Percy
My life has never been easy. I've worked hard since I was about four, helping my mother bring in money for my ass of a step dad. I was glad when she came home with divorce paper, packed up her clothes and mine,and left that horrible place behind.
That, of course, was years ago. Now, at fourteen years old, I work part time as a musician in a small coffee shop. Or it was, until I started playing there. Then it expanded twice. Let me explain why.
I started playing guitar at the age of five, when my moms boyfriend, my new step dad, offered me a guitar for my birthday. I could always sing, but I was curious about the guitar, and accepted the gift. He gave me some lessons, and I was playing my first songs a year later. At first, I played for fun. Then, the owner heard me play some old tunes, and offered me a hundred dollars to play in his shop. Neither one of us knew just how big of a success I would become.
More people came into the shop, buying coffee and listening to me play and sing artist like Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot. One night after staying late, he found out that he made well over the money he needed for not only the coffee ingredients, but enough to pay for his bills as well. I ended up with a hundred dollar raise. My step dad would often join me onstage, playing the lead parts and singing the background vocals. Those nights are fun.
"Percy, better hurry, or you'll be late!" My mom shouts as I walk down the stairs.
"I'm right here mom. And the coffee shop is a three minute walk away." I say, laughing a little. Both me and my mom are workaholics, but not for the money. Ever since she married Poseidon, we never had to worry about it. He's a carpenter, so he makes good money. He does music as a hobby, and nothing else. But he had the heart to teach me, so that counts as love in my book.
"Alright, well, get going anyway. You don't want to be fired, do you?" No I don't. I love that job. It's the only place I can have peace of mind, other than home. People at school tend to pick on me, mostly because I never fight back. But also, they hate my choice of music. I'm the only one at my school who listens to the older stuff, other than the teachers.
"Alright mom, I'll be back at the same time. You and dad going out tonight?" Yes, I ask before hand. It's so I know if I'm alone when I get home or not.
"Yes. Going out for dinner. We'll be back about an hour after you come home. No parties, okay?" That's a little joke between us. When ever my pain in the ass for a step dad, not Poseidon, was gone, my mother would go out into town. She'd always say "no parties Percy" as she'd leave. At the time, I wouldn't dare have a party. Hell, I still wouldn't have a party. But that's beside the point. The point is it's just a little joke between me and my mom.
"I won't mom. Have a good date." I say as I walk out the door. Well, off to work I go.
Annabeth
I don't know why Thalia brought me here. She knows I prefer bigger coffee houses than small ones. I don't care if this place expanded twice because of some singer-songwriter who, "Has a voice like an angel and the skills of John Denver on acoustic guitar." Thalia's words, not mine.
"Come on girl. Smile and get a coffee. He'll be here soon, then you'll be thanking me. If I wasn't taken, I'd be all over him." She says, a dreamy look on her face. It's funny, she rarely gets that look. She's a punk chick, and she tries to hid her soft side. She does a good job, unless it's this kid who is a little younger then her. But apparently he is just right for me.
"Fine. But don't thing I'll enjoy it." I say as I go and order a white chocolate mocha, my usual at every coffee house.
Now, don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with small coffee houses. In fact, my mother owns one. But I like the bigger ones because it means I can avoid people by hiding in a corner. Yes, big crowds scare me, in big or small places.
"Here's your mocha miss. Enjoy." The manager says with a smile on his face.
"Thank you. Have a good day." I say, returning the smile. I walk back to my table, sipping my coffee. Wow, this place may not be that bad. Good service, really good coffee. I may just start coming here more often.
"Here he is girl. Isn't he good looking?" Thalia says, looking at the small stage. I look up, and damn near died. This kids is a god, I swear. Messy jet black hair, leather jacket that shows off his sea blue eyes, and ripped jeans that show a little rebellion in him. In other words, he is hot!
"I told you." I could only nod at her words. She did tell me so, and now I'm entranced by him. Just by looking at him!
"Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Mr. Percy Jackson to the stage." The crowd goes wild as he walks up the stairs, stopping to give himself a round of applause. He laughs before scanning the crowd. His eyes then rest on me. Was it me, or did they seem to glow when he saw me?
Good place to stop. Like it, hate it? Let me know please. R&R!