Sophie shook her head in confusion. “So you’re telling me the whole Mount Olympus, gods and goddesses, Centaurs, Gorgons with snakes for hair is all true? Please tell me some of it is made up.”
“It’s very real,” Callie began. “This world, our world, isn’t simple. It’s not good or bad. It all depends on many factors. There was a time things were black and white, but things have changed. We’ve evolved as a community. So, picture me as a young woman, dedicated to her work and always listening to whatever her mother said and doing with complete perfection what she was told to do. She had accepted that she would be told what she should think, what she should wear, how she should act and even whom she should talk to. An arranged marriage to an Olympian was in her future. And as you will come to know or maybe you already do from the many myths I’ve read to you, Olympians do not make great husbands. This woman would be told whether or not she would have children – and if it was so deemed she would have children, she'd be told how they would be raised. One controlled day after another would pass by until the day she died. Imagine what that life would be like.”
“It would be a sucky arranged marriage kind of life.” Sophie said and leaned back into the depth of the couch.
“And it did suck. I hated my mother, hated this Vasilikós, and hated living in a world that existed behind the scenes, injecting myself into the lives of others for the briefest of moments, but never truly living a life of my own. But then, one night I met your father and everything changed. We fell in love and for a Muse love isn’t part of the deal. People fall in love with us, not the other way around. Georgia and I got into such fights about it, but I wouldn’t budge.
Your father and I came up with a plan and we eloped in the middle of the night. I had planned for all sorts of Georgia’s tricks, but there were no surprises. The Vasilikós was quiet and off we went, thanking God it had been so easy. We thought we were lucky.” Callie’s voice trailed off and Sophie reached over and held her mother’s hand.
“Mom, you have to know all of this is so unbelievable. What am I supposed to think? Just a few moments ago, I was living in Columbus, Ohio, wondering whether or not I would pass my next Advanced Placement statistics class. And now I’m physically changed, which I guess could be explained away, but for you to suggest the myths are real. I don’t know. Did dad know what you were?”
Callie shook her head. “No. I was very careful. But being careful meant I couldn’t use my powers and perhaps we struggled more than the average couple, due to my forsaking my gifts. If I had a dime for every time I cursed Georgia, so sure in my mind that she did everything she could to make our life hard, but I knew she had nothing to do with it. Once we were married, Georgia left us alone.”
Sophie wiped tears from her eyes.
“Oh sweetie, we were so happy. Your father and I had each other and that was enough and when you came, well, it was complete bliss. But, I was kidding myself and it kills me to say this, but once again I was doing what Georgia expected me to do.”
Sophie nodded. “You had me.”
“Yes,” Callie said. “And now, you’re—”
Sophie faced her mother. She thought for the first time in her life she saw her. Yes, her mother was still the same beautiful, loving, pain-in-her-butt, complete and utter nag she’d always been. But Sophie now saw that, like everyone else, her mother wasn’t perfect. In fact she was far from perfect. Her mother had made mistakes. In this moment, Sophie felt the closest she ever had to Callie.
“I’m like you,” Sophie said, putting her hands into her mother’s, giving them a hard squeeze. She leaned into Callie, wrapping her mother’s arms around her and laying her head below the woman’s chin. In response, Callie held her daughter, kissing the top of the girl’s head several times.
“So this is what it feels to be a size two,” Sophie joked. “Nice perk.”
Callie laughed. “You know, Sophie, I am so tired. I’m tired of crying and I’m tired of running.”
“Well, then, stop,” Sophie said, sitting up. “Why don’t you start at the beginning and work your way back."
***
Sophie followed her mother into a large gallery that opened into a reading room with stone floors, overstuffed couches and chairs, and huge oriental rugs. Her eyes were drawn to a painting of a young Georgia dressed in a goddess gown, draped over a Grecian fainting couch. She was caught mid-laugh, one arm lay across the highest point of the couch.
Callie motioned for Sophie to sit down at an ornately carved library table.
