Phoenix Child

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  I debated having a third slice of pesto pizza when Cordelia swept into the room. A measuring tape hung around her neck, flapping as she rushed over to Taliesin. Her worry and fear grated against me like sandpaper.

  "Are you okay? Did they see you?" The glitter in her blue nail polish sparkled as her hands fluttered around her son, checking for injuries.

  Taliesin's pale cheeks flushed pink. "Mom, I'm fine stop fussing."

  "I'm not fussing, it's my job to make sure you're okay." She huffed and fidgeted with the measuring tape while staring at Taliesin.

  A small wave of guilt swept over me as Taliesin pointed at me. "Mom, you remember Sara, right? Sara, this is my mom, Cordelia Gadarn. Sara saved me. She forced the walk-in to go away and forget all about us."

  Cordelia rushed at me in a blur of blue clothing and honey blond hair. Wrapping her arms around me, she hugged me tight as she thanked me over and over again.

  "I didn't do much, Ms. Gadarn," I said as she squeezed the breath out of me.

  She pulled back, her blue gray eyes shining with tears. "You did so much more than you can possibly understand. Thank you."

  Heat burned my cheeks. "You're welcome."

  She grasped my hands. "I shall make you the most wonderful costumes. Gavin, you will bring her to me to get measured. You're so lovely, let me know what acts you'll perform in, and I'll start drawing right away."

  I opened my mouth, but Taliesin’s mom turned and began walking towards the door. "Come on, honey, let's go home. You can tell me all about your adventure on the way."

  Taliesin rolled his eyes, grabbed another slice of the pineapple, onion, and bell pepper pizza and followed his mom out the door.

  "How are you feeling?" Anali asked.

  "Fine," I answered, leaving out the part where my skin felt gross as if ants had been crawling on me. Until I showered I felt sure the grossness wouldn't leave. And of course, if I let my thoughts wander I would see the woman's empty eyes as I forced her to do what I wanted, which made my stomach feel sick. But other than that, I was peachy keen.

  "Do you want me to talk to your houseparent?" Gavin asked.

  I frowned. "Talk to her about what?"

  He waved a hand in the air. "About everything that is going on."

  "No, are you crazy?" I screeched. "She has no idea about what is going on, and it needs to stay that way."

  "Well," Philip began calmly a touch of power in his voice which simultaneously soothed and irritated me. "What does she think is happening?"

  I leaned back in my chair. "I have no idea. The doctor said I’m fine, and Five, my caseworker, said that was good enough for him, so no issue."

  "Maybe she thinks you dyed your hair," Anali said.

  "She checked for that, hair dye leaves a distinctive smell."

  "I don't like you going back there after such a traumatic experience and not have someone who can support you," Gavin said. "What if you have a nightmare?"

  "Then I make something up. Look if you want me here tomorrow, you can't say anything to Melanie." I took another slice of pesto pizza and began to eat. The grown-ups all sighed and didn't argue with me. Kayin bumped his arm into mine. I smiled and bumped him back. Another crisis averted, hopefully the last one for the night.

  Chapter Nine

  "When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."