4 • 17 • 11
Believe the Unbelievable
Chapter IX
Sparta
"You can't change your past, and you ruin the present by worrying about the future."
Myself: I hate this chapter. It doesn't take much place in the museum.
Me: You hate everything. I like this chapter. It's the longest one yet. I, care to do the disclaimer.
I: Me? The disclaimer. Please, once I rule the world, I would own anything. -sits and plans world domination-
Me: Fine. Tybs23 doesn't own NATM, or 300, or any other thing in this story, but her OCs.
The few weeks I had left, well, sped by, for lack of better terms. Every single break, the days fly by - without any sign of slowing down. The horrible reality I would have to face: Summer's over, [unfortunately] and the ugly truth is school starts tomorrow.
It amazes me how the days go, and at the end of the glorious summer break, you try to remember all the savored moments, but just end up drawing a blank. Some call it unfair – I, however, call it ungrateful. Yea, that's it. I was ungrateful for the time I had off. True, I was ecstatic school was out, and I spend every night at the museum, but, in retrospect, I took granted of the break I was rewarded and quite frankly, I regret it. Every summer I tell myself to really take in the opportunity and enjoy it while it last, but I just never learn. I always end up brushing it off my shoulder, saying I have all these days to relax and bask in sun, but they don't last. They never last. Granted, I was limited because of my disabled leg. I wasn't able to go to the local pool, or the beach, and forget going to my friend's vacation home in Croatia. Next summer, I will, [I state it as a fact,] make it one I will never forget.
Safe to say, I do not want to attend school tomorrow. Instead, I want to listen to nice summer music, the kind that remind me of the beach, and sleep.
It is also safe to say how much I underestimated Father Time. Hopefully, this time I learned my lesson.
Depressing, isn't it? What else rots my soul, slowly: The weather is growing colder and colder. Soon it will be as cold as Isis's uncle, and boy, is that bitterly cold. True, the New York's summer can be hot, hotter than you think. This summer reaching a stifling 104ª degrees [Fahrenheit, of course.] The smog and smoke from the Manhattan buildings really didn't cool things off either. Now, in late August, temperatures are starting to drop to a refreshing temperature, and as much as I like the coolness after the intense heat, it only reminds me of the negative aspect of fall and winter. [Psst! And people worry about global warming! Nonsense!] Last year, in December, the air was practically frost itself – much too cold to inhale, and I pray this time we would not be gifted with blankets and blankets of snow, like last year. Of course, when I was Nicky's age, snow was the best thing in the world, but now at the age of fifteen, it just means shoveling, shoveling, and more back breaking.
I'm fifteen – too young for back pains.
-Charlotte
"So, school is a mechanism in which groups of young adults attend a classroom, only leaded by one adult who is certified?" Isis asked.
"Yea, a bunch of disgusting teenagers, sitting in a class listening to a boring lecture. That's about how it goes." Charlotte clarified.
"Fascinating."
"No! It's the worst thing that ever happen to me." Nicky said.
"Little Nicky. Schooling, and learning are a very important aspect of life. Back in ancient times, people who received an education were lucky."
"Hey Isis. A lot can happen in three-thousand years." Nicky smirked.
"True, true. But change doesn't mean you should change your attitude on school."
"I don't mind school – it's easy for me, but waking up six am every morning. It's horrible." Charlotte interjected.
"Six am? I see why you hate it. My classes didn't start till afternoon."
"Lucky!" Nicky exclaimed.
"But you only go to school till three. I had to listen to my mentor till midnight."
"Twelve hours of school?" Charlotte asked, in disbelief.
"Yes, but unlike you two, I never imagined only, what, seven, eight hours, so I was quite used to my long studies."
"Another thing I mind in school, is the people – there so immature, and ignorant."
"No! Everyone's nice!" Nicky countered. Charlotte shook her head and sighed.
"Nicky. When your older, people begin to turn judgmental, and you'll learn, people will turn their backs on you to save their own reputation." Isis said, beating Charlotte to it.
"Really? But there my friends, and I know they wouldn't do that."
