*So here's four, now we're to the next summer for BotL, and I have a LOT planned for this book :] sorry for rushing through tTC, but I wanted to keep that them being friends. Rick didn't rush the relationship and I won't either:] So disclaimer: Rick Riordan owns PJO, review for feedback to help me!*

~Chapter 4: Complicated~

Silena's POV: (A/N: Sorry for another Silena POV, but if it wasn't that way the story won't make sense :P)

I only had 2 suitcases this summer, so that was a plus. That meant I could wear whatever I wanted without worrying about if I would trip over it, so of course I wore a multicolored, open backed, floral dress, with a black belt around the middle, and black flats. I wasn't making the same mistake I did last summer, as in bringing WAY too much stuff. My mother also said I shouldn't make the same mistakes, I didn't see my 'mistake' as a mistake.

She showed up as I tried to get to my dad's car, looking disapproving.

"Hey mom!" I said, smiling. I could feel my face droop because to be honest, I felt a little guilty. She would never want her daughter dating a Hephaestus kid. I was lucky she chose to show up later than sooner.

She just raised her perfectly plucked eyebrow higher, "Charles Beckendorf? Son of Hephaestus? Do you want me to keel over right here on this spot?" she demanded.

"Mom, he's really nice! And I really like him; he's amazing to talk to. You'd like him too if you get to know him!" I pleaded,

"All I need to know is who his father is. That god will be the death of me; horrible husband…anyway if you insist on this, I have a plan for you." She said, pulling that mischievous smile hundreds of men have fallen for over centuries.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this…" I muttered, shifting onto one hip and crossing my arms.

"I've decided that it's time for your rite of passage. Break his heart and become the full counselor of the Aphrodite cabin. It seems fit to break a son of Hephaestus's heart, it will honor me." She said, smiling proudly like she just solved world hunger.

"No! I will not break Charlie's heart, why don't I get a say!" I sputtered out. The thought of hurting Charlie made me sick.

"Because, dear, I am the goddess of love. I love you very much, always remember that, but you and him together isn't a good match. Have a great school year dear, and think about what I said." She finished, vanishing in a bright light.

So I didn't write Charlie all school year, and every time I thought about it, I thought about what my mom said. I'd never break his heart, but that means I can't hang out with him.

While I thought, I'd successfully made it to my cabin by myself, even with all my luggage. "SILENA" called my sisters, all grouped around Drew, who had brand new Lancôme makeup and just had to show it off.

"Hey guys, what's up?" I called, still walking to my bunk. I began to unpack my orderly packed suitcases; one for clothes, the other for shoes, beauty, and accessories. I also had a backpack with my bedding. I think I got buffer just by carrying my stuff. I neatly set out my accessories, packed away my flat iron, hair dryer, and makeup, then organized my shirts and shorts in the drawers under my bed. Then I went to setting out my dresses in the wardrobe.

The whole time I thought about what to say to Charlie. I didn't want to sound as petty and stand-off-ish as my siblings usually did, but there wasn't a nice way to put this. I just have to come out and say we can't be more than friends; in fact, let's just stay acquaintances. Gods, this was going to be hard. I just wish my mom could meddle with somebody else's feelings.

I didn't realize Carlie was in, until I turned around and saw her lying on my bed. I naturally yelped and jumped back; hand to my throat.

"Whoah, calm down pretty lady, you okay?" she asked, looking more worried than amused now. One thing I loved about Carlie was she was really confident, and used nicknames for everyone. She never really got embarrassed either.

I sighed and told her about the situation with my mom and Charlie. When I finished, she let out a low whistle, "Whew, pretty lady, seems like there's trouble in paradise. I'm so sorry. You know, I was talking to Beckendorf, and he said you didn't write him at all. Is that why?"

"Yeah, I was confused all year. Most of the time, school kept my mind off of it. Guys asked me out, but every single time all I thought about was Charlie and how he kissed me before-"

"Whoah. Hold the phone. Just stop right there. What happened before you left and saw your mom?" she asked, leaning forwards and mouth gaped open. Naturally, I explained the whole trip into his chest and kiss. When I was done, I leaned back against the headboard and picked with a loose string on my bedspread. My dad specially bought it on a business trip to China.

"So that's why Beckendorf was asking about you after dinner. He wanted to know your favorite type of jewelry was….oh my gods, no way. Silena, I think he made you something." She said, looking like she just solved a Sherlock Holmes mystery.

I turned as pink as my MAC blush, and smiled to myself. I didn't know if it was 100% true or not, but I personally hoped it was. There was a knock on the window next to my bunk, and there he was. He was waving me to the door.

"Quick, what did you say to him about my jewelry?" I blurted out. I just had to know, because if I wanted to wear it I needed matching outfits.

Carlie backed up and walked to the door, "Sterling silver. Just like your necklace." She said, smiling and leaving the cabin. I got up too, and walked to the door to see Charlie leaning up against the wall of Cabin 10, playing with something in his hands.

"Hey, what's that?" I asked, he jumped and shoved it in his pocket.

"Um, nothing," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, "why didn't you write to me? Too lazy?" he joked, smiling. I could tell he was blushing, and I was too.

"Well…it's complicated. Want to go walking?" I asked, avoiding the subject of my mom.

"Sure," he said, standing up from the wall.

"But first, give me a hug." I said, holding out my arms. He stepped forwards and hugged me. I loved how warm he was, and how strong his hugs are.

We started to walk after the hug, and I explained to him all about my school year. He told me Chiron was gone and we had a new camp director, one with a TAME hellhound. He also explained about the break in the ground, and that Nico went missing.

"Anyway," he said; stopping by a break in the trees, "I have something for you." He pulled out a bright silver chink bracelet, beautifully hand crafted. There were 3 charms, one with a multicolored topaz mermaid, one with a brass Pegasus, and one with a bright, shining dove, with a miniscule diamond for the eye. I couldn't help but gasp. Charlie cleared his throat, "Silena, I really like you, so I was wondering if you could be my girlfriend?" he asked, he stammered over his words; fast then slow.

My heart swelled, and then deflated. I could hear my mom in the back of my mind "Break his heart". Before I could stop them, tears sprang to my eyes.

"Oh gods, did I offend you, geez I'm sorry this was a mistake-" he started, I could hear how disappointed he was.

"No, oh no, the bracelet is one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen, but I don't know if I can be your girlfriend just yet, can I think about it?" I asked. I could still feel the tears behind my eyes.

"Yeah…sure…just take the bracelet okay? I want you to have it, no matter what. Promise me you'll keep it?" he asked, opening my palm and lowering the bracelet into my hand and closing my hand over it.

"I promise." I said, then I turned away and walked back to my cabin, faster than I usually walked. My heart shattered, pulled between two people. The tears started to fall down my face, and I made a bee-line for the stables. I didn't want anyone to see me cry.

*Oh no! Plot twist…a little. I don't know if that's a twist or not. Either way, I still have plans. [: isn't Aphrodite a meddler? Review and favorite!*