A Normal Life
Ch.1
A/N: Hello to all my new and returning readers. If you've come from my last fic, then thank you for being here. I understand that my previous story lies unfinished and, most likely, will stay that way. BUT, I learned a lot from writing it and I don't want those newfound skills to go to waste. For those who are new, welcome, I am so glad that you have joined us. Quick note for everyone, I read every review and I've decided to not interact with someone flaming everything, I will simply block them from this story and move on. I do take criticisms and suggestions so don't think I will close myself off from your opinions, I just ask that you share them politely.
Enjoy my new story A Normal Life!
It was quiet, peacefully quiet, too quiet. Percy Jackson opened his eyes, squinting against the small beam of sun that somehow broke through his shades and made direct contact with his iris. Checking his clock, Percy saw that it was only 8 am. Too early to be awake, at least in his opinion.
Standing from his bed, he stretched out his still asleep body and tried to motivate some blood flow. If he was awake, he might as well be awake. Going to the bathroom, Percy peaked into the kitchen his small to bedroom apartment that he shared with his mother. Sally Jackson was sitting at the small table that took one corner of the kitchen, a cup of coffee or tea sat in front of her. She was reading a book with one hand and holding a piece of toast in the other. Seemingly sensing her son's presence, she turned to the kitchen door and gave Percy a warm smile, the sides of her eyes crinkling.
"Morning Percy, did you sleep well?" Sally asked, a small hint of worry in her voice. Percy had irregular dreams ever since he was a child and it had caused him no small number of sleepless nights.
"I did, and I'd probably still be there if the sun didn't have sniper-like accuracy and hit me in the eyes," Percy replied with a laugh.
Sally chuckled with her son. "Would you like some breakfast, I can make it special for it being the last day of summer."
"Pancakes!?"
"Even better, blue pancakes."
Percy's eyes lit up; blue pancakes were indeed a special food for important events. When Percy was younger, his mom was married to a man by the name of Gabe Ugliano and during one of their more heated arguments, Gabe stated that there was no such thing as blue foods. So, Sally, in her infinite sassiness, began adding blue food dye to their meals until Gabe didn't bring it up anymore. Thankfully they had since divorced leaving Percy and Sally to enjoy their reality where blue foods not only existed but were special.
Percy went to the bathroom for his morning shower and the thought of the forthcoming breakfast put his dread out of mind, for the moment. It was a new day and he had a chance to reinvent himself, for the fifth time, at his fifth school. See, Percy had a nice double whammy of ADHD and Dyslexia which made school not only difficult but sometimes unbearable. Many of his teachers liked to use him as the "What not to be" example, usually in his face. He has had some good teachers in the past, the ones who gave him better coping mechanisms and skills. The rest just wanted him gone, convinced he would only be good for hard labor.
Once, dried and dressed, Percy was hit by the smell of pancakes and bacon. Practically floating back into the kitchen, he moved beside his mother at the stove.
"Almost done," Sally said, focusing on the skillet of cooked bacon and trying not to get hit by any grease.
"I'll set the table," replied Percy.
He grabbed the proper dish and silverware, placed them across/next to each other on the table and took his seat just as his mother placed the plate of fresh flapjacks on the table. Percy placed two on his mother plate and two on his own, then grabbed himself some bacon strips which he crumbled on top of the short stack. They quietly ate, enjoying each other's company and the warm meal. Once finished, Percy grabbed their dirty dishes and went to work in the sink while Sally cleaned off the table.
"So, what are you plans for today?" asked Sally.
"Grover and me are meeting at Central Park to see Rachel's club's art project." Replied Percy, finishing the dishes.
"That sounds nice, did Grover tell you his plans for school yet." Grover was Percy's best friend and the only other person besides his mom who could truly say they knew Percy Jackson. The two boys fell in together at a boarding school called Yancy Academy, Percy was the mentally handicapped freak and Grover had MS. Percy stopped some bullies who were picking on Grover and Grover helped Percy pass his math exams. Ever since then, they have been as thick as thieves. After the events that led to Percy being expelled from Yancy, he and Grover weren't sure what would happen next. Two months after Percy's expulsion, his mom came in saying he got into a new school called Goode. It was a regular public school in Manhattan but was well known for the high GPA of all its students. Percy had been worried about going, but after talking with his mother and Grover, he was ready to at least give it a try.
