When the pavilion first came into view, Annabeth and I had a race.  Of course, I lost, like always.  I sat down with Nico who was hunched over his plate holding his bowed head.
"Neeks." I whispered softly smiling.
"Bambi." he replied looking up ever-so-slightly.
"I'm really sorry," I mumbled "For
running off and-and bringing up that question."
"It's okay." he admitted kissing my cheek.  "Uh, by the way, what was that running off for?  You okay?"
"Yeah it's just-it's just..."
"What?"
"I hate others seeing me cry so I ran off so no one saw."
"Why hide tears?  Crying is natural."
"Because, I want others to see me happy and not have to worry about what's wrong and get stressed.  Also, um, because I don't want anyone to suffer the way I did."
"The way you did?  How'd you suffer?"
"Ever since I was born my parents hated me, abused me, broke me, harassed me, tore me down.  Said I was a freak, a sorceress, dangerous, stupid, a delinquent, and a-a mi-mi..."
"A what?" Nico asked softly, but I could tell he was pissed.
"Mist-mista-mista-a."
I couldn't help but break into silent tears.
"Mistake?" he asked angrily and sadly at the same time as he picked up a piece of bacon.
I simply nodded my head in response.
"C'mon, let's go to the cabin." he said standing and taking my hand to help me stand. 
We walked towards the cabin in complete and utter silence that you could hear amongst the melodic and rhythmic songs of the birds, the lake flowing with its waves crashing into the shore, and the soft winter morning howl of the breeze.
When we entered the cabin Nico shut the door behind me.  I collapsed with my back pressed against the door and held my face in my pale, ghostly white palms.
"Amber!" Nico said in alarm leaning down next to me.
"I-i-i-i-i-i-i..." I tried talking, but it was like my vocal cords were frozen magically and I could only make that one sound.
Nico rubbed the back of my hair.
"Bambi, it's alright to cry." he said lifting my head up with his right index finger.
                     *Nico's P.O.V.*
The image of Amber's pale, saddened face swam through my mind as I looked into her gray eyes filled with little tear droplets flowing like an endless river.  I cupped her face in my hands and tried to reassure her.
"Bambi," I began "Please, please don't cry.  You're my little sister and I want the best for you."
She looked at me when I said little as if the word bothered her.  She hung her head sadly.
"Little." she growled angrily as I jumped back surprised by her sudden change of tone "I.  Am.  Not.  Little.  Not little like my parents' bravery, courage, mind, and heart.  Not little like the amount of people that truly care about and understand me.  No.  I AM NOT LITTLE."
"I did-didn't mean it like that."
Amber stood and took a deep breath.  I scooted out of her way and stood.  She just went over to her bunk and reached under to grab something.  She paused and looked back at me.
"Go." she demanded pointing at the door.
"Am-"
"Now!" she bellowed.
"Fine!" I yelled exasperated as I through my hands in the air and threw open the door.  I slammed it shut and walked out of the camp and looked back.  I'd have to go without her.

                  *Amber's P.O.V.*
Nico slammed the door shut and I pulled out my suitcase.  I unzipped the smallest pocket and brought out my pocket knife, examining the handle carefully.  I took a deep breath and walked towards my night stand.  I carefully set down the knife and pressed my hands against the polished dark oak wood of the table.  I stood their breathing slowly and deeply.  My chest rising up and down slowly.