In front of them sat a large glass box with heavy iron hinges. Detailed grapevines and a single Greek word were etched into the center of the glass lid.
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“It means blessed,” Callie stated.
Inside the case was a book with cracked leather bindings. Sophie was sure the book would crumble at the slightest touch. Callie removed the book from its case, causing a puff of dust to drift into the air, making Sophie wrinkle her nose.
Callie began, “Many years ago, my mother and I sat in these same chairs and began the journey you and I are about to begin. You are expected to learn and adopt the teachings of our people. For example, Muses are part of the Demigod society, and as part of this community we do not judge on appearances or preconceived notions because both can be deceiving. Demigod means half mortal, half Olympian.”
Callie rested her palm on the old book in front of them, and Sophie watched as her mother’s hand began to glow. The light seemed to penetrate the book itself, seeping over its top, soaking into its worn leather and crumbling pages, appearing to restore it back to new.
“This is one of the prized possessions of our family,” Callie said.
Sophie couldn’t help but smirk. “Muses are supposed to be these powerful creatures and one of our most prized possessions is a book?”
“This isn’t just a book. It’s a living portal to our people’s past and a source of incredible power. It can also provide glimpses into your future, if it desires to do so.”
Sophie took a deep breath; getting bored with the lead-up to what she was sure would be a big disappointment. “You make it sound like it’s alive? So, does it have pictures that move, like in Harry Potter?”
Callie placed the book in front of Sophie, “It depends on the person holding it. For every person, it tends to react differently. ”
For a good ten seconds, Sophie sat there, staring at the book, not wanting to touch the thing.
“Sophie, it’s just a book,” Callie said, opening it and turning it to face her daughter. The book’s pages were filled with a beautiful script and a hand-drawn boarder, accented by numerous jewel-toned inks. Callie placed her hand on the center of the page and sang a Grecian chant, rocking back and forth with her eyes closed. Sophie was puzzled.
Almost snakelike, the script on the book’s open pages began to move, unraveling itself. Sophie was fascinated yet unnerved. The slithering ink seemed trapped by the page’s boarder, but much to Sophie’s horror, the ink caressed her mother’s pinky and curled back onto itself before springing like a viper, wrapping itself around Callie’s hand, wrist and arm. It created a moving tattoo on her mother’s arm and Sophie yelped as she attempted to scramble from her seat. Callie abruptly stopped chanting and grabbed hold of Sophie’s arm, holding her in place.
Callie opened her eyes and Sophie cringed. Her mother’s eyes were now coated with a thick white film and all of her exposed skin was now covered in the moving ink. Callie’s eyes filled with the ink. She grinned and the ink seeped out of her teeth and gums, both of which were stained black.
“This is a first,” Callie laughed, the ink continuing to seep out of her mouth and before Sophie could react, the tendrils rushed forward from Callie, arching high into the air and slamming on top of the two women, submerging them in an ocean of black.
Sophie opened her eyes to find herself in a place so dark she couldn’t see the floor, walls or ceiling. A breeze rustled her hair and the ink�
��s darkness swept away like fallen leaves. With the ink gone, what was left was a white void. Her mother stood next to her.
Callie smiled at her daughter. “We’re in the Oracle’s realm. She must be drawn to you.”
“Great. Lucky me. What’s next, some coffee and pastry? Can’t wait to see what happens next,” Sophie said.
The space seemed endless, lacking any boundaries.
“You’ll have to excuse me.” A woman’s voice came forth from the void in front of them. It spoke in velvety richness and sounded musical. “Forgive me for saying, but isn’t it proper etiquette to call first before dropping in. I believe I read it somewhere in a book.” The voice burst into laughter. “Oh my, you see, even after numerous millenniums of existence, I still have a brilliant sense of humor.”
Sophie glanced at her mother and slipped her shaking hand into Callie’s, giving it a squeeze. Although it had not been there a few seconds ago, a large white dressing table with a huge mirror appeared out of nowhere in front of them.
Mom, I swear, don’t you dare walk me towards that thing. I don’t want to go near it, whatever it is.
