Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Chapter 2

Ben's POV:

"Rose? What're you doing?" I wrapped my arms around Rose's waist. I rested my head on her shoulder, looking to see what she was doing. She was packing? I tensed up with the realization and grabbed her hands, making her face me. "Rose what's going on? Are you ok? Wh-where are you going?" I asked her, trying not to sound as concerned as I actually was. Rose let out a sigh and sat down on her bed. I sat down right next to her and kept on holding her hands. I can't let her leave... I don't know what I'd do without her.

"Ben, I need to get away for a while. I've tried to hide how I feel... but I can't do it anymore. I'm just so... so depressed, Ben. I want to go home, and see my mom. I want to just... clear my head." I grimaced. Rose hadn't seemed the same since we had gotten back home. She was almost absent. Every hug I gave her was empty, when we kissed her lips were cold and unresponsive, and every I love you sounded more like a goodbye. I should've done something earlier...

"I-Is there anything I can do? T-to change your mind? R-Rose, please don't leave me." I pleaded. Rose looked down, her eyes watering.

"Ben, no! I love you. I do, it's just... I need some time. This isn't because of you, it's just... with everything that's happened, being alone to think and sort out everything I'm going through would be... nice? I'm not leaving you, like.. relationship wise..." She trailed off. I felt my heart break a little.

"Can I come with you? Please?" I started to beg her. Rose gave me a weak smile.

"No... no, Ben. I need to do this myself. I won't be gone long. Just for a few months. I promise." I didn't want to let her go... I pouted at her.

"Rose I'm worried..." I protested weakly. I knew I couldn't stop her. She's so strong willed; it's one of the things I love about her.

"Don't be worried, I can hold my own, Ben. I promise I'll be alright. I'll come back soon. You have my word." Of course Rose could hold her own. But I needed her to be safe above all and I know exactly how to do it.

"...alright, Rose. I-I trust you. I uh... I should go get you a bag for ambrosia." I squeezed her hand and stood up to leave. Rose nodded without even looking at me, staring at Nathan's ring. I looked away and quickly left the room. I needed to find Myra and Cole. After asking Cole's siblings, I managed to track the two of them down to the archery range. Myra had Hunter in her lap while she watched Cole practice. "Myra! Cole! I need to talk to you guys!" I shouted, panting for breath as I caught up to them.

"What now? Are your sisters trying to give you a makeover again?" Myra asked, looking around. Cole laughed and strung his bow on his back before coming over to Myra and I.

"It's about Rose. She's leaving Camp."

"Leaving Camp?! Why?" Myra exclaimed angrily.

"She's been so depressed since Nathan died. I should have done something... T-This is all my fault! She doesn't want anyone to go with her." I ran my hands through my hair. Myra and Cole both looked horrified.

"I'll go after her." Myra offered. Cole immediately began to protest.

"Frostbite, no. I'm not losing you again."

"Cole I have to do this. She'll never forgive Ben if he goes after her. And you're strong and brave, Badger. But my powers are more effective in a fight... I was made for destruction. Plus, I'm her best friend. I'm going after her."

"But-" Cole protested again.

"Cole we'll talk about this later. Ben, when is she leaving?" Myra cut him off.

"Today." I sighed, kicking at a rock with my shoe.

"I'll pack a bag. I'll meet you by the border in an hour." Myra said, leaving with Cole and Hunter following close behind. Cole looked crushed and I felt awful, but I couldn't let Rose go alone. Myra was right... she was made for battle. Hopefully that would be enough to keep Rose safe. The hour passed by slowly. When I got to the border, Myra hid her packed bag behind a couple of bushes a few feet away from me. Her and Cole were quietly talking to each other when Rose walked over to us.

"Rose, are you seriously leaving?" Myra blurted out, walking towards Rose.

"Yeah, I am. I just... I have to do this, guys." Rose looked around at all of us. Her bright blue eyes looked dull from pain. I wanted more than anything to be the one protecting her.

"Please, Rose. Just let one of us go with you?" Myra asked earnestly.

"I can't, Myra. I need to go alone. I'm sorry..." Rose looked away from all of us.

"But what if you get in trouble? Or something happens? Or-Or what if Khione comes after you? Gods... Rose it's not safe..." Myra ranted.

"I'll be alright. If I thought I needed help, then I'd have one of you come with me. I promise, I'll be back soon." Rose tried to calm our fears, but it wasn't even remotely working.

"...I-Rose just come back soon alright?" Myra was watching her nervously.

"I said I would and I will... goodbye." There was a sharp edge to Rose's tone that made Myra flinch a bit. Rose softened immediately afterwards.

"Bye..." Cole and Myra looked miserable. Hunter shifted and whimpered. Rose hugged everyone and came to face me. I tried to stay calm, but I couldn't. Not when it came to Rose. I started shaking a bit, biting down on my quivering lip to hold back tears.

"Ben?" Rose called out to me. I could feel a tear on my cheek. "Hey, come on. Don't do that. It's alright. It-it's going to be alright." She cooed softly. It's not fair that she has to leave. I just want to keep her safe. To make her feel better. To care for her. I looked her in the eye and noticed she was starting to get choked up too. I pulled her in for a kiss. I desperately needed to have her close to me one last time. I never wanted to break it. I want her to stay with me... She broke it off and gave me a weak smile. Then she looked over the border and crossed, without looking back. Two minutes later, Myra had kissed Cole and smothered Hunter. She gave me a tight hug and trotted after Rose with a cheery: "Hope I don't die!" and a mock salute. Cole, Hunter, and I sat at the border for awhile after that, as if maybe they would change their minds and come back. I know she won't, but I also know I'll be here everyday until she's safe in my arms again.