KEITH
"I knew I would find you here"I said as I stepped onto the roof.
"What do you want?"Malia asked through a mouthful of peanuts.
What's this deja vu?
"I heard about your mother's death. I'm sorry".
She stared blankly at me,as if I just spoke in Arabic language.
"Does Sofia know you're here?"she asked finally.
"Huh?"I was taken aback"no, she doesn't".
"Then get going before she finds out"she said, turning her back to me.
Annoyance reared within me.
"What is the matter with you?"I yelled"I came all the way here because I still consider you a friend, even after you hurt Sofia and...".
"After I hurt Sofia, huh"she muttered drily"I feel sorry for you, Keith. And I don't need your sympathy. Go give it to Sofia, I can do without it. Thanks anyway".
I pursed my lips and clenched my fists. Anger made my head hurt.
"Sofia was right about you. You really are unfeeling"I snapped.
She said nothing. I turned and stormed away.
*
*
*
LANGDON
First term is finally over!!!
Mum, Dad and my five-year old sister Cherith have planned a little indoor party for me, and I'm allowed to bring along two friends for a sleepover since the day after tomorrow also happens to be my sixteenth birthday. So of course I invited Keith and Sofia.
I'm so happy!
*
*
*
KEITH
Langdon has invited me for a sleepover at his house, and I'm glad. It certainly is a good opportunity to meet his family, to celebrate the end of first term, and to spend more time with Sofia. But will Percy let me go?
Langdon's birthday is tomorrow, and if I don't ask Percy during breakfast today, I'll never get another chance.
Speaking of Percy, I'm sitting across from him at the table right now. And I'm still wondering how to start as I stare at the spicy calamari before me.
"Um... Percy?"I muttered nervously"I...uh... wanted to ask...".
I looked up hesitantly only to see his eyes fixed on me. I nearly bit my tongue.
"You were saying?"he prodded when I kept mute for so long.
"Oh, I... I want to go to Langdon's place for a sleepover if that's okay with you"I said it all while holding my breath.
He regarded me silently,as my heart pounded painfully against my ribs.
"Langdon,"he said finally"your friend".
"Yes,"I replied eagerly"he's my friend and his home is really far from the Underworld.
"Really far", he appeared to muse"where exactly?".
"Lakeville estate. Number fifty two"I replied.
"Well, it is far enough. Alright then,why not?".
*
*
*
KEITH
"Welcome!"a charming little girl sang as she opened the door.
"Thanks"I stepped in and patted her head before looking around.
Wow. The Wyatts sure have a decent home. Nothing compared to Percy's,of course, but still decent. The living room is lovely and invitingly warm.
"You're late"Sofia said as I joined them at the table.
"We've been waiting, and dinner is nearly cold" Langdon added.
"Sorry"I smiled apologetically.
Then I greeted Mr Wyatt,a middle-aged man with a receding hairline, and Mrs Wyatt, a large boned redhead.
"Dad,Mum, Cherith,"Langdon said"this, finally, is my best friend Keith. Keith, meet my parents and little sister. They've been dying to see you".
"Not actually dying,"Cherith protested"I'm still alive!".
I chuckled, instantly liking her. She looks just like her brother. Or rather, her brother looks just like her- pale and blonde and pretty.
"Could you say grace,dear?"Mrs Wyatt said to Sofia.
Sofia colored up slightly at the attention, but she said grace anyway. Without further ado, we all dug into the grilled chicken with relish.
"Yum!"Cherith squealed"chicken is my favorite! Langdon prefers lobster, but that's because he's an idiot. Chicken is wayyy tastier than lobster. Don't you think so too, Sofia? Don't you, Keith?".
"Sure"we replied in unison, just to humor her.
"See?"she stuck out her tongue at Langdon.
"Cherith chattered on while we listened, giggling whenever she expected us to.
I must say, she's a real breath of fresh air.
*
*
*
MALIA
I lay at one end of my bed, watching my phone ringing at the other end. The intensity of my bad breath tells me its twelve pm. Yeah, I know it's too late a time to still be in bed, but where am I supposed to find the strength to get out of bed when I'm too lazy to reach over and pick my call?
I remained still until the ringing stopped,then started again. And finally, with a long loud sigh, I stretched my hand and tapped the green button without looking.
"Hello?".
"Malia, have you heard?"Linda sounded frantic.
"Heard what?".
"Langdon is dead".