Callie led them towards the object. Sophie realized it wasn’t real, but was a detailed hand drawing of a dressing table. Or rather an invisible artist was drawing it right before them. The mirror didn’t face them and the faint sounds of movement came from behind it, while multiple lines continued to appear out of nowhere. Once the dressing table was finished, the unseen artist began working on the surroundings. A pale white hand reached for a drawn silver hairbrush.
“There are so many problems with surprise guests.” The white hand gestured towards Sophie. “If not given enough time to dry, my artwork can smear.”
The white hand set down the hairbrush and displayed its open palm, which was now dirty with ink.
“Why, I haven’t even had time to put on my face.” The voice laughed again, a thick European accent dripping off each syllable. With one quick motion the dressing table flew out of the way, exposing the woman behind it. She was dressed in a glittering, floor-length velvet dressing gown with a high collar. The woman had straight, thick black hair and true to what she'd said, she lacked a face. Three gaping holes appeared where the woman’s mouth and eyes should have been. Seeing the shock in Sophie’s face, the figure laughed, the larger hole twisting in what would have been a smile, had the thing possessed lips.
“That’s enough of the games, Aletheria. You’re scaring my daughter,” Callie said.
The pale woman turned her head toward Callie, its mouth wide open in shock. “It has been a long time since you came for a visit, child.” The thing advanced, gliding above the floor. It brought its blank face right up to Callie’s.
“So I’ll let your rudeness go unnoticed,” Aletheria said, with an audible growl. She smiled shyly as black lines dripped onto the white surface of its face. Within seconds, as if drawn by Michelangelo himself, a two-dimensional face appeared. Aletheria took a deep breath, filling her cheeks with air and, grabbing her newly drawn nose, blew hard as if trying to stifle a sneeze. With a pop, the face’s features shot out. Sophie jumped back, and Aletheria laughed heartily, each gasp of air filling the pale figure with color.
Sophie glanced away and noticed the surrounding room had taken shape, as the final scribbles to the temple’s chamber filled in, the scratching sounds of an unseen pen dying away.
“There was a time when your mother would spend endless hours with me,” the Oracle said to Sophie. “Asking me question after question after question. Oh, how I have longed for those times. Although you think otherwise, I am not your enemy, Callista, and you would do well not to become mine.”
The Oracle’s large brown eyes, accented by thick, dark mascara and long lashes, looked deep into Callie’s face. “But, I forgive you. I forgive you, my love, for out of all of the Muses I have served, and there have been many, you are my most beloved. At least for now.” Aletheria warmly placed both her hands on Callie’s shoulders. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I think I’d like to talk to Sophia. Alone.”
Aletheria waved her right hand and dismissed Callie, who disappeared with a loud crack.
Chapter 13
Sophie jumped back in reaction, having brief recollections of how the Oracle had treated her back in Ohio. Aletheria is the last person I want to be alone with.
Aletheria threw off her dressing gown, exposing a knee-length sundress. In mid-air, the dressing gown’s black lines unraveled and it disappeared. Turning on a pair of extremely high and what Sophie considered to be fashionable wedges, Aletheria walked toward two large, heavy doors and threw them open as if they were made of air. She placed the large hat on her head, pulling the brim forward.
“Come. Let’s go grab a bite to eat. You must be famished.” Without waiting for an answer, Aletheria walked out the door, waving her scarf at Sophie.
Aletheria walked in slow, measured steps, but her stride was long enough that the much shorter Sophie struggled to keep up with her. The Oracle emphasized her words with her expressive hands and arms.
“Are we still in the book?” Sophie asked, wondering how any of this could be real.
The Oracle laughed, clapping her hands.
They were walking down a sunny cobblestone street Sophie didn’t recognize, and for a moment she was overwhelmed. She couldn’t help wonder what was expected of her.
What the heck was an Oracle anyway? Can everyone see her or is she like a ghost?
