A/N: I forgot to mention in the previous Chapter that I would be updating by a gap of 3 days. So, stay tuned.

Disclaimer: PJO and HOO are owned by Rick Riordan

Chapter 2:

Percy POV (A week later)

For the first time in an entire year, I felt like days were passing by quickly. It was already a week since I started college. To say that I was studying was an understatement. Like a total nerd, I was trying to pay attention as much as my ADHD could allow and then revising the shit I learnt again at home. I was taking down notes and doing assignments well before the deadline. I guessed this was just the result of wanting to keep myself occupied.

The whispers about me hadn't stopped yet but I didn't care about them earlier nor did I now. I was still a bit bugged with the way I had spoken to Jason on the first day. I had felt sick of myself later but we spoke and I got over it. I appreciated him a lot. Because he was always on the other end of my mood swings. It was a good thing Piper didn't have too much of them. Jason Grace was ever the perfect boy. Not one single scar on his entire body. He was raised to be responsible, worthy and downright perfect. That's what he was and I admired it about him. Yes, he had made promises but never, till date, broken one.

Silena and Beckendorf were really welcoming and I started spending more time with them. I shared a few classes with them too so it was cool. We sat together at lunch and even Jason sat with us. Beckendorf was in the same sports team as Jason. I felt most comfortable with Silena. Why? I didn't know. Probably when she didn't judge me the first day, I started holding her in a high regard. I looked at her like a sister. I didn't know the reason to that either. But I just felt like she was like my sister, not by blood but by the true sense of the word.

Their other friends though, steered clear of me for most of the part but the Stoll brothers spoke with me every now and then. Most of the times just telling me the ways in which they had terrorized Clarisse. In my eyes, terrorizing her was a big feat. Or rather, staying alive after terrorizing her was a bigger of a feat. I had to come to know that she was not a bad person. She was just too judgmental. But it was just her personality and I couldn't do anything about it. Nor did I care.

I was sitting in my room doing my Biology assignment when my phone rang. I answered the call and put it on speaker as I was writing still. "Jackson." I said.

"Long time no (Per)see." Piper's voice replied.

"Hello to you too and that was a very bad pun." I held the phone to my ear, removing speaker mode and kept my pen down.

"Look who's talking about bad puns."

"I haven't made a bad pun since—" I paused. "Since forever." I completed and cleared my throat. "Anyway, what did you call for?"

"Can't I just call you when I feel like? Must there always be a reason?"

"That's not what I meant, Piper." I chuckled.

"I know Perce. I was just messing with you. You had told Jason to text you when I had the time. I'm sorry I didn't earlier and it's been almost a week since he told me."

"It's okay. I'm not gonna get angry." I chuckled. "I assumed you were busy because it's not like you not to text. And you know that if it were important, I would've texted you first. But I waited because I just wanted to catch up."

"Yeah, I was busy. I recorded almost through to the next 2 weeks in the least." She sighed. "Do you wanna meet up? I really can't go outside and I don't want a bodyguard with me." She said. Her father insisted she have protection when she was out since he was a hot shot movie star. "So, you'll have to come up to meet me."

"Sure. Listen, can I bring someone with me?"

"Of course, you can. Wow, you're bringing someone." She said, her voice hopeful but still had a mocking edge.

"Don't get the wrong idea." I snapped. "You and I both know that's not going to happen ever in the way you were insinuating."

"I'm sorry, Percy. I was just joking."

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Damn my anger to the pits of Tartarus. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have snapped. I shouldn't expect you guys to understand my outbursts at all times. I really am sorry."

"Hey…we're friends. That's what we do."

"I know but this should be two sided, right?"

"It is. You were there for me when I needed you the most for me. You were there for me even when you were so lost, I couldn't even see the Percy I knew when I looked into your eyes. You helped me through. Hell, you're the reason Jason and me are together and going strong."

"Let's not get into that now. I'm going to bring this girl named Silena. She's an admirer of yours and she wants to meet you. Is it okay if I bring her?"

"Sure! I'd love to meet her. Jason told me she liked my videos. I guess her boyfriend is your friend too right and also in Jason's team."

"Correct. She's an amazing girl. I trust her."

"Wow, okay. Can I ask how?"

"She seems like a kind person. I met her on the first day of college and she was the only person in the entire campus who didn't judge me as a walking promise breaker."

"Percy…"

"I know I'm not a promise breaker. But it still hurts. Silena is a good person. I kind of feel the fraction of bond I have with Estelle. Or course, nothing can top what I have with her, but Silena feels like a sister to me. I don't know why. Just instinctively."

"That's nice, Percy. Don't sweat it, go with it." She said. "And…you can come over today. Since it's a Sunday, I hope she'll be free too unless she has plans with her boyfriend. Ask her and let me know. You guys can come over for dinner."

"I'll let you know in a few minutes." I said and hung up, immediately dialing Silena.

She picked up on the last ring. "Hey Percy. What can I do for you?"

"Hi. Listen, I was calling to ask you if you were free tonight, for dinner?"

"Yeah, I am. Why?"

