Apollo's Prophecy (Book One)

Chapter Twelve

     Danika stayed back once class was over, giving her roommates the excuse that she wanted to go over the next assignments with Dr. Evantin. They didn't question her, knowing she took the schoolwork very seriously.

     "Can we talk about something?" Danika asked after she closed the door.

     Apollo was focusing on the paperwork he was straightening on his desk. "Have dinner with me?" he asked, not looking up.

     Danika wasn't expecting that to be the response. "Uh... I don't know about that."

     Apollo set the paperwork down and turned to smile at her. "I can make sure it's at a restaurant none of your classmates would be at."

     Danika felt her face flush. The thought of other students seeing her hadn't crossed her mind at that particular moment. "I would love to, but I'm kind of on a really strict budget," she answered, slightly embarrassed. She was surprised when Apollo chuckled.

     "I would be covering the costs," he assured her.

     "Oh no. I couldn't accept that," Danika declined. "I get that it's common for the man to pay for dates, but I've always been more comfortable with paying for myself."

     "Danika," Apollo stood up and lowered his gaze. "Money is not an issue for myself."

     Danika wasn't sure how to respond. She knew professors weren't struggling for money, but they weren't rich either. Especially when they chose to live abroad. "I don't know..."

     "I choose to live a simple life. I've always lived in smaller apartments when I am in this realm. Money is infinite in Olympus so it is really not an issue for me. I only work because I would be bored out of my mind if I didn't."

     "Oh... I see. In that case dinner would be lovely," Danika smiled. "What's the dress code for where you're bringing me?"

     Apollo smiled at her. "It's a casual little hole in the wall so you can come just like that. I'll walk with you back to your hotel so you can drop your bag off," he approached her.

     "People might see you," Danika worried. "Julie and Marcus will probably still be there for a while and will want to know where I'm going if I leave before they do."

     Apollo frowned. "I guess you're right. I'll follow from a distance to make sure you're safe. No one will see me. Your room should be safe; I have people watching over it."

     Danika sighed. She didn't like the idea of being in danger or being watched over, but she'd rather have friendly eyes on her to keep her from any other scary encounters. "What time do you want me to meet you back here?"

     Apollo glanced at the clock on the wall. "How about six? That'll give you time to complete your question sheet for tomorrow and I'm guessing your friends will be gone by then."

     Danika laughed. "Sounds perfect"

***

     Julie and Marcus were on their way out with a few of the other students at a touristy restaurant for dinner on the other side of the island while Danika completed her homework. They told her not to wait up because they'd be out late.

     Danika jumped out of bed once they were out of the room and ran to the bathroom to freshen up. She wasn't going to get changed, but she still wanted to look nice for dinner. Is this a date? She decided it didn't matter. She put on a fresh layer of deodorant, washed her face and applied a bit of concealer under her eyes. They were looking a bit tired, not from lack of sleep, but from the stressful mess her life had become in such a short time.