After Time

Twelve

Andromeda

"I still can't believe you defeated a titan and threw him in the Lethe," I sighed at my brother as we walked home. It had been nearly five hours. Mom and Paul were likely worried.

He shrugged. 'I'm more surprised that you convinced him he was our friend,' He replied. 'Why did you name him B-O-B?'

"It was just the first thing that came to mind," I said. "I didn't think keeping him waiting would be a good idea. I hope he'll be okay with Uncle Hades."

'What about Persephone?'

I hummed, "I can't say I approved of her manipulating us," I told him honestly. "But she kind of had a point. I understand wanting her husband to be respected." He nodded. "She shouldn't have gone behind his back though."

I hummed a song to the two of us as we continued walking. We waved to the receptionist, Lindsey, and walked up the stairs to our apartment. "Hey Mom, Sorry we're late!" I called as we walked inside. "We got interrupted," I continued. Percy smirked to himself.

Mom looked us over with a raised eyebrow but eventually relented. "Alright," She sighed. "Percy, would you like to help make cookies?" He nodded and joined her in the kitchen. I walked to the living room and collapsed onto the couch next to Paul.

I loved Christmas, but I missed my friends, particularly Annabeth. Unfortunately for me, she was still in San Francisco with her own family. We had asked Nico if he wanted to come over for Christmas, but he had refused confidently. I missed Annabeth more, though.

"Hey there, Andy." He smiled, but he frowned when he saw my expression. "You okay?"

I nodded with a smile, "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Hmm, well I don't believe that, sorry." I rolled my eyes. "Let me guess... boy troubles?" I raised an eyebrow at him. He seemed genuine.

"Girls actually, but yes." I narrowed my eyes, daring him to comment.

Paul smiled and held up his hands. "Hey, as someone who likes girls, I have no business judging."

I cocked my head to the side. "That's an... interesting way of thinking."

He laughed, "So who's the lucky girl?"

I sighed, "Annabeth Chase. She goes to the same summer camp as Percy and I," I explained. "She lives in San Francisco."

He smiled lightly, "Maybe you can visit her," he said. "I'm sure it wouldn't be too much of a problem."

I smiled lightly, "yeah," I said. "Maybe."

I noticed Percy standing in the doorway, smiling softly. The look on his face seemed happy, but the sadness behind his eyes was also more prominent than usual. He had looked like that since we talked to Mellinoe. I could reasonably assume it had something to do with her taking the form of that girl.

He caught my look and grimaced. Paul didn't seem to notice, luckily. We still hadn't told him about Percy running away. It was a topic we needed to discuss, but Percy was never home except for holidays, so we were at a loss.

Line Break

Paul and Mom had gone to bed. I sat across from Percy in my room. I was looking at his hands, deep in thought. Eventually, he looked at me. 'Her name was I-Z-Z-Y.'

I looked at him curiously.

'The girl that Mellinoe...' He clenched his hands.

'Were you close?' I signed back, not knowing if Paul or Mom were awake.