Rewritten: Chapter 2.

My Somewhat sucky School year with Travis Stoll.

School sucks?

I don't own.

Thank you to my current Beta, Iheartligers.

The week leading up to school was pure hell.

Okay, let's back up. I've never actually been to Hades oh-so-famous lair and I'm not planning a getaway vacation there anytime soon, but if this is what even a speck of what afterlife is like, I hoped to live a long saint-hero like life.

And I'm not over exaggerating. If anything I'm under exaggerating.

Amanda and Victoria, the infamous step-sisters, cast me dirty looks every chance they got. They whispered about me and highlighted all the insecurity I thought I had mostly overcome during my stay at camp. They taunted and ignored me to the point of frustration. They acted like I was the stranger in my life-long home.

And I, capable of common sense, avoided them at all costs. Eating in my room, shopping with only Dad for my school supplies, and spending all day, everyday where I'm absolutely positive no one would bother me - the fields.

But other than the two girls my time here wasn't as unbelievably bad as I had first thought. Yeah, Mia was annoying and obnoxious and kept calling my dad 'sweetheart' and her daughters were hell hounds but when I spend my days with Dad, helping out with the farm, and Lucy it was hard to focus on all that.

I was homesick though. I missed the loud conversations and big mess hall meals. I missed the burn in my nose from the bitter salt and the sound of my siblings giggles. I miss the sound of Chiron's hooves against gravel and the strawberry milkshake I would occasionally get in my cup at dinner time. Hell, I was so homesick I even missed the strong grape fragrance of Mr. D.

And of course….other things.

And no these other things absolutely did not extend to a certain Hermes boy with thick curls and huge dimples.

nope.

I was broken from my thoughts by a shrill (annoying) voice calling my name, the high octave of the sound making it sound more like a dying pigeon than the sing song voice she was going for.

I stifled a groan as the source of this terrifying noise registered in my mind.

I quickly shrugged off the thin robe I was wearing around my room and tugged a shirt over my body, pulling my hair out of the collar once the fabric covered my torso. As I pulled my hair up I opened the door with my elbow and began bouncing down the stairs. Once I reached the bottom I resisted the urge to roll my eyes when I met Mia's, her dark eyeshadow smeared around the edges of her eyes. I stopped at the end of the staircase, pulling my hands out of my hair to place them over my chest.

"Yes Mia?" I asked in a sweet voice, leaning back slightly once I caught a whiff of the scent I can only described as Mia, nail polish remover, whatever cleaning product she was using, and some super expensive perfume that smelled way too bad to cost that much.

"Hi Honey," she smiled, "Your dad left earlier for the farmers market downtown and he left all your new school supplies in the living room. Would you please bring them up to your room?"

I sighed and jumped off the last step, landing on the polished floor with a thump. I made my way toward the rather large country style living room and began collecting the few fabricated material bags that littered the room.

After collecting all my supplies I threw one of the fabric reusable bags over my shoulder and began climbing the stairs, happy to see that Mia had gone back to her cleaning.

After climbing the stairs and walking the familiar path towards my bedroom, I set the bags down, telling myself that I would sort through the contents later. I stood and returned to my previous task of reorganizing my bookshelf that hadn't been touched since I left, years ago. I quietly sang a small Greek song that one of the older counselors had taught me when I had first gotten to camp. I slowly slid the many books smoothly over the thick, chipping wood.

As I finished my task my mind began to wander, I haven't been to real school in years. As far as the state knew, I was being homeschooled all these years. So what if I failed all of my classes? And with dyslexia, wouldn't it just be ten times harder for me? All of my old friends, would they even remember me? Would they even want to hang out with me? Was I just a blank face in their minds?

But even as I struggled to remember their names and faces, diving into the fuzziest spots of my mind to visit words and thoughts that haven't been dug up in years, I felt a twinge of doubt.

I stood and took a small few steps, making a few extra big steps to avoid knocking over the stacks of books. I stood over my desk, leaned over and pulled one of the few pictures taped to the wall off, probably taking some paint off of the wall from the ancient tape that held the laminated paper to the surface. It was one of my favorites; it was of me when I was 12 with a group of nameless eighth graders. I flipped the worn paper over and grinned at the several names on the back, including my own, in messy scrabble.

As I set the photo down, I smiled softly to myself, 4 and half years later I was back in the place I would have to call home.

I reached for a lavender colored sharpie and crossed off another day on the calendar hanging on the corkboard in my room. I swear, the bright green field over the month August was mocking me with the bad weather going on outside.

I was sadly reminded of the date as I stared at the calendar, the 24th. Classes at Windward High school started the 25th.

