Frank
After their group cleaned up what they used from Piper's kitchen - in which Frank made sure to stay away from any fragile objects - they soon went home.
Frank was currently walking alongside Annabeth because of two reasons: her house is near his house, and he has poor sense of direction - he could easily get lost unless the area's familiar to him.
The only person who knew outside of his family is Annabeth since she seems to be the only person who won't mock him. Jason and Piper was out of his options since they are close friends of Leo, who tends to mock him whenever he can. Hazel is also out of the question since, well it's Hazel. He could barely form coherent sentences when talking to her. Plus, it could be somehow a turn off if she knew that he has poor sense of direction.
"Well, this is my stop. You know how to get home?" Annabeth asked.
"I think. It's two blocks away from here, right?" Frank checked.
"Yup. Well. Have a good day, Frank. See you tomorrow!" Annabeth waved before she went inside.
Frank reached for his keys in his pocket as he reached their home.
"Grandmother, I'm home" Frank called. He went straight into the laundry to wash his used garments.
Frank yawned as he waited for his laundry to finish, exhaustion from their activities earlier catching up to him.
"The laundry won't finish themselves, Fai" Frank jumped when he heard his grandmother. He didn't notice that he fell asleep.
"I'm sorry, grandmother. Today was just a tiring day, that's all" Frank grabbed his garments from the washing machine before he followed his grandmother.
"If you're tired, you should have rested before doing the laundry. You could have left them there and I could have done them myself" His grandmother chided.
"But I don't want to bother you, grandmother. Besides, it might take a toll on your health" Frank frowned.
"Silly! I'm still as strong as ever! Stupid doctor, thinking that he knows me more than myself" His grandmother scowled.
"Then why do we have to leave?" Frank asked. His grandmother fell silent for a moment before she answered.
"Let's just say that I got tired from that doctor's nonsense" His grandmother said before she went inside her room, leaving Frank alone.
-X-
Frank sprawled on his bed, contemplating whether he should take a rest already or not. He decided on the latter option.
He looked around his room, trying to search for something that he could spnd his time on. In case you are wondering, his room is bigger than an average room. Being the only son and grandson had its perks. You see, his grandmother decided to merge the spare room with his room, so his room has the space of two rooms.
The first thing he saw was his punching bag, which was attached to the ceiling of his room. A workout could have been a good idea, but he is as tired as one can be as of the moment so passed on that idea.
The second thind he saw was his bows - one is a mechanical bow and the other is a traditional bow - and a quiver of arrows; his bows were hanging at the wall while his quiver of arrows lie underneath them. Shooting targets was also his other favorite pastime but he also passed on this idea with the same reason as before.
The third thing he saw was his phone which he immediately ignorned. It's not like someone's going to text him randomly. The only people who'll most likely text him out of the blue were his grandmother, only if he's not home and most of her texts would be reminders and some random things like 'Don't be out late' and 'You're lactose intolerant'; and Annabeth, whose texts were mostly about assignments for ARGO.
The next thing he saw were his musical instruments, namely a guitar, a keyboard, and a violin. However, he wasn't just in the mood to play the said instruments.
The last thing he saw was his laptop, which he promptly turned on, excitement and nervousness etched on his face. Well, it has only been a week since his mom last messaged him so let him feel anxious.
Frank quickly opened a few tabs and went on to different pages at once, hoping at least one of those tabs contain his mom's message.
Carefully, he scanned the page for any notification regarding his mom, which was quite easy since he barely received any notification at all. Dejectedly, he closed each tab one by one, his hope that his mom left him a message quickly going down. He was about to close one last tab when a notification popped up; a message from his mom. His mom's message went:
Hey, Frank!
I'm really sorry that I wasn't able to contact you this past few days. Mommy's really busy at work but I know that it is not enough reason.
Anyway, how are you? Have you already met any new friends? How about a 'special someone'? *wink emoticon* Ah, my baby boy is growing up! I'm already excited to see your friends and your girlfriend, or boyfriend. It doesn't really matter.
Also, how's your grandmother? Is her health still deteriorating? It might be quite tedious but I hope you're looking after her, alright?
But enough with the chitchat. I have both good news and bad news, and knowing you, you'll opt to know the bad news first.
Remember when I said that Mommy's busy at work? What mommy meant was I was busy recovering from my, thankfully, non-fatal injury during one of our encounters with the terrorists[1]. Don't worry! Mommy's all fine now but please don't tell your grandmother, for now. With her current situation, we don't know how this information could affect her. Smile up, baby. I can see and feel your frown and you know that it makes mommy feel sad, right?
Now, on to your most anticipated good news! I've met your father while I'm recovering from my injuries. From what he says, he immediately went to where I am being stitched up when he heard that I was injured. Isn't he sweet? Now you know where you got your sweetness from. But! The best news isn't written on the body of this message. It's on the post script.
P.S. See you in two months! *smiling emoticon*
Frank stared at his mom's message, wide eyed and mouth agape. The content of the message made him feel a roller coaster of emotions, varying from embarassment, worry, nervousness, and glee, yet his mind only focused on two things: his mom's injured and his mom's going home in two months.
