Signs of a Storm

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter 27: A Blessing I Didn’t Want

The next day, the 22nd, I was ready for Christmas to hurry up and get here already.

I mean, c’mon, there’s never a day off for demigods. Plus I was a bit curious to see what people would get me. But that’s totally irrelevant. And oh, the sweet goodies that I’d stuff up with! Also totally irrelevant. Forget I said anything.

Throughout the whole day, I kept hearing awesome things about how awesome the people who were visiting are. Hazel and Frankthis, Hazel and Frank that. I just listened to most of it, but ended up forgetting details, thanks to my ADHD. I heard something about shape shifting into animals. I also heard something about coming back from the dead? Must be me just going insane again. I swear that I’m losing my marbles.

I finally found a familiar face in the crowd, so I made my way down to talk to Jason. There weren’t many people around here, only the occasional camper who didn’t have a family to go back to, or was too old. But I was glad that the few people were. It was somewhat peaceful, actually. “Hey Jason, waddup?” I waved as he turned to face me.

“Hi, you excited for Christmas?” He seemed to have his mind elsewhere, and definitely not here on earth. I shrugged.

“I guess, I mean it’s not like I have any particular wishes for stuff…” I peeked up at him, then twiddled my thumbs. I hoped he’d get the hint. “You know me, just good ol’ Tara. She’s totally too humble to ask for anything. But if she did, I know that she would want something that is sweet… and fruity…” He gave no sign of understanding. I sighed. “Ok, fine. I want Skittles. Lots of Skittles for Christmas. And I kinda have this dream of swimming in them, so if you could help out with a poor Tara’s dream?” I smiled big, showing all my teeth.

Jason finally seemed to have heard me, and he smiled. “You got it.” I pumped my fist. “But…” I huffed. “I would like a card to me, saying that I’m the greatest demigod you’ve ever met. And that Leo is an ass. Thank you.” He waved goodbye and began to walk off towards the stables, without even waiting for my response. I guess he knew that if I really wanted my sweets that badly, that I would do what he had said for me to do.

I began to press forwards and go ahead and write the note. I mean, why not? When I got back to the deserted cabin, I felt alone. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. I had hid it from everyone, but I couldn’t stop thinking about poor Blaze. I missed him so much, it was unbearable. And to make the situation worse, my handwriting reminded me of my mother’s. And then I remembered how I may never find my uncle or cousin, because all my letters were gone. But what did Zyra say was the name of my cousin? Kasper, that was it.

I had a mini table that was by my bedside, and I was using that to write my letter on. Not literally, of course. I just could not take it anymore. It was too stressful to think about family. I decided to go somewhere where my mind would be clear.

The water.