Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of New York

NICO

Chapter 9

Nico

Once I excused myself from the table and went upstairs, I went into my room and out onto the veranda. I sat down on a chair and closed my eyes. My lip hurt, but it was no longer bleeding. I relaxed and let go of all anger. Once I felt better I opened my eyes again and looked towards the stars, that were surprisingly bright, and numerous. This was odd, especially for New York, then again this house is protected by magic, they could just be projections. I averted my eyes from the stars and looked down at the swimming pool that was now occupied by Percy. Annabeth was sitting on the edge, with her feet in the water. They looked so happy. They were both smiling and laughing. I wonder what school was like for them today, I wonder if they made new friends, what were the teachers like? The questions danced in my mind, taunting me. What if I’m an outcast in a mortal school? How will people treat me? Will I make any friends? Sometimes I wish I still had Bianca with me, should would be nice to me, not saying the others aren’t, they just don’t understand me.

“Mind if I sit with you?” A timid voice asked. I looked over and saw Stacy.

“Um, no it’s fine.”

“I’m sorry about your lip.” Stacy replied taking a seat on the chair next to mine.

“I’m fine, really. Look, it’s not bad, it’s not bleeding anymore.” I tried to sound up beat, though something told me, Stacy didn’t care that she had hurt my lip, something else was troubling her. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be I’m-” her voice broke and she dropped her head. I heard sniffing noises, was she crying? Why?

“Are you crying?”

“No.”

“Why are you upset?” This was all new to me, I have never really had to comfort anyone before.

“Leo, he told me about everything.”

“Everything?”

“About you, about life, everything.”

“And it was a shock.”

“Mm.” I lifted up her chin, and looked her in the eyes.

“What made you upset though? Was it-” She cut me off

“It was you.” Stacy paused. “He told me about how you had a sister called Bianca and she left you to join the hunters, then Percy, Annabeth, Grover, Zoë Nightshade and Thalia were fighting a automaton and, and it killed her. Once Percy told you, you turned bitter and ran off, you started talking to the dead and tried everything you could to bring her back, then the ghost king betrayed you and yeah. I’m so, so sorry.”

“That was ages ago, yeah I still miss her, but seriously I’m absolutely fine." 

“Ok, but you know, we have school tomorrow and I’m so dreading it.”

“Me too, well I’m going to bed, see ya tomorrow Stacy.”

“Yeah bye, oh and Nico, you tend to be really happy when your with your friends, you should be with them more often and not by yourself.”

“Ok? Bye Stace.”

“You called me Stace. That’s cute, can I call you Nic.”

“N-”

“Ok bye Nic.”

“That’s not my name.”

“Well then, that is what I shall call you.”

“Poo.” Stacy shut the door and I walked to my bed and retrieved my Pj’s. I threw my clothes off and changed into them. I then walked out into the hallway and to the room opposite mine that was marked with my name and underneath read Bathroom in both English and Greek. I brushed my teeth then walked back into my room and fell asleep straight away.