"Do you want to come with me for dinner at Piper's place today? I just got off the phone with her and she's eager to meet you too."

"Are you for real?"

I laughed. "So, are you in or no? If you have plans, we can reschedule, that's no problem."

"No! I'm in. At what time?"

"I'll pick you up and 5:30."

"You don't need to pick me up. Charles can drop me off at your place."

"If you want it that way. I know Beckendorf can be too demanding for your attention."

She laughed. "Sometimes."

"So now you can be there at my place by 6 and we'll go together from there."

"Sure thing. Thanks Percy."

"No need to thank me." I said and hung up. It was 3:30 and I had time so I got back to completing my assignment.

-!-

I was engrossed in the final part of my assignment when the doorbell rang. I frowned and checked my wrist watch. It was 5:45. I kept my pencil down and got up to answer the door. Mom, Paul and Estelle were playing in the living room but I gestured for mom to let me open the door.

"You're early." I said to Silena, who was standing outside the door with Beckendorf.

She shrugged. "Be grateful I'm early instead of late."

"Come in, you guys." I invited them in and closed the door. "This is my mom Sally, my stepdad Paul and my baby step-sister Estelle." I introduced them. "And family, this is Silena and that is Charles."

My mom immediately got up to greet them. "Nice to meet you guys. Please, have a seat. Percy had told me about you both. You make a great couple." Silena blushed at that.

"Mom." I chided her.

"It's okay, Percy." Silena grinned. "I've heard a lot about you all. Percy doesn't shut up at all about Estelle and now I can see why. Also, your blue cookies are amazing. Out of the ordinary, really."

"Oh, thank you, my dear!" Mom gushed. "Would you like some now?"

"We have to go to Pipes for dinner, Mama. She won't have any space left if she ate the cookies now. We can invite them both sometime later."

I excused myself for a moment to go get dressed to leave. There was a little chill today so I put on black jeans, black shirt and a leather jacket. I pushed my feet into white sneakers and tied the laces. I ran my hands through my hair, trying to tame the jet-black locks which had grown out longer than I usually allowed it to. I took a look at myself to see if I was presentable enough. Yep, I was always presentable, ignoring the scar. I walked out into the living again.

"Well don't you look the perfect Emo." Beckendorf commented and smirked at me.

"Shut up, you di—"

"Language!" Mom almost yelled. "Baby ears who tend to repeat everything they hear these days are present in here." She completed and we all laughed.

"Pink." Estelle said suddenly. I went over to her and picked her up.

"What did ya say, Elle?"

She pointed at Silena's shirt. "Pink."

"Good job!" I kissed her nose.

"When did she start recognizing colors?" Mom said in astonishment. "I sound like a pathetic mom, don't I? I didn't even know my baby knows colors."

"Well, because we kept a secret, didn't we baby girl?" I said and chuckled. "I started teaching her colors about 2 months back when she was obsessed with my orange shirt. She's just started to recognize them, though." I said proudly. "We wanted to surprise you."

"You did!" Mom smiled at me.

"She just recognizes Pink, Orange and Blue by voice. Others just by sight." I told her as she took Estelle from me and kissed her.

"My baby's so smart." She gushed and I laughed.

"Shall we?" I looked at Silena. She had a warm look in her eyes as she looked at Estelle and Beckendorf was looking at her.

"Yes." She replied and we all walked out after I'd gotten my car keys.

"Look at you. You look all bad boy with the leather jacket and sneakers." Beckendorf joked. "Where's your motorcycle?"

"Shut up, man."

"Look at him, honey." Silena threw him a look. "Even with the leather jacket, he looks like the fire spirit from Frozen 2. How can he be a bad boy?"

Beckendorf put a hand around her shoulder. "Fire spirit from Frozen 2?" He laughed. "What the hell is that?"

"It's a lizard like animal." I said.

"Yeah! So adorable. How do you know?" Silena asked.

"I have a baby sister who sometimes believes she has Elsa's powers and tries to freeze me. Of course, I know what Frozen is." I said and both of them laughed.

Beckendorf inched close to Silena. "And were you flirting with him, sweetheart?" He asked her jokingly.

"Not at all." She laughed. "Every time I look at Percy, I get strong brother vibes."

"Ouch, man." He chuckled.

"I don't mind at all." I kept looking straight ahead. "It's a great compliment when someone says they get brother vibes from you. Because a brother vibe is the ultimate safety. A girl might not always be safe with her boyfriend, no offense to you, but she is always safe with her brother. Never ignore the instinct of a woman, mate."

"When did you become so intelligent?" He asked.

I shrugged. "Not important. Now, we don't wanna be late." I opened the door for Silena and she got in. She bid him a goodbye and we left after him.

"So, you know Piper through Jason?" She asked me after we'd hit the road. It was going to take us at least 20 minutes to reach the McLean Mansion through the traffic.

"No." I chuckled. "We were in the same high school. Me, Jason, Piper and—" I paused. "And a couple other friends. But only me and Jason got into the same college. Piper, as you know, dropped out."

"How long have they been together?"

