Three

I awoke to my phone buzzing. I brought it out and saw it was my manager. I was an hour late to work! I quickly answered it.

"Where are you?" she screamed.

Thinking fast, I replied in a raspy voice. "Sorry, Blodwen. I've been throwing up the whole night. I passed out a few hours back and woke up now."

"Oh." The anger vanished from her voice. "I'm sorry to hear that, darlin'. I hope ye feel better. Do ye think you'll be here tomorrow?"

"I don't know yet. I'll keep you updated."

"Okay, darlin'. Get lots of rest."

"I will."

As I ended the call, I realized I no longer lay on the couch with Aidon. Under me was an incredibly soft bed, and Aidon covered me with some silky blankets. Keeping up with the black and white theme, Aidon had a cream-colored duvet with a coal-black bedframe and headboard. The hardwood matched the rest of the house, and Aidon had a small vase of asphodels on a nightstand. On the spot where your feet touched the ground, an ivory faux fur rug laid.

Across from the bed, a door stood, and another one sat to my right. Next to the first door was a white bureau with a sleek, black tv over it. I knew the second door led to the balcony because the windows told me I stood on the second floor, so I assume the first door is a bathroom. And I knew the door to my left is the door you enter through. I loved the layout of Aidon's rooms and the pieces of furniture he used. Whomever his interior designer is—they're a genius.

The door opened, and I broke away from my thoughts. Aidon stepped over the threshold. "Hello," I greeted. "I'm sorry for falling asleep. I didn't mean to."

He smiled. "I do not mind. Would not mind if you did it again, either." He winked and lifted a plate. Pink rushed to my cheeks at his gesture. "I made lunch."

I spotted a type of lettuce wrap perched on the plate. "What did you make?"

"It is a chickpea sandwich—mashed chickpeas, celery, onions, mayonnaise, and a little bit of lemon and dill. I put it into a lettuce wrap."

"Thank you," I said, taking the plate. Aidon joined me on the bed.

"How are you doing?"

"I'm okay—mostly shocked still. My mother's never done anything like that before. It's probably my fault, though—I did aggravate her, after all."

He frowned. "Do not think like that. It is entirely your mother's prerogative."

I shrugged and steered the conversation away from my family. "Thank you for the necklace; it's gorgeous. That's what I came here to tell you before my mother sidetracked me—that I love it."

He smiled, and his eyes flitted down to the pink stone. "I am glad you are partial to it."

"You didn't have to get it for me, though."

"Oh, but I did. I would not be able to stand it if I did not purchase it for you. The guilt would destroy me."

I grinned at his joke. "Oh. Well, we can't have that."

"Precisely." He returned the smile. "I have a question. Would you be keen on having dinner with me this evening?"

I blinked in surprise. "Oh, um. Yeah, that'd be nice."

"Wonderful."

Aidon then asked if I wanted to leave, and I declined for two reasons: I honestly didn't want to part with him, and I didn't wish to take the chance to see my mother just yet. It's my fault that I made her mad, and I still felt guilty about it. For the next few hours, Aidon and I watched movies in his room—it turns out that he loves the classics like me.

An hour before dinner time, I separated from his arms, where I laid. "I should be going," I said. "I need to get ready for our dinner."

He nodded. "Of course. Please dress nicely. I shall pick you up in my car in an hour or so—correct?"

"Yes. Perfect."

I left his house, praying my mother wouldn't confront me. My requests went answered because I didn't see a soul as I trekked across the pavement. Once in my room, I hopped into my shower—probably taking my fastest shower yet. Under the water, my mind drifted to my mother and Aidon's fight. Why did my mother call Aidon, Hades? And why did he call my mother, Demeter? Her name is Chloe. I recognized those names from learning about Greek mythology in high school, but what do they have to do with them?

I shook my head and climbed out of the tub. After blow-drying my hair, I chose an outfit. Aidon told me to put on fancier clothing, and I wondered where he is bringing me. Hopefully, not a ritzier place—he has already spent too much on me with the necklace.

After realizing I have nothing expensive to wear, I chose a teal dress that I have no memory of getting. It had a halter top, and the hem reached the floor. I pray it is classy enough. I applied light makeup again and paired the dress with some conventional, black kitten heels. My mother always said shoes with a heel more than three inches is provocative.

At precisely six, my doorbell rang. I grabbed my purse and answered the door. Aidon stood, in all of his glory, dressed in button-up shirt and slacks. He grinned, revealing his white teeth. He hadn't shaved, so he still had a bit of a five o'clock shadow. But I'm certainly not complaining. He reached out and took my hand, his expensive watch glimmering in the light. I suddenly felt incredibly underdressed.

