The Player's Proposal

44: The Closure

Percy POV

"Everything will be all right, Percy. This place is safe, and you have nothing to worry about. Have the conversation that you need to have," Hestia expressed.

"Yea, Seaweed Brain. We'll be right here in the waiting room." 

I nodded at them both. Annabeth and Hestia came with me to the prison. However, I wanted to have the conversation alone with Gabe. This would be our last interaction together, and I needed closure for myself. 

My mom always said that to put something behind you, you have to confront it first. I am confronting Gabe so that I could move past him. My life shouldn't have to revolve around memories of his abuse, so that's why I'm doing this. 

I walked towards the door, leaving Hestia and Annabeth in the waiting room. 

Essentially, the communication room was set up with a glass wall in the middle. We can through the glass and view the inmates on the other side. 

The visitors could have their booth, and you were allowed to talk to the inmate with a telephone. 

I walked towards the second booth.

Gabe was already waiting on the other side of the glass. His burly face was riddled with bruises, probably from fighting with the other inmates. 

I sat down in the seat and picked up the phone. 

"Hello, Gabe. It looks like you're having a great time," I acknowledged. I didn't care that he was injured. It was nothing compared to what he's done to me. 

After all, I almost died thanks to him. 

Gabe's beady eyes scanned my face. Even though he was locked in prison, his attitude was no different. He was still the same monster. 

"It seems that you're very happy. I'm surprised that you came back to talk to me," Gabe's voice resonated out of the phone. 

"I came back to say goodbye. We're done," I said firmly. 

"Of course, we're done. I'm trapped in prison for the rest of my life," Gabe snarled. He shrugged against the orange jumpsuit that he was wearing. 

"You deserve what you got."

"I suppose you're right. Even so, how does it feel to put your step-father in jail? After everything that I've done for you and your mother." 

"You've done nothing," I replied harshly. "Besides being a mule of money, you have done nothing for me and my mom. Even when I gave you a second chance, you still behaved like a terrible monster." 

Gabe laughed cruelly. Evil glints sparkled in his devilish eyes. 

"I just have one question. Why? Why did you hate me so much?" I asked. 

This was the only question that I needed an answer to. This was what I needed to get closure so that I could permanently put Gabe in my past. 

Gabe shrugged. I had no faith that he was going to tell me any truth. However, this was more for me than it was for him. 

Any response would be enough to erase him from my mind. He'd always have a presence in my life, but he wouldn't influence my future. 

"I didn't want you," Gabe said firmly. 

"Just like my father didn't want me. It's not fun having a son that everyone adores. I needed to show you that you aren't the sun." 

I digested his words. I wasn't expecting anything different. It was the classic tale of an abusive relationship. He had a horrible childhood, and he translated onto me. However, Gabe didn't have to. That was his choice, and there was no justification.