Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Thalia eyed the swarming mass that made up the population of Garcia Middle School. The loud yells pounded at her skull, making it difficult to think clearly. Huddles of girls were examining her outfit, and when she caught their eyes they snickered into their palms and turned their backs on her.
She gritted her teeth angrily, glaring at the preppy girls and cracked her knuckles. A comforting tap on her arm caused her to glance up into Amber's sympatric gaze. "Told you to go easy on the goth/punk clothes" muttered the brunette demi-god, glancing warily around their surroundings.
"I hate Texas," grumbled Thalia, tugging at her shaggy hair. Since joining the Hunters, she had allowed her hair to grow out, so now it was slightly past her shoulders.
"That makes two of us" said Rayne, a blond, green eyed daughter of Apollo. The trio fell into comfortable silence as they scanned the hall, searching for any enemies in disguise or their target. The shrill bell rang, signaling the students to get to class. Lockers slammed shut as their owners hurried off to homeroom.
"I've got to go guys, don't want to be late on our first day" said Amber, disappearing into the swarm of 7th graders. "See you in lunch Thalia" said Rayne before she too rushed into the crowed halls, leaving the dark haired Hunter alone.
Thalia climbed up the stairs, doing her best to ignore the muted snickers. She glanced at the pink slip in her hand, squinting to make out the numbers and cursed her dyslexia. Finally, she was able to make out the room number. She hurried into the assigned class, absently scanning the room while the teacher signed the paper. Whispers followed her as she walked towards the back, taking the last empty desk besides a quiet, lean girl.
Thalia did a double take of the girl, careful to be discreet.
The girl was about 5'4, pale compared to the dark complexion of her Hispanic classmates. Her hair fell in unruly dark chocolate curls down her back. Side swept bangs covered her right eye, preventing the Daughter of Zeus from determining their color. She was dressed in a faded black t-shirt that showed off the soft olive hues of her skin, and a pair of ripped jeans hugged her long legs. Draped across her lap was a ripped jean jacket. Thalia noted that both wrists were covered by leather bands.
The girl turned her head slightly and with a soft gasp, Thalia found herself meeting the dark girl's eyes, the color of melted gold with small flecks of green.
It seemed as if an eternity passed before Thalia willed herself to look away. "Arianna Mendez?" asked the teacher. "Here" answered the girl softly, not bothering to glance up. Thalia straightened in her seat, muscles stiffening. Arianna Mendez was the girl Chiron had ordered them to bring to Camp Half-Blood.
Thalia raised her head slightly as the teacher called her name. She needed to tell Rayne she'd found her.
The class went by quickly, something Thalia was glad for. She scurried out into the hallway, searching for the familiar blond. "Did you find her yet?" asked Rayne, making Thalia jump. Relaxing at the sight of the blond, Thalia nodded.
"Yeah, she sits next to me" she responded, speed walking towards her next class. "Alright, see you later" said Rayne, slipping into a half filled class.
In her next class, she was forced to sit next to a group of tough looking boys. They all wore crimson red shirts, and their heads were shaved bare. Thalia groaned inwardly. Great, skinheads. "I hate South Texas" she muttered to herself as she took her seat.
The teacher began to lecture about positive and negative integers and Thalia flinched. Scratch that, she hated math.
Author's Note: I know, the story is feeling kind of slow and sluggish, but that's because I need to build up the setting and other stuff. Don't worry; the next chapter will have more action. ;) Thalia gets in a fist fight with a bunch of gangster girls. =D