CHAPTER 2

Today wasn't so bad I suppose. After eating with Annabeth, I went to the rest of my classes for today, thank god it was only two more. So, I'm out by 5 and headed back to our dorm now. Jason should still be in class, he usually ends at night and when he doesn't, he spends his free time with Piper. All I really need right now is my bed and a little time to myself.

A lot of people say that I don't pay enough attention in certain situations and that's why I get into so much trouble sometimes, for which I only have myself to blame. I'm more in the do now, think later category. And this is definitely one of those times that if I weren't so distracted by the idea of sleep, I would have heard the moans coming from inside the room. If I paid attention I could have seen Jason's tie on the door, I could have just stepped back and walked away without having a mental picture in my head of what he could have possibly been doing inside.

But I was distracted. I wasn't paying attention. Heck, Jason shouldn't even have been here. Oh, but here he was. Under his sheets, and not alone.

I don't know what was louder, Piper's shriek of surprise, or what's left of my heart shattering on the floor.

"Dude! What the fuck? Did you not see my tie on the doorknob?" Jason is yelling at me, frantically trying to cover up his girlfriend. I would laugh at the absurdity of that because, yeah, no, boobs do not work for me. But I was too caught up in seeing them like that.

I think he's telling me to turn around but I can't hear anything. I can't feel anything. I can't see anything.

But at the same time, I can hear everything. I hear Annabeth telling me over and over again that I either have to tell Jason the truth and face what he has to say, or let him go. I can feel every part of my body hurting. Like there are hundreds, and thousands, of needles poking me at every pore they can find on my skin. Like tiny knives are twisting inside me. And finally, I see Jason. I see him looking at Piper. I see his eyes shine like a part of the sky was cut and placed there whenever they're together. I see him hugging her, holding her, protecting her. I see them building a happy life together.

This, this is when I finally see it. I have to let him go.

So, I take a step back, I close the door, and I walk away.

I don't know how long it's been. I'm just walking. I walked through campus, I walked outside the University gates, I walked through blocks and blocks and I don't really know where I am right now. But that's alright. Walking means not sitting and thinking, walking means I'm doing something.

But after what feels to be a few hours later I feel tired, I've finally noticed how dark it is. I look around me and of course, the cliché heartbreak story that I'm in, I'm near a park. It doesn't look familiar or nicely lit but right now, I really don't care. I go to sit on the nearest bench and think of what I should do next.

Its been 4 years since I've realized how much Jason means to me. 4 years of hiding how I feel about him. Almost 3 having to accept him having Piper. But I don't think I can take any more. It's not like I didn't know they were having sex. They're both young, and healthy, why not have sex? But why did I have to see it? Why couldn't it have happened next year, our last year at university. I could have endured it, last push then I'm out.

I don't think I can kid myself anymore. Another year of repressing, of having to see them together. It sounds foolish, considering transferring schools in the middle of my third year, but I'm in too deep and I have to get out before I break. Plus, I'm not really known for being reasonable.

I'm going through the list of schools I applied for back in high school when I feel my phone vibrate in my bag. 27 missed calls and 8 text messages.

5:23 From Jason: Bro, where are you? Sorry I freaked earlier.

6:15 From Jason: Hey it's getting late. Why aren't you answering your phone?

7:08 From Jason: Percy it'll be dark soon.

7:10 From Annabeth: Seaweed Brain where the fuck are you? Me and Jason have been calling you for over an hour.

7:29 From Annabeth: Percy, Jason told me what happened. Please answer your phone.

7:45 From Jason: Percy seriously, where are you? I just want to know you're safe.

8:02 From Annabeth: Goddammit Percy

8:03 From Annabeth: If you don't answer your phone right now I'm going to find you and I'm going to slap you.

"Well I see your phone is working just fine."

I snap my head up so fast, I almost fall right off the bench. Annabeth is standing a few feet away, arms crossed in front of her chest, looking like she's trying not to be too angry, but still really scary under the street light like that. I'm too shocked to say anything and the next thing I know…

"You hit me!" I grab for my stinging cheek.

"I told you I would." She says calmly as she takes a seat beside me. "Why weren't you answering your phone? We wouldn't have worried so much, but Jason said you looked kinda weird earlier right before you left, then you weren't replying and it was getting dark."

I really don't know where to start explaining to her what the hell just happened. So instead I ask, "How did you find me?"

"GPS works wonders, Seaweed Brain." She shows me here phone where a map of sorts is open. "Seriously though, are you okay?"

Am I okay? No, not really. Annabeth takes my hand, "What happened?"

I sigh and everything in me deflates. "I don't know. I didn't notice Jason hung a tie to the door. I wasn't really looking; he wasn't even supposed to be home yet. When I walked in, I saw them. Annie, something inside me broke. I just…I couldn't. I just needed to get out for a while."

"It's been hours, Perce." She squeezes my hand a little tighter.

