Chasing that Jackson

Percy's POV

"Hi I'm Percy Jackson and I'm 10 years old. I live in New York with my Mom and my Step-Father, Smelly Gabe. By his nickname, I'm guessing you get the picture of his personality.

I went to a Summer Camp last summer, and it was kind of strange, so I decided to go to a new one this year, and that's what my report is going to be about."

I closed my laptop. So I decided to start my Summer project early, which isn't usually something I'd do. I guess it's because I REALLY didn't want to do it when I got back. They probably won't let me submit it anyway due to "informal language" or "disrespect towards elders", something stupid like that. My ADHD doesn't help, especially when I have paragraphs to write. I mean, who gives homework over Summer Break?

The teachers at Yancy Academy, that's who.

Anyway, I picked up my duffel bag and my rucksack, ready to leave my home for the summer. It was freedom away from Smelly Gabe, but I felt sorry for my Mom. She still had to stay with him for the whole summer. I didn't worry too much. If there was anyone who could stand up to Gabe it was my Mom.

Gabe was playing Poker was his cronies on our couch. He looked up at me.

"So, you're going to that Summer Camp then? Where's the money coming from, huh? Does it look like I have any money to spare kid?"

I looked at the poker chips on our table, then back at him in disgust. I was going to answer, but then Mom pulled me away.

"I'm paying Gabe. Come on Percy" Mom pulled me away and out of the house.

"He doesn't deserve you Mom, why don't you kick him out already?"

Mom sighed. I knew the answer; we didn't have the money, but I couldn't stand seeing my Mom with a Pig like him.

A coach was waiting on the road, filled with other screaming children, hugging and fist bumping like it was the cool thing to do. Mom turned to me and smiled.

"Okay baby, be safe, don't get into trouble, and try not to say anything about... Monsters" she said. I looked at her, suddenly sad. You see, I've been seeing things, one-eyed monsters following me in the streets, and my Mom thinks that they're just Gangs, but I know they're something else.

"I'll try Mom"

She smiled and hugged me, tears in her eyes.

"Mom it's okay, I'll be back in 6 weeks!" I said. She laughed and stroked my hair. I patted it flat, which made Mom laugh even more.

"Goodbye kiddo" she laughed and helped me onto the busy coach.

Most of the seats had been saved for people. Everyone knew each other, and I felt like a seal in a desert.

I suddenly saw an empty seat, where a girl with curly blonde hair was sitting, reading a book. She didn't say hi. Secretly, I thought she was very rude. I saw her duffel bag by her feet with her name printed in Red.

"Annabeth Chase"