The Awakening Of The Phoenix

Chapter 2

"Good morning, Miss Johnson! Can we talk about climate change today?" The students in the classroom seem so excited to learn more.

" Good morning, class! Of course, let's discuss climate change. It's an important topic for everyone. What would you like to know or discuss about it?"

"I've been reading about the impacts of climate change, and I'm concerned about how it will affect future generations. How can we address this issue?" The girl that asked the question sounded so intelligent which prompted the teacher to return the answers immediately.

"That's a valid concern, and it's essential to take action. One way we can address climate change is by reducing our carbon footprint. We can try to use renewable energy sources, conserve energy, and promote sustainable practices."

Other students indulged in the interactive class.

" How can we convince more people to join the fight against climate change? I feel like not everyone recognizes the urgency of this issue," another student asked.

"That's a great question. Raising awareness is key. We can spread information about the consequences of climate change and provide practical solutions. Sharing our knowledge with friends, family, and even through social media platforms can help create a ripple effect."

The teacher was so impressed that she kept on responding to their questions.

"I've heard about the concept of "climate justice." Can you explain what it means, Miss Johnson?" one of the students came up with a question again.

" Certainly! Climate justice refers to the notion that climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and developing countries. It highlights the need for fair and equitable solutions that address both environmental and social inequalities. It recognizes that vulnerable populations are often more affected by climate change but have fewer resources to adapt to it."

"That's fascinating! So, how can we ensure climate justice?"

"Ensuring climate justice involves promoting environmental policies that consider social equity and prioritizing the needs of those most affected. We must advocate for policies that provide equal opportunities for adaptation and resilience-building, especially for marginalized communities. It's also crucial to engage in discussions and initiatives promoting sustainable development and global cooperation."

The teacher and a particular student got into a serious question and answer, forgetting that others were waiting.

"Are there any positive signs or efforts being made globally to combat climate change?"

" Absolutely! We can see progress being made worldwide, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, where countries agreed to work together to limit global warming. Many nations are transitioning to clean energy sources, and individuals are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint. It's crucial to build upon these efforts and encourage further action."

"How can we contribute as individuals to combating climate change?"

"There are numerous ways individuals can make a difference. Small lifestyle changes like reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, using eco-friendly transportation, and advocating for sustainable practices are all impactful. Additionally, staying informed, supporting local environmental organizations, and engaging in conversations about climate change are essential actions we can take.

"Thank you for explaining all of this, Miss Johnson. It's inspiring to see that we have the power to contribute and make a change". She thanked her sincerely

" You're welcome! I'm glad you find it inspiring. Remember, each of you has the potential to have a positive impact. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Don't hesitate to ask any more questions or share your thoughts on this topic"

The class was coming to an end already, but it seemed that some students were not paying attention.

"Okay, class, that's all for today". A hand was up.

Mrs. Kayla looked in that direction.

"What is it again, Diana?"

"I just want to ask if we are doing the math homework right now?"

"I thought I explained that earlier, any other relevant questions please?" she asked, ignoring her question.

The students didn't respond.

" I guess we will call it a day then," She told the class to arrange their books and exit the classroom.

Phoenix stared at the board in great confusion. She hadn't been paying attention to the teacher.

Lost in her world, thinking about all that has happened in the past few days of her life…

.. How she got those visions' power amazes her ... .seems good but weird and confusing to her…..Nobody seems to understand the sudden change in her and everything seemed regular except for seemed foresight. She sighed loudly.

"Phoenix…."Dylan interrupted her thoughts.

"Ooh Dyl,.you are here" she replied absent-mindedly.

She glanced at her friend's face and predicted that all wasn't well…

" What's wrong?"

"What?!.. Where?"

"I mean with you, you look perplexed, anything bothering you?"

"No..noo.noo.na..noo.noo.n "Phoenix stammers, as she tries to gain consciousness of her surroundings.

She knows her best friend didn't believe what she said but she can't do anything about it.

She didn't want to bother anyone with her problems.

She laughed when she recalled a scenario in her 3rd grade when one of her classmates announced having telekinesis and being able to teleport. Everyone, including her, made fun of the orange hairy boy who left the school and probably the city of Venville.

"What again?"Dylan asked, crossing both her arms together, creating a Kimbo. She was anxious about her bestie's recent behavior.

"uh-what "Phoenix asked, confused.

"I told you, you seemed to be lost in thought and I wasn't lying. "

"No..nooo" she replied, trying to defend herself.

