Empty Closets

Chapter 16

AN: Before you read, please read this note. I apologize if there was any confusion about what I was going to write next and when I was going to write it. What I can tell you is that I'm glad I decided to continue this story, because it does leave a cliffhanger (no not that kind). I swear on the River Styx that I will write regularly, meaning I'll post a new chapter or two by the end of each week, no matter how busy I am. Well, I hope you enjoy this second half of the story!

One Year Later…

Chapter 16: Heading Back Home (Percy’s POV)

I hear the stomping of feet behind me as the bell finishes ringing.

My junior year is finally finished, and I didn’t even get kicked out for the first time in forever! Now I can go back to Camp Half Blood, the place I belong at the most.

When I’m outside the school, I look across the street and see my mom’s car. After crossing the street, I approach the car and hop into the passenger seat.

“I find it funny how I have my license but I still don’t have a car,” I say to my mom as I lean in for a hug.

 “I don’t even get a hello?” she replies.

 “I was going to say hello,” I tell her, “but the thought came to me as I saw this from the other side of the street.”

 “You know, if you had given me a nicer approach, I would’ve let you drive. But I guess not.” She smirks.

 I lift up a piece of her hair and examine it. “Did you do something to your hair because it looks really pretty! It almost looks curlier.”

 My mom rolls her eyes and hands me the keys. I smile brighter than a toddler on Christmas Day. Then we quickly switch seats. Once we’re situated, I start the car and we take off, heading to the place I call my real home.

“Since we’re almost there, can I ask you something?” my mom asks me.

I nod and keep my eyes on the road.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me that you and Annabeth broke up?”

I want to scream but I know I can’t. So instead I say, “I didn’t think it was important.”

“Well Dionysus thought it was. Gods, I can’t believe she out of all people would actually be stupid enough to cheat –

“Mom can we not talk about this? Please?”

She sighs. “I want you to tell me these things, Percy. You’re my son, and I want you to know that you can trust me with anything. And tell me this: when was I going to be told about Nico?”

I pull the car over and put my hands on my forehead.

“Dionysus told you about that too?”

“No, but you just did.”

I look at her with wide eyes, incredulous with what I just heard.

“Percy, I’m okay with whoever you go out with as long as they’re kind to both you and me. When Nico came to our apartment that one time, I thought he was the nicest boy! And if you’re dating him, I support and accept it.”

I smile at her. “Thanks. I swear on the River Styx that I won’t keep secrets like that from you ever again.” I start the car back up.

“You better not, Percy.”

Our car is immediately surrounded once we reach Camp Half Blood. Gods, I bet Jennifer Lawrence has never had this many people surrounding her car before! My mom gets out and opens the trunk to start getting my stuff out. Then she opens my door for me as if I actually were a celebrity.

The first few people I see are a bunch of my friends. Calypso and Leo’s hands separate themselves and give me huge hugs. Piper comes up to me and gives me one as well. So do Hazel, Frank, and Jason, who gives me a bearhug that almost suffocates me.

“Dude!” Leo shouts. “Welcome back!”

Everyone around us cheers.

“Thanks guys!” I reply. “It’s good to be home.”

We head towards the center of camp, and time seems to stop. In front of me stand the one person I want to see most. The pale-bodied, dark clothed guy I love with all my heart.

“PERCY!” Nico screams. He runs in my direction.

“NICO!” I yell back.

I pick him up and give him a huge kiss. His soft pink lips are where I belong, and I’m glad I can be here, kissing them again.

Cheers erupt once again as we hug.

“Wow,” I hear a familiar and sickening voice say. “I mist have missed a lot.”

I turn and see Annabeth Chase, the last person who should be here.