Love You Forever Baby Girl

nice to meet you

As I sit in our shared cabin on the edge of Camp Half-Blood, I can hear laughter bouncing off the walls. My twin sister Piper is sprawled out on her bed, flipping through a magazine while Silena sits cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a mountain of makeup palettes and brushes. The scent of cherry blossom perfume wafts through the air as a few other girls from the Aphrodite cabin enthusiastically discuss the latest trends.

"Taylor, come on! You can't just sit there!" Piper says, nudging me with her foot. "You have to help us with this."

I look at her, glancing down at my own reflection. My brown hair is pulled back in a messy bun, and I'm still in my camp T-shirt and shorts. Up until now, makeup wasn't exactly on my agenda for the day. "Do I really have to? I was just thinking about, I don't know, doing something... less glamorous?"

"That's the point," Silena chimes in, her voice sweet and teasing. "You need to embrace your beauty! You're the daughter of Aphrodite, for goodness' sake."

"All right, all right!" I surrender, giggling as I browse the myriad of blushes and lipsticks. "But I swear, if you make me look like a clown, I'm never letting you live it down!"

"Oh, please! You'd look adorable even with a red nose," Piper laughs, carefully picking out a soft pink lipstick. "How about we try something romantic? Maybe a bit of shimmer?"

Suddenly, Piper's eyes light up, and she leans in as if she's discovered the best secret ever. "You know who would be perfect for you? Luke Castellan!"

I drop the lipstick I'm holding. "Excuse me? Luke Castellan? No way!"

"Oh, come on!" Silena pipes in, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, he's super cute! And he's brave and honorable—totally your type!"

I shake my head, flustered. "Really? He's been through so much; I'm not sure he even has time for a date. Besides... he's not exactly the 'boy next door' kind of guy. Isn't he with the hunters?"

Piper rises to her feet, crossing her arms and giving me a determined look. "Okay, but hear me out! What if we set you guys up? Just one date. What do you have to lose?"

"We could plan it!" Silena adds enthusiastically. "A cute picnic by the lake, under the stars. Just think how romantic it would be!"

I can feel the heat creeping up my cheeks. "Maybe... but how do you even know if he likes me like that? We barely talk!"

Piper gives me a knowing grin. "We can help with that! Consider it our mission for the day. Just please don't pout! You have to agree to this—it's practically a rite of passage for daughters of Aphrodite."

"Come on, Taylor, it'll be fun!" Silena chirps. "And besides, we can help you get ready!"

"Fine, fine!" I relent, rolling my eyes but smiling despite myself. "But you two are setting this whole thing up."

A chorus of cheers erupts around the room, and I can't help but laugh. "What are we thinking about for food? If it's going to be a proper picnic, we need the essentials!"

A little while later, I find myself jittery as I fix my hair in front of the mirror, after Piper and Silena have done their magic. The soft waves frame my face perfectly, and the shimmering blush enhances my features rather than overpowering them. A touch of sparkling eyeliner and a gentle dusting of bronzer complete the look. I take a deep breath, my stomach fluttering with nervous excitement.

"Okay, here's the plan," Piper starts, her voice brimming with energy. "Silena and I will casually bring up that you're interested in the whole 'getting to know Luke' thing, and once we gauge his interest, we'll mention your awesome picnic idea. Got it?"

"Sounds... foolproof?" I say, trying to seem confident.

"We are Aphrodite girls! How could it possibly go wrong?" Silena reassures me.

"Now go on, get your shoes!" Piper insists. "Look fierce!"

My heart may be racing, but their encouragement pushes me forward. I slip on my favorite sandals and smooth my dress down, giving one last look in the mirror. I try to ignore the nagging butterflies as I exit our cabin alongside Silena and Piper, who are practically bouncing with excitement.

As we enter the training arena, the air is thick with energy. Demigods are sparring, and I catch sight of Luke on the far side, practicing with his sword. He looks focused and determined, his dark hair falling slightly over his brow. My heart skips as I watch him, and I elbow Piper, who giggles, eyes practically sparkling with mischief.

"Okay, time to put our plan into action!" she whispers, nudging me toward Luke.

"Really?" I protest softly, trying to pull back, but it's too late. Silena has already strode forward, waving enthusiastically. "Luke! Hey!"

He looks up, surprise crossing his features, followed by a friendly smile. "Hey, Silena! Piper! Taylor!"

"Hi, Luke!" I manage, waving awkwardly. My cheeks feel hot as I return his gaze, trying very hard not to fidget.

"What are you guys up to?" he asks, leaning casually against the training post, radiating that effortless charm that sends my heart racing.

"Just hanging out," Piper replies sweetly. "And we were actually wondering if you'd be interested in joining us for a picnic by the lake tonight?"

Luke's eyebrows raise in interest. "A picnic? Sounds fun! What's the occasion?"

"Oh, you know, just some quality time under the stars," Silena says, smirking. "And Taylor here could use some good company."

I feel a pang of embarrassment, but I try to keep my expression neutral. Luke glances at me, amusement dancing in his blue eyes. "Well, that sounds great. I'd love to join... if you're okay with it, Taylor?"

"Yeah, of course!" I blurt out, surprised by my own enthusiasm. "It'll be... really fun!"

"Perfect!" Piper exclaims, suppressing a cheer. "It's all set then!"

"Let's say around seven?" Luke suggests, pushing off the post and stretching a bit. I stare, captivated by the way his muscles ripple under the sunlight.

"Sounds good!" Silena inputs, winking at me.

As we wrap up the conversation, I feel a mix of excitement and jittery nerves. The thought of spending time with Luke, just the two of us, has my heart thumping wildly.

After saying our goodbyes, Piper gives me an exaggerated thumbs-up and Silena squeals softly. "See? I told you he'd be into it! And can you believe it? It's actually happening!"

I can't help but smile back, my heart fluttering with newfound hope. "Yeah, I mean... who knows how it'll go?"

That evening, I arrive at the lake as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Piper and Silena have set everything up, complete with checkered blankets and a spread of snacks. I take a shaky breath—this was it.

"Hey!" Luke greets me as he arrives, his smile bright and warm. "This looks amazing!"

"Thank you! Piper and Silena did all the work," I say, trying to ease the attention away from me.

"Still, it's totally perfect," he replies, settling down on the blanket next to me. His closeness sends a rush of heat