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Athanasios

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

That Night

"How many children do you plan to have, Febe?" I hear my adoptive mother, Medeia Pappakouris, ask.

For the first time since dinner began, I pay attention to something other than the food.

Honestly, I don’t know why my parents invited her. After years of trying to bring us closer, they should’ve realized there’s no chance of that happening.

"Are you getting married?" I ask the doctor, thinking that maybe I’ll finally stop hearing her sigh every time we meet at the hospital.

"I . . . uh . . . no. I think it was just a general question, wasn’t it, Medeia?"

"Of course, darling. It’s just that I was thinking, being so beautiful, your descendants would certainly leave nothing to be desired."

"Jesus Christ!" L.J. exclaims, stifling a laugh with his napkin, while William chokes on his glass of water.

"I think that before Febe considers something like that, she’d need a fiancé first, Mom."

"Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Pappakouris," L.J. says as he stands up. "Athanasios, could you come with me for a moment? There’s something I need to tell you.

"I’m not done eating."

"It’s urgent," he insists, and I get up.

"Excuse me."

When we reach the hallway, I ask, "What the hell could be so important that it couldn’t wait? I hate cold food."

"Didn’t you notice what your mom was doing?"

"What?"

"It was a hint, buddy. She’s sort of making plans for the two of you."

"That’s not happening. I’ve known Febe for years. She doesn’t spark anything in me."

"Why have you never considered her as a candidate?"

"She’s not warm. One of us being cold is enough. And I don’t like how she agrees with everything so easily, like she’s eager to please the entire world."

"If you want my advice, make things clear to your mom. This is the third time we’ve had dinner here and she’s hinted at something between you two. Tonight was even worse because it happened right in front of Febe. I know you’re not interested in her, but no woman deserves that kind of humiliation."

"I’ve never given her any hope, L.J. That’s not how I operate. If I’d ever desired her, I would’ve pursued her already."

"I know, Athanasios, but I don’t think your mom is concerned about who you desire. She just wants you to marry and give her grandchildren. I don’t think the candidate even matters to her. Why don’t you make it clear once and for all that you already have someone in mind for the 'position'?"

"I’ve never explained my life to anyone, and I’m not about to start now. However, you’re right about one thing. It’s time to set the record straight with my mom and explain there’s no chance of me marrying her friend’s daughter."

"Mom, what was the purpose of that question you asked Febe during dinner?"

My business partners and the doctor have already left, and I’m getting ready to leave as well.

My father has just retired for the night, leaving only the two of us.

"You two are of marrying age."

Out of respect, I take a deep breath before responding, trying to stay calm. "Mom, all my life, I’ve noticed the efforts you and her family have made to bring us together. I’m forty years old. Febe is a bit younger. I’ve had every opportunity to be with her, if I was interested. It never happened. It never will. She doesn’t attract me. She doesn’t spark anything in me, honestly. And your insistence is making me dislike her."

Being who she is, she doesn’t even flinch. "I’m thinking about your wellbeing."

"About what you think is my wellbeing."

"Don’t you plan to get married?"

"Yes, I do. I already have a candidate in mind, in fact."

"Oh! Who? Is she Greek? I hope you haven’t been taken in by just a pretty face. There are plenty of gold-diggers out there after our family’s fortune."

"First of all, I have my own personal fortune, so if you’re worried about your and Dad’s assets, you can rest easy."

"That’s not what I meant. I just mean you can’t base your choice solely on what you young people call ‘physical attraction.’ Family name is everything. Bloodline?—”

I stand up. "What about blood, Mom? I’m your adopted son."

"By a twist of fate. Even if I’d carried you in my own womb, you couldn’t be more perfect than you already are, son."

"Good night, Mom."

I leave the house, my head spinning.

Bringing up family takes me straight back to the past, bringing everything rushing back: the day I ran away. The day they took her from me.

I drive through Manhattan, knowing exactly where I’m headed, and when I arrive at the hospital, I head to the intensive care unit.

After changing clothes, I enter her room.

I check all her vital signs, as I’ve been doing for the past year, and mentally review the tests and surgeries she’s undergone to reassure myself that everything that could be done has been.

I move closer to the bed, trying to catch any sign of awareness on her face, but nothing happens.

A year ago, I found her after searching nearly my entire adult life.

No one knows who she is. I admitted her here under a false identity.

Until I track down every single one of those who left her in this state, I’ll never reveal the truth. I need to protect her.

"I’ll never give up on you, Mom. I’m your champion. Invincible. I’ll be your superhero."