Asclepius

Chapter 2: Walk

"I hope you don't mind, but I did a bit of grocery shopping for you. It seems like there is NOTHING in your house."

Dione hustles around in my kitchen. She diligently places all the produce in the fridge before refilling the fruit basket. She has been by my side since the very day I left Ares. I sigh. I know why she is here, she thinks it will be like my last lover, the mortal I plucked from the sea, but it is not.

Each love story is different and some are not tragic. Some are just chapters that act as a corridor to your next great adventure. That is how I am choosing to view the love I shared with Ares. His lost memory created a beautiful being, but it was like a shooting star both temporary and fleeting as it streaks across the sky.

For one brief moment, we shared each other. Now we don't and I have moved on. I have walked again. I don't need to wait long. I do not need the heal as I did with Ian. I just wish Dione would notice that and move on, too. I grew stronger without learning to walk again, but a month into this setup with my sisters and I can understand why they fight so much on the reality shows where they are cooped up in a house together. I was all too happy to answer the call to calm the sea. Even if it meant running into Ares. 

I quickly glance at her before stepping onto the porch overlooking the ocean. I watch the surfers drift upon the waves waiting to catch one of the big ones just right. The salt in the air fills my lungs and I savor the feeling. Coming to the house in Hawaii was the best decision I made.

I personally would have preferred the Carmel house, but Dione was there upon my arrival. I thought she would take the hint when I fled her company for the beaches of Hawaii but followed she did with her ever careful vigilance over me.

A flutter of laughter rises up from the hammock set between two palm trees. I smile down at Calypso and Doris. They followed quickly after Dione to spend time with me. One of the greatest gifts, and sometimes a curse, of having forty-one sisters is you never have to be alone. Calypso catches my eye and waves at me. I wave back as the click-clacking of Dione's latest pair of Jimmy Choos lets me know she is joining me on the porch.

"I made you a smoothie," says Dione, as she hands me a drink.

"Thank you," I reply taking it and sipping it.

"So how was work?" Asks Dione with a slight smirk.

"Same old, same old," I reply. "Ares was there."

I see her stiffen ever so slightly. Dione's attention focuses on me as she assesses my behavior. I look at her with a nonplussed expression.

"And how was that?" Asks Dione cautiously.

I roll my eyes and look out over the water. I take another sip of the smoothie noting the hint of mango that hits my tongue. I pull back my dark brown hair tucking it behind my ear.

"It was fine," I reply.

Dione waited a bit. Then she leaned on the rail looking out toward the ocean as well.

"You honestly don't have to stay with me,". I begin. "I am fine. Ares is still around. It isn't like Hades claimed him for the underworld."

"I understand," replies Dione. "But I also remember the last time you loved someone."

"This isn't the same," I reply. "I went into the relationship with Ares fully understanding it could never be something that lasts..."

"I know," replies Dione, "and I know you will be alright, but that isn't the reason I am here. That is not the reason I want to be here with you."