Hey it's squid. Chapter 1 was kinda short but I promise the chapters will be longer in the future. Also the chapters will be written in a third person perspective unless otherwise stated. Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Chiron's Coffee
They silently strolled along the beach before stopping in front of a quaint coffee shop. A chalkboard with the words, "Welcome to Chiron's Coffee Cookies" stood next to the door, proudly scribbled in white chalk. The stranger pushed the stained glass door and held it open for Annabeth to enter. A small silver bell signalled their arrival. The owner, a tall middle-aged man with intense brown eyes warmly ushered them to their seats before disappearing behind the counter.
Annabeth's eyes adjusted to the dim light. The cafe was a warm cosy place. They slid into the booths next to the window with views of the sea. The soft glow of the lamp lightly illuminated the stranger's face and Annabeth took her first full look at the coffee spiller. His face was classically handsome and his physique closely resembled a Greek marble statue. Suddenly he spoke, breaking Annabeth out of her stupor "Oh I forgot to introduce myself. I am Percy. What's your name?"
Annabeth looked up and met Percy's gaze "Annabeth"
Percy was the first to break off eye contact. Subconsciously rubbing the back of his neck he said:
"Hey I'll quickly grab the coffee kay, is a cappuccino fine with you?"
"Yeah it's okay, thanks"
He came back with 2 mugs of coffee in either hand and what looked like a cookie (except that it was completely blue, even the chocolate chips) in his mouth. Annabeth accepted the coffee and proceeded to grab a mug. While doing so Annabeth fingers brushed Percy's.
Awkwardly taking her seat. Annabeth took a long sip from the mug. Savouring the taste of the caffeine she had long missed. Unsure of how to start a conversation. Annabeth decided to enquire about the unusual cookie clasped in Percy's hand. "Why is that cookie completely blue?" "Oh I'm a regular here and on tuesdays, Chiron would bake blue cookies. My favourite." Percy said with child-like glee. "Chiron? Isn't that a Greek name? As in the great centaur?" Percy's eyes lit up "You're the first person I've met who recognizes greek mythology. That's interesting."
Annabeth took a long sip before replying "Yeah. I was really interested in Greek architecture and I wanted to understand Greek society and culture in general…"
Annabeth and Percy talked about various topics and found a lot in common. Both were raised by single parents, had interests in Greek mythology and skipped multiple grades. Annabeth was 6 years younger than Percy something she wasn't expecting judging from his rather youthful appearance.
It was getting late and the cafe was about to close. As they bid farewell, Annabeth and Percy parted ways. All the while Annabeth was wearing Percy's coat. As she got home she realised they had chatted till nightfall for close to three hours.
Thalia her roommate was there to greet her as she got home. Dinner left on the dining table. Cold. "Where were you? I was scared sick. I couldn't contact you and had no idea where you were." "Sorry my phone died." Annabeth said as she shrugged off the coat. Thalia's eyes narrowed, "that coat is new" Annabeth froze and quickly tried to find an excuse "I found it in the thrift store. It was a really good bargain too." Thalia snatched the jacket and examined it closely. "That's some expensive pebble-textured leather right there, probably goatskin." Annabeth started sweating. "Your clothes are stained with coffee too. Since when could you afford coffee with your student loans?"
Snatching her meatballs and spaghetti off the table and grabbing her jacket out of Thalia's hands. Annabeth trudged to her room.
"Hey I'm not done with you!" Thalia hollered as Annabeth slid down the hallway. "I'm really tired Thalia, good night" she shouted back to Thalia as she shut her door.She crashed onto her bed and examined the jacket. It was a shiny black Jacket, the shade of Percy's hair. Annabeth cringed at the thought. What was she, sixteen? She ignored her thoughts as she prepared to take a shower and sleep. She quickly sent a text to Thalia to apologise for her rude behaviour and thanked her for the dinner.
Tomorrow was going to be her first week of college at Harvard for her Master's Degree in Architecture - after she graduated from UCB - and Annabeth was ecstatic.