Greek Gods As Neighbors

-Raquel-

The Wi-Fi Password is the beginning of it all. I know that sounds silly and insignificant, but today your Wi-Fi passcode is worth more than anything else you possess. Add wireless technology to the internet and it becomes a way of feeding your addiction. Many people would rather remain inside than lose their Wi-Fi. In order to prove the value of Wi-Fi I'd like to tell you a tale about my next door neighbors, the Hidalgos. We don't talk to our neighbors. My mother, who was carrying me at the time of her immigration to America from Mexico. Since arriving in the small town of North Carolina, she has struggled. As I grew up, she showed me her triumphs and defeats. Her efforts and perseverance were evident. She is an incredible woman, who has everyone's admiration. She has no trouble socializing, except with the Hidalgos. Why? They're rich and obnoxious.

Sofia Hidalgo and her family consist of Juan Hidalgo and Artemis Ares and Apolo. They were clearly obsessed with Greek mythology. How are the kids doing at school? You're not the only person who noticed these names. It's possible that you are wondering how I can know so many things about someone if we never speak.

Ares Hidalgo is the name of both Ares and his first-name.

Imagined hearts are floating around me as I sigh.

I've been spending a lot time looking at Ares, even though he doesn't attend my school. He goes to an expensive private school. It's safe to say that I have had a huge crush on Ares for years. When I was eight, I first saw him with a ball playing in his yard. He was the only member of his immediate family I had seen.

My crush on him has naturally diminished over time because I have never spoken to him. Not even a glance has been exchanged. He has never noticed me, even if I look at him dumbfounded.

Wi-Fi can not only connect our devices but also bridge the worlds.

Imagine Dragons is playing in my room while I remove my shoes and sing. Just got back from my summer work, I am exhausted. My mother, who is eighteen years old, says that she has more energy than me. She's absolutely right. Rocky mimics my stretching and yawning by extending his feet. It's true, dogs do become like their owner. Rocky is the dog version of me. He even sometimes mimics my facial movements.

I am drawn to the positive posters that are all over my bedroom. It's my dream to become a psychologist who helps people. Because I can't afford college, I really hope to receive a scholarship.

The sun is setting and I am walking to the window to enjoy it. My favorite part of the day. It's my favorite time of day. They seem to have made a pact to never meet but share the sky. The view from my room on the 2nd floor is amazing.

When I open the curtains in my bedroom, the first thing that surprises me is not the beautiful sunset but rather the man sitting on the lawn of my neighbor: Apolo Hidalgo. Since I last saw anyone from that family, it's been quite a while.

Apolo, the youngest brother of three, is sixteen years old. His older brothers are not as nice. He is sixteen years old. All three of their brothers have a beautiful face. Their father has a good look. Apolo shares his father's innocence-inducing face, with light brown hair and amber colored eyes.

While leaning against the window, I stare directly at him. He is typing on a laptop.

Raquel, where are you manners? In my head, I hear my mother scolding.

What should I do?

He's definitely your future in-law. I say to myself. It's a gamble, so I put my best smile on and clear my throat.

My hand is in the air as I say, "Good morning, neighbor!" Apolo's face is stretched in shock as he looks up.

His laptop falls to the floor. He mumbles "Shit!" before picking up the laptop and checking it.

As I notice his laptop, it is a high-end brand. Apolo lets out a relief sigh. "Yeah, it's fine."

"I'm Raquel, I'm your neigh--"

He interrupts, "I know you." I grin at him. Apolo must have seen that I was there.

Sure, I mutter knowing that my cheeks have been reddened.

The guy gets up from his seat. Hey, thank you for providing the Wi-Fi password. The new installation will take a couple of days, so we'll be without Internet for that period. You're incredibly generous to share.

"I froze. Share my internet? You're talking about sharing my internet with you, therefore that's the reason you're in my yard. "The signal does not reach your residence."

when did you ask me?" but I never gave you a password. . "Confusion hardly permits me to talk..

Oh regarding that Ares informed me you shared it with him he say's

When I heard Ares' name, my heart began to quiver. If I'd talked to your brother, I could recall every detail.

Apolo's cheeks begin to become crimson as he appears aware that there is something wrong. Ares claimed that you handed him the password. This is why I am here. I'm sorry, genuinely."

Relax, you're not at blame.

How can he know the password if you did not provide it to him? "I just connected to your Internet."

"I don't know."

It won't be repeated. "I apologize again," he adds, his head bent, as he goes back to his house.

What was it all about? Was it all for? What is Ares doing with my Wi-Fi Password? Ares, the handsomest of the brothers, is also the one who begs for the fewest favors. It's becoming a mystery. The Wi-Fi Password Mystery. The thought makes me snort. Closing the window, leaning against it and biting my lips.

