One Shots (HoO)

“Come on out!” yelled Piper.

“Not a chance, McLean!” I spat.

“We’re going to be late, Reyna. Hurry up!” urged Annabeth.

“I just don’t understand how you girls manage to feel comfortable while wearing this stupid dresses!”

“Get your fat ass outta the restroom or I’ll have Drew do your makeup for the evening.”

That was enough to scare the hell out of me, so I finally stepped outside my hideout.

Upon seeing me, Piper, Annabeth, Drew, and the rest of the Aphrodite kids gasped in unison.

“See? I told you it was a bad idea.” I snorted.

I turned, trying to hide in the bathroom once again, but Piper stopped me.

“Don’t be silly, Reyna. You look great!”

“I had no idea all those curves hid beneath that old-fashioned praetor cape.” said Annabeth, winking at me.

I instinctively covered my body; I was always self-conscious about how curvy my figure was.
“Stop hiding!” reprimanded Piper. “Look at your reflection in the mirror.”

She gestured towards a huge floor-length mirror that rested in one of the room’s walls. All Piper’s siblings were looking at me expectantly, almost pleadingly. I cursed under my breath in ancient Latin and made my way towards the looking glass.

I was in sheer shock. I actually liked how I looked in the dress… The girls made me pick a garment out of the hundreds they owned, so I chose a long-sleeved black sequined one. It was simple, yet elegant and it embraced the swift slope between my waist and my hips in a complimenting way.

Even though I wasn’t really fond of the dress’s bare back, the only thing I truly disliked was how short the dress was. I felt like it barely covered my butt! I was really hoping no monster would interrupt our celebrations tonight because I really wasn’t dressed for battle…

“Well?”

“Well… I don’t hate it…. Thank you guys. Now let’s go to the party!”

They all started laughing at me.

“What’s so funny?” I queried, bewildered.

“We’re not finished yet…” said Annabeth. “We’re missing your hair…”

“… and makeup…” continued Piper

“… and nails…” offered Drew.

“… and… SHOES!” They all shrieked in unison.

Dammit! Someone send me to Tartarus instead!

An hour later I was all done. Luckily, I was content with my “makeover”. At least I still looked like myself.

When I insisted in having my hair braided, they finally gave in, braiding my hair in the most elegant and intricate way I’ve seen. They painted my nails bright red, making them match my cherry lips. Aside from the bright lipstick, my makeup was light, consisting only of basic substances like liner and mascara.

The one thing I was having trouble adjusting with were the high heels. After I tripped for the fifth time, I decided it was finally time to complain.

“I have no idea how you girls manage to walk in high heels”

Piper rolled her eyes at me. “Those aren’t even stilettos, those are platforms. Stop complaining.”

“Besides, you look absolutely stunning. You dim my shine.” teased Annabeth.

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes at them.

“Picture time” yelled one of Piper’s brothers as he proceeded to snap a million unnecessary pictures at us. After striking a dozen silly poses, and after I was already dizzy because of the camera’s flash, it was finally time to leave for the party.

“I’ve never been harassed in such a way.” I complained at Annabeth and Piper as we made our way to the venue. I couldn’t believe they used New Year’s Eve as an excuse to play dress up with me.

“It was all worth it. When we step into that room all eyes will glue on you. You look fantastic. Don’t you agree, Piper?”

“I agree.”

I didn’t know what they were talking about… Piper looked like a legitimate top model in her feathery strapless creamy dress and stilettos. And Annabeth… She looked utterly breathtaking. She looked regal with her matching electric blue crop top and tulle skirt. Her hair was curled, and it glistened in the faint light of the night. I knew Percy was going to start drooling when he finally got to see her.

Maybe each girl was meant to radiate a different kind of beauty… Maybe tonight I was radiating my own kind of beauty… I hope I still looked as a badass…

By the time we got to the pavilion it was already crowded. The girls scanned the room, clearly looking for their boyfriends. Ironically enough, I was the first one to spot them. They were hanging out with a seemingly hungover Mr. D., who held to the necks of either boy for dear life.

“There they are.” I pointed, amused.

As we made our way towards them, we were finally able to make out their voices over the roaring music.

“… No. I told you, Peter. I am NOT drunk! I’m not even drinking alcohol…”

“My name’s not…” but Percy couldn’t finish his sentence. He had spotted Annabeth. His mouth hung open, and his eyes filled with adoration. “Oh my…”

“… gods” finished Jason, catching a glimpse of Piper.

The two dorks looked as if they were blind men who were seeing the Sun for the first time.

Mr.D. was the first one to break the silence.

“Well.. I’m already bored. Farewell John Green and Peter Johnson.”

And just like that he left.

“Wow, girls. You all look beautiful.” complimented Jason.

“Oh, but my Wise Girl wins the contest.”

Annabeth giggled. “Actually… no. I think Reyna looks the best tonight.”

They both turned to me, probably noticing me for the first time. I suddenly became self-conscious.

“Wow, Reyna. I was hardly able to recognize you. You look stunning.”

“Yeah… you look as stunning as Annabeth…” Piper shot Percy a glance. “… And Piper, of course.”

I smirked. Both Jason and Percy became very good friends of mine. I suddenly remembered that I had like both of them… Just then I had an epiphany; I was never truly attracted to them, I just admired them deeply. They were natural-born leaders; they were strong and handsome as hell… They were everything a girl could wish for, yet they were just not for me. They were someone else’s soulmates. I was so focused on proving Aphrodite wrong that I was forcing myself to like people that weren’t meant for me.

