The Morning Show: Percabeth edition

Chapter 8: Percy's POV

I was scared. My palms were sweating and I couldn't seem to even do the simplest ollie on my skateboard. I tried walking, climbing a tree, grabbing a bagel, but it all did no use to ease my anxiety.

I plopped down on a bench to steady myself. Just when I was getting up, my phone buzzed. I shrieked when I saw the number.

"Mom!"

For a moment there was silence. Then my mom began to speak. "Perce," she said softly, "I'm so proud of you."

A tear trickled down my cheek. "I love you mom. I'm sorry-"

"Don't be. You're my baby boy Perce. You deserve this," she whispered. 

My eyes stung. "This all happened so fast mom, I don't know what to do-"

"Percy, baby, listen to me. Whatever happens today, I'll still love you. America will love you. Just be yourself, okay?"

Big, fat tears rolled down my face. "I'll try my best mom. I promise."

"I know you will Perce. I love you so much honey."

"I love you too mom." The call ended as I wiped my tears off with my sleeve. I put on my tough face and got up from the bench. It was game time.

...
Fifteen minutes later

I arrived at the studio at 5:30 a.m. on the dot. The lion statues on the top of the building used to frighten me, but now I simply ignored them. I entered the building with people's eyes staring daggers at me but I honestly didn't care anymore. Let them be jealous. Soon enough they would realize that I was more than someone who hit the jackpot. I was the future of this show, whether they liked it or not.

The makeup artists came in and made me try on five different suits. The one we finally decided on made me look like some rich brat, which I guess I was now. My hair was slicked back with an enormous amount of hair gel and I hated it. I stood in front of the mirror. Who was this new guy that looked back at me?

The clock was now ticking with less than ten minutes. My head started to throb again as I entered the set.

I must have been looking sick, because Jason looked at me with concern. "Hey dude," Jason reassured, "everything is scripted. All you have to do is glance at the screen and say all the words on there. There's not going to be any surprises."

I know he was stating the truth, but my head still spun. I didn't even remember why I chose to stay in New York City. But all I knew was that it was the wrong choice. I was told to follow my dreams, but what happens if your dream ends up becoming a nightmare?

I took three deep breaths. In and out. This was happening no matter if I liked it or not. Now wasn't the time to make excuses.

"Five minutes!" the director hollered.

Annabeth then came in. This was the first time I saw her in a suit. Her hair was straightened and draped over her shoulders. She looked really formal but at the same time she looked natural. I didn't know how she did it. I silently scolded myself. I needed to stop staring at Annabeth all the time.

We both got on the set. I was placed to the side of set, as Annabeth would cue me in to walk into my chair. Besides me, the screen turned on with the scripted words I was supposed to say. My tongue turned dry immediately. I thought back to this weekend, how I FaceTimed Frank and he acted as Annabeth asking me questions. It had gone fine, and we both were satisfied with my performance. I just needed to copy that, and everything would be fine.

"Going live in 3...2...1!"

"Good morning," Annabeth started as the director cued her in, "as you probably know by now, we now have an official co-host besides me! Give it up for...PERCY JACKSON!" she hollered.