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I have always hated parties.
Don’t get me wrong, I do get the fun aspect of it. Music, dance, food, booze… What’s not to like? A child-soldier like me should be a party-god if anything.
Thing is, I have never had mortal friends… Before I came to camp, everybody in school thought I was too weird or creepy. I would zone out and talk about invisible monsters, that would freak the kids out.
The teachers would look at me disappointedly like this was something I could control, or I was doing it knowingly. I never had friends, and that meant I was never invited to parties.
So when Rachel Elizabeth Dare invited me to her expensive ass party for New Years’ eve, I didn’t know what to think of it. I asked my mom, she said I should go and enjoy being a kid for once.
I know my mom meant well but… I’m not a kid. Not anymore. I have been prophesied to bring ruin to the world, my best friends won’t talk to me and I’m terribly alone.
But Rachel’s always been there, she understood my struggles and was fun to talk to. She would laugh at my stupid jokes and roll her eyes, like someone else used to- never mind.
I’m not sure what it means but sometimes I’d catch her staring at me from across the room, and then I’d meet her eyes and she’d look away. I don’t know what to think of it… I’m no stranger to people looking at me like I had grown a third head, I had just expected her to not be one of them.
Maybe I’m looking too much into it. I do really like Rachel, like I said- she is fun to be around and doesn’t make me lose my mind and scratch my head unlike said best friend, Annabeth.
I can’t pretend I don’t miss her. I always do when I’m away from her. I find myself staring at the distance sometimes while Rachel goes on about some new gossip she heard, or her asshole father being an asshole again.
Join the club, Red.
Anyway, since my mom said I should go. I will go.
“Percy?” My mom called from the kitchen as I was about to leave for the party. Rachel’s supposed to pick me up.
“I was just about to leave.” I told my mom.
“Yeah? You look handsome.” Mom smiled kindly. I tried not to blush, but like always… I failed miserably.
“Mom…” I groaned.
Mom flicked a hand dismissively. “So, I was gonna ask… Why didn’t you call Annabeth and Grover? Rachel said you could bring friends, right?”
I shrugged. “Grover’s busy with Cloven stuff… and well, Annabeth um...”
Mom raised an eyebrow. “You both are fighting again, aren’t you?”
I looked down. I know my mom adored Annabeth (like she should) but I really can’t help it when she won’t even explain what I did wrong! Maybe I should be the bigger man and reach out first, but I don’t know if I want to. It hurts being away from her, it hurts being with her.
Mom sighed. “Why don’t you just tell her how you feel? Its hard for girls her age and background to be honest with their feelings and I'm sure you're not to be blamed, but I know you miss her Percy…”
Tell her how I feel?
My cheeks blushed crimson red. “I- tell her how I feel? Mom, its not-its not like that…”
Mom hummed. Clearly not convinced. “Sure... Honey, if you say so.”
“Its not.” I said firmly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me-”
“You miss her a lot though, don’t you?” Mom gave me a sad smile.
“Mom….” I defended. I did miss her a lot, but that doesn’t mean-
“Alright kiddo…” Mom ruffled my hair. “I’ll stop pestering you, go have fun… Just remember to not-”
“-Drink, smoke or do anything you wouldn’t do.” I completed her sentence.
“My sweet boy…” She kissed me on the forehead. “Maybe if you’re sweet enough… You’d get a girl to kiss you when the clock hits 12.”
“I would literally never-”
“Because you’re in love with Annabeth?” Mom teased.
My cheeks caught on fire. Suddenly, I remembered my conversation with Aphrodite near the junkyard and how she’d talked about me being in love with- Gods. What is it with everyone thinking I’m in love with Annabeth! She would never go out with someone like me.
I tried not to think about the kiss from Mt. St. Helens… My brain had pushed that memory down so far, It might as well be in Tartarus… or Elysium.
“I’m going. You are horrible!” I hissed.
Mom had the audacity to laugh. “I only kid… but I won’t mind a blonde grandson-
I was out before she could finish that sentence.
*-*
Rachel’s chauffeur opened the door for me to get in. The Mercedes sure was an improvement from my usual prius, but I did feel a tad uncomfortable. This is the kind of car I’d never get to have, and I don’t know… maybe it was the aroma but I felt a bit out of place.
“Ready to go?” Rachel chirped happily next to me.
“Course.” I smiled at her. “Thank you for the ride and uh… inviting me.”
“Thank you for showing up.” Rachel smiled brightly. “You look good.”
I blushed. I had felt a bit overdressed with the formals, a casual suit and khaki pants. I figured it would be a good opportunity to try on something similar to what my mom had planned for my outfit for her wedding.
