PHOEBE'S POV

It was a Saturday and my final day at the Ellicott's residence. As I stood before the majestic home ready to leave in the car that was parked up front, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I had had the best experiences of my whole entire life within a mere two weeks in this house and a part of me would always belong here.

The last two days had been hectic and thrilling altogether. Zach made sure to complete my basic training. Also, Sir Adrian taught me how to consciously block people trying to get in my head or using my emotions. He said to focus on my best memory and always, no matter how much I tried to conjure up another memory, it was always with Killian, a.k.a Zachary Ellicott.

It's still unbelievable to me that they are one and the same. But why I believe that they are is simply because Zach does behave a whole lot like the puppy I got way too attache to and whenever he does something, I see Killian first before the guy himself. That is something I would not want him to find out though because it may hurt him and I honestly don't want anything like that to happen.

Zachary, Xavier and Alvina had set up an imaginary mini world where they created characters with every ability they had taught me and asked me to overcome all. I was so terrified and wondered how they could do that to me, they were supposed to be my friends and here they were turning against me. What was worse, Elaine and Jaden gave their full support.

I had bravely confronted this... final training of theirs and it took me half a day to complete. I ran into a lot of dead ends, hid a lot and hurt myself often but they still didn't rescue me. I had become despondent about it all until I remembered my biggest advantage, I wielded ability over fate after all. When I had been cornered by a certain magician that had caused me to fall in my face in the sand, I had ceased that opportunity to scribble something in the sand. 'I certainly will overcome. I certainly am a victor. All these obstacles will clear', I had written and instead of getting the results I awaited, I got the reverse since everything took a more dangerous turn and I was left running for my life.

I completely forgot I was in an illusion and had to ask myself repeatedly how I got into that terrifying situation. How I got out of that situation was sort of unexpected because I remembered that I had an ability that could manipulate anything or anyone within a one mile radius and like an antenna, I could sense whatever went on around me within a three mile radius if only I focused and relaxed a little.

I had discovered this ability when I was with Luke one time and he had annoyed me. I found myself hyper sensitive of all around me and when he tried to flee in his fireball form, I had manipulated a nearby hose to shoot him down and it happened. He was amazed and I was speechless.

Back to where I was, I wondered to myself how I could relax when I was scared shitless but I found a safe enough hideout in an aluminum tunnel and hid.

I heard them; the ones after me, searching for me but none thought to look for me in the tunnel because 'It would be foolish for her to hide there considering it is narrow and could be heated up. Worse, there is only one way in and out.' One had said. I had relaxed and concentrated on realizing my surroundings and fortunately, all but one of the ones after me were within a one-mile radius. I concentrated on using their surroundings against them as I caused one to stumble into a manhole, another to feel something behind him and shoot his gun only to hit another and got shot by a dagger himself. I caused water beside one to get carry him away and more I did. When all was done, I found a guide out with my mind and escaped before the last person could reach me, I was almost out when she caught right up to me and was mad with fury. Right before I disappeared, a dagger she threw stabbed through my shoulder. I shuddered at the reminder because the pain felt so real.

"Miss, may we leave now?" The chauffeur called bringing me out of my thoughts and I turned to him and cast a small smile his way. I entered the car and he shut the door after me before getting in the driver's seat and driving off.

I looked through the brochures and fake albums that Jaden and Elaine had worked on gathering. It was not all fake though as I saw the pictures with the twins, with Rachael, the brunch photos and Sara's pictures out. I did have a lot of fun and learned so much all at the same time. I saw one where I was with Xavier and right before the picture was taken, he sneezed and I contorted my face and it was quite a sight. A smile spread abroad my lips.  I shut the album later and put it away.

As we approached home, I discovered that I was eager to see my family again. Yes, they were my family no matter what happened even despite I am hiding my secret from them. I hoped to tell them someday but for now, could trust no one and it was also to ensure their safety.

I cast a glance at the bracelet Sir Adrian had given me as a birthday present. A look at it and I had known it was something more. Sure it looked simple and like an antique or vintage or whatever but I had perceived much stronger technology and had merely stared up at Sir Adrian with a smile I had not known was there.

