Distorted Reflections

Then and now

A/N: Last chapter was about Hugh and Myriam. Likewise, this chapter will be about Athena and Apollo. So observe the dynamics of these two have with Juniper, as well as with each other! Enjoy, my readers!

Chapter 8: Then and now

January 10, 2028

Woods Residence, Juniper's bedroom

11:00 a.m.

The moment Athena approached Juniper's bedside, she refused to leave- it didn't matter what anyone said to her. Meanwhile, Athena spoke softly to Juniper, with a tender tone she never used with anyone else. Honestly, no one else wanted to interrupt Athena at the moment.

"...And whenever my Mom or your Grandma would have the time, they would take us to have ice cream," Athena was saying. "Your favorite flavor is strawberry, right Junie?

A small smile briefly spread on Juniper's face, remaining there for a few minutes before fading away. By now everyone in the room stopped reacting to this small changes with surprise, mainly because they were instead trying to see if there was any pattern to it all.

"Juniper's been moving more often the more we've been talking to her," Apollo said, an expression of intense focus on his face. "It seems like this plan is actually working."

"That's all well and good, but what was up with that sarcastic tone at the end of that?" Robin asked, giving Apollo a sidelong look.

"Maybe we should all talk to her, then. I mean, if one person can get a small reaction, then I bet all of us talking would get Juniper to wake up in no time, Kahk Kahk!"

"I get what you're trying to save, Myriam, but let's not overwhelm Juniper," Apollo said. "Maybe we could save that suggestion for later."

The entire time this was happening, Athena was not paying attention to anything happening around her. Instead, she continued her verbal walk down memory lane, of days gone by with Juniper. Out of everyone in the room, Athena was the most affected by Juniper's condition besides Virginia Woods.

After all these years, Athena still sometimes saw the little girl she first befriended.

January 12, 2028

Alternate Wright Anything Agency

3:00 p.m.

"No, Athena, we are not going to sit here and watch you juggle oranges."

"Why not? I could totally do it!" Athena shouted at Apollo.

"That's not really the point, Athena. This is supposed to be a law office," Apollo said in his usual deadpan.

"Actually, this is an Anything Agency! So I could totally juggle in here if I wanted to!" Athena said, grinning.

Juniper, for her part, was torn as to whether she wanted agree with Athena or Apollo in this situation. In the process of getting back on her feet emotionally, today Juniper decided to visit the two of them here at the WAA. Athena, always one to do anything to help Juniper, offered to juggle oranges for her amusement. This derailed into Apollo and Athena bickering with each other as they usually did.

"You brought these oranges for us to eat, didn't you Juniper?" Apollo asked. "So should Athena really be playing around with them?"

"Th-thank you for thinking about me, Apollo," Juniper said, turning light red. "But I don't really mind what Thena does with the oranges. This wouldn't even be the first time we've played with them."

"Oh, I think I know what you're talking about, Junie!" Athena exclaimed, smiling. "I think I might still have those back in my old room at the Space Center."