Agendas

by J. F. Jenkins

  Her mother shook her head. “We got to know each other in his class. So cliché in a way. He was popular, I was a nerd, and we didn't want anything to do with one another until after we spent time working on a project together. We had been forced to work together actually, and I could tell he wasn't enthused about the idea. I think the only reason he put up with me was because he knew I was of the Divine.”

  “No, but as they say, a long story short, we were married shortly after high school, and one hundred and twenty-some years later, you were born and here we are,” Erik finished, completely glossing over the rest of the story. “To talk about the most relevant stuff, what you need to know is a lot of people, and I mean a lot of them, didn't approve of our romance.

  “Everything with you started because of the first Persephone. You know the story, I'm sure. Hades was infatuated with her and kidnapped her to try and make her his own. Most of it was a political move, but I'm sure part of it was pure lust. How do I word this in your lingo? She was hot. Him, not so much. If he took her for a bride and fathered her children, well, that had a lot of advantages. Our politics aren't something you need to concern yourself with until it's time for your mom to step down. That won't be happening for a long time, and you'll have taken a lot of classes before then.

  “What I can tell you though, outside of it being a huge political move on Hades part, is that it was highly voted against by the rest of the Divine. What the council of the gods says goes. Period. Then again, Persephone wasn't about to complain, because she was pretty sure she was in love with one of the other gods. Only he turned out to be a jerk, and that was a whole other mess in general. The Divine were much more accepting of that couple than they were of her and Hades though.” He paused and glanced over at his wife.

  She nodded, “You need to tell her. She needs to know everything.”

  Cheyenne stared between her parents as they exchanged a look. Slowly, she sat down on the nearest firm object she could find, unable to support her weight any longer. There was so much to take in, and she was fast becoming afraid of what they'd say next.

  “Oh, honey,” Persephone whispered and rushed to her daughter's side to comfort her. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.”

  Her father stood by her as well, though he was a bit more hesitant and seemed unsure whether or not he should actually touch her. Finally, he put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  “The reason all of this is relevant is because Hades swore he’d finally be united with Persephone the First again through their descendants. I guess you could say, kind of like reincarnation.” He spoke slowly so she could take in every word. “No one is sure, but this Lucien guy thinks he’s the reincarnation of Hades, despite not being a true heir to the Divine. He's not of Hades's bloodline, but is claiming to be next in line for the position, so to speak.

  “He keeps talking about some kind of promise and arrangement written a long time ago. In a way, it is a legal, binding document for an arranged marriage between them, but we've been fighting him on this. The thing is ancient and there isn't any proof you meet all the conditions written in said document. We aren't even sure if this document pertains to now or if it was just something for the two of them. No one who knows anything about it is still alive, so we only have theory and speculation to work with. It's a big mess.

  “That's why we had to move you to a place where you'd be able to grow up without him finding you and manipulating you into giving him what he wants. If a demon were to take a Divine bride…Well, I don't think I need to explain how that spells out disaster for just about everyone on the planet. And now it's time for you to learn so you can grow in your abilities and protect yourself.”

  Cheyenne sat for a while in silence. There was a lot to take in. She loathed politics, and she hated that there were still pieces missing. Then again, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

  Persephone gave her a sad smile. “I know being here now doesn't make up for what we put you through. We should have been here a long time ago, like for your entire life.” Tears filled her eyes. When she closed them, a few spilled down her cheeks.

  Erik moved from his spot next to Cheyenne and went to comfort his wife. He held her close in his arms. “We did the right thing. Home isn't stable, but someday we'll all be there together.”

  “Where is it? Home, I mean,” Cheyenne asked. She felt guilty for interrupting their tender moment. While they may have been her parents, she wasn't quite sure she felt as if she belonged just yet. If anything, she felt like more of a third wheel.

  “Home is an uncharted island off the eastern coast of Canada and parallel with the provinces Newfoundland and Labrador. It's not big, but it's fairly well populated,” he said. “It's home to sprites, nymphs, and satyrs, as well as a few other miscellaneous 'mythological' species. You'll like it there when we can finally bring you over to see it.”

  “But it's not stable right now?”

  “It's stuff you don't need to worry about. What we want you to do is focus on school and being a teen. It sounds like you're doing well so far, outside of a few random mishaps.”

  She sighed and nodded. Chewing on her lower lip, she risked a glance at her parents. “I guess you could say that.”

  Persephone faced her daughter once more and reached a shaking hand toward her wounded neck. The closer her hand came to the bite, the more it hurt and stung, and far worse than ever before. It was bad enough to bring her to tears, but she held them back. She didn't want her mother to feel bad for wanting to help her. Cheyenne needed to be touched and comforted and healed and taken care of and babied. She needed to grip to those small things that made her feel normal. A caring mother and father was one of them, and something she'd always dreamed of having.

  “I can get you something to help. It'll heal over faster. My herbs are a lot nicer than anything you'll get from the nurse here,” Persephone said.

  “Thanks,” Cheyenne whispered, still in pain. Finally, she pulled away and stood up to stretch in an effort to hide the discomfort.

