I smile awkwardly at Harley, squeezing uncoordinatedly between him and the desk behind him to sit down.
"Couldn't have pushed your chair in a bit? Jeez...way to give a girl with a big ass a way to maneuver through, fire boy."
He gives me a look from the corner of his eye.
"What was that, lovely?"
"Call me that again and I'll shove my pink ink pen up your asshole."
"Aren't you feeling glorious today."
I roll my eyes, and Althea glares at both of us.
"Enough with the helpless flirting. I'm interested!"
"In math?"
"Yes! It's cool that you mortals—I meant that us mortals learn about numbers...?"
My face scrunches in confusion.
"I'm concerned for you guys. No offense...but are you from a different country? Are you somewhat foreign? Is English not your first language?"
"I speak some English. And Doric Greek."
"Doric—what?!"
"An ancient Greek dialect...they spoke Doric Greek in other places like Sicily, Southern Italy, Rhodes, and Crete!"
I look at Althea before shaking my head.
"Never mind, Althea."
I go on to listen to my math teacher yap about pre-calculus.
Gross.
As I work on my integral test...which by the way is the one I didn't study for...I feel someone smack the back of my head.
"Ow, what the fuck?"
I whisper, turning my head around to see piss-hair and two other girls.
One with brown hair and the other with red.
They all look at me eagerly.
"Uhhh...what the hell does this mean?!"
I throw my finger over my lip.
"Shhh! What is it?"
"We don't get what you humans are learning."
"Us humans...?"
The girl with red hair discreetly smacks the one with brown hair.
"I'm Adalee, and that's Hediya. That's Zen."
"Like a zen garden?"
"They have gardens named after me? I'm honored."
"So...do you know what 2 plus 2 means? Is that 22? I'm not getting it."
I stare at Hediya in silence for a moment.
"How the hell are you in high school...in junior year...and you don't know what two plus two means?!"
She shrugs.
"Is that weird?"
"Extremely! Well two plus two is four, and that means that would be—"
"Aiden! What are you doing!?"
"Uhh...stretching my back?"
"You're cheating! The four of you! Your tests will be confiscated!"
"Sophisticated?"
The teacher looks dumbfounded, and shakes her head at Adalee.
"Confiscated! Cheating is unacceptable!"
"I mean...ma'am...I wouldn't call it cheating...more like a bit of extra help."
Zen glares at her.
"You know what Mrs. Burning-ham?!"
"It's Mrs. Buhmingpan!"
"You are a big, fat, bitch!"
The whole class goes dead silent, and Mrs. Buhmingpan's eye twitches.
Althea's face drops.
"Oh no, Zen, oh no."
"Get out of my classroom! To the office! All four of you!"
I stand up, not even bothering to be a normal human and walk around the desk, but to climb over it.
"Aiden! Get off the desk right now! I don't know what has gotten into you children lately but I'm done!"
"Oops."
Zen says as he exits the room, me following after him, Hediya, and Adalee.
"Why did you call her a bitch, Zen?! Was that really necessary?! You got my test confiscated!"
"It's not like I care! I needed help! And you're the only person I somewhat know. Don't get mad at me."
"Oh whatever."
Hediya looks at Adalee with a despairing look.
"Hera is going to kill me, Addy!"
"Kill you?! Artemis is going to shoot an arrow up my ass, Diya!"
I blink a few times.
"Did you just say Hera and Artemis?! As in the Greek goddesses?!"
They both snap their heads around.
"Artemis is the name of my older sister! She liked the sound of it...yeah. And by shooting an arrow up my ass...it's totally a...totally a method!"
"Method? Do you mean metaphor?"
"Yeah. Carnivore."
Hediya awkwardly smiles.
"Hera is my grandma's name. She looks after me and she'll kill me for my test getting condemned."
I don't even bother to correct her this time.
But condemned?! Where the hell did she get that?
"If you don't mind me asking...where are you guys from?"
"The sky!" When Zen sees my face he backtracks. "Well...you know...the sky? Har-har. JK! Juice Kids! It was a joke!"
"Juice kids—you're aware that JK stands for just kidding...right?"
