5th Period: Preparation for the Trip

During the weekend, Athena and I met up as usual, but this time, something was different between us. 

There was an unspoken understanding that only we understood. From then on, we never discussed our feelings out loud. Instead, I could feel those emotions whenever I was near her, and we enjoyed being together, letting our feelings grow naturally. 

Looking back at that moment in front of the apartment complex outside the large gates, I can't help but smile as I remember how it felt to finally share those emotions with Athena. 

Even though it took us a while to get there, I am happy and grateful for all that has come since then. We are still very much in love, and it can only get better from this point on. 

As we walked towards the parking lot, Athena and I discussed our upcoming plans for the Solstice of Solara. We would be visiting the Roseville District and meeting with the main members of the Rosewood House. 

Athena's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Our first stop will be the Rosewood Mansion so that you can meet the members of my Rosewood Household. You have yet to see the wonderful architecture and experience the amazing food that has been grown there for centuries." 

"Yes, I've heard stories from classmates, but I've never had the opportunity to see it firsthand. This will be an exciting exploration," I said, trying to picture the grandeur of the Rosewood Mansion. 

"After the mansion, we'll experience the serene coastline of the Roseville District. The sunset view is breathtaking. We can enjoy a quiet picnic there, just you and me, surrounded by the symphony of crashing waves," Athena added. 

"That sounds incredible, Athena. I look forward to it," I replied, thrilled by the prospect of such an intimate moment in a breathtaking setting. 

"We'll also have weekend trips to the Mountain Ranges of Zephyros. It's a bit challenging, but the view from the top is worth it. We'll make it a test of our unity and resilience as we sleep gazing at the stars above us," Athena continued. 

"These plans sound perfect, Athena. I can't wait to embark on this wonderful journey with you by my side." 

Athena, with her love for nature, was thrilled about sleeping under the stars, while I, though a bit apprehensive, looked forward to experiencing it with her. We envisioned lazy afternoons spent in each other's company, reading digital books, or simply basking in the warmth of our shared silence. This Solstice of Solara was shaping up to be an exploration not just of the world around us but also of our bond, strengthening it with each shared laugh and new experience together. 

"I can't wait for you to meet the members of the Rosewood House. I know they are going to love you just as much as I do!" Athena said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. 

I smiled back, taking her hand in mine. 

"I can't wait either! Maybe they will even give us their blessings once they see how well we have connected. What do you think?" I asked, gazing into her eyes. 

Athena laughed and nodded enthusiastically. We discussed all the fun activities planned for the trip, from swimming in the ocean to exploring new places in the Roseville District. Time had flown by so quickly this past week. 

"Yeah, I can't wait either. Don't forget to bring plenty of clothes, including ones for swimming," she said, walking away giggling, trying to conceal her excitement, forgetting that I could now feel her emotions. 

The days leading up to our trip were filled with excited, nervous energy. Athena, radiating with anticipation, was absorbed in the process of helping make our travel plans, ensuring we had everything we needed. Her excitement was infectious, and the way her eyes lit up as she spoke about our adventures was enough to quell any misgivings I might have harbored. 

On the other hand, I was a cocktail of emotions. While I felt Athena's excitement, I also felt a twinge of nervousness. I dwelled on the thought of meeting the members of the Rosewood House, hoping they would accept me as eagerly as she envisioned. But the heart of my unease stemmed from an unfamiliar yet profound feeling - the fear of letting Athena down. 

As the day approached, Athena was brimming with joy and anticipation, all aglow. Meanwhile, my apprehensions began to fade, replaced by an overwhelming lovingness for Athena that seemed to grow with each passing moment. I was prepared and eager to face whatever the journey had in store for us, as long as she was by my side. 

During that time, I took a moment to reflect on the shared bond we had developed, recalling how our supernatural ability allowed me to feel her emotions. This seemed to be a result of what had been happening between us over the last couple of weeks. Before, I could only feel something growing; it was faint, but now it felt clear and even natural. 

Is this what it feels like to possess an Aeonian Talent? Athena had mentioned it a few times before, stating that the gifts vary based on the type of connection formed between the Aeonian and the mortal, reflecting the bond they share. 

Shortly after Erica caught me talking with Athena and rushed to my side,"Is Bubba going away?" my baby sister said with her goofy yet adorable little smile. 

Erica's innocent question hung in the air, her large blue eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness and curiosity. Her cherub-like face was a stark contrast to the seriousness of her question. Her golden, thin wire hair, which had curls, bounced as she tilted her head, a mannerism she had whenever she was deep in thought. 

"Is Bubba going away?" asked Erica, repeating her previous question, her cute, childish lips making the question seem less ominous. 

She wrapped her tiny arms around my arm, looking up at me with a hopeful gaze, her plump cheeks puffing out as she frowned slightly. 

"Is Bubba coming back?" she asked, her little voice barely above a whisper, underlining the depth of her concern.

This heartwarming display of affection, capturing her innocence, added a touch of sweetness to the moment. 

"Not right now, little sister. Can't you see that I'm talking with Athena at the moment?" I said, turning my attention towards Athena with Erica's arms gently wrapped around mine. 

After Erica released her grip, she raised her arms, signaling that she wanted to be picked up by Athena instead.

"Hey, Athena, you remember my adorable baby sister, Erica, don't you?" I asked. 

"How cute! Not to worry, I would be more than happy to carry you," said Athena as she picked Erica up and held her while we continued to chat. 

"Why do you always enjoy being the center of attention everywhere we go? Why do I bother with these ridiculous questions? You're still too little to understand them," I said to Erica. 

Erica's response was immediate and unfiltered, a hallmark of her cherubic innocence. She squirmed in Athena's arms, her face screwed up in thought. 

"Bubba is a hero," she declared, with the unwavering conviction of a child, "Heroes always come back." 

Taken aback, I looked at her. The wisdom in her words went beyond her tender age, striking a chord. I felt a smile slowly stretch across my face, a mix of pride and sadness. 

"Yeah, yeah, you're absolutely right, Erica. Heroes do come back," I affirmed, my voice slightly choked. 

At that moment, my baby sister had encapsulated our collective hope and fear with a simple, heartfelt statement.