Chapter Nine
KYRA
I owe Ares everything.
The thought should have my stomach sinking. One week ago, it would’ve. Now? It’s quite the opposite. Over the last week, something changed. It’s almost like we’re friends. This is good. It should be. He’s my stepbrother after all.
Looking back on it, Ares never felt like one. He’s six years older than me and I’ve grown up with him in my life. Our relationship never seemed like siblings, though. Friends? Definitely. Family? Absolutely. His entire family has felt like an extension of mine.
Selene was like a mother figure growing up. I needed that. When she became my stepmom, it was like a missing piece clicked into place. It was seamless. Apollo is eight years older than me, he always seemed like a brother to me. There was something about him that made me think of him in that way, maybe how he carried himself. It was his mannerisms and personality.
But never Ares.
Maybe it’s the silly crush I had on him when I was younger. A way my brain put him in a category all of his own. I shake the thought from my head. He’s just come back into my life. I can’t let a crush come back too, it would ruin the progress we’ve made.
I focus on the books around me. While some of them I’d initially pulled for my paper were helpful, nothing was as insightful as a few of the hidden gems he suggested. My computer screen is open to images of where the first games were held. It’s my phone that holds my attention. Ares keeps sending me pictures.
Me: I can’t believe you were actually there.
Ares: (inserts another selfie in Olympia with columns behind him)
Me: I really hope I get the spot for this summer.
Ares: Even if you don’t, I’ll take you.
I freeze. He can’t be serious. He’ll just take me?
Ares: I’m always traveling for DGE. It wouldn’t be a big deal to bring you along.
Ares: Kyra?
Kyra: This is a joke right?
Ares: I’ve got a few connections of my own.
Kyra: Speaking of connections . This is the week.
Ares: I’m aware. I’ll be flying back to the states tomorrow.
Ares left the day after my party, just like he said he would when he arrived at the beach house. It’s weird to think it was just a week ago, and yet so much has happened. Spring break went by in a blur, and as ready as I am to get back to my classes tomorrow, I want more time with him.
We were close once, friends. At least, it felt like it to me, when I was a little girl. After Ares left the party, I didn’t want to celebrate anymore. My spring break felt like it ended. I didn’t bother leaving the beach house until it was time to fly back for school.
My party was great, outside of the whole Ryan fiasco. I was still processing that. Something about it was bothering me. Was it because I didn’t cry? I feel like I should be more upset.
We dated for nearly six months and then it ended, abruptly. I was annoyed how it all seemed to come down to Ryan being upset because I wasn’t ready to go all the way with him. Was I selfish or was he just an asshole?
I let it be known early in the relationship that I was the type to take things slow, slower than he would be used to. It shouldn’t have been a surprise. Did he think I was just going to give it up because it was my birthday?
Two months into the relationship, I confessed I was still a virgin. He seemed fine with it, pleased even. The admission should’ve made it easier for him to understand why I like to take things slow.
Until Ryan, I never had a serious boyfriend. My longest relationship was a few weeks in high school. Outside of that, it was all first dates that never made it to a second. I thought college would be different. I assumed I would be going from boys to men, but I was wrong.
Ryan is three years older than me, I thought he was mature. Mostly because he’s older than me. I’ve been around boys my age, they definitely—aren’t. The idea of someone older than me, it seemed like a good idea.
I shake my head. I can’t believe I honestly thought someone a few years older would be better. If only it were that easy. At this rate, I’ll probably remain a virgin my whole life.
If I die a virgin, I’m going to be pissed.
I should’ve let it happen when I was younger. Then, it wouldn’t feel like an even bigger deal now. In prep school, Beth and I had agreed that we should get that stuff over with. She did. I didn’t. Once we started college, she told me I might as well wait until the right person came along. I was starting to doubt it. Mr. Perfect would never come along.
My phone buzzes next to me on the table, I grab it expecting Ares to have sent another message.
Ryan: Can we talk.
Ryan: Please.
“Please,” his voice comes behind me softly.
I keep my face straight, close my computer, and cross my arms. “Have a seat.”
“Can we go somewhere more private?”
“Let’s keep things pleasant. I’m not in the mood to be yelled at again,” I speak softly.
“I’m sorry.” He walks around the table and sits down across from me. “I’d been drinking, but that’s no excuse. Let me fix things, please.”
I search his eyes and feel nothing. No hate or anger. But no butterflies either. Ryan doesn’t make my heart skip a beat. The comfort I once felt for him, that’s not even there anymore.
Looking at Ryan, I realize we weren’t meant to last. Our interests were similar, thanks to history and Greek life. But outside of that, nothing. I understand that some relationships are temporary, serving only to teach us a lesson. This was one for me.
“I think you were coming from a place of honesty.” I sit up in the old wooden chair a little straighter. “I think our relationship stopped flowing a while ago. It turned into more of a friendship. That’s why I wasn’t ready.”
He looks defeated. It makes me feel a little bad for the guy, but I can’t help how I feel either. “I’d like to be your friend, Kyra. I do enjoy spending time with you. I’m sorry for being such an asshole that night. You didn’t deserve it.”
“I appreciate the apology. As far as being friends, I think I may need some time. You might too. School comes first after all, and we both have important papers and projects we’re working on.” I offer a reassuring smile.
Ryan grins. “You’re right. Hey, if we have time, maybe we can look at each other’s papers to help one another. I mean, if times allows.”
I nod but don’t respond.
He slowly stands. “I’ll let you get back to your research. I’m really sorry, Kyra.”
My phone buzzes again, but I wait until he’s walking away to check it.
Beth: I’m back at the house. Where are you?
Me: I’m at the library doing research for my ancient history class.
Beth: I need to stretch my body, you up for a barre class this evening before the house meeting?
Me: Yes!
Me: I’m almost finished here.
I’m not, but I know what books I want to actually checkout now. I gather the books I don’t want and move them to the cart to be put back. Then bag up my belongings and pile up the books I do want to check out.
Beth: Okay, see you in a few.
Me:
Ares: Have they sent any other messages?
Me: No. Do you know when I should expect something?
Ares: Soon.
I roll my eyes and take my bag and stack of books to check out and head back to the sorority house. Greek Row is on the other side of campus, so I drove over knowing I would probably have more than I’d want to carry all the way back.
* * *
“As you can see, there will be a mix of traditional and quirky activities planned that will last throughout the week.” I hesitate as everyone looks over the projection screen to see the list.
“How will you make sure that no two houses are hosting the same event?” Lucy, our secretary questions.
“We have an interactive document going right now with all the events that every social chair has access to.” I smile.
“What does the week itself look like?” The president, Diana, asks.
I move the cursor on my laptop and open up the mockup calendar I’m working on for the week of events. “This is my current draft, so it doesn’t have all the events yet. However, you can see the kickoff brunch, the list of events and where they are taking place, as well as the end of the events party.”
The kickoff brunch and end of events party aren’t something that have been shared with the rest of the group yet. The excitement on their faces tells me they’re getting even more anxious.
“All of the houses are excited to go all out with themes. Even some student clubs outside of Greek life are asking how to get involved. The logistics are still being worked out, but it’s going to be great.” I don’t bother mentioning how the Gammas social chair, Max, is helping me work out a ticketed audience system. “I’ve got a meeting with some of the other social chairs later this week before our meeting with the Dean next Monday.”
“This all sounds great, Kyra. Thank you for the report.” Diana stands up from her seat.
I un-link my laptop from the screen and move to take a seat. The rest of the meeting passes in a blur. I zone out for most of it, my mind torn between the games and my paper.