Eros heaved a deep sigh, and entered his mother's temple. He must be truly, hopelessly bored to come here on his own, he thought.
"Eros!" He turned, and saw his mother coming across the garden. She wore a long, sheer gown of sparkling white, with gold rope crossing her breasts and around her neck. Her dark hair hung loose over her shoulders.
"Hello, Mother."
"I didn't expect to see you today," she said, coming to a stop before him, and giving him a cynical once over.
He shrugged. "If you're busy..."
"Not at the moment," she said, searching his eyes now, curiosity alive in her own. "Why are you here?"
Eros looked out over the garden. "Bored, I guess. Psyche is busy."
"Bored?" Aphrodite let out a quick laugh. "Today?"
Eros scowled. Okay, so today was February 14th, down in the human world. Obviously, he knew that. He could feel all the hopes and prayers for his blessing coming from the humans, was in fact working hard not to feel them.
Aphrodite laughed again. "Calling in sick?" Her tone was heavy with sarcasm.
"No," Eros barked, then took a deep breath. Why did he come here? Why put himself through this all the time? Especially today.
"Then what's the problem? Don't you feel them?"
"Of course I do! All the blasted time, I feel them!" Eros began to pace.
"Eros, what is the matter with you?" Aphrodite put her hands on her hips as she stared at her handsome son. He was beautiful, with long, thick blond hair, bright green eyes, and a body to die for. Just looking at him made her tingle. She felt no shame in her desire for him.
"I don't know. I'm just...tired of it, tired of them. So few of them are even able to feel real love. I spend so much time trying to match them up, making sure I'm there at the right moment. Half the time, they don't show up! Or they defy me, refuse to give in to what they feel. Or their lousy human laws forbid them to be together, so all I've accomplished is to make them more miserable. It's frustrating!"
Aphrodite sighed. "Eros, dealing with humans is always difficult. They are so very fickle. But you have a job to do, especially today. Surely today you'll find plenty ready to fall in love."
"I suppose so," Eros said, pinching his nose between his fingers.
"So, stop feeling sorry for yourself and go do it."
Eros frowned at her, annoyed. She was right. It should be easier today than most days, so why was he still here? He sighed. "You're right. I should go."
"I'm usually right, dear."
Eros laughed now. "Of course you are, Mother."
She smiled, and leaned close to kiss his cheek. "Have fun with it, my son."
Eros sobered. She rarely showed so much affection towards him. He knew why she kept her distance most of the time. He wasn't shamed by her attraction, just not interested in encouraging it. But right now, she was just his mother.
"Aphrodite!" A booming male voice sounded from inside her temple. She glanced over her shoulder and yelled "Just a minute!", then looked back at Eros.
"Do I know him?" he asked.
She smirked. "No, dear, you don't. Let's keep it that way. He was fun, but soon he's going home."
Eros shook his head. He was more uncomfortable meeting his mother's many lovers than having her look at him with desire. "I'm going. See you later."
"Bye," she said, turning to walk into the temple.
Eros transported himself to earth. His human form was even more lovely to humans than his god form was to the gods. Because of this, he wore a cloak to shield his beauty. It didn't make him invisible, just uninteresting to those who looked at him. He sighed, feeling the tug of human desire. His sack appeared at his side. It contained his bow and arrows, and other things he would need.
He set out, letting his senses guide him. The first town he visited was a small town in what the Americans called The United States, nestled in amongst tall mountains. He saw her first, a petite, young teacher, leading her class of third graders towards the museum. In another moment, he knew where he needed to be, and found himself inside the museum.
The young man was straightening a stack of museum guide books on the reception counter. He looked nervous, and gasped when he spotted Eros.
"Oh! I didn't realize anyone was here yet!" He glanced at the heavy double doors. "I usually hear people come in."
"Sorry," Eros said smoothly. "Lovely museum you've got here."
"Thank you," the man said. He stepped forward and held out a hand, trying not to stare at Eros. "Andrew Mason, curator. Call me Andy."
"Pleased to meet you, Andy," Eros said. "I'm Eric Olympius."
"What an unusual name," Andy said. "Here, take a brochure, and let me know if you have any questions."
"Thanks." The doors opened, and children's chatter and laughter erupted into the quiet space.
"There's my tour group. Enjoy your visit, Eric."
Andy turned away and hurried over to the group. Eros saw the pretty teacher smile shyly at Andy, and knew this was right. He slotted two arrows, and fired, watching as they arced through the air, piercing the man and woman as they stood chatting. The woman was facing him, and he saw the little ripple that moved through her as the arrow went in and disintegrated. She lost track of what she was saying, and stood there just staring up into Andy's eyes. Andy was equally still, focused on her.
Eros smiled. One down. He left, knowing Andy might later wonder about him, but right now Eros was the last thing on his mind.
His second couple went just as well, as did the third and fourth. He was really beginning to enjoy it again, when he settled on a busy street in New York City. He sensed his candidate was near, but there were so many people crowding the sidewalk, he was distracted. They all walked so fast, so focused on their own thoughts, or rather, their cell phones, that they were virtually unaware of the hundreds that moved around them. Most had cell phones, many had briefcases. They strode with determination, most not intending to be rude, but few bothering with apologies when they bumped shoulders. And then he spotted her. She was just like all the others. She wore a suit of dark blue, her thin skirt ending just above the knees. Sleek black high-heeled pumps showed off her well-shaped legs. She carried a brief case, and didn't meet anyone's eyes as she moved through the throng. Her face was set in a scowl.
Eros sighed. She was the one, he could feel it, but she'd be difficult. He looked around, wondering where her intended was. Somewhere close.
She was just passing a restaurant with tables lining the sidewalk behind an iron railing. Seated at one of them was a man who was staring at her as she approached. He wore khakis, scuffed brown loafers, and a sweatshirt that read "Artists, do it in color." Eros just shook his head. The guy was handsome, with thick wavy brown hair and blue eyes, and he was well built under his baggy clothes. But honestly, he was the exact opposite of the well groomed, professional woman.
"Olivia!" he called out.
She swiveled her head, startled,and saw him. And frowned. Great, Eros thought. But then he brightened. At least he was no longer bored!
"Oh, hi, Rob."
"Can you join me for a cup of coffee?"
She'd already started to shake her head when Eros' arrow hit her. She paused, looking at Rob as if he'd done something. "What was that?"
Rob looked mystified. "What? I asked if you'd like have coffee with me."
"No, I mean..."she trailed off, looking around, then shrugged, and looked at her watch. "I could use a cup, I guess." Her tone sounded grudging, but Rob smiled, a huge smile of pure pleasure.
"Great!" He rose, pulling out a chair for her.
"Thanks." She sat, then put her briefcase down by her feet.
