Empty Closets

Chapter 5

When I step out of my cain and head to the dining hall for breakfast, I see something I always wished I would never experience.

Scott, a kid from the Hermes cabin, stands facing the wall of the side of my cabin. I hear a small sound, which signifies someone has been pushed. Hiding on the other side of the cabin, I watch Nico get squished in between the towering boy whom makes up Scott and the cabin wall.

Nico's face is redder than a beet and water drips down his face. Scott yanks onto the back of Nico's bare neck, which draws him closer to Scott.

"If you ever come near me or the rest of us and ask us to swim ever again, I will do anyting and everything to make sure everyone at camp finds out who you really are," Scott threatens.

"Oh yeah" Nico fights back. "What am I really?" He is really calm for somebody who's being bullied for the wrong reason.

Scott whispers something into his ear. I could swear I hear him say my name. Whatever he says, it makes Nico's eyes widen. Then he just smirks.

"Okay, first off, you have no proof that I said that. Are you sure that was me who said that? Second, why would I have a crush on a BOY? Isn't the thought of anything like that messed up?"

Wow. That stings a lot.

Fury starts to rise inside of me. For the second time in three days, I raise my hand. The tidal wave washes over both Scott and Nico. I'm thankful that the Poseidon cabin is the closest to the river so I can do this without drowning the camp in a tsunami.

They both look over to see me. My anger must be visible becuase Scott leaves, leaving Nico red in the face.

"Thanks," he says.

"He shouldn't have done that," I reply.

"Wait how long were you here?"

"Pretty much the whole time. Oh yeah, and are you one of them too? Are you a homophobe?" The word tastes like acid on my tongue.

"No! I said that so he would leave me alone."

"Well it didn't sound like that."

"Percy-

I walk off. Honestly, I can't take any of this schist right now. And to think I like someone who thinks homosexuality is worse than Tartarus! Nothing is worse than Tartarus. Out of all people, he should know that.

Back at the cabin after breakfast, I lie on my bed and watch a show about a sponge that lives under the sea in a pineapple. Suddenly, I hear a knock on the door. I open it, and Nico stands on the other side. I start to close the door, but his hand stops it.

"Come on, you can't avoid me forever," Nico says.

"Why shouldn't I?" I ask. "You've been doing that to me! You practically became a shadow when I showed up at Jason's!"

"I'm sorry," he replies. "I really am, but that's why I'm here. You should know why I was trying to avoid you."

"Look, I REALLY don't have time for any excuses right now Nico. Can you just leave? Please?

Nico looks down at the ground and slowly nods. Then he walks back outside. I close the door and lie back on my bed, too depressed to do anything. But I keep thinking of one thing. One 5'5" thing with hait the same dark, luring color as its eyes.

Nico.