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“No mission is so important that it excuses upsetting a beautiful, fearsome creature such as yourself. Take this rose as apology and delight that its magnificence pales in comparison to yours.”
“Word for word,” she cried. “Twenty-two years of life, no guy had ever spoken to me like that. No guy had ever spoken to any woman like that.”
“You were hooked on him from that minute.”
She sniffed. “I was certainly very curious about the lost-in-time flower thief that I had to know more about him and where he nicked a million-dollar rose. I had to drag him out of there and away from the police, but when we found a safe spot, we got to talking and never stopped. I was so caught up with him that it wasn’t until the sun set that I realized I never made it to my interview, and I couldn’t care less. I already had what I’d been waiting all those years for.”
My lids grew heavy, gazing at the dagger nestled in its bed. “I wish I got to know him.”
“I wish that too, my little warrior. Every day.” She squeezed me tight. “There were so many things he wanted to share with you. So much he wanted to teach. It was important to him that you knew where you came from. It’s important to me too, of course, but all this time, I didn’t know how to explain. Not in a way that made any sense.”
Frowning, I pulled back. “Mom, what are you talking about?”
Sighing, she got to her feet. “Aella, there’s something I need to tell you about your dad and where he’s from.”
“About Greece? What about it?”
“Okay, first, he’s not from Greece— Well, I mean, he kind of is.” She paced the area beside the coffee table, rubbing her temples. “He was raised in Grecian culture, but his home isn’t technicallygeographicallylocated in Greece. Do you understand?” she asked, spinning on me.
“Uh... no.”
“It’s like Greece, but it’s not Greece. You could call it New Greece, or maybe Old Greece would make more sense,” she said, tossing her head. “But it’s not called Old Greece. It’s called Olympia.”
I stared at her.
“Ugh, what I’m trying to say is that your father is from Olympia.”
“Okay,” I drew out. “My dad’s from Olympia. What about it?”
“Thatitis what everything’s about.” Bending down, she took my hand in hers. “When I was pregnant with you, your dad and I didn’t know if you’d be like me or like him, but from the second you were born, we knew you were your father’s daughter in every way. I always thought he’d be here to explain everything to you...” She dropped her head on our hands.
“How do I even begin to make this make sense for you when it barely made sense to me when he first told me? I mean, he had undeniable proof and I still freaked out. I thought I was losing my mind or imagining things. I ran away from him!”
She was babbling now. I could barely keep up. “Mom,” I cried, grasping her shoulders. “Just slow down and start from the beginning. Whatever it is, I promise I won’t freak out and run away.”
I thought the joke would lighten the mood, but Mom just looked at me like she was going to cry.
“I’m so sorry, Aella. I should’ve told you this sooner, but when’s a good day to turn someone’s life upside down? To tell them everything they think they know of the world is wrong?”
My smile dimmed. “Are you about to tell me I’m adopted or dying or something?”
“No,” she cried. “Nothing like that. You are one hundred percent mine and completely healthy. This isn’t scary news, Aella, it’s just... life-changing.”
“Mom, please, stop dragging this out and tell me. What I’m starting to imagine can’t be worse than the truth. I’m ready,” I said firmly. “What is it about Dad that I don’t know?”
Taking a deep breath, she let it out slow. “Aella, Olympia is not like other places, and your dad wasn’t like anyone you’ve ever known. He was a—”
Thud.
Mom twisted as I did—both of us flicking to the door leading into the shop.
“A flowerpot must’ve fallen over,” I said. “Go on, Mom. What were you saying?”
“Uh... right.” She shook her head, turning back to me. “Your father was very special, baby. All these flowers and plants that have brightened our days and given us a livelihood? They all came from him. They were his gift. His pow—”
Thud.
The noise sounded again, and that time much closer to the door.