A few men whistled after Aletheria and she waved at them. She shouted something in Greek, which she told Sophie meant “they would do better to whistle at their own wives.” The sun was bright and Aletheria winked as a pair of tortoise shell horned-rimmed sunglasses sketched themselves onto the bridge of her nose.
“Are we still in the book? One of these days you Muses will ask me an original question. We can’t be in the book, my dear. It’s physically impossible, because I am the book.”
They sat down in a café, one door down from a bakery. The air was heavy with the scent of frosted cakes, breads and baklava.
Aletheria took a sip of the bottled water the waiter had brought and glanced at the menu. Sophie’s water sat untouched as she watched the Oracle.
Aletheria sighed and put her menu down.
“You aren’t going to let me enjoy lunch until I let you ask me a million questions.”
The waiter walked over and Sophie watched as Aletheria ordered one of everything on the menu.
Oracles must burn off more calories than Muses.
“What?” she remarked to Sophie. “I am famished and I’ve waited a long time for you to come along.”
“To have lunch?” Sophie said, handing back her menu to the waiter.
“Oh, dearest, I can tell we’re going to become great friends.”
Sophie frowned and unscrewed the top to her water, taking a gulp. “Um,” she began. “My memory is kind of fuzzy about the last few weeks, but I do remember you and you weren’t besties with me.”
Aletheria took off her hat and hung it on the empty chair next to her. “I’m sure your mother has spoken of the new world you now live in and things aren’t”
Sophie interrupted, “Black and white. Okay, I get it. So, after scaring the heck out of me with your whole nasty, ashy skin condition and verbally beating me up with your screams of doom and gloom, I’m now expected to believe you’re someone I can trust?” Sophie’s voice grew shrill and loud. “You want me to forget our past and pretend we’re old friends. Like we comb each other’s hair, eat grilled cheeses and talk about hot guys during sleepovers? I am not going to pretend I’m interested in your thoughts on the latest boy band.”
Sophie winced as the strange burning sensation of energy began to build inside her. Like she has swallowed a sparkler.
Okay, this sucks. Nobody said anything about heartburn being part of the deal. Remembering what had happened to the mirror, she took a few deep, calming breathes. The burning sensations under her skin lessened wi
th each exhale.
I am in control. I will not lose control. Get your crap together, Sophie.
“All right, my dear, we’ll take this slowly,” Aletheria said. “I know you have been through more than the average person could take, especially one of your age. If I can help you understand a small part of this whole wonderful journey you have begun, then maybe I can prove to you what a true friend I am.” She slapped Sophie’s hand in a playful gesture and sat back in her chair, crossing her legs and arranging her skirt.
It took every ounce of control for Sophie not to roll her eyes as she noticed Aletheria was making sure she showed her legs in the most positive light. The Oracle purred like a cat, stretching herself in a sunbeam the moment she noticed a man walking by their table. Even the waiter wasn’t excluded from Aletheria’s attentions.
“I’m guessing your mother and Georgia haven’t explained much to you. You know, your mother was always such a frustrating girl, especially when it came to dealing with difficult situations. That one was always stumbling over herself, saying she was sorry about this, sorry about that, moaning about wanting to be free of the ties binding her to this world. I used to pray that she would grow more of a backbone.”
Sophie couldn’t help but feel insulted. “You don’t know her the way I know her, because if you did, you wouldn’t say those things.”
The Oracle continued, “And Georgia, well forgive me for saying so, but Georgia is what you Americans refer to as ‘control freak.’ Her hunger for power is constant, so driven and always planning. You just want to take whatever stick is shoved up her rump and pull it out.”
The thought of a stick being removed from her grandmother’s ‘rump’ was enough to make Sophie put her hurt feelings aside and smile.
It’s more like a large branch or a small oak tree.
“There you go. I knew I would get a nice smile out of you. Now, I am going to give you an incredible gift. During this lunch, I am going to answer any question you ask. Go ahead. Ask anything you like, as long as it isn’t about the future. Sharing future knowledge is for me to give and not to be requested.”
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