Charlotte and Isis glanced at each other, not needing to talk at all, but still able to see the obvious message. They weren't going to enlighten Nick with the negativity of the world they were more aware of.
So, Charlotte changed the subject.
And they talked, and talked, about nothing in particular. It was a fun experience. Charlotte liked talking with people, and saying something funny, and having a good laugh.
Laughter is always the best medicine, especially when you share it with friends. Charlotte thought.
She could get used to talking to Isis. They melted together in conversation so easily, taking about random topic after random topic, laughing at the stupidity, or the natural comedy of what they say.
Charlotte almost forgot she had school tomorrow, till she had to go home early.
XxX
Lately, I been experiencing dreams. It's like nothing I ever seen before. I actually remember every dream, perfectly – unlike any dream before.
It is peculiar - No, beyond peculiar. All these dreams seem to actually be in sequence with the last. It's like a new episode every time.
The craziest question I have is: Did it actually happened?
I would talk about it to Isis, but she died in my first dream – where it all started, so she couldn't confirm if these were actually historical.
It gets frustrating. Yea, if it is real, it's great and cool getting the information like this, but every night, I wake in a stifling red hot heat, sweat caked on my face, unable to go back to sleep, and the strangest part, I actually feel fear stirring in my core. Normally, I would not show or feel anxiety and be afraid of something like this. It just doesn't affect me. I don't know if I'm heartless, but this story my mind is trying to convey to me, shouldn't be vexing me, but it actually is frightening me, for a reason I can not understand. My rapid heart rate confirmed that I am scared of what I just seen. It's as if it, it isn't me who is witnessing the dream, like I'm seeing it through someone else's eyes.
-Charlotte
XxX
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
No!
Charlotte smashed her hand down on the alarm clock, that shattered the air, and her sleep.
For a few more minutes, she laid there, curled in a small ball, like a fetus in a womb – with the exception of her broken leg, which was forced out straight.
"Char. Time to get up. Come on." Larry said, shaking her shoulder.
She mumbled something that wasn't audible.
"Now."
"I don't want to go to school today!" Charlotte screamed out. She smiled, and patted her dad's head, and continued. "I want to stay home and bake cookies with you." She said, giggled, and rolled back in her pillow.
"What? I'm not baking cookies. Char! Just get up!"
Groggily, Charlotte sat up in bed.
"What time is it?" She asked, her voice coming out a bit scratchy.
"Seven." Her dad answered simply. "Come on. You don't have to take a shower, but please, do something with that hair."
Charlotte rolled her eyes, and began her new routine, which she would now have to follow every morning.
XxX
Charlotte crutched her way up the ramp, and into school. She took a breath, and walked in the school, ignoring some of the stares of others who were curious about her leg.
First stop. The main office.
She said, having her schedule in her book bag. She had contacted the school a few weeks before, and the principal promised her a key to the elevator. She was happy about this. The school had an elevator for the injured kids, who still needed to attend school. Only injuries where children can't walk right, and teachers, were allowed to use the elevator, so now, at least, she wouldn't have to break her back on the stairs.
She retrieved the key, pledging to give it back when she was eligible to use the stairs again. She was glad she would be able to use it. Char only been in it once, helping a friend with her bag when she had an operation done on her foot.
Next, she stopped by her locker, on the second floor. [The first floor was set for freshmen, the second for sophomores, and juniors, and the third for seniors.] Unlike the freshmen, she had a bigger locker, which she liked, but also didn't like. She seen kids get jammed in their own locker, with her disable leg, that made her a huge target.
But, before she could do anything but blink, she felt herself being lifted.
"Oh shit. Put me down!" She squealed, as she dropped her crutches, one falling to the ground, and the other sinking in her locker.
"Okay. Here's what your going to do. First, your going to give me all your lunch money."
Charlotte smiled. "Angelo." She mumbled. They both smiled, and he dropped her down.
"Damn. You really did break your leg. You were probably to busy thinking of me. You need to stop obsessing over me, and that wouldn't happen to you."
