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SIBLING RIVALRY
Megan Fajardo
My sister was always the favorite . Since the moment she sat on our father ’ s lap , all of Olympus has given Artemis unparalleled adoration . The pantheon showered her with gifts and undying loyalty unabashedly elevating her to the greatest prodigy of Olympus . I was forgotten and left to my medicines and my music . Much of my time was spent on Earth among the nymphs and mortals searching for friendship . Unfortunately , I was usually met with fear and the occasional laurel branch to the face . Even there , I was a throwaway . Neither Earth nor Olympus were my home .
Zeus never forgot Artemis ’ declaration to protect women from the pains of childbirth nor when she tore the hair from Brontes ’ s chest , yet he couldn ’ t be bothered to remember to even bid me goodbye each morning . The petty contests I staged did nothing . My lyre and poetry never measured up to Artemis ’ s hunting and archery , but I would always smile , refusing to show my disappointment . I faded from view even more – perhaps Echo would be a more suitable name for me .
“ Apollo , your sister is angering the pantheon . She cannot consort with a mortal ; her relationship with Orion will cost Artemis her throne .”
“ Yes , father .”
“ You need to stop this .” My father talks through me , with an air of assurance that I ’ ll bow down and say yes to his every command . I ’ m supposed to push Artemis away from her lover ?!? Apparently , I ’ m the invisible twin with an abundance of influence .
“ A contest , perhaps ?” my father suggests . Yes … because I ’ ve always been wonderful at those .
“ My odds have never been favorable , father . Surely you know this .” Artemis never failed to entertain him during our past contests . I study the ground , remembering Zeus ’ s approving nods when she would trounce me in that day ’ s event . He had always admired her hubris . I look up slowly , growing hopeful – I may not have to win this time .
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