Olives, Saltwater, and Honey

7

The next morning, I awoke before sunrise as usual, with a start. My heart was threatening to beat clear out of my chest. I sat up in bed, and took deep breaths. It was hard for me to focus on much, and I felt very nauseous. I sat on the steps of my house and watching as the sun rose, praying that the Gods would lead me down the path I was meant to take.

Permenides was quiet at breakfast obviously still disdained at my behavior from the night before. He soaked his bread in silence. I ate quickly, kissed my slave master on the head, and left the house.

The day was pleasant, the sun warm, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the Gods were trying to send me a message. My pulse quickened as I neared the market. I smoothed out my dress, and breathed in deep breathes. Why was I freaking out? Why was I even there in the first place? What was I going to say to this man… this Theas? I rubbed my eyes and dragged my hand down my face. I pulled my eyebrows together and began to walk down towards the fish cart. I stopped midway there.

‘Breathe, Eos. Breathe.’ I thought to myself.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek. I started to walk to fish cart again. I stopped in front of it, my heart beating so fast I doubted I would live for very much longer. I saw him to the side of the cart crouched over a bucket, that I’m guessing was filled with fish. He saw me through his peripheral and stood slowly. He used the top of his wrist to wipe the sweat off of his right eyebrow. He smiled.

“Here to buy more of the fish I want?” He smiled, his teeth dazzlingly white.

My voice caught in my throat and I ended up making a weird sort of cackling sound.

“I’m guessing that’s a yes?” He moved his eyebrows quizzically, still smiling.

“No, sorry,” I cleared my throat, “I’m actually here to see you.”

His eyebrows slowly came back down, and a warm look filled his eyes.

“I see… Well, what can I do for you?” He took a step closer.

He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and there was a light layer of sweat covering his muscular body. I tried not to think of the pulsing between my legs.

“What’s your name?” Although I already knew it, he did not know I knew it.

“Theas, and you would know that if you hadn’t scurried off so quickly before.” He chuckled.

“Yes, I… I’m sorry about that.” I looked down and smiled.

“So tell me, Eos, did you come all the way down here, just to ask me my name?” He took another step closer.

He smelled of salt water, olives, and the wind.

“I- Yes I think I did.” I smiled, and turned to walk away.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me back, “Not again.”

I looked up into his eyes, he was very close.

“I want to see you again, Eos.” He said lightly.

“What’s going on here? I don’t pay you to flirt with pretty young ladies, Theas!” The fisherman who sold me the beautiful fish said appearing from behind the cart.

Theas let go of my hand and took a step back, his head down.

“Sorry Iros.” He muttered.

The fisherman was all smiles as he patted Theas on the back.

“I don’t blame you, Theas. She is very beautiful.” He laughed.

I blushed, wishing to be anywhere but there at that moment.

“Well, finish your goodbyes and then get back to skinning those fish.” Iros said walking away from us.

We were silent for a moment.

“He’s certainly a character.” I looked up, laughing.

“Yes, he is.” Theas said, his eyebrows raised shaking his head.

“I guess I should be going now, I don’t want to keep you from your work any longer.” I smiled sheepishly.

“When can I see you again?” He asked.

He was terribly handsome, heart breakingly handsome. His face was so perfectly sculpted I had little doubt that the Gods crafted his very face for years and years before they allowed him to be born. His deep blue eyes were warm and expressed his every emotion. His lips were a smooth looking, and he had a beautiful smile. His body was strong, and sturdy, like a hardworking man. I wanted to see him again, too see if his insides matched his outsides.

“I don’t know...” I responded truthfully.

“I’m going to take tomorrow off, perhaps I can meet you at your home and we can take a walk, or something?” His blue eyes searched mine.

Elysium, no. Not my house. Anywhere, but my house.

“How about we meet right here?” I retorted.

“At this time?” He smiled.

I nodded.

“Ok.” He nodded back.

I gave him one last smile and began walking away. While on the path back to my house, I took a seat in the grass and looked up at the sky. What in the name of all that was good was I doing? I was a married woman, and regardless of how much I hated Permenides, we were married under the Gods. Theas was handsome and seemed kind, but would he respect that I was married? Would I be ok with just a friendship? The surging in my fingertips, the quick pace of my heart, my clammy hands, and pulsing in between my legs said otherwise.