Ambrosia

If God Was One Of Us

"What's with the shades?" Percy asked as I sat down, setting my tray down.

"It's bright in here," I protested, holding my temples.

Percy leaned forward, his eyes narrowed.

"Take a picture, it lasts longer," I snapped, my eyes narrowed.

He stared at me for a few more seconds then burst out laughing.

"What? What is it?" I asked.

"You're hung over aren't you?" He laughed.

His howls of laughter grew louder as he saw my scowl.

"You are! Is my little princess really hung over?" He howled, banging the table as he laughed.

"So what?" I scowled, crossing my arms.

"It's funny," he said, picking up a fry and taking a bite.

I looked at him, opening my mouth to say something when someone elbowed my head from behind.

I jerked forward, my sun glasses flying off ,and frantically covered my eyes.

Percy stood up abruptly as tears pricked my eyes.

"Move up next time," the person behind me snarled.

I shivered as I recognized the leering voice. Matt.

"You need to watch where you're going," Percy hissed, stalking over to Matt.

"Or what?" Matt sneered.

Percy grabbed the front of his shirt.

"Or I'll beat the crap out of you," he snarled.

Matt smirked and looked over to me. My eyes widened and I looked away.

"Like you did to her?" Matt leered.

Percy's head jerked around and he looked at me, his grip on Matts shirt wavering.

Matt shoved Percy's hands off and smirked. "Hands off loser."

But Percy was staring at me, dread filling his eyes.

"Am...brosia?"

I desperately tried to cover my eye, but to no avail.

Percy crouched in front and moved my hand gently out of the way.

I glanced into his eyes pitifully then looked back at the ground.

"When did this happen?" He asked, brushing my cheek. I winced, the bruise around my eye still fresh.

"Yesterday," I whispered.

"You told me the glasses were for...I thought it was a hangover," he said, horrified.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, tears blurring my vision.

"Who did this? Was it him?" Percy asked, brushing away my tears.

I said nothing but shook my head.

By now people were staring and whispering.

Percy looked up and, realizing that people were staring, grabbed my hand and begin leading me away.

"Let's go Amb. I know a great place for ice cream," Percy said.

We pushed past crowds of people staring.

"It's ok Amb. We'll be ok. We'll be fine," Percy said, panic in his voice.

I watched him and smiled, the tears leaving my eyes as my admiration for Percy grew.

"Amb?" Thomas raised his eyebrow and stepped forward.

I stumbled backwards, my eyes wide.

"I'm fine," I said hastily, making a move towards the stairs.

"Amb is there something you wanna talk about?" Thomas asked, following me.

"No! I mean no... I'm just tired. I-I need to get some rest," I smiled.

"Oh...well Amb I want you to know I'm always here for you," Thomas said.

I smiled and nodded, then raced to my room. As soon as I opened the door I slammed it, leaning against it.

I listened for his footsteps and sighed in relief when I heard only silence.

I quickly opened my draw, searching.

"Got it," I said, picking up my phone.

I dialed a number and held the phone to my ear, hearing Percy's word.

"It's ok Amb. We'll be ok. We'll be fine."

"Hello?"

"Hey," I answered. I breathed out heavily and opened my eyes,"I need your help Percy."