“Thanks.” I said. “You uh... you look good too.”
She did. Really, I was kind of shocked that Rachel even hung out with me or didn’t have a boyfriend or a… girlfriend, she had never specified but- she always pursed her lips whenever I mentioned Annabeth and I felt like she had a crush on her or something. I mean Annabeth had been kinda horrible to her last summer, but Rachel got really curious about her whenever I mentioned her. Like she wanted to learn everything about her.
She once asked what I like about Annabeth and I couldn’t shut up for fifteen minutes. Last summer aside, she is my best friend… And I admire quite a bit about her. Like how passionate she is about the things she likes, how she didn’t believe I was dead despite everyone thinking the opposite, how smart she is and how she has gotten us out of trouble so many times before- Also she’s kind of a softie underneath that thick coconut shell- and oh, did I mention how she is stubborn about people she care about?
Even though it burns me whenever she mentions how she still wants to save Luke- I kind of like that she’s even willing to try. It is complicated, I would much rather she accept the truth if not for me, for herself before she gets hurt but I don’t know… Maybe its my fatal flaw but I can’t help but admire how she refuses to give up on people even when she should- I’m rambling again.
So yeah, hurling insults aside… I do get it. Annabeth is devilishly gorgeous in her own right, and Its not like our relationship didn’t start rocky as well, maybe Rachel’s interested in knowing her just like I was.
Anyway, did I mention Rachel looked like a million drachmas tonight? Like the red hair just works with that black jacket, man.
“You rock that jacket, Red.” I smirked.
“Oh shut up.” She rolled her eyes. “So, why didn’t you bring Grover and…. Um Annabeth was it?”
Really smooth, Rachel.
“Grover’s off doing satyr shit…” I told her. “And well, Annabeth’s…. busy.”
Rachel huffed. “Sure, she is.”
“Believe me, I did want them here…” I said. “Its just… circumstances you know… A lot going on.”
“Yeah, Course.” Rachel pursed her lips. “Anyway, you wouldn’t believe what dad said to me-”
*-*
Honestly? I was kind of enjoying myself. Rachel introduced me to some of her friends from her school and they were really nice… like her. One of the things I really like about Rachel is how kind she is. Not that my friends in camp aren’t kind, they just have a different love language. The kind that would die for you in battle, but make sure you almost die in Capture the Flag.
Rachel and her friends were normal. They were talking about the new Sherlock Holmes movie that came out and how overrated Avatar is. I agree.
“Bro, like how did that garbage take over Titanic in the box office?” Rachel’s friend Rogen ranted.
“I know right? The new Holmes starring Iron man was so much better too. I’m so glad I went to see that instead of blue-people fucking-” Serena, Rogen’s girlfriend said.
“I agree.” I spoke finally. “I think James Cameron has just lost his touch.”
“Who?” Rogen frowned.
“The director of Avatar? He made Titanic too by the way.” I told him.
“No fucking way?” He laughed. “How did he go from making that to shat.”
Rachel nudged him. “You’re so gross.”
Rogen grinned. “Come on Red, you gotta admit it was a little funny.”
“I think it was funny.” I said and Rogen and I met for a high five.
Rachel rolled her eyes. “I though you’d grown out of shit jokes, Jackson.”
“Never.” I grinned at her.
She shoved me softly. “You’re so childish.”
“So, I’ve been told.” I agreed. “If you’re getting annoyed by this, Annabeth should have handed me over to Kronos by now.”
“What?” Serena asked curiously. “That is such a specific reference.”
“I know my Greek mythology.” I swallowed, only now realizing what I had just said.
“Who’s Annabeth? And Who the fuck is Kronos?”
“Kronos is the leader of the titans in the Greek myths.” Serena explained. “He’s kind of like the villain in the stories but, its also complicated because the gods are also disgusting- ”
“Woah.” I yelped. “Don’t say that.”
“But they are! Have you not heard the story of medusa?” Serena said. “They are just as bad, if not worse.”
I was grateful that there wasn’t a single roar of thunder in the sky, It makes sense… Why would the gods care about what mortals are saying about them. I could feel the tension rise through Rachel’s expressions as well though, she was trying her best to maintain a poker-face and I hope that I was doing the same.
I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty… I had introduced her to my world, and now she had to stay extra careful.
“Yeah well, I just-hey, what was your other question?” I asked Rogen.
“Um. The name you said… Annabelle?”
“Annabeth.” I corrected. “She’s uh… She’s a friend from this camp I go to every summer.”
“Oh. That’s cool.” Rogen said awkwardly. “Anyway, what are your favorite movies?”
