Quick! Hold My Hand!

Piper opened her bedroom door, to see her mom beaming at her. It was ten A.M., beginning of summer break. She had planned on sleeping in and working on her Etsy shop, but no. Her mom was practically clawing her door, forcing Piper to wake up. Her mom was fully dressed and with a facefull of makeup and perfectly curled hair.

"Morning, Mom." Piper's voice was hoarse, and full of annoyance. "Did I miss breakfast?" She fixed her tank top. Her mom shook her head and began walking down the hall.

"In ten! Be dressed and look presentable!" Her mom called. Piper looked down- her boobs were still in her shirt. It quickly dawned on her what her mom meant, and Piper trudged back to her bed. She flopped down face first, a groan coming from her chest. There was five minutes to change clothes, so that's what Piper did.

Though, her outfit wasn't much different from her pajamas. The pajamas Piper were was a pair of sweatpants with orange paw prints, and a tank top from jr. high that for some reason, still fit. Her breakfast outfit? Joggers and a maroon crop top. Piper did a favor and brushed her hair, but didn't bother with anything else.

She took a moment to look at her bedroom. It was the same as the end of high school; pastel yellow walls and string lights, posters everywhere and a messy grey bedspread. Same rug thrown over dark floors, and same photo of her and Jason on her windowsill.

Piper went into autopilot when walking to the dining room. Open the door to a white, high ceiling hallway with expensive paintings, trudge her feet down the dark wood floors until she got to the grand staircase. Try not to trip- on Thursdays Daria polishes the wood- then hang a left. She sat down at her spot, almost not noticing the guest.

Well, he worked for Piper’s mom. He cleaned the pools twice a week, and was maybe a year older than Piper. She tried to remember her name. Something that started with a ‘b’....

He looked uncomfortable, polo shirt and khaki shorts. His hair was long and pulled back by a headband, thin nosed and tight lipped. He had a permanent look of distaste. The poolboy was tan, but looked like he hadn’t gone to the gym since middle school.
Her mom sat down at one end of the table, a wide smile on her face. She placed plates of toast and bacon-cheese omelets. The smile didn’t waver when she locked eyes with Piper, who was obviously not having a good time.“Piper, you remember Benji? I know you were away at college.” She opened up the conversation, and Piper let out a breath. It was unintentional, but conveyed how much Piper didn’t want to be a part of this.“I do.” Piper said shortly, tearing her bread and putting half in her mouth. She chewed, borderline mannerless. “He’s been working here for a year and a half.” It felt harsh, being cold to Benji like that. Yet, she was sick of her mother setting random men up with her.

Her mom let out a fake laugh, “She’s got a sense of humor.” She raised a glass of orange juice. Piper put the other half of her toast in her mouth, rolling her eyes.

“Mrs. McLean-” Benji started, but corrected himself after a glare from Piper’s mom, “I mean,Dede. Why am I eating breakfast with your daughter?” He glanced at Piper, almost disgusted.

“Oh, I thought you two would get along!” Piper’s mom stated, standing, “Let me go check on the muffins, you two get to know each other.” She clicked her heels and disappeared into the kitchen.

“She doesn't bake. And she isn't subtle about trying to get me a boyfriend. She won't fire you if I reject the idea.” Piper pushed her eggs around, slightly annoyed. Her mom knew this whole morning would irritate her. Was it done anyway? Yes. It was.

“Oh, good. I'm already dating someone. Not that you're not pretty! You are, I just-” Benji sputtered, trying to cover for himself. Poor guy.

“It's alright. I'll just tell my mom some excuse, like you had to go to church.” Piper waved it off, putting her towel on the table and standing. “Sorry she roped you into this, Ben.”

Benji nodded and stood, laughing nervously. “I'll, uh, clean the pool tomorrow. Bye, Piper.” He pushed his chair in and left the room. Piper let out a deep breath, covering her face with her hands.

“Mom?!” Piper called, and her Mom came rushing in. It only took a moment for her mom to notice that Benji left, and she looked furious.

“You're never going to get a boyfriend if you keep scaring them away!” Her mom began, right after she heard the front door shut. Piper huffed, shaking her head.

“He's dating someone!” Piper fired back, “Plus, he wasn't my type!”

“You're type is one night stands. And he didn't tell me that!”

“You don't put your sexual history on a job application for cleaning pools, Mother.” Piper snapped, “And you need to stop trying to set me up! I'll find someone!” She was yelling now.

“I want you to be happy!” Her mom yelled back, rounding the table.

Piper’s face was red with anger, “You want me married off to be a rich housewife like you. Face it, Mom. I want something different than your plans for me.”

Her mom stopped, “My life is great! Why wouldn't you want this?”

“It doesn't matter! I get this is the life you love, but wanting something different is okay.” Piper’s voice cracked, “How many times do I have to say that before you listen?!”

“I will find you a nice boy, Piper.” Her mom finished, starting to walk away.

“I've already found someone! You're making assumptions, Mom.” Piper yelled after her.

It took a moment to realize what she said. Piper wasn't dating anyone. Quite frankly, she didn't even have a crush on anyone. The lie she just told was too big to hide in her own. She needed to keep it going, though. Just to keep her mom off of her back.

Though, Piper didn't know who to call. She sped up to her bedroom, locking and barricading the door as she scrolled through her contact list.

Bro-seidon ? No, not Percy. He was dating Annabeth. Plus her mom would know they were faking.

Queen Allerano ? No, Reyna was on vacation with Thalia. Probably making out in Cabo at that moment.

Not My Boyfriend ? Oh man. Jason. His contact name could be changed so easily. Plus, they almost didn't couple stuff when he got cold. He's a born cuddler. Jason was her best friend, but he would help her out too. His dad keeps telling him to grow up and have a baby. His dad may be one of the most powerful businessmen in the US, he had a bad idea of when exactly to have kids. And who with, in all honesty.

It was decided, she would call Jason.

Notes

Woohoo! I love this au lol

~Nova~