=Chapter Eighteen=
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Training Bella
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Monday, 16th of September

"Okay.. so you organized your books from favorite authors in front and less in back? People will have trouble finding books when they walk in." Bella said with her arms crossed in a thoughtful way.

"Yeah, I've considered that. I do plan to reorganize the books again according to author alphabetically but it's a huge project.." I explained.

"Yeah I get that but what else do you have to do around here.." she raised her eyebrows, weight shifting from one leg to another.

"Yes it does get quiet and boring here on occasion. The only reason we haven't reorganized since the last time we did was only because we might have to close the shop for a day or two, and that might be an inconvenience for regulars or anyone who might've tried the shop out that time."

Yes it was complicated. I did feel the need to reorganize the books again as the first time I did it, I was hoping to boost the sales we might get from window shoppers, and that tactic did work, but it also made it hard for everyone else to shop for more specific books, especially since we were gaining a bit of recognition from the community as of late and our sales have gone up.

But for now it was just too large of a project.

"Okay..  but I'm not sure it helps with sales much. We will have to change it sometime." Bella nodded to herself.

"I do agree it's gotta be changed, but remember May doesn't particularly care if her books sell a lot. She wants to see a community grow and see people come together. She wants people to be first over sales."

Bella raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "Alright alright. Don't go all preachy on me. I get it. May already gave me that spiel during my interview.."

I took a deep breath and sighed. "I understand it might sound a little ridiculous to you as you're an accounting major and I'm sure you're smart with money.."

"Yeah. Very." She interjected.

"Anyways I'm just trying to explain that this store isn't ran on profit. May is a wealthy widow who didn't want to be alone with money.. so she often looses money more than she gains."

"Okay.." she looked absolutely bored out of her mind. I decided it was my time to shut up and stop trying to explain myself. It was obvious Bella just wasn't interested in reasons of why things were.

"So who's the guy over there again?" She eyed Jason.

"Uh, Jason."

"Mmm interesting. Why is he here? Does he go to college or something?" She leaned on the shelf, watching Jason from behind the books.

"Uh I'm not sure, but he comes here and either reads or works on his laptop so.. he's just a regular for now."
Stop looking at him.. "anyways uh.. so over here..." I redirected her gaze.

"This is the surprise book section! One of my favorites, and it's quite popular. You get to buy a book wrapped in paper and the description on it. It's the most best selling feature of the shop." I laughed awkwardly.

"Oh. Fun." She replied demurely.

"Mhm.. yeah. I've bought myself a few.." I added shuffling my feet.

"Oh.. do we get employee discounts?" She asked distractedly, I noticed her eyes wondering back to Jason.

My own eyes narrowed at her.

"Yes! We get 15% off per book, not to mention we can always borrow a book to return later too."

"hm.. and what time does Jason get here every day?"

"Ah Ja-" I stopped myself, realizing she got distracted again, and I had almost answered without hesitation. "Uh.. Jason arrives usually at opening.. not that that's your business.."

"Why not. He's a regular. Just want to know what to expect just in case I arrive the earliest to work." She shrugged.

"Ah, uh huh.. well you see, I always arrive first.. because I live upstairs.." I wasn't really noticing how I was gritting my teeth and clenching riptide from within my pocket.

"You live upstairs? That's convenient.. is there a lock or can anyone just go up.."

"Uh.. it's my apartment.. there's no reason for anyone else to be up there..." I replied hesitantly.

"How much rent do you pay? I'd be interested in rooming with you, my apartment is soooo.. expensive.." she smiled sweetly.

"It's very small.. so uh, I don't think I can share.." I smile back awkwardly.

"Oh really? That's too bad.. well maybe in a few weeks once we've known each other well enough.. maybe you'll change your mind." She laughed.

"Uh huh.. well... probably not..." I laughed back. So fake.

"Oh well.. worth a try." She returned her gaze to Jason, who now seemed to be feeling a bit uncomfortable, if I was reading his posture correctly.