  “Let's go for a walk,” Persephone suggested.

  A walk sounded perfect. Together they hiked through the campus forest and mostly made small talk. She was far more engrossed in listening to the trees than her parents, though neither Erik nor Persephone said much. The silence was comfortable for Cheyenne. She hoped it was for them, as well.

  By the time dinner came, she was relieved to be back with her friends, even Jewl. The other girl eyed her parents, and her parents returned the stare. Cheyenne was fairly certain they knew Jewl was one of the Divine. How could they not? Maybe they could tell her something more about where the girl came from.

  Jewl didn’t broadcast this information around the school like most of the other Divine Cheyenne had met, which seemed odd to her. Being one of the Divine was a great privilege, and it was a privilege Jewl seemed to want no part of. No one in the school knew or said a word about it. In fact, Cheyenne was almost certain even Anj didn't know. She finally knew something he didn't, and this probably wouldn't happen often.

  The other Divine students of the school were few and far between. Most weren't even close to her age. They were younger and just beginning to start school. As she picked up more of the gossip, it became more and more prevalent of a topic the closer homecoming got. The Divine were a huge part of Vala, and almost everyone wanted to talk about who was part of what bloodline.

  She also found out they had their own special class where they learned and discussed the politics of the gods and goddesses, a class she would most likely be taking alone her senior year of school. As far as she knew, she was the oldest of the Divine students. Not only that, but they had special advantages. Past Divine students had gotten away with everything because their parents were the ones who provided the most funding. The stories of pranks on the “townies” and student hazing still held a legacy even though it'd been nearly sixty years since the last group of Divine students attended the school. The “rich snobs�
�� of Vala, so to speak, and she wasn't quite sure how she felt about this. Was that why everyone treated her so nicely?

  “More guests,” Anj said. He used his magic to actually see them before turning it “off” and focusing his attention on his sandwich. He was behaving more like Zes and eating instead of conversing.

  “Yes,” Jewl mumbled under her breath.

  Introductions were made all around the table. The only two who were unfazed by the entire situation were Zes and Halyn. They maintained their normal demeanor. Cheyenne’s parents weren’t introduced as such, but rather as alumni students who’d graduated from the college recently. Using the aliases of June and August, they said they were simply visiting and following Cheyenne around for the week to observe. Cheyenne was pretty sure the others all knew who they were. Anyone who knew anything about her would no doubt be able to figure it out, but nobody said anything either. It helped the couple avoid the mob mentality of the other students.

  “Anj and I were talking, and we were wondering how much you all liked seafood,” Zes said in an effort to strike up a normal conversation. “We were thinking of going out to eat at this cool restaurant in town that specializes in fish for the dance. Just thought it'd be fun to get off campus and hang out for a change. We haven't done that in a while.” Anj nodded but didn't say a word. What a strange role reversal. What was it about her parents that made him so uncomfortable?

  “That sounds like fun, but—” Cheyenne felt guilty for holding them all back from having a good time and behaving like normal teens, even if it wasn't her fault. The twins were in their last year of school. They should have been allowed to make the most of it.

  “It'll be allowed,” Anj said. “It's already been discussed with my adviser. Besides, the catering at the event is atrocious. I’d much rather eat our everyday service than what they provide.”

  Both Persephone and Erik raised an eyebrow. Her mother's mouth hung open slightly, whereas her father tapped on the table quietly. She didn't get it. Were they mad? Was it because Anj was going to take her off campus? Surely he wouldn't put her in harm’s way. She hoped they knew that.

  Jewl scowled. “You mean those things they tried to pass off as meatballs last year? And I swear those noodles were moving.” She was being surprisingly pleasant. There had yet to be any glares or sarcastic remarks. At this rate, Cheyenne was going to go into shock by the end of lunch.

  “Yes, such fond memories, all around.” Anj's jaw tightened and he moved over, ever so slightly, to be closer to his brother.

  Zes coughed loudly, shifting uncomfortably. “I think I just swallowed a pea.”

  “It helps if you chew. Just a suggestion,” Anj said with a smirk.

  “They're small. It slipped.”

  “Anyway, before dinner we need to get pictures,” Halyn said, bringing everything full circle again. She waved her hands around in excitement. “My parents want to take some back to show off to the villages they visit, and I need them for my scrapbook. I won't let you opt out of it either. It's mandatory we all do it. My mom said, and you don't say no to her.”

  Zes groaned and munched unenthusiastically on more peas.

  Anj nodded and poked his brother in the side. “I'm sure that can be arranged. After all, our mom is probably going to want a lot of them as well. They're worth taking this year apparently. Are you going to be able to get your date to cooperate? I mean, pictures, really? I don't think Denver is into those.”

  Halyn sighed. “I'm making him and he's going to have to deal with it. He owes me, after everything else he's done around here.”

  More tension filled the table. Cheyenne watched as her father's hands clenched together at the mention of Denver. Clearly he had been informed of who was responsible for the bite. She'd never had a protective father figure in her life. Her adoptive mother hardly ever dated, and if so, it was never anything serious enough for Cheyenne to meet the men.

