Return of the Goddess

Chapter 17

     Lucy’s world has shattered. A person she had known almost her whole life was gone, and with him her will to live. Charlie was her best friend, and one of the few she has come across in her thirteen years.

     Alvina took it a little to harsh. She couldn’t make a sound come out of her mouth, and could barely move.  He was so moral, not stealing anything even through he was the best.

     Sage got in the driver’s seat knowing she was the only one able to drive because her three accomplices were not in good shape.  To Genna, he was her first love. To Alvina, he was her older brother. To Lucy, he was her friend. What part of him was left for Sage, was he her work  partner? It did not matter because no matter how he was to her she was scarred, but had to stay strong for the others.

     Sage was a much better driver than Charlie, but they would all get arrested if they got pulled over. She drove throughout the night trying to make it to Montana in time. The drive itself was long, dark and exceedingly quiet.  No one spoke a word and Lucy refused to turn the radio on. Everyone except Alvina had cried, but they knew she was thinking about him. She couldn’t get over the fact that the last hours of his life all she did was mock him. After an hour of driving Lucy and Alvina were so exhausted and fell asleep.

     When they sun rose the next morning Sage was still driving and Genna had just woken up from a two-hour nap. Genna offered to drive, but Sage knew that she didn’t know how. She said that she was fine, but knew that she would have to rest soon. Alvina woke up still silent, and Lucy was now just in a foul mood. Sage saw that Lucy was better, and allowed her to drive.

     They made it to Nebraska without having to stop for gas, but ended up stopping on the border of Montana. Lucy mainly stopped at this gas station to try to cheer up Alvina. She walked into the station and bought four cokes and candy bars. This store was a combination of the smallest space and the most products. Using the money from the stolen wallets and paid for the gas and treats.

     She kicked the door opened with her foot, and marched back to the car. She was so full of bottled up emotions that she wanted to explode, but couldn’t. Something was holding her back. She couldn’t understand why she was so calm when she wanted to scream, and why would she not steal and save the money? Alvina was changing and she didn’t like it. Was she just depressed or was it because his death made her think too much?

     When they were little and it was her first year at the safe house Charlie told her that just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you should do it. He was the best and yet he would never steal something he couldn’t repay. It was this memory that triggered her diabolical plan to exchange souls and her main target was Cassidy.

     After another how of driving they passed a sign that read National Glacier Park. They had to pay on their way in then Sage parked in one of the parking lots. Genna could sense the lake. Its tranquil soothing water calling and beckoning to her. Through the woods all she saw was trees. Once she reached the opening of woods everything was colder. The others follower her without question.

     Laying in front of them was a small reserved area with a rocky beach. The water was clean and shallow with no fish in sight. No wonder this was where Artemis reside. The moon was still visible over the glacier giving everything a silver glow.

     “I don’t call many things beautiful, but man this place is gorgeous,” Lucy whistled.

     “Thank you. I choose my home wisely. The nymphs here are very friendly,” a sixteen-year-old girl came out of the bush behind them. She looked just like the girl in Genna’s memories. 

     “Artemis!” Genna ran and hugged her, “I’ve missed you so much!” Artemis opened her arms then stepped away.

     “How old are you?” she asked.

     “I’ll be fourteen in three days.” Genna remembered.

     Artemis looked surprised, “Well, Hera is probably after you then.”

     Sage stepped forward and took a small bow of respect, “Lady Artemis, that is why we are here. She had taken two of our friends and holds them captive until we bring her Genna…”

     “No, you must wait until Genna turns fourteen.” Artemis warned.

     “But we only have one more day or she’ll hurt them,” Sage argued.

     Artemis looked angry now, “You will wait until Genna is fourteen or more will be on the line then just the life of demigods.”

     This shocked sage, “Why is it so important to wait?”

     “I know it’s important to wait. I respect your guidance. Genna spoke up.

     “What!?So you’re just going to let them die like Charlie!” Sage yelled at them both.

     “Sage, three dead is better then all. You all must go to Las Vegas. Check into the Hotel as Artemis. I am not allowed to tell you where she is, but there is a piece of with an address on it in the hotel room.” She turned to leave.

     “I know what I have to do,” Genna said.

     “Good, once you accept that…once we all except that you will have peace. I love you,” tears streamed down her face as she ran off.

     Once she was gone they headed to the car. They all got in the car exhaustedly. Lucy drove while Sage, Genna, and Alvina slept. After an hour everyone was awake again. They were all too concerned about Genna.

     “What do you have to do?” Lucy who was sitting in the driver’s seat with her asked.

     “I must die,” Genna exchanged a look with her.