"Clarissa! You've been there for an hour hurry up!" Percy yelled through the bathroom door.
They've woken up late, Clarissa's jet lag of almost 20 hours in the plane from Sydney to New York resulting in her waking up at 11:30. But even so, she still woke up earlier than Percy, making her chuckle. Typical Percy.
"Okay, okay, I'm out!" She yelled after she finished dressing up. She opened the door to find an irritated Percy who had his bathroom towel slung on his shoulder.
"I seriously don't understand why girls take so long." He muttered before going inside the bathroom and locking the door. She laughed before going to the guest bedroom where she usually stays. It was small, but convenient enough for her. The walls were painted cream and the floor was wooden. It had a single bed near the window, a lamp on its nightstand. There was also a small closet, a vanity set beside it. She sat down in front of the mirror and began to do her make up. It was just simple, not over the top. She was never a fan of doing her face as if she was going to attend a royal ball or a club party. Just a simple foundation, concealer, eyeliner and lipstick or lip-gloss and she was done. Her hair was naturally wavy so she didn't have to do anything with it. Standing up and going to her suitcase, she pulled out her knee high riding boots and put it on.
After a few minutes, Percy knocked on her door and opened it, leaning against the doorway.
His sister was fashionable, that was no doubt. She got it from her mom, making him smile a bit after remembering Claire. Clarissa was wearing a blue and white striped shirt under a batwing sleeve knitted cardigan. Her dark skinny jeans were tucked in her brown riding boots; a grey scarf was in her hand.
"What?" Clarissa asked him as she stood up, pocketing her phone. "Wait, let me commend whoever dressed you up because you don't look like the fashion less brother I had before."
Percy looked down at his outfit, confused. He was only wearing a beige knitted sweater with olive green pants and brown sneakers. What was fashionable at that?
"I'm only-"
"It looks good." Clarissa said, patting his shoulder before going down to the dining room. Percy grinned; it was an achievement since Clarissa never really liked the way he dressed before, often teasing him about it. He chuckled and went down, joining his family once again for lunch.
"What's your plan today?" Sally asked. Paul had left early for work, since it wasn't even winter break yet. The two teenagers looked at each other. They'd already got it planned ahead.
"Well, we plan to go in the apartment that my grandparents used to live at. That's the agenda for today. He'll help me unpack and all that stuff." Clarissa said before taking a spoonful of mash potatoes.
"And Thalia also plans to meet us at Central Park tomorrow-"
"No way!" Clarissa said, suddenly excited at their visit to Central Park. She didn't want to at first since it was really cold. Thalia is a great friend, both of Percy's and hers. She met her around the third time she had visited Percy, about two years ago. She remembered the shocked face Thalia had the first time they met as if not believing she was alive. Even though Thalia was shocked and creep out at first, they became friends.
"Yep."
They said goodbye to Sally and hop in Percy's car, driving to the address of 157 west, 57th street, Manhattan, New York City. It was a bit far from Queens but their sing along made time flew by fast, and before they knew it, they were standing in front of One57. The tall skyscraper always catches the eyes of many, since it was practically one of the tallest buildings there is. They had no problem acquiring the room keys and all that, the lady in the lobby telling,
"Mr. and Mrs. Hayward had called already, everything is set up ma'am."
The two nodded, looking at each other and gaping.
"When Grams said that they lived in a simple apartment I certainly did not expect this!" Clarissa said, gazing at the beautiful view the apartment had to offer. It was a spectacular view of Manhattan's skyline, the buildings seemed like they are touching the sky, and Central Park looked like a majestic forest, filled with luscious green trees that are in contrast with the city buildings.
They were interrupted by Clarissa's phone ringing, and she quickly answered without even looking at the Caller ID.
"Clarissa dear, how do you like your new lot?"
"I think a teenager shouldn't even live here!" Clarissa exclaimed. As she waked to the bedroom, Percy trailed after her, amazed by the suite. He chuckled as soon as he heard her response and immediately knew it was her Grams. Clarissa was never the one to like extravagant things like her mom, but her grandparents are a different matter. Cassandra and Martin Hayward were lavish people, only wanting the best money can offer. And since both she and her mom were only child, they showered them with everything they can. However, they are as kind as they are spendthrift. They both accepted Clarissa's dad no problem, and will not stand anything that makes them both happy.