Bella was going to continue with some other topic when May finally emerged from the back office.

"Hellos girls," she smiled brightly. I could tell she was a lot less stressed. "Hi Mrs. Monroe!" Bella smiled brightly, rushing over to her.

"Hi May." I added.

"Oh Bella dear, please call me May. I insist. We're all adults and friends here. My last name only reminds me of my late husband.." she smiled sadly.

"Oh I couldn't! So unprofessional. Please don't mind me Mrs. Monroe." Bella shrugged in a I can't help it gesture.

"Alright.. but someday you will relent." May smiled knowingly.

"Well Bella, I have a few things to show you so you can shadow me for now." She told Bella, then she turned to me.

"Percy, I need you to run an errand for me, I need some mail shipped and I was hoping you'd kindly go drop it off at the Mail Drop box."

"Oh of course! I'd be happy to." I nodded.

May sighed gratefully. "Good. Thank you so much dear. I appreciate it."

"It's in the office, just a stack by my laptop." She further explained.

"Got it." I checked my phone for the time. "I should be back before lunch."

May nodded. "Go eat something while your out, on me of course." She pushes a large bill into my hand.

"May, I have money-" I tried to give it back, but she refused with a grin.
"Nuh uh, Percy you're too frugal with your money, if you say you'll buy lunch then look at those prices you'll turn around and choose not to eat." She scolded.

I blushed in embarrassment. When had she learned so much from me? We'd only gone out to eat a few times, how would she know some days I just don't eat?

It wasn't because prices here were insane, although they were. It was mostly just a very deep habit sourcing from my childhood, where mom and I couldn't afford to eat out, and when we did we didn't get much, even if it was McDonald's. Smelly Gabe just took everything to gamble away.

And once again, some days I chose not to eat purely because I wasnt hungry. The time In Tartarus and drinking from the phlegethon had made it hard to eat and drink several months after Annabeth and I had escaped, and even now sometimes my throat burns when I drink something warm.

I hadn't told May a lot about my past, or my childhood. But the memories I had shared were all good ones, not to mention we've only known each other for a few months now.

Perhaps she was just really good at reading people.

"I'll get something to eat." I finally relented.

May nodded, not surprised in the slightest, in fact she must have expected me to agree. And I suppose when May wants you to do something, you do it, no questions asked.

"I'll get to it." I said while reaching my hands behind me to untie my apron.

"Thank you Percy. Now, Bella.." I walked to the back finding Mays office and seeing her cozy room, dark emerald green walls and dark wooden desk and shelves, covered in books and some plants.

I found the stack of mail, to which I assumed was responses to inquires of selling new authors books in her shop.

I took the mail pile including a few boxes to which was online orders.

I put them in one of her many paper bags so I'd have an easier time carrying them.

I popped my head back into the main shop area and saw Jason packing up. He noticed me and walked over with his stuff as I emerged.

"Hey, you going somewhere?" He asked leaning up against the counter.

"Yeah, May asked if I could take some mail to the Mail Drop box."

He nodded. "That's kinda far away.." he pondered.

I nod along. "Yeah." I agreed.

He hesitated before mentioning, "can I walk you there and back? It's not in a very safe area and I'd.." Jason trailed off. I understood well enough. To him, I was just an ordinary girl who lived in an ordinary world who couldn't have had any prior experience in training and more likely couldn't defend herself, however, I wasn't just any ordinary girl. I was Percy Jackson.
Fearless, powerful, and totally awesome.

"I can take care of myself.." i shrugged, and surprisingly he didn't argue, only nodded.

"I don't doubt that. But for my own peace of mind, can I come along?"
He asked hopefully.

"Oh.. well i guess." I didn't mind his company, in fact I might feel a little less stressed on my task.

He grinned. "Awesome. Let's go."

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Hi! Early chapter posting because I got done with it tonight. It's Sunday somewhere lol.

Also thank you so much for almost 30K views!!

Hope you all are having a good weekend :D

Toodles!
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