Season's Change: Summer: A Goddess Legacy Companion Novel (Goddess Legacy 1.5) (14 page)

Persephone was more promising because of the Mother Nature link and all the talk about seasons. But she had only one child, and not much was said about her."

"Why are you concerned with their children?"

"Um, because I'm trying to find the line I descended from."

"Season, I told you we don't descend the way people normally do. Zeus, Demeter, many of the others . . . they're still around. They all continue to create offspring. Your mom, Dem, may not have descended after several generations that originated from Demeter. Demeter could have created Dem directly from herself. If Demeter created Dem and Dem created you, Dem could have created you with Zeus and it not be a sexual creation. They could have tried to recreate a god that was created before."

"Why would they want to create a specific god when they already have that exact

one?"

Chrys shrugged. "To allow for a different destiny."

"So if Demeter created Dem and Dem created me, then does that mean I'm an exact replica of Persephone?" This just got weirder!

"That's one theory. Another theory is that Dem is actually Demeter and you're actually Persephone or her likeness created by the original Demeter."

"What?" I yelled. "I can't be Persephone, I'm only seventeen!"

"Gods don't age the way you're accustomed to. We're as old as our souls. If you're actually Persephone, you could be much older than you realize. But I don't think that is the case."

"This doesn't make any sense. Why even create a likeness of a god?"

"To create a new destiny." Chrys had said that once, but I was on information overload. "Whether your mom is actually Demeter or created from her and whether you were created from the original Demeter or from her creation, it really doesn't matter. It doesn't matter why you're here now, or why I'm here now. The only thing we need to ensure is that we both make it to our eighteenth birthdays. The type of gods we'll be doesn't matter; we'll be powerful
if
we make it through."

"What do you think . . . about me, I mean?" I couldn't process anything to come to a conclusion myself.

"I think you were created in the likeness of Persephone. I really hadn't given much thought as to if you were created by the original Demeter, or if Dem is her offspring that created you with Zeus. Either way, your life is like Persephone. I think you were created—"

"To stop the abduction," I interrupted.

"Yes. Demeter was devastated when Persephone was abducted and that abduction changed the course of her life. She was forced to be with Hades and live part of her life in the underworld. I'm sure she made peace with her course, but Demeter wanted better for her. I think you're the attempt at the better life. The better destiny."

"Where do you fit in with all this?" I asked softly.

Chrys shook his head and looked down. "I'm not really sure. I think I was created in the likeness of one of the many gods that originally pursued Persephone before she was abducted."

"Because that god wanted a second chance with Persephone?"

He looked up at me with soft eyes. "Because he wanted a
real
chance with Persephone. What Hades did to her . . . that threw us all off course. I'm not saying what's going to happen now should've happened before. Maybe what happened to Persephone with Hades would have always happened. Maybe that was the right destiny then. But since gods can create offspring in their likeness, I can only assume one destiny isn't always enough for them—for us."

"But the new gods created aren't always just like the original gods." I remembered from what he told me before.

"Right, most gods do not know if a new god will have the pure abilities of the original god or if the new god will have a combination of muted powers. It helps to level out the playing field in one respect because it's proof that the new god isn't going to be a clone and repeat the same life as the original god. We may be created in their likeness, but we are our own entities. We don't have to make the same mistakes they did. But that leaves us to make new ones."

"So if my mother left me with Melissa because she was worried about me being abducted like Persephone, then she could have done that to keep me safe from Hades."

Chrys's eyes turned cold. "Yes," he said through gritted teeth. He'd obviously considered this possibility.

"So what do we do now?"

He looked down and reached for my hands on the picnic table. "We live our lives the way we want to."

And I knew as he said those words that I could definitely do that.

I
hardly slept that night
. Not because I had bad dreams, tried to cope with my new understanding about myself, or was too excited about seeing Don—though I was giddy at that thought—I couldn't sleep because of all the fireworks being prematurely let off. Unfortunately, I couldn't expect any better sleep tonight since today was the Fourth.