"Yes. It is bugged but for your safety. It is water proof so do always have it on." He had said. I nodded.

"Thank you very much for all you have done for me. I could never repay you." I had told him.

"It's no problem at all dearie. From henceforth, you always have a place  with us and you are welcome anytime. And," He had paused to retrieve a set of books. A total of about five 200-hundred paged books. "these are a classified books Phoebe. I know you want them and trust me, you will need them. Am entrusting it to you and you have to take good care of it. This book is not for anyone and you are not anyone. Do you understand."

"Yes sir." I was amazed that he had awarded such honor and favor to me but I was not complaining. I would certainly not make him regret it. The books were secure in my box and I could not wait to read them. They were certainly special books. Anyone could tell.

The car pulled up right in front of my home. The sight of seeing the home where all my family were made my eyes well up for some reason. I had missed them more than I thought. Now, I was going to go in and face them and lie to them about where I have been for the past two weeks and all that has happened.

The chauffeur helped me take all my things to the front of the door and boy, were they a lot compared to the little box I left with. Courtesy of the Ellicotts. The chauffeur waited as I rang the door bell and awaited a response. It was a Saturday and everyone was mostly out on Saturdays but since they were expecting me back today..., the door opened and an excited Lexi screamed and hugged me. Lexi never hugs me first. She must have missed me that much I guess but I liked that she did.

"Oh my, Phoebe you look gorgeous. Europe was really good to you despite the chilliness of the weather. I am so happy to see you. I missed you so." She gushed.

I raised an eyebrow with a huge grin. "Did you? Am glad because I missed you so much too." I leaned in for another hug but disengaged when I heard my parents and Dylan call me.

"Phoebe," Dad called and came to embrace me.

"Good afternoon dad. I missed you." I confessed.

He pulled me by the cheek lovingly. "I missed you too honey. We all did."

"Phoebe Abigail Patterson, would you get over here?" Mom chided and I ran over and embraced her.

"Good afternoon mom. How are you? You look lovely as always." I praised.

"You scheming girl. What are you up to?" She asked smiling.

I shook my head. "I just missed my mom so much. Mom, I got you that cream you always wanted with the shampoo and perfume."

Mom gasped. "Darlene's?" She asked. I nodded proudly. "No way. That must have cost a fortune Phoebe. You shouldn't have."

"Of course I have to.  I got you nothing on your birthday and on mother's day and I have been awful, it's my way of saying am sorry." I said with a remorseful expression.

"Aww, my daughter is growing up. Thank you sweetie." Mom said.

"Can I get my own hug right now?" Dylan asked and I grinned and ran over. "That's it." He said once I embraced him and rubbed my back up and down. "Phoebe, you smell so good by the way." He said as we disengaged and I smiled.

"Thank you." I said.

"Excuse me miss. Please, where do I put your bags?" The ever polite chauffeur asked and I immediately felt apologetic. I had forgotten that he was there. 

"I am so sorry. Please put it all in the sitting room." I told him and he immediately went around to it.

"I'll go help him." Dylan said and moved away from me to go get the bags and I felt grateful for his thoughtfulness.

"Phoebe, you are turning seventeen tomorrow. What do you have in mind to do?" Mom asked after I had washed up again at her insistence and changed into comfortable home clothing.

"Nothing much mom. We could have a family dinner like we always do and celebrate it together. It would be nice." I said flippantly as I perused through my tablet.

"That is not acceptable young lady." She said and I stopped to look up at her.

"What is not?" I asked.

"That way of celebrating. Phoebe you will turn only seventeen tomorrow and you already have so much to celebrate. You got admitted into Pris Tine on merit, got to travel to Europe and meet all those dignitaries, you even met the Prime minister of Portugal for heaven's sake. That should be celebrated and you mixed up with all those blue bloods whereas you are just ordinary, a mere mundane. No way in hell are we not throwing a party." Mom said.

