Moving Day

[Phoenix's Point-of-View]

Phoenix woke up the next day to the sun shone on her face. She had forgotten to shut the curtains last night. She threw the covers over her head as she tried to go back to sleep.

On most days she woke up at 9 o'clock. As the owner of Phoenix Tears, it allowed her to work flexible hours. She was usually at the restaurant by 10:30 and would often stay until closing.

Memories of the previous day began to plague her thoughts and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't go back to sleep.

Frustrated she tossed the blankets off and sat up sharply and ran a hand through her hair. She grabbed her phone and saw that it was 8 in the morning.

She plugged her phone in then went to go brush her teeth and wash her face. She changed into comfortable clothing since she knew she would need to move around today.

She went downstairs and breakfast was ready for her. She took a sip of her tea after she sat down. Her father and mother had already left for the day. This didn't surprise her. Her parents tended to leave early in the morning.

Phoenix's family was classified as a second tier wealthy family. This gave her access to attend the elite schools the wealthy kids did, but the wealthy kids had not been welcomed her into their fold.

Those set to inherit businesses or set to inherit shares from their family were bullies and liked to think too highly of themselves.

Phoenix had been a target because her family was considered new money. Her parents were good investors and were able to accumulate successful chain restaurants. Her grandparents were owners of a noodle house and had began to have several other locations. Her father had majored in business and when he took over, he expanded and eventually created their empire.

But being new money without the proper birthright had been something the wealthy kids never let her live down.

Evelyn had been bullied too. Even though she was from one of the wealthiest families, the kids bullied her because of her mother's social status.

They eventually stopped bullying her after the Li brothers stood up for her. They made sure everyone knew that her mother may not have been wealthy, but her father was. Her father's family had the power and wealth to ruin the livelihoods of everyone that had bullied her. When reminded of that the other kids had backed off.

Evelyn had told Phoenix that was how she had gained respect. Phoenix started at the same school when they were about 10 years old.

Evelyn had never forgotten how cruel the kids were to her because of her mother's social class. So when the kids began to bully Phoenix, Evelyn took it upon herself to protected her.

Phoenix recalled the day her friendship with Evelyn was forged. It was her 10th birthday and she had worn her pretty new dress to school and was so excited.

But the other girls had other plans. They pretended to be happy and wanted to show her a surprise. Phoenix naively followed them. She had followed them to the shed by the pond.

The girls had thrown fish sauce on her, it had ruined Phoenix's dress. They then pushed her down to the floor, they had ignored her struggles. They had torn the sleeve of the dress and had rubbed mud into her hair.

It was around that time when one of the girl's leader got hit in the head with a ball of mud.

"Who did that!?" she had shouted. Evelyn stood six feet away and had another handful of mud in her hand. Evelyn threw it and this time it landed on one of the girls who had held Phoenix down.

"Wang Qiaoning, if this is how we celebrate birthdays, I'll remember that. I believe yours is coming up soon," Evelyn had said. Evelyn had taken out a handkerchief and wiped her hands.

"You!" Qiaoning," said her face getting red. She had sputtered and wiped the mud off her hair.

"Careful, I still haven't forgotten what you did to me. It would be all too easy for me to go to my dad and tell him all about this," Evelyn warned. She stopped what she was doing and turned her eyes on Qiaoning.

"My dad doesn't take kindly to bullies. I could make sure that Wei's World Organization buys out your family and leave you with nothing," Evelyn said. Some of the girls began to run away afraid that Evelyn would make good on her threat.

Qiaoning stood for a second then began to run passed Evelyn as well. But Evelyn was angry so she had stuck her foot out. Qiaoning had tripped and fell into a puddle of dirty water by the side of the pond.

"My bad, I thought you wanted to wash the mud from your hair," Evelyn said. Her eyes had been cold. Phoenix would never forget the way Evelyn's eyes looked then. It was dark and vengeful.

Phoenix had shivered with fear, tears had still stained her cheeks. But as soon as Evelyn had turned toward Phoenix it had vanished. It had been replaced with concern and warmth. Evelyn had helped Phoenix up, not caring that stuff got on her clothes.

Evelyn had taken her to her house, cleaned her up and gave her a new dress. No one else ever tried to bully Phoenix again and they stuck together. Since then, they have been the best of friends.

Phoenix didn't have any siblings but she thought of Evelyn as her own sister. Evelyn had always been there for her.

Phoenix always tried to be there for Evelyn. She couldn't deny that life always seemed to give Evelyn a hard time. First with the lost of her mother. Then the miscarriages. A year ago, she had even lost her grandparents. But she admired how Evelyn always stood back up.

That was also why she never told Evelyn about Zain. Evelyn had just got married and Phoenix wanted her to enjoy her happiness. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Evelyn. There was nothing Phoenix wouldn't do for Evelyn. Their bond ran that deep. It's was why Phoenix was so afraid now.

Her best friend's life was in jeopardy and she couldn't do anything. They wouldn't allow her to do anything. They just wanted her to hide away.

Phoenix stabbed at her breakfast to vent her frustration. She ate a few bites and barely tasted the food.

When she finally finished a maid came to clear away the plate. Phoenix dragged herself upstairs and finished packing everything that she didn't pack last night. When she was finished the maid help her bring her suitcases downstairs.

Phoenix opened the door and noticed a car out in the driveway. After she started heading toward her own car the door opened. Zain stepped out and began to walk forward.

He was dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a white t-shirt. He had a pair of sunglasses and it tied his look together perfectly. Zain was incredibly handsome. He had perfect facial features and body. No one would have been surprised if he had decided to become a movie star.

