Fourteen

i.

The first time Nico di Angelo saw her was when she flew into camp and fainted just past Thalia's tree. He thought she was insane. Of course, he was only ten then.

ii.

The second time Nico di Angelo saw her was when she visited Percy at his apartment in New York. Nico was talking to Percy when she knocked on the door; at the time, he felt immense annoyance at her for interrupting him and his only friend while they were hanging out. Why couldn't she go hang out with someone else? Of course, he was only eleven then.

iii.

The third time Nico di Angelo saw her was at the museum. He was on a school field trip, looking at art. Nico thought it was the most boring thing on Earth. But his day was brightened when he saw her covered head-to-toe in soot. Or fake soot at least. Her and her friends were raising awareness of the damage acidic rain was doing to New York City. He laughed at the sight of her- she was completely black, except for her eyes, which stood out. The dark, clear green of her eyes out beautifully, framed by her long, thick lashes. Of course, he was only twelve then.

iv.

The fourth time Nico di Angelo saw her was when she surprised Percy and came to take him on a drive in her new car. He felt like such a third wheel, so he muttered some excuse and left them. For some odd reason, he wanted to be in that car with her. Of course, he was only thirteen then.

v.

The fifth time Nico di Angelo saw her, he fell head over heels in love. She was in ratty jeans and a t-shirt, and she was painting his new cabin black. She had silver designs on it and everything. When he saw her with the paint streaks on her face, her wild hair up in a messy bun, her standing bare-foot on a ladder, and her emerald eyes sparkling, he knew he liked her. She had looked beautiful to him then, and she was nice. She was the only person to help Nico with his new cabin, because everyone else was too busy. They became hesitant friends, and slowly, Nico realized how deep his feelings for her ran.

Of course, he was fourteen when he fell in love with Rachel Elizabeth Dare.