-X-
After typing up a short yet meaningful response, he decided to shut his laptop off and take a rest, but before he could do so, another notification popped up; it's their group chat for the ARGO.
Annabeth Chase added Percy Jackson to the group.
Leo Valdez: Yo, Percy! Welcome to da gang! Ah, now that people know u know me, I'm sure the ladies would flock u as well. Just so u know, I'm happy to share my ladies
Annabeth Chase: First off, Leo, spell your words correctly, please. I'll leave the rest to Piper. She's better at this than me.
Piper McLean: First, Leo, you suck. Second, you don't have ladies. The only lady you have in your life is your mom. Lastly, you suck
Hazel Levesque: you said 'Leo sucks' twice, Piper.
Piper McLean: 'cause that's how lame Leo is
Leo Valdez: I really feel ur love guys
Percy Jackson: Ignore them, Leo. There just envious
Annabeth Chase: *they're*
Percy Jackson: *they're*
Percy Jackson: Wow. Someone's got some hot eye from incorrect grammar
Percy Jackson: Anyway, where's Jason?
Hazel Levesque: Last time I saw him, he was with Leo
Leo Valdez: He's with me and he's currently busy
Piper McLean: with what?
Annabeth Chase: I bet it's about his obsession with his so-called 'waifus'. I don't even know what that is.
Leo Valdez: O.O
Piper McLean: O.O
Hazel Levesque: O.O
Percy Jackson: O.O
Annabeth Chase: What?
Percy Jackson: Wise Girl isn't wise anymore
Annabeth Chase: Say that again one more time and I'm going to gut you alive and feed you your entrails.
Frank Zhang: Ew.
Percy Jackson: Oh, hi Frank!
Frank Zhang: *Like emoticon*
Percy Jackson: Not a fan of words, aren't ya?
Leo Valdez: Don't mind him, Percy. I'm actually quite surprised he typed something. Most of the times, he only gives us likes and 'K's
Jason Grace: My 'waifus' aren't some 'that', Annabeth, they're 'they'
Annabeth Chase: I don't even understand what you mean.
Piper McLean: Same
Hazel Levesque: Same
Leo Valdez: you girls dont understand what we guys care for
Percy Jacksom: Same
Leo Valdez: Uh, Percy you dont know what waifus are?
Percy Jackson: nope
Leo Valdez: but you're a guy!
Percy Jackson: so?
Annabeth Chase: Apparently, people don't understand what you idiots care for.
Leo Valdez: are you even a guy?
Percy Jackson: Well, I got a dick and I don't have boobs so you tell what I am
Annabeth Chase: An idiot.
Piper McLean: Percy! Mind your language! We've got innocent eyes here! *covers Frazel's eyes*
Leo Valdez: wtf is Frazel
Annabeth Chase: I bet it's one of Piper's 'ships'.
Piper McLean: Correct, as usual, Ms. Chase! 10 points for Ravenclaw!
Percy Jackson: I don't know about guys but I'm tired. I'll take a rest now. Just text me or something
Piper McLean: Same. Good night!
Leo Valdez: Good night, me amigós!
Hazel Levesque: Good night!
Frank Zhang: *Like emoticon*
Frank yawned, his exhaustion finally making him sleepy. He shut his laptop off and decided to rest his eyes a bit before taking a shower and finally taking his well-awaited rest.
-X-
Frank woke up around 5:30 AM, few minutes after his grandmother woke up. In case you are wondering why he wakes up this early, his grandmother made it a policy that everyone in her house should be at bed by 9:00 PM and should be up by 6:00 AM, and Frank always made sure that he never face his grandmother's wrath, ever again.
Frank decided to make himself a mug of hot chocolate, which he promptly burnt his own fingers while pouring hot water into his mug, while his grandmother just watched some early morning news while sipping on her hot cup of tea. He walked out to their porch while sucking on his burnt fingers, trying to soothe the stinging pain.
"Fingers for breakfast? Interesting" Annabeth chuckled. She was wearing white tank top and gray jogging pants, obviously on her way for her early morning jogs.
"Eef not wa you teek" Frank denied. Annabeth just raised her eyebrow. He realized what he did wrong. He immediately pulled his fingers from his mouth.
"Sorry. What I said was 'it's not what you think'. I'm just trying to soothe my fingers which I accidentally burnt while making this" He raised his mug of hot chocolate.
"Oh, poor little guy" Annabeth symphatized as she walked to their porch.
"Little guy? I'm taller than you by, I don't know 13 centimeters?" Frank grinned.
"Around 5 inches" Annabeth corrected him playfully.
"Pfft. Americans and their imperial system" Frank rolled his eyes. Annabeth laughed at his expression. "Want some?" He offered his mug of hot chocolate.
"Sure" Annabeth took a large sip before returning the mug to Frank. "Thanks. That was nice"
Both of them fell into silence before Frank broke it.
"Aren't you going for a jog?" Frank asked.
"You are hating my company, aren't you?" Annabeth frowned but before Frank could respond, she laughed. "You really do get flustered easily. Anyway, I'll be going now. Piper's place later?"
