Favorite : Change for the both of us

Chapter 5

The next five days feel routine – Poseidon picks me up at noon, during his lunch break, and takes me to the aquarium. I spend about six hours there, interacting with all the animals, not just Glimmer, and then Poseidon buys us both some food at the Coral Restaurant before taking me back the children's home. It's a comfortable routine, too. By Wednesday we're not as awkward around each other anymore and conversation comes easier.

Our routine doesn't change until Friday, when Poseidon invites me to his house for dinner instead.

"Hestia's been telling me off all week," he says. "Apparently restaurant food isn't a proper meal,"

"Of course it is!" I say. Restaurant food is the best food I've ever had!

"That's exactly what I said, but Hestia's got selective hearing. Anyway, she said that she'll cook dinner for us both,"

I think for a second. I've only met Hestia twice, and she is family...

"Alright. Sure,"

A smile appears on Poseidon's face and he sends me away to dry off after lounging with Glimmer again in the pool.

I've gotten a little more used to being around Poseidon over the week, too. I'm not as uncomfortable and the thought of him being my father is getting easier to comprehend. I'd be a bare-faced liar if I said that I couldn't see similarities between us. Nereid is constantly saying how freaky it is.

I'm still wary, however. Life lessons that Hugh had bore into my head are still painfully fresh. Don't let anyone get close to you. They'll just betray you – leave you. You're not worth anyone's attention. No one will ever love you. Except me...

I try to shut those thoughts out, shuddering. So far, Poseidon hasn't show any indication that he doesn't like me. I guess that has to be a good sign, right?

At six, we leave the aquarium and Poseidon drives me to his house. It's on the outskirts of the city, but still pretty close to the shops and the aquarium and stuff, and it's also pretty big. Six bedrooms, at least, and a massive back garden.

"This is huge," I comment, climbing out of the car and looking up at the house. Could a man really live in a place this big without any company?

"My brother, Zeus's house is bigger," Poseidon replies. "He has a mansion – literally, there are thirty bedrooms,"

I gawk, imagining that, and follow Poseidon through the front door.

Hestia is already here – that much is clear, judging by the extra car in the driveway and a delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. I perk and sniff the air.

"Smells good, Hestia," Poseidon calls, taking off his coat and hanging it up. I slip off my trainers, a little afraid of causing a mess, and trail after him sheepishly through a spacious living room with a TV I will literally die to have, and into the pristine kitchen.

"I should hope so," Hestia replies, stood at the shining stove stirring a pan of what smells like chicken korma. She smiles at me. "Hello, Percy,"

"Hi, Hestia," I smile, sniffing the air again. My godddd it smells good. "What are you making?"

"Chicken korma," she says, confirming my suspicions. "I hope you like it,"

"I have no doubt we will," Poseidon says. I nod in agreement.

"Well, it's almost done. Be dears, will you, and get out some plates for me?"

I grab some cleaned cutlery from the draining board next to the sink whilst Poseidon bends down and grabs three plates from one of the cupboard. We place both sets of items on the counter and Hestia begins to serve out the food.