The Cancer

Percy POV

The day only got better when I noticed that Annabeth was in detention. I could certainly have fun right now. I confidently walked through the empty classroom towards her.

"I didn't expect to see Annabeth Chase in detention," I commented slyly.

She didn't bother looking up from her math homework. I sat at the desk next to her and gazed at her blonde hair. She had nice, curly hair that gave the fragrance of lemons. Surprisingly, it wasn't in the usual ponytail today.

Annabeth ignored me completely as she continued her calculus. The symbols and numbers swirled around in my mind, and I had to look away.

I reached forward and gently placed my hand on her arm.

That's when Annabeth finally looked up. Her storming gray eyes locked onto my sea-green ones. This wasn't my first time pulling this move. However, it was my first time getting caught off guard by the girl's eyes.

Her gray eyes weren't light. They were dark and intimidating. They resembled storm clouds with sparks of white lightning. Stunning. Sexy.

"You have very pretty eyes," I whispered.

"Stop it," she screeched as she swatted my hand away. "Stop doing that. Stop doing whatever you're doing with your eyes."

"What am I doing?" I asked innocently.

Her face constricted with anger. Even so, she was very pretty. "Don't touch me or look at me. All of your little tricks will not work on me, you asshole," Annabeth snapped.

"Oh, Wise Girl, if I wanted you, I'd already have you," I commented while leaning back. I missed her close presence, but a smirk still played on my face.

"Yeah, right," she muttered as she rolled her eyes.

Annabeth took her homework and backpack and moved to the desk that was farthest from my own. "Don't come closer," she commanded.

I chuckled as I watched her retreating figure. Dam, she has good body proportions. It was very fun to get Wise Girl all riled up. I liked fighting with her because our interactions were always interesting.

I stood up again and started walking over with a bright smile.

"I said don't come closer. You hurt one of my closest friends, and I want nothing to do with you," Annabeth expressed.

I paused and sat down again.

Rachel Elizabeth Dare was my latest girlfriend. I knew that she was probably hurt by my sudden decision to break up with her. To be honest, Rachel was a nice girl, but she was getting too connected to me.

I always make myself clear to my girlfriends. We'd be fine as long as our relationship stayed purely physical. I even stayed loyal in terms of my physical relationships. That is, I only had physical relationships, but it was always with one girl at a time. I made sure of that because personal loyalty is very important to me.

I silently gazed at Annabeth, who was reading a history textbook now.

Rachel was Annabeth's friend, so it made sense for her to hate me. However, I was only trying to save Rachel from later pain. I liked her but not enough to be with her.

I decided to leave Annabeth alone because I didn't want to talk about Rachel or the nature of my relationships. I have my reasons for how I lead my dating life.

Instead, I pulled out my phone. I was debating between Candy Crush and Temple Run, two of my favorite games.

Candy crush it is. As always, I got hungry while playing the game.

***

Boisterous laughter rumbled out of my apartment before I even opened the door. Dam it, he was not alone today. I hesitated as my hand lingered on the doorknob. I considered not going inside, but that would lead to trouble later.

Well, I'd get in trouble either way. However, it would be much worse later if I avoided Smelly Gave right now.

I sighed before pushing the door open. The stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke exploded into my face. I resisted the urge to gag as I entered my shitty home.

Everything was dim, but the scene in front of me wasn't unfamiliar. I was used to seeing Gabe and his poker buddies in my living room. They were sitting around a small, rectangular table. The blinds were closed and food/bottles were littered over the floor. Our house was an actual mess. It has been ever since mom was forced to stop living here.

I swatted the smoke out of my face as I tried to sneak through the living room. However, I wasn't successful considering I had to pass right by them. Even though Gabe was drunk, his senses worked just fine.

"BOY, are you forgetting something?" Gabe snapped angrily.

I bit my tongue to stop the curses from flying out of my mouth. Talking back to Gabe, especially when he was entertaining his friends, was NOT a good idea.

I quietly turned around and nodded at Gabe.

"What would you like me to do, Gabe?" I asked tensely. I hoped that he was doing well in his poker game. If he was making money, then he should be in a good mood.

"More beer, NOW," Gabe commanded.

Then, he went back to dealing cards and chips to his three other friends. All of them were big, burly, and bearded old men. The room was dark and the smoke made it duller.

I maneuvered around their table and walked into the kitchen. My family was by no means rich. We lived in a below-average two-bedroom apartment. The only sources of income were from Gabe's job and my mom's early retirement pension.

I quickly grabbed a canister of beers from the fridge and walked into the living room.

"I have more beers for you, Gabe," I said firmly.

Gabe's irritated face twisted towards me. I winced as his cold glare locked onto my face. Then, Gabe stood and stormed towards me.

"Okay, you have the beers. WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THEM?" Gabe shouted into my face.

Smoke burned my nostrils as spit sprayed my face. Gabe was around the same height as me, but he was a lot wider, which gave him a dominating figure. I quickly wiped the spit off of my face as I got to work.

I crouched on the ground and opened the canister. I quickly dispersed the beer bottles to Gabe's friends. Then, I turned to Gabe and handed him a bottle as well.

