The Search

Percy POV

"Gods, why is the job market so bad?" Grover asked in frustration.

I sighed while nodding towards my best friend. We were scrolling through job search databases to find a better job for me. Working at the restaurant is great, but it doesn't pay that much.

Grover is my best friend. We've known each other since elementary school. We've been close friends ever since I saved him from bullying. The bully, Nancy Bobofit, was making fun of Grover's abnormal gait.

However, Grover was born with the condition. It doesn't impact his life that much, but he does have a slight limp.

"Also, I'm sorry that Tyson is sick, but I'm confident that he'll get through this."

"Yeah. I'm trying to stay optimistic as well. However, I need to find a good job if I want to support Hestia with the medical expenses," I answered.

"Oh, how about this?" Grover asked while pointing at the screen.

My eyes widened as I stared a the pay. It was a high-paying job, so I scrolled down to see the description. Then, I gaped at a smirking Grover.

"G-MAN, I'm NOT WORKING AS A MALE STRIPPER," I exclaimed. Grover laughed while pulling the laptop into his lap.

"You'd make big bucks," he countered.

"I know that," I replied sassily. "Any girl would pay buttloads of money to see all this in action. But, no way in hell would I do that."

We laughed and talked while continuing our search. However, it was hard to find job options. I submitted as many applications as possible, but I wasn't too happy with most of them. Plus, many job options have high requirements that I can't fulfill.

Juniper came to the apartment after a while with food.

Juniper and Grover live together in a small studio apartment. They both have decent and stable jobs, and they were saving money for marriage and a larger house.

"Here's your lo mein and orange chicken. Before you even ask, the chefs refused to make and call it blue chicken," Juniper joked.

"Thanks, Juniper. I'm starving."

Juniper and Grover are vegans, but they don't mind me eating meat at their home. They bought themselves some vegan Chinese food.

She was a very good fit for my best friend. They were so similar, and they've been dating for years now. Grover is waiting for the right time to officially propose even though everyone knew that they are destined to be together.

"Um, Percy. I know that this is a sensitive topic, but I do have a suggestion," Grover started. Juniper's expressions turned serious as she nodded.

"Tell me. I'm open to ideas."

"Your father."

I stopped eating and looked up at the couple. Based on their facial expressions, they were being serious. I stabbed the chicken in my bowl and grumbled.

"I know that you hate him, Percy. However, this isn't about you. This is about Tyson and his health. Poseidon Olympus is a rich businessman. If he wants, he could make sure that Tyson gets the best treatment."

"The keyword there is want. Poseidon has no want for me, Tyson, and Estelle," I spat.

"You have to try," Juniper expressed softly. "This is for Tyson, and your father could help with his treatment."

"MY FATHER LEFT US," I snapped. "He has no desire to be in our lives, and I don't want him back either. I hate him for everything he did."

Grover and Juniper quietened. Dinner continued in silence. However, I couldn't get my best friend's words out of my mind. He was right. This is about Tyson and his health. If my father could help us, then I had to try.

Grover's eyes met mine, and he nodded supportively.

***

I was waiting in the front lobby of Olympus Sails. My dad owns a marine transportation business. He transports cargoes around the world for people. It's quite a lucrative business, and you can tell that simply by the office.

It was a glass building on the beach. The building has a private beach and dock where some of the boats stayed. Furthermore, Poseidon's cruise ships also dock there.

I sighed while getting up again.

I've been waiting for over two hours. The lady at the front desk said that Poseidon would be with me shortly. However, that was an hour ago.

"Excuse me? I've been waiting for a while now," I commented.

The young lady looked up and stared at me. She twirled a finger in her hair before waving it behind her shoulder. She was pretty, and she was definetly making a move.

However, I'm not interested in the barbie character.

"Mr. Poseidon has been informed that you've been waiting," she replied. "In the meantime, would you like to grab coffee together?"

The office has a coffee stand in the front lobby. Honestly, it was a good business idea. A lot of the employees would like coffee throughout the day.

I had already grabbed a cup.

"Sorry, I'm coffeed out. Did you mention that it's Percy Jackson?"

"Yes, sir. Poseidon was informed that Percy Jackson is waiting for him in the lobby. Poseidon even confirmed your name on the phone."

"And, he's still making me wait?" I asked.

The receptionist shrugged and went back to answering the phone. I sighed before walking back towards the couches.

The entire lobby had marble tiles. Most people passed by and walked towards the elevators. The lobby itself doesn't have that much happening. There's a coffee stand, the front desk, and a waiting area with furniture.

I sat down on the blue couch and pulled out my phone. It was close to 6 pm on a Friday.

