New Horizon

Chapter 24

As the days passed Athena came home early everyday knowing well that she couldn't do much so she just studied and studied trying to get her mind off tour and her dads death anniversary.

*Flashback*

"Today is the day that we morn David Sanchez's death. He died a hero in the military. His cause of death was when his unit got ambushed returning to base. They were under heavy fire. His unit got out safely but David had to sacrifice himself so they would live. He is truly a hero." Said David's commanding officer

Sobs filled the room from family to friends to all of David's crew. The 8 year old Athena wanted to cry but stayed strong.

"My name is Richard Brown, I am the man that David saved... as we were under fire they threw a grenade at us and none of us noticed until it was too late. David noticed and pushed me out of the way to save me. However, it was too late for him... the grenade exploded and the shrapnel hit him. The shrapnel hit his whole right side of his body, by the time we got out David lost a lot of blood... we tried to stop the blood until we got back to base but... once we did and got him in the infirmary we were too late. He had lost too much blood. His last words were 'Tell my family that I love them and give my dog tag to my daughter.' It truly was a sad day for all of us." Richard Said stepping off the alter.

More words were spoken from friends to family. When it was time to see her father one last time
Athena couldn't hold it anymore and cried her eyes out.

"I-I m-miss y-you so m-much dad. I-I love you. Th-Thank you for always b-being there for m-me." Athena Said in between sobs

*End of flashback*

However Mei noticed the sudden change in Athena's behavior and quickly became worried about her.

"Athena, is everything ok?" I ask
"Hm? Oh yeah, everything's ok, why do you ask?" Athena asked looking at me while in bed icing her leg
"Nothing much. It's just you've been coming home earlier, been really studying, and seem sad for the most part..." Mei Said with concern in her voice
"Oh, don't worry about me ok? I'm doing great actually. And I've been coming home earlier because the sooner my leg heals the faster I get to go out with the gang and you again. And I've been studying a lot because it's almost finals, yeah I don't seem the type to study but I sometimes take school seriously." Athena Said with a smile
"Ok if you say so babe." I say skeptical of her answer
"Anyways, I'm going to make some tea do you want any?" I ask
"Um, sure thanks babe." Athena Said
"Ok, I'll be back in a bit." I say walking out of our room

As I was boiling the water Miranda came walked into the living room.

"Hey Mei, what are you doing?" Miranda Asked
"I'm making tea, would you like some?" I ask
"Sure that'd be great!" Miranda Said siting on the couch and started to watch TV

As she watched TV Athena's words came back into my mind.

"Oh, don't worry about me ok? I'm doing great actually. And I've been coming home earlier because the sooner my leg heals the faster I get to go out with the gang and you again. And I've been studying a lot because it's almost finals, yeah I don't seem the type to study but I sometimes take school seriously."

"Miranda, Athena's been acting kinda off these pass few days, do you know why?" I ask
"Ah, Yeah... does she look kinda sad?" Miranda asked looking at me
"Yeah, and I don't know why. I'm considered for her because she's usually happy." I say
"Well, Athena seems to be happy but sometimes she isn't. She's battled with anxiety, sleepless nights, and depression. And for the way she's acting it's because it's almost her fathers death anniversary..." Miranda said looking down with sad eyes
"O-Oh I didn't know, I'm sorry." I say with guilt in my voice
"No no, there's no need to be sorry. Yes it still hurts but I know it hurts Athena more than me. So could you do me a favor?" Miranda Asked
"Yes." I say pouring the tea in three cups
"Thank you. The favor is I want you to go with Athena so see her father. I would go with her but I need to do some work in the afternoon so I won't be able to see him with her. Also, her ankle problem. She'll be healed by the day you guys go." Miranda Said as I have her her cup
"O-Oh ok. Also, how do you know when Athena's going to be healed?" I asked in
"Well, Athena has a habit of getting hurt a lot and that's why we have ice packs, bandages, pain killers, you name it we probably have them. And because of this Athena and I have noticed that if it isn't serious she will heal within 2-4 days. If it's longer than that means that it's more severe or she has been using that muscle a lot through our the day." Miranda Said taking a sip of her tea
"Wow, she heals pretty fast." I say
"Yup, she has a high pain tolerance, fast healing abilities, a trouble maker, an artist, and is smart. Haha." Miranda Said
"Smart?" I ask confused
"Yup, she has gotten awards in school academically and in sports." Miranda Said smiling
"Really? She's never told me any of these things." Mei Said
"Well, that's because Athena doesn't care about awards. She thinks that they don't mean anything and for the most part she doesn't try to get those awards, yes she is an average child but that's because she doesn't care about getting awards. She only cares about passing and having fun." Miranda Said taking another sip from her tea
"Wow, yeah she doesn't seem smart at all but it's good to know she's some what smart." I say
"Haha yup, and don't worry Mei you'll still be the smartest out of the both of you." Miranda Said
"Wow mom thanks for spilling the beans." Athena Said leaning against the wall
"A-Athena, we didn't see you there. How much did you hear?" Miranda Asked
"Almost all of it. I came out to put the ice pack back in the freezer then I heard you two talking about me so I decided to listen." Athena Said walking to the freezer to put the ice pack back
"So everything your mom said is true?" I ask
"Yup, we have pictures too." Athena Said waking to the couch
"And I thought I knew you well, why do you hide these things?" I ask handing her, her cup
"Well you can't really bring them up in a conversation so yeah. And like mom said, I don't care about achievements, I don't try, I just want to pass." Athena Said taking a sip
"Plus you would've noticed a long time ago if you spent more time with me at school. Most people come to me for answers for homework or school in general. Haha, seems like I can never get away with that stuff." Athena Said
"Oh ok. Maybe I will spend more time with you." I say
"That's be nice. Anyways, I'm going back to do some work and some other crap. See ya in the morning. I might pass out on the bed so if you do see me passed out, just move my things to my desk. Thanks, nigh." Athena Said taking her cup and walking to the room
"Please keep our promise, Mei." Miranda Said
"Yes, of course." I say

Anything for her...