Life of Phoenix - 6. Braxton's Crush

Current Time

“When are you due to go over to Mr. Stone's to look after Braxton?” Mom asked as I passed by on my way to the fridge.

“I have to be there for ten.” It was currently 8:30am on a Saturday morning. I looked into the fridge. “Really? Who drank the last of the milk?”

“ME!” Ursula bounced in her seat. “Why Nix, did you want some?”

I glared at her. She knew damn well that I have a glass of milk every morning. Siblings, you gotta love them. “Yes, I did...”

“Oh well, its gone now!” She pranced off towards her room.

I huffed in my misery. Not only do I have to deal with Braxton today, but I also don't have milk. My life sucks.

I grabbed some frozen waffles and shoved them into the toaster. There was in no way a gentle act coming out of me until I was fed.

Mom came into the kitchen and looked at me in my grumbly state. “You're in quite the mood aren't you?”

“I hate mornings; Ursula had the last of the milk and Babysitting... Yes, I'm in a great mood mother.”

“No need for the sass young man.” I huffed. She's right, but I'm a teenager, deal with it! “And what's wrong with babysitting?”

I blankly stared at her. “Seriously? Braxton has like an ubber crush on me. Of all the people he could like it had to be me!” Whoa is me, I know.

“Show's how sweet of a boy you are.”

“Decide mother, am I a young man or a boy? I cannot be both.”

“You're my baby boy.” She came up and pinched my cheek. I swatted her hand away and groaned. There is no winning with this woman. “Now get fed so you can get going!”

The waffles popped up as if mom demanded God to feed me. I put them on a plate, but not before taking a big bite out of one of them. “I don't see how I can go from young man to baby in less than five minutes,” I mumbled out with a mouth full of food.

I felt something hit the back of my head. “Get ready and stop talking with your mouth full.” There was an oven mitt on the ground behind me. Mom had the other in her hand ready. There was no way I was staying around for the second through!

After having a shower and getting dressed, I found myself in front of the Stone household. Mr. Stone is a really nice guy and a good father. He single handedly raised Braxton and is an important member of the business he's in. Do not ask me what he does, I have no idea.

Mr. Stone works throughout the week for the most part. Occasionally on Saturdays he has to go to work, and these are the days Braxton really gets on my nerves. The long days that I have to spend with him and can't get rid of him. He snuggles me, flirts and even suggests things sometimes.

So I walked up to the door and knocked a few times. Mr. Stone answered it in just a matter of seconds. “Good morning, Phoenix.” I groaned. “I know, I know, you hate mornings. Braxton is still asleep; he'll be up in a few hours probably. If you want to take a nap, you are more than welcome. I'll see you after work!” And like that he was gone.

I did end up falling asleep, but that was in the middle of the couch while watching a TV show. I just turned on a channel and started watching. I don't even remember what show it was.

When I woke up, I looked at the time, 11:16. I slept for a few hours, damn! A clinking sound came from the kitchen. Out came Braxton wiping his face free of his breakfast. “You're awake!” he squealed in joy.

“Yes, Braxton I am awake. How has your morning been?” I got up from my laying position and saw that the TV was turned off.

“Well, I woke up about an hour ago, turned off the TV for you. Had a shower and then had breakfast. Now here we are discussing my morning.” Braxton plopped down beside me. “So what's the plan today?”

“Lyric is gonna come over and we're gonna talk a bit. Other than that I got nothing, little man.” I ruffled his hair. He blushed as I did so. Braxton can be cute sometimes, still isn't my thing, though. “What would you like to do?”

He shrugged leaning back on his seat. “A friend of mine said he was thinking about going to a swimming hole. I was asked if I want to join them, but I don't know.”

“Why not? What's got your panties in a bunch?”

He gave me a lazy eye look, which in Braxton speech means 'seriously?' “I don't know... I'm just nervous about swimming not in a pool... Who knows what could be down there.”

“You'll be fine. If you want, I'll come with you just to be sure.”

Braxton shook his head. “No, then I look like a big baby. You're not allowed to go!” I gave off a laugh. A kid and his reputation. “I promise though I'll be safe and home before dad gets off work.”

There are plenty of times when Braxton ends up at a friend's while Mr. Stone is at work. I usually end up staying at their place finishing up the unfinished chores and making the place generally look nicer. Life of a babysitter I guess. Braxton always gets back before his dad gets home.

So Braxton spent the next little while figuring out what to wear. Yes, a thirteen year old kid is concerned about what to wear; it's one of his few redeeming qualities. By noon, he had figured it out and was on his way with his friends.

Barely any time passed when Lyric arrived and welcomed herself into the house. “The queen is home!”

“You don't live here...” I informed her.

She groaned. “You ruin my fun Phoenix. Just let me be queen for a little bit.” I rolled my eyes; she grinned. “So how was Braxton this morning?”

“Surprising chill. He didn't flirt all that much.”

She plumped her butt down on the couch beside me. “So what's up with getting a ride from Max?” She saw that!? Oh dammit, all...

“It was nothing; he just offered me a ride home.”