The parade started at nine o'clock this morning, so I knew Don would be here early. I got out of bed and put on cute shorts and a tank top. This was the most skin that Don would've ever seen, but it was hot. Not to mention the fact that this outfit would be a nice little stepping-stone for tomorrow, but I wasn't sure if anything could prepare him for the bikini.

I pulled my hair up off my neck so that I could stay as cool as possible—the rain from the last two days would make it steamy in the heat of the sun. I put on some makeup, hoping it wouldn't melt off by the end of the day, and then I was ready.

When I heard the roar of Don's Camaro, I ran downstairs and waited patiently by the door until he knocked. I only let him finish one knock before I swung it open.

He stood there, startled, with his fist in the air ready to knock on the door again. "Hi. I waited for you to come to me."

"Yes, you did," he said, dropping his hand and chuckling. Then he looked me up and down and smiled widely.

"You're beautiful!" He couldn't contain his excitement. I knew I wasn't dressed up, so he must have really missed me as much as I missed him.

He threw his arms around me and hugged me tightly. I put my arms around his neck and kissed him under his jaw.

"I missed you so much," he whispered in my hair. "I missed you, more," I teased.

"No way. I missed you more than anyone has ever missed a person before in the history of the world."

I couldn't think of a comeback, so I just laughed.

Don pulled away and took both my hands into his. "Are you ready? Chloe's probably already there. We need to hurry if you want to talk to her before the parade." He was still very excited.

He walked me to his car and then got in. Since I was resting my left ankle on my right knee, he put his right hand on the side of my left knee. I guessed taking things slowly was working. After he got over the initial shock of a touch, he seemed to handle subsequent times much better.

"How did everything go with your dad?" I asked, staring out the windshield, dreading this conversation.

Don rubbed my leg and looked at me. "Fine. Everything's sorted out." "Good." I glanced at him and smiled.

"So what did you do while I was away?"

"Hmm . . . nothing too exciting. I worked Thursday and didn't do too much yesterday."

"I wanted to call you so badly last night when I got in, but I didn't want to wake you," he confessed.

"Well, I was probably awake. Our neighbors were shooting fireworks at all hours last night. I hardly got any sleep at all."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I hate that your sleep was disturbed." He sounded concern but then got a devilish look in his eyes. "Though if I'd known you
were
awake, I probably would have come over, scaled a tree, and climbed in your window." He glanced over at me with a smirk.

I snorted. He was definitely full of himself, but it was very adorable.

We got to the park and over to where the floats were gathered for the parade. Don held my hand as he guided me through the crowds. We found the Oakdale High School cheerleader's float, and made our way to it. I chatted with Chloe for a few minutes, wishing her luck, before Don and I headed to the bleachers.

Don held my hand and weaved me through the crowd again to get to the stands. I scanned the bleachers wondering which guy was Zach, but I had no way of knowing.

We sat in the middle and waited for the parade to start, the sun already beating down on us.

"Crap, I forgot the sunscreen," Don said. "I'm going back to the car to get it. You want something to drink?"

"Yeah, water would be great."

While Don was gone, Kim and Emma walked up.
Great
. I should've known they'd make an appearance for Chloe's benefit.

"Hi, Season," Emma said.

"Hey," Kim said, less enthused. "Don't you think that top's a little too small for

you?"

What a witch. "No. So did you two come to watch Chloe, too?" Kim shrugged and Emma said, "Yes."

They sat down on the bleacher right in front of me, and several minutes of

silence passed.

"Where's Todd and Eli?" I finally asked. "Oh, they'll be here later," Emma said.

I searched around at the crowd and saw Don heading up the bleachers. "Looks who's here!" Kim whispered to Emma, and I fought a smile. "Oh no. He's walking this way," Emma said in disbelief.

"Hi, Emma. Hi, Kim," Don said as he stepped on the bleacher beside them. "Hi," they said in unison and watched as he stepped past them.

