The Librarian

I collapsed on the old, cracked bench near the entrance to the library. I was exhausted; I hadn't had any time to get sleep due to my nasty habit of staying up way too late studying and reading. Rubbing my cheek, I looked, bleary-eyed, at my phone screen. I had tried texting Nico about a thousand times, but he hadn't answered. Calling him didn't work either; the dial tone just went on and on and on.

"Stupid piece of crap..." I muttered, shaking the cell back and forth. The receptor bars kept on blaring NO SIGNAL at me. That's when I felt the air pull back; then slam back into my chest, nearly knocking the wind out of me.

"Hey." Nico walked up to me, the sunlight glinting off his black hair.

"Hey? That's it?" I stared at him.

"What else was I supposed to say? Salutations?" A wry grin ghosted over his face.

"I've been texting you for an hour!" I shook my phone in his face.

"Oh. Oops?" He shrugged. "I think I dropped my phone during my travel here."

"Ya-hum." I coughed. "Sure."

"You don't believe me?" His dark eyes stared into mine.

"NO. Not at all." I tried to keep a straight face, but ended up laughing.

"So, about that party I intvited you to." Nico hesitated, shoving his hands deeper into his coat pockets.

"Yeah, about that." I ran a hand nervously through my lavender hair. "Where is it, exactly?"

"You might not believe this." He glanced at his feet.

"You'd be surprised." I snorted.

"Well, it's like a reunion of sorts. The seven demigods and the others who tagged along on the quest are getting together at Percy's apartment in Manhattan." Nico scanned my face for my reaction.

"You can't be serious." I squealed.

"I'm serious." He smirked. "I knew I'd surprise you."

I smacked him lightly on the shoulder. "Fine, you win. Just this once, though. So, when is it?"

"Tonight."

"WHAT." I stood up. "NO. I need to finish studying!"

"Don't freak. It starts at nine, going through to the few days. I think it might even be considered a retreat or vacation of sorts."

I sighed, crossing my arms. It was an amazing opportunity..."Okay. I'll go."

Nico smiled widely then. "Good. Wanna get some food?"

"You have issues with food." I giggled. "Sounds good, though." He nodded his head towards a small coffee shop, grabbed my arm, and started dragging me towards it.

Notes

Hey guys! Echo here. Hope you liked the newest chapter! :D