She snorted. “Phoenix, the boy who walks everywhere, gets a ride from a childhood friend who he just started hanging out with again? You and I both know there is more to it. Tell me Nix.”

I blushed. “Max has been... well making advances towards me again.”

Lyric jumped up screaming. “YES!!” and then jumped on me. Crushing my entire body, for a skinny girl she weights a lot. “That's great! Now Mr. Stellar will have no chance with you!”

“Okay get off of me.” I pushed her off. She was still bouncing around. “What are we, like, your pairing of the year?”

“More like pairing of my life but anyways. How do you know?”

“He kissed me Lyric; I think that's a clear indication.” She just about died when I told her that. “Max is... well getting more into me again, I guess. Keon though...”

“Screw Keon, he's a nut for dumping you. You don't need to give him a second chance!” If she knew everything... then maybe that would change. “Anyways, what's the plan for getting into Max's pants?”

“I love how you ask that as we're on the street where I met Keon. Anyways, been there done that.” I told her nonchalantly. Apparently I never told her this cause we had a good long talk about when, and what happened. Lyric had me explain everything in extreme detail. It was awkward at times.

About three hours later, when Lyric had settled down and wasn't going boy crazy for me, Braxton came home. He came in with a joyous tone to his voice. “I'm back Nix!” He called from the entrance way. “I was the first one to jump into the pool because everyone else was to scared and was the only one left in after...”

Braxton stopped as he came into the living room, seeing Lyric. Braxton was shirtless in his bathing suit, carrying his clothes in his arms. His whole torso went red when he realized Lyric was here.

“Go on Braxton, last one in after...” Lyric tried removing the tension from Braxton. He placed his clothes over his chest.

“My friend felt a fish, and then they all chickened out. I stayed in and found it again. I almost grabbed it too!” Braxton turned towards the hallway to his room. “I'm gonna go get changed now. I'll be back in a sec.”

He scurried off in a hurry, hiding his naked upper body. Lyric giggled to herself before getting up from her seat. “I'm going before he comes back. I'll see you later Nix.” She waved as she walked off.

“Wait, you're just going to leave me with Braxton!? You know how much he likes me!”

Lyric turned around sticking out her tongue. “Gotta learn how to turn guys down honey.” Then she went on with her exit.

Great, she's left me with the kid who in his wildest dreams has me fucking him. Seriously not kidding. One time I was staying over for the night and I walked by his room, and he was humping his bed moaning my name in his sleep. He's a little obsessed with me.

A couple of minutes pass and Braxton comes out from his room. He had a confused look on his face. “Where's Lyric?”

“She went home.” His eyes didn't sway from the TV.

He sat down beside me. It was then I realized he was wearing a pair of shorts that showed off that he wasn't wearing any underwear. You couldn't see anything, but you could tell he wasn't.

He leaned his head against my shoulder. That is my cue to put my arm over his shoulder. His dad does this to him all the time, and he started doing it with me, so I just go along with it. “What are you watching?”

“Just whatever Lyric had on... You can change it if you want.” It was some reality TV show; don't ask me what it is. Braxton changed the channel, to Legend of Korra. “Good choice.”

“Thanks.” He snuggled in tighter. God this is gonna be a long day.

Past Time:

Grade 7

“Phoenix, could you come here a second?” A young 13 year old Phoenix made his way towards the living room of his home. Finding that he had visitors over. “Phoenix, you remember Mr. Stone don't you?”

Mr. Stone was an old family friend. He would come over every so often with his son, Braxton. Phoenix knew that Mrs. Stone was no longer in the picture and that Mr. Stone was now a single father.

Phoenix nodded. “Ya, I do.”

Mr. Stone smiled at the boy. “You've grown a bit since I saw you last Phoenix. You're growing up to be big and tall.” Phoenix had reached Mr. Stone's shoulders.

“Thanks...” A bashful Phoenix replied.

Trisha interrupted them. “Mr. Stone had an inquiry he wanted to run past you.”

“Ahh yes. See Phoenix, starting next week I am going to be getting a lot more hours at work, and I need someone to look after Braxton while I'm working.” Mr. Stone shifted his weight from one foot to another. “I'd pay you for your time spent with Braxton; you'd get a steady amount of funds to spend how you want. It would be sort of like a job.”

Phoenix stood in the living room of his home, pondering on the offer. I get money and can buy video games or anything I want... but I have to look after Braxton. He thought to himself.

“You'd be able to look after him here, or at their house. The only thing restricting you from doing something is Braxton has to be there.” Trisha added.

Phoenix looked from his mother to his possible employer. “How much would I make?”

Mr. Stone thought to himself for a moment. Performing some math, in his head, to provide the boy with an answer. “I would need you four to five days a week. Most of which would be after school. I'm off Sundays and Wednesdays...” He spoke to himself as he moved his hand as if doing math in the air. “I'll give you seventy-five dollars a week for your services.”

“Can you make it one hundred?” Phoenix raised his arms.

His mother snapped at him. “Phoenix!”

Mr. Stone brushed her off. “I appreciate the barter. I can do a hundred, but that means you have to pay for outings.” Phoenix's mouth twisted in contemplation. “It's the best I can do Phoenix. I do have other things I need to pay as well. Seventy-five, with all outings paid for, or one hundred, with just the expensive ones paid for. Your choice.”