"Not sure, all he said was that he found a new school. He said he didn't want to go back to Yancy, and his parents agreed," explained Percy
"I see, well I'm sure everything will work out. Isn't Rachel also going to a new school, do you know anything about that," asked Sally.
"She was still arguing with her parents about the all-girls finishing school."
"Ah yes, Clarion. You know I almost went there."
"Yes, mom, you've told me about this," Percy rolled his eyes. Sally Jackson, though living humbly with her son, actually came from a very wealthy family. Her father was an archeologist and her mother was a writer whose books about her fathers, then including her, adventures made them both very successful. They had died in a plane crash, leaving Sally to live with her uncle who lost all the money that was supposed to be for her. He drank and gambled then died of cancer, taking all of Sally's inheritance with him, draining it away.
"Okay, well, have a fun last day of summer and try to be home when the sun goes down."
"I will, love you, bye." Percy grabbed his skateboard that was sitting by the front door and rushed out to meet his friends. Sally chuckled to herself, she had talked with both Grover's and Rachel's parents and can't take anymore waiting for her son to get surprised with his first-day school.
Percy found Grover by the banner that was put up to act as an entrance to the art expo. He was talking with a boy covered in silver paint. They were laughing as Percy approached them. Grover noticed him and waved at his friend.
"Hi Percy, this is Adam, he was partnered with RED for the expo," explained Grover as Percy and Adam shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, Adam, I apologize on behalf of Rachel for how bossy and demanding she probably was during the preparation of this project," said Percy with a smile.
"Nice to meet you as well, and don't worry, this isn't the first time I've had to work with Rachel Elizabeth Dare," laughed Adam.
"Speak of the Devil," said Grover, motioning behind Adam with his crutch. A golden Rachel approached with the intensity of someone on a mission.
"ADAM, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BACK FIVE MINUTES AGO," Rachel shouted, causing many people to look over at the strange sight. Adam, for what its worth, stood his ground where weaker men would crumble under the intense glare of Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Adam managed to stare Rachel down for about two minutes before he crumbled, quietly apologized and made his way to their art station. For those who might've been looking at the two non-painted teenagers, they would've seen the raven-haired one pass a five-dollar bill to the boy with the Rasta cap on.
Rachel stared at her partner until he took his place on their podium and going completely still. Only then did she turn to her two friends and give them both a large smile.
"Percy, Grover, I'm so glad you came," she stepped in for a hug, she was a hugger but stopped when she remembered she was still covered in gold paint. By covered, this doesn't mean her clothes and face, no, this means covered in gold paint, her ears, eyelids, every strand of her normally fiery, red hair, and every possible square inch of appropriate skin. Then her clothes were also, seemingly, made entirely of glittery gold paint.
"You know we wouldn't miss this for the world," smiled Grover, placing a hand on Rachel's shoulder.
"Yeah, we know how much this meant to you," added Percy.
"Thanks, guys, that means a lot, but enough emotional crap, let me show you around," said Rachel, her mood going from gracious to excited. This art expo is Rachel's baby, she organized everything from the art projects to getting the permits to show it off in Central Park. Admittedly, her parents or more specifically, her fathers, connections with the mayor's office of the city made the process that much easier, but no one would ever say that to her face. Her love of art was clear from the beginning and using her father was something she would only do if she was desperate or if it was for something she truly wanted, i.e. Central Park art expo.
She led the two boys down the main path, pointing out each project and explaining the meaning and reason for their creation. Good thing too, because neither of them had a head for art. Grover's interests were in conservation and environmentalism. He was vegan, wore mostly hemp-based clothing and had a non-GMO, reusable water bottle attached to his right crutch. Percy, on the other hand, was the more athletic of the bunch. He loved swimming and fencing, and while he struggled with most subjects in school, he did find Greek mythology fascinating. He was hoping to join the swim team when school started. He had the tryout date highlighted and circled on his calendar.