Charlotte picked up her crutches, and turned to face him. Her dear friend, Michelangelo, hadn't changed. He was slightly darker, probably from vacationing in his home country, the Dominican Republic.
Psht! As if he isn't dark enough! Charlotte thought, and took a quick glimpse of him. He seemed a bit taller, lankier, his light brown hair cut short, his eyes still hazel. Still lovable, cute, hot, and obnoxious. He hasn't changed a bit.
"Ya' caught me." Charlotte blushed a bit.
"When do you get that thing off?"
"A month or two. I must of really been thinking about you, just a little too hard."
"You dumb little girl. You really should find yourself a boyfriend, and get out of my hair."
Charlotte giggled, as he rolled his eyes, both had goofy grins on their faces.
"Hey. My bones grew a bit, even though one is broken. So ha, I'm not your little girl anymore." Char derided and pointed a finger in his face.
He brushed her finger passed his face."It's nice to know your going through puberty. However, I'm still taller."
"One day, when I no longer have a broken leg, and I am taller than you, -" She poked his chest, and continued. "I will beat you up."
"Oh, of course." Michelangelo said, as if he completely believed it.
They talked for the remainder of the time they had left before school started.
Charlotte situated herself at her locker, talked, and caught up with her friend. They compared schedules, and discovered they had a few classes together.
"Hey. Biology together." Angelo grinned and poked her arm. Charlotte knew what this meant.
"No. No! I'm not taking that class. You giggle, and your immature and, and -" Charlotte stuttered, drawing a blank.
"- and, you love it." Angelo completed for her. She smiled.
"Whatever helps you get to sleep at night." Charlotte said, closing her locker, and lifting her backpack to one of her shoulders. "Thinking of you helps me get to sleep." Angelo said, taking her bag, and adjusting it on his own shoulder.
"Corny weirdo, and thanks." Charlotte said as they walked to their first period Sadly, they were both greeted by the presence of a girl named Amanda. She was a tiny, thin girl – a bit unhealthy looking because she was so skinny. She naturally had brown hair, but dyed it black over break. She was dressed in tight jeans, that Charlotte could never imagine being in, and a top just a little to inappropriate for a fifteen year old. She had fairly tanned skin, but the closer Charlotte looked, it didn't really look natural. She had brown eyes, but wore lens, which made them blue.
She was an extremely popular girl, amongst the guys. They found her Brazilian body intriguing.
Charlotte admitted it to herself. She wished her body was a bit more Brazilian-like, more attracted to the guys. She wasn't so worried about her body, because Heather made her exercise daily, so she was fit, but she did wish she had more curves, and a bigger butt like Amanda. She did know this, she was a bit jealous of Amanda's hormone rate, but never let Amanda know this. It would just make her feel cocky, ignorant, and better than everyone else – even though she already did.
"Oh! Hi Mikey!" She chirped at him, and waved her hand in his face. It never really been a secret that she had a crush on him. Charlotte just shook her head. She didn't think Amanda was jealous of her – that she knew Michelangelo personally. Charlotte inwardly scoffed. It was a shame Amanda only liked him because of his athletic body.
"Oh, how you doin' Char?" Amanda said, directed her attention to Charlotte.
Don't call me that. Charlotte thought, wanting to say in out loud, but waited for Amanda to say something arrogant first.
"You're looking good." She half-heartily commented.
Charlotte raised a brow. "I'm on crutches."
"I haven't noticed."
"Of course you haven't."
"Can I try using them? Please." She asked looking innocent, and folding her hands together, leaning in a little, to let Angelo get a glimpse of her chest.
"Not now Amanda. We have to get to class. I don't want Charlotte being late." Angelo cut in.
Charlotte bit her lip and Amanda noticed.
Amanda always was trying to prove Charlotte and Angelo were something – something she could break. Charlotte was biting her lip, because she was trying not to laugh at how Amanda clung to him, and drooled as he talked in his normal masculine voice - hinted with a Spanish accent that he picked up on over break.
Amanda, however, thought Charlotte was dreaming about Angelo just as much as she was.
