Chapter four
Why Alex?...
Monday morning; Alex's POV:
I looked at Persephone as she walked down the school hallway, the first word that came into my head was stunning. Absolutely stunning. She wore her usual; dark faded jeans and a bright patterned shirt. Her hair was done up in a loose ponytail. Little pieces of blonde flowing hair protruded from the sides. I saw her glowing award-winning smile appear from her lips.
Whenever I hear her talk for the first time, it's like when you haven't drank anything all day and when you do all your taste buds come alive and an electric shock fills you.
"Hi." She said, voice angelic.
"Hello." I looked down into her crystal blue eyes, and moved in for a kiss.
"A kiss? Already?" She said lightly, our lips almost touching, "It's a bit early, don't you think?" She pulled away a little, but I grabbed her waist and pulled her towards me.
"Not at all." I felt her body tense up and then relax as I kissed her. That was my favorite part.
I had really strong feelings for Persephone and I really didn't feel like telling her the bad news just yet. Luckily, I didn't have to. Her gal pal Arte-something came over and took her away before I got the chance to say anything to her. Unfortunately, that meant the longer I had to argue about what to say in my head. I sighed and said to myself, "It's gonna be one hell of a long day."
Hallway; Persephone, and Artemis. Persephone's POV:
"Why'd you do that?" I asked Artemis angrily as we hid behind an open locker.
"If you shut up, you'll see." I peered over the top of the locker to see Athena with the tall guy with short shaggy dark hair. Luckily, her back was towards us. Olivia was walking from the opposite direction and saw us. She lifted one brow and we pulled her behind the locker.
"What are you guys-?"
"Shhh," I covered her mouth with my hand. "We're trying to spy." I whispered. She nodded. I removed my hand. We all stretched our hearing as far as it could go. Unfortunately, we could only hear bits and pieces of their conversation.
"…Yes…it was a nice time..." I heard her giggle.
"Not gonna lie…you're fun…" He said, drooling-like.
"Thanks…so are you…you're really experienced, aren't you?"
"Not really…It was my first time doing that…but you. You were amazing. Natural talent, huh?" I heard Artemis gasp.
"…I'm really not good with my hands…" Artemis got up.
"Athena Marie Stoch! You did not just say you did it with this disgusting creature!"
"Wha-? Artemis? Persephone? Olivia? Huh?..." She passed out right then and there.
The guy that violated our poor Athena spoke up in a mellow tone, "Uh, I think you broke her."
"You did the breaking, boy!" Artemis stormed.
"The names Trey, not 'boy' by the way. And don't you think we should bring her to the nurse?" Suddenly, out of nowhere, a huge bunch of guys gathered around Athena, Trey gave them all angry glares. They dispersed immediately. He quickly walked over to Athena and lifted her off the floor.
He started walking towards the nurse's office when he looked over his shoulder and said, "If you guys wanna know what really happened, I'd follow me."
Artemis raced and grabbed Athena out of Treys arms. It made Olivia and I laugh seeing a girl that was five feet exactly try and act strong and carry a girl that was exactly five foot three inches taller than her. We're all short. Well, the girls are.
From what I've seen of Trey so far, he's more of those jock-type guys. He has the arms of a football player and is pretty laid back. He has a strong chin and straight nose and sea foam green eyes with dark hair that's almost coal black and a sexy deep tan. All I can say is that I guess me and Athena have opposite taste in men.
In the nurse's office, Trey sat right next to Athena's bed while she slept. He didn't let go of her hand until her eyes fluttered open.
He immediately got in her face, "Are you alright!"
She blinked hard and looked down at her hands. One was entangled with Trey's. Her eyes widened, "Uh, um, yes!...I mean, I'm fine." She said embarrassed. He smiled.
Artemis ruined the moment with, "Yeah so, did you guys do it or what?"
"Uh, what do you mean?" She asked innocently.
"Oh god, don't make me explain it…" It took Athena thirty whole seconds to fully understand the meaning of "do it".
"No!" She screamed, "What kind of girl do you think I am! My parents raised me much better than that, you hear me? Much, much better!"
Trey put a huge hand on her petite shoulder and said, "Now breathe. Slow deep breaths. Try to calm down, okay? Chill out, no harm done. WE were just playing videogames." He cracked a sideways grin. She suddenly, seemed less tense and more intrigued that Trey's hand was on her shoulder. I've seen that look before. I knew she was totally into him.
I chimed in with, "Say Artemis, don't you think we should be getting to lunch?" I asked obviously trying to make it noticeable that Athena and Trey should be alone.
"No, no I don't." She said.
"Yeah? Well I do." I grabbed her arm and led her out the door. "Bye you two." I winked. Artemis tried to struggle but she wasn't trying her hardest to get out of my grip, like if it was a guy holding onto her. Well, that is if she'd ever let a guy touch/hold her. She pouted the whole way to the cafeteria but I just smiled and rolled my eyes.
Trey and Athena; Athena's POV
"So, you're really good at videogames?" I asked him.
