Percy pov.

I stared at Mom, not comprehending what she had just said. "Sorry? You have cousins that live in England? Normal ones? And you didn't tell me? And all of a sudden, one's on the news, and you decide to book tickets to another country on the night of my date with Annabeth? On a plane, no less."

She winced, "I'm sorry, Percy. I really didn't want to hide it from you, after all the drama with Poseidon I guess I just forgot them myself. We were never close, we only met a few times when we were younger."

My shoulders slumped and I sighed. You couldn't get mad at Sally Jackson, she was just too nice. "Wait... cousins. Plural. That snob on TV obviously was one. The other?"

She hesitated before replying, "I asked Petunia that, too. Don't call her that, by the way. But Lily... the other cousin is dead."

I raised my eyebrows. This family didn't seem so normal after finding out that one's house had been broken into and the other passed away. "I'm guessing it wasn't natural causes or anything?"

"Petunia didn't tell me. She and Lily were close as children, but after Lily started school they grew apart. Though, from the way she was talking, no, it's wasn't natural."

I groaned. "So now I'm connected to mortal murder mystery stories too?"

She just gave me a weak smile. "Hopefully not. This trip is... just to get in touch with them."

When I told Annabeth that our date needed to be canceled for a family vacation, she blew up. "What? Why? Who are they? Petunia Dursley? Wasn't she on TV?"

I answered all her questions as quickly as possible and waited for her thoughtfully give me all the answers that I had about this family- she always knew best, after all- to get more mad and, maybe, even demand to come with me. I almost wished she did. Then she would be able to keep me in line and prevent me from doing or saying anything stupid. Which I would really need.

Instead, she just sighed, glared, and said, "Well, I need to study anyway. Have fun. Make sure you don't get yourself killed. If Zeus blasts you out of the air, I will hunt him down." If she was anyone else, I would have told her she was being suicidal, but this was Annabeth, after all. She could outdo the bravest gods and would smack me if I said otherwise. So I just settled with a light assurance that I would try not to die. Then she started to help me pack- as if she wanted me to leave- gave me a nice, long kiss that melted all my protests away, and left.

Paul drove us to the airport. He was worried, obviously, but he didn't ask too many questions when it was clear Mom didn't want to answer. When he offered to come, she firmly declined, saying that she didn't want Petunia to be surprised by another guest, and plus, airplane tickets were expensive enough. Considerate as always. Paul doubtfully agreed, knowing that she could take care of herself.

I was apprehensive about the plane, but I had already complained quite a few time and were each turned down with a firm no. I must come to England to meet my other relatives. Petunia even had a son around my age! If he was anything like his mother, I doubted we would get along. Just close my eyes, grip the seats, and pray to Zeus. I had done him more than enough favors.

It worked. I got there shaken but in one piece. Glancing at Mom, she was slightly pale at the thought of our relatives picking us up. I squeezed her hand reassuringly. It was just going to be a mortal vacation after all. A break from demigod life.

If only.

So, the second chapter is out. Thanks to everyone that looked at, followed, or favorited- it's my first time, so everything is appreciated. Later in the story I might get in a Petunia pov or Harry pov.