Hercules and the Modern Girl

First Day of School - Part 3

First Day of School - Part 3

Nattie reappeared back to the hut, missing dinner. Nattie explained to Cassandra her reason for arriving late. She told the truth in a way; Nattie did accept a job offer and a place to stay. Cassandra did press for details - who, where, what job? Nattie responded that she'd be a living assistant for an older gentleman; again, it was the truth. Hades was a thousand and more years old.

The Modern Girl didn't want to leave this happy home, even when Cassandra was annoyed by her parents most of the time. Cassandra was a friend that Nattie relied on for a one-time five-finger discount. However, Nattie didn't have much choice.

The rooster crocked at 6:00 AM, the same time as yesterday. The girls got ready like before; only this time, Cassandra helped Nattie put some more effort into her appearance. Nattie explained that she wanted to look her best for her first day of work. Cassandra didn't have much in her collection of clothes, only navy blue togas - which was fine for the navy color was one of Hades' signature dark colors. Nattie picked one dress with the same shade; only it was knee-length, with one shoulder strap with a black sash around the waist. Nattie's wavy hair was pulled half back. The exact steps for makeup had been applied; only the eyeshadow was smokey grey, and her lips were painted plum. She wasn't used to wearing this particular shade before. It almost made her feel grown-up - nearly a different person. No wonder her mother encouraged her to put effort into her own face. If her new look didn't wow the Lord of the Dead, nothing would please him.

~000~000~000~

It had been hours since school started, and there was no sign of Hercules. Nattie couldn't help but worry that her potential ally had crossed paths with the Lord of the Dead. Nattie shivered at the thought of the poor boy being fried on the spot.

Homeroomium began the same as yesterday, with attendance and challenging questions. Nattie did her best to suppress unnecessary comments while Herodotus degraded the girl's self-esteem - no detention slips from him this time. Every other class else except for art, theater, and gym remained the same - boring. She wasn't looking forward to Greek literature with Herodotus to discuss the reading assignment from last night.

During shop class, she passed a note to Cassandra asking if she had heard anything from Hercules. Unfortunately, the shake from the goth's head didn't ease the weight off Nattie's shoulders. The teen was about to toss the same message to Icarus but nearly got caught by the teacher, who turned out to be Icarus's dad. Nattie's lie slipped through her tongue, telling Daedalus that she was only taking notes. He didn't seem to buy it, judging by his suspicious eyes slanting down on her, but couldn't prove it otherwise. The class resumed as usual.

Nattie was sitting in the cafeterium all by herself, waiting for Cassandra, Icarus, and, hopefully, Hercules to show up. In the meantime, she embraced the fruit as much as possible, for today's main course wasn't appealing, especially the fresh goat milk. She caught Adonis's burning gaze from the balcony, sticking her tongue at him in response. Adonis scoffed and stuck his nose in the air, acting all offended before returning to lazy business upstairs.

"Hello!"

Standing behind her was a teenage queen wearing a light purple and blue toga. Her skin was pale, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Nattie didn't need someone to tell her that this girl was popular, judging by her sweet, perky personality.

"Mind if I sit with you?" the girl asked. At least she asked nicely instead of the alternative.

Nattie looked around for her friends, but they were nowhere to be seen, "Um... sure."

"Super!" The blonde girl sat down across from Nattie with a broad red smile on her face. It kind of crept Nattie out but was forced to return the gesture.