Hola!

So, this chapter is longer, but I don't think its as long as my first couple chapters unfortunately. But I got BIG plans for the next chapter or two. I should get chapter eight up later tonight and maybs chapter nine.

Not much to say here.

In this chapter you find out one way Lena 'makes money'. Hope you don't find it stupid.

Disclaimer: This is getting a little redundant.

Song: Hero by Skillet. They were AMAZING in concert. So cool cuz I saw them at an outdoor concert so there was sparks and fire and raising platforms. I love the female singing in this song and the message. All their songs kinda have a message cuz they're christian rock, yet hard core rock, a step down from screamo.

Read on fellow Percy Jackson nerds.

I walked into my old motel room. For a second I just stared around the room. It was old and musty and I didn't want to know what I smelled. With a sigh I turned the lights on. The room was very empty, although I lived on very little. I knew I needed to go grocery shopping, but I'm fairly certain my cash was getting low. I walked over to an old backpack of mine, that was basically what I lived out of, besides my car trunk, which was basically filled with weapons.

I unzipped the front pocket and took out the wad of cash. After counting the money I put it back. I had just over a couple hundred. That might do for a little while but...

I sighed again. I dug into my backpack for a certain outfit. I swiftly changed into it and looked myself over in the mirror. I wore a white blouse with a gray, professional jacket. I wore a matching gray skirt with heels. I put my hair in a bun, grateful that the jacket covered my tattoo. After slipping on fake glasses, I was done. I hated dressing like this, but it made my job easier.

I walked down the street, which was killer in heels, to a high quality hotel that appeared to be doing well. I did try to make my target places that could stand to lose a few hundred.

I walked straight up to the counter. "Hello, there." I said, trying to sound almost regal.

The woman at the desk just glared. "Yes?"

At that, I smiled and snapped my fingers. It made a loud cracking noise in my ears, though I'm fairly certain no one else took notice. A slight breeze whirled in the room. The woman's eyes kinda glazed over. I stared her straight in the eye.

"My name is Sarah Mackfiller," I said on the fly. "I'm here to collect your taxes."

"Taxes?" The receptionist said, sounding confused. I'm not exactly in-the-know on taxes or hotel management, but with enough confidence and the Mist on your side, it works practically everytime.

"Yes, I'm sorry we weren't able to inform you sooner, but your a bit behind."

"Behind?"

"Yes. Although, we are nothing if not forgiving," I said, not even sure who the 'we' I was referring to was. "Fork-er, I mean, hand over, let's say, three hundred, and we'll forget this ever happened."

"Three-hundred?"

"Yes. I wouldn't want this to get nasty, would you?"

"No," the woman said, sounding uncertain. She then stood and went to a back room, hopefully to get cash. These scams using the mist, and the occasional credit card scam or pickpocket were my main source of cash. I wasn't proud, but I needed cash just like everyone else. And I did try to take from people who could afford to lose the amount I intended to take. Sympathy for the victims, I suppose you could say.

The woman returned with the cash. I took it. "Thank-you. I hope we don't need to meet again."

I walked away, counting the three-hundred dollars.

Back at the hotel I eagerly changed back into regular street clothes, this time opting for a different pair of basketball shorts and a sports bra, then pulled my hair back with a headband after taking it out of its bun. Grabbing my Ipod and some cash, I went out for a jog, figuring I'd stop for some grocery supplies on the way back.

I began running. I found my steps falling into rhythm of the song I would be listening to. Slowing down or speeding up, depending on the beat. After about forty five minutes I was drenched in sweat and had begun to double back to the motel. When I was about five minutes away I stopped at a mini grocery store. More like a gas station, minus the 'gas' part. I grabbed a basket, filling it with non-perishables, and a few simple and cheap perishables. Such as a small jug of milk, some bread, ect.

I was turning to walk to the cash register, when I ran into a body. He dropped his few supplies. I bent down and handed to them.

"I feel like we've been here before." The body said.

Oh come on! I have the WORST luck ever. And thats saying a lot when you consider who my parents were, and what they went through.

I looked up as I stood, seeing Zack with an amused expression on his face. I realized I was standing before him covered in sweat, wearing only a sports bra as a shirt.

Well, this was awkward.

I handed Zack his supplies. Just some candy, a movie (this is a diverse store), and some soda. "If I recall, you picked up my supplies." I nodded to his things. "Throwing a party?"

He shook his head. "Nah, don't know that many people," he told me with a light tone. "Just hanging out with friends."

"Ah. Cary, Lisa, and Alan?" I asked.

"Kara, Lexi and Alex." He responded, not sounding annoyed.

He nodded to my supplies. "Feeding a small family?"

"Just me," I replied without thinking.

He frowned and I winced. "No parents?"

"On vacation," I told him a bit too quick.

"Oh," he said sounding interested. "Where?"

Did he need every detail of my life? "Florida," I spat. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go pay." I stormed over to the counter and dropped my stuff in front of the cashier, startling him. He was a greasy looking man with a stomach that stuck out. He rung up the food and told me the price. I paid, attempting to ignore his lingering gaze, and biting back a comment that was both rude and crude. I took my change and turned to exit the shop.

"Len's, wait," he said, pronouncing it 'Leens'. I've known him for about nine hours and he's already abbreviating my name?

He swiftly paid, not bothering to take his change. He jogged to catch up, even though I was only four steps away.

"What?"

"I was thinking, since your new in NYC, maybe you could use a guide?"

"As tempting as that is, I'm good. I've visited plenty of times. My dad grew up here."

"Ah," he seemed disappointed. I felt oddly guilty.

"Maybe some other time? Besides, you gotta a busy night." I nodded at his stuff.

He smiled. "You busy tomorrow?"

I have been asked this question before. I had always shot the request down with cruelty and repulsion. Now, I felt oddly tempted. I found a small smile starting to appear on my face. "I guess that'd be bearable."

He smiled wide, and I had to keep my face from mimicking his. "Great. I'll pick you up tomorrow. Where do you live?"

I bit my lip. "How about I just meet you in the school parking lot. We'll take my car, kay?"

"Deal."

We then parted ways. When he was out of view I permitted the smile to form.