his aunt died recently, and he wants to us both since we're all living in the same city."
Piper nodded, still laughing quietly to herself. It was odd seeing her new friend so different. The Zoe she'd seen earlier in the day was still there. She still appeared quite friendly and approachable. But what was really remarkable was the fact that she was smiling, and not the sort of smile that she gave people when they asked whether she was ok. This was the genuine smile that Piper had never seen on her face before. This was the sort of smile that was reserved solely for her and nobody else. It felt wonderful and warm, just like the sun, which was reflected in the blue eyes beneath those dark lashes.
"So...you've been busy today," Piper said, breaking the silence that they had fallen into while standing outside the door to the shop. For some reason, she wasn't exactly looking forward to having this conversation with her.
Zoe glanced around awkwardly, "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Actually, I had an idea. What do you think of visiting the cinema tonight? The new film is showing. You can bring some friends with you."
Piper raised an eyebrow at her. "It depends. Is it a friend you want to ask along
?"
"Well..." Zoe paused, seeming uncertain about what she would have liked to suggest. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "I thought maybe if you were feeling alright we could hang out afterwards. Do something fun for once."
"I don't know," Piper laughed softly, glancing over at the woman beside her. "You seem like you're the one with plans to spend time with someone."
She blushed again. "Maybe so. So what do you say?"
Piper stared at the other woman for a moment longer. She looked more relaxed than she ever remembered seeing the other girl look. More open even.
Then, suddenly feeling a burst of affection, she smiled at her friend. "Sure, why not. I'm free until seven pm."
Zoe's answering smile was blinding. "Great! I'll meet you by the theatre doors at six then. Don't be late!"
"I won't," Piper replied with a laugh. The brunette walked away, leaving Piper stood there alone.
Her heart seemed to beat faster every time she saw her. Her heart was fluttering. Zoe made her feel alive in ways she hadn't experienced in years, and she felt so happy to finally have met her. The blonde was the complete opposite of anyone Piper had ever had. She didn' t see the world through rose colored glasses. She lived life, and did whatever she wanted to do.
Piper shook her head and laughed to herself again, before heading inside the bookstore.
Chapter 2
Piper's POV
As I approached my locker, I pulled my bag from underneath mine and began to set everything down in front of me. As I put my books in their respective cubbies, I couldn't help but look up, towards where Zoe was waiting.
She noticed me staring and smiled. Her long dark brown hair had been pulled back into a messy ponytail, giving her the appearance of having just gotten home from somewhere.
Her outfit consisted of shorts and a simple white t-shirt that fit snugly against her figure, accentuating each curve perfectly. There was also a bright pink bandana tied around her neck, holding it together and making her look incredibly attractive.
My heart leapt.
As I continued to admire Zoe, another female voice broke the comfortable quietness that hung between us.
"Hey babe, whatcha looking at?"
I jumped slightly, startled. Looking up at the newcomer, I smiled gently at her, hoping to hide how nervous I actually felt.
"Oh, it's nothing," I said quickly, waving her off, "just Zoe. She's in my class."
The woman chuckled and winked. "Sounds nice. Anyway, my name is Ashley. Nice to meet you."
I returned her smile. I couldn't help myself. I loved being around women, particularly beautiful ones such as Ashley and her friend. And I could easily tell how much Ashley cared for Zoe as well.
Ashley was tall, muscular and athletic, with soft caramel skin. Her hair was cut short and curly, and held back in a bun on top of her head. Her green eyes sparkled with interest. She was dressed simply, yet tastefully in a tight pair of jeans and a white button-up shirt. On her feet were a pair of white tennis shoes. The combination of her casual, yet stylish clothing coupled with her easy going demeanor gave her the image of a laid-back college student.
"I'm Piper. I'm guessing I'm your sister then?" I laughed lightly. I knew I looked nothing like the older sister Ashley had. Both my parents and mine looked identical to each other, so no matter what I wore, I always resembled my mother.
Ashley laughed softly, nodding. "Yep, I am, although, I guess I already knew that considering Zoe called me her little baby doll. That's definitely our dad though."
"Yeah, I guess you got that right." I couldn't help but chuckle at the comment. "But, seriously. I think I'd rather go get a milkshake or something."
She smiled. "Me too, but I'm sure we'll find some way to pass the time later. We're gonna watch something at least."
She glanced towards the entrance of the school. I followed her gaze, noticing that my best friend and Zoe were walking towards us. Zoe waved, and Ashley smiled at her.
"Hey Zoe!" Ashley greeted enthusiastically. Zoe seemed equally enthusiastic.
They hugged briefly. "Hey Ashley, hi Piper. Have a nice lunch?"
"Uh, yeah. You?"
"Same. Hey, what's on for tonight?"
