Goddess Kiss

Chapter 7.2

“Yes, I did say I’d help,” I muttered, voice barely a whisper.
“But writing a resignation letter? That’s just cruel!”

I stormed out of my bedroom, heart pounding.

Athena had just dropped a bomb on my life.
I mean, saving the world?
Sure, I’m all for that.

But quitting my job?
That was a whole different story.

I found my mom and Athena giggling in the kitchen, a yellow-colored circle cake taking center stage on the table.
It was a sight for sore eyes, a beacon of normalcy amidst the divine chaos.

“Happy birthday, my baby,” Mama greeted, voice warm.
She tiptoed to kiss my cheeks, her yellow bandana a cheerful splash of color against her dark hair.

“Gracias, Mama,” I said, hugging her tight and kissing the top of her head.

“Athena helped me with the cheesecake,” Mama said, beaming.
“Try oh, sarap se nak!”

I glanced at Athena, now sporting a pink apron and a pink bandana, a mischievous glint in her silver eyes.
She mouthed
“Happy birthday” and winked.

I took a bite of the cheesecake, and my world shifted back into focus.

Pure, creamy perfection-each bite a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors.
It was like a hug from a goddess, a balm for my soul.

“This is really, really, really good,” I mumbled, eyes closed in bliss.
“My spirit is now back!”

I continued to munch on the cheesecake, my worries melting away with each bite.

I forgot all about the resignation letter, the Erinyes, and the impending doom of the world.
It was like the cheesecake had magical powers, transporting me to a place where all was right.

“Oh, Louise,” Athena said, voice laced with amusement.
“You’re a walking embodiment of cheesy goodness. A human version of a cheesy pizza, all gooey and delicious.”

I opened my eyes, and a smile spread across my face.
“You know me too well, Athena,” I said, voice thick with cheesecake.
“I’m a walking, talking, cheese-caking ingredient for the power of good food.”

Mama chuckled, shaking her head.
“You two are something else,” she said, eyes twinkling with affection.
“But you know what? When will you two be getting married?”

My fork clattered against my plate, echoing in the suddenly silent kitchen.
I choked on a mouthful of cheesecake, eyes widening in panic.

“M-Mama,” I stammered, face turning the color of the cherry.
“What are you talking about?”

Athena, ever the quick thinker, took a sip of her coffee, a sly smile on her lips.
“Well, Louise and I have been spending a lot of time together,” she said, voice smooth and honeyed.
“We’ve been learning a lot about each other.”

“Learning?” Mama’s eyebrows shot up, eyes narrowing.
“You two are living together, right?”

My heart sank.
This was going to be a long conversation.

“Mama, it’s not like that,” I said, trying to explain.
“Athena is just staying with me for a while. She’s... she’s helping me with some things.”

“Helping you?” Mama’s voice sharpened.
“Helping you with what? Helping you with your heart?”

I felt a blush creep up my neck. “Mama, please,” I pleaded, voice shaky.
“It’s not what you think.”

“Don’t you dare lie to your Mama, Louise,” she said, voice firm.
“I know you two are in love. And I know you’re living together without the blessing of the Church.”

Athena, ever the diplomat, stepped in.
“Mama, Louise and I are not in love,” she said, voice calm and reassuring.
“We’re just friends. Very close friends, but friends nonetheless.”

Mama’s face softened slightly, but skepticism lingered.
“Well, I hope you two know that living together without marriage is a sin. The Church frowns upon such behavior.”

“We understand, Mama,” Athena said, sincerity in her tone.
“We’ll keep that in mind.”

I could see the wheels turning in Mama’s head.

She was a devout Catholic, and the idea of her son living with a woman, even a goddess, without the sanctity of marriage was a huge no-no.

“Well, I hope you two will come to your senses,” Mama said, voice tinged with disappointment.
“And ohala, you’ll get married soon. The Church is always open to welcoming you.”

I sighed, heart heavy.
It seemed my birthday had turned into a sermon on the importance of marriage.

“Si, Mama,” I said, trying to sound optimistic.
“We’ll think about it.”

But in my heart, I knew this was just the beginning of a long, complicated conversation.