Hi guys! Thanks for all the reviews! So, the reason I couldn't update yesterday was because I went to Boston to hear Rick Riordan talk! And I got a signed copy of Magnus Chase: Book 1. But, there's soooo many spoilers he told us, and I would love to share it with you. But, I had to swear on the Magnus Chase book and the Percy Jackson series to not tell. To the general public. (Hint: if you PM me, that's a private message. It wouldn't be to the general public.) Anyways, I've ranted enough. I own nothing, it all belongs to the guy I saw the other day. ;) Please enjoy this chapter!

Thalia's POV

"She had a nightmare, and I walked into the cabin as she was waking up!" Jason blurted out. I was ready to groan, when Piper kept charmspeaking him.

"Jason, tell us anything else you know about Thalia's nightmares."

Oh Gods.

Jason kept running his mouth. Even though I knew Piper made him do it, I wanted to deck him. "I was walking back from the lake last night, when I realized I had a question about the quest to ask Thalia. I obviously wasn't going to ask Piper, because she's my ex. And I was kinda afraid that little brat would attack me with his freaking ninja circles." Aaron grumbled under his mouth about doing it again.

Jason continued on. "So I went to the Artemis cabin to talk to Thalia. I was about to knock, when I heard a scream from the inside. I wanted to go rushing in, but it slowed itself and stopped. I heard Thalia mumble something along the lines of 'twice in one night' or something. After that, I waited a minute before walking in. Thalia seemed startled to see me, probably wondering if I had heard her screaming. I did, but she didn't say anything and neither did I."

"How do you know it was a nightmare?" Conner Stoll asked.

Travis took his brother's lead. "Yeah! Maybe she was dreaming of some guy and-"

"Don't you dare finish that thought," I growled at the Stolls. Surprisingly, two others joined in with the growling. Jason looked slightly uncomfortable with the thought, but was still defending me. Leo had literal fire in his eyes as he stared his friends down.

"Sorry, sorry," the troublemakers mumbled.

Piper turned her attention back to Jason. "Jason, is that all?"

Jason timidly nodded his head.

Just to be certain, Piper prodded a bit more. "Jason, shake your head if you are hiding any information from us about Thalia's nightmares."

She laid down the charmspeak heavy that time. But Jason was obviously telling the truth, for he did not move his head.

Thats when Piper turned to me. Everyone else followed her lead. All twenty eyes were staring at me, each wide in curiosity and concern.

Although, their problem was that no one wanted to be the first one to speak to me. So none of them said a word, they just all stared at me. It was unnerving to say the least. Finally, Clarisse took the initiative to start talking.

"So, wanna tell us what's up?" She asked, sympathy in her voice.

Great, just great. Even the toughest person in camp feels badly for me. One of the things I wanted to avoid. Thanks Jason.

"Yeah!" The Stolls both piped up in unison, apparently glad someone had started the ball rolling. I, however, was not.

"Guys, I'm fine." None of them bought my fake reassurance. Dang it. I'll have to work on that.

"Just spill, Thalia. None of us are going to judge you," Hazel told me. She had an encouraging smile on her face, and Frank was nodding his head next to her.

I took a deep breath. I guess it's now or never.

"I was dreaming about my mom. When I was little."

I guess its never.

Fake-sighing, I looked down at my lap. I was trying to look embarrassed, but while still staying in character. Im pretty sure it was working.

One of the Stolls patted my shoulder in understanding. I saw several (if not all) heads nodding. Obviously, they could sympathize with my fake story. Maybe take some pity on me. I don't care, as long as I don't have to share my real nightmares.

Piper, apparently, was not able to sympathize with my fake story. She didn't buy it. "Is that the truth, Thalia?" I couldn't hear any charmspeak in her voice. Of my own will, i nodded my head yes.

"Are you sure?" Piper badgered me.

"Yes." I have to stand by my lies, even if they don't seem stable anymore.

The next time the daughter of Aphrodite spoke, I could hear the charmspeak. It was impossible to resist.

"Are you lying to us?"

Leo was about to defend me, tell Piper to leave me alone, when I said, "Yes. I am lying to you."

Piper was about to keep questioning me, when Leo exclaimed in mock-hurt, "Thalia! Why would you lie to me? I thought we had something special!"

Aaron and the Stolls snickered, taking the attention off both Leo and I. Leo winked at me when no one was looking, and mouthed, "You're welcome."

I smiled a bit, and mouthed, "Can you do a distraction?"

He looked confused for a minute (he is Leo) then smirked and nodded in response.

By that time, everyone had turned their attention back to me, having scolded Aaron and the two sons of Hermes. That's when Leo came up with this brilliant (not really) distraction.

Looking at me, Piper said without charmspeak, "Thalia, will you please tell us about the nightmare?"

"I have to use the potty."

Eveeyone turned and stared at Leo. He actually looked like he had to pee, a red face scrunched up and his knees pressed tightly together.

"Can't you hold it?" Clarisse scowled.

"No!" Leo moaned. I took up the cue.

"I have to use the bathroom too. I'll walk Leo over there so he doesn't get lost."

Strangely, no one objected. Or denied Leo getting lost. Hm, that's odd... You know what, I won't ask.

"We'll be right back!" I exclaimed, and clambered out of the van after Leo. We rushed towards McDonalds, trying to hide our giggles at our successful plan.

"You know Leo," I said, patting him on the back, "you did good. There's hope for you yet."