CHAPTER 2

The other Apollo kids headed out to start practicing, but Aaron stayed behind. He made some excuse about looking for his sneakers, but in truth, he really just wanted to have a minute alone. He pulled out his journal and began to write.

It's very quiet

When the Apollo cabin

Is sitting empty.

"Whatcha doin Aaron?" Marissa flounced up to her best friend, her curiosity on high at the sight of Aaron's 'secret notebook' A/N: that's what is written across the front of the book

Slamming the book shut, Aaron fumbled for the right words to explain that he was writing in his diary without, of course, saying that he was writing in his diary.

"Um, ah...I was just writing a letter to my mom. I thought now would be a good time to do it, you know, while the cabin is sitting empty." He laughed a little in his mind. It was just like Aaron to throw a line of poetry into a normal conversation.

"Oh. Cool! So, are you coming to archery with the rest of us, or do you have more letters to write?" Marissa leaned in towards him a bit to hear his answer.

"Archery. Right. Yeah, I was just about to head down there. Why aren't you out practicing with everyone else? Are you writing a letter to your mom too?"

Marissa hesitated. In the 3 weeks she had known him, she had never told Aaron anything about her family. She wasn't sure if she wanted to either, but him being her best friend, she felt obligated to tell him why she had never spoken of her mother before. She sighed and sat on the bunk next to her half-blood half-brother.

"Aaron, my mother died a year ago. I came to live at Camp Half-Blood about 6 months after it happened. I tried living with my grandparents for a while, but it just didn't work out." Tears began welling up down in the girl's eyes as she spilled her life's story to her best friend.

"They...they wouldn't accept me for who I am. They were grieving over the loss of their daughter and they were mad at Apollo for ever leaving her in the first place. Mad at him for even hooking up with her, for that matter. I...I am unwanted." Marissa was crying full out now. Nobody wanted her (or so she thought) and the one person who had truly loved her was gone forever.

Aaron was at a loss for words and a silent tear was running down his cheek. "Marissa...I'm so sorry. I never...I never would've guessed this about you." he took a shaky breath.

"You are this cabin's Little Miss Sunshine. You always know how to make my day, and everyone else's too. And you are not unwanted. Apollo wanted you; he claimed you as his own and helped you here safely. Michael wants you here; he says you bring grace & happiness to this cabin. Your grandparents don't know what they're thinking. You are a wonderful person. I know it, our daddy knows it, and your mother knew it too. Don't ever forget that."

Pep talk over, Marissa felt a little happier. "Thank you Aaron. You're the best half-brother ever, and the best friend too. I hope you know that." she leaned in and hugged the kid sitting next to her. Her half-brother. The only family member who still loved her, besides Apollo. She had a hard time putting faith in his love though. Her was never around, of course.

"Did you still wanna go shoot some arrows? Because I'll go along if you do. You don't have to though." Aaron was a little cautious to ask, but if they wanted to get any time to practice at all, they'd have to go soon. Breakfast wasn't far away.

"No, you go. I think I'm going to stay here. Catch up on my sleep a little." Marissa managed a weak smile as she watched Aaron stand up and walk to the cabin door.

"Bye Riss."

END