  “Why can't it be Friday yet? My first football game, and then the day after that, my first dance. It's going to be so magical,” Halyn said.

  Good question. Though Cheyenne was pretty certain she was the only one who wanted it to be Friday so the whole thing could be done with.

  Chapter Seventeen

  After dinner, her parents escorted her back to the dorm. “We'll see you tomorrow?”

  A mixture of emotions poured through Cheyenne. She felt sad and relieved all at once. As well as tired, and it was time to go back and attempt to do some homework. Hopefully tomorrow would be better and a lot less awkward for them all.

  Her father was the first to hug her goodnight, which surprised her since he had been the most standoffish earlier. “Be careful, especially with those boys. There's something about the Seer I don't like.”

  “All right, goodnight,” Cheyenne said. She didn't know what he was talking about. The best she could figure was that he was referring to Anj and his bizarre ability to know things. That seemed to fit into everything she knew about the definition of the word “Seer.” She'd be careful, but she didn't think of Anj as being dangerous in the slightest.

  “We love you,” her mother whispered.

  Upon entering her room, Cheyenne immediately lay on the couch and closed her eyes. “Do you think they liked me?” she asked her roommate, who was busy wandering in and out of the den as she practiced walking in her six-inch-heel shoes. Halyn had been the only person she'd told about her family, though she suspected the rest of her friends had an idea of what was going on as well.

  “I think so. I don't know what there isn't to like. Why do you think they wouldn't? Did something happen? They seemed totally enamored with you at dinner from what I could tell.”

  “It's a silly question. I was just wondering what you thought of them.”

  “You asked if they liked you.” She stumbled on her way back into her room and grabbed the door frame for support. “You didn't ask me what I thought of them.”

  “What do you think of them then?” Cheyenne rolled her eyes.

  “I think they're cute. Your dad is kind of like a windup toy though. No offense, just saying.”

  She nodded, unsure of what to think of them herself. They were a lot more easygoing than she expected. So young and hip and interesting, they didn't seen like parents to her. Things had gone smoothly at least. Maybe over time they’d fall into their roles more naturally.

  “I think they liked me. I hope so,” she said quietly.

  “I thought they did,” Halyn said.

  Cheyenne sighed and stood up. “I'm going to try and get some rest.”

  “Sounds like a good idea.” Her roommate gave a small wave.

  She briefly reciprocated it before heading to her room.

  As she curled up in her bed, pulling the bedsheets and comforter up around her, she couldn't help but wonder about what the Divine, these gods and goddesses, were like. What did they do exactly? More important, what would be expected of her when she joined them? As Mrs. Orinda had told her, a subculture within a subculture. The Divine were important and powerful, and she would be a part of it all someday. The thought both scared and excited her.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “And I don't like my dress for homecoming,” Cheyenne said. Her hands moved in front of her animatedly as she attempted to describe the dress in detail to, well, she wasn't quite sure whom she was talking to. She couldn't see them. Only shadows and silhouettes of people were around her. The thought Am I dreaming again? flashed across her mind briefly, but it soon passed and she resumed simply observing herself act. It was as if she were on the other side of a screen watching her life being lived for her.

  “It’ll be taken care of for you. You’ll have the most beautiful dress there and you’ll outshine everyone. They’ll all envy you, and every man will desire you,” one of the shadows said.

  “I wouldn't expect any less,” Cheyenne said, and her entire body relaxed. She was surrounded by luscious plants with bright red, blue, purple, and pink flowers. They were tro
pical and heavenly. That was the only way to describe the peace she felt. Heavenly.

  Luxury surrounded her. The sun was shining, and there was a beautiful pool before her with a small waterfall pouring in from a decorative cliff overhang. More of the gorgeous flowers settled around the pool. Some of them were species she'd never seen before, and all of them were so large she couldn't believe they were real. Some were bigger than her. They sang nothing but praises for her.

  Even she was luxurious. She wore a sparkling golden bikini she modestly covered with a sheer black wrap. If she hadn't been dreaming, she would’ve felt far too self-conscious to dare wear anything like it, but in this world she had a booming confidence. Her hair was placed upon her head in a messy bun. She was covered in more gold than she’d ever seen. She wore dangling earrings, necklace chains, and bangles on both of her wrists and ankles. Plentiful, but somehow it managed to cover her in a way that made her not look gaudy.

  She felt important in this world, and not just because she was wearing what felt like an entire store's worth of jewelry, but also because she was being pampered to no end. At her hands shadows were busy doing her nails and scrubbing her hands. At her feet were more, massaging each foot, ankle, and leg. Her shoulders were being tended to as well, and she saw more shadows nearby eagerly awaiting orders to serve her.

  “Your bath is almost ready, my lady,” one shadow said with a bow. “Your mind will feel the freshest it has in years. Things will make much more sense, and you’ll finally be at rest.”

  “I’m looking forward to it. I am tired of wandering,” Cheyenne said. She politely motioned for the shadows waiting on her to depart so she could stand. “Could I trouble one of you for a drink? I forgot how easily parched I become here.”

  “Of course, my lady.”