The Next Generation

Chapter 4 - Zara

I couldn't believe Ethan. Why? I have told him no since the age of thirteen. Doesn't he understand that I will never say yes? As soon as lunch was over, I walked straight to the Hades cabin, not daring to look up. The door to the cabin croaked when I opened it. The room was dark, with only two small windows sneaking through light. Knowing that Ethan was going to come back for more questioning, I closed the shades and locked the door. I had an old single bed that had been Nico's before he left. The comforter was black, like all the other things in the room. The cold, wood floor creaked as I walked across. I slumped onto the bed in a heap, inhaling deep breaths, and then letting them out. I thought about the rest of my day...climbing wall...arts and crafts...campfire. If only I didn't have to be in a group with Ethan. I have twenty-five minutes before climbing wall, so...that's just enough time to go to the Big House and ask Chiron to switch!

I willed myself to become invisible, and opened the door slowly. Minutes into the walk, I turned visible again and walked up the front stairs. Sure enough, Ethan and his friends were walking out of the Big House with...Kas! What was she doing with them? She seemed to be in a deep conversation with Sammy, kid of Hazel and Frank.

"Kas?" I ask in disbelief.

"Hi!" She said with a big smile. Oh no! Why did I say that so loud? Ethan walked over with a goofy smile on his face. I got to admit. He did have a great smile.

"Hey Zara! Are you ready to really answer the question?"

I snorted, "I would get your ears checked out if I were you. Were you listening?"

Ethan ignored the question and stared at me,"I like your skirt thingy y'know, it's very...uh...skirty,"

I cleared my throat,"If you really want to compliment a girl, then ask the newest member of your crew, she has definity read a book about that sort of thing," They all peered over to Kas. I used that time to sprint past them, into the Big House.

The door to Chiron's office was opened ajar. I surveyed the room. There was a big desk that sat in the corner. The pictures on the peeling wall showed heroes that Chiron taught: The seven, plus the older heroes like Hercules, Achilles, Jason, and Asclepi. An old Boom Box stood in the other corner of the room, opposite of the desk. It softly played some really horrible music, definitely not comforting the mood.

"Chi-," I stopped myself, on the far end of the room Annabeth, Ethan's mom, sat in front of the desk. She had a beautiful head of blond hair tied up in a ponytail. Her tanned skin glistened in the sunlight. But all I could think about, were those piercing gray eyes that told everyone in the room that she was the boss.

"Please, Chiron, you have been a friend for years, you know Ethan needs someone, anyone to stand with. He needs a friend, a girlfriend if possible.-,"

"Annabeth," He said calmly,"He only will go after one girl. I have seen it myself."

"And," She asked annoyed.

"And she says no every time. Plus, Ethan does have friends, your friend's kids."

"They aren't his friends. They stand by his side only because they want to watch him make a fool of himself. Come on Chiron,I know you're smarter than this. Can't you do some bonding activities or something?"

"I will do what I-,"

"No!" Annabeth grumbled, "If you won't do anything to get someone to be a real, loyal friend, then I will." She stomps off towards the door...the door I was hiding behind! She flung it open, hitting me flat in the face.

"Ow!" I mumbled.

"Oh, I am so sorry, I am in a bit of a hurry so-,"

"It's fine, I understand, Mrs. Jackson," She glances at Chiron and back at me suspiciously.

"You are?" She asks me.

"Zara Jean, ma'am, daughter of Hades."

"Is this..." Chiron nodded, "Well Zara, would you mind stepping into the hallway with me for a second?"

"Um, we're already in the hallway," I reminded her as she closed the door. Annabeth sighed.

"Honey, I'm pretty sure you just heard the conversation I just had with Chiron, and honestly? I'm worried for Ethan. I want him to have a nice, fun life full of friends and caring family. I'm not going to pressure you into it, but I'm asking you to give him a chance. Hear him out. Spend some time together," I was confused.

"Pressure me into what, Mrs. Jackson?" She pursed her lips, and waited for a minute before continuing.

"To be his girlfriend," I gulped. Oh dear.

Wc; 719