Phoenix's heart annoyingly did a flip when she saw him. He was so handsome it almost hurt. But as always, she remembered, he wasn't for her. She snapped out of her trance and ignored him.

"Phoenix," Zain said walking up to her. "Why are you here?" she said by way of greeting.

"I'm here to help you with the move," he answered. He put a hand on her suitcase to stop her. She sighed before turning to him.

"Leave us," she said to the maid. She waited until the maid was inside of the house before she said anything to Zain.

"Go away, Zain," Phoenix said. "No," he said. He took the suitcase from her and began to take it to his car.

Phoenix looked up at the sky and prayed for patience. She did not have the energy to deal with Zain on top of everything this morning.

She rushed after him and put a hand on her suitcase. "Let go," she said.

"I'm just here to help," he said. He didn't relinquish his hold. "I don't want it," Phoenix said. She was aware that she was being a bitch but she didn't have the patience to be amicable.

"Why not?" Zain asked. "Will you leave me alone," Phoenix asked. He stilled and turned to her.

"Phoenix," he said. She stiffened at the way he said her name. "I meant what I said last night," he said. "I don't care," she answered. He had the audacity to smile at her. He must have a death wish to think that now was a good idea to try to charm her.

"You don't mean that," he sounded cocky and it annoyed her greatly. "Zain what could you possibly want from me? Do you enjoy this? Do you get a kick out of torturing me?" Phoenix asked. She was visually agitated.

He looked taken aback. The smile slipped from his face replaced with a contrite look.

"No, I don't mean to torture you. I don't enjoy seeing you like this. What I want is you." Zain answered. Phoenix closed her eyes. She couldn't understand why Zain was doing this.

For years he has given her a wide berth. He didn't try to worm his way into her life. They never spoke, and when they were at the same events, they were cordial with each other. They maintained their facade as friends for the public but not in their personal lives.

Now all of a sudden he was in her life. She recalled hanging out with him for the first time in almost five years when they went to celebrate Evelyn's new apartment. As always she was happy to see him but it was always quickly accompanied with pain.

"Don't," Phoenix said. Her voice made her sound vulnerable. He let go of her suitcase and took a step back.

"I'm sorry. I just want to make sure you're okay. I won't do anything," he promised. His voice was considerably softer. His eyes desperately searched hers. She stared hard at him.

She stood there and she felt horribly conflicted. On the one hand she wanted to allow him to help her. She wanted to accept his help. But then she knew that if she did it would hurt when he inevitably pushed her away. If she allowed him to be this nice and sweet to her, she would let her guard down. She would allow him into her heart just a little bit more and she was positive he would break it.

"Please," he said earnestly. Phoenix cracked. For a moment she stopped worrying about the inevitable hurt that she would likely endure. His concern for her made her heart flutter. It made her feel like he truly cared for her and in that moment she felt that it was worth it.

"Okay," she relented. He smiled softly at her and took the suitcase and began to load it into his car. He opened the passenger side door for her and she climbed in. He went back for the other suitcase before he settled in.

"Wait, my car," she said. "Give me your keys," he said as he held out a hand. She dug into her purse and pulled her car keys out.

"I'll have someone bring it to the apartment," he said. She nodded and settled into the car. Zain drove and again, Phoenix noticed a car following them.

"Are they following you?" Phoenix asked. Zain glanced briefly at the rear view mirror before answering her. "They're here for you," he answered.

"What about your protection detail?" she asked. "Worried about me?" he asked teasingly. Phoenix didn't answer him. He sighed then pointed over to the right of the car. Phoenix's gaze followed his finger.

"They are the one's watching out for me," he answered. Phoenix let out a slow breath of relief that she hoped he didn't notice. But of course he did. He always noticed.

"Phoenix, I meant what I said last night. I wish I could take back what I said to you that night," Zain said. Phoenix said nothing and allowed him to continue. "We need to talk, but not like this. Please?" Phoenix bit her bottom lip.

"Please what?" she asked. "Please forgive you?" He shook his head.

"Please listen to what I have to say," he answered. "I never should have said what I did. I admit I was trying to push you away. I shouldn't have." Her teeth bit into her lip almost painfully.

"Fine I'll listen to what you have to say," she relented. He sighed before he resumed. "Thank you." A silence fell over them.

"Can I ask for one more favor?" Zain asked. "Ask," she said. "Please don't avoid me anymore, let me look out for you," he said. It sounded more like a demand that a request.

"Why do you want to do that?" she couldn't help asking. "I miss you," he answered without hesitation. She sucked in a breath at his admission.

"I miss the way you used to smile at me, our friendship," he said. 'Friendship,' she thought almost bitterly.

"You want to rekindle our friendship?" she bit out. She noticed his hand clench on the steering wheel.

"No, I want to rekindle our romance. But I'll start with friendship," he said. She gasped and turned to face him. He met her eyes for a moment before turning back to the road. But it was enough for her to see his sincerity.

"We never had a romance," she said softly. "You don't believe that," he said.

"It's what you told me," she countered. "I shouldn't have said it. Also, I didn't mean anything I said to you that night," he said. She didn't answer him and he didn't continue to press her.

They eventually got to the apartment and Zain parked in the garage. He brought her suitcases up and Mingxi let them in.

Evelyn had already left for the day and Mingxi was here to look after the animals. Zain sat on the back and watched her unpack the bags. When she finished it was lunchtime and he took her out for lunch.