"I know, I'm sorry. I really didn't notice. I've just been walking around. Where are we anyway?"

She gives me that trademark smirk of hers that tells me I'm a doofus. "Jupiter Park, it's actually near campus. I think you circled some part of the city to end up back here." I really don't know what else to say so I just nod. Annabeth stands, "Come on, the map says there's an ice cream shop nearby."

Any other day I would have said yes, but now, I just want to look into which schools I can transfer to. Annabeth is already walking when I ask, "Is it okay if we just head back?"

She pauses and looks at me, I really don't know if that's pity in her eyes. I'd rather not know. "Yeah, yeah, of course." Her voice is soft, like she's talking to a wounded animal. I guess it's not really that far of then.

We walk back to campus in silence. I can feel her looking at me every now and then, but I'm too lost in my own thoughts to really care. I have a few months left until this semester ends, by next sem I could be out of here. I'm mentally tracking the rest of the night, visiting schools' online websites and check what requirements I'll need to get from the registration office. If I need letters from professors or whatever. I'm still trying to remember which other schools I liked when we arrive at the university gate.

Just as we step in, Annabeth asks, "Want to tell me what's got you thinking so hard?"

I hesitate telling her for a second, "I'm thinking of transferring next semester."

She whips her head at me, eyes wide, "Because of Jason? Seriously, Seaweed Brain, you don't have to be so dramatic."

"I'm not trying to be dramatic, Annie." Everything inside me is pouring out now, all the hurt, the longing. "God dammit! I love him, Annie! And every time I see him with her, it breaks me." I didn't notice that I've stopped walking and started crying. "Every single fucking time he smiles at me, it's like the sun is shining just a little bit brighter. But then he smiles a special smile at her and, god, it hurts so bad." I'm down right balling my eyes out now. I don't even notice Annabeth hugging me. "I don't want to hurt anymore." This last line barely comes out, but based on her hugging me a little tighter, I know she heard.

"Okay, okay. I understand alright, why you don't want to tell him. But do you really think transferring is the best decision? You could just change dorms, room in with Leo or something."

"But we'll still be on the same campus. There's still too many chances for me to see them together... I can't anymore. I just can't." God, I want to stop crying, but 4 years of repressed feelings are coming out.

She so sighs then holds me at arms-length. I can't keep my head down, and feel her cup my face with both hands. "Do you want to come to my dorm? I'll help you go over what you need to transfer."

This just makes me cry a little harder, where the hell would I be without this wonderful girl in my life.

We spent all night going through schools that have good marine biology courses. We picked three schools I could apply to, but my number one is Janus University, on the opposite side of the country. We stayed up all night listing down things I need to get from my professors and forms I need to fill up. We also spent some time eating ice cream Annabeth had and just me accepting how things played out. By the time we finished everything, it was already 2am and I was too physically and emotionally drained to go back to my dorm room. I just crashed with Annabeth.

Today I have to go to the registrar's office and tell them my plans. But before I could go I have to stop by my dorm for a quick shower and a change of clothes. I'm hoping Jason already left for class when I get there.

When we got to Annabeth's last night, I texted Jason telling him I didn't notice my phone and that I was already with Annabeth. All I got as a reply was, okay. That's that I suppose.

When I arrive at our door, I make sure this time to check if he left a tie. No tie this time, hopefully no Jason in there as well.

But because the world hates me, he's right there sitting at his desk, most probably doing homework. When I open the door, he turns to me, "Hey, man!" So sunny, so full of happiness. And I'm here feeling hollow inside.

I just nod at him in greeting, hoping my attempt at a smile is enough to placate him. I'm heading towards my dresser to get my change of clothes when he says, "Bro, I'm so sorry bout last night. My class was cancelled and we didn't notice the time. Sorry about what you saw." Not as sorry as me. "I promise next time we'll make sure to do it when I know you have class."

I close my eyes and have my back turned to him. I don't want him to see how much what he's saying is killing me.

"Dude, don't worry about it." I try to laugh it off, "No harm done." Understatement of the century. I hastily gather my clothes and leave for the shower, all the while hiding my face so he can't see the tears in my eyes.

After composing myself in the shower, I'm in and out of our dorm before Jason can say any more. He knows I don't have class until the afternoon so I don't really have to rush anywhere. He'll ask where I'm headed to, but I'm not ready to tell him yet that I'll be leaving. He'll ask me why, maybe even try to convince me not to go, and that's a conversation I can't see myself surviving.

Ever since that night, I try to spend as less time possible as I can in our dorm. Most nights I crash at Annabeth's. When I can't I make an excuse to go home late, I study at the library until I can't see straight, sometimes I go back to Jupiter Park to just sit and not think.

I don't see Jason as much anymore, when I do go to our dorm I make sure to go when I know he has class. The few times we've both been there were few and far between and I rush through getting what I need, always telling him I had to be somewhere so I can't sit and talk.

