Before I leave Olivia’s place, she gives me another warm hug. She peeps out the doorway, watching us walk down the hall and back towards the elevator. She waves at us from the end of the hallway. We wave back as we step onto the elevator and descend.
"She’s cool, right?" Maria asks.
"She sure is,” I respond. "I’m mean, how many people can say they met a phoenix?"
The elevator doors open. Together, we walk through the lobby and out of the main entrance
In no time, we’re pulling into the driveway of my newest home. When we step foot into the house, Kenya comes down the steps to welcome us back.
"How did everything go?" she asks Daniel.
“Fine,” Daniel responds as he tosses the keys onto the coffee table.
Kenya shifts over to me, eager to ask me about my trip.
"Did you meet Olivia?" she asks.
"Yes,”
“Good. Now, do you have a better knowledge of things?”
“Yes. But I’m still learning.”
“Well, more answers will come in due time,” she assures me with a smirk.
She looks over at the others.
"I’m going to sleep early. Don’t try to make too much noise, especially you,” she says and then stares directly at Eric.
He rolls his eyes.
“How do I always get blamed for something I didn't even do yet?” Eric whispers to himself.
“Go out for a walk. That would do you all some good,” Kenya tells us.
She walks away from us and marches up the stairs. I hear her bedroom door closing in the distance a moment later.
"She’s right. It’s been a while since we went out together,” Jason announces to everyone.
"Where should we go?" Jessica asks.
"Let’s go to the peak,” Jason says. “I think the newbie should go there with us.”
Everyone looks at one another with a hidden smile, all except for Daniel.
"What’s the peak?" I ask them.
"It’s absolutely nothing,” Eric says with a huge smile on his face. “It’s just a nice walk in the woods. It’s nothing fun, or awesome, or spectacular.”
"The woods, isn’t that dangerous?" I ask.
"No biggie. The Blaires are far across town,” Maria explains. “Plus, my mom grows the herbs back there.”
“What do you say, Iva?” Jason asks with a charming smirk. “Are you in?”
I think about it for a second. But how can I say no to a face like that? It’s like saying no to a precious little puppy or kitten.
"Okay, why not?" I reply.