Page 61 of Charmed By Apollo

“Oh, please. I just couldn’t resist the chance to see your lovely faces,” she retorted, playfully rolling her eyes. “But speaking of Geri, she has been a bit…hmm, shall we say, prickly lately.”

Geri looked up from arranging some fall-themed succulents nearby and shot them both a mock glare. “Hey, I heard that! I’m standing right here, you know.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Adonis chuckled, surrendering his hands. “We’re just worried about you, Geri. You’ve been a bit more thorny than usual.”

Geri sighed dramatically but couldn’t hide the hint of amusement in her expression. “Alright, alright, I admit it. I’ve been a bit off lately. But it’s nothing a little plant therapy and some good company can’t fix.”

“Ah, yes. That’s what her life is all about now—plants,” he said, dodging the plant stake that Geri threw at him.

“You two are ridiculous,” Persephone said as she slipped on her coat. “Alright, let’s go on a coffee run, Geri. Adonis, you’re in charge!” she declared, winking at him.

Adonis saluted dramatically, a grin spreading across his face. “You got it, boss! I’ll hold down the fort.”

Persephone and Geri stepped out of the shop, where the cool fall air greeted them, tinged with the promise of a fresh start. The street was alive with fall colors, leaves swirling in the gentle breeze as people went about their day.

Geri took a deep breath, letting the crisp air invigorate her senses. “It’s a beautiful day,” she remarked, turning to Persephone with a grateful smile. I wonder what this is about?

Persephone nodded in agreement. “Indeed, it is. And who knows, maybe a little caffeine will work wonders for you,” she teased, nudging Geri.

She rolled her eyes but didn’t suppress a chuckle. “You never know. Coffee has been known to perform miracles,” she conceded, falling into step beside her friend as they made their way down the street. Okay, she’s definitely here for a reason.

Persephone glanced at Geri as they walked. “So, how have you been holding up? I feel like we haven’t really had a chance to catch up since you got back from Mary’s funeral.”

Geri’s stomach twisted with guilt as she forced a smile. “Yeah, it’s been a bit hectic,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light.

Persephone raised an eyebrow, her gaze penetrating. “Hectic how?” she pressed gently.

Geri hesitated, her mind racing. She knew she couldn’t exactly spill the beans about Apollo and their recent adventures. “Oh, you know, just the usual post-funeral and plant shop stuff,” she replied vaguely, hoping to brush off the topic.

Guilt lingered in the back of her mind. She knew she was keeping secrets from her friend, and it weighed heavily on her conscience. But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the present moment as they made their way through the crowd.

Persephone stopped walking all of a sudden, her expression serious as she turned to face her. “I saw your grandmother in the Underworld,” she blurted out, her words hanging heavy in the air. “She seems happy.”

Geri’s heart skipped a beat, her mind struggling to process the unexpected revelation. “My…grandmother?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the street.

Persephone nodded, her gaze unwavering. “Yes, she ended up in the Asphodel Meadows,” she confirmed. “I saw her during one of my walks, and she spoke of you fondly, Geri.”

Geri’s breath caught in her throat, a rush of emotions flooding through her as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of what Persephone was telling her. “How is she?” she managed to ask, her voice trembling. She was glad her grandmother was at the Asphodel Meadows; it was a wonderful place, and the souls living there were very happy.

“She started her own community garden,” Persephone said with a fond smile crossing her features.

“Ah, yes. That sounds like her.”

Persephone reached out to hold her hand. “Geri,” she began, her tone soft yet resolute, “I can bring you to the Underworld to speak with your grandmother. If you want.” Her voice held a gentle gravity as she made her offer, her eyes conveying both understanding and determination.

Geri felt her breath catch in her throat at the unexpected suggestion. “Y-you can do that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart racing with the possibility of seeing her grandmother again.

Persephone nodded. “Yes. As Queen of the Underworld, I have the power to bring you there. And Hades has given you permission to speak to Mary.”

Geri’s heart raced at the prospect; hope and uncertainty flooded her thoughts. Why didn’t she even think of that? She knew Hades didn’t have the power to bring the dead back to life, but he could allow anyone into his realm. “Oh, P, that would be amazing. Thank you!” She had longed to have one last conversation with her beloved grandmother. “I’ve felt so lost without her.”

“Are you ready to go now?”

“Yes,” she said immediately but then remembered the plant shop. “Should we go to the shop and tell Adonis?”

“Oh, right,” Persephone giggled. “I’ll text him, don’t worry about it.”

The air around them seemed to hum with energy as Geri stood beside Persephone, her heart pounding with anticipation and trepidation. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead, and met Persephone’s steady gaze with determination.

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