Penthesilea's Wish [Vol.2]

Chapter Forty-three

That morning, Daniela awoke nearly at midday to the sound of Professor Vasiliou placing a tray with fresh coffee and biscuits on the table next to her. The laptop remained untouched.

"Oh my gosh . . . Good morning. What time is it?"

Daniela felt suddenly embarrassed that she had slept so soundly on the sofa all night. She sat up, keeping the blanket the professor had provided her wrapped around her shoulders.

"Well, it's eleven-fifteen . . . and I have a feeling you stayed up late communicating with some very special friends of mine."

Daniela smiled. "Yes. That was amazing." She brushed her hair back, away from her face with her fingers.

"Did you find them informative about who we are?"

"I really did. It's an amazing organization, I have to say."

"You'll be hearing more about the scope our work over the next few months It's starting to be noticed everywhere. Little stories are beginning to show up on the network news. The print media is just now connecting the different things we're involved in internationally. As I told you, we're making great progress, Daniela."

"I could tell from the enthusiasm. Those women who contacted me . . . they seemed so dedicated. As you must all be. So there really are so many women who are involved worldwide? If there are, it's so amazing!"

"The Penthesilea Sisterhood is very old, Daniela. We've been working these past years to increase its membership and insure its continuation."

"I have a feeling your work right . . . on your home is a big part of it."

"Well, I'm flattered you would say that. But there are many dynamic women who pull this network together from many parts of the world. We're all proud of the impact it's finally having on our many sisters who need our help."

"Yes. This year on the news we've seen so many tragic stories involving women and girls. It's so tragic how they are being treated in so many places of the world. Societies where females still have no rights. If your organization is helping with that . . . it can only be a good thing."

"As you learned last night, Daniela, we would love to have you get involved. PS can be greatly assisted by young women with your talents, interest, and insight into women's issues and needs."

"But that's just it, Dr. Vasiliou . . ."

"Nefeli."

Yes, Nefeli. I don't see myself as someone with really any . . ."

"But you do have something we all need, Daniela."

"What's that?"

"A strong will for more independence. And to see yourself go beyond your expectations. To see yourself and women all over the world treated with greater dignity and respect."

"Yes. I can honestly say I do have those feelings. Especially lately."

"With men or without, we can make a difference if we keep to those demands and work toward keeping them."

"I agree with you there."

"All we ask is for you to make that commitment. In secrecy, of course, and to support those goals."

"But what do I have to do?"

"For now nothing. Just to remember you have made a promise to us, and to yourself. We only want you to put your energies and heart into this when the time comes for you to act. When there is an opportunity to help your own new cause."