Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Chapter Seventeen

Myra's POV:

I was sitting in the dining hall after a long day of training in which I had decided I didn't like Rose and not just because of Ben. I almost killed Percy, but I succeeded in awkwardly avoiding Cole. I mostly felt bad for avoiding Cole and a little bit for hurting Percy, but he had recovered so fast that I decided it was the universe's way of giving me the small amount of revenge I wanted. Today had been horribly awkward though. Especially waiting with Ben for Rose and Percy to show up for practice. He had attempted to start several conversations all of which I ended within thirty seconds. Pretending to be mad at him was harder than I thought, but I'm sure I would find another reason soon. I took a bite out of an apple and tried to think about the quest. We were leaving soon. I took out my map, but my thoughts betrayed me yet again.

Ben and Cole we're unbelievably confusing for me. Ben goes from sweet, to manipulative, to endearingly frustrating. Cole had been consistently by my side and looking out for me, but so had Ben in the beginning. I had known Ben for longer, but Cole is really kind and he seems loyal. But- Wait! I have a quest to complete. I can't let these stupid boys sidetrack me. My mind's gotta stay on task and sharp. I turned to the map I had spread out in front of me. I need to plan out the most efficient route to Khione's castle. Although the woman hadn't said a word about it, I assumed she must be Khione or at least work for Khione. I realized Ben had no idea she was the one helping me with my powers. My thoughts drifted back to our conversation from earlier where he had admitted to caring about me and not Rose. I happily rewinded the conversation in my head until I remembered something that made my heart sink.

"He never said he didn't love her..." I suddenly wasn't hungry anymore and grabbed my map. I was so stupid to even think that he could ever feel that way about me. But now here I was absolutely helpless as he eased his way in and out of my thoughts without a care. I was getting hurt. I never wanted to end up like this. I promised dad, I promised Cass, I promised myself. No stop! Don't think about him! Don't lose sight of yourself. You have to stay strong, Myra. But memories of Ben were pounding in my head.

"Myra! Myra! Look! It snowed last night! Snowball fight!" Ben grabbed at my hand and my heart leapt in my chest, but I shook it off and chased after him. We crawled out of the shed we had been hiding out in from this preppy suburban neighbourhood. He scrambled to his feet first and picked up a chunk of snow and threw it at me. I laughed as he missed me by a mile. My snowball hit him straight in the chest and he dramatically fell to the ground. I dove after him, laughing. Joy sparkled in his eyes when he sat up. "We should get going. I got a good feeling about those mountains." He offered me a hand and I took it and he gripped it tighter. I hefted up my bulky sword with my other hand.

"Mountains it is then! Race ya to that tree!" I yelled and took off. I heard him yelling behind me as he gave chase. I hit the tree first and began dancing around like an idiot. Ben pouted after, but joined in on my horrible dancing with a bright smile. It didn't matter back then. Nothing did. We were two kids on the run and the only thing we had to lose was each other. He hadn't changed much since then, but I guess I have. I should've known better than to let my guard down.

Reality hit me again like a brick wall. A wave a sadness crashed into me. I politely said goodbye to the Hermes kids I sat with and made my way out of the dining hall. My body was drained from training earlier and my mind emotionally drained from the endless barrage of what if's and what could have been's. Always in sight, but forever out of reach. I ran to the infirmary as fast as I could without drawing too much attention to myself. I stuck to the shadows of cabins until I finally reached it. My eyes stung with tears that I decided must've been from the wind even though only a soft breeze blew by.

"I can't wait till this is all over..." I rubbed at my eyes until they were red and then washed my face and got changed into a clean Camp shirt and shorts to sleep in. I delicately placed my sword into its sheath and let it hang by my cot. The deep pit of emotions swirling in my stomach made it hard to fall asleep, but I was glad once I did.