"Oh don't be melodramatic sweetheart, I think it's perfect." Gramps said, making Clarissa groan. "It was where your mom stayed when she was taking her college degree and we've kept it even when she left."
Percy watched her sister's face soften, a small smile on her lips.
"Yeah, mom used to tell me stories when she lived here." She said, putting her hand in a pocket, staring at the view.
"I'm sorry we couldn't be there Clary." Clary, that's what they called her when she was a child since she was too small to pronounce her whole name. She chuckled, assuring her grandparents that it was fine, leaning against the glass wall.
"But we'll visit, things are just hectic here in the office." Gramps said and she nodded. She understood them, running a business isn't easy. Someone called their names and she knew they had to go. They said their goodbyes and reminders, making Clary laugh.
"No boys allowed except for your brother okay?" Gramps said, making Percy laugh. "You take good care of her Percy!"
"I will Gramps." They insisted on Percy calling them Grams and Gramps as soon as they found out that their only granddaughter had a half brother. He was thankful for them, and so was his mom.
"And no alcohol allowed!"
"Yes Grams," Clarissa said, shaking her head. "Bye, love you both."
"We love you too Clarissa. Stay safe."
Beep.
She put her phone on her pocket and just sat on the bed. So this was where mom had spent most of her time in New York. She wondered if she had reacted the same way as she did, and she knew her mom did. Claire was never the one for these kinds of things. She was thankful for everything but too much extravagance in her life was just a plain no. Clarissa turned to Percy who was looking around. He opened a door in the bedroom and went in.
"Woah! Is this even a bathroom or a resort?"
Clarissa laughed, standing up and joining her brother. She can mull over her life later. The bathroom was huge. The bathtub was near a glass wall, offering an exquisite view while you pamper yourself in a bubble bath. There was of course, a shower, sink and toilet. They went out and explored more, inspecting the huge kitchen, which was amazingly stocked with different kinds of food. The walk in closet had shocked Percy, he'd never seen that much clothes in his life.
"How many clothes does a woman even need?" He asked, walking around. "I could live with two shirts and a pair of pants for almost a week."
"Girls are not as gross." Clarissa said, reading the envelope her Grandparents sent her.
Saw these and thought you might like it.
Ps. Hope it's not too much
Pps. Percy and Sally has clothes in two racks, give them our love.
Not too much? Her walk in closet was almost filled with clothes! She groaned. She folded the envelope and put it back to its place.
"Percy, that rack is yours and the other is Sally's. Gramps and Grams sends their love." Percy looked at the only rack that contained boy's clothes and a grin formed on his face.
"Sweet." He said, turning to Clarissa who was watching him with a smile. He smiled back. "Give our thanks to them."
"I will, now you won't have to wear unfashionable clothing all the time." She joked, making him roll his eyes as he went to her and they finally started to unpack after exploring the large apartment. They opened the boxes and started to organize.
It was almost 3:30 when they finished, sitting back on the soft couch. Clarissa looked around; the place surely came to life. She passed the bowl of popcorn to Percy as they watched a movie.
"You know, it's a shock that Dad allowed me to finally live here." She said, not bothering to look at her brother.
She lived in Australia ever since she was born. Aside from her grandparents not wanting to grow up far from them, she soon learned that her own father didn't want her near New York. She didn't know why and there was a stage of growing up when she thought that her own Dad didn't want her, but then Percy came and explained everything. She didn't believe it at first, laughed at it even, but when she saw her Dad, she knew there was not a single lie in what Percy had told her. Her father was a God, an Olympian God. It was he, Poseidon, who explained the threats that could endanger her when she lived there. But Percy lived here, she remembered retorting back to her father who just laughed. Turns out, Percy was attending some kind of Camp that she can't attend because of some 'matters'. Percy and Thalia agreed it was for the best, so she just let it go. She focused on her studies and she would learn Karate and other fighting techniques with a private tutor. She'd go one on one with her brother who also teachers her, along with Thalia ever since she met her. She's pretty good, Thalia says it runs in their genes.
"Speaking of Dad," Percy said, sitting up properly, wanting to change the topic. "He wants to see you, can he come by dinner here?"
