The Goddess and the Golden Sunflower

First Encounter

“Okay, guys, here’s my class,” Anthony said.

“Dude, you’re still into that mythology stuff? It won’t do you any good, man,” John said. “You’re an Art major.”

“What? You’re an Art expert now? This class is very helpful, especially to my major, which reminds me, at least I picked a major, unlike others.”

“Ouch, that hurt. I’m still scoping. May the class with the hottest chicks win,” John commented, looking inside the classroom. He stood motionless for a second. “Speaking of hot chicks, check out who’s in your class.”

They all c****d their heads inside.

“Mythology’s got its perks after all. Now you can ask her for a ride on that Porcupine.” John’s skinny arms extended as if driving a motorcycle.

Anthony gazed at The Queen, who sat staring into nothingness. Blond and Angel sat on the desks on either side of her, facing the back of the class, while Maestro stood guard one row behind.

“See the way they surround her?” Claire asked. “Who are these freaks?”

“She drives a half-million-dollar bike, Claire,” Tommy said. “What did you expect?”

“A what?” she squeaked.

John covered his mouth and drew near her. “And the other two bikes cost about the same.”

Claire put her hand on her stomach and gasped.

The Queen’s eyes flashed over them. A chill traveled down Anthony’s bones. He wanted to look away, but he froze, his eyes locked on hers against his will. It was only when she returned to looking at the emptiness in front of her that he was able to move again.

“Man, are you okay?” Tommy asked.

“Take it easy, dude. She’s way out of your league. All our leagues.” John laughed. “But it won’t hurt to try. Sticking with Berkeley doesn’t suck so much now, huh?”

“What’re you talking about?” Anthony cleared his throat. “I’m not even considering dating.”

“You don’t see your face when you look at her. It’s embarrassing, seriously,” Claire said.

“Who said anything about dating, dude? We’re in college. You gotta have some fun. And if she can do moves like that jump onto that creep’s shoulders, then you owe it to yourself, to all mankind, to find out what other moves she can do.” John chuckled. “I bet she’s all inked-up.”

Anthony shook his head. “Whatever.”

“What? It’s all for scientific purposes.”

“See you later, guys.” Scanning the room, Anthony chose a seat and tucked his backpack under it. From where he sat, he had a good view of The Queen and her entourage.

Blond and Angel were standing now, forcing students away from where she was seated, keeping all seats in her vicinity empty.

Anthony narrowed his eyes, tapping a foot. “Are you kidding me?”

He grabbed his bag and moved to her row. His eyes flickered between her and Blond. Anthony cleared his throat and hid his hands in his pockets. “You’re blocking the way,” he said, his voice a bit too loud. “Would you please move so I can sit?”

“These seats are taken,” Blond said idly.

Anthony twisted his lips and moved to the row behind The Queen—where Maestro was seated. “I’ll sit here then.”

“These seats are taken, too,” Maestro replied in a strict tone.

“This’s ridiculous. You can’t have the entire row for yourself.”

Maestro slowly rose to face Anthony or, more likely, to scare him away. Although Anthony was six feet tall and well-built, Maestro was a head taller and much broader. He put his hand on Anthony’s shoulder. “I told you these seats are taken. Now, if you do not leave, you will get hurt.”

Anthony didn’t doubt Maestro’s ability to grab him by the neck and throw him against the wall; however, he leaned forward and said, “Well, I’m not leaving. Let’s see what you can do.”

“Maestro,” The Queen said with an entrancing voice. She turned her head, a calm smile upon her face. “I’ll handle it.”

Maestro looked down, his hand still on Anthony’s shoulder, brought him to the row in front of The Queen and let go of him there. “Majesty.” Maestro stepped back.

“Thank you.” She squared her shoulders, examining Anthony’s face.

Anthony gazed back at her, his muscles losing tension. Her oriental fragrance, warm and sensual, made him dizzy like a feather caught in a gentle breeze. Her stare shattered all his confrontation plans.

She tilted her head and raised one eyebrow. “What’s your name?”

“Anthony,” he barely whispered.

“Well, Anthony, I can see why you are confused. The thing is I… like my privacy. In fact, I love it, and my companions here won’t let anyone invade that privacy. This is why the extra seats shall remain vacant.”

His mouth opened as if he was about to say something.

“I think you are a smart person, Anthony. I trust that you won’t, by any means, upset me.” Her voice was low. Menacing. “Thank you for your understanding. We really appreciate it.”

He nodded once and moved to find another place to sit.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

He stopped for a second, and then he spun around. Hasn’t she just made it clear that I must leave and never return to her so-called territory?

“Instead of harassing other people into giving up their seats, you can sit where you are,” she said. “I’ll let you sit in front of me, out of courtesy, of course.”

The words rang in his ears. His forehead wrinkled, and he found himself saying, “Thank you.”

“All be seated now. The class is about to start.”

Anthony tried in vain to concentrate on what the professor was saying. He couldn’t think of anything but the mystical creature sitting behind him.

She parades on one of the most expensive bikes in the world, but she doesn’t like the attention and wants to keep things private. One second, she tells me to leave; the next, she lets me stay near. He bit his fingernails as millions of questions jammed his brain. Who was she? Where did she come from? And what was the reason behind her contradictory behavior?

The most important question was why he cared. Could it be all the mystery? Was it only curiosity?

His thoughts were interrupted by the professor dismissing the class. Anthony gathered his belongings and looked behind him only to find that The Queen and her gang had already left their seats. He looked around and caught sight of them a few steps away from the exit.

Despite the warning, regardless of the consequences, he found himself running to follow them, but they were way ahead. The moment he stepped outside the building, the Porcupines roared away.