2. Household

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"Ma!" Phoenix called as he lifted the curtain that served as a door to the sick house.

With each step he took, he grimaced in pain due to the cuts on his bare feet. Phoenix was now able to fully scold himself for running around like a madman when he wore no shoes. The baby he picked up along the way was fast asleep in his arms. The two patients inside eyed him wearily, locking their saddened eyes on the baby in his arms. Phoenix nodded in greeting, giving them a genuine smile as he headed towards the back. The looks he receive was nothing short of new. Phoenix had marked that look the first time he picked up a baby and walked through Sector One back to the sick house. It was a look that said if he was sane. No fifteen would dare pick up an abandoned child. Turning a blind eye even when it pained them.

Phoenix would never wrong them for their actions, but he would never do as they did. Having a child in Area fifteen was putting all your eggs in one basket. The fifteens could hardly take care of themselves, wondering where their next square meal would come from. A child was a hindrance in these parts.

Phoenix laid the baby on the makeshift bed, sitting down as began to exam his own foot. Dirt was seeping in the crevice, bluish- purple forming around it. Siobhan must be worried, he thought as he stretched his leg onto floor.

"How many times must I tell you to wear shoes?" Stella said as she made way towards her son. Phoenix wasn't her biological son, that didn't mean she couldn't love him as her own. "And why do I see yet another baby?" she rested a hand on her hip, her elbow turned outward.

Phoenix turned to look at her, an apologetic smile was sent her way. Stella didn't falter as she always does when Phoenix tried to ease his way out of a scolding. Phoenix frowned, dropping his gaze to his battered feet, "I'll start wearing shoes when I have shoes." he replied.

Stella took heavy steps towards him. Phoenix gaze was still fixated below. He could see the end of Stella's flowing white dress, it was slowly loosing its color, just like everything in the Iron Fortress. Stella gave Phoenix a slap atop his head, crossing her arms after, "Borrow Siobhan's shoes next time. Walking around barefooted while you do your daily pick ups."

Phoenix looked up and met her brown eyes laden with love for him, "I'm not wearing Siobhan shoes." he stuck his tongue out at her.

Stella stuck out her hand to give him another slap on his head. Deciding against it, she tousled his hair and said, "I don't see what's the problem, you and Siobhan wear the same size, and it's not like her shoes are girly."

Phoenix crossed his arms behind his head, not comfortable on the makeshift bed he replied to Stella, "I'm not wearing Siobhan shoes because that's her shoes. Two person wearing it would only wear it down quicker." he turned towards the baby, still fast asleep, "And I'm not doing pick ups, I just can't leave them when I see them." his tone changed into a light one, "Plus, I don't do this everyday."

"You're so much like your dad," Stella said, reminiscing on the past memories of the time spent with Phoenix's parents, "Hardheaded like your father and kind like your mother. No doubt they would be proud of the boy you've grown up to be."

Phoenix reached for the pendant around his neck, admiring the gold wings, "I was raised by the best, Ma" he made sure to add, knowing that Stella could get emotional if Phoenix didn't consider her his mother. He did, and Phoenix was grateful for her and her motherly love.

"If I raised you well, please wear some shoes." Stella chuckled, pointing to Phoenix bruised feet. "And please don't come home looking so dirty," Phoenix nodded, giving her a toothy smile, "Or is it that you want me to give you a well needed bath."

Phoenix waved a hand in dismissal, getting to his feet with the help of Stella, "I'm not five anymore Ma, I can give myself a good bath."

Phoenix went out back to clean himself up. Pouring buckets of water over his head as he scrubbed himself down. There wasn't any running water in Area fifteen. The King was determined to leave them for dead. The fifteens were lucky to have a river running by, another good thing these walls bought to them. Phoenix threw his dirty clothes to the side, putting on the clean ones Stella handed to him. Phoenix didn't live with Stella, he lived with Siobhan. Stella wasn't against the idea, knowing Phoenix was living with Siobhan and the others to help them. Phoenix was old enough, and Stella knew even if she tried persuading him in staying he would in turn try and persuade her on why he should leave. Phoenix was stubborn just like his father.

