sally-jackson

If I had still been an immortal, I might have flirted with her myself. But I was now a sixteen-year-old boy. My mortal form was working its way upon my state of mind. I saw Sally Jackson as a mom__ fact that both consternated and embarrassed me. I thought about how long it had been since I had called my own mother. I should probably take her to lunch when I got back to Olympus.

I__l be back with the sandwiches,_ she said. __ut I had some leftover seven-layer dip.___um._ Percy dug in with a tortilla chip. __he__ kinda famous for this, guys.__ally ruffled his hair. __here__ guacamole, sour cream, refried beans, salsa____even layers?_ I looked up in wonder. __ou knew seven is my sacred number? You invented this for me?__ally wiped her hands on her apron. __ell, actually, I can__ take credit____ou are too modest!_ I tried some of the dip. It tasted almost as good as ambrosia nachos. __ou will have immortal fame for this, Sally Jackson!

Annabeth Thalia and I hadn't seen each other in months but between the blizzard and the thought of what we were about to do we were too nervous to talk much. Except for my mom. She talks more when she's nervous. By the time we finally got to Westover Hall it was getting dark and she'd told Annabeth and Thalia every embarrassing baby story there was to tell about me.

If my mom told one more story about how cute I looked in the bathtub when I was three years old I was going to burrow into the snow and freeze myself to death.

I hoped I wasn't blushing. It was bad enough I had to depend on my mom to drive me to my battles.

I know you'll do what's best for Annabeth.""How can you be sure?""Because she'd do the same for you.