"Almost a year. Maybe a month more. I'm not entirely sure."

"I'm sorry, am I bothering you with these 20 questions?" She asked quietly and I realized that she didn't know that this was how I usually was. She knew me just over a week.

"Not at all. I'm just not a talkative person. You can ask away anything you want." I smiled softly. "If you ever see me silent, know that it's never because of you."

"If you say so." She said. "I was just thinking about what you said earlier." I glanced at her. "About that safety thing. It's true. I was just too stunned with what you said to reply at that moment. I had never seen a guy notice that a girl is feels the safest with her brother. They always think it's with their boyfriend but that's wrong. I do feel safe with you, a lot. I don't know why. But I've felt this since I saw your trou—" She stopped mid word.

"My troubled eyes and my pained expression?"

"How did you know?"

"Not hard to guess. Very few people see that. What the others see is just a freak with the proof of a big broken promise across his face. Now, about what I said, I have a sister. Though not a full one but I love her more than humanly possible. I have this instinct where I'd do anything in my power to protect her and I know the way she clings to me when she wakes up screaming. It's not natural, you know. The bond between a brother and the sister is rare but irreplaceable."

"You're really wise." She said and a pang hit my chest at that. I ignored it. "You know I don't judge you by your scar, don't you?"

"Of course, I do know that. Everyone has scars. Mine is just visible."

She chuckled and raised her sleeve up to her shoulder, unmasking 4 small scars, like the ones on my forearm. "These are from the silly promises I'd made when I was little. It was in the 1st year of high school that I realized I shouldn't take them lightly. But these are the only 4 I have."

"Everyone has small scars from silly promises." I showed her my forearm.

I had the sudden urge to tell her about all my scars, to put it out in the open. I could see that I had a special bond with her, not like the one I shared with Piper, the one of friendship. But the minor version of the bond I shared with Estelle—the sibling kind. I couldn't tell all of this to Elle because she was too small but the need to let out the storm of secrets that was in me was too strong to be caged in. Silena was someone I could trust as much as I trusted Jason or Piper. But I felt like she actually understood me without trying. The others always had to try to see things through my eyes. She didn't. I got that all with just one week of talking to her. Maybe we were kindred spirits.

"I have a total of 5 scars. 2 small, one medium and 2 large ones. And this sounded like a McDonalds order."

She chuckled but there was tension in the laughter. We spent the next few minutes in silence but it was stretched—like she wanted to ask me something but was withholding. She was sneaking glances at my cheek scar. I sighed.

"You can ask whatever, Silena. I think I know what you have to ask, though."

"You do?"

"You want to know how I got this scar." I guessed right on the mark, gesturing to the one on my cheek.

"I do. But if you don't want to tell me, it's perfectly fine. It's your choice. I just…I can't see what causes you so much pain, Perce. Charles and me, we've spoken about this, about you. We both can't handle seeing the pain in your eyes even if we've known you for just one week. We both are scared for you."

"You don't need to be scared. I appreciate your concern."

"But you won't tell me about it."

I didn't say anything for a minute, contemplating what to do. I wanted to tell her. I wanted to let out this raging storm of emotions that resided in me but still made me feel empty. I wanted to let it all out. I couldn't talk to mom because she would worry too much, not Jason because he didn't understand and not Piper because she would over react and was too close to the situation.

I breathed out. "I don't know. I want to but—"

"Take your time, Perce. Timing is always important." She said and cue another pang to my chest.

"We're here." I told her, pulling in the driveway of the McLean Mansion.

We both got out of the door after I parked the car. The door was already opened and the housekeeper was standing in the doorway. She knew who I was and once informed by Piper of my arrival, she would open the gates for the car to pass through. Of course, the house of Tristan McLean had a security system.

"Good Evening, Margaret." I greeted her.

"You're visiting after a long time, Percy. I'm sure Miss Piper would be delighted."

"Oh, I hope so." I joked. "This is Silena. She's my friend. And this is the housekeeper of the McLean Mansion. She makes the best doughnuts."

"You compliment them too much." She said.

Silena smiled at nodded at her and we both entered. The house was indeed big and Tristan had indulged. Or rather, Piper's mother had. It was every bit as you'd imagine a Hollywood actor's home—modern yet elegant and comfy.

"Miss Piper is in her work room. May I escort you there?" Margaret asked.

"No need. I know the way." I smiled. "By the way, is Aphrodite home?" I whispered to her.

She laughed. "She is. But she's reading scripts so she won't bother you. Perhaps."

"A guy can hope." I quipped and led Silena up to Piper's work room.

"You don't like Piper's mother?"

I sighed. "As a person, she's okay, I guess. She's kindhearted and her intentions are good but the way she handles those intentions is...well, annoying. She's too meddling. And obsessed with love."

"How sweet." Silena gushed.

"If you think." I shrugged.

Tristan McLean and his wife Aphrodite were hot-shot Hollywood actors. They were both surprisingly happily married and still very much in love. It helped when the wife was so obsessed with love and the husband was a hopeless romantic. Tristan actually starred much more in Action films but that was because he didn't want to make Aphrodite uncomfortable with the love scenes that came along with a romantic drama. Aphrodite loved that very much. She on the other hand, starred in every type of film. She was a gifted actress.