Phoenix stopped by the curtains when he heard Stella talking to someone. He stood to the side, pressing his back against the chipped wall.

"Stella, there isn't much left." Phoenix recognized the voice to be Nevaeh, Stella's wife. There was no official gathering or exchanges of expensive rings. A gather of the closest people to Stella and Nevaeh, and receiving their blessings was all they needed. Their love was what got them through the pass years.

"I know, there's nothing we can do." Stella said, Phoenix could imagine her eyes filled with frustration. "How much longer do you think it'll last?"

"A day, maybe two." Nevaeh replied. Phoenix lifted the curtain to see what they were talking about. Nevaeh held a wooden bowl with medicinal herbs in them. Stella took them from her to double check if she was right. "We could ask Phoenix to--"

Stella held a hand to silence Nevaeh. She rested a hand on her hip, her index finger tapping against her cheeks. Nevaeh settled the bowl down, taking Stella's hand in hers, "I'm sure we'll figure this out somehow."

"I just don't want to add anymore burden to him. For a child his age he's doing more than he should." Stella admitted. Phoenix bit on his bottom lip. It was no burden to him when it comes to helping people.

Phoenix took it as his chance to reveal himself now that the important piece was gone, "Ah, that was one refreshing bath." He grinned despite his urge to discuss what he heard with Stella. Phoenix flashed his wet hair, laughing at the reaction he got from Stella.

"What am I going to do with you?" Stella shook her head, smiling at Phoenix.

"When did you get here?" Nevaeh greeted, smiling fondly at Phoenix.

"Not too long now, Ma number two." Phoenix teased, knowing Nevaeh wasn't use to the title of a mother.

"What are we going to do with him," Nevaeh responded, rubbing her hand up and down Stella's arm. "I have to see to the two patients in the other room," Nevaeh informed him, "Stop by again so we could chat."

Nevaeh gave Stella a quick kiss before leaving. "Sit." Stella ordered.

Phoenix did as he was told. The issue burning at him as he eyed Stella. Phoenix provided all she needed to run the sick house, getting some more extra supplies wouldn't hurt.

"How are things here?" Phoenix asked, looking at the still sleeping baby as Stella dressed his wounds.

"Good." Stella replied quickly. Phoenix scoffed making her look up at him. "Is there something you know that I don't?" Stella raised a brow.

"How about," Phoenix trailed, rubbing his chin. "How you're running out of supplies."

Stella stopped and looked up at him, "I thought, I thought you better than to listen in on other people's conversation." she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"You did," Phoenix agreed. "And you raised me to help people, so let me help."

"I'm not having this conversation with you."

"I'm having it," Phoenix argued. "I'll get you the supplies you need."

"I don't want you sneaking out," Stella responded, frowning at how stubborn phoenix was being. "It's too dangerous."

"And if I don't, what will happen to the people who come in here seeking your help?"

"You can't help everyone Phoenix."

Phoenix frowned, knowing full well he couldn't help every fifteen. "What about the food supply?" Stella kept silence. "I'll get them whether you like it or not."

"You're stealing Phoenix!" Stella yelled, bowing her head after she yelled. "I don't like it one bit."

"The King left us with no other choice," Phoenix spoke. "I'll steal if it means surviving. He's robbed us of more important things."

Stella squeezed his foot, making Phoenix wince in pain, "I know you're a good person Phoenix, and that's why I fear for your future."

"I'll be careful."

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"Where have you been?" Siobhan asked, her hand on her hips as she glared at Phoenix.

"Your Ma is angry." Phoenix said, more to Siobhan huge bump that stuck out under her dress.

"You leave all night, then come back at this time. You had me worried sick." Siobhan rambled on, her face lit with relief as she tried to sound angry. Phoenix knew she was just worried.

