The Forgotten Goddess

Kallisto

“Ohhhh…. Tea, huh?” George giggles on the phone. I roll my eyes, kicking a rock at my feet.

"It's literally nothing. Any decent person would do what she did." I tell him, the sky above me rumbles on cue. As if agreeing with me. It's really cloudy today. Which is weird because we rarely get rain in this season.

"She is the hottest girl in school, man… Take it as a win." George groans. I chuckle at how persistent he can be in letting me know that I am hot.

"And out of my league too."

"No one's out of your league if you play your cards right.”

“You know I am not into bad girls plus I have other more important things to do. Like take care of our equally childish parents because my brother won’t help me.” He laughs,

“Dude, our parents are the s**t. They are the coolest people I know. And they can handle themselves just fine.” All my friends think my parents are the most awesome people on the face of earth. And maybe they are but living in a house that smells like weed is not my favorite thing. Hence, the reason why I got a small house nearby. I don’t stay there usually but I like the calm when I need it. It’s my safe haven.

“Also you need to get laid. ASAP.” A new voice pipes up.

“Hey, Eric.” I greet George’s boyfriend. He is the sweetest guy I have ever met. Even sweeter than George.

George and I have been best friends since we were in an orphanage. He was getting bullied by some older kids and I stepped in to help him. We both got our asses handed to us that afternoon but what’s better than two 5 year olds spending time in the sickroom of the orphanage? We became best friends as we giggled and laughed about whatever concerned our 5 year old selves.

After that, we were inseparable. Never left each other’s sides. When we got adopted at the age of 8, we were lucky to be adopted by the same family, hence making us siblings. Best decision for us. For the family… not so much.

...Or so the Orphanage thought.

But the two amazing people who adopted us are just as crazy and rowdy as we are. Maybe more. Rayla and Maxim Newman are editors-in-chief of two very huge and very popular magazines. They are both crazy, wild and extremely good parents. Though I do take most of the responsibility and we have three maids plus a chef and I spend very less time with my parents because they are busy people but they have never failed to be there for George and I every time we needed them. They take days off every year on our birthdays, we nearly always have one meal of the day together as a family and we go on holidays quite often. They have never missed our talent shows or any of George’s matches. So, I’d say they are great parents.

“Hey, Alex. I have a friend who I think you will like a lot. What do you think about a double date? This Saturday?”

“I hate it.” I answer simply, “Because let’s check the history of people you guys have set me up with and how many crashed and burned.” I pretend to think, “Oh… that’s 5 dates that sucked. Ginna was into drugs; Tiara tried to convince me to go to some sicko summer camp that was for sure a conversion camp and I am pretty sure she was a spy sent by the Church to take us gays out. Then Diana was a crazy girl who loved fire and nearly my hair on fire. Do I have to keep going?” They both groan at the same time.

“You know I groan a lot more on the phone with you than I do even for my boss’ mood swings. And I am an assistant to a social media influencer.” Eric complains. I laugh out loud at that.

“Come on! Not all influencers are bad. Stop stereotyping.” George yells, making me pull one of my earbuds out. I stop as I hear a rustling sound behind me. I turn around and I see a black shadow, disappearing into the bushes.

“Hello? Is someone there?” I ask out, waiting for a response. When no one answers me, I look back just to see that the shadow has disappeared.

“Uh… Alex? Are you there?” Eric’s voice brings me back to the call.

“And are you okay?” George sounds a little concerned.

“Yeah… yeah. I am fine. Just thought I saw something. Maybe it was a light illusion.” I shake my head and decide to keep walking, “You know what? You guys are right… I need to relax. This weekend with whoever this is but tell her that it is just a hangout and not a date. I would love to hang out and make a new friend but no relationships.”

“Works. Thank you, bae! We owe you a big one! See you Saturday. At the town bar. Wear sexy!” Eric exclaims.

“Sure. You guys are picking me up though.”

“Cool. Now go home and text us when you reach. We love you!” I can’t help but smile at that.

“Yup. I will. Love you too.” I reply and hang up, quickening my steps. The road is getting emptier by the minute and I am starting to regret staying at the library for so long. I have this unsettling feeling that I am being watched.

“I am going crazy. I need a break.” I whisper to myself.

“Hello, Kallisto.” A melodious voice echoes through the meadow. I turn around to see the beautiful goddess standing at the edge of the beautiful meadow.

“Artemis.” I whisper with a soft smile as she walks towards me. It feels like the whole world stops spinning. The entire forest is holding its breath. Her beauty is unmatched by anyone. Not even Aphrodite. Her sparkling blue eyes and beautiful, silvery blonde hair falls down her back like a waterfall. The bronze armor glistens in the sun and the Silver bow around her shoulders catches the light exactly the right way. Her celestial bronze helmet is tucked under her arm. The silver aura surrounding her that would scare any sane individual but only brings warmth to me is burning brighter than usual.

“How was your day, my love?” She asks, her finger brushing over my cheek. Her oceanic blue eyes roam over my face, as if searching for any signs of harm.

“It’s a very pleasant day today, My Lady.” I whisper, making sure not to break the bubble around us, “How was the hunt, My Queen?” Her smile widens and her eyes dance with mirth, making me wonder just how good this hunt was.

“It was a great chase, my sweet. You should’ve come with us.” My eyes are drawn to a stag nearby. Wherever Artemis goes, her

“I told you. I don’t like killing animals.” I roll my eyes, “I drew you a bath.” I turn back around to her with a smile.

I gasp as I wake up, sitting up in my bed. I look around me to make sure I am not in the meadow but actually in my room. That was one of the weirdest dreams I have had. Who dreams about Artemis and her potential lover who she killed, spurned by a mad Hera? And then Artemis turns into the black-haired beauty of your school who saved you today.

“God, I need this weekend so bad.” I sigh, grabbing the glass of water on my bedside table and chugging it down.

A shiver runs down my spine as the same feeling of being watched washes over me. My eyes immediately snap to my window and my heart starts beating very loudly in my chest, fear gripping me so tightly that my head gets dizzy.

A pair of electric blue eyes stare back at me.