Disclaimer: Henry, Pearl, Paris, Philip, Peter, Patrick, Pamela and Maria Bianca are my characters.
Author's Notes: For a couple of chapters, Percy will be quiet, but not the drama. The Blofis are in New Rome. Henry and Peter will go at each other. A lot of Pearny is coming up.
25. The Things I am Grateful for
Today is the day before Thanksgiving. School was over early and we had already back in the house with our bags for the long weekend in the Jackson household in New Rome. I was more than ready to be there. I would protect Pamela, save Percy and destroy whoever is behind this no matter what.
According to Frank, mortals like demigods parents visit New Rome but it was highly unusual. Most mortals were not interested in the topic due to the mist. Probably, Paul, Peter and Patrick wouldn't be able to see the same things I saw but at least they would see their nephews and grandkids.
"Are you ready to go?" said Papa at everybody in the living room. We were all sitting down with a bag on our feet or laps.
"How are we going to go?" said Patrick looking at me.
"I told you already: Nico's shadow travel. Remember not to open your eyes and never let go. You could get lost or severed between lands" I said sounding so nerd.
"Whatever" said Peter exasperated not looking at me. We were still not talking to each other since that kiss and we were going to New Rome, the city of my boyfriend.
"Peter, we are going and that's the end. Stop being so difficult... and just obnoxious" said Patrick and threw a look at me. He smiled sadly at me. I nodded in understanding. He told me yesterday that he had heard Peter crying some nights.
"Boys. Drop it" said Papa and both murmured "Sorry, dad"
"Pearl. I think you should call Nico by IM" said Mama Sally. I was about to stand up when the shadow grew larger around us and Nico Di Angelo appeared from behind me wearing a cool black leather jacket, white t-shirt and dark blue jeans.
"Hi, everybody" said Nico waving at us. Peter and Patrick waved back awkwardly while Paul shook his hand and Sally hugged him.
"Good day. Nico, we can leave whenever you are ready. Do you need to rest?" said Mama Sally.
"I'm fine. I will sleep the whole afternoon after I get you to New Rome. Everybody is impatient even the baby girls. They have been fusing all morning" said Nico smiling sweetly.
"Let's go then. How are…?" said Mama Sally.
"Just each one of you grab you bag and a piece of my jacket. Don't let go" said Nico and we stood up. I grabbed my bag and hold Nico's right hand. Mama Sally took Nico's other hand. Paul took a pocket, Peter behind Nico grabbing his shoulder and Patrick grabbed my hand over my bag straps.
"Don't let go" I said to Patrick.
"Never, sis" said Patrick throwing me a big smile.
"Everybody ready? Let's go" said Nico and in a flash we were on the Jacksons living room in New Rome.
Annabeth, Piper and the kids were in front of us smiling widely. Paris and Philip ran at their grandpas. Papa hugged Philip in his arms kissing his head while Mama Sally and Paris were doing the same. Then Papa and Mama exchanged kids sharing the love.
I walked to Annabeth and I got the first turn to carry little Pamela Jackson. She felt almost weightless and so precious in my arms. Her eyes were tinted with most beautiful sea green color at one week old. She looked exactly like Percy's baby pictures making happy and sad that Percy wasn't here to hold her.
Nico walked to Piper kissing her and little Maria Bianca, who was smiling at everybody at 3 months of life. Nico waved goodbye at us yawning loudly. He walked outside to his house.
Mama Sally and Papa Paul let go of their grandchildren and walked to me and Annabeth at the end of the couch.
"Pearl, let me carry her. You promise I would hold her the whole weekend" said Mama Sally and I gave the little girl into her grandma arms. Peter and Patrick hugged Paris and Philip.
"She is just beautiful" said Papa Paul kissing her little forehead.
"She is just like Percy. What a shame he is not here" said Sally kissing her little hands, eyes, forehead, hair and blanket.
"I know. But you are here and we must celebrate" said Annabeth sadly looking at us. I nodded to her.
"Hi, Annie" said Patrick hugging Annabeth.
"Don't call me that" said Annabeth. Patrick giggled and hugged Piper too giving small kiss at Maria Bianca's head.
"Hello, Annabeth. Pamela is really cute" said Peter and hugged her. He also hugged Piper too.
"Are you hungry?" said Annabeth.
"Not really" said Patrick.
"Tea? My mother sent me some Jasmine and Lotus Tea from China" said Piper smiling.
"I guess I could have a cup" said Paul and Sally nodded at her.
"Perfect. Annabeth, take Maria Bianca and I will get the tea at the house" said Piper walking out.
"Ms. Jackson, when are… Pearl?" said Henry stepping in the house with JJ. I saw him and ran at him jumping in his arms with my legs on his waist.
"Henry" I said and kissed him holding his face in my hands as his strong arms kept me from falling.
"Pearl Nikolaidis!" said Annabeth loud at us. I felt her eyes on my back burning me. Henry took me down and I turned to her.
"Sorry, mama… I just…" I stammered blushing really red. Henry sided with me.
"Pearl, aren't you going to present your boyfriend to the family?" said Paul. I nodded and Henry walked to shake hands with Paul.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Paul Blofis" said Henry.
"Take care of my little girl, Henry" said Paul probably shaking too hard. Henry winced a bit of pain.
"I'm Henry. You must be Patrick. Pearl talks about you all the time" said Henry shaking Patrick's hand.
"Hi, nice to me you" said Patrick.
"Hi, Ms. Blofis" said Henry shaking Sally's hand.
"Call me Sally. Good to see you. Sorry, you couldn't stay on Halloween" said Sally and he nodded.
"Hello, Peter. It's good you all made it here" said Henry and Peter shook his hand staring at Henry with hate.
"Let's see about that" said Peter. Everybody felt the tension between both guys.
"Let's have tea" said Piper loud as she entered the house carrying a box. She cut the tension like hot knife on butter using her charmspeak.
"Henry. Let's show the boys the city. Come on, Patrick, Peter" I said. Philip and Paris nodded at them with big smiles on their faces.
"You go Patrick. I'm having tea" said Peter annoyed.
"Sure. Come on. I want to see everything. You should too" said Patrick.
"Sure, son?" asked Mama Sally to Peter.
"Yeah, mom. Piper, do you need help?" said Peter. Piper nodded and both walked to the kitchen. I felt sad at his attitude but I understood why.
"Pearl. Let's go. JJ, you are coming too" said Henry taking my hand. We waved goodbye and left with JJ, Patrick, Paris and Philip.
I walked out happy and grateful to be here with my family, with Henry and hold Pamela for the first time.