A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp 28 - Hazel's POV

F: Hi, Hazel. I missed you.

Your boyfriend?

Yes.

Do you want to answer him?

Yes. But I CAN'T!

F: Hazel? Why don't you answer?

H: icant.donrtnowhow

F: Do you want me to call you?

H: yesd

***

Now, easy.

Okay.

Breath.

I'm breathing.

They say the third time is the charm, right?

I hope so.

The phone rang on her hand for the third time, and this one, she was able to unlock to answer.

"Hello?"

"FRANK! It worked!"

"Hahahaha, yes, I noticed that. So, how are you?"

"I'm fine. And how are you?"

You always talk properly? Even with your boyfriend?

Why wouldn't I?

No reason, I guess.

"I'm fine too. Percy mentioned you found Nico. How is your brother?"

"You don't have his number? I thought Percy would pass it along"

"I do, but I don't think your brother would appreciate being bothered just for me to ask if he's okay"

Your brother doesn't like your boyfriend?

He does. Frank makes me happy, so Nico likes him.

So why is your boyfriend afraid of him?

You met my brother. He is...

EMO?

He's not EMO.

Of course he is. And a punching bag too.

Do you really think it?

I KNOW it. And you know it too.

I wish I could do something...WAIT! There's Frank now!

And what can he do?

"Frank? Can you help me?"

"What? Are you hurt? Where are you, I'll get you!"

"No, nothing like that. It's Nico"

"I don't believe Nico can hurt you"

"He's not hurting me, but I think someone has been hurting him"

"Why would you think that?"

"He's bruised. I can see it hurts when I try to hug him. And he has been shutting me out"