Apolo knows my humiliating password. What is Ares' password?

"Raquel hurry downstairs supper is ready!

"I'm coming, Mom!"

Before I head downstairs, I peek back at the Hidalgos home. It's not done.

How Ares gained my password will be the next thing I do. This will be my own personal crime scene investigation. I'm getting pumped up!

"Raquel!"

"I'm coming!"

I smirk.

Project Wi-Fi password: enabled

I hate being disturbed when sleeping; it's one of my major pet peeves. While most days I am quite peaceful and quiet, when woken up by an unfamiliar tune it can bring out my darker side and I can only grunt in irritation. Sleepless and frustrated, I turn over in bed, attempting to cover my head with my pillow; but the damage is done and I cannot fall back asleep.

Infuriated by this development, I toss aside the pillow and sit up quickly while muttering profanities - where is this sound coming from?! Who could possibly be making noise at midnight?! Not even the weekend has begun yet and I shamble to my open window with an open curtain to feel the cool breeze coming through and giving me chills. While sleeping with the window open was never an issue before now, suddenly there were noises during the night: Mana's "Rayando El Sol". Tilting my head to one side, I parted curtains to see where it came from - there's someone sitting on one of Hidalgos' small chairs outside their yard.

But this time around it's not Apolo.

My heart flutters as I recognize Ares! My excitement skyrockets.

Ares is one of the most attractive men I've ever met - and believe me, I've seen my share! He stands tall and athletic with muscled legs and an ass to die for. His face has perfect proportions - high cheekbones, beautiful nose and full lips that appear wet constantly. His upper lip forms an arch that recalls the top of a drawn heart, while his lower lip bears a nearly imperceptible piercing. When I see his eyes, they take my breath away - deep blue with an unexpected flash of bright green. Ares is an intriguing character. His jet black hair stands out against his creamy white skin, falling carelessly across his forehead and ears. He sports an impressive tattoo of a curvy dragon on his left arm which seems professionally done; everything about Ares exudes mystery and danger but instead draws me in like a magnet.

I find myself taken aback by an unpredictable force.

Under the floodlight, I can make out that he's wearing shorts, Converse shoes and a T-shirt that matches his hair color. I watch him as he types away on his laptop while nibbling his lower lip - very seductive!

But then something unexpectedly happened: Ares snapped his head up when he saw me, his beautiful blue eyes locked onto mine, and my world stopped turning. Never having made direct eye contact before, we both blushed quickly while looking directly into each others eyes - something neither of us have done ever since! I couldn't look away.

Ares raises his eyebrow and his gaze is as cold as ice, asking, "Are you needing something?" "Do you require anything?"

His voice lacks any emotion; I swallow as I struggle to find my own. His look paralyzes me; how could someone so young be so intimidating?

"Hello?" I almost stammer in response. His silence only makes me more nervous; my hands grip the edge of my windowsill as I say: "Your music woke me up."

Raquel could hear Ares talking. She took a breath. Don't faint! "Your ear is fine - but your room's quite far. "

"That's it," I think to myself, in exasperation. He turns back towards his laptop and continues typing away while my lips twist in irritation.

After several minutes, he notices I hadn't moved. With lips pursed tightly, he glances back towards me with surprise.

"Do you require anything?" he asks with an annoyed tone of voice.

That gives me courage to speak. "Actually, yes. I wanted to talk with you.

He made an introductory gesture and encouraged me to continue speaking.

"Are you using my Wi-Fi?" I inquired with suspicion.

"Yes," was his immediate and unhesitating reply.

"Without My Permission?"

Yes. His audacity is infuriating. "Don't Do That".

"I know," he shrugged dismissively, showing his lack of care.

How can you recover my password?

"I possess exceptional computer abilities."

"So it appears you obtained it through some sort of fraud?

"I gained access to your computer system and compromised it.

"How are you so confident to say such an assertion so quietly?"

"Honesty is one of my greatest qualities.

"You are..." I hesitated before offering up an insult, but his direct gaze affected my ability to think creatively; thus I settled for what has always worked: the traditional insult:

"You are such an idiot!" mes His lips curled upward in an insulted smile. "What an insult! I thought you would come up with more innovative password solutions!"

My cheeks begin to flush as my skin turns bright red with fear. He knows my password - that annoying childhood crush who I couldn't shake knowing my ridiculous Wi-Fi password has access. Now it's too late. He is my undoomed destiny.

"Nobody was supposed to know about this." I lower my head. Ares closes his laptop and looks at me amusedly.

