Travis' POV

I'd been staring at the door of our cabin now for three hours, mortified.

The sun had risen hours ago, I'd missed breakfast and lunch. As well as my date with Katie, canoeing on the lake. I hoped Connor would explain, or else my father wouldn't be my only problem. Or the worst one.

How the Hades had I been that damn stupid? Oh, Gods. I am so dead. And on top of that, what would happen to Connor when Hermes smites me? I'm his older brother, I'm supposed to be here to watch over him- not get him killed! I groaned, shoving my hands in my palms. Maybe Hermes left, I hoped, Maybe I'm just being a moron. I knew it wasn't true, of course. The thing about having a godly parent was that you could sort of tell when there was a God's presence, like, a change in the atmosphere of your surroundings. As if you needed to be on your best behavior or you'd get burnt to a crisp on the spot. Well, not really an "as if". A "this is completely legit- you'll be killed if you don't behave, dude". Or get turned into a dolphin, in Mr. D's case.

But, of course, I, being the complete jackass I am, went and did exactly the opposite of what everyone had always told me to do. I, being a Stoll, did what would probably get me killed. I swear someone up there had it in for me- a bet it was my grandpa Scott. I never should have lit his hairpiece on fire in kindergarten.

"Okay," I murmured, "He probably left- he's a busy guy...he's gone, he's gone..." I trailed off as I opened the door hesitantly. I poked my head through the door,
"I was wondering when you'd come out," My heart seemed to stop with shock, and I jumped back, slamming into the door frame and falling down. I timidly looked up to see Connor, thank Gods, leaning against the wall of our cabin.
"What the hell, man! You gave me a freaking heart attack!" I exclaimed, trying to catch my breath. Connor laughed, and slouched down beside me on the ground.
"Sorry, dude." He said, punching my arm lightly.

"Hey...uh, is..." I was nervous to say his name. Names aren't something to be tossed around freely, especially now.
"Dad's still here. He's with Mr. D somewhere in the Big House, I think. Or maybe with Chris, somewhere."
"Why didn't you go with them?" I asked, still a little harried as I flicked my gaze over everything around us.
"He can't look me in the eye, so I figured it would be too awkward." I bit my lip, I forgot I'd mentioned Ella.
"Sorry, bro." I murmured, guilt flooding over me.
"S'okay. But, Travis...uh...you might've gone a little over the top. Like, I'm all for pissing him off and everything...but, dude. he was seriously hurt. As in, he was talking with Mr. D the whole night about it, man." At that, my guilt vanished. And I felt a little angry Connor had voiced my thoughts.
"So? I don't care if I hurt is 'feelings'," I lied. "I don't care about him. I hate him." I immaturely brought my knees to my chest and sat my chin on them. Connor did the same.
"Well, duh. We all do." That surprised me, of the two of us, Connor was the most passive. Least responsible, a little nuts, but he was also the calmest about matters like this,

"Really? I thought-" I started, Connor let out a bitter laugh,

"You thought you were alone with this, dude- we're all in the same boat. Life sucks, man. But y'know...dead beat parents suck even more." I stared in shock at my usually up-beat little brother as his eyes clouded over. He looked so...mature about it all. Being so calm. Meanwhile, I'm having temper tantrums like I was some whiny three year old.
"This blows..." I growled into my knees. Connor nodded in agreement.

"Damn straight it does...But, you know, it could be worse." I laughed bitterly,
"How the hell could it be worse, dude?" Connor shrugged,
"We could be like Percy or Nico and be all alone." I blinked,

"Well, that just sort of means their dad's aren't man-whores." Connor got a nervous look on his face,
"But it means we'll never be alone. We got each other, and Chris and everybody. As cheesy as it sounds...it's true." I smiled a little at my brother, and got up, my back aching at the awkward position it had been crammed in,

"Maybe...still doesn't make him any better." I heard a forced cough from behind us and Connor nodded to behind me, looking a little tense.

I turned on my heel, to follow Connor's gaze. My smile shattered as I stared at Hermes,

"Travis, Connor...we need to talk, boys."