His eyes glowed a brilliant green, "Yeah, especially the jet ski simulators."
I smiled at him as he went on about everything water. He loved it. It showed in his face, in his eyes and in his voice. He suddenly stopped talking and looked at me. "Oh jeez, am I talking too much already?"
"No!" I yelped. "I like you talking, it's much better than having me talk. I'd go all science and math on you." I felt my face get hot. God, I'm such a loser!
"Really? You don't look like the smart type. Oh shit! Don't take that the wrong way. I just meant that you're so beautiful it's so hard to picture you-Oh! No, I…I'm gonna shut up now." He dropped his head and I laughed. He looked up slowly and I couldn't stop laughing. It must have rubbed off on him, because he started laughing too. His laugh was very cheery and contagious.
"So, since I'm so 'beautiful' and not the 'smart type', does that mean you like me?" I asked and then lowered my head.
He gasped and said, "I am ashamed you even have to ask that! Of course I do. I mean come on, I took one look at ya and I knew you were gonna be my girl." He flashed me that sideways superstar smile of his. I looked up at him quick and was shocked when his face was right in front of mine.
"Um, I've never, uh, you know, kissed anyone before…" I said shyly. He tilted my chin upwards and kissed me.
"Well, now ya have." A big stupid smile spread across my face.
We walked through the halls hand in hand as girls shot me 'she's one lucky girl' looks and all of Trey's friends gave him high-fives. I blushed the whole way to the cafeteria. Persephone, Alex, Olivia, Hermes and Artemis were staring at us. Persephone, Olivia and Hermes were excited-shocked stares. Alex's I couldn't tell. I could never read that kid's face. And Artemis…well lets just say she wasn't too happy.
"What the holy Hell is this!" She yelled.
Alex said something that sounded like, "Well if that isn't an oxymoron."
"'Sup, bro." Trey said to Alex.
"Yes, hi."
Persephone chimed in, "Oh, you two know each other?" She smiled her perfect smile, making me a little jealous of her beauty.
"Um, you could say that." Alex said.
Trey put an arm around Alex's neck, "Shoot man, we're brothers. You embarrassed of me or somethin'?"
"No, I just never mentioned anything about our 'family' if you catch my drift." Alex looked hard into his eyes.
"No shit?" He asked.
Alex sighed. Suddenly, Trey grabbed my hands and looked me in the eyes, "Babe, I swear, we are completely normal." And he gave me a big smile. I knew he wasn't being honest but that didn't matter.
"Wait, so you two are brothers?" Artemis asked out of nowhere. At least she wasn't mad anymore. I hoped.
"Half brothers actually." Alex corrected.
"Yep, we're a pretty close nit family." Trey said.
"No. We're really not." He sighed and Persephone hugged him. He automatically looked better. It was like she cured him. I once again became jealous, wishing that, I too, could make Trey feel that way. I looked over at Trey to see him staring at me with a sad look on his face.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing. I don't know how to put this but, I like you a lot and I don't want to lose you. Ever." The intensity of his eyes made me feel weak in the knees. Is he for real! I mean, yeah I like him and everything, but jeez! He makes it seem like he's in love with me.
"Uh…" I froze.
"It's okay if you don't know what to say. You don't need to say anything." He hugged me tightly. Like if he let go, I might turn to dust or never see him again. I clung to his shirt and smelt the fresh crisp sent of the ocean. I didn't care if everyone was staring at us, I felt what he felt and I didn't like it.
Later that day, Alex's house, Persephone's POV
Alex pulled me close to him as we sat on his black leather sofa and watched television. I heard the door open and then close. I started to pull away from Alex.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"Your dad's home and we're cuddling." I blushed.
"He doesn't care. Get back here." He extended his arms and pulled me back into them. I sunk comfortably into his hold. Alex's dad walked by, once again not revealing his face. He did the same thing as before and tipped his hat at me and called Alex back to his office. Alex rolled his eyes and kissed my cheek. He told me he'd be back soon.
A few minutes went by and Alex's mom came inside. She really was pretty with her young face and bleach blonde hair.
"Hello again." She smiled revealing a set of beautiful shiny teeth.
"Hi." I smiled.
"By the way, what did I tell you to call me?" She asked randomly.
"I don't think you told me to call you anything Mrs. Nox." I said innocently.
"Oh," She walked over to me and sat down next to me on the couch. "Call me Stacy, by the way. Mrs. Nox makes me feel old." She laughed a little and I joined her.
She leaned over to me and said seriously, "There's something I think you should know about, about the Nox family." Her voice lowered to a whisper.
I took the hint and just nodded.
"Well, I don't know where to start except at the beginning," She took a deep breath then continued. "Listen to everything I say and take it into careful consideration. Okay, well, you know the Greek Gods and Goddesses correct?" I nodded again, not sure where she was going with this.