"Yep. Just kidding. I was just kidding about juice and kids."
He smiles and I smile back.
They're strange...really strange...but entertaining.
I can't believe I really believed them for a second.
Let's hope it was a joke.
We reach the front office, and I open the door.
"Hi, Miss Bourne. Me and my...friends...got sent here. Do you know what we do now?"
"Okay. Aiden you can sit over there...Zen you can sit over there...He-dieya? You can sit with him."
"It's Hediya miss. It's pronounced with an E instead of an I."
"I apologize, Adalee you can sit with them."
Adalee nods, and sits next to them.
"What do we do now?"
I shrug.
"I don't know. Wait for the—"
"Aiden Weiss?! Please report to the Principal's office now."
I stand up, giving the three of them a tight smile.
"Have fun. I bet I'm going to get a big fat—"
******
"You're getting a referral."
I slap my leg with a tight smile.
"Knew it! Got it! I'll be heading—"
"No, Miss Weiss. You aren't heading home. You have in-school suspension."
My face drops.
"So you're telling me—"
"That you're going to be here everyday before and after school for five days doing—"
I hold out my hand.
"But Mr. Palmetto, don't you think that's a bit off? All I did was attempt to help my brain-dead classmates who don't know what two plus two was!"
"Miss Weiss I believe that's enough now. You'll start today after school. You'll be an assistant to Mrs. Luca and her freshmen art class."
I smile sarcastically.
"Yep. Right. Amazing."
"I'm glad you're willing to help. Because after that you're going to clean up the room with your other friends who got in-school suspension."
"All this for not even cheating?!"
He smiles.
"Have a good rest of your day, Miss Weiss. That'll be all for now."
I nod, pursing my lips before stiffly walking towards the door.
I snap my eyes on his.
"You as well, sir."
I practically spit out, semi-slamming the door on my way out.
"So sorry!"
******
TWO HOURS LATER...
Lunch time.
I collect my tray from the lunch line, sitting all the way at the back of the cafeteria like I usually do.
I start going on my phone when I hear the drop of a tray and jump, and Zen jumps as well.
"You scared me!"
"You scared me, Zen! How did I scare you!?"
"I don't know. But I'm sitting with you."
He grimaces.
"The people here are weird."
"I think it's just you, big guy."
"I'm not big! Are you calling me fat!? Bitch!"
"No! I'm not calling you fat, Zen. You're big. Like you're tall. Your muscular. Get it?"
He shrugs.
"Okay."
A bunch more people come over, sitting down.
There's now twelve people staring at me.
My anti-social senses are tingling. I'm so funny.
I give them all a strained smile.
"Is there a reason why there's twelve of you here?"
"Not really. But we'd just like to get to know you!"
"I don't like people. No thanks."
"Okay, goth girl, we get it. You're a loser. Now suck it up and be entertaining. And you guys said I was boring."
We all turn our head to the smurf-head.
"Porter!"
"What?!"
"Goth girl my ass. It's called style. Something you don't have."
"Hmm. So looking like an FBI agent on steroids is style? Thanks for letting me know, sweetheart."
"I told you guys she was like him. They both have a terrible attitude."
Althea rubs her temples and I roll my eyes.
"If all of you are going to interrogate me for the remainder of lunch, at least tell me who you are."
"Althea, you met me."
"Harley to you, sugar."
"Zen! Or big boy? Whatever you want to call me."
"He-deeya. Not He-dieya."
"Adalee! Or Addy. That's what my friends call me. I think you're my friend."
"Porter. I have nothing else to say to you, goth girl."
"Axel. We haven't talked to each other yet."
"Dahlia! And I'm in love with the hair! Totally a look!"
"Abriel. I'm pretty much quiet the whole time. That's probably why no one knows I exist."
"Alexia. But don't call me that. I like Lex. I can see us getting along well."
"I'm Hayden, nothing special about me."
"Heaven. People say there's a stairway to me?"
"Cool. As you know already, which is weird because I never told you, I'm Aiden Weiss. An anti-social outcast until now. All of a sudden I'm so popular."
Zen looks at me.
"Do you know what that girl's name is?"
