Chapter Text
Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood. Usually, it would get you killed in painful, nasty ways.
I thought I was just a normal kid; reading fiction never hurt. They're just stories, right?
I was wrong. Fiction can hurt. A LOT.
My name is Izzy Mira, and I was 13 years old when I went on vacation with my family in New York when suddenly I was somewhere else. It was a place that looked like New York, but New York doesn’t have winged horses.
I stood frozen at what I had seen, not moving, not even blinking, until whatever the heck I was looking at flew away.
"Uh, did anyone else see that?" I asked my family, but I got no response. "Mom? Dad? Oli?"
I looked around, but my family, who had just been walking with me, was nowhere to be seen. What could be seen (and heard) was a bunch of angry New Yorkers honking at me. I just realized I was in the middle of the crosswalk.
I got to the other side of the road and remembered I was...wait, what?
I tried thinking through it, and for some reason I have two sets of memories. According to one, I'm only here on vacation, but according to the other, my family had recently moved to New York because my dad got a job opportunity. My mom began teaching piano lessons again inside our new home (apartment), and my brother is still the same annoying 4 years younger than me.
I stick my hand in my pocket and pull out a key, a key to an apartment. As soon as I saw the key, I immediately remembered that my family's apartment is located in the Upper West Side, near Central Park.
With nothing but a lot of confusion, I went home(?). Eventually I found myself standing in front of the building, and I couldn't help but feel a knot forming in my stomach.
What if something's wrong with my family, like my memories? What if something's wrong with me? What if I'm going crazy?
After several moments of hesitation, I step forward, my feet carrying me up the familiar(?) sight of my family's apartment stairs.
The journey seemed to take forever as I made my way up the stairs. I paused for a moment outside the door, taking another deep breath before reaching out to unlock the door and turn the doorknob. The door creaks open, revealing the interior of my apartment. I stepped inside and immediately relaxed. All the scents I associate with home were here. The aroma of my mom's cooking with all kinds of herbs I could never name from the kitchen, my little brother's sports gear he always forgets to clean in a messy pile by the door, and the faint whiff of my dad's cologne on the couch where he reads. It's all so familiar, but...is this really real? I remember living in Florida and New York? What's real? If this isn't? Is it some sort of dream?
The sound of the piano dragged me away from my thoughts.
"Mom…?" I called, hesitantly.
The music abruptly stops, and I hear the sound of footsteps approaching. A few moments later, my mom appears in the doorway, her eyes widening when she sees me. “Isabell? What are you doing here?"
She still calls me Isabell, even though everyone calls me Izzy.
My mom wrapped me in a warm hug, her familiar scent of vanilla shampoo enveloping me. She pulled back, and her amber eyes looked down at me with curiosity. "What are you doing here, sweetheart?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, was I supposed to be somewhere else?
"Honey, you look like you've seen a ghost. Is everything alright? Is there a reason why you're not at school? I thought today was a mock day for high school." My mom shared.
I looked at the time and realized that, yeah, normally I would be in school right now. I also just now noticed I've got a backpack on. I tell my mom that I’m not feeling well and ask if I could just stay home today.
She looks at me with concern but (thankfully) agrees. "Of course, sweetie. You don't have to go if you're not feeling well. Do you want some lunch or something?"
I shake my head, still feeling a bit dazed by everything that's happened. "I think I'm just going to lie down in my room."
"All right. Take your time and rest. Let me know if you need anything, okay?" She gives me another hug before heading back to the piano.
The familiarity of my family's apartment gives me some comfort, but its that strange comfort that's making me so uncomfortable. I made my way to my bedroom, closing the door behind me and lying down on my bed, trying to think, sifting through today's memories.
I was walking, there was so much boring walking, I pulled out one of my favorite books to read (for the millionth time) to pass the time-that's right! I was reading Percy Jackson! Wait, where're my books? I looked everywhere in my room and none of my Percy Jackson books were anywhere! And that's impossible! I'd never lose those books!
I suddenly had a crazy idea and went to my laptop that my wai po bought for me before I moved to New York. I look up Percy Jackson, and I find nothing, no search results, which makes no sense. The Percy Jackson books were very popular, and I couldn't find anything on them, and the author doesn't exist. Nothing's making any sense.
Then the crazy idea that I’m actually in the books pops up in my head, I deny it at first, but then wonder if that could possibly explain with flying horse I saw.
I take out a notebook and begin writing down as much from the books to the best of my ability; luckily, my memory of the stories is still intact. After rewriting from memory as best I can, and doing some more internet research, I realize I'm not far from where Percy Jackson lives and begin searching for information on him. But just like the books there's nothing on him, I try expanding my search and look up his mom: Sally Jackson, and actually find out where she works. (The internet is a scary place).