I sighed with relief. The conversation shifted from being about me to stupid movies. This, I can manage better.
*-*
I hung out with Rachel and her friends for most of the party. Rachel had to leave every now and then, to handle something as she was hosting but her friends were cool and I liked the company. I politely declined when they offered me a drink. I don’t mind being around drunk people my age as long as they don’t start acting disrespectful, but I’m sure as hell not indulging in it.
“So… What’s the deal with you and Rach?” Serena asked, casually taking a sip from her marg.
“We are great friends.” I answered, picking up a nacho from the table.
“Just Friends?” Serena raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know… I sensed chemistry here.”
“Um. Its not-” I shifted uncomfortably. “It’s not like that.”
“Relax.” Serena chuckled. “I’m only messing with you.”
“I agree with you, babe.” Rogen chimed in. “I definitely sensed tension… Especially when Percy’s friend was mentioned.”
“You’re not putting my girl in a love triangle, are you?” Serena narrowed her eyes. “You better not. She deserves better than that.”
“Woah.” My cheeks burned. “Annabeth’s like my-” sister.
I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth. Like the thought of saying that out loud made me sick.
“Your what?” Serena raised her eyebrows.
“-My best friend.” I told her. “We’ve known each other since we were kids.”
“Then why is your face redder than a tomato?” Serena asked frowning.
I swallowed. Why is she being like this? Sometimes I can’t help but feel angry at how I have to always explain what Annabeth is to me. A throwaway mention of her name, had somehow lead to people believing I’m in love with her. I do love her, but like how I love Grover or Tyso- Ok, maybe not like that but what she and I have is ours alone. Its unique, and sacred to me. I understand we have a pecuilar friendship and we sometimes do stuff that friends aren't stupposed to do like cuddle and now, a kiss has joined the picture but that is something for us to deal with.
I don’t need to explain it to anyone, much less a petty mortal.
“Look… There’s nothing going on here!” I said a little louder than I meant to. “Annabeth and I are good friends… Rachel and I are also good friends. Why are you acting like this?”
“Watch your tone, Jackson.” Rogen spoke. “You don’t get to speak to her like that.”
“I didn’t do anything!” I yelled.
For a second, everything stopped and people started looking at us curiously. I caught Rachel’s worried expression.
Guilt panged in my chest, I really didn’t want to ruin this for her. As she made her way across to us, I was about to apologize and excuse myself to the bathroom and calm myself down.
“What’s going on?”, She asked worriedly.
“Rach, I am so sorr-”
“Jackson here just yelled at my girlfriend because she rightfully called his ass out for being into some bitch from his Greek-mytho-Voodo camp.” Rogen spat.
Rachel’s eyes widened as she looked from Rogen to Serena and then landed on me. For a second, I couldn’t process what had just happened.
Some bitch from camp.
I momentarily closed my eyes, trying my best not to freak out. I took deep breaths and thought of something beautiful to soothe me.
Annabeth’s kind smile, the kind you have to earn her trust to get, played in my mind. A memory of her rolling her eyes at some stupid joke I made, and trying to hide her faint smile and it made my blood boil.
I must have had some expression on if the way Rachel swallowed is something to go by.
“Percy-”
“What did you fucking say?” I glared at Rogen. My jaw clenched as I tried my darndest not to blow the toilets open.
“You heard me.” Rogen didn’t back down. He must be a cocky jock or something. He was taller than me, and built how you’d expect a football team captain to be.
“I’m not sure If I did.” I replied. Narrowing my eyes, as if calculating how fast I can break his teeth.
“Enough!” Rachel cried. “Rogen, you don’t know what you’re doing. Stop it!”
I could feel a lot of eyes staring at us, enjoying the show. Story of my fucking life.
“Really Rach?” Rogen scoffed. “You’re picking this asshole over us? So what if I went a bit too far? Not like he can do anything about it.”
“Rog… Stop it please.” Serena begged.
I did feel a little bad for her. Admittedly, she had been annoying but at the end of the day- she was just worried about her friend. I should probably leave before I throw hands with her boyfriend-
“I’ll leave.” I spoke firmly with no room for debate. “I’m sorry Rach, really… I am, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen-”
“No, Percy! Don’t go-” Rachel tried. She's too kind for her own good.
“Aw. So feisty just a moment ago…” Rogen cackled. “Don’t got the guts to defend your slut’s honor?”
Rachel gasped. “Rogen! Fucking stop!”
“Oh come on. I’m only kiddin-OOMF”
I blanked out. I couldn’t tell you what happened in the last ten seconds. As I felt my consciousness return… I could hear Annabeth’s voice again.
And they say Chivalry is dead… I could feel the eyeroll after that.