"That's a good idea. I wouldn't want to be late either. I'll see you around Charlotte. Text me Mike. Kay?" She said, stalking off, disappointed that she still haven't phased him, even after dressing best, just for her crush.
Charlotte sighed and shook her head. Hookers gonna be hookers. She thought.
They walked a few more paces to the elevator, and Charlotte couldn't help but ask a question, that been bothering her, but she waited till they were in the elevator.
She inserted the key to the elevator, to go to their first class, which was algebra on the first floor.
When the doors closed, she turned to Angelo, who was casually leaning on the wall.
"Do you like Amanda?"
His eyebrows drew together. He shook his head. "Hell no. Fake girls aren't my type. I need a girl to be as athletic as me. If I were to have sex with Amanda, I probably break her in half. Plus I don't want AIDS."
"Break in half? Nice to know you like it rough."
"I wouldn't be rough with her and I would still break a few ribs." He said, raising his hands in defeat.
Charlotte giggled, and just rolled her eyes. She didn't know why, but she was comforted by this, knowing Angelo didn't have an eye for Amanda.
"See. I should have been like a Spartan in ancient times."
Charlotte laughed.
"You won't last one day in Spartan training."
Angelo scoffed, and flexed. "Please. I'm more jacked than Gerard Butler was in 300."
"Uh no."
"Yes. I am no longer Spanish, but Spartan."
"Sure."
"I most train hard every day, and serve the great city I hail from." He said, holding a fist over his heart, as he continued to role-play.
"I will fight with honor, and integrity, -"
"You don't even know what integrity means."
He ignored her, and continued on.
"I will serve Sparta with all my might, and die on the battlefield, knowing I brought fame, and respect to my homeland. You. Maiden." He said, pointing to her, than gesturing his hand.
"Will you take my hand in marriage, and birth girls who will eventually birth other Spartan men, so we may carry out the blessed name of Sparta? I ask you birth boys as well, so they may carry out, me, the father's name, and strike fear into enemies eyes, as Spartan society grows to be the best nation in the world?"
If anyone else were to say this to Charlotte, she would probably never talk to them again, but than again, it was Angelo, her childhood friend. So, it was funny, and she laughed, as the elevator opened. They both stepped out, and headed to room 101, where Mr. Spooner taught their Algebra class.
The two of them took a seat in the middle of the class, Charlotte sitting in front of Michelangelo, and him seating next to a few of his friends.
Charlotte didn't mind it, but sometimes Angelo's friends, could be real annoying, especially since they believed Charlotte was Michel's girl.
"Oh hi Charlotte!" She turned around, to be greeted by one of his friends.
"'Sup Kelvin?"
"Nothing. And what happened to your leg? Did Mikey break it?" He asked, directing his attention to Angelo. "That's no way to treat your girlfriend." He said, shaking his head, and turning the other way.
Before Charlotte or Angelo could say anything, Mr. Spooner, one of their favorite teachers walked in the room.
He was getting old, but he still was funny as ever. He was known for lighting up and letting the kids laugh.
No one fell asleep during his class, for two reasons. He was a good teacher. He could spark anyone's interest. And no one dared to snooze because Mr. Spooner's room was right next to the bathroom – he'd been known to go to the bathroom, get a wad of toilet paper, soak it, and throw it act the sleep student.
He also been known to spray people with his water bottle, that was there to clean the overhead.
It was a good class. Charlotte liked it a lot.
Mr. Spooner passed the textbooks around, and Char quickly glanced through it. X's and Y's dotted every page, and Charlotte thought about Isis.
Spartans were the first to get into math, so mathematics wasn't around in Egypt, barely, but it was. Didn't they invent the numbers? No, they used another system of numbers, the kind we use today. Anyway, I'm sure Isis would love this.
Charlotte thought, as Mister Spooner recited the rules Char heard last year, probably for all the new people.
XxX
The class period was quick because they didn't do anything really math related.
Angelo kept talking to his friends about how Charlotte was his Spartan wife, and how she was would grant him healthy children. They all laughed a giggled, as Angelo continued to act Spartan.
