Percy had to fight the worst monsters in mythology, battle Kronos, hold up the sky, and take down the Giants and Gaea. But he'd never been more nervous than that moment, sitting in a hospital waiting room, his sneaker tapping restlessly against the pale green linoleum. He kept running a hand through his messy dark hair, which only made it worse.
How long has it been? Is Annabeth okay? Maybe there was something wrong, it's taking too long. The thoughts kept circling around his brain, which was definitely not helping with his nerves. When the door that lead to the hallway opened up, Percy's head snapped up to see who came in.
"Oh, mom, it's you," Percy sighed, making him relax slightly. He always loved his mother, and even being around her gave him a mood boost. Ever since his eight month nap in the woods, their bond had only grown stronger.
"Hi sweetheart," Ms. Jackson replied, sitting down next to him. "How's Annabeth? Anything new?"
Percy shook his head halfheartedly. "No, nothing… Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, dear, what is it?"
Glancing down, he asked softly, "Am I going to make a good dad? I mean, I can be a big dork all the time, and I'm just worried that I'm going the mess up all the time. I never even thought I'd ever survive to be a parent, because of the whole 'You never should've been borne and we Fates like messing with you with our cryptic prophecies.'"
With a small smile, Sally pulled her son closer to her and gave him a hug. "Of course you will. Screwing up is just part of being a parent. Just look at me and Gabe. I know Annabeth would say you would be amazing. I love you very much, Percy."
Smiling at his mother, he was about the say something when a faint cry came from one of the rooms down the narrow hall. A nurse walked hurriedly to the nervous man and declared that he's now the father of a baby girl and he could now visit. Shakily getting out of his seat, Sally gave his hand one last squeeze and let go.
Entering the room, a tired but happy voice greeted him. "Hey, Seaweed Brain."
Annabeth was propped up by a few pillows and had a blanket covering her below the waist. She seemed exhausted with her hair messing and falling out of its braid, but content. In her arms was a bundle of white, yellow, and blue blankets. Motioning Percy to come over to the chair at her bedside, she laughed weakly and said, "Didn't scare you now, did I? Come here, I'll hand Elena to you."
Percy took a seat next to Annabeth and gave her a kiss, the weight in his chest disappearing. As he held the little girl, he smiled as he saw her wispy dark hair and sleepy face. Annabeth makes it seem like this is totally normal, he thought. The more he looked at Elena, Percy starting to get choked up.
"Gods, she's gorgeous," Percy whispered.
"Ya, she is. Our new little Wise Girl."
