So.. I decided that instead of the day before the trip I will first write a chapter on Annabeth and her home situation. I hope you enjoy it! And thanks to all my followers! Happy Reading!

-TWO DAYS BEFORE THE TRIP-

Annabeth trudged home, not in the least happy or comforted. All the fun and mischief of the day were wearing off with each step she took. She had not told her parents yet that she had signed up and paid the money for the trip. Basically, she was afraid of two things; one, her Mom would not let her go, and two, if her Mom let her go, she would not take her back.

Annabeth knew she was being childish, but she couldn't help it. As ridiculous as the idea sounded, it could be true; her step-mom was that nasty. Well, sort of. She had never shown much affection towards Annabeth; not that she wanted her to. The feeling was mutual. Perhaps, what she had done would show her step mother that she wanted to go to this trip desperately. Or maybe not.

She reached her doorsteps and turned the keys in the lock. Annabeth could hear shouting going on. Her heart raced. Were they talking about her? She approached the room slowly, her heart beating frantically.

Helen was persuading Frederick."... Annabeth! Can't you let her go? What does it matter? Just..." Helen was persuading Frederick.

"SHUT UP!" Roared her Dad. She could here footsteps coming towards the door, which opened before she could get out of the way. Her father gazed down at her, his expression aghast and disgusted. Then without another look he raced to the door, went out and slammed it behind him.

Helen, meanwhile had come out of the room too. She looked at Annabeth, who was holding back tears. Then, Helen's patience broke."You! Why are YOU standing her?! Haven't I taught you that eavesdropping is a bad habit?! Then WHY are you standing her?!"

Annabeth visibly gasped at the loss of control, but said in a determined, though small, voice. "Mom.. I just wanted to show you this.." She held out the itinerary of the trip. Her 'Mom' snatched it out of Annabeth's grasp and flipped through it impatiently.

She looked at Annabeth with an unreadable expression."You.. you thought that I would let you go on this trip?" She said softly, with a dangerous tint in her voice.

Annabeth felt strangely ignited at her step mother's tone."Yes. That's why I have already paid for it." She said, politely, but an edge to it.

Her step-mom's expression changed to one of utmost fury."Then you were WRONG! Understand THAT! WRONG! After all that has happened today I will not let you go on this trip anymore."

"But what do you care about me. Listen.. mom,"she added, hesitantly."I am going on this trip. I want to really."

When her step-mother didn't reply and maintained her aura of fury, Annabeth marched up to her room. she was about to close the door behind her when she heard the former shout."Okay.. OKAY! You want to go, isn't that right? FINE, GO! But don't you DARE come back! Understand?! DON'T DARE COME BACK!"

Now, Annabeth couldn't hold her tears any longer. She locked the door and flung on to her bed. She cried continuously for half an hour. She couldn't believe it. Her two worst fears had come true. She had been enduring this sinking feeling for a long time.. and now she just couldn't. She cried her eyes out and then as though an invisible spirit had walked into her, she stopped crying.

She sat in silence and thought. Thinking was her nature. Just by thinking, she could calm herself down. So, that's what she did. She thought. Her thoughts were not one of the calm ones. First came fury against her so called 'mother'. Then she calmed herself down and thought about getting out of this wretched house.

She pondered on who she should call and tell the issue. Probably Thalia. She would understand. So she dialled her number.

Thalia picked up within the first tow rings."Hey Annabeth!"

Annabeth was in no mood to smile. So, seriously she replied."Hey, Thals. Can I come over to your house this night? Just till the trip day?"

Thalia frowned."Why? Is it something urgent?"

Annabeth explained what had happened at her house. But, this times, there were no tears. Something had hardened within her. Something that told her, she was changed.

Thalia was in shock."Oh my Gods... I am so sorry Annabeth. I-I don't know.."

Annabeth was in no mood for sympathy."Thalia, I know what happened is bad. But no use crying over spilt milk."

Thalia nodded, though still shocked."Well, my Mom and Dad aren't home. You- you can come over if you like. Say, by nine?"

Annabeth nodded, not saying anything. Then, she realized Thalia couldn't see her."Yea, okay. I'll be there by nine."

Annabeth hung up and started packing her bag. She packed all her nicest clothes and other accessories. She sat down waiting for the clock to chime nine. At least that would give her a bit freedom from this hell. But she couldn't help thinking that the next few days might be a bit of hell too for her.

She settled in for a quick nap, after setting the alarm clock for nine.

So, this was the eleventh chapter! Next chapter will be a sort of gathering at Thalia's house. So, brace yourselves... The worst is yet to come! (Just Joking!) Please leave you comments/reviews...