"Stop here," Percy pulls up to my apartment building. "Thanks again. You really are a lifesaver." I reached for the door.
"Wait!" Percy waves his hands in a panic so I stop moving. "The night isn't over yet!" And noticing my look of confusion, he adds, "Let me get the door for you."
I can't hide the smile that crosses my face as Percy practically runs around the car to open the door for me.
"Madame," Percy bows and offers me his hand. Now time I really can't hide the smile, or the laugh that goes with it.
"Thank you, kind sir," I say as I step out of the car and Percy is laughing with me. I look behind him and see that the light in my room is shining through the window. I could've sworn I turned that off… I snap back back as Percy shuts the passenger door.
"I can't thank you enough, Percy. I appreciate it."
Percy shoots me a grin. "Of course, Annabeth. As much as I enjoyed this night, I hope you never have to end up in this situation again." Percy reaches for my hand.
''Thank you, Percy. For everything." I give his hand a squeeze and walk to my apartment.
…
I reach my door and rummage through my bag for my keys. I don't really have to, though, because I'm greeted at the door.
"Hey, babe!" Luke grabs my face and kisses me in a forced, sarcastic gesture.
"Luke!" I hold onto his arms to steady myself. "What are you doing here?"
"Surprising you," Luke says. He flashes me a smile, but there's something behind it…
"Well I'm certainly surprised." I step around Luke and place my things on the table.
"Aren't you happy to see me?" Luke's smile dissolves.
"Of course," I stand up on my toes and kiss his cheek. "I just wasn't expecting you to be here."
I kick off my heels and drop onto the couch. Grabbing a blanket, I curl up and pat the spot next to me. I look up to see if Luke is coming to join me, but he hasn't moved. He's just standing there.
"You weren't expecting me?" Luke laughs. "You weren't expecting me?"
"Luke," I sit up straighter. "Are you okay?"
"Am I okay?" Luke slams his hand down on the table. "Of course I'm not okay! My girlfriend only just pulled up with another guy and pretended it didn't happen. I'm doing just great, Annabeth. Fucking fantastic!" Luke starts pacing across the kitchen, his face turning red.
"Luke," I say, standing up. "Luke, listen. I promise it's-"
"It's not what it looks like?!" Luke laughs again. "Oh really? Because it looks like you just went out with another guy! I come to surprise my girlfriend on our anniversary and what do I find? She's outside holding hands with another guy. You slut!"
I stand there, frozen, as Luke rushes forward and grabs a fistfull of my hair.
"What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Luke, I-"
His hand hits my face hard. My jaw drops and I shove Luke off of me.
"Babe." Luke's hand shoots to his mouth in realization. "Babe, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. I swear. I'm so so sorry."
Luke takes a step closer to me and reaches for the stinging handprint on my cheek. I step back, my heart racing.
"I think you should go."
"Wait no. Listen to me. I can explain." As Luke gets closer, I walk further and further back. "Babe. I'm sorry. I really am." My back hits the wall.
"Luke. Just go."
Luke opens his mouth to say something then closes it again.
I watch him leave. The second the door shuts and I slide to the ground, burying my face in my hands. Luke hit me. Luke just fucking hit me. The confusion, frustration, and anger is overwhelming. Luke and I have been together for three years. How could this happen? I can't hold it in any longer. I let the tears roll down my cheeks, unable to do anything.
…
I wake up on the couch, still in the dress from the night before, with a throbbing headache. My hair sticks to my face and mascara stains my cheeks. I push back my curls and make my way to the kitchen. I can only manage to pour a small cup of coffee. I still can't understand why Luke would do cush a thing. Every part of me wants to curl up in bed and stay there all day. Like that's gonna happen…
I reach for my bag and find my phone. Five missed calls and six texts from Luke. I listen to a few of the voicemails, but I'm tired of hearing that he is 'so sorry, babe' and that he will 'never do it again.' I still can't believe that he left me alone at dinner and put the blame on me. You have to tell him, Annabeth, I tell myself. You need to tell that son of a bitch what he did to you! After thinking about it for a while, I decided I would much rather have a conversation with someone else.
I hope you don't hate me too much...Reviews are always appreciated. :)
Thank you all again for your patience with the update of this story. Don't worry! New chapters are on their way!
xoxo
B