Finding Phoenix

chap 4

crossed the bridge and turned on to Main street, and there in front as big and bold as I

thought it would be. There were rort iron gates with the words " New Haven secondary

college" moulded in to the iron. I slowed down the car as I go through the gates.

On either side of the driveway was a row of oak trees, which were also scattered throughout

the school grounds hiding the old wooden benches, tables and chairs under their low

branches and fallen leaves. I turned into the first car park I could find, becoming increasingly

aware that I was being watched. I lent in to the passenger seat and dig through my bag to

find my iPod, then placing the buds in my ears. I take a long calming breath and stepping out

of the car, pulling my hood over my head tucking my hair and head phones out of sight.

Turning I locked the car and pulled my bag on to my shoulder. "Last chance to make a run

for it "I thought as I made my way across the grassy campus grounds towards what I

hopped was the front office.

The Front office was as I thought it would be cold and uninviting, but the staffs was the

complete opposite they were friendly, helpful and made you feel welcome. I made my way

up to the front desk I pulled my hood down and removed my ear plugs.

"Hi, I’m Phoenix, Phoenix Mason. This is my first day and I was told to report in at the front

office"

"Good morning dear, I am Mrs Scott, now let me see if I can find you school information

pack"

While she searched around her clearly over crowded desk, I noticed her small bird like

features. She would have been 40 with chocolate brown hair pulled in to a pony tail and she was in what looked like a school uniform. I thought there wasn't a school uniform, great

now I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb.

"Sorry, I didn't know that there was a uniform" I say as I look down at what I’m wearing.

" There isn't a uniform for student. The staff chose to wear uniforms as it makes us easy to

find and it presents a more united front. Now, here it is Phoenix Mason, 31 outlook drive

New haven?"

"That's me" I say a little too eager

"Ok, I will go through everything with you, so I can make sure that all your information is

correct." She said handing me the large yellow envelope, which contained a diary class

schedule and map of the school.

The day went as you would expect, teachers making me stand in front and introduce myself.

Which I hated having to do. What was I supposed to say hi I’m Phoenix the sole survivor of

the plane crash that happened over the break. Just mark me an outcast and get it over with.

It was in my English class that I met Wesley. He was very friendly. He was the first person

to speak to me all day. Granted it was only my 4th class for the day. But I was beginning to

think that no one was going to talk to me.

"Hi, I’m Wesley. Your Phoenix right" Wesley asked as I picked up my books from my desk.

"Yea, hi" I answered shyly

So how are you enjoying your first day? I bet everyone is being super friendly?"

"Well the school is amazing, and a little scary, but as for friendly. You're actually the first

person to talk to me" I say dropping my head.

Suddenly he linked his arm through mine and pulls me off towards a table under a willow

tree. Where I could make the shape of a girl as we got closer.

"Even better the banshees haven't had a chance to get to you. Come on you can hang with

me and Audrey" Wesley says giving me a smile.

"Hey Audrey, this is our new friend Phoenix" Wesley said wrapping his arm around my

shoulders

"Hi, have a seat Phoenix" Audrey said waving her arm over the table.

The lunch break and the rest of the day went by so fast, now that I wasn't alone. With

Audrey and Wesley taking me under their wing and filling me in on all the gossip, the who's

who and there standing at the school including "the banshees".

The banshees were a small select group of girls the most popular of course. " They were

exactly like the girls in the movie mean girls" well that was how Audrey described them. I

might not have believed her that anyone was really like that but in my 6th period art class I

got my first look at Courtney and what she was really like.

Audrey and I had art class together and as we were talking and sketching out impression of

the perfect summer's day, Courtney walked passed our desk. While flipping her fake blondehair and giggling at the tall guy beside her she knocked our paint container over. Sending

the paint all over our work.

"Oops, I’m so sorry "Courtney giggled from behind her hand" I guess now you have a

reason to get new cloths Audrey" She said quickly turning her attention to me like a ravines

dog "Sorry. We haven't meet I’m Courtney and you must be, um oh it’s not important, what is

important is that you know who I am."

"I’m Phoenix" I say trying to muster up the courage to look her in the eyes, not wanting her

to think she could pick on me, but I also don't want to make enemies on my first day.

"Leave them alone Courtney" The guy sitting at the table she was leaning against

instructed as the bell rang. I looked up and meet his piercing green eyes. I could feel my

face turning hot as I blushed.

“Stay out of this Leland, it has nothing to do with you. But If you’re up for a chat there is

always after I’m finished here" she smiled in such a flirty way, that my stomach turned.

" I don't think so I only talk to people with a brain" he said as he packed up his things and

made his way to the door turning to give me a small and somewhat apologetic smile over

his shoulder. His green eyes poking out from under his shaggy black hair.

" Don't even think about it losers" she said picking up her bag " he's out of your league"

with that she turned and stalked out of the room.

"Ok what the hell was that about?" I say turning to Audrey, as I pick up my bag. “I thought

you were joking when you warned me about her, what is her problem?Who knows? But Leland stood up for us which will keep us on her bad side." Audrey said

seeming not to really care.

"Why, would the fact he stood up for us put us on her bad side?" I say feeling confused .

"Courtney has been after Leland since the day he started here. But he has

never given her the time of day. He doesn't really talk to anyone, he likes to keep to

himself." Audrey said. I could tell in her voice that one she didn’t like Courtney and two she

didn’t seem to be a big fan of Leland’s.

“Great, just what I need. First day of school and I’m already making enemies" I sighed and

followed Audrey as we walk towards the car park.

“Ha, you made something more important than that, you made friends." Audrey said as she

linked her arm through mine.

As I made my way back across the school towards the car park, I noticed that there was a

guy leaning against my car. I couldn’t quiet see his face, his dark shaggy hair was covering

his eyes. I slowed my steps unsure if I should wait until he moved away, but it was too late

he had turned his head and his green eyes meet mine.

“Um. Hi” I said as I moved to the side of the my car.

“ Hi Phoenix, I wanted to make sure you were ok?” he said, his green eyes full of caring and

understanding. His voice smooth, but with an accent I couldn’t place. I’m ok. Leland right. ” I said smiling up through my eyelashes. My cheeks feeling warm as I

blushed.

“Thank you for your help in there. Is she always like that?”

“ Unfortunately she is. I’m glad you’re ok.” Leland said moving away from the side of my

car.” Well I better get going, I will see you around.” He smiled and walked away.

I climbed in to the driver set of my car, my heart was racing and my face was flushed. I

giggled to myself ,as I started the car. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach maybe things

here might not be so bad.