AMBROSIA

MORTAL WOMEN & IMMORTAL MEN

1| Mortal Women & Immortal Men

" ERICA DID YOU CHECK on Mrs. Reyes' chart yet? She's becoming a pain in my ass and I'm afraid I'll slip her some eszopiclone in her damn coffee the next time I see her," The woman stated in annoyance as soon as she walked out of room 45 C ,where the most insufferable patient is currently staying.

Rhea stifled in a laugh as she handed the chart to her colleague. " Better get in there Erica before Sanchez blows up," she giggled. She chuckled and shook her head as she grabbed the charts.

" Doctor Castenano?" Rhea whipped her head back only to see a small girl staring up at her in awe.

She smiled as she heard her pronounce her name wrong and crouched down to level with her. " Hey sweetie,what's up?"

The girl gave her a toothless grin, her big wide brown eyes staring up at her in wonder made her heart melt. " Thankyou for saving my mommy. I made you this when mommy was sleeping. I hope you like it," she stated as she handed the woman a small card.

Rhea gave the girl a huge grin as she wrapped her in a hug.  " Aw thank you sweetie, is your mommy up yet?"

The child shook her head. " The nurses said she'll wake up soon though. "

" Oh, well I think you better get there before she wakes up so that when she does, your pretty face will be the first thing she'll see, " she said poking her small button nose.

The girl giggled and swatted her handed. " Ok, I hope you like your gift," the child stated before skipping over to her mother's room.

" Doctor Castellano you're needed in Room 27 B. "

Rhea sighed and placed the letter in her pocket for safe keeping before walking towards the room.

[♢]

RHEA CASTELLANO BREATHED in the fresh Winter air surrounding her. November was always one of her favorite months, it was cold, dark and you can stay under the fluffy covers to stay warm. She clutched her hot chocolate with her cool hands and sighed in content as the warm cup soothed her numb fingers.

" You know if you stay out here too long, you'll freeze to death," a voice mused from behind her.

She turned around only to be met by a handsome young gentleman with beautiful tan skin. " Hello to you too Henrik," she greeted.

He flashed her his pearly whites along with a small wave. " Hello Princess. "

She rolled her eyes at the nickname and walked towards him. The cool air she felt only seconds ago had vanished as soon as she had gotten closer to him. It always seemed to baffle her every time but never really questioned him about it.

" Shall we go in?" she asked, gesturing to his house.

He nodded and led her in. Just like the owner, the house was warm, almost as if it was summer. She took off her coat and made herself at home.

She met Henrik 4 years ago at the hospital. He was a classmate of hers back when she was in college. As soon as she found him they became the best of friends. Henrik was a charming gentleman that would light up the whole room with his smile. He was unusually protective of her and would literally scare away any guys that would approach her. She didn't really mind since she never really focused on relationships, and instead focused on medicine.

" So how was work?" he asked as he plopped himself beside her on his beige sofa.

She shrugged. " Oh you know, the typical sick patients with terrible personalities and kids who claim to be sick to get out of school. "

He chuckled. " So it was a good day then? "

She laughed, playing along. " You could say that. "

After their small chat they decided to watch a movie. Rhea volunteered to make the popcorn while Henrik chose a movie.

" What about Insidious? " he called from the living room.

" I've seen all three chapters. Pick something else. ", she called back as she opened the steaming bag of buttery popcorn. He sighed and went back to flicking through Netflix.

Suddenly, a knock sounded through the house, signalling them both that there was somebody at the door.

" I'll get it," Henrik volunteered before she could open her mouth.

She then proceeded to place the delicious goodness into a bowl. She hummed to herself as she carefully carried the bowl to the living room. She furrowed her eyebrows as she heard Henrik argue with somebody else. Curiosity got the best of her as she decided to stop walking and hide behind the door to eavesdrop.

" She's not ready! You tell him she still doesn't know anything about us-"

" Oh yeah sure! Sorry Zeus but Mr. Sunshine over here is being a little b***h about the whole situation. Maybe you could postpone-"

" I'm not being a b***h! I'm just trying to protect her from this curse."

" You've protected her long enough Apollo-"

" Not long enough! She needs more time-"

Rhea took in a deep breath as she listened to their conversation. Her heart was beating erratically, the bowl of popcorn didn't seem as appetizing anymore as her shaky hands gripped it with all her might. Zeus? Apollo? They were Greek Gods. She knew that from the amount of research papers she did in high school. One thing she also learned was that they don't exist.

She slowly took a step back, not wanting them to find out she heard their conversation. But alas, luck was not on her side today. The wooden floors creaked as her foot placed pressure on them. She mentally cursed to herself as she heard them cease their conversation.

" You must be Rhea Castellano. "

She yelped in fright, making her drop her bowl of popcorn. She turned around and saw a man, a really good looking man with brunette hair and dark brown eyes. He wore a pair of sneakers and an ACDC t-shirt. He looked like he didn't have a care in the world with a goofy smile plastered on his perfect face.

She blinked in shock. " H-How did you? I t-thought you...b-but how?" she stuttered as her shaky hands did some kind of weird hand motion.

The man grinned. " I apologize for startling you, darling. I didn't mean to," he stated, flashing her his pearly white teeth.

" Hermes! " Henrik scolded as he entered the room. He saw the pieces of popcorn scattered across his living room floor.

She snapped her head back at her friend. " Hermes?" she said baffled. " Henrik, who is he and what the hell is going on?!" she snapped, her honey golden eyes darting between her friend and the handsome stranger.

" Yes A-Henrik...tell her exactly what's going on.", Hermes stated in a bored tone, his arms crossed as he leaned on the door-frame.

Henrik looked back between the woman and his friend before sighing. " Rhea...this...this is Hermes," he said pointing at the man. The baffled woman looked over at ' Hermes ' furrowed brows as he waved childishly at her.

He stuck his hand out for her to shake. " I'm Hermes, Greek God of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings, guide to the Underworld and of course the messenger of the gods, " he introduced, ignoring the strange look on her face.

Rhea blinked rapidly she tried to understand what the actual f**k was happening. She didn't know how to react and what to do when a certain ' God ' comes to visit her. Was he really a God? Is she hallucinating? Was she even awake?

A loud painful slap echoed throughout the house. Henrik stared at the woman in shock, while the latter cradled her numb hand with a pained look plastered on her face.

" Ow! What the f—what the hell is your face made of?!" she hissed as she cradled her injured hand.

The God of trade rubbed his red cheek. " You know if I was a mortal I probably would've been knocked out cold. You'll be perfect for him! " he grinned.

" Him?" she questioned, trying ignore the searing pain on her wrist. She may or may not have broken it.

He nodded. " Well if you mean Ar-"

" Not now Hermes, please..." Henrik sighed. " Απλά δώσε μου λίγο χρόνο να το εξηγήσω όλα αυτά..." he pleaded in his native tongue making the woman stare at him in shock. (Just give me some time to explain all of this to her)

Hermes sighed. " Καλύτερα να βιάσεις τον Απόλλωνα, ο πατέρας δεν είναι ασθενής" he replied before leaving them both for some privacy. (You better hurry Apollo, father isn't a patient man)

Once Hermes left the room, Rhea faced her friend with a deadly glare. The God visibly gulped as he took a step back.

" Rhea I can explain-"

" Oh you better explain what the f**k just happened Henrik before I murder you!"