Charlotte heard bits of their conversation, and she would blush at the thought, but quickly changed the subject in her head.
I wonder why there isn't a Spartan exhibit at the museum. I mean, Spartan, that is natural history, and they practically invented Philosophy, Geometry, Science, and they didn't invent it, but they were masters at Architect. In 3000 BC an Egyptian pharaoh demanded a pyramid, which was the beginning of architect. Charlotte thought.
"Heeeyyyyy' Char." Kelvincooed.
"I didn't know you were a Spartan wife, and Angelo as your hubby. I didn't even know you were Spartan." He said gesturing to Angelo.
"Yea. He's Spartan, because his too dumb to be a Athenian." Charlotte snickered.
Kelvin drew a breath, through closed teeth, making a hissing noise. "Burnt by your own wife. That's cold." Kelvin murmured. Him and Angelo launched into a conversation in Spanish, so Charlotte just sat there, hoping they weren't taking about her.
She took this time to look around at her classmates for this class. There wasn't anyone really special to her, so she faced the front again.
Charlotte sunk a bit in her seat, and started to bite on the end of her pen, as she began to break away from reality and into her mind.
Remember Charlotte. Promise me you'll bring as many textbooks as you can carry. But don't break your back doing it! Oh, and my apologizes, I still have yet to learn to read and write English, may you read the text to me?
Charlotte remembered Isis saying that to her a few nights ago. She smiled to herself. She decided tonight, she would bring Isis her science text book, history text book, and algebra book. She felt like a teacher. She had all the lessons pre-planned too. In science, Charlotte decided to teach her about atoms, a molecules, because being ancient Egyptian, she was unaware of the fact everything was made of cells, and even smaller bits called atoms.
In history, well, Charlotte thought about leaving off at the time where Isis was deceased, and onward, but all the talk about Sparta, made Miss Daley change her lesson plans. So, she decided to teach Isis about Ancient Greece, than after Ancient China, and India.
Ah. Ancient China and India. Sanskrit, and silk. I love it. Charlotte thought to herself.
XxX
Charlotte had only three classes with Michelangelo, which she was happy with – she didn't want him becoming her personal servant, and, eventually become sick of her.
He would help her from class to class, but she would ask to be helped by someone else, because she didn't want to be smothering him. Guys just don't liked to be smothered.
It was the second to last period, Biology. Sadly, what Charlotte thought would be nice class with her friend, turned out to be a quiet class with Amanda.
Charlotte would live.
When class was over, she got up, not slowly or quickly. She didn't want to give any hints that she already hated this class.
Angelo came up, and outstretched his hands, for her to put her textbooks in, but she was hesitant.
"I'll have someone else to do it, and hey, I'm capable of carrying a few textbooks, just go to class. Okay?"
He reluctantly began to walk away, and Amanda approached Charlotte.
Angelo stopped in his tracks, and turned around to the two girls. He knew how much Charlotte hated her, and he just didn't want her to get hurt.
"Here Charlotte. I'll help you with your books." Amanda offered. Charlotte glanced at Angelo, who just shrugged.
Charlotte had no choice. She didn't want to say no – because Amanda was acting innocent, if she were to burst out a 'no,' she would look like the bad guy. She didn't want to look like the bad guy, right there, in front of a teacher.
"Are you sure Amanda? They are kinda heavy." She countered. Angelo and Charlotte both thought, that those amount of books were squash her. Charlotte couldn't help but remember in fifth grade, Amanda had already hit puberty and was growing, whereas Charlotte was still awaiting her bones to grow. Everyday, Amanda would make a comment about how short she was.
The irony. Charlotte thought, as Amanda took the books from her hand. "I'm positive."
Michelangelo shrugged and walked toward the door, where he held it open for both girls, and headed down the staircase to whatever class he had now.
"What class do you have now?" Amanda asked as she starred at Angelo's back, and back at Charlotte after he disappeared.
"Uh, english. You?" Charlotte said awkwardly.
"Life Skills."
With Michelangelo. Charlotte thought, knowing how much she wanted to gloat about it.
