The Crossroads: The Stolen Memories

Birthday

I woke up with my arms and legs feeling weak. I got ready for breakfast. The Romans were leaving after breakfast so we could still all sit wherever we wanted. I walked with Flynn to the dining hall.

"Happy Birthday." Flynn said.

"Thanks." I said glancing back at my sword strapped on my back.

A girl walked up to us and hooked her arm around Flynn's. "Hi Flynny. She said in a sickly sweet voice. She had brown hair that was braided with flowers. She wore a shirt with flowers on it and had spagetti straps. She wore jeans and sandals.

"Hi. I'm Zoe daughter of Hecate." I said introducing myself.

"I'm Lucy daughter of Demeter." She replied.

"Nice to meet you." She nodded as if in agreement.

Flynn politely unhooked his arm from around hers.

"Hey Zoe." Flynn said walking away with me. "Can I sit with you today."

"Sure." I said and we sat down.

Logan
The reason I decided to ask Zoe to the dance was because of Flynn.  I was talking to him and he asked what Zoe would think if he asked her to the dance.  I told him she probably was not up for it and then I asked her.  I guess I was a little worried that he would still ask her.  But now he came at sat by us at the table we were sitting at.  I wanted to tell him to back off.  I tried to be cool about it. 

"Hey Zoe."  I said.  "I got you a birthday present."

"Thank you."  She said taking the bag with the present.

"It's your birthday?"  Bianca demanded Zoe.

She nodded.  They started singing happy birthday and soon almost everyone was singing along.  Zoe covered her eyes when they said her name.  She looked embarrassed. 

When she started to open the present her smile got wider.  She took out the book.  It was a picture book to hold memories in.  I also got her a camera from the camp store.  And no, I did not steal it.

"I figured since you are not 100% sure with your memories I could get you those just incase something like that ever happens again."

There were a few pictures in there all ready.  There was one from when she got claimed.  Aesop gave it to me which I thought was pretty weird.  I had also taken a picture of her doing the climbing wall.  The rest were blank pages for her own pictures.

"One more thing."  I said. I pulled out a cupcake with purple frosting and a little candle.  "For you."

"Thank you."  She said.  Then she looked at her camera.  "Everybody smile."  She took a pictures of our little group and the cupcake along with it.

Zoe

After breakfast and after the Romans left.  I went to the big house to ask if I could borrow the phone.

"Hello Zoe, I guess it is your birthday."  Said Chiron.

"Um, yeah.  I was wondering if I could borrow the phone and call my dad."

"You can.  But not very often.  Cell phones attract monsters."  

"Ok."  We walked over to the phone.

I breathed heavily and dialed the number.  Was this the right thing?  Was this man really my dad?  What if he was crazy worried that I was gone.  The phone started ringing.  There were five rings.  What if he didn't answer the phone?  But then finally I heard a hello.  I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in.

"Is this Henry Rivera?"

"Yes."  I could hear a hint of hope in his voice.

"This is Zoe."  I said with so much relief just to hear his voice.  I knew right then he was my dad and he had his reasons to spend a lot of time with his work.  I could tell just by his voice he felt the same way.

"Zoe.  I can't believe it.  Where did you go?  Did you run away?  I'm sorry I canceled our dinner.  Please come home."

"Woah, woah.  Slow down.  I'm safe don't worry.  I'm not mad at you about the dinner.  I was at first but I'm fine."

"Zoe.  I know.  Your mother is Hecate.  I have known all along.  There was a monster that came and then you were gone and I thought that maybe you didn't make it."  His voice cracked.  "But your mother talked to me and said you would be able to survive and that you were a strong demigod.  I didn't know where you where.  I was so worried."

"I want to visit dad but I am going on a quest in two days.  We will have to talk after.  I'm at a place called Camp Half Blood.  There are other children of the gods here."

"Good.  Listen to me Zoe.  I have to hang up soon, I have a meeting.  Stay safe.  Don't do anything stupid.  You hear me?  I want you to come home from this quest alive.  Don't be a hero if it comes to that."

"Dad.  I will stay safe.  Don't worry.  I won't be stupid and come on dad, telling your child to not be a hero.  I love you dad."

He laughed a little.  The same laugh he used to use before his work became super serious and he spent more time with me.  "I love you too sweetie."  And then we hung up and I couldn't help but feel his absence.