Gabriel & Athena, Book One: Fate (A Wattpad Featured Story)

CHAPTER 11: TRUTH OR DARE

Chapter Soundtrack - Chapter 11: "Elsewhere" by Sarah McLachlan

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            I stared at him, trying to keep my breathing even.  "I think our options are kind of limited," I finally said.

            "I wouldn't say that," he smirked.  "All we have to do is be a little creative."

            "Really?" I replied cautiously, almost afraid to know what he was thinking.  "What exactly did you have in mind?"

            "We could play a game," he suggested, his voice calculating.

            "Uh...well I didn't see any board games lying around.  All there seems to be are those books over there," I said, gesturing towards the bookshelf.

            "Yeah, I saw those too, and don't even think about going to grab one.  Call me selfish, but I want all of your attention tonight."

            "You don't have to worry," I said softly.  "It's yours."  Again, silence enveloped us. 

            Gabe was the first to say something next.  "I was actually thinking we could play truth or dare."

            "Truth or dare?" I repeated.

            "C'mon, it'll be fun.  We'll get to know more about each other and it'll make the time pass quicker."  He turned to look out the window.  "It looks like we might be here awhile."

            I didn't know why I was hesitating.  It's not like I had anything to hide.  I had already told Gabe everything about Jackson and aside from that humiliating experience my life had been pretty uneventful.  What did I have to lose?  "Okay, let's play."

            "Great!" He flashed a devastating smile my way.  "I'll start.  Truth or dare?"

            "Truth," I said.

            "Why did your parents name you Athena?"

            "Oh no," I moaned.  "Can I pass on this one?"

            "Why?"

            "Because it's really embarrassing.  Please don't make me answer," I pleaded.

            "Well, you could always take the dare," he said in a sinister voice.

            I contemplated both choices for a moment and made my decision.  "My mother was the one who chose the name Athena.  Despite what you initially assumed, I wasn't named after the Greek goddess.  I was named after the Greek heiress."

            "Wait a minute," he interrupted.  "Are you telling me you were named after Athina Roussel, Aristotle Onassis's granddaughter?"

            I cringed as I continued.  "Yes.  My mother thought it sounded very exotic and there was something about maybe someday it would bring me similar good fortune.  I don't know."

            He erupted into laughter.  "Wow, your mother sounds like a very interesting lady."

            "Interesting is one way to describe her," I chuckled.

            "I think your name suits you.  Don't you like it?" he asked, his laughter fading.

            "Hey, one question at a time.  I believe it's my turn now.  Truth or dare?"