"A party?" I asked in disbelief. I hated parties, fine I didn't hate parties. I enjoyed them from time to time but hated it whenever I was the focus and that was rare and I preferred it stayed that way.

"Yes. A party." She confirmed without batting an eyelash.

"But don't you think it's unnecessary?" My mom raised a zn eyebrow at the question and I caught Lexi's eyes saying 'you got to come up with a better excuse than that.' "I mean, organizing a party within such short notice would certainly be a lot of work which you don't have to go through." I said.

"You are thinking about the work?" I nodded. "Don't worry about it. I got it all covered. I have been planning this party since the day you left for Europe." She said and I couldn't blink for a while. I turned to look at Lexi and she seemed surprised too. There was no getting out of this one.

"Wow, my mom is the best." I said with no enthusiasm at all but I don't think she noticed.

"Of course I am. That is why you should be grateful that you have me for these things. I have set the location here in the house. By this evening, a crew would be coming over to clear the down floor and set it up. There will be canopies out in front as well, I have the food ready, your dress ready and of course, all your guests. Because, what's a party without guests?" She pulled out her tablet from her handbag on the Kitchen counter and after she opened up to some page, passed it to me. "Those are your guests." She proudly announced.

I first took notice of the number, they were exactly a hundred and seventy five thankfully and more than half of them were either people I barely spoke to, mere acquaintances or people I disliked. I spared a glance at my mother.

"Come on sweetie, don't give me that look. I know that the list is not what you would want but you have very few friends that I had to make up the list somehow and I even contacted your closest friends from Mary's villa, Gracie, Charlotte and Sutton. I don't know your friends from Pris Tine except Xavier and I asked him too." She said.

"You did what mom? Invited Xavier too? Sausages and biscuits." I muttered.

"It will be fine in the end. You will see." She assured me. I did not feel so assured. In fact, I wasn't assured at all. I managed to nod and that seemed good enough for her.

Later that evening, Lexi found me in my bedroom checking on my blog. She plopped onto the bed while I was seated on my study chair and work table.

"You are busy." She said. I nodded and carried on. She didn't say anything for a while. "I missed you. We all did Phoebe and no matter what you think mom may be doing, it's because she loves you and is proud of you." Lexi said.

"I know." I replied and stopped. I turned around to face her. "But sometimes I honestly do wish she actually  listens to us rather than carry on and do things she feels are best for us without regarding our opinions at all. I hate it when she does that." I effused.

"I know. Am apologizing on her behalf. So, forgive her."

"I have." I sighed and moved towards the bed where I lay on my back beside Lexi. "Sister, how have you been?" I asked.

"Great, my life has been alright but nothing compared to all that you have experienced. My stories would be boring compared to yours." She said.

"I hate it when you do that Lexi. Stop. I want to hear it all. That ordinary life. Please?" I pleaded.

"Fine. What is it that you want to hear?" She asked.

"Mmmh." I said rubbing my jaw line in thought and sitting up on the bed. "Tell me about Scott, your furniture designing, your friends and your acquaintances, all that." I said.

"Alright. Scott is cool. We still argue and did I tell you that he bought an apartment already and asked me to move in with him?" She asked quietly.

"You got to be kidding me. He did? His job must pay well." I commented.

Lexi shook her head. "His job is not the focus Phoebe." She clarified.

"It isn't? Then, what is? Oh, him asking you to move in with him." I said in realization.

"And this is why it is so hard to discuss relationships with you. You tend to miss the point." She said. "You need a first-hand experience on relationships. Go get a boy friend. Not a crush or a close friend. Got it?" She asked.

"But those kind of things usually don't happen to me." I informed.

"And that is why you are going to make it happen." She said with finality.

"Al... righty. So, what was your answer?" I asked.

"I had to turn it down." She said.

"Why?" I asked.

"What the why for?" She asked in puzzlement.

"Scott is a good guy, you have been together for almost three years and he adore you and you like him a lot. So, why did you refuse?" I asked.

She stared at me for a while. "What happened to being a principles woman and not sharing a house until you are married?" She asked.