You don't even know anyone, what were you thinking, going back?

Your father. A small voice that I didn't recognize as my own spoke out in my head.

It wasn't odd that there was a little voice in my head- total normal by demigod standards- but the fact it was 100% right. It was my father's constant begging at the end of each summer that had finally broke me, caused me to pack up my things, say goodbye to all of my friends and siblings and leaving to spend the next part of my life with my legal family.

I flopped down on my bed, narrowly missing one of the many bags on it. I stuffed my face into the new bed set and snuggled down deeper.

I wondered what I would be doing at camp right now. Probably a sing-along, it was a little after 8, after all. Making s'mores and laughing with other cabins. I wondered what Linda, my sister whom I was closest too, was doing. Was she still missing me? She had promised to write, so why had no letters come yet? I dismissed the idea instead of worrying too much. I wondered how Brandy was doing, the new leader of the cabin, or maybe what Trav-

I cut myself off there and sat up, dismissing the thought quickly and swung my legs over the side of the bed to begin getting my bag ready for class tomorrow.

As I began tossing things in a large tie-dye green bag my mind began to panic. What do you bring on your first day of high school? Keep in mind that I haven't attended school in so many years, and all those years before you usually had a list of things to bring on the first day to load up on your desk, but this was high school where you didn't just have one specific desk to put all of your things into, nope I graduate to what is called a locker. What if I forget something? Or brought too much?

I was almost tempted to ask the she-demons, but with the obnoxious whatever pop song coming from their shared room, I denied myself the wonderful idea of having a conversation with them.

After I deemed myself done for the day I slipped out of my jeans and baggy shirt and into soft pajama's with little stars all over the material. I found my IPod under a clutter of junk on the bedside table and hooked it up to the ancient old speakers I received as a present from my dad for some award I got in school.

I slowly drifted to sleep, the soft sounds to some country song that I hadn't listened to in forever.

It was bright.

I slowly opened my eyes, feeling my eyelids feeling glued together from the deep sleep I was floating in. I squinted against the bright light that made my eyes feel like melting, and used my elbow to prop myself up, and use my hand to block out some of the light that was streaming directly from a window I don't remember opening...

I looked over to the black digital clock I had set my alarm on, only to find it dead. I quickly sat up and pulled my IPod off the dock and clicked it on.

7:45.

I squinted against the numbers, not really believing them. But as my eyes adjusted, it read the same 4 numbers.

I felt a large shock of adrenaline spark through my body as I jumped out of the tangle of blankets. I quickly began stripping my clothes and pulling on a plain t shirt and jean shorts, not caring how painfully plain it was before running into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth roughly and cursed a million different words under my breath as I ran a brush roughly through my oh so compliant hair, settling for a bun that left a sort-of-kinda-hopefully-cute messy hairdo.

I grabbed my backpack and began running down the stairs, only to have a very important reminder run through the back of my mind and have to run back up the stairs.

I began to frantically search for the small object, jumping over to the bookshelf when I spotted the small pink object sitting innocently on the wood.

I grabbed the hairclip, enchanted to transform into 9 inch knife when the third left petal was pressed tightly. I quickly jumped down the stairs, taking two at a time, and ran out the door, only having enough time to grab a protein bar lying on the counter.

My planned walk to school was quickly turning into a run, I was there in 10 minutes, making me late for my class on my first day.

I ran over to the entrance and hurried inside. It seemed, thankfully, that I wasn't the only late one. My eyes ran over the many signs and finally found one that could help me. I ran as fast as my demigod legs could carry me before stopping before the open door labeled 'OHFIGE' but I was suppose was the school office.

I smoothed my hair and wiped the layer of sweat off of my face before I knocked and walked into the room.

"Hello" An older lady with a kind face greeted me once I entered the room. Her fingers were wound in the many pearl necklaces around her neck "How can I help you?"

I struggled to calm my lungs as I said my next sentence "I-I'm new here. They told me to go to the office?"

The lady, whose name tag declared her Celine Bradshaw, glanced at the clock and made a small nose of disapproval before turning to her computer and typing for a moment, "Name?"

"Katie Gardner" I said breathlessly, my respiratory system under more control now.

"Junior?" she asked, looking at me over her glasses. I nodded.

She looked back to her screen and typed out for a few more moments before the printer on the desk started making noises and papers, including a paper with my picture on it, began printing out of the machine.