He then took his seat beside me, and both of their jaws dropped.

Don opened the sunscreen, took my hand, and squirted some in my palm. He put some in his hand, too, and we both started rubbing the lotion on our own legs.

"It looks like it's about to start," Don said as he finished rubbing the lotion on his

legs.

"Uh-huh," I mumbled as I kept rubbing the lotion on my calves.

When I finished, I glanced at Kim and Emma as I lifted my head. They both looked shocked, and I half-smiled. Don had the bottle of lotion ready to squirt more into my palm, waiting for me before he continued putting it on himself.

We did our arms next, and Don finished with his face. Since I was in a low-cut tank top, I put the remaining lotion on my exposed chest, neck, and shoulders.

"You should probably put some on your ears," I said while I finished rubbing the lotion on my chest.

"Um, okay." He glanced away from me to grab the bottle but wasn't sly enough not to get caught glancing at where my hands were. Poor thing. Tomorrow would be difficult for him.

When he finished, he put his hand on my knee and turned to face me. "There're some stages set up for bands playing this afternoon. Do you want to

walk down and watch them?"

"Sure." I noticed Don had left a little lotion on his ear, so I reached up and gently started rubbing it in. "What kind of bands are playing?"

Don squeezed my knee. "Um . . . rock, country, and adult contemporary," he said, but his voice sounded strangled.

I was watching what I was doing on his ear, but the sound of his tone made me look at his face. Oh. He was enjoying me rubbing the lotion in. I chuckled.

"Sorry, I was just trying to rub it in for you." I dropped my hand. "No need to be sorry." He smiled.

The parade had started, but I could tell Kim and Emma were focused on the action behind them, not in front of them. When Chloe's float passed, she skillfully threw candy right at us, and when it was over, Don took my hand and helped me down the bleachers. Once we were free from the crowd, he put his hand around my back, and we went in search of Chloe. We didn't have to look long.

"Hey guys, I need to go change, and I'll be ready. Meet you at the concession

area?"

"Sounds good."

Don and I headed that way, but he left me in front of the food vendors to go put the lotion in his car. Of course, Kim and Emma
would
find me there alone.

"What's the story?" Kim asked as she walked up to me, leaving Emma trailing behind. So
now
she wanted to speak to me.

"We're dating." "How long?"

"He asked me out after my birthday."

Kim was about to bark another question when her eyes focused behind me. I assumed Don was walking up.

It was him, because when he reached me, he kissed the back of my neck and moved his lips around to my ear as he stepped beside me. I smiled crookedly at Kim.

"Sorry it took me so long," he murmured.

Still smiling, I turned to him. "That's okay. I've been visiting with Kim and Emma."

He flashed his eyes at them and smiled; then he looked back at me as he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Let's go get a snack."

We said our goodbyes to our leeches and got in line at the corndog vendor. "I really don't care for Kim," he said while we were waiting.

"Yeah, I can't stand her."

He stared at me incredulously. "Then, why are you friends with her?"

"I'm not. Not really. Kim wants to be Chloe's friend, so she tolerates me. Emma's not as bad, though. Why don't you like Kim? Not that I care. I'm just curious."

"She's superficial."

"And?" That wasn't a big news flash. "And I don't like the way she looks at you." "I'm a big girl."

He smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Yes, you are." And the Kim and Emma conversation was dropped.

We got Don's corndog and found Chloe. Zach was already with her. He was very good-looking, and Chloe was simply glowing. We did all the introductions and walked around the park. The guys hit it off and played some of the vendor games while Chloe and I talked—but not about our dates; they were always in earshot. We ate all kinds of junk food, played miniature golf, checked out the bands, and enjoyed each other's company. It was a great day. But very hot.

When Chloe wanted me to go with her to the ladies' room, the guys walked us over and stood outside, which I thought was very sweet of them.

"So what do you think about Zach?" she asked when we got into the restroom. "I think he's great! He's nice, charming, and so very handsome. You picked a

great guy, really."

