Paulie (Hermes)

His story made me hurt inside for him. I had thought that I had it bad, with a mother who didn't approve of my choice of partner. But a mother who abused him? He was still smiling when he finished his story, a fake thing. I could look at his face without worrying about being accused of staring and now I did, but looking pained me. That horrible sad, fake smile.

I wanted to hug him, to make him laugh, anything to wipe that look off of his face. But I couldn't do it. It was like trying to deal with two pains at once.

Timothy Eight

I wanted to tell her about the scars I still had, about how sometimes I still cut, whenever I think about it, about how I was raised. How sometimes I had this dying thirst for alcohol, or the urge to smoke, even though I was sure I hadn't done either my entire life. I wanted to tell her about how my cabin mates always called me "crack baby," or "punching bag," and how they were always pointing out the scars on my torso, scars of the bruises my ma had left on me before I had been taken to camp. I wanted to tell her that I was still afraid, sometimes, I was still afraid of being hit, and having nightmares about when my mom did....things, things I couldn't even bring myself to say. A shudder ran up my spine, and I said to Paulie, "I still have the scars, you know? I still have nightmares, and I still cut, and I just can't help it. My ma, gods she was horrible. She was..when she was drunk...she...viol-" I couldn't even say it, my voice choking up. "She did more then beat me. I'm still afraid of it happening today, still afraid of getting hit, or of showing everybody the scars and faded bruises on my torso. She stabbed me once, on accident, but I still have the scar." I couldn't stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth, even though I knew she didn't want to listen. I expected her to get up and walk away at any moment. But I just couldn't stop myself, couldn't stop from telling her all the things I thought at night when I didn't sleep. I blinked back tears as I played with my shoelaces, suddenly quiet, even though I was bursting with more things to say. Things I knew my voice would refuse to say, things my body refused to acknowledge happened. I knew they had happened, though, the entire time I was growing up, it happened. I waited for Paulie to speak, or for her to just get up and walk away.

Kiara - Zeus

Her vision was blurred, but it seemed to have stopped whirling.

"Kiara, please! I- I didn't mean to hit you, I swear. Just.. please get better! Please forgive me!" Xander begged suddenly. She focused on him, who was pale and looked liked he was shaking with rage and remorse. She sat up weakly, feeling the pain shooting through the welt on her forehead.

"It's okay Xander, I know you didn't mean to hit me. It was my fault, I should have moved out of the way." She replied quietly.

Before Xander could reply, Mason turned to him from his bed-side position.

"Alright, she said she accepts you apology, now leave! I'll take care of her." He snarled.

Xander's complexion went from pale to purple, bypassing red completely. He stared at Mason, his eyes almost sparking with rage. He looked like he wanted to knock the teeth out of Mason. Instead, he drew some deep breaths.

"I don't see you apologizing Mason. It's almost entirely your fault. She wouldn't be like this if you didn't move out of the way." Xander retorted.

Mason sprang from his sitting position and stood face-to-face with Xander.

"Me taking care of her is a better apology than the few empty words you just said."

"Stop fighting." Kiara said, getting up from the bed. Her voice so small that it was barely heard by the other two. She knew that if the argument leads further, it will turn into a bloody brawl.

She focused on her power, which was a lot harder now that she was so weak, and cleaved her hand down through the air, making a strong gust of wind blow between Xander and Mason, separating them.

"I said STOP fighting!" She repeated more loudly, feeling her vision spinning again. Her balance went and but Mason caught her hand and held her steady.

"Okay, let's get you to our cabin, Kiara. You can rest there, and I'll walk you to dinner afterwards." Xander said, still breathing heavily.

"No, I'll take care of her and she'll stay in my cabin until she feels better." Mason instantly replied.

"She is my GODDAMN sister! And she'll stay in her cabin and I will take care of her. So, give her to me or risk loosing half of your teeth Mason." Xander bellowed, bluish sparks flying out of his hands. He took Kiara's hand and lifted her with one hand under her back and one below her knees.

Just as he turned around, Cailan burst into the cabin, stopping in his tracks as the scene before him registered in his mind.

"Kiara, are you alright?" He asked, before anyone else could say anything.

"I'm fine Cailan." Kiara replied, smiling slightly at him.

"Yeah, she's fine so can you move please, I have to get her to her cabin." Xander said, and walked passed Cailan out of the cabin. Kiara mouthed 'sorry' to Cailan as she passed.

Kiara felt almost safe in the arms of Xander, whom she had rarely spoken to. She was surprised that Xander actually cared for her.

