Abused Percy Jackson

Chapter 45

Leo's POV:

I smiled to myself as I entered first period. I looked around and noticed Percy sitting alone. He had his head laying on his arms, seemingly asleep. I took a seat next to him. 

"Hey," he said. I repeated the greeting, feeling a bit awkward. We sat in silence, neither of us knowing what to say.

I was honestly too happy to care about the silence. The classroom was empty except for our teacher. The bell to signal class starting won't ring for about 10 minutes. I pulled out my phone and went onto Instagram, not to shocked by how my classmates were acting. I was fairly pleased to see little posting about Percy. I looked at him, noticing his rhythmic breathing indicating he fell asleep. 

I took a picture, debating whether or not to post it. I decided against it. I continued to scroll through my feed, trying to focus on what my friends were posting. The bell soon rang, startling Percy awake. He slowly sat up and stretched. Students had five minutes to get to class, meaning people were filing in more consistently.

"Good nap?" I asked. Percy nodded and laughed slightly. He still looked exhausted. "Did you not sleep well last night?"

"I keep having nightmares," he said quietly, trying to wake up fully. 

"About what?" I asked, worried. He shrugged. I sighed, wanting to help him. 

"Every since I moved in with Poseidon and Amphitrite, I have nightmares about.... him." I knew who Percy was talking about. "I don't know how to make them stop."

"Have you considered talking to a therapist?" I felt so cheesy suggesting that, but it might help him. Percy quickly shook his head, as if the thought of going to a therapist scared him. I gave him a look of confusion, waiting for him to explain further. 

"It's just-- I don't think that will help," he said. That didn't help with my confusion. "It's just, 'if you need to go to a therapist, then you might as well give up.'"

He was clearly quoting someone. 

"Who told you that?" I asked. Percy shrugged again. I sighed. "Well, whoever it was, they are wrong. Seeing a therapist is normal, and not going to one can cause more damage." 

"Fine. Say I agree, how would I pay for one. I'm broke." He pulled his computer out as the second bell rang. 

"There are a lot of therapists who are willing to work with teens, knowing their financial situation. And you could always go to Poseidon and Amphitrite. They seem like they would be willing to help." 

"I haven't even told them I am having problems." Percy laughed slightly. "I'll think about it."

"Good," I said, feeling satisfied. Today we had a study hall. Our teacher said we were all behind in our classes, but he also looked hungover, so I had a feeling that had something to do with it as well. 

I pulled out my earbuds and Percy and I spent the entire class watching Netflix. We sat shoulder to shoulder, blaming it on the computer screen being small. Halfway through the class, I gently grabbed his hand. I saw a small smile play onto his lips. I turned back to the screen to continue watching. Sadly, the class ended. 

I was always late second period, so I decided to walk Percy to class. Though, unlike me, Percy wasn't out to anyone else, meaning I had to let go of his hand. We said our goodbyes at his class. I walked to my own class.

Throughout the next few classes, I didn't pay attention. I was instead, waiting for lunch to come. 

Percy's POV:

Lunch finally came, but it came with a bunch of nerves as well. I spent the last few weeks avoiding everyone, they are obviously going to want to know why. I sighed, deciding to get it over with. I walked up to the table and took the empty seat in between Annabeth and Piper.