They had to take Carter back to the group home but begged pardon for them. Piper sure made it seem like a big misunderstanding. But, Annabeth, Percy, Piper, and Will were all waiting outside near the bus stop to make sure they were safe.
But, they weren't. Will could feel it first. Also, the black eye and busted lip weren't exactly the signs of a soft touch.
Carter isn't sure what this all means. The Gods stuff and all. They've lived a miserable life, all the while being told they are crazy and unwanted and trouble. Trouble. No one ever asked if they were in trouble.
When they got back to their room, they were "disciplined." The woman who ran the place was a big fan of it, public humiliation style. The worst was not being able to fight back. They had to take the punishment that came with attempting to run away.
"But, you chickadees always come running back," she'd sneer. Having to stand there and take it was the worst part.
Annabeth comes running first and wraps Carter in a tight embrace.
They stiffen even though all they want to do if lean in. "I thought teachers weren't supposed to touch students. Sexual harassment suits and all that."
She doesn't budge, "Oh, I don't give a fuck," she says, "I'm getting you out of that place, even if it means burning it to the ground."
It was a new feeling, really. No one had ever shown this much care, or even effort, towards Carter and Ms. Chase barely even knows them. They were given up before they can remember and bounced from foster home to foster home. Some of the families were okay, but it doesn't take more than one horrible one to scar you forever. This home at the moment was really bad. The teens were up till midnight sometimes to finish their chores. Carter hated being told to feel grateful; especially for barely getting the lowest bar of care.
But, someone worked behind the scenes to get them out of jail and out of the mental hospital. They get to go to a mainstream school, that mostly sucks, but then Ms. Chase showed up.
Percy grinned. While his friends were looking at the situation, of Annabeth was digging her claws in, and groaning a bit internally. Percy grinned. He got this warm feeling in his chest whenever Annabeth was bringing out her maternal instincts. They have danced around the conversation of kids for years, but neither of them wants to admit their biggest fear about it. That they would never get the chance to see their child grow up.
Finally backing away from the embrace, Annabeth asks, "Tell me, how bad is it? I'll get you somewhere else."
But, Carter knew better. So, they said it was a one-time accident. Because they didn't want to get moved far away.
Percy walks over to his wife and student, "Carter, I don't know what this woman told you last night, but I'm pretty sure you can't go around telling other people. Okay? Can you keep a secret?"
If only they knew just how well.