Chapter 7: Infatuation

WARNING: This contains minor spoilers, like small details, from The Lost Hero.

We had a sinking feeling that Noel was the suspected Luke hater. Argus came back and took us back to camp.

We informed Chiron of everything that happened as soon as we got back to camp.

"He was arguing about me wanting Luke," I said. "I'm not in love with the guy, he just saved me and I want to know more about him."

"It is unfortunate," Chiron said. "But he is not the only one who is against your quest."

"Who else?" Percy asked.

"Well for starters me," said Mr. D appearing behind us. "My son died in that war."

"He is right," Nico said. "That's probably why some of the gods are mad because their kids were killed in that battle."

I glared at Nico.

"That wasn't Luke!" Annabeth said almost in tears. "That was Kronos controlling Luke, but that's only because he felt unloved from his dad."

"I know how that is," I said. "Not to have much of a parent's love. My mom's the goddess of love and she didn't claim me because I wasn't 'girly' enough."

"Aphrodite's your mother?" Mr. D asked.

"Prove it," an Asian girl,Drew, from Aphrodite's cabin said.

Mom I prayed help me.

"She came and visited me," I said. "Isn't that enough."

"When Aphrodite's children are claimed, they get a blessing of hers," Annabeth said. "Maybe you didn't get it because you got a whip from her."

Suddenly, I saw several boys walk pass us and stare with their mouths open.

"Well, I guess you are one of us," Drew said. "See ya later, sis."

She walked away and gave the boys an evil glare.

I turned around and saw my reflection in the window.

My hair had become more luscious and had more highlights. I was wearing a simple black dress with a white belt and white sandals.

"Well, now that that has been settled," Mr. D said.

"Athena, Hera, Demeter, and a few other gods have shown strong disapproval," Chiron said.

"Well, what does Hermes have to say?" I said. "It's his son."

"Hermes has kept his opinion to himself."

That's helpful I thought.

"Chiron, we need another camper to go with us," Percy said.

"Oh Percy!" a voice yelled.

"Spencer, hi," he said as if it wasn't awkward enough.

"So what's this I hear about you needing another camper," she said.

Annabeth and I both looked at Chiron begging him not to let her go.

"I'm sorry, sis," I said. "But, we already got some one, but thanks anyways."

"Who?" she said.

"Well, um," Annabeth said. "We have…"

"Pollux," I said remembering Mr. D's son.

"Pollux?" Mr. D and Spencer said in unison.

"Sure, I was just going to ask you if he could come along," I said. "I mean, I need a guy to help me get through this if it turns out badly, and Pollux is rather cute."

I tried to channel the "love magic" that I assumed I had.

"You love magic won't work on me," Mr. D whispered.

"Fine," I said. "Then, Chiron, can pick a camper."

A son of Ares walked passed us.

"Aaron!" Chiron called.

The lean, muscular boy came jogging toward Chiron.

"Yes sir?" he said.

"Would you accompany, Juliet on a quest along with Nico, Percy, and Annabeth?"

He glanced over at me and started to blush.

"Of course sir," he replied.

"It's settled, you'll leave first thing in the morning for the Underworld."

I smiled and walked over to Aaron.

"Thank you," I whispered. "It was either you or my sister and frankly, I'd rather have you."

"You're welcome," he said as he looked at me with his green eyes.

I was then forced to listen to Spencer go on and on about how she was so much better than Annabeth and then I told her about Forks, and Apollo.

We walked to the Aphrodite cabin and I swear, I thought I would die. Everything was pink and there was a mix of designer perfume and cologne. Several boys walked in wearing designer shades and jeans.

"Welcome to Aphrodite's cabin," Drew said. "Glad we have someone with good taste in style and boys."

"Thanks?" I replied.

She showed me to my bunk, that I was going to share with Spencer.

"So, I guess you'll be heading out tomorrow huh?" Spencer said.

"Yeah," I said. "I thought you were cabin leader."

"I was," she said. "Until, I became a hunter and it went to Drew."

"She seems nice," I said.

"Yeah so does a viper."

While I told a few of the younger kids about my quest, one little girl asked me.

"Since you are pretty good at fighting," she said. "Does that mean you can Charmspeak?"

"Charm what?" I asked.

"To influence other people by speaking your opinion," one boy said. "Drew can do it."

"I don't know," I said. " I never tried."

As we walked to dinner, I heard Drew whisper to an older girl.

"She couldn't Charmspeak her way out of a paper bag," she laughed.

"She needs to be like an old dog," I whispered to Spencer. "She needs to go off and die."

That night as I ate my chicken and then I took two California rolls and offered then to Mom.

After we ate, we had a bit of free time until, time for bed. I went for a walk.

"Juliet," a familiar voice said. I turned to see a blonde boy with a nicely toned boy jogging toward me.

His shirt seemed to be in his hand and he appeared rather sweaty.

"Hey Aaron," I said remembering his name.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Just thinking," I replied. "So what are you doing?"

"Jogging, just got through training for tomorrow," he replied.

"You Ares kids are intense," I muttered.

"Dad wouldn't have it any other way," he said showing a perfect smile. "Can I walk you back to your cabin?"

"Sure," I replied.

We jogged together back to the Aphrodite cabin.

Several of my brothers had just come in from practicing or something. Most boys would smell, but apparently not them, they smelled like Hollister cologne.

"Well, here we are," I said. "Thanks for the run, it was fun. No rhyming intended."

He gave a slight chuckle.

"See you first thing in the morning," he replied. "Good night."

"Sweet dreams," I said.

As I walked back inside, he came behind me and kissed me on the cheek.

"Um," he stuttered. "Bye."

"Look at the little heart breaker," Drew said.

My face felt hot and was probably blood red.

I gave Drew a death stare and proceeded to go shower.

After a hot shower and some herbal tea from my friend in Demeter's cabin, Jade. I had Spencer braid my hair.

"Spence," I said. "Why did you become a Hunter if you just did it to get you know who's attention?"

She remained silent and I turned around and looked at her.

"Being a daughter of Aphrodite is hard enough, but being the leader is tough," she said. "The people at camp think we are spoiled princesses and gay guys, but we are not. We are more than just a pretty face, and I wanted to show that. When he broke my heart, I knew there was one way to forget about him, so I took it. Turns out, I was wrong. I could never forget him."

I nodded my head.

"Thanks, you didn't have to tell me," I said.

"No, I wanted to."

After a sisterly bonding moment, we both went to sleep.

I had another dream about Luke. This time he was telling me to hurry and something about a giant sundial.

As we got ready to read, a misty image of Hades appeared.

"I just remembered something," he said. "You have until the summer solstice to collect all the pieces and return them to me, or he'll remain where is."

The image faded and Annabeth's jaw dropped.

"When the summer solstice?" I asked.

"If this is Tuesday, it's.." Aaron added.

"This Friday." Annabeth said.

Author's Note:

Sorry it took so long to update. I've been reading the Lost Hero, which is amazing. It gave me so much needed info.