Chapter 7

I open the bag again, similar to a gym bag, but slightly larger, the cream-colored zipper is stuck in the middle. It is certainly old, but can still be used. I let out a sigh and put my hand in to push the book that doesn't allow her to advance.

I hear the doorbell. Upon opening, I am greeted by two men dressed in casual clothing.

- Ready? - Said the one with green eyes, dark hair and a clear impatience.

I put on my sneakers, under the hem of the time-worn jeans that hide the gray socks that were previously white. I pick up the backpack, realizing that I haven't closed it. I stop for a moment, put it down, and make sure it is securely closed. I pray silently that the zipper doesn't give.

I put it back on my shoulder as the other man passes his dark as night gaze over my shoulder, waving his long ash blonde hair in a low ponytail. They were both quite brown, in comparison, my skin was worthy of Snow White.

- And your parents? -He says when I'm already waiting for the elevator.

I shrugged my shoulders with an impassive face. Surely Mom was in the hospital and Dad was behind his successful businessman's desk, with shaking hands begging for another cigarette.

The green-eyed man opened his mouth to say something, but the blonde was ahead of him, slamming the door to the apartment. They both entered the elevator with me. They broke the comfortable enough silence to talk between whispers.

- Shouldn't we wait for her parents? - The green-eyed one whispered.

- They knew it was today, if they weren't ...

- But it's his daughter ...

- They've had time. - With those cutting words from the black-eyed, they ended the conversation.

Ignoring them, I opened the trunk, put the bag, and closed with a thud that made me clench my teeth. How I hate noises. I opened the back door of the car, sat down, put my seat belt on, and waited for them to sit down.

The green-eyed one, after fastening his belt, turned and opened his mouth. I think he wanted to talk, but the roar of the car's engine made me plug my ears reflexively. Seeing my gesture, something in his gaze made him recoil.

With a sigh I looked at the landscape. More than an hour and a half ago the road was the same, we were practically alone, the oaks surrounded us, loud and annoying.

I lifted my head to realize that I had forgotten my pills.

The green-eyed one turns around again.

-Hi ...- He seems indecisive, I read it in his eyes, he doesn't know how to talk to me. I have been more than two hours in silence. -. My name is Luis, - He pointed to the pilot, who did not take his eyes off the road. - He is Gabriel.

I nodded and looked at the scenery again.

- What is your name? - I fixed my gaze, green like his, but quite more ethereal. It is an almost non-existent green. I brush away the reddish hair that falls down my shoulders like a cascade of fiery curls.

<< Ailey. >>

They look at each other, wide-eyed.

- What the heck... - The green-eyed boy, Luis, grabs the door handle roughly looking for security. The car gave a little lurch to the surprise of both. The black-eyed Gabriel stops the car at a siding. They both turn to me.

I shrink in the seat, why are they looking at me like that?

- How the hell did you do that? - I look into Gabriel's eyes, shrugging my shoulders, staring into a dark and powerful abyss. Something about him gives me the creeps.

<< Son of Hades ... >>

This time they get out of the car. They open my door, a strong, tanned hand unbuckles my belt.

-Get out.- His look tells me I have no choice. - Now.

I obey, I think I have done something wrong. I calm myself down before setting foot on the soft grass ... I sit with my legs out, bend down and untie the soft laces of my new sneakers. Mom's parting gift. In a quick gesture, my feet are bare in the soft grass.

I see the esplanade that opens before me, I let my eyes widen in wonder, the landscape could not be compared to that of the Hill. I run through the flowers like a racing car. They follow me closely.

- Stop! - Screams the hoarse and panting voice of Luis, I hear Gabriel's also agitated. However, my feet don't want to stop. They take me further, I cross the grove, I can barely feel the grass under my feet.

I stop gently, despite the speed I was carrying, before a beautiful work. A waterfall of crystal clear waters, thousands of voices shout around me. I ignore them as I always have, after a week without medication, her crying becomes more bearable.

I hear his footsteps behind me, but my attention is fixed on the lights that flutter around me. I feel the blood acumulate on my cheeks, making me blush. The race hasn't exhausted me, but I've snorted a couple of times.

I feel one of them deposit delicately in my hand. I stare a bit as its light fades. A tiny creature approaches my lips, letting them brush gently.

- Dionysus's kiss ... - Whispers the same hoarse voice from before.

More lights swirl around me.

For some unknown reason, I know that the voices that always call me are theirs. Or, at least, the minority. There are many more that I do not know, but knowing that they are real, gives me a strange feeling.

Like when I swim and, under the water, everything disappears.

I turn around, letting a gentle breeze ruffle their hair. They both look at me, I read confusion and another sensation that I don't know in their eyes. Green and dark meet. Gabriel seems to be carried away by fear in moments. Luis approaches with a smile.

- It seems you are one of mine's. - He almost exclaims happily as he tries to put his arm around my shoulders. I instantly walk away, I don't want to be touched. - Daughter of Dionysus.