Page 53 of The NemeSis
“We’re not that blind.” My dad lets out a chuckle.
Why aren’t they yelling? Why aren’t they angry?
Ares grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together. What is he doing? Then I exhale. Have I been holding my breath the whole time?
“It’s weird, but it also doesn’t seem all that weird.” Dad nods to himself.
Our parents look down at our hands and smile. What the hell?
Chapter Twenty-Four
ARES
It’s a quieter chaos, being in this house with family. Mom spread out sandwiches for lunch and we’ve all just been enjoying this last day together before Kyra and I head back out this afternoon.
The sun is at its highest and the glow casts a warmth across the room. My eyes go to her repeatedly. I have always searched her out. Only now, I don’t pretend. Not after yesterday and the conversations I had with our parents, both together and apart.
A couple of days ago, it would have felt reckless to let my gaze stay on her. Now, I’m allowed to look. It’s no longer a secret.
“Bro,” Apollo sits down next to me.
I lift a brow and look at him.
“This is fucking weird,” he mutters under his breath. “She used to follow you around when we were little. Like you hung the moon. Now who’s following who?”
Before I can reply, Elena runs over to us.
“Uncle Ares, why do you keep looking at Auntie Kyra like that?” She’s got another stuffed animal under her arm and rocks back and forth on her feet.
The whole room goes silent.
I smile. “Do you want to know my secret, Elena?” She nods enthusiastically. “She’s my favorite.”
Elena grins and leans in. “Mine too, I won’t tell if you don’t.”
“Deal.” We shake on it, and she runs back to playing with her toys.
I stand up to see Kyra staring at me with a smile, her eyes soft.
It’s going to be okay. No more hiding. Our family knows and accepts it, and that’s all I could ask for.
Chapter Twenty-Five
KYRA
It’s the last day of the games and to say it’s gone better than I hoped would be putting it lightly. Upbeat music plays softly from the speakers across campus. The smell of carnival food lingers from the local vendors set up near the lawn. The past three days have been filled with fun, laughter, and no incidents. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m so relieved.
I haven’t personally been participating in any of the games, mostly because I want to make sure things continue to run smoothly. All of Greek life is dressed up in a mix of themed clothing or matching shirts with the rest of their house. It’s been like this all week, and I think it’s honestly added to the excitement. Everyone has prepared.
Today, my house is wearing matching light pink cropped tees with our house letters on the front and white pleated athletic mini skorts. These outfits, like most we’ve chosen to wear this week, are perfect for all the running around we’re doing.
We’re getting ready for the last round of events. Up next is the chariot race. I was tempted to do this one myself, it just sounded fun. I didn’t like the idea of one of my sorority sisters pulling me or me pulling them. Maybe I’m not competitive enough, but I will appreciate the show. Beth, my bestie, is the one riding in the chariot for our house and I’m excited to cheer her on.
“It’s been a success.” Max walks up next to me. He’s got a clipboard in hand and whistle around his neck. He’s wearing a navy blue toga today with the rest of his house.
I nod. “I’m excited to see how the chariots were decorated. When the Deltas managed to get two dozen of them donated, I thought it was a joke. It’ll be fun to see them.”
We both turn to see as the commotion of them rolling in starts. It looks like we’re preparing for a parade, feels like it too. The smack talking can be heard from here as houses debate who will win.
