People Meet Percabeth

Philip Grace

Hello, I haven't updated in a few days. Or is it weeks? IDK man, I just hope you like the story, peeps!

My family and I walked to a big apartment complex. The summer weather made me regret wearing jeans and long sleeved everything. Hey, don't judge!  It was the only thing in my closet, I needed to do my laundry.

I gripped the straps of my backpack and walked in. I said a quick thanks to my dad, who was holding the door open. I sighed in relief as I walked in, letting the cool AC hit my face. Then my face paled as I looked at the flights of stairs.

Seriously?! I already had to walk ALL the way here, I just got my daily dose of exercise! My mom said 'walking is healthier than taking the bus.' Yeah mom, which one has air conditioning and a less chance of getting overheated? Hm?

"Seriously," I yelled in outrage. "We walked ALL the way here, just to now walk UP stairs?!" My tiny little legs couldn't handle this much walking. I preferred to sit and watch TV, not run obstacles and 5ks everyday like my parents! Okay, maybe not a 5k...

My dad ruffled my raven black hair. "Don't worry, sport. I convinced you're mom to take the elevator. As you can tell, I'm very persuasive." He winked at me with a smirk on his face. Mom rolled her eyes.

"Really? He's 5," scolded my mom. Her gray eyes were glittering with annoyance. She sassily put a hand on her hip.

Dad's smirk grew wider, more mischievous too. "Goodness gracious, love, not in front of our son! You need to get your mind out of the gutter!" He cockily wiggled his eyebrows. Mom started to blush in embarrassment and irritation.

I looked at both of them, confused about this obvious innuendo. Yes, as a 5 year old, I know what innuendo is. It's usually an adult joke or reference. But as I said, I'm 5. I don't know or understand the joke.

"Okay, can we just go now?" I replied in vexation. "I just want to sit down and stuff my face with cookies." I plodded over to the elevators. 

Over my shoulder, I heard Dad say, "He gets it from your side of the family."

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"You sure we shouldn't walk over with you? Or even stay with you at the apartment," pressed my mom. "Or-"

"Mom," I interrupted. "The whole reason I'm going to Grandpa and Grandma's apartment is for someone to watch me while you and dad go baby shopping."

I gestured towards down the hall. "Besides," I replied. "It's just down the hall on the left." I saw the worried face of my mom. I sighed. "If it makes you feel better, you can watch me as I walk down the hall."

Mom smiled brightly. "If you want me to, Philie." She kissed me on my forehead. I slightly cringed at my mom's pet name for me.

I walked down the hall and stood in front of my grandparents' door. I glanced to my left to see my parents still standing near the elevators.

I rolled my eyes and shooed them away. 'Go' I mouthed. 'Shop for the dumb baby.'

Mom, being a master of lip reading, gave me the Mom Stare. 'Sorry' I mouthed, apologizing. She smiled again and waved at me. I rolled my eyes once more and waved back.

They left and I knocked on the door. It was only a few seconds before the red door slowly creaked open.

A girl with curly, blonde hair held a laptop with one hand and was typing with the other. She didn't look up from her screen.

I stood there awkwardly until I cleared my throat. She jumped a little and peeled her eyes away from the bright screen.

"Oh! Sorry, trying to finish something. Wait, Philip," she asked. "What are you doing here?" She closed her laptop and tucked a stray hair over her ear.