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Fun fact: Cleopatra was married to her two brothers.
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Vomiting blood is not what I would call fun, or enjoyable. The metallic taste was grisly, and the pungent smell was making the urge to puke increase. I lifted my braids up so they will not touch the vomit. When I was done I stood up straight flushing the toilet and rinsed off the horrid taste from every corner of my mouth.

Hearing the familiar footsteps of my mama coming towards the toilet door made me sigh, I was hoping I could go through this night without waking or disturbing her. When she came back earlier from her night shift I could practically feel the exhaustion ooze off her.

"Oh! My Alcmena" she said with anguish rubbing my back softly leading me out of the bathroom.

Truthfully I never liked my name. I kept wondering why my mama could not have given me a simple name, like Grace, or Faith, or even Brenda. People find it difficult to pronounce my name, or make fun of it, which can be aggravating at times. But I guess my mama really loved the name enough to give it to her child.

 My mama and I are the only ones we have as family. There's no dad, no grandma or grandpa or even uncles or aunts. But I can not complain, because I could never trade my mama for anything in this world.

Slowly helping me sit on the dining chair, she goes to get what I presume is my personal medical kit. It's in one of the cabinets in the kitchen, and I'm not joking when I say it's personally for me. She literally wrote "Alcmena's property" on it. I ask myself every time why she did it, its not as if there is anyone else that lives with us. We live in a little two-bedroom apartment, but anytime I question her about it, she just shrugs saying that 'it's better safe than sorry' but I know she just wanted to say that -  not that it explained anything though.

Lost in thought I did not notice her arrival and the syringe she had in her hand which was filled with 2ml of Darzalex.

"Alright! Bring your hand" she tapped my hand gently and cleaned the area which she wanted to insert the needle and punctured the skin pushing the drug in me. My veins became visible changing from green to purple back to green, Every time I receive the injection it burns badly and it is antagonizing.

"We're done good job Bambi, let's get you to bed okay?" I nodded already feeling drained and drowsy. Mama helped me to bed quietly coddling me in my blanket. She sat on the side of my bed running her fingers through my hair.

"Are you going to be able to go to school tomorrow?" she asked cautiously knowing how I get when I receive my drugs.

"Yes mama" she sighed in relief standing up kissing me on my forehead wishing me a good night.

As she was leaving she turned back to me.

"Should I switch off the lights Bambi?" I don't know why she still ask when she knows my answer is always the same. I nodded and she turned it off and left the room closing the door quietly.

It's ironic how I am afraid of the dark but I can not sleep with the lights on. Hmm.

Waking up with cold feet is very irritating even though I hugged the blanket with my legs tightly I could still feel the cold creeping on my skin causing goosebumps all over. The cold and I have a love hate relationship, whenever I don't need it, the cold makes an appearance but when I do need it, it bails on me and this is the moment where I do not need it.

I tilted my head to look at my wall clock showing I had an hour and forty minutes to get ready for school, now I really wished I did not tell mama I would go to school because the cold is really making me feel a little lazy.
I instantly sat up so I would not succumb to the laziness. The familiar marching of the Seleucid army was heard outside and I looked out through my window watching as they moved through every corner in the street.

The government in Greece still practice democracy but enacted an establishment to secure the safety of the people that being the Seleucid army, they monitor every activity of the people going around the country every hour surveying for danger. Most people are selected by the government when they reach the age of 20 to join the army they are not given a choice and based on the government's beliefs those people are gifted so they are chosen.

Dragging my eyes away from them I removed my clothes going to the bathroom but was interrupted by a knock.

"You up already Bambi?" I mumbled a quiet 'yes' knowing she would have heard me, I took a quick bath not wanting to feel cold I cleaned my body fast and dressed in a grey joggers and grey sweatshirt.

Going to the kitchen I noticed the table already set with breakfast so I took a seat and ate quietly. After some minutes I felt my mama kiss the side of my head.

"You had a good night sleep Alcmena?" She asked pouring herself a cup of coffee. I nodded standing up to wash my plates.

"I'll take you to school okay?".

"Ok mama, thank you for the food".  

"Thank God".

I went upstairs to pack my bag whispering thanks to God.

"I'm ready mama".

She got up rinsing her cup and we both went outside. It was really cold outside I really wonder why September was always cold.

Getting into the car I buckled my seatbelt waiting for my mama to drive, I never wanted to learn how to drive even though I had many opportunities.

"Okay, you know the drill right Alcmena. Don't talk to strangers, control your anger, don't take what people say to heart okay and don't trust anyone okay also-"

"Mama I'm 19 not 9 I can take care of myself, don't worry okay?" I know what she means but she does not have to say it everyday.

"Okay" she drove to my school and parked. She kissed my head again.

"I love you Alcmena".
"I love you too mama".

I got down from the car waving her hoping to ease her worries and went straight to to the lecture hall. I study music because why not?

 I sat down in front at the far corner close to the window as other students rushed in. The professor came in dropping his bag on his table and brought out his notes I assumed.

He cleared his throat getting the classes attention. "Good morning today we'll be looking at composition and rudiment-"

 Before he could continue the door was barged open as the Seleucid army lined into the hall, many gasps and whispers were heard because this was unseen of. The professor stuttered but was cut off. The soldiers had on a long navy blue coat with a stand collar, which had gold buttons. And a white pants to follow, along with a heavy looking black boots.

But the General, he was easy to spot. He was big looking, with rough beards. The uniform on his body made it known he was superior, while the remaining soldiers had only gold buttons on their collar and dress coat, he had red rims along the collar and wore a long dark blue coat. 

The burly man came forward with a paper in his hand. 

"I am lieutenant Homos I come in the name of the government to retrieve 7 gifted" he said almost robotic. And that got the attention of everyone.

He opened the paper calling names.
"Andrea Belarus, Robert Adonis, Cleo Rennes, Alcmena Hercule, Apollo Creed, Hector Palma and Salazar Slytherin. Please do cooperate with us and move out quietly.

I was stunned and I could only think of how mama would have a heart attack when she hears this news.

Words: 1292.