Banished

=6=

Logan and I ran back into our apartment after being dropped off by Judd and Eric.

"A biologist??" I exclaimed.

"Why would he think the gods exist??" Logan asked, breathless. "We're going to have to be careful."

I nodded. We made ourselves dinner, ate it, then separated into our own rooms.

At around eight at night, a knock sounded at our door. "I'll get it," I said, unfolding my legs and walking to the door. When I opened it, I saw Judd standing there, red roses in hand.

He smiled. "Hi." He held the flowers out to me.

I tentatively took them. "Hi. What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to give you these. And say I had a lot of fun today."

"Oh," I leaned against the doorframe. "Thank you. I had a lot of fun, too."

"We should do it again sometime."

I hesitated, trying not to be smitten. "Um... yeah, we could."

"If you don't want to, that's okay."

"No, I just... I'll have to ask my sister."

"Well, if she can't go... maybe it could be just us."

I was shocked. "Uh- yeah. Yeah it could be."

"We'll talk about it sometime."

"For sure."

He shifted his weight on his feet and put his hands in his pockets, looking like he didn't want to leave yet.

"Well, do you-" I was cut off by my sister.

"Judd, what are you doing here?" Logan asked with a fake smile.

"I just wanted to let you guys know I had a really good time today. And drop off a gift. But I should go now. I'll see you later," he turned with a wave.

"Bye," I waved out the door, then closed it.

"A good time? I don't think so. What did he give you?" Logan's smile dropped.

I pointed at the roses. "Just some roses."

"Okay, that's too dangerous," she took the flowers and started to walk to the garbage can.

"What?? No!" I took them from her.

"He's dangerous! Getting involved with anyone is asking to be discovered!"

"He's the only guy who's ever liked me more than you!"

"That's exactly why you like him! It's nothing more than the fact he gives you attention!"

I took a step back, stunned at her words. Logan swallowed, but didn't apologize for what she said or take it back.

"I'm going to work with Chess," she stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.

I was left there, shocked. Back on Olympus, guys always preferred my sister over me. They were always chasing after her and ignoring me. And here was one who showed an interest and I'm not allowed to see him.

I loudly closed my bedroom door and sank to the floor with my head in my hands.