31: The Goodbye

Percy POV

I shook their hands firmly.

Directors Carter and Sadie Kane were very nice but also professional. I was excited to be signed to Kane Records. After everything that I had gone through with Olympus Records, I wanted freedom and change.

"Welcome to Kane Records, Percy," Sadie said firmly.

The siblings were both smiling at me, which was nice. I couldn't even remember the last time I saw my former boss, Zeus, smile.

"Thank you both, it's good to be here," I said excitedly.

"Okay, so I believe that you wanted to see our recording studios. We have a few hours before our next meeting, so we'll join you on your tour," Carter Kane said.

"Absolutely. Thanks," I said.

"Percy, I want to assure you that things will be different at Kane Records. To be frank, we've heard pretty terrible things about Olympus Records," Sadie said hesitantly.

"Yeah, you wouldn't be wrong. However, they did give me an opportunity, and for that, I'll be grateful, I guess."

Chiron nodded in approval at my response. I had signed an agreement with Olympus Records where I couldn't speak about my negative experiences with them. The music industry had a lot of politics.

"That's a nice attitude to have," Carther acknowledged.

We continued the tour. The building of Kane Records was very authentic, and I liked the people, artists, and infrastructure. The recording studios were phenomenal as well.

At Kane Records, they didn't have a private recording studio for each artist. Instead, an artist could book the studio when it was time to record their music. This was the best option to encourage cooperativity and financial sustainability.

"All right, Percy, we'll let you get acquainted with our recording team. Carter and I have to run. Once again, welcome to Kane," Sadie said with a smile.

I nodded before turning back to the tech employees.

"Hey, everyone, I can't wait to work with you all when I'm recording my music. Um, this is my manager, Chiron Bruner," I said firmly.

They all nodded and introduced themselves.

We were staying in Los Angeles for the next week because I had to rerecord my demos for the next album. Technically, I couldn't use any old material (that wasn't patented) from Olympus Records. As such, I needed to record my new music again.

Since we had already recorded them once, we just had to rerecord. Leo would be joining us on facetime to help out.

The next few days were filled with interviews and making music. I barely had time to sit down and call my girlfriend or best friend. Sometimes, my life got ridiculously busy, and this trip was one of those moments.

This was a two-week period of complete work within my vacation period. Honestly, I was expecting it to get busy at some point.

Finally, we reached the Friday before Thanksgiving.

"Yes, mom, I'm flying home tonight. Chiron and I finished everything that needs to be done, and we're coming back today," I said into the phone.

My mother was afraid that I'd miss Thanksgiving at home. After all, I had to miss Thanksgiving last year because of my world tour.

"That's good, honey, I missed you," my mom said softly.

"Mom, it's only been like two weeks since I came to LA," I said back.

"I don't care how long it has been. I'm always going to miss my son. I don't even know how I managed months without seeing you," my mom expressed.

"All right, mom, well, you'll see me today," I stated firmly.

I hung up the phone to finish packing. My hotel room was a mess because I was never one to stay organized. Chiron was scolding me about staying more organized.

"Chiron, this would be faster if you helped me," I said slyly.

"I'm not picking up your underwear, Perseus," Chiron said as he crossed his arms. I sighed before continuing to clean my room for a few more minutes.

"All right, Percy, you ready to go home?" Chiron asked.

I couldn't wait to see Annabeth again. I felt bad about not being there to support her during her audition. Getting the chance to audition for Broadway was a big deal, and I wished that I was there.

However, I knew that she'd be great like always.

"Yup, I'm ready. Let's go home," I expressed.

***

Jason and I were finishing the final touches to his house. Usually, Piper's house was the go-to location for parties of any kind. However, since this was a surprise party, it had to be somewhere that Annabeth wouldn't come to.

And, the girls were distracting Annabeth at Piper's house.

"Bro, how is it that you found out Annabeth got the role before she did?" Jason asked. He was hanging a congratulations banner in the living room.

"Dionysus and I are friends," I said firmly.

"Bro, he's a middle-aged man in broadway, and you're a pop star," Jason stated as he turned around.

Just then, the banner fell back on the floor. We both sighed before attempting to hand the heavy banner for the third time. This banner was being a pain right now.

"Yeah, well, he directed one of my music videos," I explained. "Anyway, I only asked Dionysus to tell me if Annabeth got the part. That's it."

"Seriously though, this is a huge deal. It's amazing."

"It really is, Jason. Um, I had so many emotions running through me when I got the call from Olympus Records 3 years ago," I said. "It's a chance of a lifetime."

Jason nodded as we continued with the banner. It was a golden banner that said congratulations on it. However, Leo bought such an annoying banner because we were struggling so much to hang it up.