His eyes ran up and down my body, and goosebumps trailed in their wake. "You look magnificent," Aidon murmured.

"Thank you. You look great, too."

He stuck out his elbow, and I giggled internally at his old-fashioned gesture. I stepped forward and took his arm. He led me to a beautifully glossy car that looked like it jumped out a 70s movie. "I love your car; it is stunning."

"Thank you, magnolia. I am very proud of her." He let go of my arm and opened the car door for me. I smiled at his sweetness and climbed into the car. He walked around the car and followed me into the vehicle.

He drove for a minute before I asked, "Where are we eating?"

He gave me a sideways glance. "It is a surprise, magnolia."

I tilted my head but didn't respond. Although the location of the restaurant would be helpful, the exhilaration of the mystery outweighed it. But once we hit the thirty-minute mark of driving, I became worried. Is this why mother never let me date? Because she worried that the men would murder me?

But, much to my relief, he pulled into the parking lot of an extravagant restaurant. "Forgive me for the long drive, but I adore this place."

I smiled, my fear melting away. "It's all right."

He got out and, before I could, opened the door for me. I thanked him with a nod, and he linked arms with me again. A hostess greeted us and started walking farther into the restaurant. I frowned once she directed us to a set of French balcony doors.

Outside, on the paved overhang, sat a lavish table swathed in a cream-colored tablecloth. Crimson dahlias and scarlet carnations preened throughout the balcony, begging me to notice and admire them. The waiters in the restaurant even used the flowers as the centerpiece on the table.

But the view from the balcony dominated over the flowers. The place gave you a panorama of the beach we bordered. The sound of the waves crashing against the sand soothed me. And, since the sun had set, the stars twinkled above us. The warm night air enveloped me, and I felt the tension drain away from my body.

Aidon placed a hand on the small of my back, snapping me from my admiration of the scenery. He guided me to the table and brought out the chair for me. Once I sat, he pushed it in. He rested his hand on my shoulder for a split-second then took his seat, but I craved more of his touch.

Wow, I didn't realize how truly touch-starved I am.

When the waiter—a teenage boy who seemed to pale when he laid eyes on Aidon—asked for our drink order, Aidon ordered a bottle of expensive red wine. I widened my eyes and almost protested, but Aidon sent the boy away. The boy stuttered out a response, and all-but dashed away.

"Magnolia, I see the objection in your eyes. Do not fret. I assure you; I can pay. But your concern is touching—thank you." He took my hand—that I placed on the table—and squeezed it. "Do not be troubled over the price of things on the menu—I am capable of compensating."

I nodded, not fully listening. When the nervous waiter returned—and handed me a menu with shaky hands—I decided to get a salad.

Those are cheap, right?

Well, I wouldn't know because the prices weren't listed.

That was the plan, of course. But Aidon foiled it when he ordered for me. He requested for some mushroom fettuccine, and he got rigatoni with kale pesto. I gave him a pointed look once the boy retreated. "Magnolia, I can decipher when someone is not heeding my words."

Busted.

I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, and I averted my gaze in chagrin. "Sorry," I murmured.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed it once more. "Do not be ashamed, magnolia. I am not angry." Then he started rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. My heart beat faster, and a fluttery sensation arose in my stomach.

The food was delicious. The mushrooms in the fettuccine were perfectly salted, and the sauce was flawlessly creamy. I don't believe I have ever tasted such excellent food. The conversation between us was flowing and light-hearted. For at least half the night, Aidon had me laughing at something. He felt like one of my closest friends, and I wished the night would never end.

While we waited for our waiter to deliver the bill, I rose from my seat and took my wine glass to the railing. I peered over the metal to the beach below, watching in the dim lighting of the moon how the waves rocked back and forth. Aidon's chair scraped against the floor behind me, and I expected him to stand at my side—I surely didn't imagine him wrapping his arms around my waist in a reverse hug.

I stiffened in shock but loosened up a second later. Aidon kissed the side of my head and tucked my head under his chin. Now, I was hyperaware of his movements—the rise and fall of his chest, the gentle caressing of his thumb on my hips, everything. I smiled as comfort swept through my body.

"It's beautiful—I never want to look away," I murmured, referring to the ocean. I spoke in a soft voice, afraid that a loud sound would disturb the tranquility. He lifted his head off of mine.

"Indeed," he whispered, his lips inches from my ear. "May I request something of you?"

