Greece and Roses

Chapter Six

"Anastasios? Oh my god Tasio it's you!"

I threw myself into his chest, as he wrapped his muscular arms around my waist, lifting me into the air and giving me a little spin in the middle of the produce aisle.

"Diamánti, I missed you so much!" He said, giggling softly into my neck. "What the hell were you thinking, not giving me your number when you left! It's been two fucking years! How long are you here for?!"

"Only two months. Not too long, but long enough to catch up with you guys." I said, staring into his deep blue eyes. "You're coming over tonight. 7:30. Roof. It has been way too long since we've hung out."

"Deal. As long as you bring cheetos. Cheetos are very important to me."

"Okay weirdo."

I turned away from him, and flashed a smile back as I walked over to the drink aisle.

After a long and stressful 20 minutes of trying to figure out exactly what everyone had asked for, I realized I could just text my sister, that definitely speeding up the process a bit, I thought as I walked out of the grocery store.

I also realized I still had to be able to drive around. Nafplio was beautiful, but the best beaches were all in Crete, and Mykonos, and I was playing with the idea of driving out with some of Pandora and I's friends- leaving for the beach early in the morning, spending the day there, and the like. It would be amazing, but I would need to convince my Ma to let me rent a car from Mama Yohos, as I didn't exactly have the best track record with driving, I thought to myself as I dropped the plastic bags down on the grey counter, stepping inside our warm home.

"I got the stuff!" I shouted out, closing the door shut behind me.

"Ah thank you agapi" My mother said, coming around the corner from the eastern hall, holding a tub of laundry under her arm.

"Min anisycheís, Mama." I said, pausing, as she turned to walk away. "Ah Ma?"

"Nai?"

"Uh do you think I could borrow a car from Mama Yoho? I have my drivers license, and you need a car to get to all the best beaches. I'd be super caref-"

"Den gnorizo..." She said, cutting me off."You're not a very good driver, glykiá mou"

"C'mon Ma! You gotta have some faith in your own daughter!"

"I don't know..."

"Please? Besides, Pandora would come with us, so if anything happened she could just drive."

"I will let you go on one condition."She said looking at me sternly. "The car must have airbags and seatbelts. Make sure Mama Yoho gives you an extra wheel, as well. I do not trust your driving."

"That stings, Ma," I said, in mock sadness.

"Ah, go on now. Make sure you're back by lunch. Oh and take some money with you, gamiméno ilíthio" She said, tossing me a small purse. "Thanks Mama" I called, heading out the door, and grabbing my phone. "Love you"

Thirty minutes later, I had finished my long walk from my house to the car rental. As I stepped inside, I let the sweet air conditioning wash over me, relieving me from the mean Greek sun.

"Geia sou?" I called into the cool store. "Mama Yoho? It's me, Circe"

Suddenly the ruffling of beads and fabric sounded from the corner of the store, and she came jogging out.

"Ah Circe!" She said, sweeping me up in a hug. "What do you need from Mama Yoho today?"

"A car" I said, smiling brightly. "Me and my sister might go to Crete or Mykonos later this week, and we'll need something to get us there."

"Oh yes definitely,"She responded, nodding gently. "Come to the back with me glykos, I have a few cars that might work. How many people will be coming with you?"

"Ah, maybe five or six?"

"Yes, yes, perfect. Come with me."

I followed her into the back of the store, out into her parking lot, as she flipped on an overhead light.

"This one will work just fine." She walked over to a beautiful baby blue open topped van. "It has a pull over for if it rains, and it seats up to eight, with plenty of room in the trunk, including an extra wheel. Are you sure you know how to drive properly? Don't think your Ma didn't tell me about when you crashed her car back in September" She eyed me a little warilly. "If you crash this car, I will crash into your face with my fist." She said sternly.

"Wow, what is it with everyone and bullying me?"

"You are very dramatic" She said with a smirk

I couldn't help but snort when she said that. Mama Yoho was awesome.

"Now get along." She said, wrapping her arms around me in a nice hug. "Your Ma is probably wondering where you are by now."

I smiled as I pulled away from her, and hopped into the car, clicking up my seatbelt.

"I know, I know." I said. "See you soon, Mama"

"See you soon, Circe"

I glanced in my mirror, before putting the car in reverse, and slowly pulling out of the driveway.

"Watch the curb!"

"Sorry!" I turned the car around, and hit the gas, speeding out of the driveway, as Mama Yoho looked around with regret.

With the wind in my hair, and the trees swaying, I felt unstoppable. And I would soon learn that that was undoubtedly, and completely true.

NOTES: Sorry for the short chapter guys!

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