"He kissed me last night!" she squealed. "I've been dying to tell you all day." "What?" I was happy for her but a little jealous.

"I know. I couldn't believe it. Season, oh my gosh, he is the best kisser!"

"Wow. I'm really happy for you. I'm ready for Don to kiss me. He's having a pool party at his house tomorrow, and I'm hoping my little bikini will push him over that edge." I giggled.

"Oh, I'm sure." She laughed. "C'mon. Let's get back to our guys."

Don and Zach were chatting by a tree, waiting for us to come out. We walked up to them, and then we all went to find a seat for the fireworks display.

Don and I sat on a slight hill, but Zach and Chloe went farther back, hoping to get a better view. I was glad because now we could enjoy the show alone.

"Are you having fun?" Don whispered. "I'm having a great time." I glanced at him.

He reached up and stroked my cheek. "Good, I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." "Are you having a nice time?"

"I'm always having a nice time when I'm with you."

Don stared at me with intense eyes, and my heart started racing. I reached up and gently wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. I did it to distract myself from his gaze, but his lips parted when I touched him, and he started breathing heavily.

The sound of the first firework exploding in the sky distracted me from his glorious face, so I gazed up to watch the first several explosions of brilliant colors.

"Wow," I whispered and turned to Don to share this with him.

He was staring at me. I wasn't sure if he ever looked away to watch the fireworks. I stayed locked on his gaze, his face glowing with the vibrant colors shooting in the sky. But the sounds of the explosions became muffled by the sound of my heart crashing in my chest.

Don reached up and gently stroked my face. We were both breathing hard. He leaned in slightly, glanced at my lips, and flashed his eyes to mine.

The voice in my head screamed in excitement. There would be no interruptions this time. He was finally going to kiss me. There was no doubt in my mind. It was already hot out here, but now my body felt overheated as my blood rushed in anticipation.

Don slid his hand from my face to the side of my head, his fingers reaching my hair. He put his other hand on the other side of my face, still leaning in. I wet my lips, leaving them parted. He kept his eyes on mine as he moved closer and then slowly closed them as his lips touched mine.

I could no longer hear the fireworks that I knew were exploding all around us.

Don kissed me so very softly at first, barely touching his tongue to mine. I could feel his hot breath in my mouth, and I tingled all over. As the kiss slowly became more intense, we both started gasping for air; his breath washed over me. I reached up, grabbed his arms, and clutched him closer to me. He tilted his head to the other side, kissing me passionately.

He tasted so good. There was no fantasy that could top this reality. All that mattered to me was that Don was kissing me, and it was the best experience of my life.

The last firework must have gone off because people were clapping around us.

The intensity of our kiss slowed, though our breathing did not. He slowly pulled his lips away and leaned his forehead against mine, leaving his hands on my face. We sat there for several seconds, waiting for our breathing to return to normal. I was still clinging to his arms; I felt like I would fall back if I let go of him. My body felt so feeble in his gentle embrace.

"Definitely, wow," he whispered.

I had forgotten the last thing I said was
wow
about the fireworks. I wanted to say something now, but I was still breathing too heavily. I just nodded gently.

I slowly released my hands from his arms and took a deep breath to try and steady myself. Don moved his head so that he could look me in the eyes.

"You are so beautiful."

I tried to smile, but my lips trembled too much. I shook all over, and I hoped he wouldn't notice.

People were walking around, leaving the park, and I realized Chloe must be nearby. I glanced to the side, and there she was. She and Zach were standing about twenty feet away, giving us some privacy. She knew what we'd been doing because when my eyes met hers, she grinned.

Don watched me, but when I sighed, he followed my gaze. "I guess they're waiting for us."

"Yeah," I breathed.

He helped me up, and we walked over to Chloe and Zach. "Did you two enjoy the show?" she asked teasingly.

"It was magical," Don said, and I could feel his eyes on me. I just nodded at Chloe.

"Zach's taking me home. I'll see you later."