Aphrodite's Daughter

             My stomach growled at the thought of real food. I ran in a head leaving my mom laughing behind me. I ran into the dining area and saw what looked like a feast on a long table. My mouth was watering and I eagerly took my seat. Mom and Heph sat opposite of me. They talked quietly while I scarfed down food.

            I took the chance to chew a little when I heard a chair beside me move. Andreas sat down beside me and I tried desperately not to look at him. Things where still awkward between us.

            “Ah Andreas, I'm so glad you decided to join us.” Heph and Andreas began talking about some plans that had for my protection, and I zoned out. The tension between us was thick and every time I tried to scoot away from him, he would find a reason to lean closer to me.

            I was sitting on the edge of my seat when Heph suggested we move to the living room to discuss my training. “Training?”

            “Yes. You need to learn how to fight and Andreas is the best fighter I know.” Great. That would mean we would be spending lots of time together.

            “Why can't you or mom just teach me?” I looked to my mom for help but she was smiling at her plate avoiding eye contact with me.

            “Your mother is leaving soon, and I am an old man incapable of teaching you properly.” Old my ass, he looked like he was in his late twenties.

            “Fine.” I looked at Andreas and saw that he was frowning. Apparently I wasn't the only one upset about this arrangement. It stung a little and I quickly got up with the others and walked into the living room.

            I practically ran to the arm chair sitting by itself in the corner. That way Andreas wouldn't feel obligated to sit beside me again. He walked into the room looking expectantly at the couch, but when he saw me in the chair his shoulders slumped a little.

            Mom sat on the love seat with Heph and I was suddenly angry that she was being so friendly with a man other than my dad. She should be grieving like I was. I abruptly stood up and stomped to my room. They called my name, but I just ignored them.

            Once in my room, I slammed the door and locked it. Not that a locked door could stop a god, but it made me feel better. My training could wait, right now I need to be alone to grieve. Ever since he died, I had been running and hadn't had time to be sad.

            I walked to the closet and threw on some sweats and a tank top. Just in case they could knock down the door, I wasn't going to be here when they did. I opened the wall length window. The drop would be long and probably painful, but I would heal. The bushes might cushion my fall, but I wasn't holding my breath.

            Sitting down on the edge of the window sill, I pushed myself off. My heart flew into my throat as the falling sensation took over and I almost forgot to relax my body.

            The bushes helped a little, but I rolled off and felt my hip fracture. The pain was excruciating for a second, and then it disappeared. I stood up and twisted back and forth. Everything seemed back to normal.

            “Isabella!” I looked up and saw Andreas and my mom standing in my bedroom window. “What are you doing?”

            I took off not knowing where I was going, but anywhere was better than here.  My speed allowed me to run deep into the woods. It was exhilarating to run and I didn't want to stop. I only stopped because a lake blocked my way.