The Zodiac World (On Hold)

Chapter 4 - Home

JANUARY 1, 2026
BETWEEN WORLDS

What the hell were you thinking? Capricorn's voice echoes in my head.

I was, and still am, thinking that I need to go home and let my parents know that I'm okay, I remark angrily.

Do you know how dangerous and stupid that is? How are we supposed to get back?

Well if we don't get back, I guess you and I will be stuck on Earth.

The others need...

I interrupt her, My parents need me. My mom is crying in our living room and there's nothing my father can do to comfort her. I need to at least give them some sort of clarity and let them down easy. I need them to be ale to move on and continue their lives happily. They can't do that as long as they're worried and hungover about me.

Gemini, Capricorn starts sadly.

No. I don't want your sympathy and pity, I snap at her. I felt bad, but she shouldn't be here in the first place. Now, I'll just have to babysit her.

The rest of the way to Earth is quiet.

JANUARY 1, 2026
9:26PM
OUTSIDE GEMINI'S HOUSE

Looking through the window, my heart drops for my parents. They're so sad, and it hurts me to see them like this. I glance back at Capricorn who's standing awkwardly on the curb. Without a second thought, I go to the front door and rap on it three times.

"Hold on," I hear my mom force out. In a few mere moments the door opens. My mom stands before me. Her blonde hair is messy, and she tries to act strong, but it's obvious she's been crying. When her sweet, brown eyes lock with mine, she loses it. The tears flow freely as she pulls me into a hug. "Oh, Gemini," she murmurs. " I missed you so much. What happened? Where were you?" She pauses, and I know her eye caught a glimpse of Capricorn. "Who is that?" she whispers just loud enough for her and I to hear.

"I missed you too, mom. That's Capricorn," I introduce and motion for her to come join us, and cautiously she does. "Capricorn, this is my mom, Jennifer."

"It's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful young girl."

Capricorn slightly blushes then looks at me. We shouldn't be here, she snaps in my head.

I have to explain to my mom why I'm leaving, I reply to her.

Our eyes are locked when she growls, You can't do that. Gods and goddesses have to be kept secret from mortals. It's against all rules to expose ourselves.

"Come inside," my mom says smiling.

"We'll be in in a minute, Jennifer," Capricorn responds. "I need to talk to Gemini quick."

People everywhere believe in gods and goddesses. Why can't they know who we are?

Because there are some who hate us, and those haters will kill us.

Literally? I ask frozen with rising fear.

Yes, literally. Some believe we do the world bad instead of good.

These are my parents though, they wouldn't kill me, and I wouldn't let them touch you, I urge her to let me tell them the truth.

It's too risky, Gemini. Please for the sake of us, all of us. Don't tell them, she pleas.

I turn away from her and run a hand through my hair. Fine, I give in. For the first time in my life I'll lie to the only people who ever cared for me and loved me. Without looking at her or allowing her to respond, I storm into the only home I've ever known preparing myself to say that I'm leaving with Capricorn. I go straight to the living room where my parents are sitting on the couch together, my dad's arm wrapped around my mom. They both have a huge smile plastered on their faces.