While we eat breakfast at a small diner, I realize I didn't tell Annabeth and Percy about the gas station incident.
I decide not to tell them because I realize it isn't that important. They already know that we're wanted across the country.
But why? Why are we wanted in other states? We only stole a car (which we technically paid for). It's not like we murdered somebody.
My best guess is that the police want to recover the stolen car and suspect we drove it to the next state, which we did do. No matter how much I try to convince myself that's the answer, I don't believe it.
****
We're halfway across Kansas when something goes wrong. At least I won twenty bucks since Percy bet that we would run into trouble before entering Kansas, but he was wrong.
It starts with police cars following us. We pass by one on the highway. Annabeth slows down to under the speed limit, and we all hope that they won't take a second look at us. No such luck. The police car trails us, sirens blaring.
"Well, no point obeying the law," Annabeth says, stepping on the gas pedal. The car bursts forward, pushing me back in my seat.
"I hate to say it," Percy says, "but we have to get rid of this car. Man, I really liked this car."
I reply, "I agree. Everyone's looking for this car. We need to get rid of it."
"Okay," Annabeth agrees. "I'm turning off at the next exit, and hopefully I can ditch the police in town."
True to her word, Annabeth takes the next exit. The police car (or cars as more cars joined the chase) follow us. We lose them a few minutes later and stop in a small forest.
We pack some food, water, and other necessities in a few backpacks. Annabeth pulls her hair into a pony tail and slips on a pair of sunglasses while Percy puts on a baseball cap.
"What are you doing?" I ask, confused by their need to dress up.
"Moderately disguising ourselves," answers Annabeth.
I shrug and slip off my jacket, tying it around my waist. Percy hands me a pair of fake glasses and I put them on. We grab our packs and head into town.
We're all exhausted, so we decide to spend a night. I want to stay longer, but the risk of anybody recognizing us is too great.
Time passes quickly, and soon we all crash onto our beds and fall asleep.
****
Crash!
I open my eyes. What was that sound? My hand instinctively grips my sword. Another crash.
"Sorry," someone says. It's a girl. Confusing.
The lights flick on. By the light switch stands a girl about my age with blonde hair. She's kind of short for her age with big blue eyes.
Annabeth and Percy are awake too. "Who are you and why are you here?" Percy asks, hand resting on riptide.
The girl smiles awkwardly. "I'm Luna, and you wouldn't answer the door so I went through the window. Anyway I'm here to bring you to Leanna."
At the mention of Leanna's name, I sit up a little straighter and hang onto Luna's words.
She continues, "Leanna is safe at a demigod camp. Our leader sent me to show you the way to the camp."
For some reason, we all believe her. We stay up for the next hour planning. Luna says she already bought tickets for a bus headed to Denver that leaves tomorrow. Without any better plan, we agree to hers and go to bed.
I lie awake for a while thinking about Leanna. God, what is wrong with me? Why can't I stop thinking about her? I've never met her, and I barely know her. Even if I am on this quest to save her, I don't need to consistently think about her. Yet, as I drift off to sleep I find an answer pop into my mind. I'm in love with Leanna.