He points at a girl with long blonde hair and green eyes.
"Eileen? Yes, I know her."
"Okay. Because I need to tell her to stop flirting with me. It's starting to creep me out. For once a girl's not all over Harley. The dude is a magnet to them."
I move my eyes to Harley who's talking to Althea.
"I can see. He looks like a total fuckboy. He's like a Chad. Or a Brad."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Chads and Brads are the real fuckboys of high school. The high school quarterback. Who hooks up with all the cheerleaders."
"Is there a Chad...?"
"Yes. I've known far too many of them. But enough with that. Eat your food or something."
Axel, Zen and Hayden look at each other, then me.
"Food?"
"This is not food."
"This is not good."
I nod.
"All of that is true. It is more like literal slop or horse shit but okay."
******
THREE HOURS LATER...
After school.
I exit my English class, walking towards Mrs. Luca's class when I hear running footsteps.
"Wait! Aiden!"
I flip my head around, and Zen comes running towards me.
"Hey. I believe we both have to assist an art class?"
I grimace.
"I guess so."
******
Thirty minutes into the art class...
This is torture.
Pure torture.
These children are like little demons!
Throwing paint, brushes, canvases, these children are fucking monsters!
And now instead of having black and white hair, I have black and yellow hair!
I look like a crackhead bumblebee!
I hate it!
I hate this class.
I hate my life.
I'm done.
Zen, Hediya, and Adalee look just as annoyed.
"If you don't shut up and paint your potted plant I'll electrocute you!"
The guy's eyes widen and he starts painting a very wonky plant that looks like it's about to wilt and die.
I just watch as Hediya fights with a kid to get a bucket of paint that they both let go of.
The paint goes flying and splashes on the ceiling.
"Hell's horns! Dumb mortal child look what you did!"
The girl blinks a few times.
"Miss it was—"
"Don't turn this on me! I'm done! Stupid mortals! Zen, Adalee, I'm done! Can we go back to Mount Olympus?!"
Everyone goes silent.
Hediya sighs.
"I meant the actual mountain you dimwits, not the mythical place! You guys think that's real?! Hah! Losers!"
She rolls her eyes and struggles to reach the ceiling to clean it off before the teacher comes back.
She left for a conference and now these kids won't listen to us.
I'm done with these dickwads.
They suck, I tell you, they suck!
The more they bicker and don't listen the more I really want to strangle them.
As psychotic as it sounds.
I'm done with kids. I despise them.
We all freeze when we hear the key being inserted into the lock, and I just know I'm going to be the one she yells at.
******
I was the one she yelled at.
She yelled at me alright.
In front of everyone.
I hate teachers.
And now guess what?!
She's probably going to take her prissy little self all the way to Mr. Palmetto who's going to add more days to my five day in-school suspension for supposedly cheating.
Ugh. So unfair.
But then again we really trashed their classroom.
"You kids will not get away with trashing my room! You will be doing extra work in this class for now on! Seriously! And expect at least a four day add on to your suspension!"
We all just sit there, and Zen releases a laugh that he immediately turns into a cough.
"Was that a laugh from you, Zen?! Do you think this is funny?! Do you think it's funny that all of the supplies I bought with my own money are ruined and now broken is funny?!"
He looks her in the eyes, electrical blue ones sparkling with amusement.
"Yes, actually."
She sighs heavily, seemingly containing herself.
"Get out. The four of you. Go home."
We all shrug.
"Works for me."
As we walk through the halls, I turn my head towards them.
"What made you choose Amber?"
Adalee makes a face.
"What do you mean?"
"Like what made you choose Amber, Louisiana out of all places to live in?"
"I don't really know...we like the southern part of the country?"
"Really? I'd rather live in New York up north. I hate Louisiana. I only stay here because I have to."
"Hmm...okay. What's stopping you? I'd just leave personally."
"It's my parents, Zen. It isn't as simple as you think. I was told my real parents were killed in a mass shooting, and they adopted me right after. They say I'm the only thing they have left. So I feel like I have to. I don't want them to be lonely."
"Okay then...that sucks. Odd question...but what's your worst fear?"
I frown.
"Hmm...being forgotten."
