Ashes, Ashes

chapter 8

-aspen-

We ran frantically to the nearest taxi stand. Ash seemed really freaked out. I looked at him quizzically multiple times, but he avoided my gaze evasively every time. We quickly paid for a taxi, and Ash told the driver to go near the forest.

"Are you sure sir? I can take you to a nice hotel instead," he offered.

"No, thank you. We need to go to the nearest forest or any tree-sy area. Now, please."

"But-" He protested

"I'll pay double." He immediately gunned the engine as fast as it could go under the speed limit.

"What's going on?" I whispered.

"Monster alert. We need to get to Camp Half-Blood through the forest." He said.

"I have a compass and Camp Half-Blood is in the opposite direction of the rising sun. We should be fine." Whew, that's a relief.

"Oh, yes, Aspen. Totally agree. The trees really do look beautiful," He added loudy. I looked at him weirdly. Then he whispered, "Play along. We can't let him get suspicious." I understood, but it was just that his acting skills were a little...um...obvious. If the driver was suspicious, he gave away nothing to Ash's loud acting.

"I know, right? Look at that one over there!" I pretended to point outside. Then said quietly, "Why not drive there?"

Ash leaned in and I caught a whiff of him. He smells.... really nice. Like a breath of fresh spring air and the woods. I stared at him and quickly looked away when he caught my stare. I glanced back up at his face. Aspen! I scolded myself. If I'm blushing, I swear...

Ash seemed oblivious to what just happened whispered, "We bought ourselves a few minutes by running away but soon enough, the monster would smell us and come for us. The longer we stay here, the longer we endanger these people." I nodded seriously.

Suddenly, the taxi stopped. 

We're here