I got weird looks from everyone through out the entire dinner, everyone curious as to who I was. The year-round campers were answering questions, and I would get a smile sent my way every now and then. I finished before most people, leaving slightly irritated. I grabbed The Odyssey from my cabin and headed down to sit on the rocks at the beach before the campfire. I climbed up to the top, but did not open my book. Instead, I decided to speak with my dad.

*Uhm, hi, Dad.* I thought, attempting to shake the awkward feeling that was nudging the back of my mind. *I haven't heard from you since you claimed me, and I have really wanted to speak with you recently. I want to know more about Thalia, about you, and about the camp. I know you have already put yourself at risk simply by claiming me, but I really do want to have you as my father.*

Oh, gods, that was selfish of me! I sighed, wishing I could take the prayer back, but knowing there was no chance that I could. I stood up on top of the rock, breathing as a salty wind blew my way. This caused me to smile. Sometimes, when I loose myself in the Greek stories I have read recently, I find myself wishing that Poseidon were my dad. This thought came to me then, but I managed to shake it away and be thankful that Zeus was my dad.

"Evangaline!" I heard a voice call, and turned towards the source. It wasn't Beckendorf nor Grover. What other guy would come looking for me?

"Evangaline!" There it was again.

I sighed. "I'm over here."

As the person approached, I noticed that Percy was my mystery searcher. He stared up at me. "What're you doing?"

I smiled down at him and offered him my hand. "Come up here and look."

He studied my hand for a minute before grabbing a hold. I pulled him up the best I could, and I walked up to the very top of the rock and pointed. "Look. We're at least twenty feet above camp, and it feels like you can see for miles." A peaceful smile appeared on my face. I felt Percy's presence behind me as he took in the view.

A low whistle made itself known. "You're right, Evangaline."

I scrunched my nose. "You know, I have a nickname. It's Ever."

"Ever? How do you get that out of Evangaline?"

I smiled; this question had been cropped up multiple times over the summer. "My name begins with e-v, ends with e, and my middle initial is r. E-V-E-R."

I felt his gaze on me. "Then what's your middle name?"

I smiled and turned around. "That's for another time. Now come on, we're going to be late for the camp fire."

Percy allowed me to lead him down the rocks in the fastest way. I offered to let him jump off the side, but he gave me the evil eye. We headed towards the campfire, a peaceful silence settling between us.

The campfire was huge that night, raging over ten feet tall. The Apollo cabin always seemed to do a good job of getting everyone pumped up, even though it was just before most of the cabins' curfew. S'mores were cooked, milk was produced, and everyone's voices joined. I sat beside Beckendorf who refused to sing, no matter how many times I poked him.

Chiron announced that it was time for us to head back to our cabins after an hour of singing and joking around. Even though we all protested, everyone stood up and began to walk in the appropriate direction for their cabins. I stayed out, though, sitting by myself.

"What's wrong, child? You are always in bed before curfew." Chiron was concerned as he walked over and lay down in front of me.

I sighed and fiddled with The Odyssey, which I had kept with me the entire time. "Chiron, even though Zeus has claimed me as his own, I don't really feel like he's my dad. Does that make sense?"

Chiron sighed. "Yes, it does make sense. Unfortunately, you are not the only one who feels this way. Most of the campers have no idea what their Olympic parent is like. Few do, and they are mainly the year-round campers, because we will take them to see the winter solstice."

"Why do they claim us if they treat us like they don't want us?" My mouth moved faster than my mind, making me unable to block the stream of words. I then blushed, looking down. "I didn't mean to say that."

"It's quite alright child. Speaking the things on your mind is healthy. And honestly, I suppose you should speak with Percy about your concerns. He knows most of the Olympians on a level surpassing even some of their own children. Maybe he can help you to sort out your thoughts."

I sighed and slid off the log I had just been sitting on to wrap my arms around my legs, pulling my knees to my chest. "I just have so many questions I want to ask my dad. I also want to know what he looks like, and to know if we share any physical or mental qualities." I absently scratched a bug bite on my leg.

Chiron stood up, offering me a hand as he did so. "You have my sympathy. I cannot answer those questions for you. My advice is simply to pray. Or maybe we can have you attend the summer solstice meeting so you can speak with your father. After all, you deserve at least one good parent figure in your life."

I smiled and hugged Chiron. He laughed softly as he patted my back. "You know, you would make a pretty good father yourself." I pulled away at that point, smiled at him one more time, before running back to my cabin. I changed into pajamas and slipped into bed quickly, wanting to rest well before tomorrow.

My eyes slipped shut, but not before more doubting thoughts floated into my head. I frowned and pushed them away, falling into a restless sleep.