Me and Jason mostly didn't mention that Piper was my friend and his girlfriend because we didn't want girls or guys to hound us for introductions with the family. At least no one came close to me thanks to the scar on my cheek but Jason's name had been mentioned in some gossip rags quite a few times for him to be known as the boyfriend of the daughter of the hot-shot actor couple. It kinda helped that he was a perfectionist, born to follow all the rules. There would never be something bad to say about him with respect to what the gossip rags ran after.

His decision to become an Aerospace Engineer had shocked both mine and Piper's parents. Both of our parents were surprised with our choices of majoring, deciding that we would just be in sports. But the sky and stars fascinated Jason as much as the open water fascinated me, though I hadn't been to the sea in a long time. Jason didn't have any solid family. He only had Thalia. His mother was alive but she had a neurological disorder which was a great obstacle in their relationship. About his father, well, he was just a pathetic excuse for a human being, not being present in either of their lives.

My birth father was so much better than this even though Mom and him decided to part. I don't know the reason but I knew that mom would have told me if she wanted to. But at least my Dad made sure to check up with me every once in a while, calling me once in 2-3 weeks. He didn't meet me because he didn't live in the states and it was difficult for him to come. I understood that and it was alright. Him making it a point to just get to know me even if it was somewhat lousy was enough for me. At least I knew my birth father loved me even if he didn't show it enough, he told that to me frequently. I appreciated that much more than he'd ever know. He knew about my scars, mom told him. But he knew my reasons and he never once questioned them. Instead he told me that he would've made the same decisions if he didn't know how the future would pan out. I knew the hidden meaning behind those words. He knew mom and him were a dead end. That's why he didn't make any drastic promises. He knew the consequences even before promising. I knew he still loved mom deep down. But there was nothing he could do about it.

I shook my head absentmindedly and knocked on Piper's recording room. "Come in." Her voice rang out as if she was speaking on a mic. I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Hey Percy!" She greeted and I went to her.

"Hi." I bent down and hugged her. After I was released, I introduced her to Silena who looked dazzled.

"This is Silena Beauregard. She's in college with me."

"Hey girl! Come on over." Piper greeted her cheerily and beckoned Silena for a hug. She was momentarily stunned but she recovered and hugged Piper. She and told her to sit down next to her on the sofa. "It's great to meet you. Percy has told me a lot about you."

I had a bit. I had called Piper back after Silena had confirmed with me and I'd told her all about the 'not a fan' thing of Silena's to her. I'd also told her what I'd overheard from her conversation on the first day and how she defended me without knowing me.

"Good things, I hope." Silena quipped.

"I already like you." Piper replied and the both of them laughed. "I foresee we'll be friends."

"Wow."

"What's wrong?"

"I just came to meet you because I admired you. I didn't expect we would end up being friends." Silena said.

"Hey…when Percy told me what you were like, I knew right then that we'd be friends if not best. I hope you're okay with that."

"Obviously! I would love to. I've never watched someone's entire YouTube channel ever." She laughed. "Others always bore me. You never do."

"Now you're just trying to impress me."

"Maybe." Silena retorted and queue the laughter again. I felt like a third wheel. They clicked so instantly that it felt a bit weird. It was as if someone was writing this story and forcefully making them best friends. It was that unlikely. I wanted to laugh at my comparison. But no, Piper had really been excited. Maybe more so from the fact that I trusted Silena and she was my friend. Piper was really very down to earth, contrasting the fame she had gained at such an early age.

I looked around the room. I'd been here before. There were various lights and cameras and recording systems in the room. This was where Piper recorded most of her YouTube videos. She uploaded motivational stories, makeup tutorials, vlogs, and sometimes even her dates with Jason. Of course, she did that with his consent. He secretly loved it that she wanted to flaunt her hot boyfriend. But he'd never admit it.

"This room is studded." Silena said, noticing the room.

"Yeah, it is." Piper sighed. "It was hard to set this all up." She paused. "Oh! Do you guys want anything to eat? Something to drink? Perhaps we could go into my room to just talk and catch up. Be friends." She smiled over at Silena and she smiled back gratefully. "This room is too bright." She joked.

Piper was really one to make others comfortable, put them at ease and not overwhelm them by her status. She really didn't care about it much. She wanted to be known individually as Piper McLean and not as the daughter of Aphrodite and Tristan. Her parents loved that instinct in her though it posed a conflict many times between them.

"Sure." Silena replied.

"Percy." Piper called me, grabbing my attention and I instantly knew what I had to do.

I went into the corner of the room and pulled out the folded wheelchair. I unfolded it and placed it near the door. I went over to her and picked her up bridal style and placed her in the wheelchair. Yes, her wheelchair.

"Thanks." She smiled at me.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to thank me, Pipes! I'm your friend. I told you I'd do this when Jason wasn't around."

"Yeah you did." She nodded thoughtfully. "No thanks to you then, moron."

