☾ The Child of Artemis ☾

20. Unfortunate Are the Series of Events That Dared to Happen In This Chapter

           Now, I should be shaking in my thongs. The Hunters went to a store to buy some bathers and a (dreaded) volleyball. I bought thongs and only thongs. ...Okay, I bought Oreo ice cream too. Oreos are the best. I hope a massive wave would not come to devour me and submerge me to my death, like in my dream that happened just last night.

          With three more days until I admit the truth to my mum, and a possibility of death, I was distracted and disturbed for the whole day. Just going to a nearby beach wasn't enough, either. Mum told us that beaches are nicer down south in "Floridia" than up north in "New          Hamster-shire" or places like that. Mum also told us that we would have a fun vacation there. (Nope, I disagree.)

          We took a plane out of all forms of transportation we could take. I was really upset. I only start talking when Mum asks me a question as we're taking off. "Nicole, have you decided yet?"

          I felt pressured to join. Every day, if not, every hour, either the Hunters or Mum asked me if I had decided. I wondered if Faith felt the same or if the same thing was even happening to her. "No. ... No I haven't."

          "What's going on in your mind?" Mum asked. "I'm willing to hear what you have to say."

          "I don't want to leave my male friends," I sighed. "Imagine not being able to talk with your friends ever again because you joined some group that discriminated against them because of what they are."

          Mum was shocked to hear me say what I had said. "The Hunters of Artemis group doesn't discriminate against boys."

           "You do. I've read stories on how you treat boys. I'm upset."

           "Nicole, boys can be very mean to you. They can put you down just because you're a girl."

           "Getting even won't help. Not all boys discriminate against girls and not all girls discriminate against boys." Mum stayed silent. She was surprised with me. "Your gender doesn't define who you are," I continued. "Your actions towards other people do. I know boys who are very kind and girls who are bullies."

           As I said that, I thought about Percy, Faith's brother, who welcomed me into camp and talked to me like I was a normal person. I also thought about the bullies at Hunter's school. They were all girls and they bullied Hunter because of his educational status. They must've been jealous of how smart he is. (Honestly, who wouldn't be just a tad jealous? Hunter is too smart for his grade.)

          "Nicole, would you have joined on day one if you were able to be friends with boys?"

          The main question still wasn't solved, though. Faith's question would be. She'd be able to go out and join the Hunters of Artemis. I had to reply to that, though. "My best mate would've long ago."

           "Who is this 'mate' of yours?"

          "Faith. She told me that she would give shadowing a go, but most likely won't join."

          "I'll think about it. I honestly really want you to join the Hunt. I can tell you have good hunting experience."

          T'was true that I had almost a decade of hunting experience. I started hunting with help when I was five. A tall blonde man would always help me hunt and aim. He made my clothes for me also, like a father. I think he might have been my Uncle Apollo. "I'll think about joining, too. I want to join myself..." I faltered.

          I always had to remind myself that I would never be allowed to join. Disguising as a girl and shadowing was risky in itself enough. The plane was landing by the time our conversation was finished. We got out and headed for the beach. It took a few hours to walk, but we managed to get there s'arvo. The beach was full of tanning adults and playing shark biscuits. Some were building sandcastles while others played tag. ... Perhaps I shouldn't be calling those kids shark biscuits. I was probably a wave biscuit myself.