Turns out she works at a candy shop, and it's not too far away. Upon learning so I decide to do something I've never done before: sneak out.
I made my way to the candy shop, and see Sally Jackson herself in the shop. I know it's her because of her name tag. She's beautiful, but then I see a man and two kids walk over to her and call her "Mom" and "Honey."
Huh? Who's that? Sally Jackson isn't supposed to be married to a random guy or have two young kids.
I pretend to go look at some candy and eavesdrop on their conversation. They talk about dinner plans, and as I do, I realize Percy doesn't exist.
I run back home without buying anything and go through all my notes, nothing is making any sense!
First I see a pegasus, then I found out the Percy Jackson books don't exist, I meet Sally Jackson in real life, and apparently Percy himself doesn't exist!
I'm going crazy aren't I? Asking questions with seemingly no answers is pointless, so for now I ask questions I know I can find answers too. Like what school was I supposed to go to today?
I go through my backpack and find my school ID, and like the key, as soon as I see it, memories fill my head. I got this at freshmen orientation, I remember some of the staff being surprised that I was a year younger than most of the incoming freshmen (I skipped pre-school). I continue to stare at my high school ID from my backpack; I freeze in shock. I read the school name and immediately recognized it, 'Goode High School.' The high school where Percy Jackson went and Rachel Elizabeth Dare went.
Rachel, that's right. If Percy doesn't exist, does she? Could I meet her?
I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to meet her, Rachel was always one of my favorite underrated characters. I always did think it was ridiculous how she got so much hate just because she had a crush on Percy, hello, everyone had a crush on Percy in the books!
With nothing else to do, I go to bed, remembering that school officially starts tomorrow, and early.
I arrived at Goode High School, tired, I didn't get much sleep last night. I looked at my schedule and made my way to art class, my first class of the day.
I know Rachel likes art; who knows, maybe it'll be something we can bond over.
I walked into art class, trying to look as casual as possible and not like a total dork. I glanced around the room, taking in the different projects and posters adorning the walls. When suddenly, I see her: Rachel Elizabeth Dare! I know it’s her. It has to be! Her appearance is exactly how the books described, giant red frizzy hair and green eyes.
I mentally hype myself up, and approach Rachel's seat; I can feel my heart racing in my chest as I clear my throat and force a smile onto my face, trying not to look nervous.
“Hi, um, is this seat next to you empty?" I ask, pointing to the seat beside her.
Rachel looks up from her sketchbook, her green eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, yeah, it is," she says, sounding just as surprised as she looks. “You're new here, right? I'm Rachel."
She offers me a small smile, and I can't help but return it. “Yeah, is it that obvious? I’m Izzy. I’m actually new to, well… New York in general.”
"Oh, cool!" Rachel says, her eyes lighting up with curiosity, “So, where are you from? And how did you end up at Goode High School?"
"My dad actually got a job offer, so my family moved all the way here from Florida," I explain to her.
"Wow! that's so far from here!" Rachel says, impressed. "And you managed to end up at Goode High School? That's kind of a big deal, isn't it?"
"Yeah, luckily my grades were good enough and my parents were able to afford the tuition.”
Rachel nods in understanding, “Well, it's always nice to meet someone new." She pauses for a moment before asking, "Do you think we have any other classes together?"
I pull out my schedule and ask to see hers to see if we have any others together. As we compare schedules, I notice that Rachel and I share 4 classes: art, math, gym, and English.
It makes me happy that I’ll see Rachel more. It's the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other better and maybe even become friends.
The rest of the day passes by in a blur of introductions, new faces, and navigating the halls of Goode High School. Rachel and I manage to squeeze in a quick lunch together in the cafeteria, where we discuss our favorite subjects and teachers so far.
“Not gonna lie, I was scared for English class, but Mr. Blofis seems nice!" I say with relief.
Rachel nods in agreement, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I heard he's pretty cool. And hey, maybe we'll even get to work on some projects together!"
I smile back at Rachel, feeling relieved that she seems just as excited about the prospect of working together as I am.
"I can see it now! Partners in crime!" I joke, wondering if what I said was too ridiculous but my fears immediately disappear when she laughs.
As the bell rings for the end of lunch, signaling the start of the next class, Rachel and I part ways, promising to meet up after school to study for our upcoming English assignment together. The rest of the day goes by quickly, and as the final bell rings, signaling the end of the school day, Rachel and I meet up at our lockers to gather our things for our study session.
"I can't believe it's the first day of freshman year and they're already giving us this much homework and projects." I say as I lean my head on my locker.
"I know, right? It's like they don't want us to have any fun on our first day." Rachel chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood.
I smile back at her. "I'm definitely going to need your help with English. Cool as Mr. Blofis is, it's definitely not my strongest area.”