Jason was texting me about coming over. He was hosting a small party for the guys to celebrate his promotion at work.

I'll come as soon as I can, I texted back.

My ADHD made me restless, and I hated waiting like this. Another hour passed by with no response from Poseidon. This is the kind of father I have. However, I wasn't expecting any miracles today. After all, Poseidon left me and my mom soon after Tyson's birth.

This is what I'm talking about.

I have no faith in my father. He doesn't care about me, Tyson, or Estelle. He has his own family that he's proud of. The instant that he had the opportunity to go back to them, he left my mother. And, he left his sons.

Anger bubbled in my chest. What am I doing here?

I have been waiting for three hours for a man that didn't care about us. Even if he decided to help, all he'll do is throw money at my face. That's it.

However, I'm not some charity case, especially not to him.

What a waste of time?

I took a cab to Jason and Thalia's house. As I mentioned, he's hosting a party to celebrate a promotion. Jason works for his father, Zeus, who owns an airline company. Jason would become one of the youngest directors of Olympus Airlines.

His sister, Thalia, doesn't care for the business. She does what she wants at all times. Thalia lives her life freely and passionately.

I admire that about her.

But, here's the deal. Normal people can't afford to live like that. Thalia can fool around and explore because she's loaded.

"BRO, welcome to the party. You're the last to arrive," Leo cheered. Everyone shouted as I walked into Jason's basement.

They were drinking and playing games (pool and table tennis).

"Well, I had to bring over a bottle of wine. Congratulations, Jason."

Jason chuckled while accepting my gift. "It's really not that big of a deal. It's just been so long since the boys hung out."

"Well, this isn't like high school and college anymore. We're all adults with adult responsibilities," Leo expressed.

"Says the guy who still lives with his dad," Frank shot at him.

Leo and Frank started arguing again. It was actually very funny how they struggled to get along with each other. Essentially, the story went back to Frank's girlfriend, Hazel. Leo and Hazel dated in high school for a brief period.

As such, when Frank started dating Hazel a few months ago, things got weird. However, it's not that big of a deal.

Their banter is more amusing than harmful.

The boys went back to playing games while I grabbed a beer. I watched Charles Beckendorf singlehandedly beat the Stoll twins in a game of table tennis.

"Hey, bro, is everything all right?" Jason asked.

He situated himself next to me. We were on the couch in front of the pool table. The house was a mansion, so the basement was huge as well.

Music was blasting in the background while the guys enjoyed themselves. We were still waiting on the pizza to arrive. We'd probably spend several more hours at the party, but I didn't want to stay. The whole day's been quite glum.

"I'm fine. Just wasted my day," I expressed.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing. Anyway, I'm trying to find a new job that pays well. Some new family obligations came up, and I really need the money."

"Percy, what's wrong?" the blonde asked seriously.

I gestured towards the stairs. This had to be a private conversation. I wanted to tell Jason and Thalia, but I don't want everyone to know my family situation.

Jason and Thalia have good connections. They could probably help me in finding a good job despite my low qualifications. They could easily put in a good word.

Once we were upstairs, Thalia joined us in the living room.

She was watching a women's wrestling match. I figured that it would be easier to share the news with both of them at the same time.

"So, uh, Tyson was diagnosed with leukemia. Cancer," I stated.

"Oh, Percy, I'm so sorry," Jason expressed.

His arms wrapped around me. He patted my back while giving me a tight squeeze. I appreciated his support, and I hugged him back.

"Yeah. That sucks. Is there anything that we can do?" Thalia asked. Thalia knew me quite well. She knew not to give me pity or charity because I wouldn't like that.

"I'm just looking for a job now. I'm an author, but I'm not making money from it right now. I need a better job to support my family."

"Percy, you can ask us for money," Jason blurted immediately.

"No, guys. I know that you all are loaded, but I'm not taking money from you. I appreciate the offer though."

Jason and Thalia nodded in understanding. They got lost thinking about how they could help. I didn't mean to bum them down, but I had to tell them.

If anyone could help me professionally, it was them.

Finally, Thalia looked up and smiled. She was having a lightbulb moment.

"Well, if it's a job that you need, one of my closest friends who's looking for a personal assistant or secretary."

"Could I get the job? Ya'll know my lack of achievements."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short like that," Jason affirmed. "You have so many skills and talents that you could use in the workplace."

"Besides, you don't need any specific qualities to be a secretary," Thalia continued. "They're hosting interviews next week. Trust me, this job will be good."

I smiled while gazing at my closest friends. They were so supportive, and I appreciated them so much for helping me right now.

"ALL RIGHT," I exclaimed happily.

"Tell me where I need to go for the interview and when."