Skyler's POV:
My mind started racing at Athena's words.
'Don't tell her.' Was my first reaction.
'Maybe I can lie to her.' The next.
But I already know that no matter what I try, one way or another she will find out. That and I can't exactly keep this up physically. I take a deep breath as I look at Athena.
Her calm figure just looks at me. She doesn't push me. Neither is she over comforting. She just sits there ready to give an objective opinion when needed.
"Alright. I guess there is no avoiding the subject anymore." I start.
Athena's expression or posture doesn't change as I search for words. When I think I found them I take a deep breath.
"The words weren't directed at me specifically. More at my father and who he was. But since I was his daughter, I automatically became a freak too." I start.
I see her raise a brow.
"I'll start at the beginning." I say.
Athena nods.
"I've always has loving parents. They cared for me and loved me as a parent should. We weren't poor and we weren't rich. Just comfortable middle class. I was a real daddy's girl. We did everything together. He was my hero and I was his princess. The real cheesy father-daughter duo you see at public events."
I let out a small chuckle, but it's not genuine. It just hurts now whenever I think of it. None of the memories bring me joy anymore...
"Could you show me what he was like?" Athena asked.
"How? It's not like I can show you my memory." I reply.
The goddess in front of me just chuckles.
"Remember last time we were here?" She questioned.
"I showed you one of my memories. You can do the same if you please. All you have to do is think about it."
"Alright, I'll try." I reply.
I focus on what I wish to show Athena and hold out my hand. At my command the image starts playing.
Flashback:
A sixteen year old Skyler riding a mountain bike with her dad.
"So, what do you say we end our father daughter day with a smoothie from Jerry's Juices?" He suggests.
A smile creeps on Skyler's face.
"You know I can't say no to that."
"Race you." Her father smirks at her.
"Way ahead of you." Skyler smirks back.
She adds weight to her pedals and speeds away, her father right behind her.
Skyler arrives first and places the mountain bike against the wall.
"Totally beat your a**."
Her laughter fills the air.
"Only because I let you angel." Her father chuckles.
"You're just saying that to make yourself feel better." Is her snarky reply.
"Hush, don't expose me."
He gives her a wink as he stomps his feet on the ground, shaking some of the mud of his shoes.
It had been a rather muddy in the forest. Perfect for mountain biking.
Skyler too stomped off some of the mud before they entered. They took of their helmets as they stepped inside.
"Hey Jerry." Her father greeted the man behind the counter.
"Chris. It's good to see you man. And you brought Skyler along I see." Jerry says with a bright smile.
"Muddy ride?"
"Oh you mean you can't tell?" Skyler asked as she gestured to her mud covered riding gear.
Their chuckle fills the shop.
"Well in that case, you guys must be thirsty." Jerry winked.
"What can I get you guys?"
"Why do you still ask?" Young Skyler, shakes her head.
"In hopes you might one day try some of my other exquisite juices. But I got your message. Banana Mana for Chris and Merry Berry for Skyler. Coming right up."
Jerry turns around and starts making the juices.
End of flashback
"Very close indeed." Athena said after the image dissapeared.
"What happened?"
The one question I've been dreading since he was gone. It doesn't matter who asks it. Talking about it just plain hurts. I want to run away right then and there.
But where would I run to? I'm in an empty void. There is litterly nowhere to go. I sigh.
"He changed. One day he just started snapping at me. At mom too. They used to be close and inseparable, but after one heated argument he slapped her across the face."
I ball my fists in my lap. I remember watching from the living room. The broken look in my mother's eyes scarred me for life.
The man she knew, cherished and loved had just slapped her. Something he'd never do.
Athena remained quiet and let her searching eyes rest on mine. I'm sure she isn't even aware of the effect they have on me.
"It was as if he was two people at once. Some days he was my hero and closest friend. Others he became distant and cold. Trying to act the same. But I could tell he was diffrent."
This caused Athena to lift a brow.
"The same but diffrent you say?" She speaks up.
I nod. I don't know how else to describe it.
"Keep going." Athena said.
"Well those 'episodes', as mom called them, kept happening. The longer the time, the more they would occur. He would hit her, start drinking. Pretty much become an abusive asshole. Sometimes it even seemed as if he was fighting himself."
Athena's eyes darkened.
"What was his voice like? During those episodes I mean."
What a question. I don't remember that well.
"Urm... I believe deep. Almost earth shaking. But hoarse? I don't know, I can barely remember."
"Mhm." Was the intellectual response I got.
"You know something don't you Athena?" I ask her.
"I do. But so do you. Continue. You'll get there."
Now it was my turn to raise a brow at Athena.