Setting my glass far enough from me to not knock it off, I turned around in his arms and faced Aidon. The cold metal pressed against my back, but I didn't care in the least. I met his gaze and tilted my head. "Is there something wrong?"

He pulled his lips back in a grin. "Quite the opposite, magnolia. I want you to become my girlfriend."

I wasn't aware that I stopped breathing until the burn in my lungs snapped me out of my trance. "You-your girlfriend?" I squeaked.

His grip loosened. "I understand it wholly if you believe I moved too hastily—"

"No! It would mean the world to me if I was your girlfriend."

Happiness lit up his ice-blue irises, and Aidon swooped down, sealing the deal with a kiss. I laughed into his lips and kissed back. I am enjoying this kissing thing.

~~~

Seeing Calantha asleep in my bed evoked an emotion I was not aware that I acquired—possessiveness. I wanted her to never leave my house—or me, for that matter. I shall admit it: I watched her sleep for a few minutes. But I had no ill intentions—she merely intrigued me, and I could not resist gazing at her sleeping figure.

She appeared to be at peace in the land of slumber. Her angelic face was completely relaxed, and her muscles no longer held stress. The rise and fall of her chest mesmerized me—day-to-day mortal actions always have���and her golden-brown hair spilled over the pillow, glinting in the sunlight that shined in through the window. For a moment, the prospect of her laying on the bed, instead of my arms, brought forth another emotion. It was one that I have not used in a while—jealousy. Then I snapped out of it.

How she transforms me—envious of a damn bed!

In the middle of making her lunch, I heard her stir. I put the finishing touches on the food and brought it to her. I heard her speaking with someone, and, when I did not hear a response, I knew she conversed on her cellular phone. I did not bother eavesdropping. I made sure to wait a minute after she ended the call before walking in.

"Hello," she said, her melodious voice filling my ears. "I'm sorry for falling asleep. I didn't mean to."

If I could, I would have you sleeping in my bed for eternity. I smiled. "I do not mind. Would not mind if you did again, either." I shot her a wink and lifted a plate. She blushed prettily, and my heart warmed. "I made lunch."

She glanced at the plate. "What did you make?"

"It is a chickpea sandwich—mashed chickpeas, celery, onions, mayonnaise, and a little bit of lemon and dill. I put it into a lettuce wrap."

"Thank you." She took the plate from me, and I sat on the bed next to her.

"How are you doing?" The prospect of her mother striking her worried me. I know what it is like to have an abusive parent.

"I'm okay—mostly shocked still. My mother's never done anything like that before. It's probably my fault, though—I did aggravate her, after all."

I picked up quickly that her mother stuck to mental abuse rather than physical: Demeter clearly groomed Calantha into thinking it is her doing. "Do not think like that. It is entirely your mother's prerogative."

She lifted her shoulders into a shrug. "Thank you for the necklace; it's gorgeous. That's what I came here to tell you before my mother sidetracked me—that I love it."

I smiled and gazed down at the pink stone resting on her perfect breasts. "I am glad you are partial to it."

"You didn't have to get it for me, though."

"Oh, but I did. I would not be able to stand it if I did not purchase it for you. The guilt would destroy me."

My jest earned me a grin. "Oh. Well, we can't have that."

"Precisely." I copied her smile, glad that I could evoke one. "I have a question. Would you be keen on having dinner with me this evening?"

She looked taken aback. "Oh, um. Yeah, that'd be nice."

"Wonderful."

I then questioned if she wanted to leave or not. Much to my happiness, she replied in the negative on departing. She then declared she wished to watch movies, and I rapidly agreed—anything to make her content to stay. I felt like dancing as she climbed in between my legs, sitting with her back to my chest. She laid her head against my shoulder.

For the next few hours, Calantha and I watched movies. Well, she watched; I focused on her and everything surrounding her: the way she smelled of flowers; the way her body seemed explicitly molded to fit in my arms; the way she drew me closer every time she laughed, and everything in between. When the movies finished, I could not recall a single scene.

When it came to be near five o'clock, Calantha decided to proceed back to her house to prepare herself for our dinner. I selected something simple and elegant to wear—along with one of my favorite watches. At six, as requested, I knocked on her door. She answered it, and I could not form a coherent thought for a minute. She donned a figure-hugging teal evening gown that swayed in the light breeze. "You look magnificent," I spoke in a low tone, not trusting my voice at a higher volume.

"Thank you. You look great, too."

I stuck out my elbow, earning myself the sound of her glorious laugh, and led her to my car. I spotted her eyeing it, and I smirked in my mind, glad she liked it. When she admitted she admired the vehicle, the pride grew. Out of habit, I opened the door for her.

