Little Dragon

The Diner

Phoenix finally got herself under control and hastily got out of Jessica's arms.
Jessica gave the girl a reassuring smile.
"What happened? "
Phoenix looked away from Jessica's prying gaze.
Jessica got ready to ask again,but was interrupted by the door slamming into the wall.

Erica rushed in,with Charlie,(or Uncle as we later learn,) following behind.
Jessica stood up,standing in front of Phoenix keeping the young girl hidden from sight.
Erica sighed with relief,as she realized her daughter was okay.

Uncle was the first to notice the baby bird's blue eyes peeking out from behind Jessica.

He walked around Jessica,and made eye contact with the baby bird.He smiled over his shoulder at Jessica and Erica that were a little ways away still in the doorway and directed the conversation,
"I'm gonna guess that this little baby bird is the reason you called us?"

Jessica smiled and nodded,
Faster then they thought possible,
Erica crossed the room and squeled while hugging Pheonix tightly,

"Awww look how cute she is!"

Phoenix rolled her eyes,making Uncle chuckle.

"My name is Phoenix,I'm 11,and I'm not cute."
Her words were laced with finality,but Erica just squeled hugging her tighter,if that was even possible.

"Mom,"
Jessica sighed out.

"Fine,"
Erica reluctantly said,as she let the small child go.

"So little bird,"
Started Uncle,
"What are you doing out here all alone?"

Phoenix looked him straight in the eye and said with a surprising amount of determination,
"Just fixing my family."

Uncle smiled and responded,
"Is that so?"
Phoenix nodded.
Erica cut into the conversation by saying,

"Maybe we can help you,Buttercup.Is there somewhere you need to go?"

The girl smiled and quickly blurted,
"Rollingstone apartment complex."

Erica and Uncle shared a long glance,while Jessica gave her a reassuring smile.
Uncle slowly crouched in front of her,

"Little bird,that apartment complex closed down two years ago."

Phoenix's breath caught.
'I'm doomed,
'I'm too late,
'I'm a failure,
'All this for nothing'
Her eyes watered,her panic level went up,and so did her frustration.

Erica saw the look of pure devastation cross her face,
"Hey sweetheart,"
Erica called,grabbing her hand,
"It's okay,because we can figure this all out.I promise."
Phoenix calmed down a little,but was still on edge.
Sensing her conflict,Uncle offered,
"Little bird,why don't you come back with me to my diner for a late dinner and a milkshake,then you can think about what you want to do and I'll help you?"
Phoenix nodded making the two adults relax.

Jessica hugged the small girl,
"Be careful,Fire,and remember to never let anyone tell you who to be."

Phoenix smiled at Jessica and promised to visit soon.
Then she was quickly ushered into Uncle's big red truck.
She laughed,as Uncle sang along to the radio completely out of tune,but he was having fun.
Erica joined in,When AC/DC Tnt came on.

They both looked at her,and she grinned and started screaming,(oops I meant Singing) the lyrics with them.
(Play song now.)
They stopped at the hospital and Phoenix was about to panic,but Erica got out of the car,opened the girl's door,and hugged her tightly.