"I know more than I should, Raquel." Hearing his name brought butterflies to my stomach but I tried my hardest not to be flustered by it all.

"Oh? And like what?" [sighs] Whilst everyone else sleeps, you visit websites on your laptop."

My mouth opens wide in surprise but quickly closes again - my jaw drops when he mentions my browsing history? Oh no, he must know of all those porn sites I visited just out of curiousity - though these weren't on purpose; just curiosity. "I don't understand," I reply quickly.

"Yes," Ares replies with a smile.

"Anyway, that's not the point - just stop using my Wi-Fi and make no noise!

Ares stands up from his small chair. "Or what?" he asks.

"Or I'll tell on you!"

Ares bursts into laughter. His laugh is hoarse yet seductive. "Are you going to tell your mother?" he questions in mocking tone.

"Yes, or yours. I feel safe sitting by my window; however, if we were confronted each other directly in the yard.

"I'll use your Wi-Fi, and nothing will be done about it." He leans back in his chair.

"They've gone too far!" This challenge must have seemed formidable to him; surely mine must have too.

"Nothing you can do. If you tell my mother, I will deny it and she will believe me; if you tell yours, I will show her all of the pages you visit when no one is watching you," says this individual.

Are You Blackmailing Me?"

He pauses as though considering my question before answering: "I wouldn't call it blackmail; rather we can come to an agreement whereby I get what I want in exchange for your silence.

"Your silence in regards to information you accessed by hacking me is unjust.

Ares shrugged his shoulders. "Haven't you heard that life isn't fair?"

"No need for that," Jerk replied firmly, sitting up and opening his laptop computer.

I find myself gazing upon him like an idiot, not knowing whether my initial impression of him as a child has faded or because my feelings for him still exist. Either way, the cold breeze outside was unpleasant so I closed the window and crawled back under my warm sheets defeatedly.

My iPhone vibrated on my nightstand. Who could possibly be texting at this hour? As soon as I opened up the message and read it aloud, my jaw dropped open with surprise.

Good night, Witch!

Sincerely Yours, Ares.

I groan with frustration as Ares continues his attack against me by labelling me a witch. Although things between us remain contentious, Ares must know he can count on me not standing idle while his plans play out. I won't stand for this and won't sit by.

Your neighbor was not the intended victim!

Daniela, one of my best childhood friends, nearly spits out her soda on my face.

We are hiding from the summer heat in the city's most popular café. God bless AC. We love this place. It's our favorite place to hang out.

"Yes, exactly what I told you," I say, playing with my orange juice straw.

Daniela smiles as if it's her first time winning the lottery. Her hair is black and falls perfectly to frame her face. She has the kind of hair that looks great even if it isn't combed. I'm so envious! It's a good form of envy.

Daniela has always been at my side since I can remember. In kindergarten, she stuck a pen in my ear. It was a crazy way to begin a friendship that would last a lifetime, but we are both unconventional. We adjusted to each in a perfect and synchronized manner. If that isn't true friendship, I don't what else it could be.

Dani's face is always a goofy smile.

Why are you discouraged? Ares is the topic. . . Your crush since you were seven or something."

"I told you what he did to me."

Raquel, he was very kind to you. He spoke to you, he recognized your presence. It's a good start! It's better than looking at him like a creepy specter from a distance."

"I didn't stalk him!"

Dani rolls her eyelids. "Really? "Are you going to deny this? Are you going to deny it? "I've seen him stalk you from the shadows."

It's a pure coincidence, I just saw him walking around the town.

She teases, "Will you be walking through the town or hiding behind an bushes?"

"Anyway," i change the topic. You're supposed help me. I need to find out a way to prevent him from using Wi-Fi. I don't think he should get away with this.

Why don't you update your password?

So he can hack my computer again?" "No, thank you."

Dani removes her makeup and adjusts her hair in front of the mirror. "I don't really know what to say girl. What if Andres offered to help?

"Are you kidding? "Andre, not S, is the name of this last Dani."

She pulls out her lipstick, and begins to apply a bright color to her lips. "He is good at computer stuff right?"

I asked her, "Do you have to do this here?" Even though she did it every time. "Yes, I suppose so. He helped Francis with his project on the computer."

Dani removes her makeup and stands. "See how you always find solutions to your problems?" I opened my mouth to speak but she continued.

Do you really know my advice?

Get over it?

"Yes. "You're wasting time, in fact."

"He is just so" . "I sigh. "Perfect."

Dani ignores my last statement. "I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be back in a minute."

She walks away and earns a few glances from guys she passes. Dani has a tall, curvy figure. I can say with confidence that my bestie is one of my school's hottest girls.

