D/C Don't own anything.
Author's Notes: Sorry it has taken me so long to update. I have 70% of the story complete. I am just trying to fill in gapes. And Skyrim got a hold of me. Onward to the next chapter!
Max Russo was hesitant to board the bus, which was already packed with teens all wearing the same orange shirt that he got in the mail last week with the instructions to wear it on this day. Max wasn't nervous or shy, in fact Max liked change and he thrived on new experiences. The reason Max had yet to board the bus was because of the bus driver. The man was blond and had a surfer boy air about him. It wasn't the man's board shorts or his puka shell necklace that was putting him off. It was the man's many eyes. Eyes that were not just on his face. This man had eyes on his arms and legs. Even his neck had at least fifteen different eyes. Other than the multiple eyes he looked harmless, Max wasn't afraid of him.
Max wasn't getting on the bus because he was confused. Didn't his mom and dad make a big deal about not using magic at the camp. If this was a magical camp why wasn't he aloud to use magic. He was sure that was what his parent's 3 hour lecture was about last night. Then again Max really wasn't paying much attention to their speech. For some reason his parents assumed if he wasn't constantly reminded about not talking about magic that he would spill the beans the first chance he got. But Max knew not to talk about magic, he wasn't stupid. He wasn't that bright either. But he new people, well non-magical people. He watched a lot of sci-fi movies. He knew what would happen to different beings in those movies... dissection. And as weird as Max was being cut open was not his idea of fun.
Max looked up at the bus driver. Maybe he was a wizard too, and wasn't aware that a spell had gone wrong. Max coughed quietly. About forty different eyes turned in his direction. Max looked around, making sure he wasn't going to be over heard. " Hey man, your eyes are showing." Max winked then boarded the bus.
The first part of the bus ride was mostly uneventful. The seat Max chose was next to a bulky teen with a dark complexion and slanted almond eyes. The youth didn't say anything, even when Max offered him part of his "special" trail mix. Most people comment on how disgusting it looks and smells. But the bulky boy just rolled his eyes and continues staring out the window. Max rolled his eyes back and continued munching on his pickle/popcorn/pecan/melted marshmallow mix the secret ingredients were cumin and grape jelly.
An hour into the trip. Three pretty blond girls burst into song. Max recognized the song, which was form the show Justin watched a lot, Glee. Other campers began throwing things at them. Booing and and calling out rude comments. An older teen with the same bond hair. Stood up and yelled. " If you are going to sing it! Sing it right!" the singing stopped. Max didn't blame the girls. The older teen wasn't that tall. But he had a commanding presence.
Max licked his fingers free of the sticky jelly and wiped the excess saliva on his new orange shirt. An older girl across the isle made a face at him. Max smiled back at her. "Hi. I am Max!" he said, holding out his hand in greeting. The girl looked down at his hand in disgust. Which Max was used to so didn't take offense.
The girl looked back up at him with gray eyes. "Annabeth," she said." And don't expect me to shack your hand. I saw what you just did."
Max shrugged "Fair enough,".
The girl smiled. "So, is this your first year at Camp half-blood?" Max nodded , He could tell she was just being polite. Max always had a pretty good idea, when people were covering up what they really felt. Max could tell inside she was wishing she never made eye contact with him. So Max did what he always did. In moments like these. Say something awkward to end the conversation. It works about 98% of the time.
"Hey!" Max whispered franticly. "Do you think there will be penguins at the camp. I am not good with penguins. I had a run in with one last week." Max then gave her his patented eerie stare. Annabeth stared shock for a moment. " No, No penguins."
"Oh good!" Max sighed. Annabeth turned in her seat. And began talking to the boy next to her.
Max also turned back. The bulky teen chuckled as he looked out the window at the endless strawberry fields. The bus slowed and then turned onto the long drive way of Delphi Strawberry Service.