I Found Love- In Hell

5. It's Not Jail, It's A Ticket

     "I know, dad, I know." I hear Julian's voice whisper.

     "You can't just run around and play your games like you do. It's dangerous!"

     "Dad, I know,"

     "Don't, 'I know,' me, boy! Remember who your father is."  I peer into the window and peep through a hole in the window pane. Julian is sitting on the floor with is back to me, facing a floating ball of fire. Within the ball of fire is the image of a man who looks exactly like Julian, only older. His angry face softens. "Julian, you are my only son- my only child. I want what's best for you."

     "I understand, dad. But, I'm not a little kid anymore. I can handle myself."

     Hades is silent for a moment.

     "Come visit me- I need to show you something."

     "When do you want me to come?"

     "As soon as possible."

     "How will I get back out?"

     "I will handle that."

     "Okay," Julian nods.

     "See you soon, Julian."

     "Bye, dad."

     The ball of fire shrinks, and then it is gone in a whisp of smoke. Julian is quiet for a moment, and he doesn't move from his spot on the floor.

     "I'll go tomorrow night," Julian whispers to himself.

     "Julian," I groan.

     "Hello?" Julian turns around and looks in the direction of the door.

     "Uh oh," I jump off the porch and hide in the bushes beside the steps.

     "Hello?" Julians voice says from the window above me.

     "Hi!" Hanna waves from the fire pit.

     "Hanna, have you seen anyone out here?"

     "Nope! Just me, myself and I. Why?"

     "No reason...I thought I heard someone-"

     "That was probably me...I was singing."

     "Oh...okay...never mind then."

     "Okay! Night!"

     "Night, Hanna." Julian closes the window.

     I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. That was close. Too close.

     As I make my way back to my cabin, hundreds of questions flash through my mind. Why is he going to see his father? Why is he leaving tomorrow, not tonight? Why does his father need to see him? Why do I care!?

     I slam the door to Tom's and my cabin shut, making more noise than I'd expected. Holding my breath, I turn and look at Tom. He rolls over and continues to snore.

     I roll my eyes and climb into my bed on the other side of the room. Tomorrow I'll need to be well-rested if I'm going to convince Julian to let me go with him.

~

     The next morning, I wake up and go down to the Sword Fighting Area like usual. As I'd suspected, Julian doesn't show.

     "Zoe, stay focused!" A son of Ares says.

     "What's your name again?" I ask.

     "Joey, now if you could please-"