Heather refused to be impressed by anything: not by the climbing wall, not by the stables, not even by the volleyball pit. The cabins might have been rocks for all the attention she gave them. Nothing and nobody could hold her attention, nor drag her out of the bitter mood into which she'd sunk.
The Demeter boy left her sitting by the sparring arena, where she stayed until evening, watching the Athena and Ares cabins go at each other. At dinner, she sat at the head table next to Chiron. Her temperament improved with the food: her plate full of strawberries, biscuits, and ribs drenched in barbeque sauce, she ate happily, tossing her entire bunch of grapes in the flaming bronze braiser as burned offerings.
Heather paid attention to nothing except her food and ever-filling glass of caffeine-free dr. pepper. Chiron watched both her and Mr. D during the course of the meal: neither so much as glanced in the other's direction. They were completely ignoring one another, showing nothing but disinterest.
At campfire, Heather tapped her food in the rhythm of the songs and joined in on the call-and-answer-songs. When the flames were gold and twelve feet in the air, Chiron stamped his hoof to make announcements. He informed everyone about the upcoming schedule for the week, including a new chariot race being held during the upcoming weeks. He then asked Heather to stand up.
"This," he said loudly, "is Heather Hayes. She's our newest camper."
Almost in perfect synchronization, everyone glanced over her head, waiting for a sign of claiming to appear. But instead of the glowing symbol they expected, a small vine plant sprouted at her feet and wound around her ankle. The plant grew in height, coiling around Heather's arms, wrists, and fingers. At the ends of the vines, bunches of grapes sprouted and ripened.
Heather was livid. Ripping the plants away from herself, she turned and pointed an accusatory finger at Mr. D.
"No!" She yelled. "I am not having anything to do with you!"
With that, she stomped off into the woods. Mr. D didn't even so much as take his eyes off his magazine as she rushed by.
"Just like her mother," he said, turning a page. Chiron told the campers to go to bed, then walked over to the god.
"When were you going to tell me about this?" the activities director sighed. Mr. D didn't answer and Chiron continued. "The girl is much older than thirteen. Why didn't you tell me she existed?"
"It wasn't important," Mr. D mumbled. "And it's not like she'll be accepting of me; you saw her reaction. Greek gods challenge her lifestyle, and I'm in the middle of all of it."
Chiron waited, but no more information was forthcoming. Sighing again, the centaur walked towards cabin twelve, to fetch Heather's new half-brother.