Why do I have to go shopping?
Really. Of all things Annabeth could've asked me to do as a preparation, she wants me and Leo to look for a present for the newcomers.
Let me tell you how this all happened. Two days ago, Hermes came to Camp Half-Blood with a letter, sealed with red wax. Once he handed it to Chiron and left, the centaur tore off the envelope and abruptly called for a Counsellor meeting.
Naturally, it was something really big.
Apparently, the queen of England, queen Elizabeth II, was a daughter of Athena. And years ago, she was going around English orphanages, when she found two demigod children. So far, they've been acting as the queen's right and left hands as princesses. Now, they were going to come to Camp Half-Blood for the summer.
Everyone got busy. Annabeth planned the whole ceremony, telling everyone what to and not to do in the princesses' presence. Percy was going to get his sea animal friends and pegasi to perform. Jason and Piper were in charge of decorations, along with the other Aphrodite kids.
The Apollo kids and the visiting hunters of Artemis were practicing for a show during the ceremony, while the children of Demeter made floral garlands to give the girls and to decorate the cabins. Children of Ares were, uh…, planning a special 'initiation' for the princesses.
Children of Hermes helped prepare the princesses' possible necessities until they were claimed. Children of Athena helped everyone else research the princesses' likes and dislikes, trying to classify their parentages. Basically, everyone had something to do.
Except me.
As a son of Hades, everyone who was afraid of me told me to not creep out the royal girls. It was fine by me. I didn't really want to meet them, anyways. But Annabeth just had to tell me and Valdez to go buy gifts for the two newcomers. Because, according to their info, one was cheerful and fiery, while another was calm, anti-social, and quiet.
And so it comes to this.
Both Valdez and I stood in front of the gift store, the fanciest one in town. He eagerly walks in, while I do so gloomily.
As we walked toward separate aisles, him towards the brighter side, and I to the darker side, I scan the shelves.
They were stocked with souvenirs mostly coloured in black, grey, or purple and red. There were dolls, figurines, glassware, and a bunch of other stuff. I simply walked my way through.
Then I collided with someone.
We both stumbled to the ground as the person, a girl, frantically fit her sky blue and white cap back on her head. I looked up, to a brunette.
Her face wasn't very clear, since she had her cap and a hoodie on. Yet, long, silky, light ash brown hair fell from within. She wore a, as I had mentioned, hoodie, with blue ribbons on the white cotton. She also wore denim shorts and three inch heels, rubbing the back of her head.
As soon as she got up, she made a held her hand out. I ignored the help and stood on my own. "I don't like being touched."
Pouting, this stranger exclaimed,"Meanie!"
"Who are you anyways?"I ask, furrowing my brows. The brunette sighs and smiles. "I'm Cherith!" She reached her hand out for a handshake. I stared at it. "Nico di Angelo."
I look around to make sure no one is watching. "You don't look like the type to be hanging around here." She laughs lightly and starts to browse the shelves. "Nope! I'm here looking for a souvenir for my sister. It's kinda our thing."
I stare at her. "You're weird."
She smiles at me knowingly, and I finally see her eyes, even if it was just a glimpse. "I know."