I laughed and beckoned Silena to follow me who was looking at us with an unreadable expression. She nodded at followed me as I wheeled Piper. Her chair was actually digitally controlled but I didn't mind wheeling her around. She liked it when someone pampered her.

Once we were in her room, she stood up shakily and I took all of her weight on my shoulders and helped her down on a comfy and pillowed chair. Once she was seated, I folded the wheelchair and stood it up against to the pillowed chair. I took my seat on the windowsill. That was my favorite place in her house, while Silena awkwardly sat on the couch.

"No need to be awkward, girl. I don't bite." Piper joked, putting her at ease. "You can tell me anything."

"No, I was just wondering how I ended up sitting in the room of a person I admired and who had millions of fans. Thanks to Percy, I'm sitting next to the best speaker." She smiled gratefully at me then at Piper.

"Oh, I doubt that. There are many good speakers out there. But I think you should always be able to read your audience, expect what they want from you. My people, they love humor with the motivation. It's what every teen needs."

"True that."

"And I've always been good at reading people. So, I know what they expect from me. A date with Jason, a tour around the house, a day in my life—the real one, or the one where Percy acts like he hates everyone." She laughed and then whispered. "That he does."

"I heard that." I said, staring out the window.

"I know." Piper retorted and they both laughed at my expense. I shook my head. "The few videos in which I've featured Percy are loved by my people. They just love how he doesn't care about a single thing around him as long as it doesn't affect him. Just in regards with us fooling around. I said I was good at reading people except this doofus. He hides everything cleverly."

"Why is this conversation slipping on me again?" I protested and she shrugged, ignoring me.

I had been in only 2 videos. One where she'd filmed all of the group back in high school. We were playing truth or dare in it and never have I ever. Fun times, happy times. The 2nd one was more recent. In that, Jason wasn't letting me read so I'd pushed him in the pool. Unfortunately for him, Piper had filmed that in slow motion.

"Now," she said to Silena. "Tell me something about yourself."

Silena grinned. "Okay. I'm pretty much like you though I don't have your confidence. My birthdate is 8th September. I love to read and write. I mostly want to write books when I'm older. I wanna write love stories which are out of this world. Something better than the stereotypes we have. Ugh…what else?"

They both laughed while I just watched them talk. At least I did one thing good. They both had hit it off really good.

"That's fine for the starters. And don't worry, my confidence is infectious, only some are immune." She threw me a look.

"Why do you keep throwing me those looks?" I asked quietly.

"You know why." She said and the air in the room shifted drastically just because of the seriousness she had poured in the words.

Awkward silence stretched in the room for the first time and I was surprised at its presence. I didn't think that it would be there looking at how both of the girls had clicked. Silena was twiddling her thumbs like she wanted to say something but was contemplating whether to say it or not. I looked at Piper, trying to convey with just my eyes and she got me.

"You want to say something?" She said with a kind smile.

"I'm just… sorry for…" Silena stuttered.

"My legs?" Piper chuckled but I knew it was a humorless laugh. Silena didn't know that. She looked at it as a form of relief, that what she wanted to say didn't offend Piper. "It's alright. You must be knowing that I had a car accident about almost a year back." She sighed.

I clenched my fists at the memory. I felt like I was getting suffocated. The words that were coming out of her mouth about the accident were coming to squeeze my throat and claw at my chest, trying to find a hole to break in. No, I couldn't hear this again. But I felt like I was glued to the seat. Silena nodded at Piper.

"It was a pretty bad accident. I lost many things." She looked at me but I didn't return her look. I was too busy trying to breathe. "I lost the ability to walk because of that incident. I won't get into technical details of how that happened. But that's all the gossip rags know. Nothing else."

"I'm truly very sorry. The way you've gotten over that is admirable. I don't know if I would have been able to bounce back from that." She smiled.

"Thank You. I didn't get through it alone. Jason and Percy helped me a lot. Mostly Percy. It was because of him that me and Jason got together. He showed us the way to be there for each other through all that happened and we fell in love in the process. But I've gotten over the accident now so there's no need for you to say sorry." She smiled. "Sure, it was hard at first but look at me now. More than 3 Million subscribers on YouTube and more on other social medias." She shrugged. "I made the best of what I had. I can't change the past, just accept it." She threw me a look.

Their conversation about the accident was over and Pipes had cut out many things from it and I was grateful for that. I didn't know if I could survive hearing what had happened. Oh, I needed air.

I bolted right up. "I'll leave you girls to talk." I forced a smile.

"You can stay, Percy." Silena said.

"No." I croaked and cleared my throat. "I'll be fine. I'll ask Margaret to give me some doughnuts." I went straight out of the door, not waiting for an answer.

I was feeling so suffocated that the power left my knees and I sat right down with my back against the door and my knees against my chest.

"Why did he go out like that?" I heard Silena say through the door.

Piper sighed. "He can't bear hearing about the accident. He felt suffocated in here. I should've known better that to have started this conversation in front of him."

"Why does this affect him so much? Because he cares about you?"

