"So, there she is. The figure of freedom," Percy sighed contentedly to the others. They were on a ferry that went around Liberty Island, so the seven could see the statue of Liberty. Percy was having the time of his life, feeding the others information about his precious home. So far they had been to Broadway Theatre, Central Park, Little Italy, Times Square and now Lady Liberty. It was a big day, and the group had taken turns as to what they wanted to do next. Next, it was Annabeth's choice, but now they were on a lovely boat ride.

"Did you know, on her book, it says July I I. That means July fourth, seventeen seventy six. Which is actually the date of the Declaration of Independence. And, a broken chain lies at her feet. Which a lot of people miss. There, you learn something new every day."

Everyone but Hazel was listening and gazing at the statue. Percy walked up to Hazel and rubbed her shoulders. Hazel was trying hard not to throw up.
"Aww, Haze! I know you're sick, but think of it this way. You are almost the same colour as the sign of freedom!" Percy tried to encourage. Hazel only glared.

"Thanks, Percy. The girl who's grandmother was a slave for the white Americans gets to be the same colour as America's sign of freedom. Hooray."

Percy held his hands up in a defensive manner.

"Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood."

Hazel smiled weakly and apologized softly. Everyone stared in wonder at the large green lady who signified freedom, as Percy told everyone about its history.

"Now, my pretty little owl-brain, where are we off to?" Percy asked. They were off the ferry, and everyone had picked a place that they had wanted to visit, Percy acting as their tour guide. It was almost five o'clock, and Annabeth wanted to go to something educational.

"How about the Museum of Modern Art? They have sculptures as well as modern art designs. I think it will be cool," Annabeth suggested. Everyone but Percy was groaning. Annabeth looked hurt, so Percy stepped in like the awesome boyfriend he was.

"Hey, hey! Guys, Annabeth didn't want to go to Broadway, she didn't want to go to Times Square, and she didn't want to go to Little Italy. But she did, without one complaint. You shouldn't complain either. It's a good thing to do at the end of the day, just wander around and look. It'll be fine," The others looked sheepish, and Jason stepped forward.

"Percy's right. Let's go and relax in the museum,"

But little did Percy know, he was going to run into someone who caused him a lot of pain as a child, in that very museum.

Despite their first impressions of the Museum, the seven found it very interesting. Percy wasn't spurting facts like he was at all the other previous locations. He was holding Annabeth's hand, strolling leisurely through the museum, watching his girlfriend's face light up when she read or saw something interesting. He smiled softly to himself. The rest of the group were looking at the artwork, happy to just not talk for a while. Things started to take a turn for worse when Leo pointed to a sign.

"Guys! They have statues! I wanna see how many actually have clothes," Leo said. Percy cringed. Leo meant it as a joke, but it still sounded quite perverted.

They took their time as they looked at the many sculptures. Annabeth and Percy were slightly reminded of Aunty Em's gnome emporium, but they both shook their heads, ridding themselves of the thought. No use thinking about a monster that was in the depths of the earth.

"Alright guys, I think it's time to go. It's half past six, and I want to be home by seven," Percy stated. Piper looked at him funnily. Percy stared back, getting a little creeped out. "Everything okay, Pipes?"

Piper just said, "Is Jackson a common last name?"

Wow, Percy thought. Way to be weird. "Uh, I guess so. It's not un-common," Percy said slowly. Piper spoke again.

"What's your mom's name?"

"Sally,"

"Last name?"

"Blofis,"

Piper stared back at whatever she was looking at, but Percy couldn't see it. There was a wall blocking Percy's view. Okay, something's up, Percy thought. He marched over to Piper, who just stared at a plaque. By now, everyone was curious, and they all hurried around them. The plaque Piper was looking at said,

The Poker Player

Sally Jackson.

With all eyes on him, Percy slowly raised his gaze to a statue. A statue of a forty old man with little hair on his head, a pot-belly and an ugly snarl on his face stared right back at him. Percy glared at the statue, loathing the man it was. Making a connection, Annabeth gasped.

"Percy, is that-"

She didn't finish the sentence. Percy's face told her. After all this time, Percy had finally seen Smelly Gabe again.

Percy stormed out of the museum, the others running to catch him. Annabeth sprinted until she was in front of Percy. She placed a hand on his cheek, but she didn't look at him. He had tears in his eyes, but Annabeth knew they weren't because he was embarrassed or sad. He was angry. Annabeth said,
"Hey, look at me,"

That got his attention. He looked at her with his big eyes, and calmed down. He took a deep breath before turning to face the others, who were puffing, but still looking concerned.

"Sorry guys. Mom didn't tell me she sold the sculpture." A big, fat whopper lie. Obviously the others didn't believe him. But they all knew better than to ask, except for Leo, who just said,

"Dude, who was that?"

Piper whacked him on the head, and Percy chuckled lightly, reverting back to his old self.

"It was no one, just forget it. Now, you're all coming back to my place. If we go back to camp, the harpies will decapitate us," so they all followed Percy through the city once again.

Thanks for reading guys, gals and non-binary pals :3