The Reaping of the Gods

“Larissa, can you grab some more scones from the back?” Maria yells from the front of the shop. I’ve been working at this bakery since I was 16. 5 years doing the same old same old. But i loved it. Baking, talking to customers, and just generally enjoying my job. I place the tray of scones on the counter in front of Maria. “There ya go. Need anything else before I take off for the day?” I ask. “Nope, have a good rest of the day sweetheart.” Maria was so sweet. She was like my grandma. Didn’t look like one though. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes, the complete opposite of my red hair and green eyes. She’s owned this bakery for 40 years, took it over from her mother. I strip off my apron, hang it up and grab my bag from the hook. I throw it over my shoulder and head out the back door. It was only a two block walk to my studio apartment. I’ve rented it since I was 18 and my landlord is a kind man. Hasn’t raised the rent on me because I pay rent on time and am quiet. I’ve always had a way with people. My friends always talk about how everyone loves me even if they don’t know me. Maybe I have one of those auras. Maybe because I try to be as kind as possible because life already sucks. I don’t know, but what I do know is that I have a dull but full life so far. As I reach the front door of my apartment building, a hear a woman say something behind me. “Excuse me miss. Do you know where the nearest catholic church is?” “Oh I’m sorry I don’t. I think there is one maybe close to town hall?” I reply. “Oh not religious?” She questions. “Uhhh not really. I don’t know. Maybe more spiritual?” I hope this doesn’t turn into a big religious thing, she doesn’t look like a missionary. She looks like just a middle aged woman on her way home from work. Nice pants and a top. Brown hair in a bun and brown eyes. Not at all scary. But she is starting to give me the creeps. “Do you believe in gods?” She asks “I don’t know if I believe in god. I’m not opposed to the notion but maybe he could help out more.” “What about other gods?” “What do you mean? Like Greek and Egyptian gods?” “Exactly.” “Um, I'm unsure. I'd assume if you have some belief in one there should be at least some room for belief in others.” She nods her head and heads off down the street. What a weird encounter. I unlock the front door of the apartment building and head down the hall stopping to check the mail first. Bill, junk mail, bill, and a blank envelope with just my first name on it. I go to my apartment throw my bag and mail on the kitchen counter and go to the bathroom. After I’m done I grab the blank envelope off the counter and open it. An invitation? It’s a postcard looking invite that just says “you’re invited to the reaping of the gods.” No address for the event, no number to RSVP. It’s probably just a church thing and someone dropped the ball on the invite. Just incomplete and forgot to check them before sent out. I grab it and the envelope and throw it in the trash. *Ding* My phone text notification goes off in my purse. I check it and it’s a message from my friend, Danica. “Hey b***h. We’re going out for your 21st birthday tomorrow. Meet us at the Parthenon at 11.” Ugh I really didn’t wanna go out. Especially to that cheesy Greek themed club. Like how ridiculous. I send back a thumbs up and plop on the couch. She would never let me stay home and I’m not in the mood to fight. I’ll figure it out tomorrow. For now I wanted to climb into bed and sleep after a long day at the bakery. My feet were killing me. Before I know it I’m out. 4:00 am alarm. Sometimes working at a bakery sucks but I’ve gotten used to it. After a quick shower, I throw on my work clothes and go to the kitchen for a coffee. I usually grab a scone or muffin at the bakery for breakfast. I put my coffee mug down on the counter and notice the invite from yesterday on my counter again. No envelope just the postcard but this time on the invite was my name written in gold. That definitely wasn’t there before. *Beep Beep* My alarm beeps telling me I need to go to work now. I leave the invite on my counter and head out the door.