You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Twenty-Nine- Spring

Easter in a Greek family is a big deal.

This year, Greek Easter falls on the same weekend as American Easter. The Orthodox Church follows a different calendar to determine Easter Sunday, so the two holidays don't always align. When they do, it feels even more special.

Easter has always filled me with hope. It's my favorite holiday—not because of the food or the celebrations, but because for one week, everything feels like it could be made new again.

Our family spends the first part of Holy Week attending services in Richmond before driving to Baltimore to celebrate with the rest of the family in Greektown. Tonight we'll meet everyone at church for the Holy Friday service.

Holy Friday is one of the most beautiful traditions of the year. The Epitaphios—a wooden bier covered in thousands of fresh flowers, symbolizing Christ's tomb—is carried through the streets surrounding the church. The entire congregation follows in silent procession beneath the night sky. When it returns, each person walks beneath the flower-covered canopy before entering the church, a reminder of Christ's victory over death and the promise of new life.

Because we're leaving for Baltimore after basketball practice, I skip lunch and change in the locker room. By the time I slip outside, most of the students are on the opposite side of campus.

Perfect.

No audience.

No questions.

I'm dressed for church instead of school—a teal slip dress that falls to mid-thigh, a black chenille sweater, and heels that already have me regretting my choices.

As I step out of the gym doors, a voice stops me cold.

"Well, Tia. Aren't you an angel?" Chris smirks as he steps into my path. "Come out for a smoke too?"

Where the hell did he come from?

Of all people...

I keep walking toward the parking lot without slowing. "Sorry. No time. My family's waiting. We're heading out of town."

"Where are your protectors?" he asks, falling into step beside me. "Didn't think they ever let you out alone."

Keep walking.

Don't engage.

Athena is already awake.

"They're up ahead waiting to see me off."

"No, Angel." His grin widens. "They're at the cafeteria."

He reaches for me. I sidestep him, awkwardly balancing in heels but managing to stay out of his grasp.

"Damn. Guess they got held up," I say lightly, forcing confidence into my voice. "They'll be here any second."

My pulse pounds against my ribs.

This side of campus is deserted.

Just get to the corner.

Athena is on her feet now, every instinct screaming.

Chris suddenly grabs my elbow and yanks me backward.

Pain shoots through my arm.

"You're hurting me."

I twist, trying to pull free.

He leans close enough that I can smell cigarette smoke on his breath.

"That kiss was shit," he whispers. "I'm taking what you gave Randy. Those lips are mine now. You owe me."

Don't.

Athena's voice is sharp.

This isn't the boy to provoke.