The roaring music stopped, being replaced by a soft one.

“It’s time you lovebirds go slow dance. I’ll mingle around for a while.”

As they obeyed, I walked across the salon, looking for some fruit punch. I received compliments from Leo, Hazel, Frank, Will and a bunch of other campers. I decided to sit at one of the tables, trying to hide myself. I wasn’t fond of all the attention I was receiving. It was just too much for me.

There, in the shadows, I was found by the one person I was looking forward to see since the beginning of the party: Nico.

“They all got nothing on you. You are the most beautiful girl in the entire room.”

I smiled. Nico had that effect on me: he was always able to bring a smile to my face.

“And you’re certainly the most handsome boy.”

He smirked. “I’ll have to disagree with that one.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t even start drooling over Solace, Nico.”

He chuckled. “Okay, I won’t.”

“Where were you anyways? The party has been on for hours now.”

“I was just visiting Father. New Year’s is a rather eventful day down at the Underworld.”

“I’m glad you’ve been able to spend some time with your father lately.”

“Yeah, it’s been nice… What about you? How are you feeling tonight?”

I stopped to think about his question for a moment.

How was I feeling? I felt different, I looked different. I loved the venue. I loved the food… I even liked some of the compliments that people gave me…. Yet… Something was off. I still felt alone.

“I’ve been a little nostalgic... I felt a little alone, but now that you’re here I feel a lot better.”

“I thought so. Come, walk with me. I’m sure some fresh air will do you good.”

“Don’t worry about me, Nico. You should go back to Will.”

He shook his head. “Nonsense. Come with me.”

I tried to protest, but he was determined to take me for a walk. At last I gave in, holding his hand and standing into the chill air alongside him.

“How does it feel?” he asked

“What?”

“How do you feel when you see Annabeth, Piper and Hazel dancing with their boyfriends?”

I took a moment to consider it. “It still aches a little, but I’ve come to terms with it. I’ll find somebody to love when the time is right.”

He nudged my arm. “Well said. I knew all along that Percy wasn’t your type.”
We both chuckled.

“I wasn’t completely honest with you, though.”

“What do you mean?”

“I brought you a present, hope you enjoy.”

And he disappeared into the shadows.

“What the..?”

I stood there, alone and in sheer confusion.

“I guess I’m the present.” That. Voice. I could’ve recognized that voice anywhere. I turned around and there she was… Hylla stood in front of me.

We ran into each other, embracing ourselves for dear life. In that moment we forgot all our differences, we forgot all the bitter moments we’d share in the past.

“I’d miss you, Reyna.”

“And I’d miss you, Hylla.”

She broke the embrace. “I don’t have much time, I have to go back to my fort… I only came here to see you… And to wish you an incredible new year.”

“I wish that to you, too.”

She caressed my hair. “You look gorgeous. You remind me of Bellona….” I hugged her tighter. “I see new beginnings in our horizons. You’ll have to leave behind some luggage in order to complete this journey. You’ll have to accept your heritage: our island, our father, our truth… Promise me you’ll be your own heroine, relying in the strength that lies within you.”

“I promise.” I said, my voice breaking.

She kissed my forehead.

“I’ll see you soon. I promise I’ll stay alive.”

She disappeared into the woods. Only then I realized that happy tears were sliding down my cheeks.

Of course Nico knew what I was craving! He knew I needed my sister… Just as he sometimes needed Bianca or Hazel, I needed Hylla.

I entered the pavilion again. I scanned the room, looking for him. I found him in the middle of the dance floor, dancing with Will. I made my way towards him and flung myself into his arms.

“You stupid little Italian Death boy.”

“I love you too.”

The rest of the night was a blur. I ate too much, I drank too much and I certainly danced too much! Greeks and Romans are surely the most dedicated party animals ever.

It was already 11:30 when Chiron urged us all to be quiet so he could address us.

“It’s been a lovely party. I am extremely glad of having the pleasure of seeing you all enjoy something as normal as a party.” He gestured toward where the nine of us stood. “You’ve earned this with your hard work. Now let’s take our pegasi so we can fly to Times Square in order to watch the fireworks!” We roared in approval. “Leo and another eight lucky passengers will be riding on Festus.”

I grinned.

The nine of us rode together just like in the old times. Knowing that we were flying towards entertainment instead of despair was refreshing.

We made it to the Square just in time to see the ball descending. Millions of people crowded in the Square, their voices tangled together as they screamed the countdown towards the New Year at the top of their lungs.

“FIVE, FOUR…”

We joined them. “… THREE, TWO, ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Hundreds of fireworks ignited at once and the night sky was no longer black; it was multicolor. Showers of blue, explosions or red, pink blossoms and a myriad other colors decorated the night. I was awestruck by the beauty of it all.

Nico’s embrace brought me back to reality; just as a few other pair of arms joined us. Piper, Jason, Percy, Annabeth, Hazel, Frank, Leo, Nico and I stood of top on Festus, jumbled together. The two families united, our limbs as hopelessly tousled as our fates. Time wouldn’t be able to change this; our lives were meant to be together forever, because adversity was the thing that united us in the first place.

I had the Greeks, I had the Romans; I had all I needed. I was strong; I was my own heroine. Aphrodite no longer had a hold on me, because I finally knew love. Love for my sister, for my heritage, my friends, and myself…

I was the love of my life and nobody was going to change that.

If there was someone out there for me, I just had to be patient and wait.

Notes