Red String (Under Revision)

Chapter 5

Hera looks at the four corners of the hall. She makes sure that she got everybody's attention. "Just like what's on our tradition, every time a god or a goddess will turn eighteen. Cupid," she glances at me. "Please come and join us here," she continues, gesturing her left hand, inviting me to walk in front.

Everyone looks at me. Percy pushes me to stand. I give him a glare. He laughs, not minding the daggers I throw to him. I sigh, slightly pouting my lips. I stand and walk towards Hera's position.

I expect this to happen. I will be the center of attraction tonight. It is our tradition to stand in front of everybody and speak words of thanks to everyone and such - a thanksgiving message. And I hate it. I hate this attention everyone is giving me. Their eyes are focused on me as I make my way to where Hera is standing, passing every occupied tables.

The tables are covered by a white cloth. There is a small flower vase placed in the center of the table with colorful arrangement of flowers on it. Five pairs of fork and knife are set on both sides of each plate - fork on the left side and knife on the right side.

Hercules ushers me to mount on a two-step stair. He pats my back. "Happy birthday, Cupid," he greets, making an eye contact, smiling.

"Thanks."

This is weird. Hercules is acting weird. We're not really close and as far as I remember we don't talk to each other before. The way he smiles, it's more like a simper. I shake my head, clearing every thought that clouds my mind. It's not my business anymore and I don't care what he is trying to do.

Hera moves her hand, leading me to stand beside her, which I followed. "State your message, Cupid. Anything you want to say," she whispers.

I twitch my lips. Sometimes, I really don't get the logic of some of our traditions - celebrating every eighteenth birthday of a god and goddess and demigods, saying our message because finally we are proclaimed as a legal god and goddess - in which most of us don't care.

I look around. Everyone is expecting me to say something, to say my gratuitous thanks. I take a deep breath. I clear my throat. "Good evening. This will only take a short time. All I want to say is thank you," I say, like what they are expecting. "Thank you for coming to celebrate with us and to witness my eighteenth birthday celebration. Once again, good evening."

Hera laughs silently; her shoulders move up and down. "And that's our Cupid of few words. And now, the angels will serve the foods we prepared. Let's just wait until they are done serving before we eat. For now, enjoy everyone's company. Cheers!" She raises her glass of halfway full of champagne. Everyone do the same.

I walk back to my seat without paying any attention to every guest I pass by. I see my parents seating on a table together with the other members of the council. For sure, I am their main topic. I'm sure about it. They will talk about what my powers will be and other things that affect my life as a god.

I sit on my chair. I press my elbows on the table; I rest my chin and cheeks on my palms. I heave.

Someone hits my arm. I gawk. I see Percy looking at me intently. "You're not interested on this feast, right Cupid? Don't lie. I can clearly see it on your actions."

"Yeah."

I stare on one of the windows near us. I should not be here at this moment. I must be on Earth at this point of time breaking mortal hearts, put their lives in despair and slaying weak humans.

An angel places a smaller plate on top of the plate that was set already on the table; it was full of dishes, just the usual food we eat. The angel fills our glass with red wine.