After a few miles of driving, she asked, "Where are we eating?"

"It is a surprise, magnolia."

I knew Calantha wanted to question further but remained silent. As the location neared, I picked up on her body language shifting. Is she growing worried? Is she afraid I might try something? I hoped she knew I would never do something without her unambiguous permission.

As I steered into the carpark, her shoulders relaxed ever-so-slightly. "Forgive me for the long drive, but I adore this place."

Calantha leaned back in her seat. "It's all right."

In the midst of Calantha preparing herself, I called the restaurant that I am in ownership of and reserved a table on the balcony. The last time I visited Earth, I bought this place with the sole purpose of using it to maintain a hobby. The staff here know my true identity, and I swear them to secrecy because of it. Most of the staff are some variation of mythical creatures anyway.

The hostess led us to the table, and I prayed Calantha approved. Once we stepped outside, I heard her gasp quietly. An awestruck look took over her eyes, and I smiled to myself. I placed a hand on her back and directed her to the table. The flowers the personnel chose are exquisite—I shall have to reward the restaurant later for them.

I brought the chair out for Calantha, then took my seat, touching her shoulder as I passed. Then a timid waiter approached us; I could tell he recognized me immediately by the way he shrank in my presence. "Your finest pinot noir, if you please."

Calantha's eyes widened a fraction, and I knew why—she believed I am spending too much money.

"Of-of course, s-sir." The boy stumbled over his words and almost physically while walking away.

I turned my attention to Calantha. "Magnolia, I see the objection in your eyes. Do not fret. I assure you; I can pay. But your concern is touching—thank you." I clutched her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Do not be troubled over the price of things on the menu—I am capable of compensating."

She nodded, but I am not an imbecile—she paid no notice to my words. The bumbling boy of a server returned, and I seized control of her order. If I did not, she would probably choose something minuscule, and I did not wish for her to suffer because she is oblivious of my identity. I arranged for her to have a mushroom pasta dish and a kale pasta dish for myself.

Calantha looked at me with raised eyebrows, and I answered with, "Magnolia, I can decipher when someone is not heeding my words."

An embarrassed blush rose to her cheeks, and she diverted her magnificent eyes from mine. "Sorry," she said like a child caught stealing pastries.

I immediately took hold of her hand, rushing to assure her of my absence of anger. "Do not be embarrassed, magnolia. I am not angry." I ran my thumb over the perfect skin of her hand—something I remembered she enjoyed.

As expected, the food surpassed my expectations. I am glad to see my staff kept up my reputation. I prayed Calantha thought the food to be past her expectations as well. Throughout the dinner, I admired Calantha covertly—the candlelight cast a soft glow onto her face, magnifying her beautiful facial features and bringing shine to her hair.

Every time Calantha laughed, a particular spark danced through her irises, and I found myself doing things to keep the spark there—not to mention that I loved the sound of her voice. Every time she laughed, I laughed.

When she rose to gaze at the scenery, I decided to join her. I gathered her in my arms and supported my chin on the crown of her head. For a second, she tensed but relaxed right after. I am thankful to know she trusts me enough to touch her.

I inhaled Calantha's sweet perfume and felt my muscles let go of all of its tautness. I began to imagine her back with me in the Underworld—us sitting on our thrones in the Throne Room. I pictured us attending galas and soirées in Olympus—I never went to those because of my constant melancholy—with her dressed in a dazzling gown, and me knowing she is mine. And then I imagined me waking up in our bed with her next to me, sleeping in complete serenity.

"It's beautiful—I never want to look away," Calantha spoke, and the illusion slipped through my fingers—just as unobtainable as smoke.

"Indeed," I answered, only half indicating to the water. "May I request something of you?"

She spun around in my arms—confusion etched across her face. "Is there something wrong?"

I smiled. I am delighted that Calantha is concerned about me. "Quite the opposite, magnolia. I want you to become my girlfriend."

Her confusion rapidly turned to shock. Σκατά! I moved too fast, and now I have scared her off! "You-your girlfriend?"

I relaxed my hold in case she wanted to flee. "I understand it wholly if you believe I moved too hastily—"

But to my shock, she tightened her arms around me—as if the prospect of me leaving terrified her. "No! It would mean the world to me if I was your girlfriend."

I do not recall a time when a person has made me happier than this. I wanted to draw her into an embrace and never release her. I tugged her closer and connected our lips. Calantha laughed into the kiss, and I felt myself fall for her a little harder. I ended the kiss and grinned down at the woman I now can call mine.

"Perfect."