I finish my OJ with a sip. The heat is unbearable, but I love it. I don't like the thought of summer ending because it means that classes will start and to be honest with you, I am a bit scared of my senior year.

The night before, I was reminded of Ares' voice and his arrogant smile. I'm aware that he isn't the most charismatic person in the world. I have watched him and I have come to understand how meticulous and cold he is. He rarely smiles, and he doesn't talk much. Instead he prefers to give short answers and use gestures. It's as if he is a robot incapable of feeling. A part of me hopes that I am wrong and he is actually a nice person inside.

I scrolled through Instagram and saw a post by Dean, Dani's older brother. He plays soccer on Ares' team and attends the same school. He posted a photo of the boys at a public soccer field near my home. You can see Ares at a distance.

After paying the bill, I wait in the bathroom, leaning against the wall, while running my fingers along my long, light-brown hair to look for tangles. I wait impatiently for my best friend to emerge.

Dani raises his eyebrows. "You already paid? "I thought we would be having dinner here."

"Soccer practice."

She jokes, "Are you going to leave me here and go to see some beautiful, attractive guys, who may or may not be shirtless?"

Do you want to go?

No, I don't like to stalk guys at a distance. "You know I like action." She winks.

I'm pretending to be hurt.

She smirks at me and says, "Stop being virgin."

I also stick my tongue out and say "Maybe I am not anymore."

Stop saving your virginity to impress that crush.

"Dani! "I'm not going to save anything for him."

She turns her back. "Ofcourse, of course. Go away." God forbid that you miss out on the opportunity to see him shirtless due to me.

"He never removes his shirt," I murmur.

Dani laughs. "He makes you crazy, naughty little girl."

"Dani!"

I'll stop talking. "Go, I've got things to do, don't worry.

As my cheeks are on fire, I leave and head to the field

When I get there, I purchase my favorite pineapple milkshake and put on my dark sunglasses. I pull the top of the hoodie up over my head and enjoy the view from the front stands. There are also four other girls there, who are either the girlfriends of the players or their friends. I think I've seen them kissing before.

It's so warm, I'm roasting in this hoodie. I made a bad choice in camouflage.

The boys spread themselves out on the field and do routine stretches. The soccer team of an elite private high school must practice in this field during the summer because their own field is being maintained. At least, that's what Dean explained to Dani. Ares, in black shorts with a green shirt on his back and wearing a number five printed on it, jogs across the field. As he runs, his black hair flutters in the breeze. I look at him and completely forget about what we said last night.

He is so handsome!

As practice ends, clouds swallow the sun, thunder rumbles and it starts to rain without warning. As I curse and pull my hood closer to my head, cold raindrops hit me. I quickly run past the parking lot and down the stands. Ares is likely to see me as the guys are leaving. I hit someone in my haste to leave.

"Ow!" I touch the nose while looking up.

It's a guy on the team. He's tall, dark haired and tanned. He looks like something straight out of an old TV show. "Are You Okay?"

I try to push him aside as fast as possible. Then it happens. I hear my enduring and frustrated love.

Ares asked the boy in front of me, "What's your excuse for standing there in the rain?"

"I bumped in to a weird girl." In this heat, she was wearing sunglasses and an oversized hoodie.

"You're weird," I murmur, trying to hear Ares through the rain. But I've already gone too far. It was very close.

When I see the exit, I sigh in relief. Turning right, I continue my journey home. It's raining heavily, but I cannot find a shelter, not even at a bus stop. I hear voices, and instinctively duck down into an alley. I peeked down the street with my back to the wall. Ares is

Standing there, I was chatting with a few guys from the team. All of them have umbrellas.

It would have been wise to check the weather forecast.

The tanned man I had just crashed into insistently asked, "Are You Sure You Don't Want to Come With Us?"

Ares replies, "No. I have other things to do at my home."

Ares stands in the rain as his friends leave, waiting for something. I narrowed my eyes. What's he waiting on? Ares begins to move, and to my surprise he does not go in the same direction as his house, but turns the other way. Did he tell his friends a lie? I am tempted to make bad decisions because of my curiosity.

I am following him

The streets are getting dimmer and darker as we move away from downtown into a more isolated neighborhood. This is a terrible idea.

What am I doing right now? I have never followed him, but I am curious to find out why he lied about his friends. It's not really my problem.

Ares does not slow down. It's almost as if he already knows where he is going.

As I walk over a wooden bridge, a cool breeze blows and dark clouds eat up the remaining sunlight. I moisten my lips and hug myself.

What is his route in the darkness?

The road is no longer visible, but a dirt track that leads us deep into the forest.