man Percy I tell you, went from news stories about shootings and robberies to freaking animal attacks and missing people. part of being in a small town I guess.

Nico looked up from his phone while he waited for Bonnie and Elena.

bleep! bleep!

Nico tap his phone screen to reveal Percy's message.

Well news is news. how is your social life? made any friends? meet any cute guys? do I have to punch any faces?

Nico rolled his eyes, but typed out his response.

A couple, just some classmates, Bonnie and Elena. and no Perseus you don't have to come and punch any faces. sides you know I'm not searching for any relationships at this time.

Nico stuffed a slice of pomegranate from his plate into his mouth while he waited for his cousins response.

bleep! bleep!

Nico picked up his phone from where he had laid it on the kitchen table.

Nicole!! don't use my full name.

And Sorry. I know I shouldn't be joking after what happened- but you know it doesn't hurt to get back in the saddle, right?

Nico scowled at that stupid name but also scoffed at his cousin's reluctance for anybody but his mom to use his full name.

Nico looked up when he heard Bonnie's car honk. so he sent a quick text to Percy saying he talked to him later. shoving the last piece of fruit into his mouth, put his plate in the sink, grabbed his bag and went out the door.

"so would you want to try out for any sports?"

Nico looked-up from his history assignment to see that Ethan had sat down next to him.

He lifted his head and shifted his ear bud to make sure it wouldn't fall out of his ear, and said;

"No."

Ethan gave a small smile and said;

"Why not?"

But before Nico could answer Bonnie came jogging into the library and plopped down on Nico's other side.

"Nico, I need your help studying for the history test next peiron."

Nico nodded to her and turned back to Ethan and gave him a shrug. Ethan just nodded and stood up and left the library.

So we had the test in history next class. and Stefan Salvatore bested are jerk of a teacher with a back and forth question and answer quip.

it was after that class that I realized that I didn't remember seeing Ethan in any of my classes. it made me think that maybe he was older than I.

later that day, after school I had nothing to do, my Aunt Dee wasn't home and I had nothing to do there anyway. so I hung out on the football field bleachers watching the jocks and watching Elena and Bonnie do stretches for cheerleading practice.

I frowned when I saw Bonnie look up at me and then turn to Elena who stole me a glance and then nodded to the mocha skinned girl.

after watching the girls stretch for about 15- 20 minutes a black sports car with its top down came rolling into the parking lot lasting some blend of old school and new school hip hop.

I watched as Caroline gave a kiss to the man in the driver seat and then hopped out of the car. before pulling away mystery car man glanced around and caught my eye. he smiled and winked before pulling out of the parking lot.

all I could hear for the next few minutes was my heart going,

boom! boom! boom! boom!

As we made our way to the cars after practice Bonnie surprised me with saying;

"Nico, you're coming to dinner tonight with me Uber to Elena's house we were going to eat dinner with her and Stefan."

I sideyed her up and down.

"I can't be there by myself, he gives me these weird creepy vibes, and Elena is all googly-eyed about him."

I side but nodded. I had nothing to do tonight anyway but sleep.