Demi-Goddess (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Taking it way back

Ah, okay. Where do I begin? Let's just start at the beginning of my freshman year at Goode High.

Stupid English.
Yea, I was failing language arts.
It's not my fault Mr.Blofis was teaching way too fast to understand.

"How about we summarize our reading of Act 4 in Romeo and Juliet?", his eyes wandered across the classroom, and of course, landed on me.

"Go ahead Terra.", he leaned back in his chair, his peppered hair falling partially onto his forehead.

I stood silently for a moment.

I forgot to read Act 1.
No don't say that. That's your excuse for everything

I was going to admit it, but Grover was a life saver.

He sat in the front row, so facing the teachers desk, I could also see him.
He held out a piece of paper behind his back, his crappy handwriting explaining Act 1 in one sentence.

"The Capulets and Montegues fight on the streets of Venice, basically showing the relationship those two families have with one another."

The class was silent for a moment, and I'm pretty sure all the students were like
Woah, Terra actually used Spark Notes to find a basic summary? Miracles do happen.

But no.

Mr.Blofis stood up and held out his hand to Grover.
Grover gave the paper to Mr.Blofis just as the bell rang.

I scrambled my books into my string bag and attempted to make a run for the door, but Mr.Blofis stopped me.

Come on man, cut me some slack.

"You're not trying.", he crossed his arms and sat down on a stool near the chalkboard.

"I am, I swear. I'm just not motivated to do my homework.", I said, looking down at my white nike shoes. It took 4 months of work to buy them.

"I've seen all your grades, Terra. I just wanted you to know that you could be doing so much better than this."

"I appreciate the concern, but I am trying.", I was stubborn and irritated. I have a pretty bad temper when it comes to anything school related, except sports.

"I want to see your mom at the parent meeting next week.", he said as if he was grounding me.
As if on cue, the monitors were turned on.

"Attention Goode High School students. Parent teacher conferences are Wednesday next week, from 5:30-8:30. We recommend all students to attend."

Next Wednesday is my basketball game.

"Okay.", I nodded, but of course my mom wouldn't go.

My mom works around the clock, struggling to keep up with bills. That's why I decided to work too, partially so I can buy my own things without my mom having to pay for me, and partially to help out my mom a little more. We are just above the poverty line, I guess.

"You're free to go", Mr.Blofis gestured to the door and I fled.

Grover was waiting for me in the hallway.

"Was it about your grades?", he asked.

"Yea.", I mumbled, opening my locker.

"Maybe you should start paying attention...?", he suggested quietly, knowing I was not afraid to beat him, even if he did use crutches.

I was considering a punch, but Grover was my only friend at Goode. Sure, the basketball team too, but I felt close to Grover.

"I just don't have the time."
I shoved my books into the locker and shut it.
"You know things are gonna change sooner or later...", Grover struggled with his weird legs and crutches as I began walking.

I was so oblivious back then. Things did change, alright. And now I wish I had all D's and my biggest worry was trying to pass freshman year.

But no. Things had to get a whole lot worse. And it wasn't even school related.

Everything changed the night of Parent Teacher conferences.