The Selection

Sparky...

Two more caring pillars of sisterly love.

"You are not mad at me?" I ask Thalia.

"I was. But I have two reasons not to be mad at you. First, you found our Dad, which I really want to thank you for."

"How is he?" I ask.

"He is with his brothers, of course, in his room, resting. He came to see but you were unconscious at that time. He was worried."

"I will talk to him." I smile. "By the way, what is the second reason?"

"These people are really angry with you. However, that's not the main reason cause they will cool down soon but there is still someone who is way more provoked by this act and let me tell you, we can't help you to make her forgive you."

Somehow, I am aware of that 'someone'.

"We'll help you get better but only you can calm her down. But, first, take a deep breath and stay composed for that's really important for you, right now." Calypso says.

"Anyways, dude, you literally made a happy go lucky man cry for you" Leo whispers, whipping his fake tears.

"Sorry, man!" I apologise, glad to have him by my side again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Days passed by. I am improving. And as Thalia said, everyone's anger cooled down. They took care of everything, I ever wanted. I loved spending time with them. I had a nice talk with Dad about the Selection and all the events that took place. He smiled at me, all the time. Lord Hades and Lord Poseidon met me too and blessed me for being brave. The three brothers are planning for the day I am going to be crowned but before that, something is left impending. I have to choose my wife!

But, then, there is still this emptiness in my heart. I haven't seen her for days. I know she watches me every day. But, she never lets me know it's her.

So, like yesterday.

There was a soaring pain in my back. I groaned. I heard the door creak, I assumed it was Will for he usually visited during that time. The weight of the bed shifts. I lay on my back as a pair of hands pulled my shirt up. Careful fingers applied the medicine to the wound and I felt much relieved as Will vigilantly and gently covered my body with the blanket. 

When I thanked him, I was met with silence. I managed to turn my head only to see someone, dressed in a gown, her chocolate brown hair made in a messy braid. It was her.

However, today, I am feeling much better. Sometimes, Will, Nico or Percy accompany me for a walk in the garden. But Annabeth isn't feeling well today, so Percy and Will are with her while Nico, with Lord Hades, has to go to Italy for a sudden work. He says he will return soon. I decide to be in the garden alone.

I get up, quite easily. I reach the hallway and start descending the stairs towards the park. It's only when I make my way towards it that I note I am not going to be alone. 

Bianca and Zoe are playing in the park with balloons in their tiny hands. They watch me come and without wasting a second, leave their toys and rush towards me.  

I kneel and is bombarded with loads of questions. And I know if I don't answer them, I would be cursed by these little fairies.

"Jase, Dad says you were not well."

"How are you, now?" 

I feel like being under interrogation. I replied to each of their questions, weaving stories where necessary.

"Bianca!Zoe!" A pleasing voice calls out. There stands a charming young lady in a gorgeous sky blue dress who completely ignores the Prince of Illea. I find that cute!

The kids run to her as she offers them some chocolates.

"Well, I feel hungry too, Bianca and Zoe." It's my turn to ignore.

"Piper, give him one too." Bianca, being short, clutches Piper's skirt.

"Sorry Bianca, I don't have anymore." She looks down at her.

"But, Jase's hungry," Zoe complains.

"Tell your Jase to arrange them himself. That's what he likes to do, right. Doing things alone!" She glares at me.

"Are you angry?" Bianca asks, concerned.

"No, Dear, why would I be angry with you." She gets down on her knees to hug both of them. When she pulls away, Zoe speaks up.

"When Mom and Daddy fight, I leave them alone for a while. They talk. Within a few moments, they come out happy again!"

"So, we think that we should leave you two alone so that you can patch up too." Bianca nods. And with this, they run away.

Piper's eyes are downcast as she picks a balloon in her hands, ready to flash away from me, like them. 

I approach her, silently. I could say a lot of things to her but I stay quiet. She doesn't run away.

"You knew everything, right?" There is a pain in her words as she speaks them, without looking at me. "You chose to go to that place even though you knew it was dangerous. And still, you had the nerve to promise me."

"You promised something too, that you won't fight in the war and still you came," I say, my voice calm.

"It was because of you. I wanted to warn you. But, the thing was you already knew everything. Of course, you were too determined to commit suicide while everyone around you suffers." She takes a small pause to look up. Her eyes filled.

"You knew I couldn't live without you, still you did it. I hate you, Jason Grace, I hate you." She throws the balloon, she had in her hand, towards me. I catch it. 

She stands up and comes closer, her face, a few centimetres from mine. "Do you even know how heartbreaking it is to see the person you love the most die in front of your eyes! You don't know anything!" She withdraws and walks away, wiping her tears.

I stand there, stupefied. I won't say I expected something else. I turn to find Percy standing behind me.

"I think you need some 'Boy Talk'" 

I nod.