A Frozen Heart - Leo Valdez

11- My First Kiss Went a Little Like This

I wake up to a empty cabin which is a little strange since I’m normally a light sleeper and wake up when others do. I must’ve over slept. A lot. Leo and I didn’t get back until after Midnight, we had to sneak back into our cabins.

I squeeze my eyes shut with the thought of Leo. He actually made me feel very happy which is a first. But I don’t like him like that, at least I don’t think I do…

Maybe I should just stay in bed all day so I don’t have to see him. No, can’t do that, I have too much planned out to do. I’m already behind on my mother’s check list.

As I begin to get up, a small silver box catches my eye. My breathing stops. Not another gift.

 It lays on my nightstand and it’s no bigger than your fist. It’s wrapped in sparkly wrapping paper and a pink bow sits on top of it. My hand snatches the small card that is attached to the bow and I scan it quickly.

It’s obviously a gift from Leo. I don’t think anyone else can have this horrible hand writing. Honestly, it reassembles chicken scratch.

Dear Chase,

   I had a great time on our date last night. I hope we can do it again some time. Oh! I wrote you a poem:

Roses are red

Just like your hair

I’m glad you’re not dead

Because you make me feel happy

You’re the prettiest girl

I hope you like this-

(Pause here and open the gift)

My head tilts to the side as my hands graze the edges of the present. I open it slowly as if it was a bomb and I was an innocent soul trying to diffuse it.

Inside the box was a pearl. A beautiful white pearl, no bigger than the size of a tooth. It was such a simple yet meaningful gift. It was the type of gift that says: “I was thinking about you” Instead of the most expensive present in the world.

I pick up the pearl with my thumb and pointer finger, bringing it closer to my face so I can get a better look.  It was real alright. It was pure white with a shade of pink her and there, making the beauty grow even more.

The pearl in my hand, I continue to read the scribbling letters of Leo’s note.

Sorry the poem sucked. I’m no son of Apollo, just a scrawny mucho repair boy who randomly burst into flames that happens to be falling for a daughter of Aphrodite. Who would’ve thought? I hope you like the gift.

     Love,

      Leo

I groan in frustration and crumble up the paper and toss it into the trash bin. If he is falling for me, why do I feel so bad about it? I should be happy that he is starting to like me so I can crush him.

I have to get my head on straight. Even though absolutely every single word I fed him last night was a complete lie, I can’t help the tiniest  crush beginning to form in the depths of my heart.

I shake my head. I need to stop thinking about Leo and focus on my check list. I’ve decided to save Percy and Annabeth for last, so that leaves Piper and Jason Grace. It shouldn’t be that hard, ruining Hazel and Frank’s relationship was a piece of cake.

~

I wait casually in front of the canoe lake, trying to spot Jason through the crowd of campers doing daily activities. My hand keeps going to my jean pocket, making sure the pearl is still safely there.