Found Light in the Shadow (Solangelo)

Chapter Six

Nico

The next few days went by just like the first did. We got up, went to class, and came home and worked on our homework. My baby worked diligently on his homework every night. I knew that his classes were way harder than mine. The hardest class that I had was about Middle-Ages, European art and that was mainly mesmerizing artists and their works. Throughout the week, we each took turns making dinner. I discovered that Will's cooking skills were about as lacking as mine. We both stumbled through making basic dishes, but that was really good enough for us. Although, I was going to have to find a cookbook before too much longer. We did manage to find out how Percy and Annabeth were making their sacrifices to the Gods. They had set up a fire pit behind our apartment and made a fire a couple nights a week to make the sacrifices from their meals. They told us that we more than welcome to join them, so we took them up on the offer. I was beginning to be glad that Friday was quickly approaching. We had made plans to go out to dinner with Hazel and Frank this Friday night. I was also looking forward to having the entire weekend off with my baby. It was definitely going to be nice having two days off with him instead of one every other weekend. At some point, we both knew that we would have to find part-time jobs. However, until that time came, we were going to enjoy spending the time together.

Friday finally came around and we finished our classes for the week. When we go back home, we both showered and got dressed for dinner. Hazel told me that the place that we were going to wasn't overly fancy, but not to dress like slouches either. Both of us got dressed in button down shirts and denim jeans, mine black and Will's blue. We would be meeting them in front of the Senate building around six. Shortly before, we left the apartment and walked across the small city. It was nice to be able to hold hands as we walked through the streets. The Romans were very open when it came to our lifestyle. We even had a few people wave to us from time to time. We got to the Senate house right at six o'clock. Frank and Hazel were already there waiting for us on the steps.

"Hi guys, sorry to keep you waiting."

Hazel got up and gave me a hug. "It's OK Nico, we just got here ourselves."

Frank also stood up and shook Will's hand. "Good to see you Will. You two getting settled in alright?"

Will replied, "Yes I think that we are. Although, we are both running out of things that we know how to cook."

Hazel started laughing, "Yea we had that problem ourselves. I'll have to lend you guys a cookbook or two. At least tonight we won't have to worry about that. This place has amazing food. Everyone ready to go?"

My stomach answered before I had a chance to, grumbling loud enough for everyone to hear. I could feel my face turning red as everyone started laughing. "I think that was a yes."

Frank and Hazel led us down the street. After a few blocks and a few more turns we stopped in front of an Italian restaurant, The Villa Roma. It didn't look like much from the outside, however the aroma was making me feel like I was on the Isle of the Blessed. I was just about to run inside when I felt Will's warm hand grab my shoulder.

"Easy there tiger, it's not time to pounce just yet." The others started giggling at Will's statement.

"Baby, it just, smells so good."

Hazel said, "I told you that you'd like this place Nico."

Frank stepped up in front of us and opened the door, holding it open for us to enter. As we went inside and waited at the hostess station, I looked around the dining room. Hazel was right, this place wasn't a five-star restaurant, but the décor was nice and the ambiance was wonderful. There were Italian paintings and decorations on the red brick walls. All of the tables had white linens with candles burning as their centerpieces. The food that I could see looked absolutely amazing and smelled delicious. The place looked like it was packed, I wasn't sure how we were going to get a table.

The hostess came over to the stand. "Good evening Praetor Zhang, your table is ready for your party. This way please."