He carried her in the Zeus cabin, which felt more like home, and laid her down gently on the bed. He carefully removed her armor and kept it on the side of the bed.

"Now if you need anything, please tell me." He said, smiling down at Kiara. He stroked her head and left the cabin.

Hope that's okay Micki

Paulie (Hermes)

There were tears on my cheeks. He didn't turn his face to me, kept it down. He might have been staring at his shoelaces, if he could have seen them. He seemed to be waiting for me to leave, but I wasn't ready to oblige. I would have wiped them away, but he couldn't see them anyway. I reached over and took his hand in mine, pulled up his sleeve, and gasped. A crisscross of scars--some old, some new. Some still scabby, no more than a few weeks old. Suicide attempts, yes, but cutting was somewhere that I had never been. I was too much of a wimp, too scared of pain. I was okay with ending my own life, but not with causing myself any more pain than I had already been in.

"Timothy!"

He still didn't acknowledge me there. I think he was ashamed of what he had told me. I put my fingers under his chin and lifted it gently. His eyes were red. I wiped a tear from under one of them, wiped my thumb on my jeans.

Timothy Eight

I felt her pull my sleeve up, but I didn't care, not bothering to even try to pull it back down. I had never told anyone this much about myself and my past. Not even the ones who had been here when I arrived knew this much about me. I felt her wipe one of my tears away, but I didn't protest, running my fingers over the scars on my arms. I wondered if there was still the faded scars of bruises on my arms, as I had been told there was when I arrived, and I wondered if Paulie could see them if there was. Not like I cared. I said quietly, "Sorry for just dumping that all on you out of nowhere like that." An apology was the least I owed her. The only person I usually told all this to was myself, at night when I had a knife nearby. I wasn't used to having someone listening. I felt bad for telling her all this out of the blue, when we were just beginning to really know each other, and out of nowhere I just come out with this horrible, sad, Born-a-crack-baby story that sounded like it was straight out of the movies. I tried to force a smile but I failed, and it remained a sad frown as I went back to staring at my feet.

"Timothy, don't be like that." I was almost pleading with him. "Don't worry. I don't mind. I can listen."

He just shook his head.

"Timothy."

"Paulie?"

"You can talk to me. I'll listen. I don't mind. Didn't I just dump my life story on you? And mine isn't nearly as worthy of being told."

"You don't have to stay," he muttered quietly, "I don't mind."

"Do you want me to leave? Because I can if you want to be alone."

I didn't really want to leave him on his own at this point. I didn't want to give him another reason to open the scars on his arm. But if privacy was what he needed, well, I could respect that.

I can post again! Sorry for my eager-ness...

Lynette

I was so bored. After getting out at deathball- a totally tragic event, if you asked me- I'd just sat on a rock and watched the game. Trini and Calian won- they did well, I guess. In truth, I hadn't really been watching. Something felt off to me. For one, I hadn't seen Xander and if he hadn't won, he must've gotten out without me seeing. I was a little insulted that he didn't seek me out, but I guess it doesn't matter. Really. Getting from my rock, I am stopped by a random chatty daughter of Venus. I shift weight from leg, trying to pay attention to what she's saying. Aren't Cailan and Trini SO cute? Aren't you anxious for the After-tournament dance? Not the tournament though, that's bloody and stupid! I think someone- namely my sister Lauren- nominated you for Homecoming Queen...Isn't that AH-mazing!?! Make-up...blah...blah...blah...boring... I tuned out after a few sentences. The only thing I caught of any importance was my nomination. At this time of year, the daughters of love go crazy and nominate everyone for King and Queen. I was a bit suprised they picked me though.

"Hey...Uhm...I have something to take care of..."

"Oh!" The girl said, her lip-glossed lips turning into an O. "I'm sorry! I'll see you later then!"

I give her a brief nodd before walking away. Bored...Bored... The Field of Mars was crowded with congratulations and upset kids who got out to soon. I slipped away into the armory, took off my armor, and slipped back out. What now? I asked myself with a sigh. I go back to the cabin and have a short converstaion to Jerica, who just got back from her quest. I liked her a lot more than most of my siblings, although she was so Ares-esque- pure impulsive fighter. Exiting the cabin to let Jerica sleep, I noticed a blond coming from the Zeus/Jupiter one.

"Xander?" I said, loud enough for him to hear.

He looked up at me, and I was pleased to see that I was right. I started at a jog towards him.

"Hey Lyn." He sounded weary, broken-down. A trace of annoyance, and even old hate laced his voice.

