Restored (A Caleo Selection)

14 ~ A Task So Daunting

   Jason clapped the back of a Chinese guy with short black hair, thick arms, and a slightly confused expression. "This is Frank Zhang, our resident child of Lord Ares' good side. The other one is around here somewhere," he winked.

   Frank smiled shyly. "Most of us are children of the Council. I just go by my mother's surname," he told me.

   The next teen, a girl with light brown hair, hugged me warmly. "I'm Katie, daughter of Lady Demeter. That's my sister Miranda, over there," she said, pointing out a girl with a similar appearance.

   The last one, a scrawny boy with curly brown hair, had a look in his eyes that told me he could not be a good influence on Leo. "I'm Travis. My younger brother Conner is around here somewhere. And for the record, no, we're not twins."

   "Pleasure to meet you all," I murmured. It occurred to me that any child of the Olympians would be nearly a prince or princess -- far above my position. And yet, they were all so polite.

   "That's new. How did that happen?" Piper pointed at a long scar on Jason's arm.

   "Percy shoved me, and I fell against the water spigot," Jason admitted sheepishly.

   "Aren't you in training to be a guard? Shouldn't you be better than that?" Piper pushed him playfully. He stumbled back in mock pain.

   Watching Piper interact with Jason, I realized that this was the boy she'd spoken of when she'd told me she had feelings for someone other than Leo. I slowly backed away, wanting to let them have time to talk and enjoy themselves.

   "Hey," a girl's voice said behind me. "Welcome. Leo's told us a lot about you."

   I turned and saw the one girl I'd had a grudge against for years -- Annabeth. "Hi."

   "I'm Annabeth. I'm glad you're here. I wanted to meet the girl who might be able to keep our Leo in check." She laughed and rolled her eyes.

   "I'm sure he needs it. I can't imagine what he's like when he's not in the public eye."

   Annabeth groaned. "Oh, he's much, much worse. You're lucky you can see him now so you can beg him to let you go home as soon as possible."

   We both glanced over to where Leo was bouncing on his toes while conspiring with Travis's brother, Conner. I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm tempted."

   "Well, if you're willing to stick it out and put up with his antics, then you're definitely the right girl for him." Annabeth smiled at me. "Anyways, I hope we can be friends."

   At those words, I felt the walls of bitterness and uncertainty I'd built towards this girl crack, just a little. "I....hope so too," I responded shyly.

   Just then, Percy joined us, a boy with curly ginger hair at his side. "Hey, Calypso. I see you've met Annabeth, my girlfriend. And this is Grover Underwood, my best friend."

   "Pleasure," Grover said, shaking my hand with a loose grip.

   Just then, the someone tapped on the door, and then it swung open, revealing a palace maid. "Requests for Lady McLean and Lady Nightlock to come for midday classes."

   "I thought we didn't have classes today!" Piper sighed. "I guess we have to go. But I'll see you guys tomorrow."

   I followed her out the door, only glancing back once. Leo waved at me, and I smiled as the door swung shut.

   Together, we ran to classes, dashing in four minutes late. I took my seat to the left while Piper took hers two rows ahead. Hebe frowned at us, but continued her lesson on the politics of Olympus Illéa.