"Damn that's deep. I was going to say the kool-aid man but I feel kinda stupid about it now."
"The what now—? How do you know who the kool-aid man is but not two plus two?!"
"That was Hediya and Adalee. Not me."
Zen shrugs.
"But being forgotten...you're a lot different than your real father."
"Wait what?"
"Huh? You said something?"
Zen turns to look at me.
I frown.
"I—uhh—no? Nothing. I gotta go."
I run past them, and Adalee looks at Hediya and Zen.
"That girl's weird."
"Yeah...do you by any chance think she knows something?" Zen asks, and they both turn their heads towards Hediya.
Her eyebrows furrow.
"Definitely...Aiden might be smarter than we thought...she's onto us. And we need to stop that. Now."
*******
(ALTHEA'S POV)
"What do you guys mean you 'think she knows something'?!"
Zen, Hediya, and Adalee look at me.
"The girl thought I said something to her, and looked extremely paranoid after. There's something off. She just ran off."
"Could it be something that we talked about?! Her parents?! Her biggest fears?! I don't know..."
I release a ragged breath, holding my head in one of my hands before turning around.
"Axel? Please talk to them. I've having a horrible headache."
Axel looks at me uneasily.
"You only get headaches when—"
"My mom, a god, or someone not human around us is in trouble. Yeah...I know. And I'm currently freaking out."
*******
(HADES'S POV)
"I love watching these children try to find my daughter, don't you, Persephone?"
Persephone moves her pale blue eyes to mine.
"It is quite entertaining. But what if they get hurt? You know bad things can happen, Hades."
Her eyebrows furrow and I roll my eyes.
"You are too much of a sweetheart. Don't see the fun in watching people struggle."
She adjusts the small flower crown on her head.
"I guess I am..."
Persephone moves her eyes back to the large orb, where we can see them perfectly through it.
My nieces and nephews, and my daughter herself.
*******
(ALTHEA'S POV)
I know he's watching us...why wouldn't he?
I know he sees Aiden as well, and as much as I love Hades, I'm related to him and all, I can't help but feel like I'd be putting poor Aiden in danger if I was to bring her to him.
Even though Persephone's there, and she's too much of a softie to let anything happen to her, I am nervous.
This headache just won't go away...but I know who to contact.
Hecate? Are you there?
Althea...is that you?
Yes! I need your help!
With what, honey? Your dear Hecate has more things to do than help you. It better be important or I won't be happy.
It is important. I think one of us is in danger...I'm getting this splitting headache.
Ahh...you're psychic just like me. But yes, I'll tell you anything if I get it. And I'll notify you're mother.
No! Don't tell her!
Why? You're a strange child.
Because she might...I don't know. Just don't.
Alright then...good night, dear.
Good night, Hecate.
I look at Harley laying on his stomach.
"What are you doing?"
He turns his head to me with a smirk.
"Homework."
"Homework? Why?"
"Why not? If we're going to school might as well do my part."
"Is it not difficult? We've never done this stuff."
"That's what school's for, silly. Learning."
"I don't like learning."
"Did your headache go away?"
"Not really. I'll sleep it off. You better scooch over before I sleep on top of you."
I pause.
"That was weird. Ignore that. Move it."
I lay down next to him, looking at him through my hair that I move from my face.
"Yes?"
"Sorry. You look very calming and peaceful when you aren't running your mouth, Harley."
"Thanks, Ali."
I smile.
"No problem. If you did take that as a compliment."
"Well I take anything as a compliment. Now shut up and go to sleep."
"Hmm...okay."
I shut my eyes, hoping that I'll be able to sleep off this godawful headache.
Althea?! Althea!
My eyebrows furrow.
Huh? What?! I'm trying to go to sleep, Hecate.
You need to be careful...the people you should stay away from are right next door...in Aiden Weiss's home.
******
(AIDEN'S POV)
I sit at my desk, staring helplessly at my math homework.
Why the hell is this so difficult?!
As I look vacantly at my homework, and I hear a knock on my bedroom door.
"Hello? Aiden? Aiden are you in there? It's mom and dad!"
"You're a lot different than your real father..."