"Oh..." I tilted my head a bit to the side, running my hand through the front part of my hair. Something must've happened...to someone. I thumbed my bottom lip. "Xander...Is something wrong?"

He seemed to let out a short breath, coming to look up at me. I can see he's trying to piece together a smile, but it doesn't seem to be working. "Nothing I should worry you about, Lyn."

A small shot of annoyance pressed through me. I feel like I should press, just a little bit gentler, for some answers. "Are you hurt?" I hoped not.

"No-" was that a small hint of a smile I saw?- "not me. Kiara." My hand flew to my mouth and a flicker of relization flickered across Xander's face. "Oh gods, Lyn I'm sorry. Didn't mean to upset you. She's resting now- totally fine."

"N-No it's okay." I stuttered. "She's your sister..." I took in a deep breath. "If anything, I should be comforting you."

Hope this is okay. Wasn't sure how the whole "comforting" process should go over. I think Lyn'll take those reins now though.

Xander | Hades Cabin

"It's okay Xander, I know you didn't mean to hit me. It was my fault, I should have moved out of the way," Kiara replied softly, he voice almost a whisper. I wanted to retort, to tell her that it wasn't her fault in the least and that she had nothing to apologize for, but Mason cut me off.

"Alright, she said she accepts you apology, now leave! I'll take care of her," He snarled.

Not a second after those words left his mouth, my body filled with anger. My mind was clouded and my hands trembled. I'd never been this mad before, and I couldn't hold myself back before it started to rush out. My hands trembled even more and I tried to take a few deep breaths but holding back my anger was just giving me a headache.

"I don't see you apologizing Mason. It's almost entirely your fault. She wouldn't be like this if you didn't move out of the way."

He jumped from his spot and got in my face, "Me taking care of her is a better apology than the few empty words you just said," he retorted. I clenched my fists, my heart slamming in my chest, threatening to take control and completely tear Mason into pieces.

I was suddenly separated from him, cool air whirling between us and forcing us apart.

"I said STOP fighting!" Kiara tried to yell. She wobbled slightly on her feet and Mason was instantly by her side. I didn't understand. Why the hell was he so close to my sister? Didn't he hate us? What the hell did he think he was doing? It was almost like he was taking the place of her boyfriend or something, and that thought I couldn't handle. That one thought alone could send me flying towards Mason; my hands clenched to fists.

"Okay, let's get you to our cabin, Kiara. You can rest there, and I'll walk you to dinner afterwards." I stepped towards her, getting ready to pick her up. Mason retorted once again about Kiara staying in his cabin.

"She is my GODDAMN sister! And she'll stay in her cabin and I will take care of her. So, give her to me or risk loosing half of your teeth Mason." I could feel the hot current of the lighting racing through my arms and sparking around my fingertips. I'd never actually used Father's lighting power before, yet it came so naturally to me right now. I took a deep breath and cracked my neck, trying to calm myself down.

Mason seemed taken aback by my outburst and I took the opportunity to lift Kiara up into my arms and start heading for the cabin's door. We passed one of Kiara's friends but I didn't care, saying something to brush him off without even trying to act like I usually do in public. I didn't care at the moment who thought I was a jerk or whatever.

I tightened my grip on Kiara and took a deep breath, already feeling calmer now that I had Kiara and was out of the Hades cabin. I strode through our door and placed her on her own bed. She seemed more relaxed and I was glad. It made me wonder, though. If Kiara was uncomfortable in Mason's cabin, then wasn't he just a nuisance? I shook my head to clear his remaining thoughts of Mason, already getting angrier.

I stood next to her after taking care of her armor and ran my fingers through her hair, suddenly feeling like a protective older brother. "Now if you need anything, please tell me," I whispered before exiting the room.

The air outside was cool as it had begun getting darker. It was already close to dinner time and people were beginning to head over to the cafeteria. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair.

"Xander?"

I looked up to see who had called my name. It was Lyn.

"Hey Lyn," I sighed as she jogged over to me. I tried to switch back to my gentleman personality, but I seemed to be stuck between the two instead.

"Oh..." Lyn cocked her head, looking at me wearily. "Xander...Is something wrong?"

I guessed that reassuring her was the best option, so I attempted a smile and looked her in the eye, "Nothing I should worry you about, Lyn."

I saw a small flash of annoyance pass over her eyes as she ran something over in her mind. I hid a small smile at how much of an open book she was, "Are you hurt?" she asked.

"No-" I smiled partially at the thought of her worrying about me "not me. Kiara."