They reached the end of the expo when an offending sound began to emanate from Rachel's pocket. She pulled her phone out and swore to herself.
"Sorry guys, gotta get back to my shift on the podium, I'll see you guys later, right?" Rachel asked.
"You know it, we'll see you then," Percy assured. Rachel smiled and ran off to her partner.
"So now what?" asked Percy, looking to Grover.
"What time is it; don't you have a shift in like a half-hour," asked Grover.
"What?" Percy pulled out his phone to check the time and swore. "You're right. I guess I better get going if I'm going to make it on foot. Will you be alright without me?"
"I'll be fine, just get going and don't be late for tonight, last one of summer and you promised Rachel and me that you'd be at your cousin's party."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be there. See ya later G-man." Percy ran off, Grover's goodbye lost in the sound of New York. Percy worked at a local Pizza shop called the Big House. It was a nice little shop that was owned by an old Greek man by the name of Dionysus. He was a recovering alcoholic and had a deep-seated loathing of anyone under the age of eighteen, and barely tolerated everyone else. On the other hand, his pizzas were amazing, he even won a few foodie awards for them. That was in his hay day, now he was lucky to make enough to pay Percy, let alone his bills. Percy heard that he was a member of the famous Olympus family, but he was the black sheep. Whenever asked about it, he just grunts and walks away.
Mr. D, as he liked to be called, was standing at the counter, taking the order of a man in a wheelchair. This was Chiron, he was probably Mr. D's only friend. Chiron would come to the shop once a week to eat, chat, and play cards with Mr. D. Somehow, he had managed to break through the grizzled exterior of the perpetually hungover shop owner.
They both turned to look at the door as the small bell above the entryway rang. Chiron smiled at Percy, he always seemed to have a soft spot for him, and Mr. D just glanced before looking back at his friend.
"Percy, so good to see you, how have you been this summer?" asked Chiron, a warm smile on his face.
"It's been alright, Mr. D keeps me busy and out of trouble," said Percy, a sheepish smile on his face.
"That's an understatement," muttered Dionysus.
Chiron glanced at his friend while Percy gave him a look of betrayal.
"Percy did something happen?" concern now in Chiron's tone.
"Nothing happened really, I saved my friend from some bullies and I got expelled for it, but it's fine," quickly added Percy, seeing Chiron about to interject. "My mom found another school for me and I'm starting tomorrow. It's called Goode High."
Chiron's eyes lit up and Mr. D raised an eyebrow at this news (for him that was like a gasp for normal, emotive people). "Percy, that's wonderful."
"Um, I guess, why?"
"Well, for one I teach there," said the now excited Chiron.
"Wait, really," said Percy, surprised. "I mean, I knew you taught, but there of all places, I thought you some college professor or something."
"Ha, I appreciate that you think so highly of me, but no, I am a History teacher at Goode," explained Chiron.
"As much as you two would like to continue to discuss Johnson's future failings, he is here to work," interjected Dionysus, throwing a wet rag Percy, who deftly caught it being used to these interruptions by his grumpy boss.
Percy spent the rest of his shift thinking about what this future school year would mean. Not only was he going to yet another school, but it was also high school, the next four years would begin to define him as a person. He wanted them to be filled with fun and interesting adventures, but deep in the pit of his gut, a place he generally ignores, something was telling him that a storm was brewing.
Percy got home, thoughts of the future still on his mind. His mother was already gone, she had a night class that she took for her degree. Percy took a quick shower and changed into more party-appropriate clothes. His cousin Thalia was having a get together to celebrate the last day of summer. She had gone to some summer camp over the summer and made some friends, which in of itself was surprising. Her hosting a party was also surprising as well.
Thalia was a rebel in every sense of the word; she wore clothes with strange and borderline offensive graphics, listened to music that to most people could barely be called that and she fought with authority whenever she could. If there was a rule she didn't agree with, there was no hesitance to break it. While only being fifteen, she had already been arrested three times, once for Breaking and Entering and two for assault. The B&E was her attempt to steal a teacher's computer and change her grade for the class. The house was rigged with alarms and cameras and she was caught in less than twenty-four hours. The assaults were mainly her fighting bullies whose parents paid for lawyers.