"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I got caught up in the usual." Siobhan uncrossed her arms, knowing how Phoenix got when he picks up a book.

She pushed to the side, allowing Phoenix to enter their small home. It was much smaller than the sick house which was also Stella's home. They had selected the spot, one of the very few buildings that was still intact and had adequate space for work and living. Phoenix now home was conjoined, little space, but he made do for all six of them. Phoenix took off the shoes Stella gave him after giving him another earful. He knew it was hers and would return it before Stella insist on him keeping it, saying that she rarely leaves the sick house.

Phoenix tiptoed across the room, noticing five empty bowls on the table he fitted together. He smiled knowing that everyone ate. The shortage in food was something he had to deal with quickly, along with the medical supplies. Phoenix took a seat, pulling his knees close, noticing how quiet it was.

"What happened to your feet?" Siobhan asked, taking a seat beside Phoenix. He shrugged, earning a frown from Siobhan. "What did you do?" She pressed, rubbing her hand in circles on her huge belly.

"Someone else died." he said in a low tone, his face buried in his arms, images from earlier flooded his mind. "I buried him in Sector Three. I was running about like a fool from the book house to where he died."

"You didn't have to do that." Siobhan spoke, she knew how hard it must've been for Phoenix to do that. The first time she experience a horrid scene before her eyes after only a few days in Area Fifteen, Siobhan had sleepless nights. "The guards will do the cleaning up."

Phoenix insides boiled at the truth, his hate filled eyes met Siobhan's sorrowful ones, "I don't regret doing it." he spoke with much conviction. "If it's just one person, I'll give them a proper burial. The guards always come to pick up the deceased as if they were picking weed from a garden. You know as well as I do, they just dump them or burn them to ashes somewhere without a second thought."

"You're doing all these righteous things Phoenix: you provide us with food, medicine, you even put together this makeshift house just so I could have somewhere to call home, to give this child a home." Siobhan bit back the tears at the memories as to why she was here, why she was carrying the child of someone she resents. She forced a chuckle and wiped away a tear, "You bring home a new child almost everyday. What if you get caught Phoenix? We both know what it's like beyond the fortress, what the King and Seridians think of us."

Phoenix didn't meant for Siobhan to cry, "I'm just doing what I think is right."

"What do you gain from all this? Why do you do all of this?" Siobhan asked.

Phoenix had never thought about it. He just did what was meant to be done. No one was making an effort, he's seen the same thing happen over and over through his eighteen years of life. Before he could answer, Poppy, Rebel along with Gus and Rocco came running in.

"Nix is back." Gus cheered happily as ran into Phoenix arms. He peppered the young boy with kisses, hugging and tousled the hair of the other three. They smiled widely at him, Phoenix feeling his heart filled with warmth.

"Siobhan's crying." Rocco pointed out, pointing a finger at Siobhan. Poppy and Rebel turned to look at Phoenix, eyebrows raised.

"I'm fine guys." Siobhan assured them.

"No one gets away with hurting Siobhanie." Poppy crossed her arms as she pouted, "Attack enemy Nix." she said, pointing at Phoenix with a smug on her face.

"Aye, Aye, Captain Poppy." Rebel and Rocco saluted.

"Don't worry Nix, I'll protect you." Gus said, outstretching his arms to guard Phoenix.

"Let's hope they can catch us first." Phoenix said, declaring war against Captain Poppy and her soldiers. He lifted Gus and placed him on his shoulders. Despite the slight pain in his foot, if he can maintain those smiles, Phoenix would do anything.

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Q: How do they know when children are fifteen?

A: Not everyone that is inside Area Fifteen is a Fifteen (LGBTQ+). In some cases it's due to family situations which further in the story you'll see the difference in class and the structure of the overall society. In other cases of people who don't want anything or can't bear to look after that child due to their own personal reason (hate etc.)