Clarissa looked at him, eyes slightly wide. It has been four, or was it five, years that she had last seen her father. She had changed, and so did her brother so he must have changed too. All Percy gave her a reassuring smile.
"Sure, I guess…" She said, shrugging as if it was no big deal. But it was, a huge deal actually. "Wait, how did he know I've arrived?"
"He's a god Clarissa, of course he'll know." Percy said, chuckling at him. "Now come on, let's go down the street to get some of our favorite food for dinner."
They went down the street, enjoying a hot chocolate from Starbucks as they went and bought their favorite foods.
"So… how are you?" She asked, looking at him.
"I'm fine, why do you ask?"
"You know, you just survived two wars, and well, Annabeth..." Clarissa said, walking casually. She wasn't there at her funeral, or the burning of her shroud in their terms. Since she was not allowed to set foot in Olympus, she can't. She was a hero who sacrificed her life for Olympus, for demigods.
"Move on Seaweed Brain… don't get stuck on me." She said as life began to leave her eyes. Percy was holding her tight, her blood staining his clothes and arms.
"Never." He answered, tears down her face as people crowded over them, sad eyes looking at the pair. Annabeth chuckled, but ended up coughing blood. She weakly put her hand on his cheeks, glazed gray eyes gazing at his sea green ones.
"You have to." She said, a weak smile on her face. "Thank you so- so much Seaweed Brain." And with that, her eyes gazed her mother who was freely letting tears stream down her face.
"Make sure he doesn't get in my shroud mom." She said and Athena could only smile weakly, nodding.
"I love you Percy."
Her eyes now stared at the sunset, and then her arm fell from his cheeks. She's gone.
The snow fell around them, this would have been the best scenario of a drama but the bustling city of New York was never silent. Percy sighed, shaking his head. It has been almost a year since her death, and he had moved on, thanks to everyone who supported him. It was hard, seeing her shroud burn into flames. He remembered locking himself up in his room, trying to deal with it by himself. But he couldn't and he was thankful for his friends and his parents who helped him through it. Clarissa would constantly call him, asking if he was okay and he'd always put on a happy face for his sister.
"I'm surprisingly fine. Almost a year ago, I thought I wouldn't be, but look at me now. Same old Percy." He said, smiling at her. It was the truth, he was happy. He had moved on as she told him too. He slung his arms on her shoulders, pulling her for a side hug as they walked. He kissed her sister's forehead. He had missed her.
"You'll be fine too." He said. Clarissa closed her eyes and leaned to her brother, nodding, hoping he was right.
They arrived back at the condominium and were now laughing, their deep talk way past them. The elevator stopped and as the door slid open, the two were met with their father looking around the apartment. How he got in, they'll never know. They looked at each other before looking at their dad.
He was dressed in his usual get up, a Tommy Bahama shirt with waves on it and khaki Bermuda shorts with his black, leather Birkenstocks. He looked like he just flew all the way to Hawaii and straight to the apartment. He was too focused on looking on something, his back turned on them.
Poseidon was surprised when the lady gave him a spare key of her daughter's apartment. The lady explained that Clarissa's grandparents called and told to let him in the apartment. He smiled and went up, going in the suite he knew so well. He opened the door and was greeted by the same sight that he used to see. He walked around; nothing much has changed yet it seemed so different. A few furniture that surely belonged to Clarissa were now placed around the lot. He stopped by a shelf near the living room area, where pretty frames with different pictures were lined up. One was her on her seventh birthday, standing near the giant cake as she smiled widely, dressed as a princess. The other was her on the first day of school, the wind blowing her long hair, covering her excited smile. There was one with her grandparents on a formal picture. He stopped at the last two photos, taking time with them. The second to the last was of her and Percy. They were both a bit young, sitting on the poolside with milkshakes in hand. Percy had his arms slung on his sister's shoulders, smiling widely as Clarissa also grinned, hugging him. He smiled, the two were so close even before. The last, made his smile disappear. It was Claire and Clarissa, both wearing Minnie Mouse ears. Clarissa was smiling while Claire kissed her daughter's head.
"I'm Claire," The beautiful woman said, smiling at him. Poseidon smiled back, their hands meeting for a handshake.
"I'm Poseidon."
"That's an unusual name." She said, laughing. Oh how he loved her laugh already, it made his heart flutter. "But it's nice meeting you."
