Two Worlds

Madison Richards

"-and that, everyone, is how the Son of Poseidon and Daughter of Athena saved humanity!"

The kids were all grinning, smile after smile as the bell rang, signaling the middle schoolers to head to third hour.

"Alright, guys, don't forget to read chapter five in your text book regarding the Second Giant Wars, that work sheet is due on Tuesday!"

One student in particular, Zoë Jackson, caught me by surprise as she gave me a little wave on the way out. I returned the gesture, sighing at the thought.

Okay... a little bit of backstory. My name is Madison Richards, Ms. Richards to my history students. Zoë... well Zoë may or may not be the daughter of former Olympic swimmer Percy Jackson.

But that wasn't all Percy was.

No, after retiring a few years ago he got his degree in biology. Specifically, that of marine life. And then, 2 months ago at the start of this school year, he and his two daughters moved here to San Francisco, where he was hired to teach the aquatic life elective in this very school.

And now, here we are. Me with an unwavering crush on my coworker and student's father.

I know what you must be thinking, and no... there's no way he's married.

According to Zoë and her little sister Bianca, their mom doesn't even live with them and is currently in New York. I've been to their house for the occasional dinner too, and nothing of the sort has been mentioned.

Percy doesn't even wear a wedding ring! He must be available!

"Hey Mr Jackson!" I grinned as the teacher walked into my room, the same as he did everyday during 3rd hour... both of our free periods.

"Hello to you Miss Richards." He smirked. "I hope Zo-Zo wasn't too much of a hand full today?"

"Of course not!" I quite honestly grinned,  "She's the definition of the perfect student!
Since we've been talking about the Second Titan and Giant wars, these last few weeks, she's known practically everything!"

"Well," he laughed, "that sounds like my daughter. She's grown up learning a lot about those wars, certainly an area of fascination at our house. In a couple of years, when you get Bianca, trust me... she'll be just as prepared."

I've always found in interesting that Bianca is only two years younger than her big sister. I mean, Percy was what... 17 when Zoë was born? He was thirty now, and the seventh grader was only 12. That meant that Percy was only 19 when he had Bi. He was 29 now, very young to have kids of that age.

Not that I cared. I loved those little girls with all my heart. And even though I was only 27, if I could win Perce over... I would happily help raise the little preteens.

"Well, anyways, I better get ready for my next class. I just wanted to stop by to see if you maybe wanted to come over for dinner tonight? There's someone I want you to meet!"

"What?" I questioned, popping out of my little daze. "Oh... yeah! Of course! Seven like usual, I presume?"

"Yup! See you later Mads!"

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Sometimes I forgot Percy's house was so... big.

As I pulled up to his street hours later, I was met with familiar boxes still waiting to be unpacked and empty walls waiting for decor as Bianca led me in.