They entered the elevator, and Amanda was starring at Charlotte. It bothered her, so she glanced at her, and raised a brow. "Yes?"
"Oh, I was just wondering."
"What?"
"I don't understand how Mikey would pick you as a best friend."
"He has values."
"Okay."
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"I'm just saying. You like him, don't you? You really like him."
Charlotte didn't say anything. The tips of her ears, were turning pink, and she could hear the blood flow.
"Know your place Charlotte. It's called staying in your league." Amanda said, shrugging one shoulder up. Charlotte already knew she wasn't in his league, anyone's league, but she wasn't going to let her enemies use that as an advantage.
"And you suppose your in his league?"
She scoffed, and smiled. "I'm in everyone's league."
"I'm not stupid Amanda. I see how you act around him, all innocent. But, luckily, Angelo is too smart to see around it. He doesn't like you. I would know, I'm his best friend."
"Keep dreamin'. Tell me, Charlotte, -" Amanda hissed her name with malice.
"Does he ever talk about me? Good or bad?"
"No." She answered truthfully.
"Than, ya know, there is chance."
"When someone doesn't talk about you, it means they don't think about that person. Which means they don't hate them, or love them. They are non-existent. And you are non-existent to him."
The elevator door opened, and Charlotte's heart was pounding. She regained her posture, and so did Amanda. What is said in the elevator, stays in the elevator. They both knew. Knowing this conversation get out, would ruin both reputations, not that the other person, cared for the other's, but cared for their own.
Amanda fake a smile, and handed the books to Charlotte. She took them, and they glared at each other, before walking down opposite directions.
Psychopath. Charlotte thought.
Clueless bitch. Amanda thought.
XxX
"Heather!" Charlotte screamed, and crutched as fast as she could toward her iceskating coach.
She was glowing with her Russian beauty. Tan skin, blond hair. She hasn't changed much in the weeks.
"Hey there Char. Come on, I'll give you a ride home from now on."
"Thank you so much." Charlotte said as she got into the back.
She missed being in the front, but getting in the back, would just be more simple.
"How's your leg feelin'?" Heather asked, peering through her mirror, than back at the road.
"Don't feel anything anymore. When I get it off, I swear, the first place I'm going is the rink."
"I'll be right there with you, when the time comes."
"Man, I'm missing the rink already."
"It misses you too kid, it misses you too." Heather reassured, as she drove on.
XxX
Charlotte got to her new bed on the bottom floor. She took her shoes off, placed her heavy textbook-stuffed backpack to the side, and plumped on her bed, lying down on her stomach, clutching her soft and stiff pillow.
She rested her chin on the fluffy pillow, as she thought about the day.
Michelangelo.
Amanda.
Kelvin.
Sparta.
I should be a Spartan woman for Halloween. I could be that girl in the movie, 300 Gerard's wife. Charlotte thought.
"Only Spartan women bore real men." Ha, I loved that line. They way she said it, and how the Persian reacted. Man, Spartan women were the best.
She began to think of how the queen acted, how she was able to act freely, and how the men didn't do anything to stop her, even though she was a queen. They never told her to shut her mouth, because women didn't have too.
Slowly, Charlotte's mind drifted to Amanda. She had to think of what happened today, the talk they had.
She is sure I like him. But, why does this come all of a sudden? I known Angelo forever. Why am attracted to him all of a sudden? What? Because I have seen him in months? The way he looks? His awesome personality?
Or do I like him, just because Amanda likes him? Do I even like him in the first place?
She folded her hands behind her head, and thought. She needed answers. Her features remained calm, as she closed her eyes, and thought about what she could answer, but ended up drifting to sleep – she would need it for tonight's lessons anyway.
XxX
Isis and Charlotte sat at the Rebecca's desk. Isis leaning over the desk in front of the textbook. Charlotte sat right next to her, using a pen to point out words, and pictures.
"See Greece is right, here." She pointed to the map.
"I wish I had an idea of where that was."
"Uh, here. See that little chunk of land, that is Egypt."
"It's so small."
"No, see that's isn't all of it."