"No. That's not the reason. And it's not my place to tell it. He will tell it to you. I'm sure he would someday. He trusts you. Like I do. It's hard to trust for Percy. You must know that."

"I do. He walks around college all day with his shoulders slouched and head down. I've seen a genuine smile from him just a handful times. Others are just polite and fake. It just pains me to see him in pain. I know that it's not possible—"

"It is possible. You're a really sympathetic person, I can see."

"I look at him like I would look at a brother if I would've had one. I've felt that way about Percy from day 1."

"I know. He told me he feels the same. Percy is not one to open up. But if he says to you that he wants to, you've just become a part of his inner circle. You know what he told me and Jason just before we started dating?" Piper asked. "He told us to be grateful that we still had each other. He said that time was unpredictable, that life was unpredictable. We shouldn't just waste it because we're waiting for someone to make the move. This was a situation where me and Jason could help each other through the trauma, the pain and if we got through that together, we were made for the other." She completed.

"That… that was beautiful. Percy said that when he was just 16? I mean what kind of 16-year-old boy has that kind of outlook about things? That level of maturity!"

"Life hit him hard, Silena. So hard that the tremors still echo from him. We just saw an example." She paused. "But let's not get into Percy right now or we'll have to be here for weeks." She joked to lighten the mood and steered the conversation elsewhere. I got up on shaky legs and went into the garden for some fresh air.

I was out and about for almost half an hour before I heard Piper call my name. I turned towards her. She was glaring at me, sitting on her wheelchair. Silena was standing beside her. "What?" I asked.

"Where have you been?"

"Around." I shrugged. "I walked through the gardens and then talked with Margaret for a while."

"Where's your cell?"

"In my pocket." I was totally confused. What was the point of this conversation?

"Ugh…anyway. Dinner is ready. We're called downstairs."

"Is your mom going to be there?"

"I'm sorry, but yes." She snickered and I groaned. "But dad is there too today. So, he can help you."

"Thank the gods."

"Is it weird that I'm nervous?" Silena whispered to me.

"Not at all. Their status can be intimidating but they're not. They're kinda funny. Her mom annoys me for most of the part but her dad always saves me from it." I chuckled.

She huffed out a breath. "Okay. Charles found it funny that I was nervous to meet Piper itself."

"He's a funny guy." I pointed out.

"Yeah." She agreed with a lovesick goofy grin. I shook my head as all three of us entered the in-house elevator.

The room was adjacent to the kitchen on the ground floor but it wasn't that big. If the McLean's wanted to host anything, they had a different room for that. This dining area was for the family. It was a small elegant room with a table for 6.

I wheeled Piper in because she was being lazy to steer herself. I had no qualms. Aphrodite and Tristan were already there.

"Percy." He came forward with Aphrodite at his side. "After a long time, yes?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry, I didn't visit sooner. I was studded with college assignments."

He laughed. "That's okay."

"Who is this young lady? Are you Percy's girlfriend?" Aphrodite chimed in.

"No!" I protested and the McLean's shot her a glare. I gathered my calm. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce you first. This is Silena. We study in the same college." I said. "She's like a sister to me." I shot Aphrodite a look.

"Of course, my dear. I'm sorry for assuming." She apologized.

"It's okay, Mrs. McLean." Silena said. "My boyfriend is not here." She joked and everyone laughed.

"You needn't call me Mrs. McLean, dear. Aphrodite will do just well." Aphrodite said with a warm gaze. Yeah, she was alright sometimes. "And call him Tristan."

"Now, let's have a seat." Tristan said and we all nodded.

"Piper, you want me to…" I trailed off.

"No." She shook her head. "Just pull this lever." She pointed at it underneath her seat and I pulled it. The chair rose in height.

"Smart." I smirked.

"I know. Comes in handy when I don't want to get up and sit in some chair." She said as I wheeled her to her seat.

"So Silena, tell us a bit about yourself." Aphrodite said once we had started eating.

"Umm…what should I say?" She laughed nervously.

"What are you planning to graduate in?"

"English Lit. I just love to read and write but I'm biased to Romance."

Aphrodite squealed. "We're gonna be best friends."

I shot Piper a look which said 'how old is your mom, again' and she shook her head and grinned at me.

"I guess." Silena said and I could sense that she was uncomfortable. I decided to help her out and turn the conversation to Piper.

"How are the shoots going?"

"I got a lot done this week. That's why I forgot to call you. I recorded for the next three weeks and now I'm gonna go into a 2-week hibernation." She grinned. "Now I can hang out with you guys more often. And I've got a new friend now too." She looked at Silena and she grinned back.

"Am I going to get to push Jason in the pool sometime again?" I smirked.

"That was awesome." She laughed. "You looked so annoyed."

"That's because I was! I was para for like half an hour with my dyslexia. And just when I'd gained somewhat momentum, he just wouldn't take the hint that I didn't want any ice-cream since I didn't reply. He kept asking me again and again." I sighed in exasperation.

"And after you pushed him, you just put on your shades and walked away. That was so iconic." She laughed harder. "The look on Jason's face was so priceless. Downright adorable." She gushed.

