Something Forbidden

Chapter 4: Danika

DANIKA

I heard Raili laughing while Percy and I were pushing each other back in the water. Percy had dropped both of us in the lake when he got too tired of carrying me.

"Youre under arrest!" i shouted,

"Okay, i surrender!" Percy said, raising both arms in the air.

We both laughed at that and swam back to dry land. When we got out, we were completely dry.

"Cool," i said, amazed,

"Yeah, it is," Percy said, not so amazed.

···

I lay on my bed alone in the cabin waiting for dinner. I was reading a Greek Mythology book Percy had leant me. Suddenly, a horn blew loudly from a distance. I closed the book and sat up, the door opened and Percy had walked in.

"Dinner," he said and gestured for me to follow him to the mess hall.

While we walked, i saw Raili and Cheska in line with their other brothers and sisters. Aside from campers, satyrs, naiads and nymphs also walked to the mess hall.

Percy and I sat down on an empty table, having all the space to ourselves; while the other campers had to sit in a crowded table depending on what cabin they're in. I looked around, i saw 2 campers sitting alone at one table with grumpy expressions on their faces, they looked like Hades' children. I looked away and saw a huge blazing fire burning in the center of the mess hall. Lost in my thoughts, i hadnt noticed Percy staring at me.

"What?" i said, snapping back to reality,

"Nothing. So, you enjoying it so far?" he asked,

"Yeah, everything's alright." i said as i started staring at my empty glass,

"Speak to it," Percy told me,

"What?" i asked.

"Your glass, speak to it. Anything you want, except alcoholic drinks."

I stared at my empty glass thinking of good drinks.

"Coke," i finally decided.

My glass started filling up with black liquid.

Everyone fell silent as wood nymphs came with platters of food; beef, cheese, bread, grapes, and of course, stawberries.

Suddenly, everyone stood up bringing their plates and heading to the fire. Percy gestured for me to follow. I noticed them taking a portion of their meal and dropping it into the fire. As we were waiting in line, i asked Percy a question.

"What are they doing?"

"The gods like the smell of burnt food,"

At that statement, i just stared as other campers dropped some food into the fire. Weird.

"Poseidon," i heard Percy whisper as he dropped 3 ripe strawberries.

As it was finally my turn, i also whispered "Poseidon" and dropped 4 fat and juicy grapes. I headed back to the table and glanced at my back, there, Margaret had dropped all of her berries by mistake. I saw Dionysus rubbing his forehead. I couldnt help but laugh.

After we had finished eating, Chiron stomped his hoof on the marble floor. Everyone fell silent as Mr. D had got up.

"Well, hello to all you brats!" he began, "Let me see, ah, yes! Our next capture the flag is on Friday. Presently, Cabin 6 holds the laurels."

A bunch of cheers rang out across the pavilion.

"Yes, yes, hurrah and all that." he went on, "Also, i would like to add that we have 7 new campers. From the Apollo Cabin, Cheska Daronn and Raili Kreffer; the Athena Cabin, Janelle Ritchie and Tia Callison; My uhm daughters, Margaret Belle and Marielle Cainne; and from the Poseidon Cabin, Danielle Colls."

Grover whispered something in his ear,

"Ugh, i mean, Danika Collins. Now, run along now around your silly campfire," he said and sat back down.

Campers cheered as we headed over to what Percy called the amphitheater while the Apollo kids lead the singalong. Everyone laughed as we sang songs about the gods.

···

I lay on my bed, eyes heavy. As i fell into a deep sleep, i heard Percy whisper,

"Goodnight, little sis',"

and had turned off the lights.