"Oh, I almost forgot." I said.

"Almost?" She said eyeing me.

"Totally. Sorry but you have stayed over at his place a few times." I said in my defense.

"It's different. I just spend a night and we talk and just share a bed and am gone the next day. Besides, he doesn't just do that for me. He has had several of his female friends stay over for days when they need his help for this or that. It's nothing special at all."

"Ah, so he's like that? Now, I see why you fight a lot. How does he do that and expect you to be okay with it?"

"I wonder the same thing too Phoebs. I am dating a weirdo." She sighed. "Before I forget, I entered a  furniture designing competition. It's huge Phoebe and am nervous. I feel like you knew about it and got me that miniature house with all the plans of the furniture stated in detail in the magazine."

"What....? It's great and you are very good at what you do. Go kick some ass." I said overjoyed.

"Phoebe, it's a tough competition. There are a lot of people out there as good as I am and I really want mom and dad to be proud of me." She said.

"They already are." I informed.

"I want the kind of success you have. You are in a big place Phoebe and still make it to the top. I want to do that well." She said.

"You will." I told her with conviction but she shook her head.

"I want you to do something for me." She got up from the bed and found a pen and plain sheet and gave it to me. I looked at her and down at the plain sheet and pen. "I need you to write a proof for me. Something that I would look at from now until the competition and feel at ease with. A sort of assurance that I would make mom and dad proud."

"Okay?" Uncertain, I placed the plain sheet on another notebook and scribbled, 'If you want to win so bad, you will. Nothing can take it from you or prevent it no matter what because it will always be yours.' I passed the paper to her and as she read it, a smile lit up her face.

"Thank you. This is so much better." She told me. I nodded. I couldn't understand why such simple words pleased her so much.

**********

Finally, it was my birthday. And it was rather busy. Mom really did organize a great party where everyone had a good time and she showed me off to her friends so much I had to avoid her. I was glad to see some of my old friends and tried hard to be as polite as possible to the others I wasn't so delighted to have around.  Xavier couldn't make it much to mom's disappointment but promised to make up for it later. I trusted he would.

After I was fed up talking about Pris Tine and my fake trip to Europe and all I did, I excused myself to retire early especially since I had school the next day. Mom let me. I still noticed Chris' eyes on me as I left and I didn't like it. We are talking about that Chris, he was invited.

Once in the confines of my bedroom, I took a deep breath and calmed down. 'Everything is fine', I told myself. My eyes darted to my cell phone where I had received more than three dozen birthday wishes and kisses but none was from Zach and I honestly felt disappointed.

"Don't think about it too much Phoebe. He is Zach Ellicott and he was merely messing with you. Don't get it in your head." I said to myself but that did not take away the disappointment. It was already 8.30pm and the party had started by 6.00pm. It was all good.

I went to upstairs cabinet where my mom earlier put the beverage and some cakes. As bad as a habit it was, whenever I was heavyhearted, sweet things worked best. I made a cup of warm chocolate drink and placed some cakes on a saucer and took them into my bedroom.

I placed the cup of chocolate and saucer on my study table that I had earlier cleared but when I turned to my bed, I jumped in surprise.

"Spanners and screw jacks, what in the world are you doing here in my bedroom, Zach?" I asked in alarm. Zachary Ellicott was in my bedroom and on my bed.

Zach looked up at me and put on this cute puppy expression, I almost fell for it, almost...

I shook my head, "Zach, how did you get in and what are you doing here?" I asked sternly.

"I missed you." He said easily and my heart raced but it didn't show since I cocked an eyebrow, "I missed you like crazy that I wanted to run over and not let you out of my sight again." He admitted and a small smile crept to my lips.

"You could have called." I said.

He shook his head. "I wanted to see you in person." He got off the bed and walked towards me  but stopped a few steps away. "Happy birthday Phoebe. I didn't forget at all but I wanted to tell you in person and let you know that you are special. Also, I wanted to be the last person to say it so that it doesn't get mixed up with those of others."

I grinned. "Thank you."

