Nina wiped the thin layer of sweat forming on her forehead. No need to worry, this would be an easy victory. She was the fastest in all of San Francisco.
She smiled. Just as she liked it.
The starter fired the gun into the air, and Nina took off like the wind. Her feet pumped and her hair came out of its perfect, slick black ponytail. She felt the ribbon rip as she ran past it, and into the adoring crowd.
" Viva La Niña!" Nina's excitable aunt said. " Long Live Nina!"
Her father smiled. " You did good, kid"
It was a total hallmark moment before the minivan crashed into the school.
CHAPTER TWO
The man driving stumbled out with a huge grin. Then he looked at her father in awe. " Uncle Jose! I didn't expect to see you here, of all places. But then again, you were probably lured by my awesomeness.
Nina suddenly remembered the goofy grin, the coy face. It was her cousin Leo!
Of all the places for him to be, of all the times...
Nina pretended to tie her shoelaces when someone ripped her up. " Now, I must be going, dear uncle."
Leo walked to the van while the crowd was confused.
Then the crowd roared. This was a kidnapping!
Nina's Father shouted. " Let go of my mija, you brute!"
Leo smiled back, " Sorry," He cranked up the engine.
" Next stop? Camp Half Blood."