"I see you haven't died just yet Belver," Serena yawned after she was awakened.

"The key word there is yet," I laughed nervously.

We talked about what I've learned today as she slept and how I liked it so far. It was only five minutes till dinner would be served.

Should I ask her about it? Maybe I shouldn't…she's been hiding it for god sake! "Hey Serena?" I hate my big mouth!

"Yeah?"

"Is your mom…Artemis?" I couldn't look at her when I asked. But once the name left my lips, I heard her breathing stop, a heartbeat that echoed around the empty cabin; I wasn't sure if it hers or mine.

"Wh-what makes you say that? She swore she'd never marry, to never love. She couldn't possibly give birth…she wouldn't want the burd-burden," she would have fooled anyone with that strong and determined voice, but I heard those breaks, the distaste in her tone. She spoke as if she only tasted venom in her mouth.

"I'm sorry…I shouldn't have said anything-"

"It's not your fault she gave me up as soon as she had me. She hates her brother for seeing me so much you know. He use to see me every weekend, bringing treasures or a new song. Artemis didn't like that. She told him not to see me. So instead of every weekend he comes once a month. He cares about me more than my own mother…" tears started to brim her eyes as her lips twitched downwards. "Why would she love me?! I'm a stupid excuse of a being! I can't do anything right! I always ruin things! Always," the tears escaped down her cheeks.

I've never seen her like this…not even remotely close! It made me sad…I brought it up, " Do-don't cry, you didn't do anything wrong…Don't say such stupid things about yourself Sere-"

"Why not?! It's all tr-"

"Is everything ok in here," Percy entered the cabin, "I heard someone yelling…"

He looked over towards Serena, the cabin was poorly lit and I doubted he could tell it was her, but I knew he could see the tears shinning through the darkness.

"Go away golden boy," her voice shook as she looked away, she's lost all strength.

"Serena? Is that you?"

"Go away! Get out!"

"What happened," he questioned as he kneeled next to her. She hated people pitying her, hated it when people saw her cry. Stiffly I stood up and wrapped my arms around her now shaking shoulders. She tried to hold back the sobs. "What happened to her," he asked me, concern was obviously there.

"Long story short, she thinks no one loves her; she's so stubborn. Who couldn't care for you," I muttered as I started cooing her.

"Ser-Serena…it's ok-"

"No it's not 'ok'! You didn't have people picking on you last summer Percy! You weren't accused of trying to kill everyone's favorite damn hero! They all thought I was the daughter of Hades that was trying to kill you while you were on your stupid quest," she spat as she tore herself away from me. Stalking towards the door.

"Serena! I'm sorry! I-I didn't know," he quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her back in the cabin.

"Don't you dare touch me! Yeah, you didn't but now you do! So what?! It's not like you really give a fuck about it!" She stormed off.

"Oh great," I muttered as my head hung forward.

"Do you know what just happened?"

"Kinda, she really doesn't like you."

"Great…"

One of the strongest people here, and you got them upset at you, good job Percy. Like I've said oh so many times, boys are so stupid.

"I should go after her-" he started before I cut him off.

"No, not unless you want to die. I'll go after her. I've known her longer; plus she likes me more," I sighed as I stood up.

Slowly I walked out of the cabin, I had a strange feeling I knew where she went. It felt as though I was walking through a haze as my feet carried me towards a huge tree that over looked the lake on one of the cliffs. My gaze glided up the scaling tree until I spotted a lone figure curled up on a branch high above me. The ivory leaves that surrounded her seemed to come alive as they danced in the summer's breeze.

Gently I touched the bark of the tree. I jumped when I felt a heartbeat travel through my finger tips.

How odd.

Again, I laid my hand on the tree, again I felt the beating of a heart; a gentle breathing pattern. I wish I could climb this. It seemed impossible, the braches were too far apart for me, and even the first branch was a good ten feet above me!

I stared at that first branch for a few minutes. I didn't know why exactly, it just felt like the right thing to do. But, then it started to glide downwards to me. It stopped next to my foot, why I didn't jump to this, I have no idea.

Feeling it natural, I stepped on the branch, never letting my hand leave the bark. Softly it started to raise me up higher and higher. Soon, my branch came leveled with Serena's, she made no sign of acknowledgement of my entrance. Quickly I jumped onto hers and sat beside her. Her shoulder now replaced the bark against my palm.

"Serena?"

"Hmm?"

"How did I do that?"

"Climb the tree? You used your powers, you idiot," she chuckled.

"I'm sorry."

"For what? For being the only smart one to figure it out? Don't be stupid."

"We're late for dinner."

"You go ahead without me. I have an apple," she smirked as she reached up into the branches, and plucked a great red apple.

"Not funny, c'mon you're eating."

"Who died and made you boss," she grinned.

The change in her attitude all of a sudden…is she happy someone actually came after her?

"You know Percy wanted to come after you know," I muttered as I watch my feet fidget with each other.

She didn't answer for a few silent moments. Should I have mentioned that? Maybe I shouldn't of-

"I guess that means I can't be so mean to him anymore then. He probably only pitied me."

"I don't think so…"

"Well let's go eat then," she changed the topic so quickly I kind of twitched, causing me to loose my balance. Serena caught me by the wrist as I dangled off the branch. "Belver! Don't let go!"

"Like I was planning to!"

"I can't pull you up!"

"Why not?!" I screamed.

"If I do the branch will break-Belver!"

"What?!"

"Let go on the count of three!"

"What?!" She's going to let go?!?! Does she want me to die?! "No!"

"One-"

"Don't you dare!"

"Two-"

"Don't!"

"Three!" She let my hand slip and I was falling. My eyes glued themselves shut as I prepared to make contact with the earth's ground. Instead I fell into awaiting arms.

My eyes reopened to find that Chris caught me only moments before I would have hit the ground. Quickly I scurried out of his arms and stood, my legs now feeling like jello.

"Are you ok," he asked.

"Oh just peachy," I glared back up at Serena.

It only took a moment before the branch did break and now she was falling. Only moments passed until her feet made contact with the ground, there she stood, straight and unharmed. She ran to me, pulling me into a bear hug.

"Thank you Chris! I don't know what I would have done without you," she sang sadly as she pulled him in the now group hug.

I could feel my cheeks flair up with heat as I felt him against my arm.

"Let's go eat now!"

Ok, she is officially weird, my thoughts laughed