Oh gods, what am I going to tell Paul?!

That's all I can think about as Percy flies away on a freaking pegasus with his friend Beckendorf to go save the world, leaving me with his stepdad's car. That wouldn't be a problem if the car didn't have giant, still-smoking holes in the hood from where Blackjack landed. It's amazing that he didn't total the engine.

I sigh; thinking about all the trouble that idiot son of Poseidon has caused me in the past few months- nearly killing me with a sword when I sneezed (God, he's so paranoid), putting me into that insane Labyrinth, and having me cover for him when he blew up the music room. Not that I didn't love those experiences, but they were not the most fun I've ever had with Percy. And having Annabeth glare at me frequently during all of it didn't help. I still don't think she likes me.

But then I smile, thinking that Percy is truly my best friend. We've had some good times. Like hanging out after school, and hearing him grumble when I would drag him to my art shows and protest rallies. Even a few minutes before, driving along the beach. He's a great friend; my best friend.

I can see Sally and Paul in the distance. I sheepishly drive up to the cozy picnic spot they set up for our lunch. They see me coming and they begin to wave.

Paul's face when I come up is priceless. If I hadn't been so embarrassed I probably would have laughed. His jaw was slack, his mouth wide open. His eyes looked ready to pop right out of his head. Sally is much calmer. She knows. Sally knows everything.

"I'm guessing a pegasus paid us a visit and took my son?" Sally questions me.

"It was Blackjack to be exact Ms. Jackson"

"No need to be formal. Or sheepish. It wasn't your fault. These thing happen all the time"

Paul's eyes bug out even farther. "'These things happen all the time'? What exactly is your son's life like Sally? And why does it have to involve my car having giant hoof-print shaped holes in it?"

Sally looks back and forth between me and Paul. "Uh. . . . I think we should take Rachel home now, don't you think?"

Paul stares at us. "You will tell me why my car has holes in it won't you? I would like to know seeing as I will have to tell the insurance company something. And I'm not sure the truth will work."

Sally looks at him, and then tells me to get in the car. I go, then watch them talk for a few minutes. Paul turns a sick shade of white, then returns to normal as Sally explains more.

God, I wish I could find someone like that. So understanding. Not that Percy isn't understanding or anything. I just wish I could find someone more like me. . .

I stop my wishing and thinking as Sally and Paul come back.

The come in and then turn to look and me.

"We don't say anything about this to anyone"

I smile. "Who would believe us?"