Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Chapter Twelve

Rose's POV:

When I woke up at 9:30, a wave exhaustion hit me. I hadn't slept the whole night, I only took mini naps every so often. I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened the day before. Well, the night before is what I should say. I couldn't believe Ben had the nerve to call me "babe" after everything he's done. We're not even dating! I mean, yeah I forgave him and all, but he still doesn't have the right to do that. At least buy me dinner first, I mean come on! Well... I guess I should read the note. I slowly reach over to my bedside table and pick up the note. I look at my name written on the front for a while before I actually open the note. It reads:

Rose,

I'm honestly sorry for what I said, I didn't think I was going to offend or hurt you. I understand if you're still mad at me, but we need to talk. In person. I just thought, after our talk at the lake, things became a certain way, but I was wrong and I realize that now. Please meet me at the lake at noon if you want to talk, if not, then I see where you stand.

-Ben

I read it over a few more times in my head before I glanced over at the clock. 10:15. I still had some time to take a shower and fix myself up so I didn't look so sleep deprived. I got out of bed and headed to the showers with a change of clothes and some shower supplies. I decided to take a long shower since I had one and a half hours to get ready. Once I finished with everything I had to do, including taking a shower, brushing my hair, getting dressed, and putting some makeup on, I glanced at the clock and it read 11:40. I have 20 minutes to spare. I guess I'll head over to the Pavilion to get an apple or something. Once I got there and started eating a light brunch, although it was only an apple, I started to look around. My eyes wandered over to the lake where I saw Ben already waiting. I got nervous and quickly looked at my watch. 11:58. I should head over there now. I get up from my seat and walk over there, my heart starting to beat faster and faster with every step. He looks nervous just staring out onto the lake. Just sitting at the end of the dock. I guess it's now or never I thought to myself as I walked over and sat down next to him. He knew it was me and didn't dare look me in the eye. "I'm sorry, Rose." I looked at him.

"Ben... I get it." He looked at me shockingly still not exactly making eye contact.

"Y-you do?"

"Ben look me in the eye when we're talking."

"Sorry." He said still having trouble, but I could see he was making the effort to keep looking me in the eye.

"And yeah, Ben, I get it. You were in the moment. I mean, I'm not sure exactly what kind of 'moment' you were in, but still."

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Rose. It's just that... I don't know. When we talked at this lake about everything and walked away for the tour, I felt like we had a connection or something. I thought you felt the same, but I guess I took it a step farther than I should have..."

"I don't want to forgive you again, Ben."

"Please," he cut me off. " I'll do anything. Just one more chance, Rose. Please." He was begging. I knew he was sincere. I thought for a moment before answering his plea.

"Ben... I am forgiving you. But just this one time. This is your last chance, alright? And promise me you'll never use charmspeak on me again, Ben. It's hard to have a conversation with someone while they're basically controlling you."

"I promise you... I won't. I swear I won't. Thank you, Rose."  We hugged and then continued to look onto the lake. "Rose?" He asked me, breaking the silent sound of nature.

"Yeah?"

"I know we're not a couple, but could there ever be a chance?..."

"One day." I said. "One day, Ben." He smiled and said, "Good, that's all I needed to hear."