Silver Screens - Walker Scobell ♡

003

Over the next two years, Layla visited me regularly, borrowing books and reading them at a speed that always amazed me. While I tended to take my time with each book, Layla would finish one in a day. Our conversations were mostly about Percy Jackson, and our enthusiasm led us to start a fan account. We posted edits of the cast, debated fan castings, and shared our love for the series. To our surprise, our account gained a following and quickly hit 20k followers. It turned out that our intense fandom and dedication made us unexpectedly popular in the Percy Jackson community.

It was November 2023, and Layla and I were eagerly counting down the days until the Percy Jackson premiere, constantly checking for new cast updates. "Oh my god, Walker has been looking kind of fine lately," Layla commented as we FaceTimed, her gaze fixed on my laptop screen.

"Oh my god, yes! Puberty really did him well," I laughed in response. Just then, I received a text from my mom saying I needed to join them for dinner because it was important.

"Hey, my mom says I have to go to dinner with them, so I'll have to end the call," I said.

"Oh, okay, bye love!" Layla said cheerfully before we hung up.

I headed downstairs and took my seat at the dinner table. We started with our usual family conversation, but then my dad shared some surprising news.

"Rory, I've got a great job offer," he said, and I felt a burst of happiness for him. But then he added, "It's in Pennsylvania." My smile faded instantly.

"Honey, we're moving to the US," my mom said gently.

"Oh," was all I managed to say.

"Hey, look, it's a good opportunity, and I promise, if we get there, I'll help you pursue your acting dreams," my dad said, trying to reassure me.

I knew he was sincere—he had always supported my dream of becoming an actor—but I couldn't shake the worry. There wouldn't be many opportunities for a 14-year-old girl where we were moving.

"Hey, at least you're getting a great job. There's a silver lining," I said, forcing a smile. My dad began to go over the details of the move, and we learned that we'd be relocating in December.

-

"YOU'RE WHAT?" Layla gasped when I told her in the hallway.

"I'm moving. I can't do much about it, but at least I'll be pursuing my acting dreams," I said, trying to stay upbeat despite the sadness I felt.

"Hey, if it helps, we can still call. We talk every day anyway, even when we're not at school, so it won't change much," Layla reassured me with a smile. I returned her smile and gave her a hug.

In the following weeks, I began packing and getting ready for the move. Layla came over to help, but she often got distracted by re-reading the Percy Jackson books. She joked that with me moving away, she'd have no one left to discuss the series with.

It was December 4th, and I stood in the bustling airport, my suitcase by my side as I prepared to say goodbye to Layla.

"Are you sure you have everything?" Layla asked, her eyes scanning my bags nervously.

"Yeah, I think so," I replied with a small smile. "It's just so surreal, leaving everything behind."

Layla squeezed my hand. "I know it's a big change, but you're going to do great. And remember, we'll still talk every day. Distance won't change that."

"I hope so," I said, feeling a lump in my throat. "I'm really going to miss you. Who else will understand all my *Percy Jackson* rants?"

Layla chuckled, though her eyes were misty. "Don't make me tear up. I'll be a mess if I have to keep fixing my makeup."

We both laughed, hugging tightly one last time.

"Oh, and I set up the main account on Instagram," I mentioned as we pulled apart.

"Perfect," Layla said, smiling through her tears. "I'll keep an eye on it. Promise you'll keep me updated on everything?"

"Absolutely," I said. "And don't forget to message me whenever there's a new Percy Jackson update."

With a final wave, I turned and headed towards my gate. As I went through the airport's final checks and boarded the plane, the weight of leaving hit me, but I felt a sense of determination for the new journey ahead.

-

After a long flight, I finally landed in Pennsylvania. My dad, who had been here for the past three weeks setting things up, was waiting for us. My mom and I, however, were lost in the airport, with my mom arguing with my dad over the phone about directions.

"Hey, Mom," I said, tapping her shoulder and pointing towards my dad who was waving at us from across the terminal. "He's over there."

My mom let out a relieved sigh and hurried over to him. We gathered our things and made our way to the car. As we drove to our new home, the exhaustion from the journey caught up with me. The 40-minute ride felt endless, and despite my best efforts to stay awake, I drifted off to sleep, the monotony of the drive and the day's fatigue proving too much for my tired eyes.