Little Phoenix (The Census Book 1)

by Willow Dean

  Thinking about it, I actually feel really well rested. I don’t feel at all exhausted from yesterday. Usually I would argue about having to go easy, but the need to gain access to Census’s database to pull information, drives me to be sensible.

  I’d do anything to speed up the process, but I need to be cautious. I can’t be dealing with any setbacks. Not now. Too much time has been wasted on my recovery already.

  “Sounds good to me. I actually feel quite good today, so maybe we can try and increase the intensity of my rehab. Maybe some light jogging?” Linc goes to object, but I hold my hand up to stop him.

  “I know the Doc said no high-intensive exercise but a light jog won’t do me any harm. We don’t even have to go out. We can stay downstairs and it won’t be for long. Five minutes, max. Plus, you two are both going to be there watching over me.”

  Linc still looks uncertain at the suggestion. Worry creasing his brow. “I just want to try, Linc. I promise, I’ll stop if I feel it is getting too much for me, and you have my permission to step in at any time. Please?”

  I’m not ashamed to say that I employed the most underhanded subterfuge technique.

  Puppy dog eyes.

  Turning to one another, they do that silent twin communication thing before Micah shrugs nonchalantly.

  “Only if you promise to stop before your limit. Not after,” Linc concedes sternly.

  Beaming, I practically jump up and down on the bed. Well, it’s more like a bum wiggle considering I’m not stood up and I’ve got food in my lap, but…whatever.

  “I promise. Now let’s get all the work done and out of the way. I haven’t spent any proper time with either of you yet and it would be nice to get to know you a little better,” I admit, giving them a warm smile.

  Linc stiffens and suddenly everything goes quiet. Without giving either of us a second look, he spins and briskly walks out of the room, his change in emotions practically giving me whiplash.

  Micah notices my discomfort and comes to sit on the bed next to me. “Don’t worry, Lala. He isn’t mad with you or what you said. It’s just- Well,” he hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. “None of us have exactly had the best experiences in life. Some of us find it…easier, to open up and talk about it. Others, not so much,” he concludes sadly.

  “I don’t want to delve into his deepest darkest secrets Mic,” I counter. “I just thought maybe we could just chat about what you guys like to do in your spare time, that’s all.”

  Trying to let Linc’s dismissal roll off my back, I turn my focus back to my food. Even though I don’t really feel like eating anything anymore, I force it down knowing that my body needs it.

  “And deep down he knows that Lala. It’s just, urgh, I shouldn’t say anything. Let’s hope he doesn’t kill me,” he mutters. Releasing a big breath, he continues.

  “Linc struggles with expressing himself or sharing his interests because he was taught not to speak out or show any emotion. We were taught from a very early age, that emotions were distractions and weaknesses, ready to be exploited. What you asked probably stirred up some bad memories for him, that’s all. He’ll be fine. Just give him some time.”

  Micah’s words don’t give me much to go on, but the underlying meaning is clear. A swell of anger swirls in my chest at the thought of either of these sweet and gentle men, being brought up in such an awful manner.

  Before my thoughts can spiral any further, Micah interjects. Forcing lightness into his tone, his whole demeanor changes back to the happy go lucky guy we all know him to be in less than a second flat.

  “Finish your meal, then I shall escort thy beautiful lady to the study room for the day.” Finishing in a posh accent, with a wink and a pinch of my cheek, he jumps up and leaves the room.

  I can’t help but giggle at his antics. It’s so difficult to be around Micah and not be cheerful and content. He’s simply the embodiment of sunshine and happiness.

  The world could be burning down around us and he would still be there to make sure we die smiling. The world would be lost without him.

  With nothing else to distract me, I go to finish my breakfast, pausing mid bite when I notice bandages now encompassing my hands. How they escaped my notice until now I don’t know. But now that I’m aware of them, my skin feels itchy and tight underneath.

  The twins had successfully diverted my attention enough so that I didn’t even realize I had them on. Someone must have come in and dressed them whilst I was asleep last night.

  The thought gives me mixed feelings. I know that they would all be respectful of my boundaries, I just can’t decide whether the thought of them looking after me so well is creepy or endearing.

  The itchiness of my skin brings me out of my musings as the sensation rises to an almost unbearable level.

  Please don’t let me have developed an infection from that bitch. That would be like rubbing salt in the wound. Literally. I wouldn’t put it past her to have cooties or some shit. Maybe rabies?

  Eww.

  The thought causes a shiver to run down my spine. I place the empty cup and plate down on my desk before heading into the bathroom. Moving to the sink, I start to unravel one wrist.

  “What the-”

  “Five minutes Lala!”

  Startled, I drop the bandages in the sink and manage to croak out a response. “Just-” I cough to clear my throat. “Just getting changed. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Shakily removing the bandages from the other hand, I inspect them both, only to be greeted with almost pristine skin. The only thing that remains are faint pink lines where the scratches used to be. Even then, they are already nearly completely healed. It’s almost as if the cuts were never there in the first place.

  I’ve always healed fast, but surely I shouldn’t be healing this fast?! That’s not normal.