"Dad?" Percy's voice rang in the apartment, making him turn around. Percy was smiling at him, standing next to his sister. Poseidon greeted him and hugged him before Percy excused himself to prepare dinner. His eyes turned to his youngest who was smiling at him
"Hi Dad." She said and before she knows it, she was enveloped in a big hug. Poseidon hugged her as if this would be his last, a tear trickling down his cheek. Clarissa breathed out before hugging him back.
"I'm sorry about your mom, she-"
"It's okay Dad. It's okay, really." She said, reassuring him that it was fine. He nodded, not wanting to push this further. Clarissa savored every moment of the hug, realizing how much she missed him. He was still as warm as ever, as caring and gentle as before. Flashbacks of every birthday that she'll wait for him came, and caused a few tears to come out.
"Look at you," He said as she broke away from the hug. He held her at arms length, looking at her. She truly had grown, he was almost as tall as her brother, her pitch black hair now long. Her face had matured and she had developed but her eyes still remained the same. It still held the happiness, the warmth and the determination that he always sees whenever she gazes on her eyes. "You've grown so much."
She merely chuckled at him before inviting him to the dining table.
The three had an eventful dinner, catching up and all. Poseidon suddenly wished that it could always be like this, watching as the two threw retorts and insults against each other. It made him laugh, causing them to laugh as well.
"So, how's Cassandra and Martin?" Poseidon asked as he took a bit of the chicken.
"Oh they're fine, still running the company and everything."
"And still spoiling us." Percy added, making Poseidon chuckle. Same old Cassandra and Martin.
"And how's both your schooling?" Poseidon asked, making Percy choke as Clarissa laughed at him. Percy drank water and finished the glass, still coughing as he finished.
"Uh, same old, same old?" Percy asked, making Poseidon laugh as well.
"Mine's fine." Clarissa answered
"And your training?" He asked Clarissa since she hasn't attended Camp to learn how to fight.
"Oh, I've mastered Karate and other stuffs. Been practicing sword fights and a couple more weapons with a private tutor. Percy teaches me whenever I come by." She shrugged.
"I'm telling you dad, she's a natural." Percy said. "She could use her water powers easily, and she can even control the earth now. I could probably leave her alone to defend herself and she'd kill every monster in sight."
"Oh Percy you're almost making me blush." Clarissa joked, laughing. "I'm not that great. I just have a great teacher."
She turned to her dad.
"He said something good so I have to say at least something- OW!" Percy flicked her forehead across the table.
The dinner continued heartily, everyone just enjoying the company of one another.
"I'm afraid I need to leave now my dears, but drop by tomorrow at Atlantis if you can. You can visit around morning or noon since we have a meeting in the afternoon." Poseidon said and the two nodded, standing up to go with their dad as he went out the door. Before he can step outside, he turned and hugged them both once more. "I love you both, you take care and stay safe, okay?" They hugged him back and promised they'd be careful. He nodded and pulled away, a bit teary eyed. They both said their goodbye, watching their dad disappear.
"That's a wonderful dinner." Clarissa said as she finished washing the dishes, joining her brother in their sofa, continuing the movie they were watching.
"Mind if I crashed in for the night?" Percy asked.
"As if I have a say in the matter." Clarissa said, smiling as she threw a throw pillow at his face.
Today had been a great day, but there was a gut feeling that tomorrow wouldn't be.
_
Hi, BubblyFx here! Thanks so much for those who favorite and followed, it means so much! Hope you liked this one! Anyways, here's a super small sneak peek for the next chapter!
"I believe someone unknown is not to be trusted unless shown who they are." Athena said stoically, making Percy curse. He looked to Thalia before looking to his father, trying to talk to him telepathically.
'Dad, they can't see her. Who knows what they'd do to her-'
'I know Percy. I will teleport you to Atlantis, along with Thalia. We shall stay there for the time being, we'll figure out what to do there.'
'But won't Amphitrite-'
'She is fine with her Percy, she will help. Now, Thalia can you hear me?'
'Yes uncle.'
'My powers aren't allow to go beyond the barrier. Wait for me as I break this, I'll be transporting us to my palace in Atlantis. Protect her while I gather enough energy.'
The two nodded and brought out their weapons.
Hope to see you next chapter, byeee!
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