She had spent last school year in juvie and was released last spring. During that time, she had reconnected with her father and moved to New York to live with him. While they didn't have any sort of relationship, her mother was an alcoholic so the parent with poor emotional skills was better than that. Apparently, allowing this party was her father's way of trying to do something nice for her. She jumped on the opportunity and invited everyone she knew. She even told Percy to bring anyone he wanted.
Percy hadn't been to Thalia's house since she moved to the city, Percy was shocked when she gave him her address. It was in the Upper East Side of the city, only the truly rich could afford to live there. Percy called a cab and was on his way, the driver chatting mindlessly through the whole ride. Percy arrived at the front door of Thalia's building, Grover was standing outside, talking to the doorman. Grover saw his friend and waved him over.
"Percy, took you long enough, do you know Charon?" asked Grover.
"Um, no, nice to meet you, Mr. Charon," said Percy, shaking the man's hand.
"Ah, just call me Charon, no need for the mister, Grover here tells me your Thalia's cousin."
"Yep, I'm told our dads are brothers. Though I still haven't met mine."
"Oh, well don't think about it too much, if he doesn't have time for you then don't give any of yours to him."
Another taxi pulled up and Rachel stepped out. Both boy's jaws dropped when their friend stepped onto the sidewalk. She was wearing a deep maroon blouse with a black skirt. Pearl earrings, black heels, and a small clutch completed the outfit. Never before had either of the boys seen their friend in something other than paint-stained coveralls.
"Hi guys, guess this might be pretty shocking huh." Said Rachel, looking at the ground.
"Well I think it's nice you got all dressed up," said Percy, putting an arm around her shoulder. "I think it's time to party."
Grover gave a whoop and the group made their way inside. At the elevator, Percy pressed the button for the 63rd floor.
"Dang Percy, this cousin of yours must be loaded, Upper East and near the top, penthouses only." Joked Rachel.
"Heh, yeah her dad is pretty loaded, don't worry she is about the most real person you'll ever meet."
The elevator dinged open and they stepped out into the penthouse. The party was already going, kids were everywhere. The living room had a huge wrap around couch and the biggest tv that Percy had ever seen. Percy looked across the sea of faces and spotted his cousin's spikey black hair by the line of tables holding food and drinks.
"Follow me guys, I'll introduce you to my cousin, then we can party," said Percy, making his way through the crowd.
They managed to reach the snacks without losing each other. Thalia was in conversation with someone, her back to them. Percy tapped her on the shoulder which caused her to spin around quickly.
"I told you, Devin, I'm not dancing with you," said Thalia.
"Well, that's neither my name nor was I going to ask you," laughed Percy. "Hi, Thalia."
"PERCY," Thalia pulled him into a hug, which he returned with enthusiasm, slightly lifting her off the ground.
"I was wondering when you were going to get here," said Thalia, now out of the embrace. "Speaking of, who are your friends?"
"Thalia, I would like you to meet my best friends, Grover Underwood, environmentalist and lover of cheese enchiladas." Percy gave a big sweeping motion for his friend.
"Haha, nice to meet you, Grover," laughed Thalia.
"You as well," Grover politely reciprocated.
"And Miss Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Painter extraordinaire and the only woman, other than my mom, who could boss me around and I actually listen." Percy exclaimed with a bow, moving to let the two girls shake hands.
"Oh my god Percy, you need to stop now," giggled Rachel, shaking Thalia's hand. "But it's true, he does whatever I tell him."
"Ha must be nice," joked Thalia. "Let me introduce you to my best friend."
Thalia pulled the girl she was talking to forward and Percy froze. The first thing he saw was her eyes, grey and stormy like they were taking Percy apart, like a predator taking in its new prey. She had long blonde hair that fell into large, wavy curls, making her look like a Disney princess. Her skin was well tanned, and she held herself with such confidence that Percy was slightly intimidated. She was looking directly into Percy's eyes and he couldn't break the contract if he wanted to.
"Everyone, this is my best friend in the whole world, Annabeth Chase."