"Stupid boy. After all this time, you still are useless," he spat.

I wanted to punch him. I wish that I could fight him and kick him in the balls, but I can't. I can't fight him because of my mom.

"Yes, Gabe," I said firmly.

"YES, WHAT?" he roared. His body moved closer to me, and his hand tightly gripped my right arm. I winced as he pressed against the bruise on my upper arm that I received from him two days ago.

My eyes stung, but I refused to give him the satisfaction.

I straightened as I looked him in the eyes. I hoped that he could see the hatred in my eyes. My facial expressions said one thing while my voice said something else.

"Yes, Gabe. After all this time, I am still useless," I said painfully.

"Finally, we're making some progress with that idiotic brain of yours. Now, get out of my sight," he yelled.

Gladly, you fart-face, I thought.

I quickly walked away from him and started walking towards the hallway leading to my room. However, Gabe stopped me again.

"Actually, boy, why don't you come with me?" Gabe asked firmly.

I regretfully followed him into the kitchen. He walked through the kitchen and paused on the other side. Our home was structured so that the kitchen had two entrances. One entrance was near the front door and the welcoming hallway while the other led to the dining and living rooms.

Gabe stood in front of the front door as I approached nervously. I was still wearing my backpack, and my keys were in my pocket.

"I don't want you in my house right now, boy," Gabe ordered.

"But, Gabe, I have homework to do, and I have nowhere to go right now. Also, I don't have money to buy food, so I have to make myself dinner," I explained quickly.

"I don't care," he shouted. "Get out."

"But-"

"I SAID GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE," Gabe roared. His hand reached forward and grabbed my hair. My hands instinctually went to lighten his grasp. It didn't help much though.

He yanked me towards him. The smell of alcohol and tobacco permeated out of his mouth as he spoke. "You do as I say. Your mother's life is in my hands. Or, did you forget the little fact that you need my money?" he slurred.

"I remember, Gabe," I acknowledged helplessly.

My head throbbed as his grip tightened around my scalp. It felt like my hair was slowly and painfully being pulled out of my head.

Gabe quickly opened the door and pushed me out of my home. I staggered into the hallway as the door slammed shut behind me. My hands ran through my hair as I massaged the top of my head. A headache was already starting.

I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart.

While I could've walked to Grover's house, I decided to visit the hospital instead. I've been spending more time at the hospital recently.

I knew my way around the hospital. I spent a lot of time traveling through the hospital because I volunteer here on Sundays. I especially liked serving in the pediatric ward.

However, I walked to the oncology department today.

For those that don't know, oncology means cancer.

The front lady at the cancer wing help desk recognized me, so she smiled in greeting let me into hallway #2. This hallway specialized in housing and treating patients with Stage 2 and 3 adenocarcinomas.

I quietly made my way towards room #24. I greeted the nurses and doctors along the way (at least, those whom I recognized). I greatly appreciated the workers of the healthcare system. They deserved a lot more praise for what they do.

Surprisingly, Dr. Apollo was in the room when I arrived. I silently watched as he listened to the female patient's breathing with a stethoscope.

Based on his facial expressions, the symptoms weren't too good.

Regardless, he put on a cheery smile as he talked to the patient, who simply nodded and smiled at everything the doctor was saying. I quietly listened until I couldn't anymore.

"Hye, mom, how are you feeling?" I asked as I approached the bed.

"Percy, sweetie," my mom's voice rasped. She coughed slightly before responding, "I'm feeling all right, honey. I'm glad that you're here."

I hated hearing her voice like this. My mother, Sally Jackson, had a beautiful voice, and she was an amazing human being. I hated hearing her weak and raspy.

However, that's what advanced-stage lung cancer did to you.

I gently took her pale hand in mind. I took caution to not tug at the IVs and wires that were connected to my mom's arm and chest. Her hand felt weak and cold, but the comforting warmth was still there.

I love my mother so much, and I hate seeing her like this.

She smiled at me as I kissed her forehead. Dr. Apollo took his leave so that I could spend some time with my mom. I missed her so much. I visited her all the time, but not having her in the house was so hard.

The cancer was aggressive, and the doctors decided to hospitalize her over a year ago. I was on board (despite not wanting to be with Gabe) because I wanted my mom to get better.

"Percy, I bet that you're missing my blue cookies," she rasped.

I pressed my forehead against hers gently. She was trying to be strong and normal for me, and I was doing the same. "You have no idea, mom," I expressed with a smile.

Tears bristled in my eyes as I talked with my mom.

Mostly, it was me telling her about the past few days. I left out everything about Gabe and my girlfriends, and instead, focused on school and friends. She was too tired and raspy to speak, but she smiled as she listened. I was mid-story when I noticed that she fell asleep.

I kissed her forehead again before brushing her bald head.

"I miss you, mom. Rest well and get better. You're all that I have," I whispered. At that moment, the tears did spill slowly.

I simply held her hand and watched my mother sleep for a long time.

As I said, I have my reasons for how I lead my dating life.

I have my reasons for keeping secrets, rejecting close relationships, and finding pleasure and distraction through sex.