Rachel nods in understanding. "Don't worry, I've got your back," she says with a smile. "We can help each other out, right? That's what friends are for."
I smile at her again, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at her words. "Yeah! And if you need any help with math, let me know; it's the one subject I actually kind of understand.”
Rachel smiles gratefully at me. "Thanks, I might just take you up on that offer,"
The two of us continue chatting as we walk, discussing anything. I can't help but feel like I've known her forever. Which is probably in part since I read about her in the books.
"Oh, by the way! Where should we work on our homework and projects now that school is out for the day?" I ask.
Rachel shrugs, looking around the bustling school grounds. "I don't really have anywhere to go," she admits. "My parents work late, so I'm usually on my own after school." She looks at me hopefully. "Do you have somewhere in mind?"
"Yeah! We can work at my place if that's cool with you."
"Really?" Rachel asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I'd love to see where you live!"
I smile, feeling a little embarrassed by her enthusiasm. "Well, it's not much, just an apartment in New York City. But yeah, come on, let's get out of here."
I and Rachel make our way through the crowded sidewalks of New York City, navigating our way through the hustle and bustle of people rushing to and from work. My apartment isn't far from the school, but it feels like forever before we finally reach it.
As I unlock the front door and step inside, I can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me as the noise seems to lessen when we get inside. The apartment is a stark contrast to the chaos of the city outside. Rachel follows me in, her eyes taking in every detail of my home. "Wow."
"Welcome to my apartment! My brother's still at school, at basketball practice. My dad's at work, and my mom is doing some grocery shopping. I texted them and let them know you'd be coming over." I tell Rachel.
Rachel nods, taking a seat on my family’s couch. "Thanks for letting me know. So, where do you want to start with our homework?"
"Why don't we start with the stuff we know is due the soonest? Don't want those deadlines to sneak up on us.” I suggest as I put down my bag.
"Sounds like a plan. Let's see... Math is due tomorrow, right? And English is due next week?"
I nod, pulling out my planner from my bag. "Yeah, we've got some time for English, but it's better to get a head start. And math is due tomorrow, so we need to focus on that first."
Rachel agrees as she pulls out her own planner from her backpack. The two of us spend the next few hours working diligently on our homework, discussing various subjects, and sharing notes as needed.
As the evening wears on, Rachel and I manage to finish all of our assigned homework. I glance at the clock on the wall.
"Wow, it's already six o'clock." I remark, looking at Rachel.
Rachel looks around my apartment, a small smile on her lips. "I can't believe how fast the time flew by," she says, shaking her head in disbelief. "Thanks for letting me come over and work with you. It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be."
I smile at her, feeling another warm glow in my chest. "No problem, Rachel. It was nice having someone to work with. And hey, maybe we can do this again sometime?"
Rachel nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I had a lot of fun today."
"Me too! Hey, if you want, I can ask my parents if it's cool for you to stay for dinner." I was scared that I sounded too eager or too clingy, but that quickly went away when I saw Rachel's eyes light up at my offer.
"Really? That would be great! My parents are always working late, so that would be awesome." She grins at me, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.
I smile at her, and then I hear the front door unlock; it's my mom. She walks in, a bag of groceries in her hand. She looks around the room, her eyes landing on me and Rachel. "Hi honey, I see you have a friend here," she says, her voice warm and welcoming. "Hi, Mom. Yeah, this is Rachel.” I pause before asking, "Is it cool if she stays for dinner?"
Your mom looks at you with a smile, then back at Rachel. "Of course! The more, the merrier. Rachel, would you like to stay for dinner?"
"Yes, thank you!" Rachel says eagerly.
"Great!" your mom says with a smile. "Let me put these groceries away, and then I'll start cooking." She disappears into the kitchen, humming a tune as she works.
Rachel and I continue chatting animatedly about everything and nothing.
The time passes quickly, with laughter and stories filling the air. My mom emerges from the kitchen, looking pleased with herself. "Dinner is ready!" she says, setting a steaming dish on the table. It's spaghetti and meatballs, along with a side salad and garlic bread.
Rachel's eyes grow wide in delight. "It looks amazing!" she exclaims, her stomach rumbling in anticipation. I can't help but agree; my mom has a talent for making even the simplest meals taste like gourmet cuisine.
The three of us sit down at the table, filling our plates with the delicious food. My dad and brother join us for dinner not long after it’s ready. The dinner goes well, and eventually Rachel goes home, picked up by a nice-looking car.
Right, she’s super rich.
"Bye Izzy! See you tomorrow!" Rachel waved from the open window of the car.
I waved as the car drove away and turned to back to my apartment when Rachel was gone.
I still don't know if this is all some sort of dream, or what's going to happen, but I don't feel as scared as I first did. I got a feeling, everything will be ok.