"LEO," I shouted.

"You freaking ought the worst banner in the store," Jason exclaimed.

Leo nonchalantly walked into the room. His face was light and breezy as he fixed the paper plates and snacks on the kitchen island. He had a certain glint in his eyes. Jason and I looked at each other before dropping the banner.

"Leo, you seem different," I said slyly. I knew exactly what was happening because Calypso and I were still good friends.

"Who were you on the phone with?" Jason asked.

I shook my head as I grabbed some more tape for the banner. Jason was so oblivious sometimes. That's why he needed a girl like Piper in his life.

"I was just face-timing Calypso in the other room," Leo said quietly.

"I'm glad to know that things are going well for you too," I said. Even though Calypso and I had dated, I didn't care if Leo got together with her. I was totally on board.

"Actually, we're just talking right now. She's very busy on her tour, and things are a little complicated," Leo explained quietly.

Jason groaned as the tape stuck to his fingers. I quickly shoved the banner into his hands before walking over to Leo (who was still in the kitchen). I wanted him to hear my words.

"Leo, look at me and listen to me," I started. He did as he was told.

"You're still new to this world of showbusiness. It's always going to be hectic and complicated, Leo. Trust me, both of your careers and lives will take you to phenomenal places. So, you both have to make the effort to stay together," I expressed firmly.

I meant every word that I was saying. Celebrities have busy lives where (sometimes) there's a struggle to stay in touch with our loved ones. However, you can get around that.

Leo nodded with a smile. "Thanks, Percy."

I smiled back before scolding him about the banner that he bought. Jason and I both told him that we quit and that he had to hang up the congratulations banner. Leo laughed before agreeing. Of course, being the engineer that Leo was, he easily hung up the banner in five minutes. What the hell?

Suddenly, a phone chimed in the kitchen.

"Oh, guys, the girls are on their way. We gotta get ready," Jason said urgently.

That was sooner than I expected. Regardless, everything was ready, and I was excited to see Wise Girl and tell her the fantastic news.

***

Annabeth laughed with her friends, but there was a strain on her face. She was happy, but she was also conflicted. I knew her well enough to see that while most people couldn't.

"Hey, Wise Girl, let's go talk," I said quietly.

A lot of people were at the party, but they were all supportive friends. It wasn't like a normal high school. This one was more private and intimate.

Annabeth nodded as I took her hand.

We both maneuvered through Jason and Thalia's home and walked into an empty bedroom on the first floor. Yeah, Thalia and Jason lived in a mansion. They had two bedrooms just on the first floor. It was actually kinda lonely since they lived alone most of the time.

I closed the door behind us as Annabeth sat on the bed.

"Wise Girl, what's wrong? You did it. You got the part of Jordan Baker for a Broadway production. This is one of your biggest dreams," I expressed.

"I know, Percy. I called Dionysus to get the details as soon as you all surprised me. I'm so happy and excited, obviously," she started.

"But-" I asked.

"But, this is a big change. I know that this change is great news for me, but it means that I'll be graduating early and moving to NYC in a few weeks. The rehearsals had already started so I have to be there," Annabeth explained.

"Yeah, it is a big change, but it's good. You're pursuing your dreams. Trust me, it may seem daunting, but it's for the best," I said as I sat next to her.

Annabeth stood up and distanced herself from me. She was looking at herself and me in the dresser mirror. Her face held such conflicting emotions.

"It means that I'll have to say goodbye to all of this. To you," Annabeth said sadly.

I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her waist. She easily leaned back into me as I kissed her cheek.

"How do you think I felt?" I whispered before sighing. "Trust me, Wise Girl, you're not saying goodbye to anyone. We're all still here. It'll just take a little bit more effort."

"But, it's gonna be different," she whispered.

I kissed her cheek again before tightening my grip on her.

"Yeah, it will be different, but not in a bad way. We'll still love each other. Besides, Wise Girl, we would've come across this eventually. For instance, when my 'vacation' is over, and I have to go on world tours or something."

"You're right about that," she said before turning around.

"Wise Girl, our lives are so variable, but our relationship is gonna be a constant. I promise that it's not goodbye," I expressed firmly.

Annabeth smiled before kissing me. I simply melted into her warmth and love. I could've stayed there forever, but she broke away.

My forehead was leaning against hers, and our breaths mixed in the close proximity between us.

"It's not goodbye," she whispered with a smile.

I nodded with a smile of my own before kissing her again.

A lot of things were gonna be different now. I was signed to a whole new record label, and she was going off to pursue her dream. However, I meant what I said.

Our relationship was to be a lifelong constant. Always.