AN:/ This chapter is why this story is partially a drama. I mean, childhood isn't all rainbows and ponies. So serious drama coming up, strong K+.

Chapter 7: Forever Memories

It was now September and an 8-year old Percy had started the 3rd grade. Over the past few months he had the best summer of his life.

The choir had many trips to the pool and the beach. And Percy's mother managed to get them a few days away from Smelly Gabe. Together, they went to the beach. They spent days swimming, watching the waves and making smores.

Percy had also developed a closer friendship with Castor, Pollux and Chris. The three of them had many sleepovers. Percy even managed- with the help of Chris- to complete a massive prank against the Stoll brothers that left the two smelling like shaving cream for days.

The only bad news was that shortly after the sleepover at Chris's house in May, Will left the choir. He didn't tell anyone why, he simply disappeared. No one knew where he went but Percy was especially sad that one of his role models was gone. Sir O was also upset that his best singer was missing, and decided to cancel Percy and Aaron's duet that was supposed to be with Will.

oコ:彡oコ:彡oコ:彡oコ:彡oコ:彡

This September day was like any other summer day; hot, humid, and crowded with lots of people all heading to their work.

Percy left especially early that morning to set up his project on the solar system. It wasn't until class began at 8 AM that he noticed something was terribly wrong.

The teachers had all been called for an emergency meeting in the conference room. Percy sat restlessly as his teacher left a room full of rowdy 8 and 9-year olds alone. Percy was itching to get up and join the others, but he was not going to get suspended during his second week of school.

Mrs. Rosas came back a while later with tears running down her cheeks. Everyone became immediately silent as they looked at their vulnerable teacher.
"Class I have terrible news. There's been an emergency at the Twin Towers, some people have died," Mrs. Rosas said while holding back her tears, "However don't panic, the firemen and police are doing everything they can to help everyone."

Percy noticed a few kids break out into tears, he knew that some of them had family members that worked in the twin towers. He felt his heart breaking for all of them. He didn't know what he'd do if his mom ever died.

Mrs. Rosas continued, "Due to the situation we are letting anyone whose parents pick them up go home early, if your parent or guardian is unable to pick you up you will be allowed to stay at the school."

After she was finished speaking Mrs. Rosas tried to calm the few that were now bawling unsuccessfully.

It was then that Percy thought of his friend Chris, whose mother worked in one of the towers. He felt his heart pound as he tried to believe that she was okay. Percy wasn't religious, his mother didn't raise him that way, but he sent out a prayer to whomever could hear him to help his friend's mother.

A while later Percy's mother picked him. She held his hand tightly all the way home. Percy- who had been silent the whole way- cried as soon as they entered their apartment, his mother held him close and whispered calming things in his ear.

oコ:彡oコ:彡oコ:彡oコ:彡oコ:彡

The next day Percy and his mother decided to pay Chris a visit. They wanted to make sure that he was okay, and find out if his mother way injured.

They took the train to his house and knocked on Chris's large door. They were greeted by an old woman who looked like she'd been crying all day.

"Excuse me, my son is friends with Chris, we were wondering if he was here," Sally told the old woman.

The old woman said something in Spanish and motioned for Sally and Percy to follow her.

The house that had once seemed cheerful and playful now was sullen and dim. Only a few candles were lit and it was quiet except for sniffling.

The woman led them into the parlor where Chris was sitting with red eyes next to Sir O. Sir O looked the saddest I had ever seen him. When they noticed Percy Chris could only look at him in pain and Percy knew she was gone.

Percy didn't know what do in this type of situation. He wanted to comfort his friend but how? His mother was dead. If his own mother had died his soul would be crushed.

"Hi Percy, Mrs. Jackson," Sir O said giving them a polite smile, "I was just talking to Chris about his future living arrangements."

"Christopher, I'm so sorry about your mother sweetheart. If you ever need anything I'll be there for you," Sally said going over to Chris and giving him a hug.

Chris only nodded his head, Percy could see fresh tears building up.

"Where is he going?" Percy asked Sir O.

"To live with relatives and friends," said Sir O.

Sally and Percy stayed for hours that day as they watched Chris pack his bags. The old woman was Chris's grandmother who was unable to care for him and would be sending him off. As Percy was about to leave Chris stopped him at the door.

"I'm going where Will is," Chris told him quietly.

"Will? You guys are related?" Percy questioned, confused.

"I don't think so, but I'm going to a place where lots of people are like me. That's what Sir O said. I'm going to miss you Percy. You and Castor and Pollux have all been really great friends. Here's something to remember me by in case we don't see each other again," Chris handed Percy the ninja star from the sleepover. "I stole it from the Stolls."

Percy grinned. With that Chris gave Percy a hug and went back inside.

Percy and Sally walked back to their apartment.

AN:/ Thanks for all the Reviews! They really gave me the motivation to finish this chapter (and the next) today.

How am I going to end this? 1 or 2 chapters left. 1 if I chose the easy way out, 2 if I actually make an effort.

Review/Story Alert/Favorite…Whatever you feel like.