Wasted Butterflies

I don't forgive you

It's been years since we came back to Camp Jupiter. 

We didn't stay. Instead, after Jason graduated and all three of us saved up a little money, we went and moved into a camping van, currently parked on the outskirts of Las Vegas. It had been so for a few months now, and although I know I want to see Florida next, I'm a little nervous about disrupting the peace we have. Especially when this is Ofelia's home. Ofelia, the four year old girl we call our daughter. 

If we don't go now, though, we'll have to wait longer. She deserves to be in the same school year after year, unlike I was. She deserves not to be uprooted. We'll have to settle here permanently, only travel in the summer once she starts kindergarten. 

Jason's growing stubble, despite his daily shave. It just grows back really fast. He's still tall, still strong, but a little softer now. We've all gotten softer. Nico and I are still clean shaven, though Nico's skin is gaining its rightful pigment from all his time in the sun. He's so beautiful. He's always been beautiful, but now he looks happy too. His scars are still there, but they've faded. His tummy and hips and thighs have become soft and round, no more harsh protrusions of bone from his skin. He's alive now, truly alive, and he's so, so beautiful. 

Since all three of us work, it's not hard to afford this kind of lifestyle. Nico works at an arcade, only part-time since he's doing online college, which is actually where he and Ofelia met. Jason's a personal trainer, and as for me, I bake. Sometimes I sneak things home that haven't sold. The manager yells at me when she catches me, but she'd never fire me. The patrons love me too much. 

None of us are working now, though. It's a rare day off, and Nico's cooking dinner. I'm at the table, while Jason is in the back sleeping. His muscles ache sometimes, from working out with the people he trains. 

There's a knock at the door. Since Nico is closer, he's the one to open it, but I can see, from the table, who it is. 

It's Will. 

Nico goes stiff. "How did you find me?" He whispered, and I stood up, slowly walking up behind him. 

"I, um... May or may not have asked Travis a favor. Look, I know this is sudden, but... I'm a changed man. I promise, I'm not here to hurt you, I just... I just wanted to say I'm sorry." 

Nico was speechless for a second. And then... "Ok. I don't forgive you." 

Will blinked in surprise. "Nico, I said I'm sorry." 

"Yeah. And I don't forgive you." 

Will stammered, but ultimately, fell silent for a few seconds. "... Fine. Will you at least accept this as a token of my apology?" He asked, holding out a box of chocolates. "I know it doesn't make up for anything, but..." He shrugged. 

Nico looked down at the box for a minute, interrupted by Ofelia tugging at his shirt. "Papa? When's dinner?" She asked innocently. 

He sighed, pulling a lollipop out of his pocket. "In a little bit. Let's hope this tides you over till then." 

She took the lollipop in her mouth, and Will smiled down at her. "Didn't know you became a dad." 

"Yeah..." He took the box from him. "... I did." 

He kept talking, despite my attempts to stare him down over Nico's shoulder. "How'd you find her?" 

"It's a long story." He told him. "One I don't feel like telling you. Don't come here again." He slammed the door in Will's face, staring at it for a long, long time. When he turned back, that tiny, blood-red mouth held a triumphant smile, and he looked down at Ofelia. "I'm gonna go back to the kitchen, ok? I'm making ziti~" 

She nodded, lollipop handle still sticking out of her mouth, sweet black curls bouncing around her cheeks. "Who was he, papa?" 

"Oh..." The smile faded from his face as he walked to the fridge. "... Someone from my old life. Nobody you need to worry about." 

He put the chocolates in the freezer for later, and continued cooking dinner. We ate, talked, laughed, and Nico put Ofelia to bed. I went to bed too, laying down with Jason, but Nico stayed up a little longer. "I need to get this essay done." He said, before kissing me on the cheek. "Love you." 

I smiled. "I love you too."