“Percy…” Rachel croaked.
I blinked. Finally, taking in what had happened. Rogen was lying on the ground, on his back, groaning with a bloody mouth. I could see a pair of broken teeth, and a horrified Serena trying to help him.
I gulped. “I-uh…”
“Are you fucking crazy!?” Serena yelled.
I bolted. As fast as I could. I remember Rachel scrambling after me but I couldn’t face her. I couldn’t believe what I had just done. What would Rachel think? What would mom think? What would she think?
I hoped Rogen would press charges… I deserve it. I acted like an overprotective boyfriend. For what? I’m not even her-We haven’t even talked in months.
I ran until I couldn’t anymore. Luckily, I had somehow ran 3 miles without stopping. How did I do that? I’m not even fit enough to beat Annabeth whenever we race down Halfblood hill. She always teases me for it, and I pout but I secretly enjoy it.
I enjoy it quite a lot. The way she laughs whenever she beats me at something… Its not the kind that makes me feel inferior… I feel warm and strive to get better so I could tease her in return.
I forget the bell entirely, and knock like a maniac instead. Paul is the one to open the door, and I could feel he was about to discipline me until- he and I locked eyes.
“Percy?” Paul asked worriedly. “Hey, kid… What happened?”
“Uh…” I swallowed. “Mom… Where’s mom?”
“In our room…” Paul breathed with me. “In-and-out Percy… Breathe.”
“Mom…” I begged.
“I’ll give you two some privacy.”
I nodded, thanking him before I made for mom.
“Mom…” I croaked.
“Hey, you’re back earl-” Mom stopped as she observed my face. “Hey, honey… What is it?”
“Mom…” I couldn’t say anything else.
“Oh… Baby, come here.”
I practically fell into her arms. She wrapped them around me tightly, soothing me. Kissing my forehead and rubbing my back.
“I’m so-sorry…” I sobbed. “I don’t- I don’t know what happened… I blanked-”
“Percy… Calm down, baby.” Mom said softly. “I’m sure you did nothing wrong.”
“How can you be so sure?” I sniffled.
She wiped a tear off my cheek. “I know my son.”
I explained everything to her. Meeting Rachel’s friends, them being kind at first and then how all of it went to shit.
“I don’t understand…” Mom said. “Wh-honey, I just wanna know… Why did you punch him?”
“I blanked out.”
“There must have been a reason.” Mom spoke expectantly. As if she refuses to believe I’m capable of violence without reason.
“They… They called-” I choked. I couldn’t get those words out.
“You and Sal’ going to that shithole you call a cabin again?” Gabe asked, grinning that horrible smile.
“Its not a- that.” I defended.
“Can’t say shit?” Gabe cackled. “Whatever, she probably leaves you alone in the room all day while she whores herself around Montauk like a slut.”
The memory hit me like a knife, plunging deep until it bores a hole into my bones.
“I mentioned… Annabeth.”
Mom smiled warmly. The same smile she puts on whenever I talk about Annabeth.
“And- They thought I was- I don’t know they thought I was using Rachel- while liking Annabeth or something.”
Mom caressed my cheek gently, urging me to go on.
“Then… he-Rowan I think his name was- He called Annabeth a- a slut.” I surprised myself with my bluntness but I didn’t want to sugarcoat anything.
Mom closed her eyes. “You’ll meet plenty of horrible people like that-”
“I know mom, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done anything-”
“How did you leave him?”
“Huh?”
“Did you break any bones?”
“um… No, I don’t think so.”
Mom hummed. Why did she sound disappointed? Did she want me to break his bones?
“I think he’s missing a couple teeth though…”
Mom looked at me. Her expressions almost unreadable… Was that a fucking smile?
“Mom?”
“Do you think he’ll press charges?”
“I-I don’t know…” I said. “Rachel did run after me when I bolted. Maybe if she doesn’t hate me, she can calm Rowan down…”
“Okay…” Mom pulled me in closer. “I’ll take care of everything if he does. Don’t worry...You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“But-but I did…” I murmured. “I punched a mortal… I’m not supposed to harm anyone that’s not a monster.”
“Not all monsters have claws honey.” Mom said.
I fell silent. I didn’t really feel guilty about it. I felt guilty about ruining Rachel’s party and losing my temper… But he deserved it, didn’t he? How could he speak of someone like that? How could he speak of my Annabeth like that? He doesn’t know her. Nobody does.
Annabeth punched him in the nose and knocked him flat. “And you,” she told him, “lay off my friend.”
The memory of her punching Matt Sloan for bullying me is one I cherish. Only she is allowed to bully me, no one else.