Percy Jackson Little Sister (Sequel To "Broken" Written by Tyler Jane Smith)

Chapter 33

Zöe:

I walked along the sea front with Damien close beside me.

Feeling the salty spray of the ocean, hearing the gentle lapping of the waves, seeing the crystal blue water...

It all calmed me. Helped me to think. Gave me the illusion of peace and happiness.

We'd been quiet for a while. But I liked it that way.

When we weren't speaking, I could pretend that nothing had changed in the past few months. I could pretend that there was no conflict between us, no awkwardness, no unasked questions about what our relationship status was, no crying over Annabeth. And it was nice.

For us just to be Zöe and Damien again, even if we were pretending.

And then he reached for my hand. Normally that would mean nothing. We've been best friends for years, we've held hands millions of times. But now, I knew that for the two of us to hold hands- would mean something totally different.

So that's why I pulled away and stopped walking. Preparing myself for what was to come.

He turned on me, his expression confused and hurt. I felt myself break a little inside. I hated seeing him look so hurt. Even though it was me who was doing that hurting. “What's up, Zo? I thought... I thought we were good?” He sounded tired.

“We are good.” I sighed. “But just not in the way you want us to be.”

He blinked hard, his eyes shining. “But I thought you wanted us to be good in ‘that’ way too?” I looked down.

“I do, Damien.” I whispered, unable to raise my voice. “But it's complicated and scary and... Right now, with all that's going on with Annabeth. I can't cope with all the stress of trying to handle my feelings about you... And Danny.” I looked up now, and our eyes locked- neither of us turning away.

“And right now. I don't need any of this. I just need you to be Damien, my best friend. And I need you to be here for me.”

He looked broken. And I was sure I looked the same way. “Of course.” A  tear slipped down his face and I reached up to wipe it.

“I'll always be there for you Zo, and I can wait for you to be ready. I'd wait a lifetime, if I had to, in the hope of one day, being able to say you are mine.”