Alone

Chapter 15

So next four parts are not the most important. If you want to read on, be my guest. But if you want to skip chapters 15 to 18, it's fine. You won't miss to much.

15. Three Days of Freedom: Day 1

The camp had only three days of no pranks or pick pocketing. They better spend that time wisely. Nico and I walked along the shores of the beach on the first day. No interruptions, no pranks, no Percy, no Stolls. Just us. I skipped ahead of Nico, looking for seashells. "Ooh! Pretty!" I squealed, picking up a beautiful pink shell. Nico chuckled quietly at me.

I turned around with my hands on my hips. "What's so funny?" I asked.

"You." he said, while smiling a goofy grin, That's right. Smiling. I poked at his cheeks.

"You smiled! This is a miracle!" I laughed, pulling on his lips to make another smile.He swatted my hand away, going back to his usual frown. I pouted. "Keep frowning and you'll never get a girlfriend."

Nico stared at me sternly. "Why would I need one?" he asked. "No one here likes me." I frowned and playfully punched his shoulder. "You know that's not true. You have Annabeth, Percy, and me!" I picked up a white seashell identical to my pink one and pressed it into his hand. I smiled. You know in the movies, this is always the part when the couple kisses. But this isn't a movie, this is real life!

I pulled him into the shallow water. "C'mon! Let's go play!" I giggled, splashing him. Nico splashed me, then pushed me into the salty water. I resurfaced, spitting a mouthful of seawater at his face. "Ugh! Meanie! You're next!" I screamed, pouncing onto his back. He fell into the water, squirming and shouting. I waited for him to resurface, but he didn't. He stopped moving. Half a minute passed and he was still submerged underwater. I was starting to worry.

"Nico! That isn't funny!" I yelled, grabbing his hand to pull him out. He didn't move, his grip on my hand loose. Time to panic. Is he dead? Will he die? Is he acting? Can I just ditch him and grab some ice cream with Derek?

I grabbed his other hand and pulled him out of the water. Part of me wanted to laugh, he was drowning in two feet deep waters. But he's drowning! I laid him on the sand and felt his chest for a heart beat. It was very faint. I figured he had water in his lungs and couldn't breath, but no way was I going to be the one to give him the 'breath of life'.

Plan B. I pounded on his chest, screaming, "You stupid idiot! Drowning in two feet water? That's so weak! You better not die! Wake up so I can strangle you!" I put him into a sitting position and slapped his back. He woke up sputtering water and in pain.

"Ow! Why are you punching me?" he asked, rubbing his chest. I glared at him.

"'Cuz you were drowning in two feet of water! Can you be any less stupid?!" I screamed. I punched his shoulder, tearing up a little. "You better not do that again, I thought you were going to die!" He smirked.

"Aw!! You care!" I punched him again, slightly blushing.

"That's my line!" I complained. He chuckled silently.

"Now it's mine! Now go play in the water like a good girl. I'll watch you," I rolled my eyes. "Try watching yourself, di Angelo, 'cause you're coming too!" I laughed, tugging his hand. He resisted.

"Sorry, but no," he said. "I can't swim." I chuckled.

"Then I'll teach you." For the rest of the day, I tried to teach him how to swim. The problem was, he kept squirming and shouting and screaming. He told me to write his will. I just rolled my eyes and splashed him.

Three hours later, I gave up. "You are impossible to teach!" I whined. He scowled.

"Water is Posiedon's territory. Shadows and Death is Hades'. We are not meant to cross the borders." I frowned.

"Percy made out of the Underworld alive. And you didn't drown. Don't believe in false accusations." I chided, splashing him. "C'mon, we have only fifteen minutes until dinner. We gotta dry up." I helped him up and we walked to the cabins. He left for the Big House, I left for the Hermes cabin. I changed into some fresh clothes and was about to leave the cabin when I noticed Susie looking sad.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, sitting next to her.

"My boyfriend joined Kronos' side," she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks. I hugged her and sighed. She turned to me. "I'm thinking about joining with him." I gasped.

I wanted to beg her and tell her no. I wanted to yell and her for even considering it. But I bit my lip and replied, "It's your life. Spend it wisely." She nodded and squeezed my hand.

"I will." We both cried, hugging each other for dear life. The dinner bell rang and we both knew, it was time to let go.

We stood up, hugged each other one more time and headed off to different directions; she left to pack her stuff and I left with the rest of the group for dinner.

I burned an apple into the fire and thanked Hades for saving me yesterday. I whispered into the flames, "Dad, please guide and protect Susie. Don't let her die." I burnt half of my plate of food for my dad, my appetite long gone.

After dinner, during the campfire, I sat next to Nico and Derek. "Hey, what's wrong?" they kindly asked. I shook my head, listening to the campfire songs. This was a secret I was going to keep. Susie will leave peacefully and by choice.

I looked around me, pass the smiling faces, hoping to catch a glimpse at Susie. I saw a small figure running into the forest, a larger figure hugging her. I smiled. Hopefully she will be happy, wherever she ends up. I clutched both of their hands, resting my head on Derek's shoulder. I dozed off, dreaming about a perfect world, where everyone is happy and free.

This chapter was just fluff. I already warned you in the beginning that it wasn't important. So sleepy. And my right eye is swollen. It's been a sick week for me. Somebody help me. My dad is telling me to brush my teeth. Still typing. Well, coffee candy is making me tired so BYE!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Next chapter is hopefully tomorrow, but not likely. Sorry, but I got a drawing assignment. YAY!!!

-CocoaDream2003