Collision Course

Chapter Twenty four

I left Chiron in the Big House alone, yet feeling strangely satisfied. Strangely, because I forgot to ask the question I needed to know the answer to. Where was I sleeping tonight?!

After walking around the deserted camp for a few minutes, I decided that I'd take up Lewis's suggestion. Sleeping in the trees sounded like fun.

Slipping into a good pace, I jogged to the edge of the trees, and plundged in. I had just formed a ladder with a hair elastic I found on my wrist, when I felt a buzz in my dress pocket.

Guess who texted... Right! It was Cole.

C: Hey Tira. I no times off and its like 1 am but... need help/advice.

T: Its alright. I'm... Back in America...

I don't even think Cole read my text.

C: Max + crew r gone! Just left.

T: Like ... poof gone?

C: I can't fin d them anywhere.

T: Like no where in your house/apartment thing, at all?

C: NO

T: Haha. Bad borritos for dinner?

C: Ma b

I laughed out loud and almost fell out of the tree I had just climbed into. Getting comforable, I replied.

T: Y did u make the dinner?

C: Max wanted me to cook...

T: Y would she do that?!

C: I don't know...

I saw it actual ring this time. He was calling me. Oh geez. He was crazy.

"Tira! I really need help!" He yelled into my ear once I answered the phone. I just laughed.

"Okay then." I said. "Why did Max want you to make dinner?"

"I have no clue! One momment I was grabbing my coat, and knocking on their door to see if they wanted to go out to eat then... and when I opened the door, they- Max and her boyfriend- looked like they were in a big discussion. It looked serious. Then Max looked at me funny, and said they didn't want to go out and eat. They said I should make dinner. Normally the blind kid made food- don't ask how, they're weird- but she said that he was preocupied. I didn't even see him in the room or here him in the house. Those people are so stealth its freaky."

I just cocked an eyebrow, even though he couldn't see me, and sat there, thinking.

Why would they leave?

"Did they tell you they were leaving?" I asked.

"NO!"

I laughed. "Okay then. Were you burrittos that bad?" I asked.

I could almost see Cole shaking his head. "NO! They weree the best I ever made them!"

"And was that an accomplishment?" I asked.

"Yes- well mayb- No. No it wasn't." If you haven't caught on yet- Cole is a terrible chief.

Suddenly, a white thing flashed in the corner of my eye. I turned, trying to see what it was. When I caught sight of it again, my breath caught in my throat. Maybe being a demigod was new and strange, just like being a wizard, but this was crazier. My brain just wouldn't compute. A second later, a flash of black, golden, and two flashes of dirty blonde streaked by and paused near the first thing I saw.

"Cole," I said.

"Yes?" He answered.

"Can I ask you a question?"