Lyn's eyes flashed with panic and she covered her mouth with her hands. I had completely forgotten that they were friends and I kicked myself mentally, "Oh gods, Lyn I'm sorry. Didn't mean to upset you. She's resting now- totally fine."

"N-No it's okay." she stuttered. "She's your sister...If anything, I should be comforting you." She looked weary again, not sure of her own words. My chest twinged and my switch flipped completely off.

I grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her toward me in a flash, wrapping my arms around her.

"Erm... X-Xander..." I could tell that she was surprised, my sudden outburst had probably jarred her feelings. I held on tighter, trying to forget everything that had just happened.

"Stay still. I suddenly feel like monopolizing you." I chucked slightly and buried my face in her hair.

Sorry it's so long! :X

Micki- Love it!

Lynette

I tried to muffle my gasp of suprise as Xander grabbed a hold of my arm and pulled me towards him. He wrapped his arms around me.

"Erm...X-Xander." I mutter, suprised at his arms across my back.

His arms tighten around me. My body felt tight, unable to relax. "Stay still. I suddenly feel like monopolizing you." He chuckled slightly, burying his face in my long dark hair.

Despite myself, I can't help but smile at his words. It feels good in his arms, but a little awkward. I know I shouldn't try a wiggle away, because Xander is truly distraught. I don't think I've ever been held...like this. The first thing I noticed is that he smelled really good. Yes, a weird thing to notice. Xander smelled though, not strongly, but just perfectly- kinda like the scent of fresh rainfall. The second thing I noticed was that my heart was beating, crazy fast. Xander didn't notice. I half felt like I should being saying something, but what was there to say? A heartbeat passed- or more like several, the way my heart was beating.

"It's okay, Xander..." I murmer.

"I know." He muttered back. "It is now."

My cheeks heated up, and I hid them in his hair. I was glad that he couldn't see me- around him, I such an open book. I didn't know why, and I didn't care to. I guess it was stuff like...like this. He held me some more, and my heart began to slow down.

"Do you want me to let go now?" Xander asked, but he didn't sound like he said it happily.

"...N-No..." I stutter back. "As long as you need."

My own words shocked me, but they were true. It was a little weird, being held my someone who I'd only met earlier today- but it felt good. By the way, Xander was relaxed I guessed he felt better to. Poor Kiara... I wondered what happened, what could've possibly gotten cool, calm, collected Xander so worked up. Something tragic must've happened in paintball. Then, much to my suprise, Xander let go. I twinge of dissapointment shot through me. No, don't be stupid. He gave me a small smile, it was nervous, but completely refreshed.

"Thank you." He said.

"Y-Your welcome." I blush, then cover my cheek with my hand.

A small smile flickers across Xander's face. His eyes light up, and his mouth drops open with the words he was bound to say next.

Now I think would be a good time for him to ask her to the dance. I figured my most was already uber-long.

Mini Mavor

Jaiden lead me away from the field, to head for the cabin, but I pulled on his hand. He came to an abrupt stop, also stopping me in his tracks.

"Mind if I change into something a bit more... fitting? I'm getting sick of these stockings," I said, not letting go of his hand. He looked at me for a minute, then smiled.

"Why not? Who knows how long we're going to be there," he replied. I smiled back and lead him outside the Aphrodite cabin. I let go of his hand and started walking towards the door, but then I felt someone jerk my hand. I almost tripped, but I regained myself. I turned to Jaiden, looking at our hands. He didn't let go. I let out a laugh.

"Going to miss me that much?" I asked tauntingly. His eyes widened and quickly let go, wiping his palms on his jeans.

"Sorry! I guess I forgot to... let go?" he tried to cover up. He smiled sheepishly, making me roll my eyes.

"It's fine," I smiled. I turned and disappeared inside the cabin. I immediately ran towards my suitcase, and rummaged for something comfortable to wear. I finally picked out a pair of denim short shorts, a pink tank, and black converse. I pinned my hair up and stared into the bathroom mirror, wiping my makeup off. Yes, I guess I do look a bit different without my usual style, but there's gotta be a first for everything. I looked to my right to see a bunch of chunky necklaces, taunting me. I shove them into a bag and throw it on my bed before running outside. Jaiden was waiting on the steps, so I quietly sit down beside him.

"Who're you waiting for?" I tried to pull off my best American accent.

"An Aphrodite girl," he answered. I smirked and leaned on him, he turned to me and raised an eyebrow.

"What? Never seen a girl before?" I asked. He shook his head.

