The blazing storm

Chapter 16

Darcy sat on the edge of her bed staring at the vial in her hands.  The thing was that she wanted to remember her past with James, but she didn't want to remember everything else.  Maybe she forgot for a reason.  She dropped it into her pocket and left her cabin.  The air outside smelt sweet.  The sun wss rising, casting golden light over the camp and if you listened carefully enough, you could hear the breeze weaving through the grass.  Or maybe that was just Darcy, being the daughter of the sky and all.

No one was out of their cabin yet.  It was only five in the morning after all.  Darcy knew who would be awake, so, she headed towards the brand new cabin that Chiron had had constructed for the new family.  Being Leo's best friend and trusted by Leora, she had a key.  Percy and Nico did as well. 

She silently walked to the small cottage-like cabin and as quietly as she could, unlocked the door.  The cottage was two stories high.  Down on the first floor was what you would expect from a normal house, a kitchen, a living room and a small dinning room.  Darcy tip-toed up the set of spiral stairs and into little Amelia's bedroom. 

Darcy leaned over the crib.  Amelia looked back up at her with big green eyes.  She smiled and giggled.  Darcy smiled back and gently lifted her out of the crib.  "Hello." She said, smiling then kissing Amelia on the forehead. 

She sat down in the rocking chair in the corner of the room.  Amelia was reaching up towards her face with little tiny fists so Darcy offered her finger.  Amelia took hold of it then put it in her mouth. 

"She really likes you." A voice said from the door. 

Darcy looked up, startled.   Leora stood leaning against the doorway with a smile on her face.  "Oh!" Darcy stood up.  "Leora!  Hi!"

Leora laughed.  "Please, I hate my name.  Call me Leigh."

Darcy smiled and handed Amelia to Leigh.  "Sorry." She said.  "I'll call you Leigh form now on."

Leigh smiled and cuddled Amelia.  "Have you taken the potion yet?" She asked.  Darcy looked down at her feet and shook her head.  "I guess I'm afraid too."

Leigh nodded.  "I understand." She moved towards the rocking chair and sat down.  "I had to own up to who my family was.  And about Amelia." She shuddered. 

Darcy sat on the soft violet carpet.  "You know," She said.  "When I was little I always used to think that Leo would be my prince.  When I saw how much he loved you, I got jealous.  But as time went on, I noticed how happy he was and those feelings just vanished.  And I have James now."

Leigh looked over at Darcy and smiled sadly.  "I'm sorry for stealing your best friend." She said. 

Darcy shrugged.  "It's fine.  He's happy now amd that's all that matters."

Leigh smiled gently and looked down at Amelia again.  "Are you happy you met daddy?" She asked. 

Amelia gurgled and let out a squeaky laugh.  "Whoa, did I miss the memo for the party?" Leo asks from the door.  He rubs his eyes sleepily.  

Darcy smiled and stood up.  "Well," She said, rubbing her sweaty palms on her pants.  "I'll leave the family be."

Leora looked up and shook her head quickly.  "Oh no, you can stay." She said hopefully.  Leo nodded in agreement and went to collect Amelia from Leora's arms and looked over at Darcy.  He winked. 

Darcy shifted awkwardly.  "I'm actually kind of hungry, sooo..." She started to back away.  "I'll catch up with you later." 

As soon as she was out of their feild of vision, she ran out of the house and towards the Hermes cabin. 

Just as she reaches to open the door, it swings open and James steps out.  When he sees her face, he frowns.  "Are you all right?" He asks. 

Darcy pulls the memory potion from her pocket. 

"I'm ready."