<Chapter 2 - I Meet a God>
I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, the annoying buzz cutting through my hazy dreams. Groggily rubbing my eyes, I tried to shake off the sleep that still clung to me. Another day of school awaited, filled with the usual routine and monotony.
I got dressed, trying to summon a positive mindset for the day ahead. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of loneliness as I headed downstairs for breakfast.
"Good morning, Grandpa," I greeted my grandfather, who was working on the bills for the house and restaurant.
"Morning, Adrian. How are you holding up?" he asked, setting down his pen. "Something seems to be bothering you."
I sighed, pouring myself a bowl of cereal. "It's been tough, Grandpa. I've just been wondering what I will be doing in my life… well I know I want to help the restaurant but I just been thinking-"
He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I understand, Adrian. You're a young boy and I know how you don't like being limited. Child, your future is yours to decide, and whatever it shall be I shall support you no matter what."
His words offered some solace, reminding me to be patient and resilient. With a deep breath I muttered a thank you as I grabbed my backpack and headed to the bus stop.
Arriving at school, I navigated the familiar hallways, feeling like an outsider amidst the bustling crowds. As I entered my first class, I found a seat and quietly settled in, preparing myself for another day. Every day I went to school and at night I helped my grandfather at his restaurant. It was a schedule I got used to. Looking up upon the clock that hung on the wall I sighed,
"Seven more hours of this, what a pain."
<------------------------------ >
After a seemingly endless day of classes and mundane tasks, I returned home, my mind already drifting to the comfort of my bed. But as I stepped through the front door, I froze in my tracks. My grandfather stood before me, a suitcase in hand, his expression a mix of sadness and determination.
"Adrian, we need to talk," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight I had never heard before.
Confusion and concern flooded my mind as I dropped my backpack to the floor. "What's going on, Grandpa? Why do you have a suitcase, are you going somewhere?"
Taking a deep breath, my grandfather met my gaze as he took out a familiar envelope and set it on the counter. "I am not going anywhere. The one leaving is going to be you."
I felt a lump forming in my throat, a mixture of fear and excitement. "Where am I going? What's happening?"
With a solemn expression, my grandfather explained, "I'm taking you to the airport. You already had gotten a plane ticket so I figured why not let you live your life instead of holding you back."
Tears welled up in my eyes as the weight of his sacrifice settled in my heart. "But Grandpa, I don't want to leave you. What about the restaurant, our home?"
His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke, his love shining through. "Adrian, my dear boy, I'm not kicking the bucket yet, I'll be fine, just enjoy yourself and just remember to call me once in a while."
Before I knew it I was standing in the bustling airport of England, I was on my phone wondering what I was supposed to do when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning I saw an air hostess, though what had set me off was the way she looked kinda dazed.
"Good afternoon, Adrian," she said with a hint of familiarity. "I've been instructed to escort you. Please follow me."
Adrian felt a mix of confusion and curiosity as he followed the air hostess through the bustling crowds of people. They weaved through the busy terminals until they arrived at a closed-off section of the airport. The air hostess gestured toward a private lounge area.
"Please wait here. Someone would like to speak with you," she said, her voice filled with intrigue.
Adrian's heart raced as he entered the exclusive section and spotted a man in an impeccably tailored suit, seated comfortably on a plush armchair. The man looked up and met Adrian's gaze with a knowing smile.
"Ah, Adrian, my young friend. It's good to see you again," the man said, his voice smooth and charismatic.
Adrian's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, do I know you? Have we met before?" he stammered, trying to make sense of the situation.
The man chuckled, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Indeed, we have crossed paths before, though you may not have realized it. I am Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers."
Adrian's confusion deepened. "Hermes? The Greek god? That's impossible. This must be some kind of joke."
Hermes raised an eyebrow, his smile remaining. "I assure you, Adrian, this is no jest. I have come to offer you an extraordinary opportunity, a journey beyond the ordinary. Come, let us continue this conversation on the jet ride to the Island."
Still in a state of disbelief, Adrian hesitated for a moment, but curiosity got the better of him. He cautiously approached the lounge, taking a seat across from Hermes.
As they settled in, the air hostess returned with refreshments, placing a tray of snacks and beverages on the table between them. Adrian's mind raced with questions, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
"Okay, let's say for a moment that you are Hermes, the Greek god," Adrian began, his voice filled with skepticism. "Why me? Why have you sought me out?"
Hermes leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink before responding. "Because you have the qualities we gods are seeking for. I met you that night at your grandfather's restaurant and you didn't hesitate to give me food."
"Hold on, you're that old homeless man!"
"The one and only." Hermes leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.
Adrian's mind swirled with a mix of doubt and wonder. "You know this is all so hard to believe, one moment I am just some kid working at my grandfather's restaurant and the next, the gods themselves are interested in me. I still find it hard to believe," Adrian admitted.
Hermes smiled warmly, a reassuring presence. "Yes, I do understand this is quite a shock and a big change for you. So tell me Adrian, will you come with me to Elysium and start the next chapter in your life?"
Adrian took a deep breath, his heart pounding. With a newfound sense of courage, he looked into Hermes' eyes and nodded.
"You know what?," Adrian said, determination lacing his words. "I can't disappoint my grandfather who placed his trust in me. So, yes I am going with you, now that I think about it, it's weird to think about gods taking public transportation."
"Public transportation?" Hermes laughed as he stood and walked to the window and lifted the blind to show a beautiful jet waiting on the runway. "No, we are taking the The Olympic"