2| Three Old Ladies Knit the Socks of Death
For the rest of the school year, Percy would spring a Mrs Dodds reference on somebody, including me and Grover. Over time his grades went from D's to F's, he started more fights with Nancy. After a while he was not welcomed to Yancy Academy next year.
Currently I am with Mr Brunner and Grover in his office talking about Percy.
Grover: 'I mean, a Kindly One in the school! Now that we know for sure, and they know too-'
Mr Brunner: 'We would only make matters worse by rushing him. We need the boy to mature more.'
Grover: 'But he may not have time. The summer solstice deadline-'
Mr Brunner: 'Will have to be resolved without him, Grover. Let him enjoy his ignorance while he still can.'
Grover: 'Sir, he saw her...'
Y/N: His imagination, The Mist over the students and staff will be enough to convince him of that.'
Mr Brunner: 'Yes, that's right.'
Grover: 'Sir, I... I can't fail in my duties again. You know what that would mean.'
Mr Brunner: 'You haven't failed, Grover. I should have seen her for what she was. Now let's just worry about keeping Percy alive until next autumn-'
We hear a thud outside our door, and Mr Brunner went silent. Then Mr Brunner returned to his original state and he grabs his bow. And we walk outside and look around, then Mr Brunner walks back to us.
Mr Brunner: 'Nothing. My nerves haven't been right since the winter solstice.'
Grover: 'Mine neither. But I could have sworn...'
Mr Brunner: 'Both of you go back to your dorms. You guys got a long day of exams tomorrow.'
Grover: 'Don't remind me.'
Y/N: 'It's just exams, man.'
Grover: 'Well, I'm am not as smart as you and Annabeth.'
The next afternoon, Percy was called back in by Mr Brunner. I sat in my desk while looking at them.
Mr Brunner: 'Percy. Don't be discouraged about leaving Yancy. It's... It's for the best.'
All the students could hear what they are saying, Nancy smirked at him.
Percy: 'Okay, sir.'
Mr Brunner: 'I mean... This isn't the right place for you. It was only a matter of time.
Percy began to tremble, in sadness.
Percy: 'Right.'
Mr Brunner: 'No, no. Oh, confound it all. What I'm trying to say... you're not normal, Percy. That's nothing to be-'
Percy: 'Thanks. Thanks a lot, sir, for reminding me.'
Mr Brunner: 'Percy-'
Percy already left, I look at the door where Percy just left, in sadness.
On the last day of school, Percy, Grover and I are on a bus. Percy looks at me and then to Grover, who is very nervous.
Percy: 'Looking for Kindly Ones?'
Grover: 'Wha – What do you mean?'
Y/N: 'You ears dropped on us, didn't you.'
Percy: 'Yep.'
Grover: 'How much did you hear?'
Percy: 'Oh... not much. What's the summer-solstice deadline?'
Grover: 'Look, Percy... I was just worried for you, see? I mean, hallucinating about demon maths teachers...'
Y/N: 'Grover...'
Grover: 'And I was telling Mr Brunner that maybe you were overstressed or something, because there was no such person as Mrs Dodds, and...'
Y/N: 'Grover, you're a really, really bad liar.'
Grover digs and he pulls out a grubby business card and he gives it to Percy.
Grover: 'Just take this, okay? In case you need me this summer.'
Percy: 'What's Half-'
Grover: 'Don't say it aloud! That's my, um... summer address.'
Y/N: *mumble* 'Really?'
Percy: 'Okay. So, like, if I was to come visit your mansion.
Grover: *nods* Or... or if you need me."
Percy: 'Why would I need you?'
Y/N: 'OOHHHH, Damn!'
Grover: 'Shut up, Y/N! Anyway. Look, Percy, the truth is, I... I kind of have to protect you.'
Percy: 'Grover, what exactly are you protecting me from?'
Then black smoke poured from the dashboard and the whole bus filled with a smell of rotten eggs. The driver pulled off the road onto the sidewalk. I look across the road, and I see three old ladies, knitting the biggest pair of socks. They are staring at Percy, I look at Grover but his face is drained out of color.
Percy: 'Grover? Hey, man-'
Grover: 'Tell me they're not looking at you. They are. Aren't they?'
Percy: 'Yeah. Weird, huh? You think those socks would fit me?'
Grover: 'Not funny, Percy. Not funny at all.'
The old lady in the middle took out a large pair of scissors – gold and silver, long-bladed. Like shears.
Grover: 'We're getting on the bus. Come on.'
Percy: 'What? It's a thousand degrees in there.'
Y/N: 'Let's get going. Time is precious in these days.'
I grab Percy and I drag him into the bus, while Grover shakes his head. I leave Percy on the floor, and I sit back down on my chair. Percy gets up and sits as well. Then bus started again and we carried on with the drive.
Percy: 'Y/N, Grover?'
Y/N and Grover: 'Yeah?'
Percy: 'What are you guys not telling me?'
Y/N: 'Percy, what did you see back at the fruit stand?'
Percy: 'You mean the old ladies? What is it about them, man? They're not like... Mrs Dodds, are they?'
Y/N: 'Just tell me what you saw.'
Percy: 'The middle one took out her scissors, and she cut the yarn.'
Grover: 'You saw her snip the cord.'
Percy: 'Yeah, so?'
Grover: 'This is not happening, I don't want this to be like the last time.'
Y/N: *frowning* 'Grover...'
Percy: 'What last time?'
Grover: 'Always sixth grade. They never get past sixth.'
Percy: 'Grover. What are you talking about?'
Grover: 'Let me walk you home from the bus station. Promise me.'
Percy: 'I promise.'
Y/N: 'You guys are acting like a bunch of kids.'
Percy: 'Y/N, that snipping of the yarn. Does that mean somebody is going to die?'
Y/N: '... Yes...'
