A/N~ Hey everyone! Lillyflowerreads here :) Ok so basically I decided that I wanted to write a PJO fanfic because I absolutely adore some of the writing on this website and I wanted to be able to write my own perfect one and maybe improve my writing at the same time. I apologize if it seems off to a slow start, but I plan on making this story pretty long. I decided to add song dedications to the scenes I think the song would sound perfect for playing. Feel free to search up and listen to the tune while you read. I find it helps create a better visual of what I want to put forth :). Also I'm completely new to this, so I'm still figuring out how to transfer my work for publishing and setting up my account, so be patient with me. Thanks to everyone who's even glanced at Letters and I hope you stick with the story because I promise it'll get better with time lol. On with the story! Thanks xx
It was the morning after when I decided to write to my mother again. Thalia and I had stayed up all night talking about her life at Goode. She made it sound like some magical portal to Hogwarts and attempted to use the beautiful architecture of the school to butter up my expectations. I can't say that it didn't work just a little, but I had a feeling she was doing whatever she could to sell me on the academy. After running downstairs and pouring myself a cup of coffee, I reached under my bed and felt the tips of my fingers brush against the old, antique lockbox that held some of the most important documentations of my life. I set the box on my bed and began to write and write as soon as my pen hit the paper…
Dear Mom,
It feels like my life is turning upside down once again. Father has decided to ship me off to some boarding school infested with privileged rich kids. Going to school with Thalia sounds like a dream, but some of the stories she's mentioned about the daughters of fashion heiresses and sons of business moguls tend to intimidate me. Of course we can afford the school due to dad's job, but it's not like I go shopping at Chanel and Louis Vuitton for a casual outfit every weekend. Thalia doesn't like to talk about her money very often, but we both know her father has a lot of it; She's modest like that. Anyways, I wonder where you got your primary schooling, and what your favorite subjects were. Did you have any boyfriends, who did you hang out with? I hope one day I'm able to ask you in person.
Sincerely,
Annabeth Chase
I locked the box up with the new letter inside when Thalia walked into my room with a toothbrush hanging out of her mouth. Although it was barely audible, I heard her say,
"Morning Annie- you're still on those letters huh?" Though she made fun of me for writing in a "diary", as she liked to call it, she understood why it was so important to me. She was one of the only people I trusted with the knowledge of these letters. Her and- well it doesn't matter anymore.
"Yeah, do you think I'll have enough privacy at Goode to write them?"
"Only if all of the boys that are going to be drooling over you don't constantly surround you, then yes."
"Ha ha, very funny Thals. No one's going to blink a pretty little eye at the bland new girl." I shot back.
"Annie, you've got to be kidding me. You're probably the most gorgeous person I know, and you sure as hell know I don't hand out compliments that freely. You'll have everyone wrapped around your dainty pinky finger in no time, I'm sure of it."I gave her a genuine smile, with just a hint of sarcasm as she walked towards my bathroom to apply her daily amount of black eyeliner. I gave my room a once over as I looked at my two full suitcases we'd packed the previous night. We had found a flight for tonight, because as reluctant to move again as I was, I was desperate to escape the grasp of Helen as soon as possible.
We spent the day driving around town and doing one last victory lap of my favorite coffee shops and bookstores before I would have to leave for NYC. I have to admit, I'd miss Mrs. Daniels from the local library, and I was a little sad to say goodbye to my tiny secret crush on my local barista, but it was for the better. We drove and drove until we ran out places to go and people to see, which was very limited considering it's me we're talking about.
(Song Dedication~ Waves by Dean Lewis)
Somehow, Thalia and I made it to the beach and we were now sitting on the sand. Looking out at the never-ending ocean, it dawned on me that New York didn't necessarily have beaches, which is something you'd think I'd have figured out sooner. Out of everything we'd experienced today, I realized I would miss this the most. Something about the serenity of the waves and the feeling of sand between my fingers brought me back to good memories with my mother. She always said that no matter the state of life that we're in, the ocean would always rise and the ocean would always fall. I never understood her unique way of words until after she left. I felt the urge to write another letter, but I wasn't prepared to have this wave of emotions wash over me this spontaneously. The sun began to set over the ocean, and that's when I decided what my favorite color was. It was this flash of beautiful, unique sea green would occasionally show itself when the warm orange of the sunset hit it so perfectly. It seemed like a miracle that the color blue could appear so warm, yet still had the mysterious aura of the ocean behind it. This moment felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to California. Although I'd only known it for a short time, the beauty of my temporary home would stay with me, even when I went to New York. Sitting here, with my best friend by my side, I was finally ready to move on.
Thalia and I were rushing to grab our things after we raced back from the beach, realizing we were quite late for our flight. I said my quick and slightly awkward goodbye to my father, and simply waved at Helen. We were never that close for hugging. Walking out that front door, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. I was doing it. I was about to begin my new life. It was like all of my doubts washed away, like the waves receding into the sea. I hopped in the Uber that was there to drive us to the airport and I didn't turn back. Not once.
We had barely made it to the gate when they allowed us to quickly pass through and onto the plane. Despite Thalia's father practically being the god of air mobiles, she ironically had a severe fear of heights. We settled into our first class seats that Thalia's dad had managed to snag us, and we safely enjoyed the flight- well at least I did. We made our way outside after the plane landed and caught the subway to Times Square. The early morning sun practically blinded me as we walked up the stairs into the heart of Manhattan. I was wearing black leggings, my oversized Columbia sweatshirt with my worn out classic vans and my hair was up in a messy bun. I didn't really mind what I looked like when I travelled, especially on overnight flights like this one.
(Song Dedication~ What You Know by Two Door Down Cinema Club)
I gawked at the scene in front of me. People were rushing around with coffees in hand, and the tall buildings were surrounding us on all sides. I was shocked out of my stupor when I heard Thalia whistle louder than thought possible as a taxi stopped directly in front of us.
"Wow, you're good at that." I marveled at her as I let a little laugh out. The lack of sleep I felt and the giddiness of being in New York was getting to me.
"You'll learn to love it here Annie." She smiled back at me.We hopped in the cab and I finally took in my surroundings as I looked out the window like a little girl. You never truly realized how beautiful the city is until you're in the heart of it in person. The skyscrapers seemed to touch the highest points of the heavens and the bright lights of Time Sqaure managed to sparkle even in the daytime. There was something happening everywhere I looked. High end shops and street-side venders were generously distributed on every curve we turned. And the people! Everyone seemed as if they were on a mission, like they knew exactly where they needed to be and they loved every second of it. For the first time since I've stepped foot in the city, I felt like I belonged here. But most of all, the architecture of the city is what amazed me the most. I was experiencing the creativity of some of the most famous architects in the world. After all, isn't New York City the place to be for a person with a passion like mine?
"Close your mouth Annabeth, you're gonna start catching flies." Thalia knowingly smirked at me. She just knew that I'd fall in love with this place right away. We were now driving over a bridge when i caught a glimpse of one of the most prettiest scenes I've ever experienced. I quickly snatched my phone and took a snapshot of the buildings scattered together in one spot next to a body of water, with the sun hitting the perfect spot as to show that even the gods above approved of New York City. It was one of those moments that felt straight out of a movie.
"I think I'm gonna like it here, Thals."
Annabeth made it to NYC! She's going to meet some new people in the next chapter so get ready ;) I'm going to try to update as quickly as possible. Also, feel free to leave any reviews or suggestions because they'll help! See ya soon xx
