Losing Games

15.

15.

"Just Like Him"

~*~

Silena POV

Percy walked into fourth period class a whole hour late.

"Mr. Jackson," Mr. Brunner, or Chiron who was our Greek Mythology teacher said. "Why are you so late."

"Sorry, sir," Percy apologized. "I had to go to the hospital."

"Hospital?" Chiron repeated.

"Yeah," Percy agreed. "Just wasn't feeling so hot."

"But you're fine now, right?"

"As fine as I can be."

Chiron gave Percy a suspicious look and told him to sit down.

Percy walked all the way to the back of the class, into the corner away from all our friends, staring out the window.

No one had seen him since he left with Gabe that night, and I was dying to know if he was okay.

He looked like he hadn't slept. He looked thinner as if he hadn't been eating. He was still wearing long sleeves and a jacket even though today was a lot hotter than normal.

The lesson seemed to drag on and on, with Percy barely paying attention. 

"Jackson!" Chiron shouted. 

I turned around to see Percy's head in his arms on the desk, looking like he was sleeping.

"Percy!" Chiron repeated.

Chiron went over and touched his arm and Percy flinched and bolted upright.

His eyes went wide and he cursed. 

"I'm so sorry, sir. I really am. I didn't mean to fall asleep. I swear, I-"

He looked like a boy about to cry and I think Chiron felt bad for him because all he said was, "See me after class."

Percy nodded, biting his lips as he turned back to the window.

The bell rang a few minutes later, and Percy just sat there, staring out the window as if thinking of ways he could jump out.

"Hey," I said, walking over to him. 

I touched his arm gently and he flinched. 

"Please don't touch me," he whispered. "It's bad enough he touches me."

"How are you doing?" I asked, pulling out a chair beside him.

"I'm fine," he said quietly. "It's nothing new."

"How is he treating you?"

Percy turned his head towards me, his eyes rock hard. "He treats me as good as he's able to."

"I'm sorry," I murmured. "I shouldn't have let him take you. I should have-"

"You should have what, Sil?" he interrupted. "You can't do anything about it. It was my choice. And it's one I will not regret."

"But he's hurting you," I protested.

"And if hurting me keeps you safe, I'd say it's worth it."

"B-But..."

Percy smiled tiredly at me, holding a finger to my lips. "Don't talk, Sil. I'm fine. It's going to be fine."

"Mr. Jackson!" Chiron called. "My desk. Now. And Ms. Beauregard, I suggest you get to lunch now."