11. Movie Star

"She says she really likes him… but I'm worried," Pumpkin said as she lazily drew circles on the back page of her notebook.

"I don't think you should. Your mother is a smart woman, she'll know when something's up," Thalia said, trying to calm her and sound sincere, which wasn't hard. Ms. Whirly really was a smart woman. She was a mix between a lawyer and a cosmetician. She had grown up in a small neighborhood and went to college to study law, until she realized it wasn't for her. She dabbled in physics until she slowly made her way into cosmetology and soon after, opened up her own salon. Many people had seen her as a bimbo, but she would quickly change their minds as soon as she spoke with such big words, it could make doctors seem less than her.

She was a down to earth woman and she didn't become a cosmetician because she simply liked make-up, she did it because she wanted to make people feel good about themselves. And she had never looked backed on her decision ever since Pumpkin's dad had walked in through that door for a "haircut". But now, years and several failed dates later she had found someone else.

"I know she's smart! But Thalia, I just…" she looked around as if she was struggling for the right words.

"You don't want to lose her," Thalia concluded. Pumpkin looked at her sadly.

"That obvious?" she murmured as she doodled again in her notebook. Thalia smiled. She reached over to cup Pumpkin's hand.

"Your mother will never leave you. Trust me," Thalia said and she meant it. She wasn't just saying it to make her feel better, she was saying it because it was true. Ms. Whirly was a wonderful woman who had somehow managed to overcome her husband's death without turning to drugs or alcohol. Not to mention, she had been able to raise Pumpkin into a beautiful girl with a wonderful personality to match and keep her business successful. It was a miracle Thalia had wanted to see in her life, but no matter how bitter she felt towards her own mother, she was thankful that not all mothers were the same.

"Really?"

"Really, really." Pumpkin smiled. As soon as they had finished their chores, they could hear the faint sound of keys jiggling at the door. Ms. Whirly walked in with such a bright smile, she lit up the whole room, like she always did.

"So how was it?" Thalia asked, as she and Pumpkin walked out of the living room to meet Ms. Whirly in the hall way.

"Like a movie," she said and Pumpkin giggled.

"What a corny pun mom!" Pumpkin laughed and Ms. Whirly stuck her tongue out. Thalia's expression was a little bit confused and Ms. Whirly explained.

"My date is a –"

"MOVIE STAR!" Pumpkin interrupted.

"An actor," Ms. Whirly said, hanging up her coat.

"Nice," Thalia commented, wondering how in the world Ms. Whirly had gotten a date with a famous person. Not only that, but deep down, she was burning with curiosity as in which actor, but she didn't want to pry, so she kept her mouth shut.

"I'll be right back with your pay!" Ms. Whirly said, as she bounded up the stairs.

"She looks happy," Thalia said. Happier than she had been last year, when Thalia had babysat Pumpkin the first time.

"She is," Pumpkin said softly. Ms. Whirly came back down and handed Thalia twenty bucks.

"Thank you so much for coming Thalia, I really appreciate it."

"No problem," Thalia said, picking up her bag from the floor. Ms. Whirly nodded.

"Well, excuse me, I have to get ready for work tomorrow. Have a nice night Thalia!" she said, as she bounded up the stairs again, her long blonde hair bouncing behind her.

"Bye Pumpkin," Thalia said as she grabbed the door knob.

"Bye Thalia," Pumpkin replied, as she gave Thalia a hug. Thalia opened the door when there was a shout from upstairs.

"ELIZABETH MARIE WHIRLY!" Thalia heard Ms. Whirly call from upstairs.

"I got to go, have fun!" Thalia blinked as Pumpkin nodded and bounded up the stairs with wide eyes. Thalia chuckled when she was outside and walked back to her apartment. The rest of the night was painstakingly long as Thalia finished writing her report on Shakespeare and finished her homework. She threw herself on the bed and stared at the ceiling. There had been no sign of her mother since Thalia had gotten back to her apartment. She wasn't sure if she was still in her bedroom, or out in a bar, but whichever it was, Thalia wasn't going to bother. Before long, she fell asleep.

Her dreams were darkness until there was a small flash of light followed by a loud bang. Thalia gasped and then she heard the soft echo of metal falling on a tiled floor.

"Who is it?! Who's there?!" Thalia yelled, but there was no answer. Thalia looked around, her wide eyes seeing nothing but darkness.

