I invited Percy Jackson for dinner at my house. Since last week, Percy and I had been talking every morning in Marine Biology class. He smiled a lot more, too, which was nice to see. He was also very educated in Marine bio, but he claimed to be bad in every other class. Weird.
I had to ask my father, Chief Petty Officer Johnson Fleming, about Percy. He's in the Navy. I refer to him as officer, chief, or on special occasions, dad. He's usually pretty strict about boys, so I tried to keep the conversation short and quick. Our conversation about having Percy Jackson over went something like this:
"Excuse me, officer. I need to run something by you."
The officer looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Alright, Janie." He outstretched his arm for me to hug him, and I snuggled in next to him in his chair.
"It appears I have made a friend," I say.
"Oh?"
"Yes. But here's the kicker, chief. He also incidentally is of the male gender. And I know how you feel about boys, but—"
"Janie," he interrupted. "How old are you now?"
I was struck back by the sudden change in topic. "Eighteen, sir."
He pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed my shoulder tighter. Officer sighed. "My baby girl, growing up too fast." He kissed the top of my forehead. "I'm sorry I've made you switch schools for so long, sweetheart."
"That's okay, officer."
"But you know, as sad as I am to see you grow up, I hardly think I have to protect you from boys anymore, right? Especially for my tough girl?"
I nod.
"What's this boy's name?"
I lean back. "Percy Jackson. Sir?" I ask. He raises his eyebrows. "I'm very surprised on your reaction. So if you don't mind me asking, what have you done with Chief Petty Officer Fleming?"
Officer laughs. "You're funny, Janie."
"Anyway, officer. I would like permission to invite Percy Jackson over for dinner." I cringe, thinking maybe the officer might think I've gone too far. Maybe the officer would call me crazy, thinking a kid my age of the opposite sex would be allowed over in his house, under his roof.
"Sure," he says.
My jaw drops. Chief closes it. "How about Friday? I'll be here, but only until ten p.m., so if you two want to hang out for a bit, that's fine with me."
I don't want so say anything, thinking if I talk I might somehow change his mind. But on the inside, I'm saying, Yay, Percy Jackson gets to come over! I also don't know why, but I am giddy and feel like jumping up and down. Funny.
I decide on kissing my father on the cheek and hugging him. "Thanks, dad," is all I say.
The next day I told Percy Jackson all about my encounter with my father's nice side, making sure to refer to him as "dad," and not "officer," because I don't want to seem weird.
"And he said he would love to have you over for dinner," I conclude. Percy looks at me first, and I offer a smile, but he looks at his feet and shakes his head.
"I don't know, Jane Fleming," he says. He started saying my last name, too. "I don't wanna impose."
"You're not imposing!" I say. "C'mon. It'll be fun!" I say trying to persuade him. He still shakes his head, unsure. "We're having homemade cheeseburgers," I use as a last attempt to change his mind. I know he has a strange 24/7 craving for cheeseburgers; something I learned recently about him.
"Can my mom come?" He asks. "And Paul?"
I hesitate at first. I know Paul to be his stepfather, or better known as Mr. Blofis. I felt strange inviting a teacher over for dinner, but then again Percy lives with the guy, so I think I can handle one night. Besides, I've heard so many wonderful things about Percy's mom, and Mr. Blofis is a nice teacher.
"Okay," I say. "So, see you Friday?"
Percy nods. "Yeah. Okay." Then he smiles, a gesture that makes my heart jump.