Tristan chuckled. "Whatever the kids like these days."

"Shut up, Tristan. It's cute to see my baby girl all in love. Ohh, love. The most beautiful of things." Aphrodite said and I looked at Piper again with now a look that said 'is she for real?' and she tried not to laugh.

"How are the college days going?" Tristan asked me. I gave him a knowing look. He'd changed the subject. He didn't want to hear about his daughter being in love.

"They're going good." I nodded.

"He's turned into a nerd, or so I've heard." Piper said.

"That rhymed." Silena pointed out while everyone laughed.

"I did not!" I protested against what Piper said.

"Oh, he sure did." She told everyone. "He revises everyday what was taught in the college. Then he completed assignments 3 days before the deadline. He still works out every morning. And he helps his baby sister to learn the alphabet. He's also learned to bake Sally's cookies."

"Oh, my gods, will you shut up!"

"You make him sound like a house-husband." Aphrodite gushed. "How romantic. The girl to get Percy would be so lucky." She finished and my fists clenched visibly on the table. I could almost feel the scar on my heart sear into my skin even deeper, as if it was trying to reach every single artery and even blood vessels.

"Mom!" Piper almost yelled.

"What?" Aphrodite was still confused.

"How many times have I told you not to say such things to Percy! Can you just not understand. You're so obsessed with love but can't you see the pain you're putting him through, damn it." She said in anger.

"Piper, it's okay." I said, proud that my voice was calm.

"No, it's not. Every time you're here she makes it a point to say such things that obviously make you uncomfortable. You think I don't know how you try to avoid her and come to meet me when she isn't around? And don't feel guilty. I would've done the same thing if she were saying such things to me. She just doesn't stop! Now I've started to think she does it intentionally."

Aphrodite gasped. "No, I don't. I'm sorry Percy. I never thought that through. I really am. I would never make such comments henceforth."

"It's okay." I have a gentle smile. Whatever she said, she was still Piper's mother and I respected her.

"Be glad I'm not making you promise this." Piper seethed.

"Pipes." I warned. "That's enough." I added a bit gently and she nodded at me.

"Let's restore the playful atmosphere we had, shall we?" I said to everyone and they gave me a grateful look. "Tell me what you're going to upload tomorrow." I asked Piper and her eyes lit up immediately as she started to talk.

The next part of dinner including desert went smoothly without any arguments. We joked around and laughed. Silena seemed comfortable even though she didn't talk much. It was almost 8:30 when we decided to take leave. It was getting late and I had to drop Silena to her dorms.

"You're leaving already!" Piper whined.

"Tomorrow is working, Piper. We have college in the morning."

"It's not like you have to attend."

"Yes, we have to."

"Nerd." She muttered.

"I'll steal your beauty equipment." I dared.

"You're such a darling, Percy." She changed her course and I smirked.

"It was great meeting you, Piper. Thank you for having me over. I really liked it." Silena said.

"Hey, no need to thank me. I earned a new friend so it was a win-win situation." Piper winked at her. "I've already given you my cell phone number so we can keep in touch."

"Sure. I look forward to it." Silena smiled.

"Did ya know Percy?" Piper asked. "This bitch right here has some great marketing ideas and themes for the channel. I might add her in my squad." She said.

Piper really didn't have any advertising team as such. When she started, she wanted to be known as an individual and not because of her parents. So, she decided that she would do everything alone—from editing, recording to background effects and reaching the viewers. Even after success and so many followers, she did it all by herself. Of course, I helped sometimes to record but for the rest, I was useless. Leo helped her with the software a little and Will helped her for background music. But other that that, she did all on her own.

"That's great." I looked at Silena. "You'll get more exposure and you'll also get to experience something new."

"Yes, she would." Piper agreed. "We should meet up every week. One fixed day, maybe. And you can help me. We can even do videos together."

"I…ugh…wow. I guess…I'm just overwhelmed." Silena blushed. "I didn't expect this to pan out like it did. I was expecting you to treat me like a fan and keep your distance. Instead now I'm hearing that I'm gonna be a part of your squad and your friend."

"I would have never treated you like that. Any close friend of Percy's is mine too. He doesn't have a lot of friends of his own. So, when he does, I know they're special." Piper smiled. "We can just have a casual hangout sometimes too. Me, you, Jason, Charles and Percy."

"I'm reading between the lines that I'm going to be a 5th wheel." I grumbled and both of the girls laughed.

"We won't do anything couple-ly, if that's even a word." Piper made a face. "We'll all be separate wheels."

I chuckled at that. "Fine then. Now, we need to go. It's getting late."

"Oh Percy, wait!" Piper said and pulled something out of her pant pocket. "I found this while I was cleaning my room. I think you should have this." She said solemnly and I frowned, putting my hand forth.

She placed a necklace in my hand. I looked down at it and all the breath left my body. I knew the necklace well. It was a simple silver chain with a small silver heart studded in the middle. I looked at it and 4 years of memories flooded my mind. I couldn't help but drown in them. And I didn't want to be saved. I wanted to drown in those memories and never wake up. They were easy, they were happy, they were content. Everything that I wasn't right now and everything I craved. I was deep in them and I was sinking. My feet weren't scraping the bottom but I was floating. I was floating in the memories.

