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“So,
how was your day?” asked Phoebe.
“Some drama this morning, a couple
and their kids came in and moments later another woman comes in.
She's friendly at first and then shouting and screaming that the guy
ruined her life and took away her children,” said Tony. They were
eating take away food at his place. It wasn't nice as Phoebe's, a
small apartment above the convenience store he worked at.
“Drama for sure, the kids?”
“They seemed to be clueless about it
all.”
“A shame, and I bet the woman must be
in a lot of pain.”
“Indeed, sorry for bringing it up.”
“Don't be, life ain't pretty, hardly
ever is, but when it is you must treasure those moments.”
“Like this one with you.”
Phoebe laughed. “It's hardly special,
this food isn't the best.”
“I mean the company, any time with
you is precious.”
“You charmer,” said Phoebe cracking
a smile.
“I try my best,” he smiled broadly
back.
Phoebe took the last sip of her coffee.
“I better be getting home.”
“Are you sure you don't want to spend
the night?”
“You need to get up early and I have
things to do, maybe some other night, okay?”
There was a moment of sadness before
the smile returned. Tony stretched and yawned. “I am pretty darn
tired.”
“I will get my car.”
“I came on my scooter remember?”
“Yes, yes, I am tired. I will come
down with you.”
The wind was biting outside and
Phoebe's coat seemed inadequate. She hugged herself.
Tony took off his jacket and placed it
over her shoulders.
“I...”
“No, I don't need it,” he said
giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Th... Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it, now go, and be
safe, see you tomorrow?”
“Sure,” she said with a smile.
She got on her scooter and drove off.
Only looking over her shoulder for the briefest moment. Tony was
still there watching her leave.
Phoebe drove on, thinking about Tony
and what she was going to do about him. She was about two blocks from
home when it happened. The woman, she was going to walk in front of a
night bus, Phoebe could not let that happen. She gunned her little
motor and hooked the woman with her left arm. Pulling her to the
side.
Phoebe lost balance and they both went
down. Seemingly oblivious the bus disappeared around a corner.
Before she could get up the woman came
charging at her. “What did you do that for, cow!”
“Saving your life.”
“I don't need your help. I made my
choice.”
“And want about the bus driver and
the passengers, how will their lives be after they discover you
squashed under the wheels?”
“I do not care, I don't have my man,
and he stole my kids.”
“Whoa, slow down here,” said Phoebe
pulling the woman aside and then her scooter, which she didn't know
if it would work again.
“My like is ruined is what I'm
saying!” screeched the woman.
“Wait! You were in Tony's store
weren't you?”
“Tony?”
“He's a nice guy.”
“I'm sure he is,” said the woman
with some resentment. Another bus came around the corner. “If you
don't mind I have a bus catch.”
The woman moved forward, Phoebe grabbed
her hand and pulled her back. “No you don't!”
“Leave me alone! Who are you to tell
me what to do!”
“I've been there, I've been down.
Don't give into it. Fight. Are you going to give up just like that?”
“What choice do I have? I can't see
my kids. The bastard and the courts won't let me.”
“What about when they are adults?
They will be able to make their own decisions then right?”
“And?”
“You build up your life, you find
yourself, make yourself happy and by the time you are ready hopefully
they will be too.”
The woman was silent for a few moments.
“I guess I could get my old job back and do those courses like I
wanted.”
“That's it.”
“But no! It's too hard.” The woman
tried to move again, but Phoebe did not let go.
“Life is never really easy, you just
have to work at it and do your best.”
“Okay...” said the woman looking
towards a truck that was coming. It was clear she was not listening
properly.
Phoebe had no choice. She had never
done it with someone so close before. Closing her eyes she manifested
River Fire. Opening her eyes Phoebe was taken by the beauty. Flaming
hair and trimmer and sleeker body River Fire was the fantasy version
of herself. It was the first time she had seen her alternative self
while fully awake, but it was hard work and she doubted she could
hold it for long.
“What... what is that/”
“Your worst nightmare if you don't do
what I say,” said Phoebe and River Fire together.
The woman broke down and sobbed.
“Alright, alright, for my children I will try.”
“Good,” said Phoebe taking off
Tony's jacket and putting it around the woman's shoulders. “Let me
take you home.”
The jacket was full of holes from the
fall. She hoped Tony wouldn't mind.
