Hazel opened my bedroom door and sat with me on my black, depressing bed, not bothering to close my door because we're the only ones here for another hour until Father gets home and finds out what happens.
"Are you okay?" I ask her.
She nods, kissing my cheek, "Are you?"
I hesitate before shaking my head, and looking down with a blush. I cover my nose with my sleeve again.
"It's okay," she hugs my arm. "You don't have to be."
"I'm really sorry, Hazel. I just don't want you to hate me."
"Why would I hate you? You're my brother, Neeks."
"I didn't think Percy would hate me either, but look what he did," I pointed at my nose with my other hand. "I don't know."
"I promise this won't change how much I love you. Tell me."
"I... I..." I freeze. It's now, or never...
"I..."
