The Reunion

Hades was enough stress for the day; I didn't need Hermes and Alex on top of that. What did he say again? ''Listen Emily, see that boy over there. That's my son. So if you think you're something special, you'll never be as special as him. And if you piss him off I'm gon piss on you.'' He shot me a few glares and continued with, ''Trust each other and never split up. Now get out. Beat it!'' I exited the cab as quick as I could. He went blasting through the streets like a drunken teenager whose ex told him she wants him back.

Then there was Mr. Attitude Alex. Why is he so spoiled? And what's up with that cold tone? I blew up in his face that's for sure. I hope I tingled something in his nerves. I don't even care If Hermes pisses on me anymore. But regarding the fact that I said all that shit, we were now on the plane to Delphi holding hands as the plane took off.

I'm afraid of heights and a plane isn't a place I would prefer to be in. My anger blocked my anxiety.

What is wrong with Alex? His face is unexplainable. He was cold as ice. His hands were warm though while mine were, as they usually are. We were holding hands when the plane took off. I felt time slow down as my back glued to the seat with my hand crushing Alex's fingers.

I made sure that the plane was steady in the air, so I took my hand from his. He was gazing at his window while I took my phone out. ''Oh shit,'' Alex whispered. ''I forgot my phone back at the park.'' He slapped his forehead.

I rolled my eyes at my phone. It was out of battery. I signaled the waitress and asked her to charge it, so she took the most prized possession I had from my hands to bring it back to life.

I tried avoiding the little oval window next to Alex. I wasn't just avoiding him, but also the fact that I feel like I gazillion miles off the ground. The flight attendee came back with some snacks. I saw peanuts, some water, some cheese, and some juice boxes. Both of us refused the offer and continued into the silence. I don't know about Alex, but the cookies I ate were still stuck in my throat and I could've almost gaged in Hermes' psycho cab.

Alex rested his elbow on the plastic cup holder and tapped his foot lightly on the ground. I rested my head on the seat and tried to relax. I slightly closed my eyes as the captain announced that we'll be arriving at Delphi in ten hours and thirty minutes. Enough time to over think what happened and find another guy on this plane to obsess on for the rest of my life, to get away from Alex, but most importantly I need sleep.

In the cab, all I felt like vomiting, so I closed my eyes and tried to settle down. That didn't help, so I tried a simple nap which didn't function because of Hermes' high pitched voice. They were asleep so I heard their whole convo. Hermes didn't tell Alex about the baby. He didn't even mention any part of the prophecy or Hades. Why are they keeping secrets from Alex?

I inhaled and closed my eyes. I felt Alex rest on his seat too. I bet he's up since three a.m. for practice. I wonder if Ares told him anything I don't know. My mind pressured my thoughts and squeezed me off to sleep.

I saw home. Mom and Dad hugging my little brother at the living while Nick was rushing down the corridor. They were mumbling something I couldn't recognize. His face was pale as he stood in front of Mom and Dad, ''She's not here.'' I saw the color drain from their faces.

The scenes shifted. I saw Mom at the front door swearing and searching her bag for the keys which of course she won't find because I saw them on the pantry this morning. The back yard door is locked, all the windows are sealed, and she's out of hope to get inside. She was banging on the door screaming my name like a beast unleashing his true powers.

Then scenes shifted to black. I was engulfed with pitch black darkness. I heard words begin to form in my ear. ''What in the Tartarus are you doing in here?'' It was a man's voice.

''What do you mean? I'm the one here to ruin the plans!'' It was a woman's voice with a pitch, Like a Caren demanding for a manager.

''Where… my… hmmm. Pillow…'' Then a sigh formed. I imagined a sleepy childish boy mumbling in his dreams.

''Why are you here? What is this a Family Reunion? You know we don't do this shit anymore since the twenties!'' The Caren yelled back at the man, I supposed.

''I know Pasithea. I was sent here just like you, but … wait…'' He hesitated then said, ''on what side are you?'' The old man muffled.

''Mommy…. Da… Dada. Is this a dream?'' The boy mumbled excitedly.

''Wake up will ya! What side are you on?'' She spat out the words like talking to a critter. Silence passed. No one answered.

''What cat caught ya tongues?'' She yelled. '' I'm with the night,'' she whispered. Laughing roared. High pitched, cold, and cruel.

The boy was startled at the laugh and woke into action. ''What? Where? Who? Should I shoot?''

''For Tartarus's sake someone kick him out of here!'' Her tone was disgusted and mean.

''Mom? Dad?'' The boy recognized his parents, fully awake now. ''Is this the reunions again?''

''No! Who's side are you on kid?'' Pasithea spitted out again.

''I'm with the devil,'' now his tone shook a cold breeze in the darkness. Pasithea laughed her cold laugh again, but this time the boy joined.

''Both of you are forbidden to attend here!'' The old man's tone was fuming with anger.

''I'm The God Of Dreams, so fuck off Dad,'' the boy now sounded like a spoiled disrespectful teenager. Pasithea laughed for the twentieth time.

''For Zues' sake! I made you what you are child!'' Now he was really angry, his toned hardened, and I could tell his voice was shaking from frustration.

''Back off Hypnos,'' Pasithea ordered with a threatening tone.

''Yeah,'' the boy joined in. ''Back off Dad.''

''Both of you will go now or I will interfere. I'm the God Of Sleep. I can wake her up and then you will gain nothing,'' Hypnos, the old man, calmly replied.

''You're on the wrong side as you always are Hypnos,'' Pasithea hissed back.

''The noble path is always the right one,'' Hypnos sternly replied at his wife. ''You never knew that Pasithea.''

''You're getting on my nerves old hag,'' her hissing continued.

''I have no time for this,'' Hypnos coolly replied at her.

I heard a click, like a snap of a finger and my eyes flashed opened. I quickly inhaled. It seems like I forgot during the whole thing. I felt my head resting on something bony like.. like a shoulder, I thought. I felt something heavy pressing my brain. I didn't twitch a muscle and stirred my eyes. Alex was peacefully sleeping on me, chest flowing up and down. My hand was on his knee. I didn't dare to move it, maybe that would wake him up, I thought. I noticed that the sky was dark with little stars sparkling between clouds. I wish this could last forever.

I closed my eyes again. I went to a place with no Hypnos, Pasithea, or some weird sleepy kid. I dreamt of me and Alex laying on a rock in a very familiar place I couldn't recognize. But, we were both happy with the summer breeze and bird chirping between the red wood trees.