“I don't mind paying for stuff if I get more.” Phoenix smiled. “Ya sure, I can do it. We go to the same school so that'll be easy.”

“Thank you very much Phoenix, you are a life saver.”

“Only thing I gotta know is: when do I start?”

Mr. Stone smiled. “Monday, my good sir!”

When Monday came around, there was Braxton, standing outside Phoenix's classroom door at the end of the school day. The boy stood as tall as he could, yet still way short for his age. His blonde hair coming down over his green eyes.

Braxton rocked back and forth on his heels. “What are we gonna do today Phoenix!?” The boy could barely hold his excitement in.

“Call me Nix.”

He cocked his head. “Why 'Nix'? Why not your real name?”

“It's a nickname that a friend of mine gave me,” Phoenix informed his young friend.

“Oh, how come?”

“You ask a lot of questions.” Phoenix laughed to himself. “How about we go to your place and see what things are like there.” Braxton began leading the way to his place.

Phoenix had obtained a key to the Stone household. Mr. Stone hadn't quite obtained the courage to let his nine year old have a key. 'He'll probably just lose it in a week' was his thought.

On their way home they passed by a park. “Can we play at the park? PLEASE?”

Phoenix just rolled his eyes. “Ya sure.”

The two went to the park. Braxton played with the other kids around his age. Phoenix just sat on the swing set, backpacks beside him. He swung back and forth just enough to be considered swinging.

Kids ran, screamed, giggled and climbed as Phoenix watched. Parks are kind of boring when your friends aren't here... He thought to himself.

It was then when another boy joined him on the swing set. This boy wasn't young; in fact, he looked around Phoenix's age. His hair was even brighter than Braxton's, his eyes amber. Though it was the middle of April, he wore a winter coat with a fur like substance going around the brim of the hood.

He sat down facing the opposite way as Phoenix. “You look like you're having fun.” The boy spoke.

Phoenix shrugged. “Meh, it could be worse. I could be doing homework.” The boy smiled. “What brings you to the park?”

“I was out for a walk when I saw the park and decided to check out who the loner on the swings was.” Phoenix turned, getting his first good look at the boy beside him. “My name is Keon Stellar by the way.”

“Phoenix Russell, but call me Nix. Nice to meet you, Keon.”

“Likewise Nix.” The boys giggled to themselves. “So what brings YOU to the park?”

Nix rolled his eyes. “I'm looking after the blonde kid over there.” Conveniently Braxton was the only kid there with blonde hair.

“Kid brother?”

“Nope.” Nix shook his head. “Family friend's kid. I'm babysitting him.”

“Getting paid at least?” Nix nodded. “Not bad. I just moved to this part of town. I still have to attend my old elementary school. It's short enough distance away for my mom to drive me there every morning.”

“That sucks; at least you only have a few months. Then you have summer, then high school.”

Keon shrugged. “Ya, I guess. Do you live around here?”

Nix shook his head. “I live like a thirty minute walk from here.”

“That's only like a five to ten minute bike ride.” Keon smiled. Unknowing to Nix at this time, Keon had already accepted his feelings towards other boys. He found Nix incredibility cute and irresistible.

“I guess you're right. It would be only a ten minute ride.” Nix looked at the time. 4:31 it read. “Oh, I should probably get going. I have to make sure Braxton's homework is done before his dad gets home.”

“Responsible, I like it. Mind if I walk with you while I can?”

“Sure.” Phoenix turned cupped his hands around his mouth. “Braxton, we gotta go!”

“Five more minutes!” Braxton pleaded.

“Nope, now!” He got down off the play set and walked over to the older boys. “Sorry dude, we gotta get your homework done.” Braxton put on his best pouty face. It didn't phase Nix.

The rest of the way home was filled with Nix and Keon talking. Braxton stayed silent and rather slow on the walk, he was asked to keep up several times. Turns out Keon lived on the same street as Braxton, in fact only a few doors down.

Keon, like a gentleman, walked Braxton and Nix to the Stone home. Nix got the door unlocked, and Braxton went running inside leaving the two older boys alone at the front door.

Nix turned to say goodbye, to see his new friend's cheeks blushing. “What's up?” Nix asked.

“I was just wondering if you'd wanna hang out... like, just us sometime? One day where we can play games together or whatever. There's nothing wrong with Braxton; he seems super cool. I just want to get to know Nix a little better is all.”

Nix grin was filled with joy. “Of course! I'll grab a pen and paper and give you my number.” Nix ran into the house and found what he needed. He returned with a torn piece of paper with his telephone number on it. “Here you go.”

“Awesome! Thanks!” Keon stuffed into his pocket after taking a glance. “I'll see you later then.”

Just as Nix went to speak, Keon gave him a kiss on the cheek. It stunned Nix long enough for Keon to make it half way to his house. He was caught so off guard but didn't... not like it. It pleased him, getting the kiss, but it felt like it came out of nowhere. Little did Nix know, this was only the start of many kisses to come.

Chapter End.