  Maybe they just weren’t as bad as I remembered. With how much of a whirlwind everything was yesterday, it’s no surprise that my recollections are a bit fuzzy. Ok, I lie. They are a lot fuzzy.

  Deciding to keep the bandages on to avoid any questions, I complete my business and change before grabbing my breakfast tray and heading off to find Micah.

  Up until now, I hadn’t explored the house any further than the rooms I spent my time in.

  As I found out very early on, the guys like to make sure that I have everything I need to live comfortably, on hand and close by.

  Apparently, that also includes a brand new phone and laptop, allowing me to be able to work from either my bed or the sofa and indulge in luscious catnaps throughout the day.

  I’m thoroughly pampered, I’ll tell you that much!

  It was extremely sweet of them and not at all surprising to think that they’d pre-empted what I would need and how I would cope ahead of time. That being said, it also meant that I never had any reason to go scoping out the rest of the house.

  What surprised me the most, was that I didn’t even realize that there was a freaking library and technological paradise hidden under my nose all this time.

  When Micah said study space, I envisaged a room with a couple of desks and computers, maybe a few bookshelves and comfy seats interspersed throughout the space here and there.

  Oh no, the reality is far better than anything my measly little mind could conjure up.

  Like the rest of their humble abode, the cavernous space is graced with beautiful high vaulted ceilings and aged wooden beams.

  The décor reminds me of the old aristocratic English study rooms that were fitted out with dark wooden panels and complemented by rich, accented brown and reds with shady undertones.

  Squealing in delight -internally of course, I don’t want to appear even more unhinged than I already am- I just stand there, spinning in a slow circle and savoring the space around me.

  Freestanding units are lined up precisely in front of the back wall where every available inch of space is occupied by thick wooden shelves. Books neatly fill every vacant space and are highlighted by l
ow lights embedded into the tops of the shelves. Each book basking in it’s very own, individual spotlight.

  To the left of the entrance is a charming handcrafted dark cherry-wood table that is surrounded by ten bespoke chairs. Each seat is adorned with lush red velvet seated cushions and studded with brass pins.

  A metronome sits alone in the center of the table, placed perfectly to accompany the striking grand piano that takes center stage in the middle of the room. My hands twitch at the sight of the beautiful black and white keys that are just begging to be played.

  Extending across the right side of the room, and all the way back towards the door we entered through, is a desked area. The desks furthest from the door are lined with simple desktops for general use, whilst the corner desk is lined with numerous high-tech monitors, computers and servers. Each displaying a different camera view.

  I take a minute, completely in awe of my surroundings, to really take in the room in front of me. It’s majestic. Regal almost.

  Scanning the extensive space, my eyes alight on Linc who is already tapping away furiously at one of the desktops, working on what looks like an English assignment. I feel almost saddened and regretful knowing that I’m going to have to complete my literary assignment electronically as well.

  I’ve always preferred reading paper copies and writing free hand. You just can’t beat the nostalgic feel of a paperback book and the old age smell that comes with it. How it encapsulates you and makes the whole experience of reading that much more immersive.

  Unfortunately, now we are in ‘modern times’, the college decided that the majority of our assignments and reading documents should be completed online too.

  I totally get that it helps the environment and I completely agree with the logic behind it. I just can’t help but prefer having the textured feel of the pages crinkling beneath my fingertips and the smell of parchment wafting in my face as I turn the page.

  It may sound weird and completely cuckoo, but I like it. Don’t judge! Everyone has their fetishes. A good paperback book just so happens to be mine. Bite me.

  Linc’s attention doesn’t stray from his screen as Micah and I enter the room, and by the time I’ve finished admiring my surroundings, Micah is already sitting at a computer. Having left a free computer between him and Linc, I happily stroll over and take my place.

  Plugging in his headphones, Micah gets to work almost immediately, leaving me to decide on where to start.

  That’s one thing I’ve quite liked about not having to attend college in person. Having all this extra free time makes it a lot easier to complete assignments. The lack of busybodies and people interrupting is also a blessing. You can just get on with what you need to do, with little to no distraction.

  It’s quite pleasant actually. Does that make me weird? Probably.

  Working in silence, we manage to finish everything within a couple of hours. I stretch my arms above my head, happy with the last check over of my algebra assignment and submit it. Leaving the guys to finish whatever they are doing, I decide to go and make us all some lunch.

  The twins walk in just as I finish plating up their sandwiches. Taking their seats, I slide their plates and drinks in front of them and they just stare back at me slack-jawed.

  Their expressions are difficult to make out. They look almost horrified. I’ve never made food for them before now, but I’m pretty sure my food is at least edible.

  “You guys alright? You look like I just served you a plate of raw chicken.”

  Surprisingly it’s Linc who speaks up first, his voice thick and full of emotion. “How did you know?”

  “How did I know what?” My head tilts to the side as I try to make sense of what he’s asking.

  “What he wants to know, is how you know what our favorite sandwiches and drinks are?” Micah explains.

  “That’s easy. You always ask for the same thing at college and you don’t usually stop commenting on how nice they are. It’s not hard to figure out that they are your favorites.” I shrug, putting the finishing touches on my baguette. “It’s not rocket science.”