"Sure. I'll meet you all there" Frank nodded as Annabeth lightly jogged to where she was moments before but before she left, she turned back.
"But knowing you, you'll probably get lost so I'll fetch you later, okay?" Annabeth teased before she resumed her jog.
"Annabeth!" Frank cried as she left. Now he regret telling Annabeth about that.
"Shut up, Fai! You'll wake up the neighbors!" He heard his grandmother yell from the inside of their house. He immediately covered his mouth with his hand, which unfortunately was holding his mug of hot chocolate, therefore pouring its content all over his shirt and shorts. He bit back a cry as its content burnt his skin.
-X-
After taking a quick shower and changing into another clean set of clothes, he went downstairs and found her grandmother still watching TV. He decided to break the news to her, not telling what his mother told him not to tell.
"Mom's going home in two months" His grandmother turned, her face showing interest, as she lowered the volume of the TV.
"Finally, that stubborn mother of yours is finally going home. You've already told her that we aren't in Canada anymore, have you?" His grandmother asked, which he replied with a surprised 'Oh!'. "You forgot? I don't know if you are smart or an idiot" She shook her head.
"I'll tell her as soon as possible" He averted his gaze from his grandmother.
"Well, how was she?" His grandmother asked, her attention once again on the TV.
"W-Well, she said she was fine" He lied. His grandmother stared at him for a few seconds before she shrugged.
"If that's what she said. Anyway, your breakfast is ready. Suit yourself"
Set at the table was his favorite - poached agg and bacon on toast with a glass of orange juice. He ate his breakfast and after finishing his breakfast, he immediately picked his used utensils up and settled them beside the sink.
"Just leave them there. I'll do the dishes later" Frank heard his grandmother call from the living room. He then walked to the stairs. When he reached the first step, he turned tp his grandmother.
"If you'll excuse me, grandmother, I'll message mom that we're not in Canada. What should I tell her?"
"Just tell her to book a flight to New York instead and meet us as Montauk. Also, tell her to send us a message once she arrived. That woman will have a mouthful from me" Even though she scowled, Frank saw a glimpse of relief in her eyes, though it just might be his imagination.
"Sure, grandmother. I'm in my room if you need me"
-X-
After sending a short message to his grandmother, he noticed another notification from ARGO group chat.
Piper McLean: Guys I need help. Jason's being weird
Jason Grace: You know I can see this, right?
Piper McLean: *eye roll GIF*
Hazel Levesque: So, what's the problem?
Piper McLean: He went to my house so I let him in
Leo Valdez: Oooooooh!
Piper McLean: So he went in and suddenly he kept muttering about 'she's coming' and I don't even know who she is
Piper McLean: Shut up, Leo!
Annabeth Chase: I don't see any 'major' problem.
Annabeth Chase: Plus, I think you're overreacting.
Piper McLean: Me? Overreacting? Oh, please. Any sane girlfriend would react the same when they found out that their boyfriend is getting worried about a girl
Leo Valdez: #jealous
Piper McLean: NO IM NOT
Hazel Levesque: You know Jason can read this right? Just ask him who 'she' is
Leo Valdez: Maybe it's his grandmother or something. Jeez, calm your panties woman
Hazel Levesque: O_O
Annabeth Chase: Don't mind Leo. Hazel's right. Just ask him.
Piper McLean: Fine. Btw, you're still gonna come at my place right?
Hazel Levesque: Sure!
Leo Valdez: No prob
Annabeth Chase: Yup
Frank Zhang: *Like emoticon*
Percy Jackson: you know that all of you just woke me up right?
Percy Jackson: how the hell are you all awake at 8?
Percy Jackson: and what's going on? im too tired to backread zzz
Annabeth Chase: First of all, I don't care if we woke you up. It's not our fault you forgot to mute your notifications. Second, I'm also quite surprised Leo, Hazel, and Piper are awake by this time. They usually get up around noon. Lastly, Piper's jealous at someone she don't know. Plus, we'll be hanging out at Piper's right now.
Annabeth Chase: Oh, and Frank. I'm at your door.
Frank immediately grabbed his phone and rushed out of his room when he collided with someone.
"Wow. First, you eat your fingers for breakfast. Now, you tackle your visitors as a greeting. What's next, Zhang?" Annabeth groaned.
"I'm sorry!" Frank immediately stood up and offered a hand at Annabeth, which she gladly took. "I thought when you said you were in my door, you meant at the front door, not my room's door"
"Details" Annabeth waved her hand dismissively. "The point is I was at your door. Anyways, come on, let's go!"
"What's the hurry?"
"I want to see how the drama goes" Annabeth dragged Frank down the stairs.
"You're interested at what my grandmother's watching? That's lame!" Frank frowned.
"I heard you!" Annabeth and Frank flinched at his grandmother's voice.
"No. What I meant was Piper. She's all dramatic when she wants to be, you know"
Frank sighed as Annabeth dragged him along towards Piper's place.
-X-
Author's Note:
[1] When I said terrorists, I do not mean that people from Afghanistan were terrorists. In this story, there's a war raging on at Afghanistan and the American and Canadian forces were fighting against terrorists. Just to be clear.