Phoenix Child

by Alica Mckenna Johnson

  * * *

  Kayin held my legs and I tightened my stomach, as Shin told us to do, and tried to hold the handstand while Kayin supported my legs.

  "Your eye looks a lot better," Kayin said.

  "I guess some good comes out of all these changes."

  Kayin sighed. "Yes, but I'm not sure the trade is worth it."

  I squeaked as my arms shook.

  Kayin chuckled. "Let me help you down."

  "Okay," I said and tried to keep from collapsing as he supported my legs down to the floor.

  "You did well."

  I glared at him from under my bangs.

  Kayin smiled. "For your first handstand, you did well."

  "I guess so. I'm sorry that you had a difficult time with the changes, too," I said, as cold sadness seeped from Kayin.

  Kayin shrugged. "I grew up in small village in Zimbabwe. My mother was—is—very superstitious. I haven't seen or talked to my family since."

  "That's awful. How long has it been?"

  "Six months."

  "But that means we're the same age. You seem so much older than me." I stood and looked up at Kayin.

  "In my world, I'm an adult. I should be helping to support my family."

  "Oh, this must be very odd for you."

  Kayin nodded. "I feel like I'm in the middle of a story my grandmother use to tell us around the fire at night."

  Yes, trapped in a fairy tale is exactly how I felt. "Do you sometimes wonder if you'll wake up?"

  "I used to," Kayin smiled at me. "I don't anymore."

  “How did you get from Africa to here in six months?”

  "Good job, everyone," Philip called out. "Let's finish up, and we'll switch groups."

  “On an airplane.” Kayin winked then held out a hand and helped me up. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.”

  "Time for poi," I said, watching as the others picked a set of fuzzy poi and giggled as they tried to pull the cords apart.

  The phone rang, startling me. I shook my head. You need to focus and not stay lost in your thoughts, I scolded myself.

  "I've got it," Gavin said leaning over the counter. "Good morning, San Francisco Center for the Circus Arts. How can I help you?"

  I watched Gavin hum and nod to the person on the phone. Happiness began to swirl around him.

  "Of course we can add her to our after-hours program."

  "We don't have an after-hours program," Philip said walking over to Gavin. Gavin held up his hand, stopping Philip.

  "Sure, I'll get her right now. Sara, phone." Gavin held up the receiver and wiggled it a bit.

  I blushed as everyone stared at me.

  "Gavin, what have you done?" Philip hissed.

  I took the phone. "Hello."

  "Hey Sara, it's Melanie. I have to take one of the kids from house one to the emergency room. I've signed you up for their after-hours program, but just for today, I swear."

  Trapped here with my uncle and the other Children of Fire, with no buffer? No other people around to keep conversations short and not invasive? This isn’t good. "What about the Shante and the others? I can take the bus home."

  "Anyone who doesn't have a visit is being sent to another house. I couldn't find staff to work for me. I found a spot for everyone but you. I can't believe they can keep you until eight. I'm sorry. Maybe I can think of something else."

  I sighed. "No, here is fine. I don't want you to have to spend extra money on me."

  Melanie chuckled. "You're a good kid and don't worry about it. I owe you big time. I hope you can have fun. I'll make it up to you."

  "Go save the day and no worries, Melanie. I'm sure it'll be great."

  "Bye, Sara."

  I handed Gavin the phone. His excitement exploded around him like Pop Rocks. "So, there's an after-hours program," I said.

  Gavin grinned. "There is now."

  Philip rubbed his hands over his face. "I hope you don't mind hanging out with us. I don't have anything planned."

  "No, its fine. I should get back to poi."

  "Yes, can't keep everyone waiting." Gavin walked to his group.

  Philip patted my arm and walked away.

  Worry squirmed in my belly as I joined my group. Nothing good could come from this, I just knew it.