"I know you're there!" she yelled, as her sketchy breathing broke the endless silence. Suddenly, she was knocked to the floor and she felt an aching pain in her abdomen. She could feel something wet and she knew immediately what it was. She was now scared out of her wits. She struggled to her feet and when she looked up, she saw the smoking barrel of a gun an inch from her face. She could see the slow movement of someone's finger pulling the trigger and with a scream, she awoke covered in sweat. She leaned against her knees and tried to catch her breath and calm her nerves.

After a minute, she stood up and shook off the nightmare.

"It's just a dream," she mumbled under breath; a failed attempt to calm herself down. She changed her clothes, brushed her teeth and walked for another day of torture; school. And it was only Tuesday.

This time she wasn't late and she took her time walking down the halls to her classroom when a voice called her. She spun, to see her principal rolling towards her.

"Hi Mr. Brunner," she said, as he neared.

"Come to my office," he said, as he turned and rolled down another hall that led to his office. Thalia bit her lip. She was in enough trouble already, what could she have not done this time? But her fear quickly switched to anger as she remembered Cindy and she could already see that this was her doing. When they entered his office, she sat down and waited for Mr. Brunner to settle himself behind his desk.

"Thalia, I am sorry–"

"I didn't do it," Thalia interrupted defensively.

"I know."

"There was no way I could've– wait what?" Thalia asked, taken off guard by his quick agreement.

"I know you weren't the one who broke into Mrs. Diniro's room and spray-painted those words. You're off the hook," Mr. Brunner said, picking up a pen and opening a manila folder. Thalia sat there, mostly out of shock and curiosity. Mr. Brunner looked up when he realized Thalia hadn't moved.

"You may go," he said, adding a warm smile. Still confused, Thalia stood up and walked to her classroom muttering under her breath. The happiness she would've felt was now tainted by burning curiosity. Had Mr. Brunner found out it had really been Cindy? Or was it just his never ending generosity? Thalia shook her head. Either way, she was free of detention; one less thing to worry about.

The rest of the day was strangely peaceful. Probably because Cindy was absent today? No- yeah, that was exactly why. Thalia was basking in her absence and secretly hoping Cindy was sick and couldn't make it for the rest of the week. When school was over, she strolled over to the park she walked past every day to reach her apartment and stopped to sit at one of the benches. Today she decided she didn't want to sit inside her scrummy apartment. She wanted to enjoy the sunshine for once.

"Okay, so I have math, English and these history terms…" Thalia muttered as she rummaged through her books and gathered her homework. She was really enjoying this peaceful day, until…

"Hey," a voice said. She knew that voice and her eyes strayed up to see Percy sitting across her, on the other bench seat.

"Seat's taken," Thalia said, hoping he would get up and leave.

"Yeah, probably for your imaginary friends," Percy retorted. Thalia glared at him.

"What do you want?" Thalia asked, setting her pencil down and focusing her attention on the annoying kid in front of her.

"An explanation," he answered, as he rolled a baseball between his hands.

"For what?"

"For Sunday." Thalia rolled her eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Thalia said, as she picked up her pencil and started working again. Percy stopped rolling the baseball.

"You know exactly what. Look, I'm fine if you want nothing to do with me, but at least do it with a little more decency," he said, leaning forward so he didn't have to speak so loud. Thalia looked at him, anger beginning to burn in her stomach.

"You didn't have to come," she replied defensively.

"I wanted to," Percy answered and Thalia strained to hear a lie in what he had said, but she didn't find any and that scared her deep down.

"Why?" she asked, eyeing him. Percy shrugged.

"You needed me," he said.

"No, I didn't," Thalia quickly answered. How dare he say she needed him? She could do fine on her own, always has. Thalia felt a tad bit insulted.

"Fine, you didn't," Percy said, but Thalia knew he was just agreeing to avoid an argument. She didn't say anything else. She just started working again, doing her best to ignore his persistent presence.

"Why don't we start over?" Percy said when he realized Thalia wasn't going to talk. Thalia thought it over. Most of her screamed no, but an incredibly small part of her wanted to say yes. The small part won. She nodded softly and Percy smiled.

"My name is Percy, and you are?" he said, extending his hand.

"Thalia," she answered, shaking his hand.

"Good to meet you Thalia."

Okay guys, I think I'm back! Thanks to everyone for being understanding about it :) So, like always, tell me what you guys thought about the chapter and if there's any mistakes, let me know :)