  They remain stock still, making no attempts to start eating as they continue to stare at me in disbelief. It’s another minute or so before they turn to look at one another and share a sweet smile.

  “I guess we kinda do make it obvious, huh twinnie?!” Micah exclaims, slapping Linc on the back who rolls his eyes at his brother. “Thanks, Lala,” Micah beams. Linc quietly echoes his thanks shortly after.

  “You’re welcome. I hope they are okay. I-” Clearing my throat, I swallow thickly. “I haven’t made or cooked anything since before the accident so...”

  If the guys notice my hesitation, they don’t show it. Sitting down opposite them at the breakfast bar I begin to chow down on my baguette before taking a sip of my vanilla latte and sighing gently.

  That hits the spot alright!

  We all tuck into our meals in silence and when we’re finished, the guys clean up the plates as I snuggle down on the sofa in the other living room.

  Dragging the blanket off the back of the sofa, I tuck myself in and inhale the fresh linen smell as my muscles begin to relax.

  I don’t know why, but I always feel safest and most content in this room. Most probably because of the cozy ambience in here. When the fire is lit and it’s cold outside, it’s like a little winter wonderland. Homely, warm and comforting.

  My personal grotto. Mila’s grotto to be precise.

  I even managed to convince the guys to call it that too. Eventually. According to them, it makes us sound like a bunch of three-year-old’s.

  Do I look like I care? Nope.

  Once they realized I wouldn’t relent, they gave in and joined me. Meaning another win for Mila!

  The twins join me not long after, Linc taking the armchair to the left as Micah puts a Vanilla Latte on the coffee table and flops onto the sofa next to me, burrowing under the blanket with me.

  I give a little victory dance as he reaches back out for the coffee mug once he’s settled, offering it to me. I take it graciously and give him a cheesy smile. Sniffing at the delectable treat, I hum in approval and snuggle back against him.

  “So…Micah, you like to sing?” I smirk, feeling him go rigid behind me as Linc chuckles softly.

  “She got you there, bro,” Linc points out smugly. Taking pleasure in seeing his twin squirm.

  “Seriously? How do you keep finding out about this stuff?!” Micah asks, genuinely perplexed. Most likely thinking about how I found out that he likes to wear comical underwear with either a superhero or a funny meme on them.

  And no, I didn’t go routing around his drawers or spy on him. I have my ways. Let’s just leave it at that.

  “The fact that you take part in the singing sessions in the music hall is a dead giveaway. Your singing voice is actually quite impressive, not to mention your extensive music collection upstairs.”

  His head snaps round so fast, you would think the Kool-aid man just bulldozed straight through the wall.

  “How do you know what I sound like? You’ve never heard me sing!”

  “Wow! For someone who is a badass, super secret agent, you really should be more aware of your surroundings,” I tease. “Gem used to go to those sessions and I tagged along on occasion. Naturally I noticed you amongst the others. You stood out with that impressive range of vocals you have. I bet you’re pretty decent at accents too.”

  Linc chortles as I adjust myself to fully see Micah, finding his mouth gaping open like a guppy. Grinning victoriously, I wait to see what he has to say.

  It takes him a second to gather himself before he cups a hand around his mouth so that I can’t see his lip movements.

  Pointing at me with his other hand, he whisper-shouts across to Linc, “She’s scary bro! We need to watch her. She could be conspiring to use this against us!”

  Linc’s face drops as he moves forward in his seat and hisses back at Micah. “Shut up, she doesn’t know-” />
  “Oh Linc,” I sing-song, interrupting him mid-sentence. I can feel his eyes burning a hole into the side of my head. Ignoring his stare, I continue to speak whilst staring intently down at my coffee in the most blasé manner I can muster. “She knows that your forte is soprano and you have a fantastic opera voice, but that you much prefer J-pop.”

  Silence.

  “Oh, and she also knows that you two complement each other fantastically and have even written a few songs with Aus.”

  At that admission they both nearly fall out of their seats.

  This is so much fun!

  Keeping my eyes on my coffee, I catch their heads in the edges of my vision slowly turning towards me. Biting my lip, I raise my eyes and give them a mischievous grin.

  I’m never going to use any of that information against them, I mean who really cares if a guy sings soprano or not?! They don’t need to know that though.

  Even if they both share a little bit of worry or embarrassment over the fact that the knowledge of them being able to sing could get out, Linc’s reaction makes it all worth it. It well and truly warms my heart to see him acting almost identically to Micah. His softer side coming out to play.

  “We need to get some dirt on her man, she could use this against us. Big style!” Micah whisper-shouts again. Linc only nods thoughtfully in return.

  I can’t help the snort that comes out of my mouth. They’ll never get any dirt on me. I’m far too private and secretive for them to even obtain a morsel of shit on me.

  “Game on boys!” I give them a wink and continue to sip on my coffee while both of them grin back at me in response. Mischief written all over their faces.

  I sure could get used to seeing Linc this relaxed. It’s obvious he has the same disposition as his brother. He’s just too frightened to let his guard down. Whatever happened to him in the past must have been pretty awful to have made him so hesitant in even the simplest of interactions.

  “Lala, ever played twister?”