Zoe sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "No clue. Mom isn't telling me anything. All she says is 'later'" She crossed her arms, scowling.
"We'll figure it out somehow," Ashley reassured her. "Just let us know what's happening okay?" She gave Zoe a small kiss on her cheek and grabbed my hand. "I'm off to class now. See you later, guys!"
And she turned away, rushing off towards her next class.
I watched her go for a moment, a frown coming to my face as Zoe frowned after her. "Do you mind telling me what the problem is?" I asked, turning back to her.
"Svätopluk. I'm just angry because he's getting what he deserves, and I hate him for it. Can't we leave it at that?" She glared.
I sighed. "Ok, I won't say anymore."
"Thanks," she muttered.
We sat there for a few minutes in awkward silence, watching other students come and go in the corridor and passing cars drive past on the street in front of us. Then, out of the corner of my eye I spotted Zoe looking at me again. This time she wore a mischievous grin.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Nothing," she replied innocently. "Come on, we should probably head to class soon."
I nodded, and together, we headed for class.
The rest of the day went pretty smoothly. The class that I shared with Zoe was English, so she was in the room next door and the bell had rung, signalling we could go back and talk to the teacher if we wanted to. I sat behind her, listening attentively as she explained a complex passage in the textbook.
As I listened, my thoughts drifted back to earlier that morning. I remembered the previous night and everything we had discussed. We talked, laughed, joked about school, laughed at ourselves. We made jokes and told stories, and then we kissed. Zoe had kissed me.
Aphrodisios had done something unexpected yesterday afternoon when he showed up at Zoe and Ashley's house, claiming to be a delivery person who wanted them both to buy his paintings. He had offered to take me with him since I had never been to New York City before. At first, Zoe hadn't wanted to trust him. She had only met him twice before and thought he might turn out to be crazy. But she was wrong about that.
He took us around downtown Manhattan, showing us all his paintings and taking great pains to show us his most famous.
When he had taken us to a museum and spent five hours talking about them, I learned that Aphrodisios was a man of many talents. He could paint, sculpt and create jewelry, although none of these were really things of beauty. He spoke about art as if it were his profession. His style was different and unique from all others, but he clearly enjoyed it immensely and was proud of it.
Eventually, the time came for us to leave and we parted ways, promising to call each other later. Zoe insisted on buying me dinner to thank me for helping her.
That was three days ago now. Three wonderful days.
Three days in which I hadn't seen Zoe at all. I missed her terribly and wished she would contact me. I had tried calling her several times throughout the day, trying to reach her phone number, but she must've deleted her account after our fight last night. I figured she wouldn't answer, but still hoped that maybe, sometime, she would reply.
The bell rang. I grabbed my books and shoved my notes into my book bag and headed straight for the front exit. As I waited for the bus that would take me home, I stared out the window, watching the people walking past. I thought about Zoe, wondering when her date will arrive.
I had texted Zoe this morning, asking her if she would be able to make it, as we are going to meet up that evening at a nearby restaurant for our plans. She replied saying she would, but I wasn't even surprised she declined. Zoe doesn't have any interest in going on dates, so she has a hard time understanding how a good one works. When I had asked her about the date, she had shrugged and changed the subject. Now I just hope she gets over her aversion to dating quickly because if she keeps ignoring me, there's no way I can continue this fake relationship. I don't care if I end up hurting Zoe, it hurts me more than anything to see her so miserable.
Suddenly, the bus pulled up to my stop and I quickly exited the vehicle, throwing my backpack across my back. Walking briskly across the campus to my next lecture, I passed multiple couples strolling hand in hand, kissing, laughing and generally having a good time as they walked. They reminded me a lot of the couples I sometimes saw strolling down the sidewalk, arm in arm, hands entwined and heads bent together to share whispered conversations. I felt a surge of jealousy course through me. Why can't everyone be happy? If I were single, I'd gladly walk down the sidewalk arm and arm with someone every day, smiling, laughing and loving. I could spend all of my life doing that. It'd be so perfect!
After arriving at the lecture hall, I entered and found a seat near the center. Not ten minutes later, Mr. Stokes began his lesson. For the last hour, he had lectured us passionately on various aspects of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. As usual, I was bored witless by the whole ordeal. It was only when I noticed one of the girls at the front row staring intensely at me when I realized why.
It was the pretty girl who had sat beside me yesterday at the park. I felt a jolt of surprise shoot through me. How did she even know where I lived? I wondered to myself. Maybe she followed me home. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I mused silently. It was probably easier that way for me to keep tabs on her.
I shifted uncomfort
Pexy Sharacter Júnior. I've got my sights set on the next big game of hide and seek. And that makes you,
Pexy Sharcher Júnior, quite the player.
