her cheek.
Phoenix drew back, it was hard for him to believe his little girl was now eighteen, a High School graduate at the top of her class and now, an adult. Phoenix pulled her close, giving her another hug as the cab's horn blared in annoyance.
The ride had been nothing less than excitement. Trucy and Athena were chatting loudly. Simon had decided to sit in the back, as close to Athena as he possibly could, not saying a word. Phoenix found himself glad that the ride would be short. He'd been somewhere between nervous and anxious himself, experiencing the same jittery discomfort he'd have when he drank too much coffee to stay awake and was forced to sit and work. Phoenix dug through his wallet for the fare as the others waited patiently before walking in. Someone handed Phoenix a program and he leafed the pages casually, trying not to lose the others as he read. He was surprised. Under Trucy's name, not only did it note what he'd already know; that she had graduated with honours and made Valedictorian, but she'd also won a small scholarship. Elation overtook Phoenix as he found his seat, he couldn't be more proud.
The ceremony progressed quickly given the number of graduates. Being a 'W', Trucy was one of the last on the list. Phoenix waited, somewhat impatiently for her to take the stage. 'Phoenix,' Athena whispered, distracting him. 'I know I'm taking Trucy out tonight, but do you mind if I keep her at my place and take her out for lunch and a bit of shopping tomorrow?' Phoenix gawked back unintentionally, as if surprised that Athena would have the audacity to keep Trucy from him. This would be the first time he'd really been alone since Apollo's death. He thought about it, trying to contort his face into a more neutral expression. Trucy would probably want to go. 'If Trucy wants to.' He replied, not wanting to let her go, hoping she would say no.
'Trucy Wright.' The Director of Ceremonies called and Trucy made her way on stage. Phoenix already had his camera ready and was snapping pictures. 'Trucy has graduated with honours, is this year's Valedictorian and has received a partial scholarship towards her post-secondary degree in theatre and preforming arts.' Phoenix laughed when Trucy's friends yelled from somewhere behind him 'YOU ROCK TRUCE!'
The rest of the evening passed quickly. Phoenix's attention had drifted yet again as awards were hand out and he found himself looking through pictures on his phone; admiring how his little girl slowly changed through the years, photo by photo, into a young woman. He paused when a picture of Apollo and Trucy came across the display. The two were both smiling, the picture a near replica of the one of him and Clay. Phoenix's stomach clenched as he closed the screen and hastily pocketed the device. 'And now, your Class Valedictorian, Trucy Wright.' The low rumble of quite conversation ceased. Phoenix looked up. Trucy had been keeping her address a secret, she'd wanted it to be a surprise for everyone and had refused to let Phoenix read it, shoving it hastily out of sight when he'd peer over her shoulder.
Trucy stood at the podium. Phoenix couldn't help but frame her behind the counsel table after weeks of working on her own files, finally in court, about to defend her first client. 'Thank you.' Trucy addressed the crowd. 'Where do I start?' she mused aloud. Phoenix listened intently while Trucy spoke. She addressed the usual experiences of being new to the school and how everyone felt out of place, to now, where they had all become friends and comfortable and confident in themselves; now standing back and watching the juniors go through that same struggle of trying to fit in and growing up. Her address was short and to the point, yet struck each topic in the right places.
'Finally,' she glance across the room, a tear seemed to be forming in her eye. 'We all have a lot of people to thank for our success stories tonight.' She drew a deep breath, almost hesitating, thinking about continuing. 'We all have our teachers and friends, but we also have our families who have helped us along the way.' Phoenix froze, listening. 'To my Dad, I want to say thank you Mr. Wright for lovingly raising me and supporting me in everything I did. Thank you for taking the place of my father when I lost my own. Thank you for being there for me… Through everything.' Phoenix smiled, he might not have been cut out for father of the year, but he'd done his best, proud of the young woman he'd raised. 'There's also one more person I owe a lot of thanks to for where I am today.' She continued, wiping a tear from her face. 'Someone much like me, who understood my position and someone who I could always talk to; even if it was late in the night and he had to work early in the morning. That one special person all of us had, no matter who it was.' Phoenix knew what was coming. 'That person was my brother. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to one of my biggest supporters and best friends. While we may not have been actual siblings, I will always consider you one and love you. Thank you Polly, hopefully you're in a better place now.'
The reservoir Phoenix had been trying to use to keep composure crumbled as tears of mixed emotion overtook him. The mood of the room had also shifted. Even now, nearing two months since Apollo had passed away, Phoenix still thought of him every day as did everyone at the Agency. Trucy had most likely told her friends what happened when people noticed her missing. When she pulled out of school for a few weeks, Phoenix had called the principal and explained the situation. Instead of saying something along the lines of 'a close friend' or 'my employee', he'd told the school her brother had died. Trucy was right, Apollo wasn't just an employee. He had become part of the family.
Trucy walked off stage and collapsed beside Phoenix. She was still wiping tears from her cheeks. Phoenix pulled her close, whispering softly and pressing a gentile kiss to her hairline, torn between joy and sadness. As the ceremony wrapped up, many headed for the exit, but Trucy remained seated. Trucy's mood still seemed low, but her excitement was quickly growing as the atmosphere shifted to the graduation party. Phoenix hugged Trucy goodnight, never wanting to let her go. 'If anything happens, you call me right away, Ok? If you start feeling sick or if you want to come home or… If someone...' 'I'll be fine, Daddy.' She moaned. 'But sweetie…' he practically begged her while she gathered her things and made to follow the crowd. 'I promise I will call you if something happens, ok Daddy? Have a good night! Love you!' she reassured, hugging him back before nearly dragging Athena out the door behind her.
Phoenix stood in place, conflicted. He was proud of his little girl, but her address had hit hard. Every step Trucy moved farther away from him, his anxiety grew. Simon stood beside him before placing his hand on his shoulder. 'We should get moving, Mr. Wright.' He spoke and guided Phoenix out the exit. Phoenix looked back, watching Trucy's head bob away. Letting her go, the nervousness sat heavily in his mind, but he knew Athena wouldn't let anything happen to her.