Jealousy

Piper's jelousy

3rd person POV

"Ok everyone, let's all stand in a circle," Aphrodite says. The demigods reluctantly form a circle going: Annabeth, Percy, Frank, Hazel, Leo, Jason, Piper and Aphrodite starting in the middle.

"Any volunteers for who goes first?" she asks. Of course no one volunteers. "Ok then... how about... my dear daughter," she says. Everyone turns to Piper. "Percy, you must ask her," Aphrodite says. "Um... what are you most jealous of me about?" Percy asks.

Piper tries to stop herself but can't as the words come out of her mouth,"I'm so jealous that your mom is always there for you and spends all her time with you. My dad barely ever talked to me and she was always there for you, spending time with you."

Before anyone can talk Aphrodite says,"Lovely. Now if everyone will turn to the wall, I will project some memories." Percy starts to say "Stop" but before he can the room turns dark except for a wall where a memory is playing:

Little Percy around 5 years old is standing next to a woman who is obviously his mom. She is standing at the door, wearing a uniform and carrying a bag. "Bye Percy, I'll see you in 12 hours," she says. "Bye mom! Love you." She closes the door and immediately Percy's smile falls. He sighs,"First time seeing her all week, even if it was only 5 minutes, that was nice."

Immediately after another memory plays

Percy now looks a little bit older. Sally is putting items in her purse as little Percy watches. "I'm sorry Percy, I know it's your birthday, but I have to go to work," she says. Percy gives her a huge smile,"Of course! I understand, see you in a couple days?" "Love you Percy, happy birthday."

More memories flash through

Percy now looks around 8. "I have your bag packed for you, love you," he says. "Thank you sweety, happy birthday, maybe one day I'll be able to celebrate it with you," Sally says sadly. "Don't worry about it mom, just being able to see you is enough of a birthday for me!" Percy says.

A 10 year old Percy walks up to his mom,"mom! I got an A!" Sally looks at him happily,"That's great honey but I really need to go!" Percy's smiles,"Of course." She leaves the house and Percy whispers,"I also got kicked out of another school. But don't worry about it, I've done some research and have applied for another school. Not that you'll never know, you worry enough without having to deal with your pathetic excuse for a son too much already." Of course she doesn't hear him, already long gone.

An 11 year old Percy comes home and see's his mom on the couch. "Mom? Are you ok?" he asks. "Of course honey, I'm just a bit tired." Percy frowns,"Hey mom, maybe you should take a nap." "No sweety, this has been my only day off for 7 months, I want to spend it with you," she says. "Don't worry about me, you're obviously very tired. Use your day off for yourself, I'll make you some food for when you wake up," Percy says. "I love you Percy," she says. "I love you too mom."

The projection stops and the room fills with light. Everyone turns to Percy. "You're mom... didn't spend time with you," Piper says. Percy looks embarrassed, not about his mom, but about himself,"It was fine. I knew she loved me and she knew I loved her. That's all that mattered."

"Still!" Piper says,"All this time I was jealous of you for your mom when she wasn't there either." Percy, now defensive, angrily says,"Hey! My mom tried, it wasn't her fault." Annabeth puts a hand on his arm and says,"Piper wasn't saying that it was."

After a bit of awkward silence Jason asks,"What did that do? We know something about him, how does that make us better friends?" Aphrodite just says,"You understand Percy better, and that's what matters."

Percy says,"Seriously? You're just going to expose all my secrets? Do you know how much effort I've put into keeping stuff like that hidden. I don't want pity, I don't want sympathy, I just want people to see 'demigod leader Percy' not mortal Percy."

"What?" Frank asks. Before Percy can respond Aphrodite says,"I think it's someone else's turn now."

Thank you for reading! Comment, Vote, or just let me know your thoughts. Have a great day. 763 words!