"No- I mean, yes, but... nevermind," he said. He buried his face in his hands before looking back up to me. I stood up and offered my hand.

"Let's go to the smart kids cabin," I smiled.

(Sorry I haven't posted! Been gone, no internet, torture for me. xD Hopefully I can manage! Oh, and this is what she's wearing:

Spoiler

)

Xander | Outside Zeus Cabin

I couldn't help but smile at Lyn. The way her face and eyes gave away everything that ran through her head was so honest that it was cute. I tugged lightly on a strand of her hair to get her attention again.

When she looked up at me, her cheeks still bright red, I took her hand formally and smiled at her. "So, I hear that there's a homecoming dance in a few days, and... I was wondering if you would like to accompany me, Ms. Lynette?" I smiled lightly and dipped into a formal bow, completely taking charge of the gentlemanly act.

"Uh, ye-yeah, sure! I'd love to." She smiled and blushed again. I chuckled and let go of her hand, my arm wrapping itself around her shoulders instead.

"So shall we get some dinner? I just want to see if Kiara's still okay, first. Would you mind if she came with us to get food?"

Timothy Eight

I honestly didn't want her to leave. She sounded almost like she wanted me to keep telling her about myself. I began speaking quietly. "After a while, growing up with her, I grew used to it all, you know? I knew how the routine worked. Come home from school, Ma would be high, or drunk. Usually both. She would hit me a bit, have her fun with me for a while, then make me do the chores when she went out with her friends." I took a deep breath. "Lying became a big part of it, too. Lying to the teachers about why I was covered in bruises, or why I was so jumpy. Lie to the few friends I had about why they couldn't come over. Lie about why I was always puking in the toilets right before the end of school. Having to wash my clothes in the bathroom sink at home before school because it always smelled like smoke and pot. After a while, I just got used to it all." I fiddled with the anklet around my ankle. "Ma wasn't Ma. She was Heather. I didn't love her enough to call her mother. I always had to call her by her name." I sighed. "And then the best thing happened. I was found by a camp satyr. He took me away from her and brought me to camp. I was jumpy, un-trusting, covered in bruises, cuts and scars, but I was free." My voice was a whisper, but I felt like she was listening. It actually felt good to tell someone about all this, about how I felt my entire life. I smiled at her. "And a few years later, here I am. The same depressing, blind, talk-aholic Pluto boy you see before you." I ran my hands up and down my arms as I waited for her to speak, suddenly feeling like a weight had been lifted off my chest. I felt better then I had in the last month, and it was all thanks to her.

Paulie (Hermes)

He smiled when he had finished speaking, and just then a loud bell rang across the camp. I had been so busy listening to him that I hadn't noticed that it was getting dark. Curfew was in half an hour. I didn't get up right away, looking at his face. It looked brighter, despite what he had just been telling me. I didn't really know what to say, but he didn't seem to need a response.

"We'd better go," I said instead. I wasn't snubbing him, but I didn't know what I could say about what he had just told me. I got to my feet quickly and stretched out my hand towards him. When he didn't take it--of course he didn't--I grabbed his hand and helped him to his feet. I put my hand on his arm to guide him. Not that I was much help in the gathering twilight.

It was fitting. After all, my dad was the guide among the gods. Now I was guiding this boy, born to a higher god than myself. I walked him back slowly to the Hades cabin, neither of us speaking. When we got to the door, I was reluctant to leave. I remembered what he had told me about the way the kids in his cabin treated him and didn't want him to have to feel that way tonight. But I had to go back to Hermes.

"Paulie?"

"Timothy?"

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"For listening."

"Oh. Sure. Anytime. And thanks for listening to me, too."

I ducked down, kissed him on the cheek, and jogged back towards Hermes.

Jaiden

Mini was like a puzzle- hard to figure out, and when you found the right pieces they didn't seem to fit together. I was beggining to like that- complicated people were ten times more fun than those with flat-pack personalities.

"Let's go to the smart kids cabin," Mini said with a smile.

I gave her a nodd. " 'Cmon then. The smart kid's cabin doesn't wait for slow daughter's of Aphrodite."

She huffed, but began to walk after me with a faster pace. She was such a suprise- showing up with no make-up, a completely different outfit, and even a different accent. If you ask me, I think she looked even prettier without the clown make-up- there was no way I was going to tell her though, unless I wanted to die. Thank you very much, but i don't have a death wish.

We didn't have very long to walk to the Athena/Minerva cabin. I smiled at it's familiar wooden walls, silver owl hanging above the well-polished door, and the golden sign engraved with 'Walk of Wisdom.'

