•Peace•

•Chapter Twenty-Four•

Our shop seemed to be only barely damaged. It was a freak accident, technically. The glass breaking should've been all that happened, but due to how old the building was, it couldn't stand the force put on it, causing a few decorative beams to fall from the ceiling, and the (should have been bolted) shelves falling over like dominos.

We had original art hanging that had fallen and torn itself, which was heartbreaking enough, even if it wasn't made by anyone special.

There was dirt and leaves everywhere, glass and even random things from other shops nearby.

"Perea, stop looking through books, start collecting trash or something." Bella's voice broke through my train of thought, ordering me about like she was my superior.

I didn't usually get annoyed very easily, in fact I try not to. But Bella was increasingly getting more and more confident in her position here and wasn't afraid to speak up.

"Bella.." I started with a patient yet exhausted tone, as if I were addressing a toddler. "I'm picking up books and trash alike, I'm sorting through this pile.."

Bella sighed. "Okay, but it looked like you were looking at every book. You're wasting time.."

"I'm sorting the books from damaged to sellable.."

"You can do that later, for now get it cleaned up."

I sighed. "Okay I'll do it your way..."

I was in too much pain to argue with her. I knew since it was about 6:30 she'd go home in an hour and I could go upstairs and sleep.

It had been hours since Jason left too.

I stopped sorting the books and solely picked up the trash, throwing it in the short bin beside me.

Bella sighed loudly again, (she'd been doing that a lot) and turned, walking away without bothering to inform me of my shortcomings.

Ow ow ow ow

I almost hadn't realized my owing was becoming a mantra in my brain as I leaned over while picking up the bits of glass, paper and other unintelligible pieces of garbage.

"Percy?"

I looked up, May was standing slightly behind me. "Yeah?"

"Dear, you shouldn't be on the ground stretching your wound like that.. you've done enough for today.." May said softly in a worried tone.

"Oh, no I'm okay, May. Don't worry. I don't even feel it." I smiled, looking up at her.

"You're such a wonderful help, Percy, but you need to take care of yourself too. Please love, go upstairs and get something to eat." She said sternly.

I opened my mouth to protest, but May was faster, "no, Percy. Don't lie. I didn't see you eat a bite of the pizza I ordered earlier today. I had Bella put some in your kitchen, so I want you to eat some tonight, okay?"

My eyes hardened. "You.. sent Bella upstairs?" I winced.

"Oh.. dear I didn't think about it. I should've asked shouldn't I.." May said, suddenly realizing she allowed Bella- practically a stranger go into my apartment alone, without my permission.