The Jackson Enigma

The Mother of Percy Jackson

It wasn't easy being Percy Jackson's mother, but Sally wouldn't trade it for the world. She could remember the first time she held Percy, all those years ago, the absolute love and adoration that filled her heart. And through all these years, no matter what happened, that never faltered. Every time she looked at him, she didn't just see his face or his eyes, she saw his heart. That's why she could never get mad at him, because his heart was so pure, so loving. He never meant to do anything on purpose, she could see he tried his hardest, see the regret, shame, guilt.

That's what Sally saw now, as she looked lovingly into her son's tears gaze. She could see him beating up himself, could see how much he missed her, loved her, how he was so sorry. Sally pulled him into an embrace, her heart breaking at the one word he uttered.

"Mom," his voice cracked and was filled with emotion, he hugged her to himself as if never wanting to let go. She just held him, breathing in his scent, assured that he was here. That she was actually holding her son. They stood there for a while, not caring if any neighbors saw them. Right now, they just wanted to hold each other. Finally, when Sally's tears ended, she pulled away, pulling him inside. Locking the door behind her, she brought him to the couch and sat down, waiting for him to speak. He was facing away from her and she reached out, gently turning his face towards her.

"I-I'm so sorry, I know I worried you, I promise I didn't mean to. Just- I wasn't thinking and I didn't know it would take this long." He paused, looking away from her once more. "Are you mad at me?" His voice was small and quite, but Sally could hear the pain behind it. My sweet baby, I could never get mad at you. She shook her head furiously, turning his face once again towards her.

"Percy, no, I could never be mad at you, it wasn't your fault. I understand, sweetheart, you tried and that's all that matters." He looked at her, so much love shining in his eyes, love and guilt. Sally wiped his tears, cradling his head to her chest, rocking them. She smiled sadly. They didn't have many moments like this, where nothing else mattered. All Sally ever wanted for Percy was for him to have the happiest life imaginable, she just wanted him to be safe and happy. When she got kidnapped by Hades, she knew that that would never happen. Now, he looked over his shoulder everywhere he went, scars littered his body, and nightmares plagued him.

"Now, though I'm not mad, I do want an explanation. Why were you late?" He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, glancing away from her.

"I might have agreed to work with a band of mortal, "superheroes" who are under the government." Sally's eyes widened. Under the government? Do the gods know this?

"Percy, are you sure the gods are okay with this?" He nodded his head, relieved at something Sally didn't know.

"Yeah, actually, I had a meeting with them not too long ago. Don't worry mom, I'm not working for them, just with them."

"Are you sure you're ready? I mean, the war just ended a couple months ago, Percy. It might be too much." She hated it when this happened. When Percy was so overwhelmed, he threw himself into it to distract himself. Sally wished he didn't have such a difficult life.

"Mom, I know you think I'm trying to distract myself, but I'm not. Everything is so stressful at camp and I think it would be good for me to be in a different environment. Besides, the Avengers, they help people, save lives." Sally shook her head fondly. Trust Percy to jump at the opportunity to save lives. As a mother, she couldn't let this happen, had to stop it. She was endangering her child, letting him risk his life.

But, as the mother of Percy Jackson, she had to. Sally knew Percy could handle himself better than some random kid off the block, knew he had backup if he needed it. She also knew that every second he spent at Camp Half-Blood, he was reminded of some of his worse memories.

"Okay, but come home more than once every eight months." She looked pointedly at him.

"It wasn't my fault!" Sally threw her head back in laughter, enjoying the expression of mock-offense on Percy's face.

"I know, I know, I was just kidding. When do you leave?"

"Monday. I'll have to pack some of my things." Sally nodded, sad that they only had three days together. Alas, she would make the best of them.

"Okay, how about I make blue cookies and grilled cheese? We can eat them while watching Free Willy." Percy nodded jumping up from the couch and following Sally into the kitchen.

"I'll help!" Sally laughed at his childish demeanor, missing the days of his childhood when he was oblivious and free.

"Okay... just don't burn anything."

"It was one time!" He shouted incredulously. She threw her head back and laughed, ruffling Percy's hair fondly. He pouted- much to her amusement- and collected a fistful of flour in his hand.

"Percy..." she said cautiously. "Don't you dar- Aah!" And so it began.

~~~~

Sunday night came too soon and Sally found herself helping her son pack. After enduring flying clothes, lots of groaning, and silly comments, they were finally done. Setting it aside in the morning, they went to eat the dinner Paul had graciously prepared. Looking at Percy and Paul, she was struck with how normal this was, and how important normal is. With all the craziness going on in his demigod life, and him going to the Avengers, normal isn't something Percy would see often. Sally was happy that she and Paul could provide that stability and be an escape from a life he shouldn't have to live.

Monday arrived and they ate breakfast together before Paul had to leave for school, and Percy for the Avengers. She kissed Paul goodbye -laughing at Percy's face of mock-horror- and hugged Percy when he had to leave. With promises to visit as soon as he could, he left for a world she hoped treats him better than the one he's already in. There was a lot Sally couldn't do for Percy. Protect him, take the weight off his shoulders, erase all his guilt. But there were also things she could do; support him, help him, be understanding, and most importantly- love him. And that's what she would do, no matter what, because he was her son and she would do anything for him.

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-Skittles