"Well, they're real. Alive, breathing, real. Don't think I'm crazy okay? It wasn't very long ago when I was in your position. I didn't believe Mrs. Nox either when she told me that one day my son would be a God. But, they are real. And, don't freak out but, you are one. Persephone Flos, you are the Goddess of Springtime."
I was being told too much information at once. I couldn't think. I wasn't a Goddess! There was no friggin' way I could be. My mom would have told me. I know she would have. She would have…right?
A wave of tiredness flooded my body. I felt the support of strong hands on my back. And people saying my name. I picked out only one voice in particular, Alex's. He was telling me that I was staying at his house in the guest bedroom for the night. He already contacted my mother and everything was set up. I turned my drowsy eyes on Stacy. She looked scared and she was looking up at something. I turned to see what it was. It was Alex's dad standing over her yelling in her face say that she ruined everything.
Barely a whisper I let out, "She didn't do anything wrong." And he turned to me. Alex was carrying me and he held me tight to his body. It was a good thing he was carrying me because if he wasn't, just the sheer force of Alex's dad's eyes looking dead into mine, would have made my knees give way. He stepped closer to me and I saw Stacy reach out and tug on his pant leg. He slapped her hand so hard it made me want to scream. She was on the ground crying and Alex was holding me in a protective manner. His dad's eyes shone a bright red. His face was pale and flat. His hair was black as coal.
"Give her to me." He said to Alex.
"Never." Alex spit.
"You will give her to me now, boy." He said staring hard into Alex's eyes.
"I said never." He backed up onto the staircase. I clung to his neck and peeked at his dad with heavy eyes.
"You asked for it." He went to punch Alex but I made him stop. I pushed my way out of Alex's hold so that I fell out of his arms.
His dad caught me before I hit the floor.
"Now, you will do as I say, won't you? You don't want your precious girl to get hurt now, do you?" Alex turned hard eyes on him. "Follow me then." Alex did as he was told and followed his father. I sent him pleading looks but he just avoided my eyes.
Alex…Look at me. Please. Just look at me…
Alex's dad's office, Alex's POV
Persephone looked so drained of energy ever since she used it all up to block my dad from hitting me. Her eyes were closing more and more with every passing minute. I just hoped that she could manage to stay awake for just a little longer.
My dad put her on the guest bed and sat right down next to her. This made me uncomfortable. "Go to sleep now girl. You need your rest for tomorrow. It's sad really that you have no idea of what's to come of you," He sighed. "Oh well. Don't worry, I won't leave your side." He put a hand on her leg and she pulled away from him.
"Let her sleep. I'll watch over her tonight." I said.
"She does need her rest. Today, she's a normal girl. Tomorrow, she's a queen." He walked slowly out of the room. Not bothering to acknowledge me, he just kept his eyes on Persephone. The door clicked shut.
Her voice, just a whisper filled the air. "What does he mean 'queen'?" She asked.
"I'm getting you out of here. I need to talk to you and your friends. Somewhere far. Somewhere my father won't find us."
"What about Compsville? It's just outside of town. No one goes there anymore. Especially not this late at night," She turned from the clock that said, 1:37 a.m. "Or early in the morning, I mean." She managed to crack a smile.
"Sounds good. You have your cell phone, right?" She nodded. "Alright, then lets move." I picked her up and rushed out the door and into my room. I picked up a duffle bag full of clothes, it was already pre-packed. I quick threw it over my shoulder and then lifted her and ran down the stairs and out the door.
My 'stang was parked right out front. I hit the unlock button and tossed my bag inside. I went around the car and set Persephone in the passenger's seat. Then when I saw the living room light turn on through the window, I booked in to the driver's seat. I threw on my seatbelt and shifted the car into reverse. I drove at least twenty miles over the speed limit at all times. I never looked back in my rear-view mirror. I would constantly glance over at Persephone who was asleep for the time being. I felt so sorry for her. And for what was to come of her.
She shouldn't have to be forced into the Underworld with me. I'm not even sure if I want to be king of the Underworld. Not if all that power get's under my skin and I yell at my son and beat my wife. Just the thought of Persephone in pain made me feel sick to my stomach. I rubbed my forehead as I tried to think about how to tell everyone about the Gods and Goddesses. It sucks that I have to become the king of the Underworld just because I'm Hades. Alex Hades Nox, Lord of the Underworld. Yeah, sure, it had a nice ring to it and everything but I don't want it. I want a normal life with Persephone. Not one where I have to marry her and then kidnap her. Can't it wait! Marriage is a huge commitment. Not that I'd mind being married to her. I really do think I l-lo-love her. I've never used the word love. Ever.
I pulled into the abandon church parking lot and just sat there staring at Persephone. She's so innocent. Nothing to worry her or cause her pain. She wasn't touched by any evil and now, she's going to have to marry the king of evil. It's not fair. For Persephone, I had to stop my father.
I heard her mumble something in her sleep. She said, "Why Alex?...". I let my head rest on my arms on the steering wheel. I needed sleep if I was going to have to either, kill my own father, or die trying. And I was sure as Hell, not ready to die yet.