"Doesn't smell as good as the Aphrodite/Venus cabin, I must say." She flashed me that sassy little smile. "It looks a lot more... intelligent."

I laughed. "I think that's part of the point. Wanna go inside?"

"I came all this way not to go inside the nerd cabin? What kinda girl do you think I am?"

I paused, taking just a moment to long to think up an equally clever answer. "The stalling kind." I said with a smile and walked inside my cabin.



Mini entered just a moment behind me, and I suddenly remembered the 'No campers of different parentage in the same cabin' rule. Crap. Mini seemed distracted, looking around the cabin with wide eyes. It was trashed- when wasn't it?- with scrolls and laptops of various nature. The bunks were pushed aside, like we had no time for sleeping- which, we really didn't. It wasn't really anything to me, but Mini's eyes were sparkling. To Hades with the rules, I thought to myself with a chuckle.

"You like it?"

"It's beautiful." She said in a breathy town. I raised an eyebrow, suprised at her town. "Oh, I mean...'s nice." Her voice took on a nonchalant tone.

I petted one of my sister's owls- the only living thing in here besides us. "If nice, you mean nerdy, cluttered, and carzy intelligent- I'm gonna have to agree with you."

"Yeah, that's exactly what I mean."

I chuckle to myself. Check sarcasm off the 'ways to understand Mini' list- cause there's no way that was gonna work.

"Your pretty complicated, y'know that?" I say, figuring the straight-out approach may be the best.

"I know," Mini said, flopping down on one of the bed's and flipping through and astrology magazine.

"...You made a pretty good paintball partner, you know that?" Mini merely raised a perfect eyebrow at me. I took a deep breath. I seriously needed to ask this question again, to avoid being one of those dateless camera freaks. "...but I think you'd make an even better homecoming date...?"
________________________________________________________________________________________

Lynette "Lyn" Millerion

I was giddy, crazy five-year-old-in-a-candy-store happy. I don't know why, persay, but I had some pretty good ideas. Perhaps me finally getting a homecoming date...?

"So shall we get some dinner? I just want to see if Kiara's still okay, first. Would you mind if she came with us to get food?" Xander asked, his arm firm around my shoulder.

"Of course not! As long as she's okay, her company would be more than appreciated."

"That's good. I don't know what I'd do if you said no." He grinned down at me.

We began to walk back towards the Zeus/Jupiter cabin, and entered together. I thanked Zeus quietly that his cabin had such large doors. Xander and Kiara's cabin was a lot more spacious than mine, or the few other cabins I'd seen. Maybe it was because Jupiter and[i] Zeus both tended not to have many children. Xander led me towards the bunk where Kiara lay. It took all my strength not to gasp. Kiara looked very sickly, her forhead a pussy sort of green and her skin super-pale. [i]If she looks this bad now... No wonder Xander was in such a panicked state! Kiara's pretty blue eyes peeked up from under her pale eyelids. Her brows knitted together momentarily, but immediatley came undone. Xander let go of my shoulder and leaned down besides Kiara.

"Are you feeling better?" He asked, a kind of tenderness in his voice that I'd never heard before.

"A-A little..."

"Good enough to come and get dinner with Lyn and I?"

Timothy Eight

I entered the Hades/Pluto cabin, my cheek still warm from where Paulie had kissed it, and flopped onto my bed, which was separated from my cabin mates. Laying there on my back, I felt around for my knife. Finding it, I fiddled with it a bit, only making a sound when I accidentally nicked my thumb.
"Back to stabbing yourself again, Blind-As-A-Bat?" One of my cabin-mates sneered.
"Shut up." I retorted, throwing a pillow at him. It, of course, missed. I sighed and gently sat my knife aside, sitting there. I allowed myself to just not think as I laid there, letting my mind go blank of all thought. I knew curfew was almost here, but I wasn't tired at all. I seemed to never be tired. For the first time, I wondered what my mom looked like, and why she seemed to hate me so much. I picked up one of my Braille books and flipped it open to a random page, running my fingers over it to read. I wasn't really paying attention to the words though. I was too busy wondering why I was cursed with blindness. It made my life so difficult. I wanted to see, like Paulie was able to see. I wanted to see the colors and the images, and be normal like everybody else. I sighed as I ran my fingers over the page, my mind elsewhere as my cabin-mates' chatter created a small din in my ears. I wandered where Mason or Nino was. They were usually around to at least throw some insults at me by now. Throwing my book to the side, I turned over onto my stomach, my mind still drifting.