"You look beautiful." He commented and I accessed in a flash, the turquoise fitted gown that mom picked out with low heels.

"Thanks but right now, I want to wash up. You can leave now." I said.

He folded his arms across his chest. "I don't want to. I want to sleep.  beside you today."

I sighed. "When is the rush hour over?"

"Until dawn? I know why you are asking and am not leaving." He said.

"Whatever." I said and went into the bathroom where I took my time to brush and shower before coming back into my room in a dressing gown and he was still there reading a magazine and sipping my chocolate drink comfortably. I ignored him and went to take my pajamas and went right into the bathroom to change into it before stepping out again.

"What are you doing now?" I asked.

"Taking this amazing cup of chocolate." He replied and I rolled my eyes. I suddenly sensed Lexi coming and turned to Zach.

"Hide Zach. My sister is coming." I said. I watched Zach as he contemplated where to and right before the door opened, shifted into a pillow and dropped on my bed. I turned to Lexi and acted normal or tried to since she eyed me and went to plop onto my bed. Her eyes scanned my bedroom but stopped when it fell onto the pillow Zach had shifted into.

"You got an extra pillow. I like this one." She said picking up the pillow. I quickly took it from her.

"You can't touch this one. It's mine." I said.

"I know but I just want to lie on it." she said.

"You can't. I don't want you to." I said.

"Phoebe, you are being weird. It's just a pillow." She said.

"Have my favorite pillow instead. Just to lay on." I added.

She looked at me with confuzzlement for a while but gave up. "I just came to tell you about Jamie, Tiana's younger brother and your biggest crush." She lay on my favorite pillow while I gently placed the pillow on the other end and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Okay?"

"It happened Jamie saw a recent picture of you on Tiana's phone and wants to come over with her within the week just to see you. Aren't you excited? The Jamie wants to see you. You used to like him so much, do you remember?"

I blinked twice or thrice at a go. Zach was there. This conversation was awkward with him around. So, I did what I could to avoid the question.

"Lexi, am sorry but am so tired today. We could talk about this some other time. Okay?" I asked.

"Alright. You look tired and you are being weird. I will leave you to rest." She said getting to her feet.

"Thank you." I said after her. Zach transformed back and reassumed his position but this time, he was eyeing me. "What is it?"

"There was Joe and now, Jamie? How many dudes do you have?"

"See who is talking. Should we get started on yours?" I asked and he nervously looked away. "I thought so." I made to sit on the chair but Zach called me.

"Phoebe, please come and stay beside me. Please?" He pleaded.

"I don't want to." I huffed.

"Should I come and fetch you myself?" He asked. I ignored him and in a flash, he was beside me and lifting me off the chair effortlessly.  I tried putting up a fight but he wouldn't budge and I let him be.

Eventually, he settled me on the bed but cornered me. "What is it now?" I asked.

He reached for my hair and played with tendrils. "Please let me sleep beside you today Phoebe." He asked huskily as he whispered the words in my ear and I melted.

"Okay." I said weakly and he immediately withdrew grinning mischievously. I realized what he had done and started to punch his arm but he merely laughed.

He eventually pulled me down to lie beside him. "Rest now. Just sleep."

I was beyond tired by then and couldn't argue. "Zach, I want a birthday present from you though." I said.

"What is it?" He asked patiently and gently. He was lying beside me and it was just both of us and right there, the rest of the world didn't matter to me. I was seventeen today and I could afford to be crazy for once. I leaned in and kissed Zach.

"Thank you." I said.

"You only torture me with a kiss? I can't let that slide now. Can I?" He asked and before I could fully understand what he meant, his lips came crashing down on mine and it became a full make-out session. My very first make-out session.

In my heart, I believed we wouldn't go far as to do what we would both regret and for once, I let myself go.

Thanks for reading. Honestly am not so sure about how I ended this chapter but by the next chapter, we will know more about this whole thing going on. Zach must have figured out Phoebe's parentage but would he tell her so soon? And what is it exactly is this that they have, even them haven't figured it out. Good nite everyone.