New Horizon

Chapter 36

It was around 20:13 (8:13 PM) when Athena and I reached our destination. It was a small lake with trees surrounding it. No one was there and the sun was setting. As we walk closer to the water I could see two lanterns.

"We're here." Athena Said
"What are we doing here?" I ask
"Remember you said you wanted to do flying lanterns? Yeah, well I wanted to do those too but I don't know if they're allowed here so I got floating lanterns instead plus flying lanterns festivals are better." Athena Said
"Aww, thanks babe, but anything is good enough for me," I say with a smile
"That's good to hear," Athena said pulling me into a kiss
"Cute," I say
"You are too. Anyways, come on." Athena Said
"Ok," I say walking to the edge of the lake as the water current was steady

Athena grabbed one of the lanterns, her lighter and lit her lantern, and gave me her lighter to light mines. Once both of our lanterns were lit we placed them on the water and let them float downstream. Athena sat on the ground signaling me to sit with her but I went into her arms instead. Her arms around my waist with the warmth of her body engulfed mines. My mind was at peace. The night was quiet but peaceful with a full moon, crickets in the background, we both enjoyed the silence of watching both lanterns floating in the water and each other's warmth. Athena started to sing Drifting Away By Khai Dreams while playing with my hair. Her voice was deep but soothing at the same time, it was the only thing I could concentrate on. Once she was done singing she grabbed something from her pocket while having her other arm around me still.

"Happy anniversary, babe," Athena Said putting a sunflower necklace on me
"Aww, thanks babe," I say looking at the necklace
"Anything for you. You have something else at home." Athena Said kissing my neck
"And that is?" I ask
"I don't know." Athena Said
"Wow, babe dick move," I say
"Yeah, I know. You want to go now or stay for a little longer?" Athena asked
"Mmmm, a little longer," I say
"Ok babe." Athena Said

The minutes felt like seconds to both of us. We talked about what we're going to do once we got home and how our sophomore year would be like.

Almost a year. I hope we hit a year.

The next day

"Ight pay up dumbass." Athena Said
"Ugh. Here." Vincent Said giving Athena a hundred dollar bill
"Haha, easy money." Athena Said
"Shut up." Vincent Said
"Aye don't be all pissed ight. And definitely do not go drinking." Athena Said
"Yeah yeah, I won't but still fuck you." Vincent Said
"Back at you. Also, that's what you get for agreeing with a bet you knew you were going to lose." Athena Said
"Whatever," Vincent Said pissed

We check out of the hotel and start going to the airport. It was a long ride but we got there eventually. Once the plane took off I started to read while Athena was working on music and Vincent checking the new album files. We arrive home at 19:30 (7:30 PM), Vincent drops us off, Athena and I go to our room and start to unpack. As I unpack Athena goes to the living room the get "water".

"Mei, some here." Athena Said
"Coming," I say walking to the living room
"Here's your second part of your present babe," Athena Said giving me a bouquet of sunflowers
"Bruh, you didn't have to get me this much," I say
"I know but still," Athena Said pulling me in by the waist and kissing me
"Thanks, babe." I say
"Anytime beautiful." Athena Said
"Nope that's you," I say putting the flowers into a vase
"Ok, then gorgeous," Athena Said sitting on the chair
"Hot," I say walking up to her
"Sexy." Athena Said
"Stunning," I say sitting on her lap
"Fine as fuck." Athena Said pulling me closer
"Nah, that both of us," I say
"Ok, I'm cool with that," Athena Said kissing me
"Ok, we should unpack," I say breaking the kiss and getting up
"Aww, ok," Athena Said following me

After we both were done unpacking Miranda comes home.

"Hey, mom," Athena said
"Oh, your back!" Miranda Said hugging Athena tight
"Yup." Athena Said
"How are you, Mei?" Miranda Asked
"I'm doing good," I say
"That's good." Miranda Said
"Here mom," Athena said giving her mom three t-shirts and a magnet
"Thanks! Did you two eat?" Miranda Asked
"No." We both say
"Oh ok, well you two take a shower while I cook." Miranda Said
"Ok." We both say getting ready to take a shower

"You think Layla is going to be a problem?" Athena asked
"Hmm, maybe but we can try to get her to stop," I say
"Ok, but how do we do that?" Athena asked
"Not sure yet but we'll find something," I say
"Ok babe." Athena Said

"Oh Mei you will be mine soon," Layla said
"You don't even have to worry about Athena either. I know you hate her and if you don't I'll make you hate her." Layla said calling up the man in the hood
"Hey, could you get me a picture of Athena Sanchez with her mask on and off?" Layla asked
"Yeah, are you trying to blackmail her?" The man asked
"Yup," Layla said
"And you want me to get all the evidence that can put her family name to shit?" The man asked
"Yes, and if you do I'll pay you 50k or more if I feel like it," Layla said
"Ok kid I'll see what I can do." The man said
"Thanks," Layla Said ending the call
"Hehe, bye Athena," Layla said smiling like a psycho

"Athena Sanchez? Huh... why does that name sound so familiar?" The man asked searching up her name
"Athena, Athena, a Here!" He said looking at a picture of her
"A...Athena... n-no, Hahaha... no. She's fucking crazy if she wants me to blackmail her." He said
"... Athena... you know I'll never betray you. Yes, you may not remember me but I remember you. And thank you... for everything... I won't do anything to you... I'll collect the money and delete all the evidence. You didn't do much harm when we were younger but you still got in trouble with the law." The man said looking at his old friend's picture
"Well, you didn't do anything I kinda forced you to but yeah. Sorry about that... I hope you forgave me for that... anyways, I won't hurt you, I hope you remember me, I hope we'll see each other soon, and congratulations on being successful I knew you could do it! You helped me and now I'll help you" The man said closing his laptop

*Flashback*

"Athena, you okay?" The man asked hiding behind a wall
"Yeah, I'm good," Athena Said hiding with him
"Good, let's wait until their gone." He said
"Yeah, can't believe we actually got away from stealing that dudes watch, haha." Athena Said
"Well, you're learning from the best." The man said
"Yeah, I am. Anyways, how much do you think this is worth?" Athena asked
"Not sure maybe 10k?" The man said
"Great 5k each." Athena Said
"Yup." The man said

*End of flashback*

"Layla could you come here." Brian Said
"Yes?" Layla asked
"So, your arranged marriage have you thought about it?" Karen Said
"Yes, I have," Layla said
"Do you have one in mind?" Brian Said
"Yes, the Hua family," Layla said
"Isn't Mei Hua the only child?" Karen Said
"Yes, she is, and if I remember you are her friend." Brian Said
"Yes, I am," Layla said
"Well she is still single and is about to marry soon so we'll talk to Marsha about it and if it goes well. You'll marry her." Brian Said
"Good to know," Layla said
"Remember, you actually don't love her and you never will you just need her and her company so we can be the riches." Brian Said
"Yes, father I know," Layla said
"Good. You can go now." Brian Said

"Mei you will be mine. Athena, you will be gone. Sorry, father but I actually love her. And I always will that delinquent just needs to be out of the picture." Layla said