GEMINI.
After I finished getting ready, I carefully packed up everything I needed for the day—my books, my notes, my backpack—and then stepped out of my dorm, feeling a strange mix of nerves and anticipation.
Ohio had texted me earlier, inviting me to meet her for breakfast, and I quickly responded telling here I'd be there soon. I told her about Percy showing up in my dorm room that morning when we finally met. I could still feel the tremor of anxiety from that encounter as I narrates the ordeal, but Ohio's comforting words: "Don't think about it too much. Honestly, it might not be as bad as you think." calmed me down a bit as she gave me that reassuring smile, and we headed out together.
As we stepped onto campus, the air buzzed with whispers and hushed conversations. It was impossible not to notice that something was different with the way everyone's eyes flickered around suspiciously, their voices hushed but filled with curiosity.
We were just about passing a group of girls that were bundled together when one of them leaned closer to the group and whispered, "Did you hear? Percy was seen leaving the Saints building this morning." Her voice was low, but the shock was evident.
"That's gotta mean he's found a new target… someone new to torment!" Another one said gasping.
"Why else would the Perseus Morre be stepping foot on campus dorm?" the first girl replied nodding vigorously.
I blinked, my heart pounding. The Saints building—the very place where Percy was seen this morning—that just so happens to be my dorm! Percy came to my dorm and now they're saying he's found a new target to torment?
I shot Ohio a look, my eyes wide with realization. "No way," I whispered. "You don't think…?"
Her face mirrored my concern. "Coincidence? I think not."
My stomach twisted into knots. I looked at Ohio, feeling the weight of dread settle over me. "I think I'm in serious trouble, Ohio," I whispered, voice trembling. "What should I do?"
Ohio's eyes were filled with panic as she responded, "Okay, okay, let's calm down. Think. Maybe we need to find Percy—beg him for forgiveness. If we do, maybe he'll go easy on you." She started pacing back and forth, biting on her perfectly manicured nails, a telltale sign she was freaking out just as much as I was.
My nerves were fraying at the edges. What does he want? What's he going to do to me? Should I just drop out of school before he has a chance to get to me? The thought of running away, of disappearing somewhere far from all of this, flickered in my mind.
"Ugh," I muttered, frustration bubbling over. "What am I even saying? This isn't helping!" I reached into my pocket, pulling out my phone and my fingers trembled as I considered calling him. But then, a memory hit me—what he told me that morning: 'Pick up when I call,' not 'call me whenever you want.' I hesitated, biting my lip. Better to wait. Wait for him to make the next move. I didn't want to provoke him more than I already had.
Ohio, sensing my distress, gently squeezed my shoulder. "It's okay, bunny," she whispered softly. "If it comes to it, we'll just have my parents smuggle us out of the country." She rested her head on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but laugh—a nervous, shaky laugh—patting her head gently. I sometimes wonder how rich people think they can just wave away danger like it's nothing.
After our little mental breakdown—because honestly, who wouldn't have lost it at that point—we gathered ourselves and headed toward our first lecture of the day. Throughout the class, I tried desperately not to think about what might be waiting for me outside those classroom walls. The whispers, the rumors, Percy's supposed new target—they all haunted me from the back of my mind.
When the time came for our second lecture, we made our way there, ignoring the rumors, trying to stay as normal as possible. But inside, my stomach churned. The dread kept creeping in, making every second feel like a ticking clock.
And then came lunch break, just as we were about to head to lunch, my phone vibrated sharply in my pocket. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at the screen. My eyes widened in shock and fear when I saw the sender.
Ohio leaned in, her voice trembling with panic. "What are you going to do?" she whispered, eyes fixed on the message.
I read the text again: Percy had sent a vague, cryptic message—'Come alone,'—it said at the end, asking me to meet him in that private room on campus, the one I've only heard whispers about, no one on campus has actually seen the inside of the place and no one even dares to go there.
My legs felt like lead as they carried me toward the direction he had sent. Ohio gave me a sympathetic, worried look, her hand reaching out to gently squeeze my arm. As I moved forward, I could feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me, my mind racing with questions: What does he want? Why me? Am I walking straight into a trap?
Every step felt heavier than the last, and I couldn't help but wonder—what's waiting for me on the other side of that door?