The Next Generation Of Heroes | 1 ✓

Asher ~ 36

I thought Bianca was mad about me and Reyna talking. Well, I guess I hoped. Reyna's right, about me liking Bianca. I know she is.

I just hoped she wasn't.

"Percy just IM-Ed. Everyone at Camp is loopy. My parents-" Bianca's voice breaks and I see pain flood through her eyes. She composed herself quickly, but I saw it. "They're going to file a divorce."

Reyna's jaw quivers next to me. Mine just drops.

"Bianca- I'm so sor-" I start.

"No apologies, Stoll. Just work faster. I-" snaps Bianca.

Suddenly- "We're here, Miss di Angelo," says an oily voice from somewhere behind Bianca.

"Solace-di Angelo," corrects Bianca instantly.

"Miss di Angelo, we have arrived at shore. Please escort your friends off of my boat," says the man, who must be Charon.

"Oh shut up, Charon. I'm coming, don't flip out," sighs Bianca.

Beside her, Cyprian sends me a look.

I laugh bitterly, and then end the IM.

"Her parents...anyways, when are you going to tell Bianca you have a crush on her?" asks Reyna, looking at me expectantly.

My face colors. "Wha- I'm, um, I-" I splutter.

Reyna rolls her eyes. "Tell her in person. When she gets here again. It's more romantic," she says.

I frown, although I'm still blushing. "I'm not telling anybody anything. Plus, have you seen the way she and Cyprian look at each other?" I ask.

"Yes I have. Bianca loves him, but not like that. She loves him like a brother. And- whether or not he knows it- Cyprian loves her like a sister. He doesn't love her the way you do," says Reyna.

I flush, but let her continue.

"Bianca likes you, Asher. She just won't admit it to herself. Kinda like how you knew it deep down, but kept lying to yourself," continues Reyna.

"Okay, okay. Got it. Blah blah blah, Asher's gonna get flipped off by scary death girl blah blah blah," I say.

Reyna grins. "You know," she teases. "Will called Nico death boy when they were our age, and they're married."

I frown and throw a book at the cackling teen. "Eff off," I say, walking out. Reyna stays in my room, laughing.

Death Girl.

Suits her.

Like I'd ever tell that to anyone.

I'm so confused.