Karen Kelly P.O.V

I knocked softly on the wooden door of apartment number 24 and waited patiently for a response.

"I'm coming." A soft voice answered from inside.

A voice I guessed belonged to my former co-worker from Sweets on America and close friend, Sally Jackson.

I had last saw Sally about a year ago, before she seemed to drop off the map. I recently got back in touch with her-via email- and she told me to stop by to catch up.

Soon the door opened and revealed a petite kind looking woman, with long silky brown hair that had streaks of grey in it, and eyes that sparkled and changed color in the light.

She was wearing a long grey sweater, simple jeans, and her hair was pulled up into a high bun.

Same old Sally I thought.

However, I couldn't help but notice that there were some small things different about her.

Her eyes had black bags under them- probably from lack of sleep- she looked to have lost some weight she couldn't afford to lose, and her face seemed to dawn new visible worry lines.

"Karen!" she exclaimed, pulling me in for a warm friendly hug.

I tried not to seem panicked at the feel of her bones through her clothes.

"Hey Sally, long time no see." I said, breaking embrace.

"I know. Things have been busy- you know- with everything." She said, with a forced smile.

I couldn't help but feel confused. The last time I had spoken to Sally she was engaged to Paul, so why did she seem so upset?

"Oh, I bet." I said smiling back.

Sally then moved back into the apartment, and I followed close behind.

Once inside the small but cozy living room we headed into the kitchen, where a kettle was boiling for tea.

Along the walls of the apartment I noticed some picture frames of a smiling small boy, with bright green eyes and long black hair.

Wait I thought. I know that face.

Oh of course! Sally's little boy.

Gosh it's been years since I last saw that boy; he must be at least 17 by now.

I remembered when Sally had brought him into the shop one shift.

He had these bright wide green eyes that seemed to look at everything at once. I remembered how that adorable boy ran around the shop touching and knocking everything down, only to be followed by a small "Sorwy" or "oops."

I remember thinking about how much of a handful the boy must have been,-but not a bad handful-, one that would make you laugh and forget about your troubles.

Although there were pictures of the boy there seemed to be no other evidence that he lived here.

I decided that Sally must just be a clean freak.

Sally walk towards the screaming kettle and moved it to a cold element.

"You drink Earl Grey, right?" Sally asked me kindly.

"Yeah, two sugars-"I started to say.

"And one cream," Sally finished, pouring the steaming water on the tea bag.

I lowed myself into one of the wooden dining chairs and smiled.

"I'm still that predictable, eh?" I asked her.

She laughed gently, "No, I just have a good memory."

She finished making up the drinks and sat down on the other side of the table.

"So, how have you been?" She asked me, stirring her tea absentmindedly.

"Great. Tyler just got accepted into NYU." I said, beaming proudly.

There was a brief flash of sadness in Sally's eyes, but it quickly past.

"That's fantastic, what's he studying?" She asked, and soon I was wrapped up in telling her everything that's been going on in my life.

Throughout the story Sally would smile, laugh, or just nod. I had really missed talking to her; she always seemed truly interested in what I was saying.

Once I was done with my tale, I started to wonder about Sally's life.

How was everything with Paul? What was her son up to? How was her book coming along? And why are there so many blue cookies in this house?

I was about to ask some of my questions when a blinking light caught my eye.

"Hey, Sally you have a missed message." I said, pointing to her answering machine.

Sally waved her hand that my comment.

"No, It's just something important I have to remember." Sally told me, her eyes brimming with sorrow.

That' when I decided to stop holding my tough. There was clearly something going on with her.

"Sally what's wrong? You seem heartbroken." I asked her, concern rising on my face.

Sally opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by the sound of the front door creeking opening.

"Paul?" Sally asked, looking over at the clock that read 2:30.

"Mom?" a gruff voice called out.

I watched as Sally's eyes widen as she raced from her chair.

"Percy!" She cried running to the kitchen doorway.

Soon a large teen stood in the doorway with a backpack slung over their shoulder.

"Hey mom," he said simply, but judging by Sally's face she's been waiting for this for a while.

"You're home!" she wept, wrapping the boy in a bone crushing hug.

"Hey, I promised, "he smiled sadly, wrapping his arms around his mother.

I was still a little shocked by what was going on.

Clearly where ever this boy had been it was the reason why Sally looked so damaged when I came in.

Percy took a step into the kitchen, letting the light hit him more clearly.

He looked to be about a head or so taller than his mother-whose face was buried in his chest- he had long ink black hair that curled slightly around his ears, and his green eyes still held the same brightness they did as a child.

And even though he looked warn, tired, and more mature, I still couldn't help but be reminded of the little boy who giggled at the ding of the cash register.

I watched as Sally's hug tightened around her boy.

"Easy," he told her wincing a bit," Tyson already fractured a couple of ribs."

She laughed quietly and loosened her grip.

"It's just, your back. They told me what happened with you and Annabeth." She said breathlessly as a tear fell from her eye.

I felt like I should leave, like I was intruding on a private family moment, but it was too beautiful to look away.

Percy wrapped his arms tighter around his mother and started to sooth her.

"I'm so sorry." He said, rubbing small circles on her back.

"I stay up way past my bedtime and I didn't even wear a jacket" He said, slightly grinning.

His mother laughed, finally breaking embrace.

"Well in that case, you're grounded." She said smiling up at him.

Percy laughed, "Best punishment I've gotten in a long time."

Sally reached up and patted her son on the cheek before saying,

"Go put your stuff away, I'll make you something to eat, you're far too skinny." She said laughing.

Percy looked very pleased with the statement and headed towards his room.

Once he was gone I coughed awkwardly and stood up.

"Well, I'd better get going." I said lamely.

Sally turned, sending me a sheepish smile.

"I'm sorry Karen- its just-," She started to explain, but I raised my hand to stop her.

"It's just that important thing you have to deal with." I said to her, looking over that the blinking message light.

Sally smiled and hugged me farewell.

"Thank you, we'll catch up some other time." She told me.

I laughed, "We better."

I grabbed my bag and headed towards the door, hoping that someday my questions would be answered.

And that's how I learnt how strong Sally's bond was with her son.

Another Percy one, I know, I'm horrible.

But the next one will either be an Annabeth or Leo.

Let me know what you thought in the reviews :)

Thanks for reading, means a lot.