Chapter 7: Some Reunions

Julie stood on the front porch of her father's house, trembling. She had been staring at the doorbell for almost five minutes with an expression that seemed to be a mix of excited anticipation and worry. She was fighting back tears. She had been dreading this day, not because she didn't love her father, but because she knew she had kept her survival a secret from him for much too long. Julie finally rang the doorbell. Suddenly, there was her dad, staring at her with the exact look she had pictured in her mind. He clutched his heart and let out a long breath, one he had been holding in for the past 10 years. Once the wave of relief had subsided, he pulled his daughter into a tight hug. Mr. Jeffries maintained this grip for what seemed like ages, and then invited Julie inside, eager to hear the whole story.

After they had taken seats in the kitchen, Julie began with her escape from the army of monsters. She described how she had moved from place to place, sleeping where she could find a suitable spot. She went on to explain that she had gotten a full college scholarship because of her unique intelligence, and later became a teacher. Finally, she told her father about the letter that had brought her there. Her father seemed fascinated.

"Wow. I can't believe I missed all of that," said Mr. Jeffries.

"You really shouldn't have," Julie replied. "Dad, I am so sorry I let you think I was dead all this time."

With that, the two once again wrapped each other in a tight embrace.

Meanwhile, Alice was in a similar predicament at her mother's house. She had hesitated at the door for all the same reasons. However, she knew she had made the right choice when she saw her mother. Their reunion was a happy one, with some tears shed as well.

Alice was eager to tell her mom about her performances at the theater, and the letter she had gotten. Rachel was just happy to have her daughter back. The two talked excitedly for quite a while. They were so glad to be together again, that they even talked about the tragedy that had taken place at Camp Half-Blood.

"I had a prophecy about it, you know," Alice commented. "I knew the army of monsters was coming, but I didn't want to scare anyone. I've regretted the decision ever since.

"I'm sorry. That must have been terrible for you," Mrs. Everhart replied, sighing. "I should never have given you the spirit of the Oracle."

"It's okay, mom. I was ready for the responsibility. Besides, you had carried the burden long enough." Alice continued by saying, "I had a prophecy yesterday. Everything in the letter was in the prophecy. I guess I'll be finding out about the great battle when I get to Camp Half-Blood in the morning."

Elsewhere, Marie had just knocked on her father's front door. Tears streamed down her face as she waited for an answer. They weren't tears of dread or regret, however. They were tears of pure joy. Marie had not enjoyed living in a warehouse, as I'm sure you can imagine. Despite this, the incredible terror that had weighed on her heart for the past 10 years had prevented her from venturing far. Even singing for tips had been a struggle. Now that she had no choice but to return to the camp, she was finally here. Marie was still scared, obviously. She hated thinking about what waited for her at Camp Half-Blood. But she didn't want to focus on that today. Today was for focusing on her dad. Speaking of which, he had just opened the door, and the two were currently locked in a firm embrace. They remained like this for at least five minutes, silently crying all the while.

Father and daughter entered the house and practically fell onto the couch. Marie did not hesitate in the least to begin her story. Mr. Elfirth couldn't help but sob when he heard what she had been through. She may be older, but she was still his sweet little girl. She hadn't deserved any of that. Marie concluded by telling him about the letter.

"So, that's why I'm here," Marie had said. "I'm glad I came. I missed you dad."

"I missed you too, baby girl," her father replied.

After another brief hug, Marie continued. "The letter said I'm going to have to fight a battle. It's been so long. I don't know if I can do it."

"I know you can," her father said, reassuringly. "You're strong, and you're able to be brave when it counts. And do you know what else? I'll bet mom's going to be watching over you the whole time."

Mr. Elfirth was pleased to see that this statement brought a smile to his daughter's face.

Last, but certainly not least, is Riley's reunion with her mother.

The overwhelming joy with which she was greeted actually came as a bit of a surprise to Riley. Her mom certainly had never hated her, and Riley knew that. She had just never been this open with her love before.

"Look at you! You've hardly changed at all!" exclaimed Mrs. Davenport.

Riley giggled a little. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Riley's mother seemed glad that her daughter had done fairly well. The topic of the letter interested her greatly.

"So, you're dad contacted you himself? That hardly seems like him," Mrs. Davenport commented.

"I thought so too," Riley replied. "But I suppose I had to get the message somehow."

"And you really have no idea what kind of threat you're going to face?"

"None at all. I guess I'll find out when I get there," Riley answered.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing a daughter of Hades can't handle," said her mom.

Riley savored the compliment. She didn't get many of them.

Thus passed the day before what they all assumed would be the beginning of the end. It isn't surprising that they didn't know how it would really turn out.

Sorry this is late! Anyway, I hope this chapter wasn't too boring. I just felt like the story would be incomplete without it. Again, just one review would be awesome! I really want feedback! Thanks!