When Cupid Falls In Love

Chapter 5: Cupid

There were only a few moments in life when I felt exhilarating happiness. The first time I successfully shot an arrow. When Hermes and I taunted Hades. Dancing with the nymphs. The thrill of flying into space and plummeting back down in a ball of fire and countless more. All these moments made me happy when I reflected on them.

The feeling that was swallowing me right now though, couldn't be called happiness.

It was beyond happiness or euphoria. It was beyond comparison to anything I've felt before. It made me weak, strong, happy, and sad all at the same time. It made me feel like I could do anything and nothing at all. I felt like the smartest person on earth and the stupidest. It was the oddest sensation I've ever felt. It was like inhaling a fistful of life.

How would I approach her? How do you talk to a stranger you wanted to kiss? Especially a girl? Their capabilities for conversation was beyond my meager attempts. How was I supposed to present myself to her? Would the words come naturally? Or would I choke? The uncertainty made my knees wobble, fingertips shake, pulse pound in my ears and my fingers forgo any capability to move. Why did the thought of approaching her make me feel like dying?

It was love. It had to be. It was the one thing I've never felt before.

As the unnamed dancer glided across the stage, I was mesmerized. I had to make her mine; I don't think I could live with the thought of a mere mortal stealing her heart. The possibility of that happening made my stomach hurt and throat tightened. I couldn't take my eyes off her. Well, her and the purple haired dancing who unexpectedly sealed my fate. Who knew an arrow could be kicked back to you? The thought of it was so absurd, I had to pinch my arm to make sure I wasn't in a lucid dream state.

Trying to regain some composure, I reached behind me for another arrow and carefully positioned it's crimson head at the purple haired dancer as she limped out in front again. This time I successfully struck her and the pupil in her blue eye grew wide as she caught a glimpse of the dark-haired boy I shot. With the completion of my task, the last of the whispers faded and were replaced with cat-like curiosity.

Slipping my bow over my shoulder, I settled on a beam to watch them finish the dance routine. Afterwards, the presumable judges began to speak to the girls, but their voices were white noise to me because all I could focus on was her. Once they left the stage, I intended on shooting my dancer. I wanted to assure I didn't miss and that she saw me.

Finally, the lights fell, and the dim roar of the crowd screaming was heard. The girls were leaving the stage as the purple-haired one hobbled from her fall. "Hey! Wait up!" I yelled, springing into action, and taking an unplanned nosedive for the stage. I couldn't let her go. I had to win her love right now before someone else beat me to it. In a rush I zipped between the girls then once I had gotten ahead of her, I muttered the spell to allow myself to be seen and dropped on one knee.

"My fairest maiden! Beautiful mortal! Loveliest lass! Will you do me the honor of being my blushing bride?" I asked wistfully, but much to my dismay she walked right by me, as she fussed over the girl with purple hair. How could she ignore my cry of affection? I was a God. "Hey! Hello! Excuse me! Will you marry me?" I asked as I jumped in front of her again but once more, she brushed by me. Why was she ignoring me? I was the God of love, getting her attention should be an easy feat. "Bewitching lass, please wait!" I begged but before I could catch her elbow, she disappeared into a dressing room and rewarded me with a door in the face. I considered following her, but I didn't want to anger her before shooting her. Our story didn't need a rocky start. "I'm sorry I don't have a ring; I can go get one." I offered as my bottom lip quivered.

What was this terrible feeling? My stomach ached as if someone lit me on fire and blew it out, leaving charred remains. Maybe I was to straight forward? Perhaps I should've introduced myself and then asked her to marry me?