Today has been a wild adventure. I am still processing the events that took place. First, I saw Eros’ past, then I was attacked by a guy on the streets, and now I am at my sister’s place, waiting for her to come home. I am not sure how I was going to explain everything to her without getting emotional. With a shaky breath, I take a seat in one of Urania’s comfy chairs. A few seconds later, I hear the doorknob jiggle, causing me to look up. Urania walks in the door and her pet, Dugo, runs to greet her.
“Clio…are you here? I’m home,” she says. “Hey sis, what’s up?”
My eyes connect with hers and I can’t help but feel a surge of emotions take over my body. All my pent up anxiety and sadness come out through my tears. I run over and hug her.
“Khora, it’s been a day and a half,” I sob, my tears dripping onto her shirt. She hugs me back, which soothes my aching heart. Her hugs always seem to help me when I feel horrible.
“Oh, honey…tell me everything. I hate seeing you so upset,” she whispers.
I wipe my eyes with the back of my sleeve, sniffling.
“I accidentally used my powers today on someone. You know, the one where I can look into someone’s past by looking into their eyes. I…uh…also got jumped by a mortal. Luckily, Eros was there to help me. He thought it was too dangerous for me to stay at my place, and that is why I am here. He left a few minutes ago…”
“Wait, what? Who attacked you? Are you okay? Did you call the police?” I can hear the panic in my sister’s voice. Her questions make my stomach twist with anxiousness. “And who did you use your powers on?”
“I am fine, Urania. Eros scared them off.” I wring my hands nervously. The thought of using my powers earlier still makes me sick. “I can’t say who, but I can say they were furious…”
“Oh, thank gods for that. I’m so glad you’re safe! I thought you weren’t using those powers anymore? What made you change your mind?”
“It was an accident. This person made me so flustered, and you know when I lose control of my emotions, my powers tend to do their own thing…”
“Oh. Wow. I can imagine they would be upset,” Urania says. Duck walks over to her and Urania bends down to give him some scratches behind the ear. “So you’re upset about that? Or is there something else?”
I grab a strand of my hair and twirl it nervously. My heart thumping a little quicker. Should I really tell her? Say those words out loud?
“I am upset about that. Everything that has happened today has made me upset.” I look down at my feet, unable to make eye contact. “There is one more thing I haven’t mentioned…”
“What is it?” she asks.
I hide my face in my hands. My face already starting to turn red with embarrassment.
“I think I have a crush on…Eros.” His name barely escapes my lips. It takes me a few seconds before I manage to look up at my sister.
She looks at me, stunned. It takes her a few seconds before she responds. “Really?” she asks, standing back up. I watch Duck walk away from her and brush against my legs.
“It is most likely a silly mortal schoolgirl crush, but still, after today,” I say, trying to brush off the feelings. I place a hand on my chest. My heart flutters just at the thought of him. I curse at myself. “My heart feels like a butterfly trying to escape my chest.”
“Are you sure it’s not just the excitement and relief that he protected you?” she asks. “Have you been spending time together?”
“I don’t know.” I shrug, biting my bottom lip. My cheeks feel burning hot and I can’t control it. “It could be that. He has been told to walk me to and from the museum because of the letters I have received, and the fact that I felt like someone was following me. So, yeah we have been spending time together.”
“Ahhh,” my sister says. “I recognize that look anywhere. Or maybe, I only do now because of Apollo. So, what do you want to do about it, sis?”
“I don’t know,” I shake my head. “He can’t find out.”
“Why not?” she asks.
I think back to what I saw. His heart belongs to another and I can’t risk ruining a friendship over my silly feelings.
“It’s complicated,” I say.
“Because of Psyche?” she asks. I wince when I hear her name. “Or something else?”
I look away from her, my mind drifts elsewhere. My heart sinks into my chest, aching in pain.
“It is just better if he doesn’t know. It is just a crush, right? Those feelings will fade away,” I whisper.
“They could…but they may also grow stronger. When Apollo returned, he’d make a few flirtatious remarks. At first, I just thought it was kind of cute, but then it changed. And every day, I couldn’t wait to see him.” My sister sighs. The two of them were cute together and I was happy they found their happiness. “Do you really feel like it’s just a crush on your part? Are you being honest with yourself? And what about him? What do you think he’ll make of this?”
My focus shifts to Dugo and Duck. Dugo walks up to Duck, sniffing him. My little red fox backs away, his hair standing on his back. After a few seconds, Duck calms down and curls into a ball. Dugo circling him before laying down next to Duck. Both of them falling asleep. I sigh sadly.
“I don’t know what he will think, but I have made my decision and I will not be telling him.” I give my sister a weak smile. “I am glad everything between you and Apollo has worked out. You guys make a beautiful couple.”
“Thanks, sis. But what about you? Don’t you deserve happiness? What if he has similar feelings?” she asks me. My heart only breaks more from her words. “How can you just shut it off?”
“I am happy. I have you and our other sisters.” I take a deep breath, controlling my breathing. “I don’t need anything else. I should get some rest.”
“Are you sure? Don’t you want to talk it through? I think it is important to follow your heart. A few months ago, I would have poo-pooed that idea, but now I’m questioning all of the ‘logical’ things I used to focus on,” she says, walking over to hug me tightly once more. I have to fight back the tears. I didn’t want her to worry about it. This was my own problem. “I know you’ve been through a lot lately. I’m worried about you. I know you should rest. Do you want me to make up a bed in the guest room? Or do you want to stay in with me and we can watch silly movies?”
“How about we watch some movies tomorrow?” I kiss my sister’s cheek. “I think I am going to stay here for a few days. If that is okay with you?”
“That’s more than okay. I’m excited to get some sister time. And some time with Duck, too. I think Dugo likes him.”
I smile and look at our pets. Both are snuggled beside each other fast asleep.
“I do, too. Duck needs more friends…I am excited to spend time with you as well.” I yawn. “Goodnight, Khora.”
“Goodnight, sis.”
*Khora: Ancient Greek for Space
Clio is portrayed by Alice Callisto. Alice Callisto is a pen-name she goes by to share her fiction writing with the world. Callisto is also a streamer who loves to play games like Skyrim to Call of Duty. She is a big fan of ancient history and enjoys learning new things. Callisto has been writing since the age of sixteen on various different platforms, but only started taking it seriously recently. She is currently working on a project for #NaNoWriMo which involves dragons. Follow her on Twitch and Twitter to make her day.
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