Athena

Chapter 7

I remember the first time I went outside after being freed. The feeling was like no other. Being locked up inside all the time with nothing but anticipation for the short glimpses through what few windows we did have were all we had to look forward to, but actually being outside after so many years in captivity was amazing. Everything, to me, was brand new.

All of it was so different; the smells, the breeze, the sky. I'm sure it wasn't the outside itself that had changed, but me and my new perceptions of the world. A lot of change happened to the ten-year-old girl who was taken, for better and for worse.

The worst parts consisted of the fighting and time spent in the den, which was quite often. The solitary confinement conjoined with the lack of food was enough to make anyone go mad, but it was my thoughts of him, Elias, that made everything better.

The thought of his kindness, his care. How I knew that whenever I left the den, he would be both angry and concerned for me. Angry that I had once again defied my orders and concerned that it may have been the last straw before the director decided to terminate me, though it never was.

He was the only person that ever truly cared for me during that time of my life. The only one to expose his beautiful heart. He wasn't afraid of being reprimanded for his compassion, he wasn't afraid of anything, but that was a different time.

How simply being outside while the sun rises can trigger so many memories is astounding. Remembering helped though, it makes the rest of it all feel more real. Taking over the institute, rebuilding it into something better, forming a family. That was my life now, and I have the institute to thank for that.

The cool air helped alleviate any stiffness in me while the gorgeous purples and oranges of the sky acted as therapy for my mind whilst I reminisced.

This sight, this world. . . something I will never take for granted ever again.

"Athena."

And back to reality, I go.

"Yes, Kevin."

He was chipper, more lively, though he tried not to show it, he didn't have to. All of it was already in me- the happiness, the joy, the jubilation.

I was right.

He took a seat next to me on the back porch of the guest house. For a few minutes, neither one of us said anything, we only marveled at the sunrise, dreading the conversation we both know has to take place.

Sadness, sorrow, mournful, is what I'm feeling and I know it shows. "Oh, Athena." Kevin's arms were around me in an instant.

My eyes always give me away. They are blue and I can feel that. My eyes always match my emotions unless I push them down, but when I'm with my family, there's no point.

"I don't want you to feel bad for finding someone who is meant to make you happy," I tell him, grasping his hand in mine.

Kevin. Looking back those few years ago when he was sent my way by the polarians, it was his mature and tranquil demeanor that set him apart from everyone else. No matter the situation, he remained calm. He was always there when I needed him and he never lost his cool, not even once.

A loyal friend.

"You're going to stay then?"

I dreaded his answer, but I already knew what it was. I'm stuck between demanding him to finish the mission and living his life happily with the one that was made just for him. Finding love is hard, I know, but having a match that was made just for you is a rare circumstance not to be taken for granted and I'll be damned if I get in the way of a bright future for him.