Percy and Paul

Delinquent

When Sally told me she wanted me to meet her son, I was thrilled and terrified. I became more concerned when she started talking about his academic track record. She mentioned him getting kicked out of several schools, though she never gave me a specific number, and that he disappeared often. When Sally said that, her brows creased a little, "He always comes back though," she said, partially to herself. This worried me, where on earth would Percy disappear to?

I went home that night and looked up my girlfriend's son, like any normal person would. I was astounded by what came up. There were several mentions of Percy blowing up school buses and gymnasiums. Then I found a multitude of articles about a man hunt for Percy Jackson around two-three years ago. This kid was a natural delinquent. He didn't have any charges against him, since everything he did, he was forced to do by a kidnapper, apparently.

But I was still extremely nervous when I woke up and realized I would be meeting the infamous Percy Jackson. In my mind, I pictured him as a punk, with a permanent scowl etched on his face. I pictured him slouchy, with baggy clothes and terribly unkempt brown hair, like Sally's. I scolded myself for thinking this way when I'd never even met the kid, but I couldn't help myself from picturing one of the most vile 14 year old to walk the planet.

So it was a very, very large shock when a handsome young man opened the door for me. I almost thought I'd gone to the wrong door, but the kid stuck his hand out, "You must be Mr. Blofis."

I nodded and shook his hand. Sheesh. This kid was strong. Percy had black hair, nothing like Sally's, and sea-green eyes that had clearly seen more that they wanted to see. They also conveyed a silent message to me, saying, "You hurt my mom. I hurt you." Percy was also the most muscular 14 year-old I'd ever met and he had a winning smile.

"Come in, Mr. Blofis," he said. Man, he had some good manners. Could this really be the kid who was expelled several times, disappeared frequently, and blew up buses?

"Please," I said, finally coming back from my thoughts, "call me Paul." He smiled.

"Hi Paul!" Sally greeted, popping out of the kitchen, "Dinner's almost ready. Percy, sweetie, can you set the table?"

"Sure mom," He said readily, dashing off to get a tablecloth. This wasn't what I expected at all. Which was a very good thing, it would make this dinner go much easier. I hoped.

We sat down to dinner in silence. I couldn't take it so I, rather stupidly, asked Percy, "So, how's school been going for you?"

He pressed his lips together and replied, "good."

Dang it. I wanted Percy to like me. So I tried again, "Do you play any sports?"

This got more of a reaction, he bobbed his head from side to side, "Only for fun. I do basketball, swimming, and fencing."

Wow. I didn't know what to say next. It was silent again until Percy spoke up, "You teach English, right?"

I had a feeling that this was just him being polite, not that he was actually interested in me being a teacher, but I answered nonetheless, "Yes. I wonder if you'll maybe come to Goode next year? That's the school I teach at." Both Sally and Percy stared at me wide eyed with hope shining. I continued, "Do you like reading?"

Percy made a small face, and I smiled, "No," he said, "I have dyslexia and ADHD, so I really can't stay focused."

I was surprised, "ADHD and dyslexia?"

He grinned knowingly, "I know. Great combination."

Then there was a loud knock at the door, Percy jumped, his hand flying to his pocket. "I'll get it," he mumbled. I heard the door open and a conversation start. But it didn't sound like English. Then Percy jogged back in and gave Sally a quick kiss on the cheek. "Sorry mom. There's trouble at camp. I've got to go."

She simply nodded, "Love you Perce. Stay safe."

"Love you too mom." Then he ran out the door.

Sally looked at her plate sadly. I was alarmed, but tried to keep my features in control. Sally seemed to notice anyway, "He'll be back. He just has to help at his summer camp. He always comes back."

I wasn't sure if she was talking to me or herself, "But, it's a summer camp. It's not summer."

"Percy only goes in the summer, but some kids are there all year," she explained.

What kind of camp was this? Some military camp or something for delinquents? I wasn't sure I wanted to know.

That was the first time I ever met Percy Jackson.