Leo's POV

"Leo, we need to talk," Calypso said.

It was after school. Jason and I were supposed to be picked up soon, but I stopped and turned to face Calypso. She was wearing light-wash jeans and a white blouse that complimented her brown eyes. "What's going on?" I asked.

Calypso bit her bottom lip. "Can you come over to my place?"

She looked distressed, so I nodded my head. "I better tell Jason real quick. I'll be back soon."

I dashed off and found Jason and Piper studying together in the library. "Jason, can you tell the Boreads that I'll be home late?"

Jason nodded. "But I cannot promise that they'll take it well."

I shrugged. "They're jealous of the daring escapes of Leo Valdez."

Piper rolled her eyes. "Go on them, then."

I dashed back to where Calypso was waiting. The tension in her face smoothed and she gave me a small, but tight smile. "Festus will be glad to see you."

"How is he doing?" I asked as I followed her.

We reached the front door and she pushed it open. "He's gone through three bottles of Tabasco sauce in the past month."

I grinned. "Some like it hot."

Calypso snorted. "You can say that again."

We reached her car and she used her keys to unlock it. Calypso's car was a small, silver Ford that her father had given her for her sixteenth birthday. The insides smelled like flowers. To complete the idyllic aura, Calypso put on some folk songs as she began driving.

The drive was brief and after parking, we hurried upstairs. Festus greeted me with a volley of barks. Though he was a large dog, he acted like a lap dog sometimes and today, he slouched over my lap as if I was a pillow. Then, he gave me the Festus special: a thorough tongue-bath.

"He loves you," Calypso remarked.

I smiled as I scratched behind his ears. "How could he not? I've got enough animal magnetism to start a religion."

Calypso snorted, but then her countenance grew more grave. "We're not here to discuss the cult you want to found."

She took a shaky breath and for the millionth time, I wondered why she ever wanted to be with me. "Leo, I need to tell you something."

She shifted on her bed and her gaze dropped down to her belly. My mouth gaped open so it resembled a tire and Festus got up to chase his tail. "You're pregnant?"

Calypso didn't respond immediately. "Leo, why did you assume that?"

"I — umm," I stammered. "It must be from watching too many of the soap operas that Khione puts on."

     "I'm not pregnant," Calypso said. "Trust me. I know my body better than you do. No, we need to talk about college."

     "Oh," I said, feeling like a dunce.

      "We're seniors," Calypso said. "You don't have to, but I was wondering if you wanted to apply to some of the same places. I've compiled a list of places that offer programs in engineering and horticulture. I can show you if you'd like."

        "Oh sunshine," I said, sliding my arms around her. "I'd love that."