Annabeth had never been happier. She and Percy had just celebrated their third wedding anniversary last week. They were living in a comfortable apartment in New Rome. It had two bedrooms—one was Percy and Annabeth's; the other was for guests. There was a kitchenette and dinner table, and a small but cozy nook for Annabeth to read.
They had attended college in New Rome too. Annabeth had gotten her master's in architecture and was now the head architect in NR. Percy had gotten a bachelor's in Marine Biology and was in charge of the mythical marine-wildlife control/communications.
Annabeth loved her job. She had always dreamed of becoming an architect. Her architecture team was focused and cooperative. And Percy, of course, was head of his game too. The pair of them were extremely popular.
Their friends lived close. Piper McLean had graduated last year and was living close by in her own apartment. Frank and Hazel still lived at Camp Jupiter. Frank was a praetor and Hazel assisted with the campers' activities. Their relationship remained intact and immaculately pure. Then there was Leo and Calypso. They lived in Indiana running a mechanic shop and garden shop. Annabeth went back in forth between thinking they were going to announce their engagement any day or they were going to kill each other.
Annabeth was currently sitting on the couch reading a special book. She had rushed to the NR library as soon as she'd found out. She was waiting for her Seaweed Brain to arrive home from work. After an hour or so she heard him fiddling with the lock on the other side of the door.
Annabeth stood up, stretching. She rubbed her stomach and smiled. She had something exciting to tell Percy.
They sat at the table eating dinner. Percy told Annabeth all about his day: how some rogue sea-cucumbers had escaped Poseidon's Prison, how a manatee was suing a speed-boat driver for personal harm, and how he had to convince a shark not to eat a surfer dude. Annabeth listened to this all as intently as she could. But Percy noticed she was unusually distracted.
"What's up, Wise Girl? Are you feeling better today?''
Annabeth had been throwing up for the past three days. She'd also complained of back pain and such. Percy had been concerned, but Annabeth was only suspicious. And her suspicions were confirmed.
"Oh, I'm feeling. . . better.''
"What're you smirking at?''
Annabeth laughed out loud.
Percy's expression was clueless. "Uh. If this is a joke, I don't get it.''
"Seaweed Brain.''
"No, seriously. What?''
Annabeth beamed. "I'm pregnant, you idiot.''
Percy's jaw dropped. "You're kidding.''
"I've been puking for three days. You really think I'm kidding?'' Annabeth rolled her eyes, an expression she had perfected after knowing Percy for thirteen years.
His head dropped into his hands. Annabeth was quiet for a count of three, then prompted him. "Well?"
Percy slowly raised his head. Annabeth was shocked to see tears streaming down his face.
"Oh gods!" She quickly got up and went to his side. She massaged his shoulder. "Are you okay?''
Percy laughed and wiped away tears. "I'm f-fine. I'm just so. . .overwhelmed. . .I don't know if I will be a good dad.''
This time Annabeth laughed. "Of course you will!''
Percy wiped away more tears. "I'm just so happy.''
Annabeth kissed him. "Me too.''
She was pleased Percy was excited. She thought he would be, of course. It touched her heart Percy had started crying. He hardly ever cried. It made Annabeth want to cry. Why? She wondered. Those pregnancy books she'd gotten from the library after her test had shown positive had said something about being extra emotional during pregnancy. That was going to be annoying.
"As long as we're better parents than our own, we'll be fine,'' said Percy.
Annabeth laughed. She felt a sudden wave of nausea. She put her hand to her mouth and dashed to the bathroom. She'd barely made it to the toilet when she threw up everything in her stomach. Percy was there, rubbing her back soothingly. She spit bile and wiped her mouth on a towel.
Percy grimaced sympathetically. "How long will this last?''
"Morning sickness—"
"It isn't morning and you just puked your guts out.''
Annabeth glared at him. "It's just called that. Gods know why. Anyway, as I was saying, morning sickness usually only lasts for the first trimester.''
"How long do normal pregnancies last?'' Percy wondered.
"Nine months.''
Percy's eyes widened. "You have to carry a little person in your stomach for nine freaking months?''
Annabeth nodded.
Percy whistled. "Dang, woman. That's a long time.''
"Tell me about it,'' she muttered.