"Anyway, I am coming over for the maths assignment……"

Phoenix gets interrupted by a flash to the future as a huge ball swings from the end of the class, clearly showing it will hit Dylan.,...

"Dylan……!!!!!!!!"She rushed out of her seat and pushed Dylan away from being crushed, both thuds on the floor.

The giant ball hit the board, causing it to fall shattered. Everyone in the class was shocked at how she was able to do a superhero saving throw.

"Are you okay? she asked Dylan, who was still in shock.

"What happened?" she breathed out heavily. Phoenix ignored the question.

"Are you okay?"

Dylan cleaned up his glasses, fixed them back, and stood up.

"I guess I am okay" still in shock

A few students came close to her asking her how it happened and a few others questioned Phoenix.

"What happened here?"Principal Maurice asked, inspecting closely.

She knows most of the 6th graders are mischievous and she is a spooky, well-trained disciplinary person who knows how to handle each situation from students whom she refers to as vagabonds and nuisances.

"I asked for the last time, what happened here!?"

"Phoenix saved Dylan from being crushed by a colossus ball, "someone said.

Principal Maurice was perplexed

"Cosgrove!! How did you……" the school bell interrupted the principal.

Good, boff!! A relief from any questions from the principal, Phoenix thought.

"All right, everyone is going to science class now…"

Students hurried out

"Cosgrove, make sure you see me after your class", she excited.

Dylan, still in his shocked state, was shocked outside of the class with Phoenix. Both didn't say a word to each other; Phoenix felt it was okay with her because she couldn't answer any questions concerning the last incident that took place a few minutes ago. Dylan tries to fathom all that happened.

*** **** ***** ****

*Honey, I want to talk about something with you," Mrs. Cosgrove told her husband, who was reading a journal at the dining table.

Mr. Rex looked up.

"About what?"

"Our daughter"

" What happened to her?"

She glanced at her husband for some minutes, he shook his head. He had no idea what she might be thinking about.

She sips a coffee and drops it back on the table.

" You don't notice how Phoenix is complaining of nightmares and unseen things, predicting what might ensue?"

"She is just growing up to understand life honey, I know she will adapt slowly… .it might take a while ", He assured her.

"You think?" her husband nodded at her.

Mrs.Cosgrove sighed, she didn't want anything wrong with her daughter's growing-up stage.

Her husband noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere and stood up, embracing her with the reassurance that everything will be alright.

"I hope so," she gasped.

**** **** ****

The school bell rang.

" Class is over…don't forget about the project on the planets next week… late submission attracts poor marks."

The science teacher warned sternly.

Everyone starts leaving the classroom. Dylan arranges her books and leaves Phoenix behind.

Phoenix hurriedly picked up her book and dashed out of the classroom to meet up with her best friend.

"Dylan….Dylan…", she calls out.

The cleaner was thudded on the floor by an unknown force, and he slumped dead. She saw that

"The janitor!!??", she muttered, hurrying to avert the situation. She kept seeing his death scenario. It was more like a staged movie happening in that instance, moving faster to where the janitor was standing while he enjoyed every bit of the song he was listening to and dancing to while he did his assigned job with joy.

"Phoenix, let's go!" a voice screamed.

Before anyone would say, Jack Robinson! The cleaner is in his pool of blood. A brick fell on him.

This attracted everyone's attention to the dead janitor.

"Bye, Phoenix ", the janitor told her, walking away toward the school door.

"Wait….." she said, confused…" Wait…mister… Mister Mark". He turned slowly toward her.

"I am so sorry, I know I didn't do the right thing. I should have saved you, I saw it all happen… I guess I was distracted ",

"I know Miss. Cosgrove, I know", he replied to her, staring at his dead body. The emergency department is there trying to clear the mess up and take his body away.

"It is alright, okay!?

"you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. Goodbye. He is waiting for me."

Phoenix saw a figure standing outside the hallway door, wearing a mask and a black hoodie.

"Is he ... .who is he?"She got frightened. Mark didn't respond to her, he walked away from the scene to the man waiting to take him away.

She was breathing heavily, talking to a dead man… no a spirit…is this part of the powers…who is she?.. What forces are driving her?... Questions that won't be answered keep pondering in her head.

The emergency personnel were virtually through with the job there.

A different sense of pain struck her…maybe she can avert some incident from happening if she can take charge of her entire body, but she is yet to understand what force is driving her to see things, the force binding her, and how strong this new force can be.