"Okay, good."
"Even though Greek was one country, or empire, if you will, people referred themselves as people of their city-state. In Sparta,-" Charlotte said, pointing to Southern Greece. "They referred to themselves as Spartans. People who dwelled in Athens, called themselves Athenians."
"I see." Isis said, staring at the textbook, taking all the information in.
"The Spartans and Athenians were the two most famous city-states. Remember what city-states are?"
"Yes."
"Good. However, they were extremely different. In fact, they were complete opposites. Athenian men who were rich had a good education and were master thinkers. Poor Athenian men got little education."
"And women?"
"Stayed inside all day, and worked around the house."
"No education?"
"Barely. If they were wealthy, they would have private tutors."
"Like this?"
"Maybe more legitimate."
"Okay."
"Anyway, women had absolutely no rights. In public, married women were to cover their faces in fear other men would become attracted to them causing adultery. Women who were not married had to cover their face as well, because their fathers chose their husbands."
"So, if Athens was the brains, than that means Sparta was the brawn."
"Correct. But when I mean brawn, I mean extreme work out, everyday, all day."
Isis gave her a questionable look.
"When children were born, if they were healthy, Spartan authorities would take them in, and when they were able to walk they began a harsh training. They learned how to run, jump, swim, and throw javelin. They lived off of being muscular, and their army was their biggest concern."
"If they were unhealthy?"
"Well, in the movie it is said they throw unhealthy babies off a cliff, however that is actually not true."
"So it wasn't as cruel."
"It was still cruel. They would take the baby out the city, and leave them to die of either starvation, thirst, or if the climate was horrible, hypothermia."
"That's horrible!"
"It was. That's why the women had more rights, almost as much as the men, because they bore these healthy boys, so they were honored. In that time, as you may know, women weren't really respected."
"Did women have to go through training?"
"Yes. But not as harsh as men. The men trained till they were about twenty, than enlisted in the army till they were about sixty."
"That is amazing. They must have been unbeatable."
"They were."
"The Persians tried numerous times to overcome them. It was a time called the 'Persian Wars.' But Sparta was not alone in that war, Athens helped them as well. But when the Persian War was over, soon the Athenians grew in power, and demand respect and nobility from other city-states. Sparta did not stand for this, and they launched a War with Athenian. That was called the Peloponnesian War. Sparta won, and was now, basically in control of all of Greece."
"They were unstoppable." Isis said in amazement.
"They were, but later, a Macedonian king named Phillip II beaten the Athens, and the rest of the city-states quickly surrendered. Then, when Phillip died, his son Alexander the Great expanded his empire. It was the biggest empire the world has ever seen at that time."
"Charlotte?"
"Yea?"
"Can you talk to me about Spartan women?"
"Well, I kind of told you everything I know 'bout them." She said flipping over to the page of Spartan women.
"I am fascinated they had so many rights. The only time I ever seen women with rights was from the country of Kush."
"The Kushites were bitter to your way of life. The way I look at it – they couldn't make there own civilization, so they took your's."
They giggled, and Charlotte read more about Spartan women.
She began to realize too, just how much they were free to speak their mind, unlike most women.
It kinda reminded her of school today.
She was the Spartan women, wife of Michelangelo, and she was allowed to speak her mind because she was Spartan. Amanda couldn't take that right away.
Myself: Don't tell me high school,isn't like that, because it is.
Michelangelo, Amanda, Mister Spooner, Kelvin are all based on real people in my life, so don't tell me it isn't right.
As for this chapter revolving around Sparta, -shrugs-
I: Sparta is awesome! Okay?
Myself: Sit down and plan your world ruling.
I: I shall.
Me: Don't listen to these two, anyway, review and tell me what you think.
Myself: Tell US what you think.
Me: No, tell me what you think.
Tybs23: Just review . Again, sorry it doesn't take much place in the museum. However, the new characters in this chapter, will, in fact, be relevant.
Good night, and remember to review.
Oh, also, as for the information about Sparta and Athens, I did that all of of memory. Tell me if I got something wrong. Thanks.