It's only a few weeks left of this semester left. I've talked to my professors, I've passed all my requirements, I even took the mandatory entrance exam. I just got the letter saying that I got accepted at Janus University. I don't particularly care for the other two now that I know I can be as far away from here as possible. Just a few more days and I'll be out. I just have to survive the last of my finals, then I'm packing my bags and never looking back.

But sometimes I doubt my decision, maybe going away wouldn't fix anything. But then Jason mentions Piper off handedly, or I see them together across campus, and then I'm reassured, distance is what I need to move on.

I'm going back to my dorm now to get a book I need for one of my majors. I'm distracted thinking about which chapters I need to focus on when I enter our room that I don't notice Jason sitting on his bed. I grab my book and am about to leave when he speaks up, "Hey."

I startle and drop my things. My bag was partially opened so all my stuff flies out. And ever the gentleman, Jason helps me gather my things but then his hand pauses on the letter, he sees the university logo and looks at me with confusion.

"What's this?" He pulls back and we both stand. I'm at a loss right now, I didn't want him to find out like this. I planned to just leave and let him figure it out after break that I wasn't coming back. Dick move, but oh well, I'm a selfish bastard with a broken heart, sue me.

When I don't respond, he opens the already torn envelope and reads. His eyebrows furrow and looks at me like he doesn't know what he's looking at. He looks back down at the letter in his hands. "You're leaving?" He's not looking at me so he doesn't see me nod. I can't talk about this right now, I wasn't ready.

When I move to take the letter, he takes a step back. I can't tell what he's thinking when he looks at me. "Why are you leaving? Why didn't you tell me?"

I'm finding and gathering all the strength left in me to keep myself together. "I just thought it would be a nice change, it really isn't working for me here anymore." I try to act like it's not that big of a deal but Jason's reacting otherwise.

"What do you mean it isn't working here? Are you struggling? Is that why you're out all the time? You could have asked me for help, Percy. I would have helped you."

"No, it's not that. Plus, I know how busy you get with pre-law, and when you do have free time you spend it with Piper. I didn't want to get in the way."

"Get in the way? Bro, you know I would have made time if you really need me."

I close my eyes, and try not think too much in what he just said. He means time to study, that's all.

"Janus University, as in the university at the other side of the country? What the fuck, man? When can we hang out now?"

We're not supposed to, that's the point. "It's just a year, bro. I might come back after graduation. There's a lab here that does great studies." Not likely, but what else am I supposed to say.

"Then why move across the country if you're just going to come back?"

He's pacing now and I'm just standing here trying to keep myself together. If he keeps this up, I might end up saying things we'll both regret.

"Look, Jace, I just feel like Janus U has a better program for me. They go to tours and actual interaction with marine life. I want that."

"But, what am I supposed to do without my best friend here to keep me sane?"

What's left of my heart shatters then. Please stop. Please don't say things like that to me. Best friend. I will always only be a best friend.

"You have Piper. And really, I need to go. We have finals. Can we talk about this after?"

He stops pacing and looks at me, he gives me back the letter and nods.

We never did talk. Three days later, after my last exam, I rush to the dorm, pack what's left of my things I didn't already send out, and leave. But not before leaving Jason a letter. The last thing he'll hear from me for a long time.

I rush to the dorm, knowing it's both our last day of exams. Percy never told me when he was leaving but I did notice his things getting fewer and fewer. I was supposed to end earlier but that exam was killer. I'm hoping we could finally talk about him leaving before he goes.

I don't know why I'm so upset, I know Janus U is a great school. But why does it have to be so far away? If he wanted to transfer, why not pick something a little closer?

I'm skipping the stairs two at a time. A part of me feels a rush I can't begin to explain or understand. I just need to see him.

When I finally get to our room, I already feel like something's missing. I open the door and see Percy's side of the room bare. His Aquaman poster isn't there anymore. His ugly seashell isn't on his dresser. His blue sheets aren't on the bed.

He left.

I don't understand why it hurts. I mean, I'm his best friend and he didn't tell me he was leaving. I found out by fucking accident. It should hurt, but does it have to hurt this much?

I'm sitting on the edge of my bed trying to get a grip on what happening when I see the letter on my desk.

Dear Jason,

I'm sorry I didn't stick around to say goodbye. I needed to get to the airport right away. (Airport? He hates flying.) I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to talk. But please try to understand that this is what I want, what I need.

There's someone I need to stay away from right now. And before you go Superman, no, I'm not in danger.

But I do love this person. I love this person a whole lot, have for a while now. But this person loves someone else, and well, they're happy. As much as I want to be happy for them, I just can't right now. Someday, I hope to see them again and genuinely be happy, for me and for them. Until then.

Take care of yourself Superman.

Love,

Percy.

A/N:

Will Jason find out the truth? Stay tuned for more.

That sounded so much like a comic or something. Seriously though, hope you guys liked this chapter. Don't be shy to tell me how you think about it.