CHAPTER TWO
Devon dialed the number from the emergency contact listed at the back of Valeria’s school ID. A few rings and someone answered. Valeria’s mother is the one who answered the phone. Devon explained what had happened and assure her that Valeria is fine and just needed to rest. Before he hangs up the call he told Valeria’s mother that they are about to arrive and Valeria is still unconscious so he would be carrying her to her bed. Valeria’s mother understood what he meant and as they both placed the call on end, Valeria’s mother swiftly moved to head to Valeria’s room.
Katharina, Valeria’s mother prepared her bed and went to her kitchen to prepare something to offer to the man who said would be bringing Valeria home. The man who spoke from the phone didn’t sound like a stranger for her as she was assured immediately that her daughter was in a good state. She knows that time is about to come she needs to reveal their family’s secret as not to complicate things with Valeria’s relationships. She wanted a better life for her daughter and she knows that Valeria is the next generation to inherit the strongest part of their bloodline. She needs to prepare Valeria of what may come for her.
A few moments later, the sound of a car engine stopping in front of their house can be heard. Katharina went to fetch the door and did not expect that a handsome young man would be carrying Valeria. Valeria is still unconscious and her lips are a bit pale than its usual color. Devon was welcomed by Valeria’s mother and led him to Valeria’s room. Valeria being an accelerated student is only eighteen and still has some childishness in her. This mostly shows how she manages her room. Devon tried to hide his chuckle but Katharina heard it and she smiled at the young man.
“I know... My dear VV might think like an old hag at times but she is just as childish as a teen can get. I call her VV for her initials.”
“I didn’t mean to mock her madam. This just doesn’t show up when we are in our classes.” Devon replied. “She also quite has the mood swings and the aggressiveness at times.” He continued.
Katharina partially lifted and folded the blanket covering Valeria’s bed so Devon could place her daughter before she could tuck her in. As he gently placed Valeria in bed she grimaced and her brows somehow furrowed. But Valeria remained unconscious until she was neatly tucked in her bed. Katharina invited Devon for a cuppa’ in the living room, as she wanted to know what happened before her daughter fell unconscious that afternoon.
“Young man, may I know your name for a start?” Katharina asked as they settled in their small living room and she is pouring Devon a cup of traditional green tea. Devon understood immediately what Katharina meant so he went straight to the point.
“My name is Devon Mulrid, a descendant of the fallen warrior Achilles. I have been watching Valeria since I met her on the campus. I know, same as I, she is not of the same origin as the mortals who roam this dimension.” He started. “I am also responsible for the continuous scholarship she had been receiving, of course, I made sure that she is meeting the criteria before getting approved and she never fails me every time,” Devon stated and he went on to tell Katharina what transpired that afternoon and emphasized how he was now sure that Valeria is someone special, and it didn’t change the way how he feels for her.
“I am Katharina Veze, we are from the descendants of Medusa. Not every generation of our blood possesses the curse granted by Athena. As fated, Valeria will be the one to possess most if not all the curse that Athena granted our ancestor.” Katharina answered Devon. “I know you will be keeping this as a secret to others, give me enough time to explain this to my dear daughter. I never wanted her to do anything with those selfish immortals.” Katharina stated firmly. “But if there’s anything that would push her to do something I would stand by her till the end. I f you won’t be able to do the same for her you better stop getting close to my daughter.”
“I am not your daughter’s nemesis madame, we are both fated to be part of the gods and goddesses playthings,” Devon replied. “I can help her turn her curse into something she would benefit from.” Devon knows that this would help him get even closer to Valeria. This can be his chance to show her how he has fallen for her without her thinking he is a freaky stalker. “But, madame, please promise me that you wouldn’t be telling her how am I involve with her scholarship grants.” Devon smiled in hopes he would be able to convince Katharina. This mother and daughter both have some distinct attitudes despite looking fragile. But they both enjoyed talking about their backgrounds until Devon and Katharina decided to end their conversation as darkness started to fall upon the land.
The night passed peacefully and it was dawn when Valeria woke up. She was puzzled seeing how was she in her room when the last thing she remembered was she was in their campus library. Then her memories flashed back, making her headache and she held onto her forehead realizing there is a gauze patched to it. She looked at her clothes and she is still wearing the same clothes she had when she was in the library. She slowly sat up and just as she was ready to stand the door of her room opened.
“My deary VV, rise and shine... It’s the weekend and we have a lot to accomplish.” Katharina said as she places a cup of tea at her bedside. Valeria still puzzled raised a brow.
“Mum, how did I get home?” She queried.
“Your friend brought you here, he said he was with you in the library when you lost consciousness. He just dialed the emergency contact after you didn’t wake up in the clinic.” Katharina explained to Valeria. “C’mon now hurry with your cuppa and follow me to the kitchen. I need to explain with you further about what happened to you.”
Valeria is puzzled about what is happening. She couldn’t even understand the last statement her mother said. Is she talking in riddles? She asked herself. Aside from what happened yesterday at school, she suddenly remembered her work. ‘s**t! I’m a deadman now.’ She scolded herself. ‘How am I to explain this to my bitchy boss.’ She scrummages through her things and found her phone. There are only a couple of missed calls and just a few messages from her supervisor. The last message was telling her to get well soon, in contrast with the first message with all the exclamation points and uppercased letters with threats of firing her.
She finished her tea and brought the cup with her to the kitchen as her mother requested her to go there. She was surprised with all the bottled dried herbs on the kitchen table and some dried flowers as well. Her mother looked at her with an awkward smile. She knows that Valeria might not take this as part of her reality, but she needs to explain it, especially now that a descendant of a prominent warrior has taken to a liking to her daughter. Odds may be more than what favors them.
“What we are about to do is something I know you wouldn’t understand for now but hopefully by the end of the day you would acknowledge it my VV.” Then she went on to explain to Valeria about their ancestors. Katharina made her daughter see the past through smoke as she lights up an incense made of dried herbs and flowers. The smoke formed into scenarios as she was telling Valeria the story of their ancestor Medusa. She explained that though they are still honoring Athena as their goddess what happened with their ancestor was not resolved completely.
Other than knowing the story of their ancestor Katharina reached the part where she has to tell Valeria what encompasses as being a descendant of Medusa. She explained that aside from still honoring Athena the curse or gift Athena gave Medusa is also passed on to the next generations. Either a part or as a whole package. Never has it happened that all the gifts were passed on but with Valeria’s astrological chart it could be possible.