A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp 179 - Piper's POV

A/N: I know, no one can stand multi-chapters weekends again, least of all, me, but I promise there is only this one and Annabeth's, and then we finally move on (like I said, too many loose points to tie up before the demigods leave). My biggest thanks to the user on Spotify who created the "biblically accurate piper mclean" playlist that helped me constantly get into her character to consistently write this chapter (this wouldn't have been written this easily without it). Almost no editing, I just want to publish it after MONTHS.

Piper's Flashback

SATURDAY, 25th February

It felt good to have Claire hanging out at their house again, it had hurt Piper to ask her to stay away, even though it was to protect Mackenzie's privacy. The demigod could feel that even Trish's own mind presence became lighter with their relationship repaired. There was still the pregnancy secret between them, but for now they were both okay with it. From her position leaning against the kitchen counter, she looked towards the living room when she heard twin squeals from the girls in the couch, and couldn't help but smile.

I know my best friend is amazing, but it's still sweet to see how gently she treats Kenzie and makes her feel at ease.

Yeah, I think Kenzie also needed this; just a touch of normalcy, just watching Say Yes to the Dress with some popcorn and another girl to give out critics and votes for each option.

I'm also happy for Claire, because I'm the first to admit I was not the best company to watch this, it bores me way too fast.

I thank the gods that it was Jason and not one else that heard her crying that time. There's no way he would be able to ignore and just pass her by, and he just has this trustworthy energy around him, enough that she accepted to meet us and later stay here. I can only imagine her mental health if she had been forced back to her family's house after that horrible experience that ended with her half frozen on the outside, barely able to string up a sentence.

"Love, give it a taste, do you think it needs more salt?"

She moved her eyes from the living room back to her father. He was leaving in the evening for a trip and decided to overcompensate by cooking for all the girls from scratch, with a recipe chosen by Kenzie. Now that her morning sickness started to give her a break at least for a couple of days, Piper and her father tried to cook dishes she chose as much as they could.

"I think salt is enough, but it's still missing some flavor? What spices did you put?"

He started listing them, with Piper listening carefully to identify what improvement was needed.

Remind me to thank Kenzie.

For what?

For coming here.

Okay... but why, out of nowhere?

Because I missed this. Just cooking with my dad, spending time with him in the house. Things between us had been weird for a while now, just a distance neither of us wanted but also didn't know how to cross. Even the weeks he would be home, I would just either drag Claire here or stay at her house, avoiding him. But now, because Kenzie could only stay here, it was the same for me. She forced us to talk to my dad, to ask for his permission. And it also helped him, it gave him a purpose, a reason to insist on cooking from scratch, on having family meals.

I think he also missed just having someone to take care of; we're just too independent. Did you see his smile when Kenzie asked for his help opening the pickle jar?