"Percy!" Piper shouted and I came to my senses. I looked up at her. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She got up with unsteady legs ang hugged me.

"What's wrong?" I asked her, holding her steady against my chest as her legs shook from standing up.

"I shouldn't have given it to you." She cried. Only then I noticed hot streams flowing from my eyes. I wiped them with one hand.

"No. I wanted it. Thank You." My voice broke. "I really wanted it."

She pulled back. "I'm sorry."

"No need to say sorry, Pipes." I wiped my face and looked at Silena. She was confused and dumbfounded. If the situation hadn't been like this, I would have found her expression comical. "I love the reminders. I live for them." I told Piper. "I'm kinda sadistic that way." I joked and she huffed her laughter.

"Now. Let us leave. I'll call you in the morning." I said and she nodded. Silena too said her goodbyes and then we left.

-!-

Me and Silena were sitting in the car in totally uncomfortable silence. It was stretching and draining. It was dragged. She was looking out the window with a frown etched on her face as if she was trying to figure something out. I decided to break the silence. It was too awkward and…and just distant.

"You know, we don't have to sit in this kind of silence." I told her and glanced at her.

"I know." She sighed. "I just don't know what to say."

"But you have something you want to say."

"I do. But I just don't know!" She was now exasperated like she didn't know how to deal with this, with me. I understood that. Even I didn't know how to deal with me.

"You're a riddle, Percy and how am I supposed to say anything if I'm just confused all the time. I've seen the tears streaming down your cheeks right now and I was so confused why a simple necklace can bring you to tears. I don't—" She stopped, not sure what to say further.

"I'm sorry." I said dejectedly.

"Why? There's no need for you to say sorry." She waved her hands around in irritation and concern. "It's just that you don't want the uncomfortable silence and you want me to speak or ask whatever I want but you're just a walking riddle and now you're also being a walking contradiction."

"I'm not used to it." I said. She was about to say something at then but she stopped. Maybe she saw the vulnerability that I was now so good and suppressing, coming apart at the seams, swimming under the surface. "I'm not used to opening up to anyone. I don't know how." I said truly.

"The question isn't if you know or not. The question is do you want to?" She asked me gently.

"I want to." I shivered. "But I don't want to burden you."

"You won't. You said you looked at me like a sister. Your own sister is too small to share the burden but I am capable. And I would do it for you."

"We've known each other for just a week and you still would do that for me?" I asked. Was there really a world I could be seen as something more than just be defined by a scar.

"Of course, I would. I have a feeling we're kindred spirits. And this is not a one-way process. This time I'm sharing with you, maybe sometime in the future you'll share my burden with me."

I stayed silent for a couple of moments. Was I really capable of doing this? Telling someone what had happened other than the ones present when it happened? But she was my friend, like a sister. She needed to know. I knew that she won't be temporary in my life. Maybe I'll even stand as her best man at her wedding. She had such empathy towards me, like it hurt her to see me in pain. She was too compassionate. I took in a breath, deciding to tell her.

"I made someone a promise." I said, my voice almost a whisper. "I made someone the greatest promise of all. The one that people fear a lot. I made a promise to someone that I would marry her." My voice broke and tears welled in my eyes involuntarily.

She breathed in sharply. I had an idea what she was thinking right now. She was finding it hard to believe that I made someone a promise even before the age of 18 to marry someone. She was trying to keep calm. She had probably noticed that I wasn't one to just throw around promises. That if I made the promise, I meant it. But she was pondering why I had the scar permanently. She was trying to figure out why wasn't I going to keep my promise. I didn't know how I got all she was thinking.

I wasn't that good at guessing thoughts but her face was pretty readable and her unreasonable trust in me that I would never make a dumb and baseless promise made her think that I made promises that I meant. Which was true. I'd never disrespect promise that way.

"Aren't you going to marry her then?" She asked gently and my fists clenched around the steering wheel and turned white. "I can see how much pain this is causing you, Percy. I know you wouldn't make any promise stupidly for sure. But it would feel better if you let it all out. Because I know you never have. You've just buried everything in and shut yourself up." She said in a soothing voice, probably to put me at ease.

"Do you have a curfew?" I asked her, ignoring what she had said. She threw me a confused look. "A curfew to reach the dorms." I explained.

"No. I don't."

"Ok." I replied and paused. "I won't tell you." I whispered and wiped my eyes. "I'll show you." I completed and took a sharp right turn, changing the course and to someplace else.

A/N: I wanted to tell you guys a bit about Silena and Percy's bond, especially to anyone who is thinking there might be something romantic in it. I know their relation/bond in the books is not like the one I'm portraying. But I know it's possible to have such a bond with someone. I have this bond with a guy who is not my brother by flesh, but by heart. There is nothing romantic about it but it is a special bond that creates itself without logic. I wanted to give Percy one apart from Estelle because she is too small and I wanted himself to open up a little. I thought Silena best for the role.