"Every day is a different schedule, today is C schedule so it's that one" She pointed toward a highlighted part of the paper "So you'll have your classes in this order today, if you have any questions ask me or another teacher, here" She handed me a confusing looking paper with boxes and words all over it. "These are some papers that need to be filled out and returned to the office by the end of the day, and here's your hall pass. Since it's your first day I won't write you up but there better not be anymore of that nonsense." She said strictly. I nodded and accepted the papers.

She continued on, "Your first class is English with Mr. Stevenson, so I would suggest you hurry. His class room is room 11, not far from here"

I nodded, grateful towards the women "Thank you so much!"

Mrs. Bradshaw nodded "Now go on, have a nice day sweetheart"

I smiled and nodded again, kind of feeling like a bobble head,"I will!"

I ran out of the room but stopped to spare a few moments to look over the paper. My schedule read the following:

Katie L. Gardner – F - JNR -DOB 4/18/98 - #11348965

1st Period – English 11 – Room 11

2nd Period – Geometry – Room 145

3rd Period – Ancient Greek I –Room 228

4th Period – 2nd Lunch - Cafeteria

5th Period – Theater Arts –School Theater

6th Period - American History - Room 167

7th Period – Cooking – Room 58

I bit my lip to stop from smiling as I looked the paper over, surprised to see that Dad had gotten me into all my requested classes. I looked around for a moment before pulling out the small map Ms. Bradshaw had thankfully included in the packet she gave to me. After finding the right classroom and my locker location on the paper I began following the directions to my locker.

After dumping all my stuff off except my textbook and notebook I finally began walking to class. I walked up the closed door of the English room and knocked, taking a deep breath and opening the door with my eyes planted on the floor. I felt the eyes of the many students look up at me and I bit my lip.

I looked up to see a stern looking man - Mr. Stevenson - turning to face me with a scowl, his hand on the board as he was in mid-writing on the clean white board. My cheeks heated up before walking the few steps to his desk. I handed him the pink sheet that excused my tardiness. Mr. Stevenson took the paper and read it slowly. He wrote something on it and set it on his desk

"I'll let it go today, being the first day and all, but another tardiness and you'll receive a detention, understand Miss Gardner?"

I nodded quickly, relieved at the lack of punishment before sitting at one of the last empty desks in the corner of the front of the room, next to another empty seat. I pulled out my notebook and Mr. Stevenson continued on with his notes. I attempted to read the jumble of letters but quickly gave up and instead listened to him go on.

After some time had pasted I heard a knock at the door, but didn't bother to look up and instead continued to doodle over my notebook as Mr. Stevenson spoke about gerunds.

"Sorry I'm late sir, my car broke down"

I stopped mid-sentence, my pen dropping from my hand and onto the lined paper.

Wait…

I froze as the shuffle of papers sounded and more talking was exchanged between the two, it wasn't until I heard my own name that i was finally broken out of my shock. My head whipped up faster than I had thought humanly possible to stare up with wide eyes, my mouth probably gaping at the sight of this person I had planned on not seeing for at least 10 months.

"And Mr. Stoll please, let's not make this a habit, or there will be punishment"

Travis smiled cheekily "Wouldn't dream of it Sir"

Mr. Stevenson nodded, obviously pleased with being called Sir, and went back to talking about Pronouns. Travis walked forward and takes the empty seat next to me.

Travis just grinned and tore a sheet out of his notebook, quickly writing something on it, before folding it up and tossing it onto my desk. I grabbed at it and unfolded it

Close your mouth Gardner, you're gonna catch some flies.

I snapped my jaw close and glared over to the curly-haired boy before writing my own message and throwing it back at him

Shut up Stoll, and what the Hades are you doing here?

Travis just grinned before adding something and handing it back to me

Haven't you learned anything from Chiron Katie? Careful with those names, and I'm wounded! I thought we were on first name basis!

I rolled my eyes

Why are you here Travis?

This time though, he frowned at the paper before writing

Are you not happy to see me?

Of course Travis, I'm absolutely ecstatic about you and probably Connor being here.

Travis stared at the paper for a long time before folding it up and shoving it into his pocket, not sparing me a glance.

So naturally, I immediately felt horrible. I ripped a page from my own notebook and wrote,

I'm sorry that was mean. I'm just really confused right now. What's going on? Is something wrong back at camp? Did you come to get me?

I threw the paper to him and stared straight ahead at Mr. Stevenson as he read it, soon there was a tap on my shoulder as he handed it back to me.

Its okay, everyone's okay. I'll explain after class 'kay?

I nodded

Okay. Is Connor here too?

I passed the note, although this time, the pass was so perfectly coordinated, it was like we wanted to get caught.

Mr. Stevenson marched over to us and snatched the paper out of our hands.

