I wonder if she's changed I thought as my cab pulled up in front of my apartment building. I felt a little guilty; I mean I haven't seen my mom for almost a year. I wanted to but with camp and my quests I haven't had time to write, let alone visit. She didn't sound annoyed in her letter. She even said she had a surprise. Was that good or bad, I thought as I walked up the stairs.

When I reached my apartment I knocked (I hadn't been there for a while and it just felt polite) but no one answered. "Hey, it's Percy," I called. No reply. Mom had sent me a key but as I fished it out of my pocket I realized the door was unlocked. Forgetting the key I pulled out Riptide and jumped into the apartment yelling, "Don't you dare hurt her!" However I soon found out that I was looking pretty silly because no one was there. I looked from room to room but the apartment was completely empty.

I ended with my room and found it exactly how I left it; a mess. I sat on the bed wondering where they were. Suddenly I heard a rustling noise under my bed sheet. Searching amongst my covers I found a wrinkled note. I guessed it was from Mom because it said:

Dear Percy,

Paul and I had to go on a "special delivery". I can't tell you the rest until I come home. I want to tell you in person. I will be home tonight. See you then.

P.S. Paul fixed the TV. Knock yourself out.

The note worried me, what kind of "special" thing would she need to go on and not be able to tell me about it. However, I decided she must've gotten a little bored while I was gone.

So while I waited I decided to Iris message Annabeth. I had just seen her this afternoon but I thought I'd catch up with her and her dad. They seem to have been getting along a little better. After getting a bowl of water I went out onto our balcony. With the cars exhaust mixed with the sunlight and the water it would be perfect. I fished a drachma out of my pocket and threw it in. "Oh Iris, accept my offering." The image flickered so I said, "Annabeth Chase." The image flickered for a second time. This time it gave way to a picture of a tan, blond girl sitting at a picnic table in central park. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and a huge smile on her face. "Annabeth," I called. Annabeth turned surprised but when she saw it was me the smile returned. "Hey, Percy," she said "you in trouble already." She laughed. "No," I said acting annoyed, but I really didn't mind. "So what are you doing?" I asked her. "Oh, just waiting for my dad to come back with our food."

"You are two still getting along?" I asked. She rolled her eyes, "It's only been, like, two hours. What do you expect him to do, ruin everything?"

"Well, from what I've heard…"

"Oh, shut up." She said playfully. "Anyway, how's your mom and Paul?"

"If only I knew," I said, "I can't find her anywhere. She said she's on a "special delivery." Do you have any idea where she is?" Annabeth suddenly looked really awkward. "Do you know what it means?" I asked. "Oh here comes dad. Bye." And with that she waved her hand through the mist and let the connection end. "Thanks." I said going back into the apartment. Man, I thought, is this "not tell Percy anything day."

I was annoyed so I decided to take a whack at the TV. Maybe Paul has actually fixed it. However, just as I sat on the couch, an anxious knock came from the door. "Hello? Anyone home?" It was a gruff voice. "Who is it?" I called. "Percy! Is that you? Open the door." I jumped over the couch and yanked open the door. On the other side stood a tall man with black hair and a strong tan; he wore a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. His face was crinkled with smile lines. However, today he bore no smile. "Father," I said instinctively bowing. "No time for that," Poseidon said "Is your mother back yet. I just got the message."

"What?" I said confused, "Could some one please, just tell me what in Hades name is going on?!?"

"Percy," Poseidon said putting his hands on my shoulders, "Don't you understand? You have a new baby stepsister!"