The Five Demigods Who Saved Olympus | Book 1, 2, & 3

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"Mom?" Heath said as he swallowed the lump forming in his throat

"Heath? Are you really here?" Lydia asked cautiously.

"Yes, mom. I'm really here." Heath said slowly approaching her. Lydia backed away only a little and held her hand out to keep him from walking any closer to her. She looked into his eyes for only a moment and then clasped her hand over her mouth once more. She shut her eyes and let hot tears drip down her cheeks. Heath stepped forward once more and rubbed her arms up and down in a way to comfort her. He wasn't sure if she would've liked a hug from him, so he figured this would be better.

"Where have you been, Heath? It's been two years!" Lydia exclaimed as she lightly slapped his arm.

"I know, I'm truly sorry, mom." Heath said with sadness lacing his voice. Lydia sniffled and composed herself as best as she could. She then spotted Hermes standing a few feet away, looking uncomfortable. Hermes wished he hadn't seen the two interact.

"You two, come in. I'll make some tea." Lydia said. She slowly turned and walked into her apartment awaiting the two men. Heath gestured for Hermes to go ahead of him, which he did after a moment. The two walked in and stood in the kitchen as Lydia closed the front door.

"Go sit in the living room, I'll be there in a minute." Lydia said. The two complied and made their way into the living room. Heath looked around and noticed how the room had remained the same. Nothing had changed. It was just as when he left. He remembered the day Noelle had come to tell him the assignment. He hadn't known that would be the last time he'd be back in the room for years.

"You never came back to tell her what happened?" Hermes asked, unsure if he should ask such a thing.

"No, I didn't." Heath answered shamefully. Lydia then stepped into the room and took a seat on the opposite couch. She sat with her forearms resting on her knees and tried to think of what to say. She knew what she wanted to say, but she didn't know how to put it. She didn't know if her son was the same person he used to be, and feared his reaction.

"I thought you had died. I thought you all had. So did Amara and Donovan's parents." Lydia said. Heath only sat there in silence. In all truth, he didn't know what to say. He was ashamed of himself for never coming back to tell his mother that he was alive and well. And that he practically chose his father over his mother.

"The letter you sent cleared that up, though. And just so you know, I was angry at first. But, I'm not now. Not anymore." Lydia said as she sniffled.

"What letter?" Heath asked with furrowed brows.

"The letter you sent me saying that you stayed in Olympus. Amara and Donovan wrote one to their parents too." Lydia said.

"I never wrote you a letter." Heath admitted.

"Hmm, I didn't think it was your handwriting. But, I didn't want to question it too much. I had thought maybe you cared enough to send your mother a letter." Lydia said, standing up from the couch and exiting the living room. Heath dropped his head and looked into his lap. He felt terrible. Lydia didn't mean to make her son feel this way. She felt hurt and betrayed by her son, yes, but her intention was never to make him feel bad. After a moment, Lydia entered the room with two cups of tea and set them in front of the boys. She walked back out once more, but only for a minute. When she returned, she held an envelope in her hand. She set it down in front of Heath and rested her forearms on her knees once again. Heath took the envelope and took out the letter inside of it. He unfolded it and began to read.

Mom,

There is no easy way for me to tell you any of this. But, first, I am well. I am safe. We defeated Cronus well over a month ago. I have been resting since which is why I haven't sent you anything sooner. Zeus gave me the opportunity to stay, and I took it. I'm sorry to tell you this by letter and not in person. I do hope you do not think less of me, though I wouldn't blame you if you do. It was a hard decision for me to make. I do not love you any less. I hope you can forgive me someday.

- With love, Heath.

"I do believe this is Noelle's handwriting." Heath said as he set the letter down.

"Is Noelle your girl?" Hermes wondered. Heath nodded.

"You and Noelle? Did she stay too?" Lydia asked.

"No, she didn't stay." Heath said. Lydia looked down at the coffee table, not wanting to make eye contact.

"And that's why you came here? To see her?" Lydia asked. Heath stayed silent. He didn't know what he could say. He didn't think there was anything he could say. Lydia reached her hands over the coffee table and took Heath's hands in hers. Heath flinched at the sudden contact and immediately looked up at his mother.

"Heath, I am not mad at you." Lydia said. Heath shook his head and looked down at the coffee table. A part of him wanted her to be angry at him. He wasn't sure why though.

"I forgive you, Heath. Forgive yourself." Lydia said as she caressed his cheek. She then backed away and motioned for him to drink his tea, which he did.

"You haven't touched yours either, have a sip." Lydia said to Hermes.

"Forgive me, I've never had any before." Hermes said. Lydia was surprised to learn that he hadn't drunk tea before. She grew curious about what kind of beverages Olympus carried.

"What do you drink in Olympus?" Lydia wondered. Hermes lifted his cup up off of the coffee table and held it to his lips.

"Mostly wine." Hermes answered before taking a sip.

"Do you drink the wine, Heath?" Lydia asked, feeling her motherly instincts kick in.

"No. Persephone makes me special kinds of nectar, I don't partake in drinking like the others." Heath answered. Lydia felt relieved to know he didn't drink. She looked down at the letter on the table and was reminded of the conversation being had earlier.

"I haven't seen Noelle since the day you both left. A few months after the letter was sent, the owner came around to ask about rent. When nobody answered, they determined that it had been left abandoned. They cleared it out. Nobody lives there currently." Lydia said. Heath sighed and put his head in his hands. He felt hopeless. The one place where he felt Noelle would be, wasn't there. There was nowhere else for him to check. Heath had Atlantis in the back of his mind, but surely he would've seen her at the party if she were staying with Poseidon in Atlantis. After a few minutes, Hermes reminded Heath of the time difference and suggested that the two get going. Lydia walked Heath and Hermes to the door. Hermes stepped out of the apartment room and began walking down the hall, leaving Heath behind.

"If you're ever free to come down here and see me, please do. I've missed you,." Lydia said as she caressed one side of Heath's cheek.

"I missed you too, and I'm sorry, mom." Heath repeated.

"Stop apologizing. I love you." Lydia said, wrapping her arms around Heath. Heath rubbed his hands up and down her back, quickly realizing if he held onto her any longer he wouldn't be able to let her go. Heath backed away and pressed a kiss to the top of his mother's head.

"I love you, too." Heath said before turning away and heading down the hall to the staircase. Heath met Hermes downstairs picking up peppermints from the lobby's peppermint bowl. He stuffed them into his pocket and only stopped when he felt Heath's presence. He turned to see Heath raising a brow at him.

"Never had them before, wanted to try them." Hermes explained.

"Then why grab so many?" Heath asked.

"I may like them." Hermes responded as he walked over to Heath.

"What will you do now about your girl?" Hermes asked. Heath sighed. He didn't know where else to look. He had thought about Atlantis once more. And though he was doubtful, he knew the wonder and curiosity would eat him up if he didn't even check. Heath turned to Hermes and asked,

"How much time do we have?"