A/N: Ohmygoodness guys. "Sorry" and "I am so sorry" and "I am immensly sorry" do not begin to cover how sorry I am. I know i haven't updated in forever... I was having a 6 month long writer's block. Actually, to tell you the truth, I got bored with it, and I even considered stopping the story officially. But then I got a few reviews and messages asking me to update, so I thought I would write some chapters. And continue the story. This is a weird, kind of fragmented chapter, and it may take me a while to get into the swing of things again, but I hope you enjoy it anyways :)

Dark. A shadow here and there. Leaves rustled, though Rosalind could see no trees. She stepped forward. A stick cracked under her weight, immediately followed by a growl. Then, in quick succession, a scream, a shriek and a blinding flash.

Rosalind shot up in bed. Sweat plastered her shirt to her skin. Her blankets were on the floor, twisted. She had a kink in her neck from sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

"What was that?" she whispered to herself, her heart still punding. Something about the dream had seemed real, close, terrifying. She shuddered, and reached for her backpack.

She pulled out three photos. The first was of her and Tommy, the one Anna had taken. She ran her fingers over the lines, and sighed, missing him. He was so far away she didn't want to think about when she would see him again, knowing it wouldn't be soon. The second was one taken by Aunt Claire the summer before, just after their vacation in Maine and New Jersey; it was a frame of chaos. Skye and Jeffrey sat at the picnic table, laughing hysterically at some now forgotten joke. Batty was in the foreground, handing Hound a wet tennis ball, her curls wild and her feet bare. Jane was looking animated as usual, a notebook in front of her, pen marks on her hands, excitedly telling Rosalind about something. Rosalind sat smiling at her sister. Mr. Penderwick stood behind Batty, one hand on her head, Ben in his other arm. He was saying something to Iantha and she, who was clearing plates on one side of the table, was looking at him in such a way that only a wife can, her smile bright and beautiful. And in the backround, there was a blur of a football in the air, and snippets of arms and legs, undoubtedly belonging to the Geiger boys. Rosalind stared at the timeless photo and smiled sadly. It captured her family wonderfully. But she thought sadly about how it might never be the same.

And finally, the third picture. Simply a baby wrapped in blankets and a mother's face smiling brilliantly down at it.

"Oh mommy," Rosalind murmered. "I am yours, aren't I?"

But then she looked up in disgust at the statue of Hera and her peace was shattered.

She suddenly decided that the only thing she needed at that very moment was a swim. She changed quickly and left the cold marble cabin without looking back.

It was dawn. The sun was only just rising and no one was up yet, not that she could see. The lake glowed warmly and suddenly, the water seemed more inviting. She took off, sprinting across the sand, her feet kicking up dust. She continued when she reached the water, the freezing liquid splashing up around her. And when it got deep enough, she submerged herself completely.

The water was cold, having spent hours away from the sun. It soaked into her skin, clearing her head, making her alert. Her hair floated up around her, a mass of tangled curls. Refreshing.

When she popped up again, she wasn't alone.

"Hi!" Anna exclaimed smiling widely. Rosalind shrieked and fell back into the water. Not refreshing.

"Anna" she sputtered, getting to her feet. "What are you doing here?"

"What, can't a girl follow her best friend for an early morning swim?"

Rosalind raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips. Then regretted it. Anna was still smiling, but Rosalind could see the hurt in her eyes. Something Anna would never admit to.

"Well, then I'm not following. I'm just swimming."

She slid into the water and came back up again, several feet away. Not unlike a mermaid, Rosalind thought. A pang hit her chest as she thought about how much she missed her.

"Remember when we were in Atlantic City and we spent practically every day in the water?" Rosalind said suddenly, referring to their vacation the previous summer.

Anna looked up hopefully and stepped forward. "And remember the cute lifeguard?" she replied.

Rosalind smiled. That was all Anna needed.

She slammed into Rosalind and hugged her tightly. Rosalind immediately returned the hug and buried her face in her best friends shoulder. Both were were soaking wet, and only in bikinis, but it didn't matter. What would have been uncomfortable for anyone else was just fine with them.

"Whoa, what's this?" a voice called from the shore. "Some girl on girl action? Can I get in on this?"

"Shut up Leo, bonding going on," Anna yelled back, still locked in the hug.

Rosalind smiled and laughed. She knew that she would probably never have a conversation with Anna about the last few days, and about how angry she was with her. At least, not in the near future. Anna didn't talk about relationship problems, unless they were someone else's.

Rosalind glanced mischievously at Anna. Then, she fell back into the water, dragging her friend down too.

The laughter and shouts of two best friends were heard throughout the camp that day, much to everyone's relief.

Leo stood up on the Hephaestus table and clinked his fork against his goblet. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you could give Leo the Great some silence, please!"

After a few more attempts, everyone looked up, exasperated.

"I have an important announcement! Over the past few months, I have slaved over the Argo II, putting my blood, sweat and tears-"

"There sure were a lot of tears!" Anna called out. Everyone laughed.

"Just get on with it Leo," Annabeth said, but she was smiling.

"I," Leo said pompously, regarding the whole camp, "have completed the Argo II."

Stunned silence. Then cheers broke out. Campers jumped onto the table to give Leo hugs and high fives, much to his enjoyment. The Hephaestus table was crowded with congratulators

But, although Rosalind was smiling, she couldn't help but feel scared, nervous. Because the completion of the ship only brought the much dreaded quest that much closer.

If I am to continue to continue, I really need some feedback. Review :)