Percy Jackson And Sadie Kane: A Forbidden Love

chapter 23

Sadie pov

After PE, a lot of people praised Percy, who just smiled sheepishly. May too had gotten a lot of compliments.

When I looked at Percy, I noticed how much one sword fighting lesson had affected him. He looked more open, more lively. The twinkle in his eye he'd gotten while sparing with May was still there, brighter than ever.

I smiled. Percy was one strange guy if swords could cheer him up.

As the rest of the class filed out, Percy stayed back. I walked out of class but stopped when I heard Percy talking to Coach. Ok, fine. I know I shouldn't eavesdrop. But I couldn't help it. I wanted to know as much as I could about Percy. So when Percy said,"Thanks.", I hid behind a wall to listen. I had a free period anyways.

"For what?" Coach asked.

"Y'know what, Coach." Percy said.

"I figured you weaklings were getting out of practice so I decided to help you get back on track." Coach said.

"Yeah, it really felt good. I just wish I could use Riptide instead of these swords..." Percy said, with a rather dreamy tone. Now that surprised me. And, what the hell was a riptide? Yes, I know the literal meaning of it. But I didn't think Percy was referring to the waves.

"You want to fight? Really Jackson?" Coach's tone was tinted with amusement.

"Well...not really. But like you said, I was getting out of practice." Percy said.

"Didn't really look that way to me." Coach said.

"How did they even allow you to teach us fencing? I mean, is it allowed in schools or...?" Percy left it hanging.

"I told your Principal it would be a good change for you kids. And since its Brooklyn Academy for the 'gifted', I told him it should be different from other schools. He gave in immediately. Pretty nice guy, that Roque. Friendly too." Coach said. That's true.

Mr. Roque was really friendly.

"How's your wife?" Percy asked.

"She's doing great! Well, junior is giving her some trouble. But hey, he's just like his old papa goat!" Coach said. I bit my tongue to stop from laughing. What kind of a guy calls himself 'papa goat'?

"It was really unfair of you to hide it from us for such a long time, Coach." Percy said.

"You better not talk, Mr. Sneaky Jack-" Coach stopped abruptly, as if he had bit his tongue. Awkward silence seem to hang for a while.

"Sorry I..." Coach started.

"It's fine." Percy said, and I was sad to see pain lacing his voice.

"So, you met Nico yet? I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. Since you two were questing buddies and all." Percy said, trying for a laugh. Again, I had no idea what he meant.

"Oh yeah. Di Angelo's here too, right? I almost forgot. I'll have to catch up with that kid." Coach said. After that, I heard footsteps, and I panicked. I quickly ran out of there, turning a corner, hoping no one saw me.