Page 121 of Lost

“This isn’t like any vision I’ve had before. There’s something wrong with my eyes!” Aphrodite tripped and almost fell.

“Here, hold onto me.” Kevin wrapped her arm through his. “Oh, shit! Your eyes. They look like they’re filling with blood!”

“Goddess! If I collapse—if Neferet realizes I’m having some kind of strange vision, there is no way she’ll let me leave. And I don’t want to tell her whatever I’m going to see—I don’t want to tell her ever again! Help me. Please.”

“I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay. Do you have sunglasses in that purse?”

“I—uh—yes. In the big middle pocket.”

Kevin took the purse from her and grabbed the Chanel box, opening it and putting the dark glasses on her face. “Now hang onto me. Don’t let go. I won’t let you fall.”

“P-people will see me holding onto you. They’ll talk.”

“It’ll be fine. It’ll be like I’m escorting you. You can make up something hateful to say about how I failed miserably at it because of how bad I smelled.” As he spoke he kept them moving forward, practically carrying her now.

“Kevin! Oh, Goddess! It’s bad. Everything is turning red! I can’t see anything!” she sobbed softly.

“Close your eyes. I’ve got you. We’re almost there.” Kevin propelled them forward as quickly as possible. “Turn your head to the right, like you’re looking out of the window. Now!” he whispered urgently. She did and he breathed a small sigh of relief as a group of curious fledglings approached them on his left. Kevin stood tall, squared his shoulders, and skewered each of the young House of Night students with his best terrifying red vampyre glare.

They hastily looked away, barely noticing Aphrodite.

Then they were outside, and he slid his arm around Aphrodite’s waist as her knees crumbled. He punched the red button and a black town car just in front of them bleeped. Half carrying, half dragging, he got her to the car, threw open the door, and gently helped Aphrodite lay inside across the luxurious black leather seat. He tossed the suitcase in the trunk, got behind the wheel, put the car in gear, and drove as quickly as he could without throwing gravel all over the school.

“Aphrodite? Are you okay back there? What can I do?”

“Get me to the Resistance.” She spoke between great, wrenching sobs. “I—I just saw what Neferet’s planning at the football game tomorrow!”