His voice echos in my head.
What did Zen mean by that?!
How did he know—
"Aiden?! Aiden, sweetie, if you don't answer we're coming in! We need to talk to you!"
"I'm about to take a shower!"
"Can it wait, honey?! It's really important!"
My head starts pounding, and I frown at my doorknob rattling.
"Aiden, sweetie, unlock the door!"
I stand up, walking to the door before resting my hand on the knob.
I pull the latch, about to pull open the door when—
Don't do it. Lock the door, Aiden.
"But..."
I let out a small whisper.
Close the door, Aiden. Lock it.
I switch the latch, hearing the click.
"Unlock the door right now, young lady! You don't lock doors in our household!"
"What do I do?"
"Who are you talking to, Aiden?!"
My breath hitches, and I start to lightly shake.
What's going on?!
Tell them you're working on an art project and you need to record stuff. Trust me, it'll work.
"But how...?"
Just trust me, Aiden. Do as I say.
"I'm working on an art project! I have to record something!"
"Okay, sweetie...we'll be downstairs. Come as soon as possible."
"I will."
I release a breath.
"How did that work?! Who are you?!"
I'm Hecate. Goddess of dark places, ghosts, and sorcery. I used mind control on your parents for them to leave you be. Listen to me when I tell you that you're in grave danger, Aiden.
"A...a goddess?! How am I in danger?! What's happening?! Am I going mad talking to someone in my head?"
No. I'm here. In your head, I mean. Your parents are not good people...and they are trying to hurt you.
"Why?"
I cannot say yet. Just do as I say, and open your window.
"Huh?"
Open. The window. Now, Aiden. Before I come and do it myself. You don't want me to come...that's going to make me angry, Aiden.
"Okay...I'm going."
Good. Open it nice and wide.
"Are you planning on making me jump out? What're you doing?!"
Listen to me and stop asking questions. You see your neighbors house? The window? The light on?
"Yes."
Throw something at it. Get their attention.
"But that's—"
Harley and the others' house. I'm aware. And I know what I'm doing. Go now.
"Fine."
I walk over to my desk, picking up my history textbook.
It'll get thrown in the grass like my Spanish textbook.
I walk back to the window, sticking myself out before chucking the thing full force at the window.
I cringe as it make a loud thump.
"Is that what you wanted me to do?! Just that?!"
Well of course not, child. Just wait a second...he's coming. Right...now.
Someone walks over, opening the window.
Harley sticks his head out.
"Yes, Aiden?"
"What do I do now?"
Harley stares at me strangely.
"Who're you—ohh. I get it."
He smirks as I wait for Hecate to answer.
Get over there. My spell wore off and they're coming upstairs. Get over there now.
I climb out of my window, my heart jumping to my throat when I almost fly off the ledge.
I shut the window, looking at Harley.
"I'm trusting you here...okay?"
"Okay."
"Catch me."
I throw myself off, swinging forwards.
I let out a small yelp when I almost fall, but Harley grabs onto me.
"I gotcha. No need to fret, your Knight in shining armor is here."
I glare at him and he pulls me inside.
"What do I do now?"
I hear a slight giggle in my head.
Leave it up to the boy to explain to you, Aiden. Good luck.
I look at Harley, and my heart basically stops.
I swear...I swear his eyes were just...just orange.
His eyes were glowing orange.
What the fuck.
What movie of Harry Potter did I get sucked into? I mean holy shit...his eyes just full on glowed.
"You're eyes just—you're eyes just glowed, Harley! What the hell is going on?!"
He pushes his finger against my lips, grabbing my wrist and dragging me out of the room.
Althea must be asleep.
But when I see Althea laying in the bed, her bright eyes are looking right at me.
"Break the bond born by light."
She whispers, and I frown as I'm pulled from the room.
"Where is everyone else?!"
"Some are sleeping, some are downstairs. I figured we should finally explain to you what's going on."
"Which is?"
"Calm your ass cheeks, sweetheart. I'm trying to make it suspenseful. But if it'll keep you from babbling, you're in danger."
When he sees the mortified look on my face he smiles.
"And you're a demigod."
*******