Triumph

I lay beneath my silk sheets, listening to the birds singing outside my window. Tomorrow was the end of the holiday. Poseidon is going back to his sea palace. Dionysus and Adriane are going on a tour of Italian vineyard. Zeus and Hera are going to Crete for a quick trip. Athena's going back to her university tour; I think Oxford is where her next lecture is. Hermes and Apollo are going on holiday again. Since yesterday and my outburst, no-one has asked me to go anywhere, so I guess I'll stay here.

I got up and wrapped a satin gown around me and sat on a couch. And thought. Suddenly I smiled. I went outside and up to the hall. Today was my day. I went to the council room and played with the cloud shaper, I drew a flower then a hedgehog, then a Ferrari. I then went and looked at my recent news with all my children. All the usual news came up, so and so had released a single and blah. But one caught my eye. It said 29th April 2011. London, England. I clicked on it, and saw my granddaughter. Kate Middleton. My smile lit up my face; she is one of my favourite grandchildren! I was so proud when I read she'd married a prince! That's what I like to hear. She looked amazing. I must tell my daughter because Kate and Pippa looked stunning. I do love my offspring. Paris Hilton has a good heart bless her, but hasn't really inherited the brains!

A huge clang echoed around the hall and as I turned I saw Athena leaning against a pillar. She smiled when she saw me.

"Aphrodite, heard the news about Kate? She has some amazing qualities, brains and beauty. What a fantastic mix"

I stood up and walked over and gave her a huge hug.

"How's your project going?"

Athena smiled, and gestured so someone or thing outside. In came, carried by some naiads, a beautiful carriage, made of silver and gold. Silk curtains adorned the windows.

Athena smiled again, her eyes gleaming with eagerness.

"Look!"

She snapped her fingers and the carriage transformed, a porche, a vespa, and on and on.

"It can be anything you like! Hephaestus helped; he has such fantastic ideas, that man! It's for your holiday. I hear you're not going anywhere yet, take a road trip. Visit some more heroes. You deserve it Aphrodite"

I couldn't believe it, I was so excited! Finally one of my family members cared enough for silly old me. Maybe this was an offering to make up for her jibe yesterday. My smile faltered. I couldn't think what to give her.

I reached out and a star, straight from the morning sunshine appeared, if flew to me, I caught it and put it into Athena's hands.

"This is a gift, if you ever want someone, whisper their name into the star and they will come, anyone. It must get pretty lonely travelling by yourself all the time."

The star transformed into a necklace and she slung it round her neck.

"Come on, it's the party starting soon and the naiads have to prepare the council hall."

Athena and I walked down the hill, and for the first time, triumph and pride fired in my heart for the first time. I am lucky to have this family.