"Gardner! Stoll! Front of the classroom!"

I felt my face burn. Great, now I'll be known as the girl who got into trouble before the second bell rang on her first day.

Mr. Stevenson stood between us as he unfolded the paper, getting ready to smugly read the entire class our note.

After a moment he looked down to the paper in confusion before his own face turned red. He turned to us "Hallway, now"

Travis and I turned towards the door opening without hesitating, his angry tone making us both walk faster then we normally would. As soon as we were in the empty hall way he slammed the door behind him and held up the paper "What is this?"

Travis and I both looked closer at the paper before I realized something unusual.

The entire note was in pure ancient Greek.

"Well," Travis grinned, leaning back and bouncing on the balls of his feet "It's all Greek to me."

I starred at Travis for a moment - and at Mr. Stevenson's angry red face - and burst out laughing. Travis joined my laughter and leaned onto my shoulder for support.

Mr. Stevenson's face grew a darker shade of red "Stop laughing this instant!"

We both stopped, although our ragged breath was still loudly echoing through the deserted hall way.

He began to lecture us about something or another that I didn't really listen too, just that we would both be receiving weekend detentions that week.

Great. Another thing to add to my perfect day.

The bell rang, cutting Mr. Stevenson off as he was forced to let us go. Students began pouring out of classrooms and he sent us back in to get our things and leave.

Travis and I - under the watchful and angry gaze of Mr. Stevenson - quickly gathered our stuff and left the classroom. As Travis walked me to my locker we compared schedules, I was surprised to see we had almost every class but two together.

"So Travis, how many monsters did you kill in your past life to win you the great pleasure of having Katie Gardner in almost every one of you classes?" I asked teasingly, digging around in my bag to find the small post-it Mrs. Bradshaw gave me with my locker number and combo.

I finally found locker 448 and began playing with the lock, "Shouldn't you find your locker?" I asked Travis

Travis muttered something under his breath but smiled up at me "Guess I'm just lucky"

I smiled before finally finding my Geometry textbook and gathering it in my arms "Mhmm"

"I gotta go" I said, making a thumb gesture over my shoulder "Geometry in 2 minutes"

"Yeah!" Travis said, as if just realizing he had to go to class too "See ya!"

"See ya Stoll!"

I bushed brightly as I turned around, feeling Travis' eyes on me I attempted to blend into the crowd, sighed when I finally came to the right classroom.

Geometry sucked. The numbers, although admittedly not as bad as regular letters, kept adding up wrong and floating everywhere and Mrs. Tyler kept mentioning equations from last year for the warm up problems. I didn't bother attempting to talk to any of the girls next to me as I doodled on my notebook. I stared intensely at the clock, as if that would magically make it ring faster. After waiting and waiting (And waiting and waiting) the bell finally rang and I quickly picked up my bag and shut my notebook. I plucked out my map and began searching for the number 228. Before I could locate it though, my vision was darkened and big, warm hands covered my eyes. I smiled slightly "Hey Travis"

"Ouch, I'm wounded Katie, wrong brother. How dare you get me mixed up with that doofus?"

I shoved Connors hands off of my eyes and turned towards him to engulf him into a hug "Connor!"

"Good job" Connor said laughing, wrapping his own arms around me "Congratulations on getting it right this time!"

"So you figured it out?" Connor asked once I released him "That Travis dragged me half way across the country for you?"

I raised my eyebrows, thinking about how cool it would be if I could only lift one. I crossed my arms across my chest and gave Connor the best bitch stare I could. "No I didn't figure that out"

Connor shifted his weight and looked uncomfortable "Yeah well…Oh! You! Yeah, wait up!" He turned to me "Gotta go talk to this person I know!"

"Connor you don't know anyone here!"

Connor laughed and ran off, following a blonde girl.

I shook my head and added 'Find out what the Stoll's were up to' to the list of things I still had to complete.

After I arrived to the classroom I saw Travis already seated in the classroom, bending over a paper and scribbling something. I took the seat next to him, and leaned over to see the paper "Whatcha doin?"

Travis hid the paper and shoved it into his pocket with the other paper "Nothin" He grinned widely, "Just writing my wedding vows for you Gardner. Ready to say 'I do'?"

I laughed and bopped his nose, "Cute."

We talked for a few more minutes before our teacher walked in. He stopped by his desk and the classroom began to settle before he wrote 'MR. QUILTON' in large letters on the board and turned to us.

"Good morning everyone, my name is Mr. Quilton and I'll be your teacher for Ancient Greek I. Since it's the first day we'll start on an easy essay subject, Demigods"