This is an amazing opportunity. You may well make history by playing in this very competition. You have proven yourself incredibly talented and talented people are allowed to compete in the games themselves. Your name stands for 'the greatest runner in history'. In this tournament, your opponents aren't only humans; they are also gods and goddesses. So, if you choose this race well, the gods will give you power and glory beyond your wildest dreams.
You could become immortal.
Your life would be worth the price of billions.
So you can bet that your competitors will not hesitate to pay the price for you to win.
My jaw clenched tight in anger. This is just another piece of shit competition to see what I'm capable of. Sure I love being a runner, but I do want more. I wanted the world to see me the way they see Aphrodite. I want to be recognized for something other than what I am. Not to mention that I have two brothers. One with a godly parent who has always protected us, while the other brother was abandoned, forced into a horrible position of poverty after his father died.
I didn't feel safe. There is a reason for that.
There has never been a time where I felt comfortable.
Even though they don't know, and nobody else does. Even though they don't understand. I couldn't risk them finding out either, especially not Zoe. If my secret slipped out, there was a chance she would leave me. She could leave me and find someone better to love. Someone better to care about. A someone like Apollo.
She would never accept me then. She wouldn't want anyone but him.
If anyone found out, it could destroy everything. Especially if she left me.
I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply and trying to control my anger. I had to stay calm here. Calm enough not to do anything foolish and make a mistake. If I made a mistake and got expelled or even killed, then Zoe would suffer the same fate as Aphrodite.
But I need to win this race to prove my strength.
I couldn't afford to fail.
I opened my eyes, determined to focus once more. Taking my pen in hand, I wrote a quick note to Zoe on the blackboard. I wrote: I think your brother might be the Olympian God Apollo. I believe that there has been some sort of prophecy and now he is trying to use it to trick and hurt me. Please help me.
Then I erased it, not wanting to risk writing too much information about him. I added a small heart beside Apollo's name, hoping she would get the message. I turned to write down her reply and almost dropped my pencil when she replied.
Thank you. I'll let you know.
Her response made me smile. She cared about me despite everything. She knew what kind of danger it was I had put myself in and yet she was helping me anyway. It felt nice to know she cared, but unfortunately the situation was still far from ideal. I knew that it wouldn't be long before Aphrodite realised that Apollo was not her son, as he wasn't born to Ares, Dionysus or Poseidon. She might try and come for him herself, which is why Zoe has already called her.
For now, it was clear that she was not willing to let this go. Unfortunately, I didn't have a plan B, just an idea. I'd have to wait until later to discuss it with Zoe properly, but I decided to wait for her to contact me again, knowing that I needed answers to my questions about the godly parents. I didn't have a lot of time before classes started tomorrow, meaning that I'd have to figure out what I was going to tell her as soon as possible.
Chapter 3
I woke up that morning feeling exhausted from lack of
( Pexy Sharacter Júnior)
restorative sleep. My head ached, my eyes felt puffy and red, as if I had been crying all night. I reached over to turn my alarm off and sat up, looking around the room. The clock read 8:00 AM, indicating that it was just a few hours away from the start of my first class, which was math. I yawned loudly and rubbed my tired face. After taking a short shower, I changed into my school uniform and grabbed my bag, heading downstairs. I opened the door to the hallway outside my house, ready to begin the day. Just as I stepped out into the street, a car drove past with its horn honking, causing me to jump out of the way. The car screeched to a halt inches in front of me, sending shards of glass flying in my direction. My head snapped up to see an old woman sitting inside the driver's side, glaring at me with her piercing grayish blue eyes. Her hair was tied loosely in a bun atop her head, with a few stray strands escaping to frame her pale wrinkled face. A few wrinkles dotted her cheeks, making her look slightly less intimidating and more welcoming. "Watch where you're driving, young lady," the woman yelled at me as I backed away from the car. "Get lost!"
Without a word, I hurried down the sidewalk, holding my head in both hands and massaging my temples to ease the pounding headache.
It's so unfair, I thought angrily. Why must life always be so damn complicated?! Who gives a damn whether some random old lady yells at me, or I yell back? It doesn't bother me to be stared at by someone older than me for no apparent reason. What matters most to me is being accepted by others. What if that's too late? What if they realize that I'm not as great as everyone seems to think I am? Will they ever stop judging me, wondering why I can't do things as well or better than them?
What if they decide to ignore me? What if they laugh at me, telling me I'm wasting my time or worse? I hate being underestimated. I guess my father is right. There really is nothing wrong with the way I do things, but that fact doesn't mean that others won't ridicule me for it. I have spent years trying to please everyone, trying to make them proud of me, but it's difficult. People are always comparing me to my dad or my brothers. It's always the same thing with me. I don't think I'll ever understand them. I know I'm different from all of them, but it seems like I'll always be compared to someone else. It's frustrating. I guess I should accept