Empty Closets

Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Dead Knowledge (POVs Switch)

(Nico's POV)

So far, this summer sucks. When I got out of school, I was relieved. No more bullies. No more drama. No more struggle. Or so I thought.

It’s only been about a week and I’ve already lost my boyfriend and 50,000 fans on that Kim K game thanks to Willow Pape >:(. I still don’t know what I did wrong! I thought I was being a good boyfriend; I iris messaged Percy whenever I was able to, and I even bribed Hermes to send a pizza to his apartment! If the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles found that out, Hermes would’ve had to have his own route just for them!

Four days have passed since our breakup, and since then, I haven’t slept, eaten, or gone outside. I hope Percy’s happy, because I’m not.

(Percy's POV)

I hope Nico’s happy, because I am not. Four days have gone by, and that time has been spent doing nothing more than crying, moping, and making the A-list.

Nico was so ignorant, so I couldn’t tell him the truth. How hard is it to believe that Annabeth, who likes someone who isn’t me, came to my cabin for a truce? A toy car was in front of my foot, and I fell on it when I opened the door for Annabeth when she was leaving. Hmm… sounds like something a Hermes kid would do: put a toy car in someone’s cabin just do they can trip on it.

No sleep. Barely any food. No contact with any humans besides Willow Pape, Simon Orsik, and Kim herself. This summer sucks more than Twilight. I’d rather be back in school.

(Nico's POV)

“Who are you and what do you want?” I groan as I smooth my hair down to its normalish self.

No response. Oh…kay?

I reluctantly open the door, and my boyfriend stealer is on the other side. I start to close the door, but she stops it with one hand.

“What do you WANT?” I ask while struggling to close the door. I finally close the door. “Please?”

“Why?” I reply. “What do you have to say that could possibly fix the mess you’ve made?”

She hesitates then says, “I have something to tell you…” Her voice dies.

“What is it?”

More hesitation. “No one could understand. But maybe you can.”

I finally open the door.

“Sorry my part is messy,” I apologize.

“You should see Piper’s cabin,” Annabeth mutters.

We sit down. I’m on my bed and she’s on the couch.

After a small moment of silence, Annabeth grabs something out of her bag. “I brought you some food.” She hands me a plastic bag. “You look hungry.”

I take the bag from her and open it. Inside is a container filled with a chicken parm sandwich, french fries, and a biscuit.

“Thanks,” I tell her as I bite into the sandwich. “So what is it?”

“It’s Percy.”

“Did he send you here to try and explain the other day?”

“No. But I wanted you to hear it from me.”

“Why would I believe you?”

Annabeth is silent.

I put down the sandwich. “That’s what I thought.” I head over to the door and open it for her.