Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 1 – Three Years Later

“Do what you love. Do what you are. Do what you do.“–Matshona Dhiliwayo

Kiya

“Alright, kids! I am so happy that you all decided to spend your day in the Museum of Fine Arts! Follow me and I’ll take you to the Greek Mythology exhibit!” An enthusiastic female voice boomed over the group of third graders walking behind their teacher. Noticing a couple of stragglers that were ‘too cool for school‘ mingling at a distant corner, I gathered the kiddos to encourage them to join the group. As the second chaperone on the field trip, I couldn’t afford any student to get lost.

It was the last field trip of the year before the official end of the school year. The students were just

just as excited as I was to start our summer vacation; proof of their lack of effort in turning in their final assignments. It was expected, of course. A sharp burst of cool air washed over us from the residential air conditioners, providing relief after boarding off the hot school bus. With my hands in my skirt pockets, I walked behind the students as we were led down a hallway decorated with art pieces and portraits of the museum’s founders.

“Miss Kiya.” I looked down to see one of my students slowing her steps to match mine. “How long do you think this tour is?”

“Well, Lesley, it should be less than an hour, give or take.” I poked her shoulder with a grin. “Don’t tell me you’re tired already!”

“I’m not!” Lesley puffed out her cheeks in defiance. “I was wondering how long it would be until lunch.”

“Not to worry. We’re going to feed you all on time, I promise. Now, pay attention. You might learn something. This beats sitting in a classroom all day, right?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Our tour guide, Deborah, let us through a populous area filled with families and college students studying art pieces and historical galleries, posing for pictures, and reading information on display plaques. Cultural exhibits of all sorts were hidden beyond the many hallways that we have yet to explore, but I was excited. My heart ached at the prospect of leaving my students for the summer, but a year as their success coach proved to be an enjoyable endeavor.

It solidified my desire to work with children once I apply for graduate school.

A couple of minutes later, Deborah led us into the Greek mythology exhibit, where there were already a couple of families gazing at display cases filled with clothing, jewelry, and statues. A feeling of familiarity captured my heart and embraced it in a warm hug as I spared glances of the many statues marveled by the children’s

eyes.

“Back in ancient times, the Grecian people held a firm belief that the gods of Mount Olympus watched over their land. They were responsible for their blessings and sometimes, their curses. As you can see in these display cases, they carved many of the marble statues in the likings of those gods and goddesses, and when you read their information plaque, you can learn more about them. Warriors fought in battle; they made offerings in sacred temples–their way of life followed their praises in their deities.

“But it is all just a story, right?” One student asked. “We learned in class that this is folklore! That means the

stories aren’t true, right?”

Ch. dear Samuel If only you knew…

“They were true to the Grecians. It was part of their belief system so anything good or bad that happene they tributed to the gods. For example, they believed that Goddess Demeter caused the seasons we know today because her daughter, Goddess Persephone, lived in the Underworld with her mudband for half a year The fall and winter signaled that Persephone was no longer with on and was caused by Demens cadan But, when the returned. Demeter was happy again and that the spring and summer happened”

“But we don’t know if that is true, though. It is a myth Just like how ghosts and werewshes don’t e Samuel added with his pessimism.

es, they are 1 sew videos on the name friend. Bran, romed with a shoulder nudge. Those neo fell into a loud banter until I had to break it up. It reminded me just how much the humans don’t show about tha existence of whe may bride in the shadows, in the woods, and so on.

I’d be skeptical too if I didn’t shit into a white wolf every other day

“Alright, alingis” Deborah laughed

do want to stick to the schedule, so you kiddos mane ten minute to

indoor

Ask your chaperones or me if you have

in a page of muted comversation spreading to various

I

of students roles around

over my form. While mones depicted cam got in their unique way. I couldn’t help but

for humor? Or are

and me?

of

wide gi rested on my when I

She looked beauti

touch her

a glass care, but security

ன்

I wanted

reached up inching closer to my

touch…to be closer to

eyemws, shalling

I blinked and furrowed head from the fantastical

head to meer Ms. Dat hape

I realized how

Chapter 1–Three Years Later

to my pockets to feel the telltale bump of my

yes… I’m alright.” I muttered, nodding. “I just… ah… do you

right when you leave from the entrance. Are you

back.” With fire licking at my heels, I bolted out of the exhibit and into the bathroom. By the grace of my goddess, it was empty. I walked to the mirror and gripped the sink counter, staring hard at my reflection. I did not know what came over me

kicked out and fined, of course. I

towel.

intentions of returning to my kiddos. But, similar to the pull I had toward Goddess Selene’s statue, I had that same pull to another part of the exhibit,

bronze decorating every

was the Egyptian

in the silence as I looked around, being the only person in the exhibit. I lacked a connection with Egypt and its history, but it interested me

hope he and his family are doing

across a game board depicting a coiled snake divided into rectangular depressions. Blue, green,

its name came from the snake god who wrapped around Ra to protect him during his nightly journey into the underworld.” I smirked. “I guess

waking up from her nap. “You should get back to your students before Ms.

been

you work. You do enough thinking for the both of 1s.” She laughed. “Plus, there is no reason for me

over. You won’t be sleeping much when we get

why I’m taking advantage of nap time, now.” Artemis sighed in content. “Get back to your

– Three

isn’t

heavy sarcasm. My ears picked up chatter coming from the long corridor leading to the gallery, taking it as my cue to leave. But, as I walked toward the exit, the chatter died

out, bathing

with a trembling voice. Instantly, Artemis